A Mail-Order Bride for the Brooding Rancher (Preview)

Chapter One

Sarah Whitman stood in front of the man who was supposed to be her husband. Her heart broke as he stared at her as if she were a stranger—which, up until a few weeks ago, she was. 

“I don’t understand…” she said, her voice trembling as she fiddled with the ends of her hair. 

Eric sighed and ran a hand through his hair. They were standing outside his mercantile, and people stared at them as they walked past. A pretty woman stood inside the store, peeking out at them from behind the shelves. 

“I’m sorry, Sarah, truly I am,” Eric said, avoiding her gaze. “I wish this could have worked out, but now that Miriam’s back in town… I just… It’s difficult to explain to someone who’s never been in love.” 

Her cheeks burned as she took a step back. She’d been so sure that she could come to love him in time. He’d been kind and decent to her ever since she arrived in the Oklahoma Territory. Sure, their match hadn’t been born from love, but it had a practical foundation. Love could grow from that. 

“I thought this was what you wanted,” Sarah pointed out, trying to keep her voice firm. “You’re the one who placed the advertisement in the paper. You asked me to come out here. We exchanged dozens of letters before we got to this point!” 

She stopped herself before adding that he was well aware of how desperately she needed this match. With her mother recently deceased and her father working all hours of the evening, her three younger siblings needed as much support as they could get. They were relying on her sending money to them as soon as possible. 

“I thought it’s what I wanted, too!” Eric said, his eyes wide. “When Miriam left, I was beside myself. I was certain I would never see her again, so I closed that chapter of my life and tried to move on.” 

“And now she’s back,” Sarah surmised, her eyes flicking to the pretty woman in the window. 

She’d been in this new town for over a month. Eric had been kind and attentive to her during that time while she stayed in the inn. However, in the past week, his visits had dwindled, and he’d been non-committal about their upcoming nuptials. Finally, she’d made up her mind to pay him a visit, only to find him talking to another woman. 

“Yes, it’s a miracle,” Eric breathed, looking over his shoulder at Miriam. He waved at her, and she waved back. 

Sarah’s heart sank into her stomach. She wanted to rage and scream and throw something, only that wouldn’t make anything better. 

“What about me?” she asked in a small voice. 

Eric hesitated before shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Sarah, but I can’t marry you. I must be true to my heart. Hopefully, someday you’ll experience this type of love.” 

“The type that makes you go back on your word?” Sarah snapped, sick of his lovesick-puppy routine. “Forgive me, but if your version of love turns you into a selfish snake in the grass, then I don’t want it.” 

Eric’s brows furrowed. “Now, now,” he said as he shook his head. “Let’s be civil about this. There’s no need to cause a scene.” 

“Oh?” Sarah scoffed, putting her hands on her hips. “Is that so? Well, I disagree. This is the best time to make a scene. The least you can do is pay for my journey back.” 

“Of course,” Eric said soothingly, “and I’d be happy to compensate you for your time here. I wouldn’t want it to be a wasted trip.” 

His words stung, and the last of her resolve faltered as her eyes filled with tears.  Two women walked past, obviously watching them. One leaned to the other and whispered just loud enough for Sarah to hear. 

“It’s pathetic, isn’t it?” 

“Just the fare will be enough,” Sarah said, turning her back on him. She didn’t want him to see her cry. “Send it to the inn. I don’t ever want to see you again.” 

“Sarah…” 

She turned on her heel and began to march off. Unfortunately, she misjudged the step and tripped onto the main road. Her hands and knees cried out in pain, but her humiliation stung worse. Would this never end? 

“Are you all right?” Eric asked, rushing forward to help her. 

“What happened?” a melodious voice asked. 

Sarah looked up to see Miriam standing behind Eric with a concerned expression. Tears streamed down Sarah’s face and she wiped them away viciously. She’d hoped to come away from this with a shred of dignity, but so far, that wasn’t working out. Her ankle throbbed and the front of her dress was covered in dirt. 

“I wish you both every happiness in the world,” she said stiffly before turning to leave. 

Her face and ears burned as she hobbled away. A sick pit opened up in her stomach as she left. What would she do now? Everyone back home knew where she’d gone, and now they’d wonder why she had returned. 

Her future stretched out in front of her, bleak and unending. She swallowed the lump in her throat and looked back. Perhaps Eric would change his mind. After all, Miriam had broken his heart once before. 

Unfortunately, she was met by an empty street. They’d simply gone inside without waiting to see if she made it back to the inn in one piece. Their callousness stung, and she seethed inside. Never again. Nothing like this would happen ever again. 

*** 

Six months later

“You need to consider this, Sarah,” Ella Turner said, sliding the advertisement toward her. 

Sarah’s younger brother Tim sat in the corner, fixing his fishing rod as they spoke over steaming cups of coffee. He was about ten years old and could only think about fishing with his friends. 

Usually, Sarah would provide her guest with a slice of cake or a treat, but she hadn’t been able to bake as their supplies had run out two days prior. They were living off porridge until Sarah’s father, a miner, brought home his monthly pay. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t happen for another two days’ time. 

“I already tried this.” Sarah hesitated before picking it up. 

Ella’s brow furrowed in concern as she reached out to take Sarah’s hand. “You were dealt a bad hand. It’s not your fault that Eric turned out to be a sniveling, cowardly—” 

“Snake!” Tim chimed in helpfully. 

Sarah grimaced as she leaned back in her seat. Embarrassment still clung to her like a stubborn tick, refusing to let go and making her sicker with each passing day. 

“Thank you, Tim. Shouldn’t you be outside playing with your friends?” 

“I’m fixing my rod so I can get us fish for dinner,” he said, waving the rod in the air. “It should be done in no time.” 

Sarah smiled down at him, but her heart clenched with guilt. He was still a child and deserved time to grow and play. Life would be difficult enough once he got older. 

“You’re very sweet,” Sarah said, crossing her arms on the table in front of her. “Do you mind giving us a moment alone, please?” 

“I won’t bother you,” Tim said, keeping his eyes on his rod as he threaded the fishing line through the rod’s hoops. 

“Please, Tim,” Sarah said, massaging her temples as she closed her eyes. 

Her brother let out a long-suffering sigh but got to his feet. Before he left, he stopped by Sarah and put a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t need to get married to take care of us. Just stay here. I’ll be a man soon and then I can work with Pa down in the mine.” 

Sarah’s heart clenched in her chest as she put an arm around his waist and hugged him toward her. She could still remember the day he was born. He’d been a tiny little thing with a scrunched-up face and grasping fists. Tim was the baby of the family, but he was growing up so quickly. 

“Thank you, Tim,” she said sincerely. 

He grinned at her before wriggling loose from her grasp and running out the door. 

“This wasn’t a foolish idea,” Ella said, watching Sarah closely. 

“Hm?” Sarah frowned as she tapped her fingers against the tabletop. 

“You weren’t foolish to engage in a correspondence courtship,” Ella clarified. 

“I can’t put myself through that again,” Sarah said, shaking her head firmly. “It’s too much.” 

Ella’s brow furrowed. “What will you do? Your situation hasn’t improved.” 

“It might,” Sarah grumbled, shifting uncomfortably in her chair. “Posie recently got a job.” 

“She’s working as a seamstress,” Ella reminded her, “and she makes a pittance.” 

“She loves making clothes, and if she works hard then she might end up running the dress store someday,” Sarah said with a shrug. 

“That’s years away. But all right, let’s say for argument’s sake that she’s sorted. You’ve still got Elsie and Tim to worry about.” 

Sarah leaned forward and buried her hands in her hair. “Even if I respond to the advertisement, who’s to say that he’ll choose me?” 

“You’re a wonderful person, Sarah. I hate to see you laid so low,” Ella said. “Eric was a fool to treat you so badly. Put him in the past. Don’t let him win, all right? Take a look at the advertisement and see what happens. There’s no pressure.” 

Sarah swallowed hard but nodded. She glanced at the newspaper, doing her best to swallow her doubt and humiliation. 

Wanted: A Good Woman to Share Life on a Successful Ranch

A rancher in the Oklahoma Territory seeks a capable woman willing to endure the challenges and joys of frontier life. The rancher, of twenty-five years, is in need of a hard-working woman to assist in caring for his ranch and ailing mother who requires steadfast care. Her duties would include tending to livestock, managing the household, and providing companionship. If willing, the right woman shall receive an honest provider with a loyal nature and kind temperament. 

Reply by letter to D. McAllister of Clearwater Ridge, O.T.

Sarah toyed with the edges of the newspaper. She could certainly use a loyal and kind man in her life. 

*** 

A few weeks later, Sarah was out back in the yard, pulling a few stubborn weeds from the ground. She’d decided to make the best use of her time by planting a few seeds out back to create a vegetable garden. Soon, they’d be enjoying the fruits of her labor. 

“Sarah!” Elsie called, hurrying outside as she waved a letter over her head. “Someone’s written you!” 

Sarah looked up and wiped the sweat from her brow. “Thank you, Elsie. Please leave it inside. I’ll take a look at it later.” 

Elsie ignored her and walked through the garden, stomping on what was supposed to be a spinach patch. “It’s from the Oklahoma Territory.” She held out the letter to Sarah expectantly. “Do you think Eric changed his mind?” 

At fourteen, Elsie was the prettiest of the bunch. She had bright blonde hair and piercing blue eyes she inherited from their mother. Unlike Elsie, Sarah’s hair resembled mahogany, and she’d gotten her father’s green eyes. Posie and Tim mirrored Sarah’s looks, so Elsie stood out among them. All the boys in town swarmed around her, and she’d never felt the sting of rejection. In her mind, such a thing was inconceivable. 

Sarah’s brow furrowed. “No, that ship sailed. I don’t think he’d have the gall to write to me again.” 

It was worse than that. He probably didn’t care how much he’d hurt her and was living his life in wedded bliss with the woman he’d chosen over her. 

“Well, who else could it be from?” Elsie asked, ripping the letter open. 

Sarah jumped to her feet and snatched the letter from her sister’s hands. “Don’t! That’s personal.” 

“Goodness.” Elsie raised her hands in surrender. “I was merely asking a question.” 

“You know what you were doing,” Sarah said, wagging a finger at Elsie, “and I don’t appreciate it.” 

Elsie rolled her eyes and let out a huff before stomping into the house. She nearly bumped into Tim, who looked at her with wide eyes. 

“What’s her problem?” he asked, scratching his ear. 

Sarah didn’t respond and stared at the letter in trepidation. 

“Is there anything to eat?” Tim asked. 

“Sorry, Tim.” Sarah grimaced. “We only have enough porridge for one meal. I’m saving it for tonight.” 

Tim sighed heavily and turned back to the house. 

“Please tell Elsie to keep it down,” Sarah reminded him. “Posie’s sleeping in our room.” 

“Did Posie get paid yet?” Tim asked hopefully. 

Sarah shook her head. “Mr. Simmons promised to pay her in full in two days’ time.” 

“That’s what he said last week,” Tim grumbled, grabbing his fishing pole and heading toward the creek. 

Hopelessness crashed into Sarah, and she pulled the letter from the envelope before she could change her mind. 

Dear Sarah, 

Thank you kindly for your letter. I was heartened to read of your hardworking spirit. And I was impressed that you learned nursing skills from your mother. As you know, my own mother suffers from illness and needs a lot of help. Although your letter was brief, I could sense your sincerity. Life on my ranch is demanding, and I don’t want to mislead you in any way. It can be difficult, but there are many rewards. 

If you’re willing, I would be honored to welcome you to my ranch, not only to share in the work but to build a relationship with you. I’d be happy to move to the bunkhouse with my ranch hands and let you share the main house with my mother. She needs quite a bit of care, and it would be best if you were closer to her. I’m certain she’d appreciate the company of a good-hearted woman.  

If this appeals to you, I’ll send some money for your travel expenses. We can discuss our future together in person and see if we’d be a good match. You’d be comfortable and I promise to respect you and treat you fairly in all things. 

Of course, I’d be happy to compensate you for your work while you stay here. I was moved to hear of your family’s plight. Since you’d be doing a lot of work for me, I’d be happy to pay you forty dollars per month during your stay. 

Please let me know if you’re able to make the journey, and I shall make the necessary arrangements. 

Kind regards, 

Dan

Sarah stared at the letter, her mouth hanging open in shock. Forty dollars was almost double what her father earned in a month. 

She hugged the letter to her chest and took a few deep breaths. Even if Dan didn’t like her, perhaps she could convince him to let her stay on as a maid. The thought of opening herself up to another rejection was agonizing, but it would be worth it as long as her family was cared for. 

***

That evening after Sarah put Tim to bed, she made her way down to the living room where her father, Gil, sat staring at the fire. His face was haggard, and even though he’d washed after work, black dust lined his fingernails. 

“Papa, I wanted to have a word with you,” she said gently, folding the letter between her fingers. 

He looked up at her, his eyes bleary with exhaustion. Ever since her mother had died, Gil had thrown himself into his work. Not only had they lost her mother’s income as a nurse, but he’d lost the love of his life. 

“I wrote to a rancher in Oklahoma who’s looking for a wife,” she explained quickly. “And I received a response. He’s willing to give it a try, and will pay me forty dollars a month while I help him on the ranch and take care of his ailing mother.” 

Gil raised his bushy eyebrows. “Another correspondence courtship?” 

Sarah winced and blinked rapidly, doing her best to dispel the tears that misted her eyes. 

“I apologize,” Gil said with a grimace, “I didn’t mean it that way… I only… I’m sorry, Ducky, that was rude.” 

Sarah shook her head and went to sit with him. “No, I understand your apprehension. I only considered it because he seems reasonable. And we certainly need the money.” 

Gil chewed the inside of his cheek as he stared into the fire. “I won’t lie. The money is tempting, but we’re getting by. I don’t want you ending up hurt again. Or worse. Perhaps it’s not worth it.” 

“Papa… it would triple our income. Heaven knows we need it. You know I’d brave anything for you all.” 

“Even Elsie?” Gil teased, patting her knee. 

Sarah chuckled. “She’s a handful, but I love her.” 

“She’s a good girl.” Gil sighed, leaning his head back. “You know I’d never force you into a decision. If it were up to me, I’d have you stay with us forever. I can’t face the thought of you leaving, but I know I can’t make you stay. You’re a wonderful girl, Sarah, and it’s only a matter of time before someone sees that and gives you the life you deserve.” 

“I don’t want to leave,” Sarah admitted. Her throat swelled with emotion, making it hard to speak. “But I want a better life for you all.” 

“It’s my job to provide a better life,” Gil reminded her. 

“You’re already working harder than anyone I know,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “No. I think I need to do this. Not only for the money, but so I can move past what Eric… I can’t hide away forever.”

“No,” Gil sighed again, “you certainly can’t. I love you, Sarah. No matter what you do, just remember that.” 

Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder and watched as the logs burned up. Finally, she let her tears fall. It was time to face her fears and head back into the unknown. She could only hope that this time her heart would survive the trip. 

 

Chapter Two

Dan McAllister walked into his house, his limbs heavy. Outside, the mooing of cows reached his ears, mixing with the cicadas’ song. Dried sweat and dirt encrusted his limbs. He took his hat from his head and put it on the hat stand. The simple movement caused his muscles to ache. 

He made his way to the nearest couch, dropped down onto the soft pillows, and let out a sigh. The air was thick with the scent of his cook’s hearty beef and bean stew. There was one thing that was never in short supply on Dan’s ranch, and that was beef. 

Hundreds of cattle relied on Dan for food and shelter. In turn, he made a tidy profit selling them off every year. His father had passed almost two years ago, thrusting Dan into a position of startling responsibility. Every soul on the ranch relied on him. It was a heavy burden. 

He cherished times such as these, where he could kick his feet up and close his eyes. A hot meal was on its way, after which he’d bathe and then hit the hay. All to wake up the next morning and do it over again. He shook his head. No. Now was not the time to have such thoughts. Tomorrow was tomorrow’s problem. 

“We need to talk.” 

His eyes flew open, and he was met by the sight of his mother looming over him. 

Hattie McAllister had always been a formidable woman. She was as tall as most men, with strong features and an even stronger personality. When Dan’s father had been setting up the ranch, she’d been right there next to him, wrangling steers, fixing fences, and chasing off cattle rustlers. 

The McAllister Ranch owed much of its success to Hattie’s efforts. 

“Now, Ma? Really?” Dan groaned. 

“Oh… I’m sorry, would you like me to wait until you’re not tired?” Hattie asked, raising her eyebrows. “When will that be? Winter?” 

She took a deep breath, clutching her chest. Hattie did it so often now, she probably hadn’t noticed the gesture, but it set off warning bells in his head. 

“No, that’s when you need to move the herd? A week from now? No. You’ll be knee-deep in branding ‘em cows. How about⎯”

“I’m sorry, Ma, what can I do for you?” Dan hoisted himself upright and smiled at his mother. 

Hattie’s expression softened and she patted his head before sitting next to him. She crossed her ankles, drawing his attention to the swelling in her joints. Hattie had always been a slim woman, but her clothes were tightening as her heart weakened. 

“I want you to listen to me finish before you start hollering, ya hear?” 

“Ma…” Dan pulled away. “What did you do?” 

Hattie sniffed and folded her hands on her lap. “My biggest wish before I die is to see my son settled.” 

“You ain’t going to die for a while yet,” Dan said gently, reaching out to touch her hand. 

“Dan, you know I’ll never tiptoe around an issue. I call a spade a spade, and that’s about it. You were there when the doctor told us my heart is giving up. There ain’t nothing for it. I’m on my way out and you can’t stop it.” 

Dan swallowed hard and looked down at the floor. This was the thing he’d been hiding from for the past few months. He should have known that she’d want to have this discussion sooner or later. 

“Ma…” His voice was pained. 

“Hush now, I haven’t even got to my point yet.” She waved him off dismissively. 

Some part of him knew she was putting on a brave act. The other part wanted to cry like a little boy. He was losing his mother. And no matter what he did, he couldn’t make her heart beat a second longer once it gave up. There was something humbling about facing an unwinnable war. 

“Like I said, I want to see you settled. That means you need a good woman by your side. Now, for the past few months, I’ve been looking around here and there ain’t many suitable women. Of course, there’s Abby Lawson, but she’s a widow and heaven knows when she’ll be ready to move on.” 

“Ma, can’t you trust me to make my own decisions?” Dan asked in annoyance. He was trying to be nice to her on account that she was his mother and she was dying, but surely he had some say in who he married? 

“Honey, you’re going to be grieving, and grieving people do stupid things,” Hattie said, waving him off. Before she continued, she was overcome by a fit of coughing. 

The wheezing sound dismantled his defense, and he sat there holding her hand, feeling useless. 

“Anyhow,” Hattie continued with a gasp, “there ain’t no one here that would be a good wife. So, I put an advertisement in a newspaper looking for a correspondence bride.” 

Apprehension mounted inside of him. “Ma!” 

“Oh, hush,” she said, shaking her head. “A lovely young woman responded. I want her to come stay with us.” 

“Ma?” 

“Now now, you don’t have to marry her, but you have to give her a decent chance, ya hear? She’ll be staying here, helping out, and taking care of me. Her mama used to be a nurse so she can ease my last few months and y’all can get to know each other.” 

Dan ran a hand through his hair. “And she’s doing all of this out of the goodness of her heart? No, Ma, she’s going to expect a proposal for all the work she’ll put in. How am I supposed to get to know what she’s really like if she’s putting on a constant show?” 

Hattie gave him a withering look. “I ain’t no fool, boy. I’m paying her a decent wage, as much as you pay your ranch hands. She’ll work for us, and if you don’t like her, send her packing.” 

Of course, she had an answer for everything. His brain scrambled to find a way out of this new dilemma. 

“Where’s she going to stay?” Dan asked triumphantly. “You can’t let an unmarried man and woman stay together under the same roof. Tongues will wag and you know that.” 

“Yes,” Hattie said with a chuckle, “I do. That’s why you’ll be moving into the bunkhouse and she’ll be staying here with me. Since she’s going to be looking after me, she needs to be close.” 

“I’m moving into the bunkhouse?” Dan repeated incredulously. “You’re putting the boss in with the ranch hands? How’s that going to look? You can’t kick me out of my own bed.” 

“Boss?” Hattie straightened. “Boy, this ranch was mine long before it was yours, and if you think you’re any better than your ranch hands because you were born different then you’ve got another think coming.” 

“You know I didn’t mean it that way,” Dan said, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Hattie put a hand on his knee and looked him right in the eye. “Perhaps I should have talked to you first, but I knew you’d try to stop me. Dan, I ain’t got much time left. I’m scared. It’ll do my heart a world of good if I know my only baby is happy and settled. And you know my heart needs all the good it can get.” 

Dan lowered his hand and looked over at her with a frown. He wanted to be upset. He had every right to be. And yet… 

“Ma, that’s not fair. You can’t use that card on me,” he said, shaking his head slowly. 

“Boy, I’m dying. That’s the only card that matters,” Hattie said with a wry smile. “You’d best believe I’m going to use it as much as I can to get my way.” 

Dan smiled despite everything. “Do you want me to write to this woman and invite her over?” 

Hattie tilted her head at him. “Darling, you can write all you want, but she’s arriving tomorrow.” 

“Ma!” 

“Let’s eat.” Hattie clapped her hands and got to her feet, moving sluggishly as she lifted herself up. 

He held up his hands to help her, but she shot him a dirty look. Dan held up his hands in surrender and hung back. This was an alarming turn of events, but it wasn’t the end of the world. He’d tolerate the woman to make his mother happy. Then, as soon as he was able, he’d thank her for her troubles and send her off. 

It would be inconvenient, but it wouldn’t change his life permanently. 

*** 

The next morning, Dan made his way out of the house while his mother still slept. He stood on the porch, watching as the sun peeked over the horizon. It was going to be a busy day, even more so since he was expecting an unwanted guest. Dan grimaced as he brought his steaming cup of coffee to his lips. 

It was bitter and made the hair on the back of his neck stand upright, but it was exactly what was needed. This was his morning ritual, and it always got him in the right mind frame to get everything done that needed doing. Where would he be without his morning coffee? 

In the distance, he spotted someone riding toward the ranch. He frowned in confusion and looked back at the house. Was his correspondence match arriving already? No. That didn’t make sense. Few women would travel through the night to an unknown destination. Besides, he was certain his mother had said that the girl needed to be picked up at the train station. 

The approaching figure was still a speck, but they were growing larger the nearer they got. Dan stifled a sigh as he lowered his cup. It seemed his day was going to be busier than expected. 

“Howdy,” his ranch hand Tom said, rounding the corner. “What brings you here this time of the morning?” 

Dan shook his head lightly. “Same as ever. You know I always come out here this time of the morning.” 

Tom held up his hands in surrender. “Boy, you’re sure in a bad mood for someone who’s about to get hitched.” 

At first glance, the men could have passed as brothers. They both had sandy blonde hair and their skin was darkened from spending countless hours under the sun. It was only when someone got closer that they noticed the details. Tom was slimmer while Dan had a broad body. While Tom’s eyes were the color of freshly brewed coffee, Dan’s resembled the pines that grew all around them. 

“How do you know about that?” Dan asked in annoyance. 

“Tyler was talking about it last night,” Tom said with a shrug, referring to one of the four ranch hands that resided in the bunkhouse. “Apparently, he overheard your mother talking about it to the cook. Everyone’s betting on how long it takes her to run away.” 

“Gee, how kind of you,” Dan said, fixing his eyes on the approaching visitor. “What would I do without all your support?” 

“Come now,” Tom cajoled, “it ain’t that bad. A lot of men would give their right arm to meet a pretty lady. She’s coming out all this way, which means she’s already somewhat interested. Your mother’s giving you quite the gift.” 

“I never asked for any of this,” Dan said, gesturing widely. “You know how much I’ve got on my plate. Besides, we have no idea what kind of woman she’ll turn out to be. She might be more trouble than she’s worth.” 

“She might be everything you’ve ever dreamed of,” Tom said reasonably. “I swear, you’re the only person I know who’d look a gift horse in the mouth and complain about its breath.” 

“What if she’s spoiled?” Dan asked. “I ain’t got time to train someone to do this work. She’s supposed to look after my mother, but what if they don’t get along?” 

“What if she has horns?” Tom asked, clasping his cheeks in horror. “Or a tail? You’d have to apologize to everyone you meet for your wife’s swishing tail. It would be a nightmare and a headache, and the ranch would explode and everyone would die.” 

“You’re not taking me seriously,” Dan said, shaking his head. “Perhaps you’d feel differently if you were in my shoes.” 

“Perhaps,” Tom conceded generously. “But you need to give this a try.” 

“I know, I know.” Dan sighed. “It’s my ma’s dying wish and I should give the girl a chance.” 

“Not only that, but this might be your last shot at getting anyone to let you court them.” Tom snickered. 

Dan gave him a withering look but before he could respond, they were distracted by the sound of hoofbeats. It seemed their visitor had finally arrived. Dan looked up to see a bearded young man dismount his horse. 

“How can we help you?” Dan asked, tapping his fingers against his mug in irritation. 

“Hi there,” the man said, inclining his head toward Dan. “My name’s Rick Dalton. I heard tell around town that you were in the market for a new ranch hand.” 

Dan didn’t respond right away. He had been looking for more help, but now that he was paying a stranger who might marry him, it didn’t seem like a good idea to hire someone else. 

“He might be,” Tom said, leaning against the porch rail. “Do you have any experience?” 

Rick nodded. “I worked on Mr. Smith’s ranch for the past five years. He’s selling the place to an out-of-towner, so I figured I’d try my hand somewhere else. I don’t know what I’m getting with him, but you’ve got a good reputation.” 

Smith was a rancher two towns over who’d been looking to sell his place for a while. He was getting older and didn’t have anyone to take over once he was done. The man was a great rancher and ran a tight ship. Any ranch hand who worked under him was probably well trained. Good ranch hands were in short supply. 

Dan scratched the back of his neck as he considered Rick’s words. “To tell you the truth, I was looking⎯”

Tom gave him a meaningful look. “He might be able to help with the branding. We can’t rightly expect your mother’s… guest… to help out.” 

He made a fine point. If they had extra hands, the work would go quicker. He did need five ranch hands. That wouldn’t change any time soon. 

“All right,” Dan said, tilting his head at the man. “I’ll give you a month’s trial. When can you start?” 

“Today,” Rick said, breaking into a smile. 

Dan’s eyebrows rose. “That’s good. I’ll make a trip down to Pine Valley to talk to Mr. Smith in a couple of days to check your story. In the meantime, Tom will show you where to put your things.”  

“Of course,” Rick said, nodding emphatically. “Thanks, Mr. McAllister. You won’t regret this, I promise!” 

Dan nodded as Tom and Rick made their way to the bunkhouse. He didn’t think he’d regret hiring the new ranch hand. Dan had a sneaking suspicion that his life was about to get harder as his personal space was invaded by a complete stranger. 

Perhaps he’d volunteer to pick her up from the station alone. It would make his mother think he was coming around to the idea. He’d be able to lay the situation bare before the girl. That way, she wouldn’t be under any illusions about marriage. 

If she was dead set on marriage, she could leave and neither of them would waste their time. Dan smiled to himself. Perhaps he could save them all a world of trouble by being honest from the beginning. He owed her that much, at least.