Isabel, An Independent Bride Read online

  Isabel, An Independent Bride

  Brides for All Seasons

  USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen

  Contents

  Isabel, An Independent Bride

  Copyright

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  From the Author

  About the Author

  Isabel, An Independent Bride

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS

  Hildie McQueen

  Pink Door Publishing

  Editor: Gayla Leath

  Cover Artist: Dar Albert

  © Hildie McQueen 2019

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

  If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Created with Vellum

  Other Works by Hildie McQueen

  (In reading order)

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS- MONTANA

  Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride

  Aurora, A Romantic Bride

  Lucille, A Lucky Bride

  Esther, An Easter Bride

  Scarlett, A Summer Bride

  Isabel, An Independent Bride

  BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS - WYOMING

  Sarah, A Festive Bride

  Christina, A Christmas Bride

  Amelia, An Autumn Bride

  Chapter 1

  Laurel, Montana 1875

  Mid Summer

  Sheriff Colton Blake leaned a broad shoulder on the doorjamb and stared at her, his gaze flat and jaw set. The man was using every intimidation tactic to convince Isabel Ward to leave the schoolhouse. Gun belt slung around his narrow hips and tin star on the left side of his chest, he was menacing, especially now with his hat lowered in the front which shadowed his hazel eyes.

  Isabel chose to ignore him. There was little he could do short of dragging her out of the classroom where she taught. Broom in hand, she swept bits of paper into the fireplace. It hadn’t been cold enough to light it, but she figured the paper would act as kindle when she did.

  “It won’t work, you know?” he gritted the words out. “I’m a patient man.”

  Isabel laughed and jutted her chin out at him. “That is the biggest lie you’ve ever told, Colton Blake, and you know it. Just as you also know full well I won’t do anything against my will.”

  “It’s about to get dark, you can’t stay here alone. I told you there’s rumblings of outlaws heading this way.”

  Isabel stalked to him until their noses were but a hair’s distance apart and glared at him. “I live next door. Just because my father was misguided in asking that you keep an eye on me doesn’t mean you can boss me around on a daily basis.”

  His gaze narrowed and nostrils flared. Isabel wondered if she’d pushed him too far. However, true to her stubborn nature, she refused to back away. One thing she knew for sure was that he’d never hurt her. Nor would he ever cross any line and disrespect her.

  She’d given up wishing he would.

  At the age of six, Isabel decided that when she grew up she’d marry Colton Blake. Back then he’d been a lanky teenager who came into town on a regular basis with whichever rancher he was working for. He was the eldest of two boys who lived with a mother who was barely able to take care of herself. The woman was not physically ill, but more of a dreamer who had the misguided idea that a rich man would appear out of thin air and take her away from the toils of daily life.

  On the days when Colton came to town, Isabel often followed him about, pestering him with questions just to get his attention. He’d been a withdrawn teen, but always kind to her. As the years passed, the infatuation of a young girl turned into feelings a woman has for a man. Thoughts of Colton Blake were a daily constant until lately.

  However, in the last several months she’d given up on the dream that she and Colton Blake would one day marry.

  He would never see her as more than the pestering child who followed him around town. And because of that, he refused to see her as a woman was why she fought with him every time they met. It had turned into a type of ritual for them. He asked, she rebuffed.

  “Come on, lock it up. I’ll walk you home,” he told her not breaking eye contact. “I’ve had a long day, and I’m hungry.”

  When he relented and took a step back, she noted he limped.

  “What happened to you?” She tried to act nonchalant, but guilt edged at the corners of her mind.

  “Drunk man, fist fight, the usual.” He shrugged. “Will you please go home?”

  Isabel blew out a long breath and went to the front of the tidy classroom to gather a leather bag in which she carried notebooks, pencils, and other supplies. The schoolhouse door didn’t lock and more times than not, people would sneak in at night for more reasons that she cared to think of.

  She usually pulled the door closed and slid a large brick in front of it to keep it secure.

  “Fine. I’ll feed you too. I have stew. Won’t take but a moment to warm it up.”

  Once the door was closed and Colton put the brick against it, she skirted around him and strolled to her father’s house. Her family home was a two story with a wide porch across the front. She and her parents had spent many days sitting on rockers looking toward town, either chatting or entertaining. The memories were painful since her mother’s passing. So more times than not, Isabel walked past without hesitating longer than necessary to unlock the door.

  Colton entered the house behind her, his large muscular body seeming to immediately shrink the size of the room. “Your father seemed quite excited about visiting California.”

  “Yes, he loves the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. My uncle’s church is large and the services inspire him. Every time he returns, he is invigorated and excited to share stories with the congregation here.”

  The deep rumble of his chuckle made Isabel take a deep breath. “Sit down. I’ll get the food warmed up.” She motioned toward the kitchen and removed her shawl after placing the basket down on the floor.

  “Why don’t you go with him?” Colton studied her as she stirred the stew and pretended interest in the contents.

  She wasn’t about to share the truth with him. “I wasn’t very keen on the city the last time I was there. Father knows it, so he doesn’t force me to go.” The truth was San Francisco reminded her too much of happy times with her now deceased mother.

  By the slight narrowing of his eyes, Colton didn’t believe her. Whether he did or didn’t wasn’t her concern. She pulled two bowls and silverware from a shelf and placed them on the table. “Have
you traveled out of Montana?”

  “Wyoming, Idaho, that’s about it.” He motioned to the stove. “Food smells good.”

  So she wasn’t the only one avoiding a certain subject. Isabel narrowed her eyes at him. “Which one do you like the least?” Eyes trained on him, she waited for a response.

  “Montana.” His challenging stare was almost enough to cause Isabel to waiver and break eye contact.

  Instead she huffed. “That’s silly. You’re lying. I can tell when you do.”

  They ate while avoiding speaking of much more than the weather. When he pushed away from the table, she almost cried with relief. Being alone with him and having Colton to herself would have made the younger Isabel daydream for months.

  Instead of swooning, tension had built up in her shoulders and a headache threatened. It was almost unbearable to breathe when he seemed to take all the air from a room.

  She followed him to the door. “Colton.”

  When he turned, she almost bumped into him. “Yes?”

  Isabel took a step back. “You don’t have to watch over me. I know you have a lot of responsibilities here in town. I’m fine. I am safe, I promise.”

  “This is the third time you’ve remained at the schoolhouse until after dark.”

  Rather than kick him in the leg, Isabel took another step backward. “The schoolhouse is right next door. I have a lot to do, and classes are ending this week for a couple of months. I want to ensure the children have plenty of lessons to keep them occupied.”

  His gaze softened and the corner of his mouth lifted. It was the worst thing he could do. The expression was enough to make her knees wobble. “Very well. I’ll give you some leeway, but don’t push it Isabel Ward. I’ll come fetch you tomorrow for the festival meeting.”

  For a split second it was as if he was about to lean forward. He didn’t move, but the air around them shifted. Isabel had to lock her knees and steady herself because the draw to him became so strong that she feared making a fool of herself.

  Her breath caught when realizing she’d placed her hand on his chest. The warmth of his skin under her palm sent ripples of awareness down the limb straight into her very core.

  “Good night Isabel,” Colton said, his deep voice soft. Then he did lean forward and Isabel’s eyelids fell of their own accord. His mouth would be so very perfect when it covered hers that she wanted to cry.

  “Are you dizzy?”

  “What?” Isabel’s eyes flew open. Colton watched her with interest.

  Her hand was still on his chest and she pulled it back as if it burned. The horrifying realization that he’d not kissed her made her want to bolt up the stairs and hide. “Oh... I think I must be overly tired. Yes... Err...good night.”

  She practically shoved him out the door and slammed it behind him before he could say anything. Her face burned hot with humiliation. What in the world had caused her to do such a thing?

  Pacing back and forth, she went over the last moment in her mind. He had been looking at her with concern, which meant, he’d no idea what had transpired in her mind. Furthermore, she was always polite but distant with him. If anything, most people thought he annoyed her.

  What had she done for those seconds when her eyes closed? Isabel prayed she’d not uttered something stupid.

  Mortification wouldn’t allow her to get a wink of sleep. The next day she’d see him again since he along with several others were to meet to discuss the upcoming festival. Thankfully, they would not be alone except for when he came for her as they’d arranged.

  She ravaged her brain to come up with a way to avoid being alone with him and decided it would be best to try to get some sleep and consider things in the morning.

  Promptly at noon the next day, Isabel walked into the sheriff’s office. Colton stood next to a small stove and looked up when she walked in. His eyebrows rose in question, but he didn’t say anything. His deputy, Frank, jumped from his chair and rushed to her.

  “Good afternoon Miss Ward. You’re looking lovely today.” The man was always eager to greet her.

  “Good afternoon Frank.” She smiled at the deputy and looked to Colton. “I decided to save you the walk over to fetch me.”

  He nodded not seeming overly concerned, nor surprised. By his lack of reaction, she guessed whatever had happened the evening before was perhaps nothing but what her overactive imagination had conjured. It was possible she’d over-reacted and thought more of it than what really happened.

  In two steps he was closer, his gaze sweeping over Isabel’s face. “Feeling better this morning?” When he lifted an eyebrow and focused on her lips, Isabel thought she’d definitely faint. This time she did feel something. Her stomach flipped and chest tightened.

  She narrowed her eyes glaring at him. “I’m perfectly fine. I will see you at the mercantile, Sheriff.” With that she whirled around and rushed from the jailhouse.

  “What was that about?” She heard the deputy ask. Her thundering heartbeats didn’t allow for her to hear Colton’s reply.

  With a wide smile, her good friend, Scarlett Jones, rushed to greet her as she entered the general store. “This is going to be my first time being on the committee. I am so excited.”

  It was hard to resist Scarlett’s enthusiasm. Having arrived just the year before as a mail order bride, the young woman had adapted well to life in Laurel. She’d married Emmett Jones, the town’s handsome doctor. Since meeting, she and Isabel had quickly become friends.

  Gemina Walker, the proprietor of the mercantile called out a greeting from behind the counter and motioned to the rear wall. “I set up chairs in the back along with a tray of sweets.”

  “We’ll be right there.” Isabel took Scarlett by the hand and half dragged her back out the front door.

  “Whatever is the matter?” Scarlett asked looking up and down the street. “You look about to faint.”

  Isabel swallowed. “I made a fool of myself yesterday. Colton and I had supper together...”

  “You didn’t confess your undying love did you?” Scarlett asked, eyes wide.

  “Of course not,” Isabel snapped. “However, when he was leaving, I closed my eyes and daydreamed he was kissing me and practically swooned into his chest.”

  “What?” Puzzled, Scarlett stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. “What exactly did you do?”

  Isabel swallowed. “I put my hand on his chest and closed my eyes.”

  “Oh goodness. What did he do?”

  “Nothing. He asked if I was dizzy.”

  The tinkle of Scarlett’s laughter made Isabel want to take her by the shoulders and give her a hard shake. Her friend covered her mouth but mirth shined from her eyes.

  “It’s not funny, Scarlett. In a few minutes, he’ll be here.”

  Scarlett finally managed a straight face. “I’m sure he didn’t think anything of it.”

  “I thought the same until just a few minutes ago when I stopped by so he wouldn’t come to my house and walk me here. He looked at my lips and asked if I were still feeling dizzy.”

  Once again Scarlett laughed, this time she seemed to have trouble catching her breath.

  Unable to help it, Isabel began laughing as well.

  “Here he comes,” Scarlett managed to say in between giggles. “Oh goodness. I haven’t laughed this hard in so long.”

  “Ladies.” Colton walked up and gave them a quizzical look before walking into the general store. As soon as he entered, both dissolved into laughter.

  “We have to get ourselves under control,” Isabel said attempting a stern tone.

  Just then Harriett Richards and her daughter Fern, who owned the seamstress shop, crossed the street. Their approach helped stop Scarlett and Isabel from giggling.

  “Let’s go inside.” Scarlett took Isabel’s hand. “It’s going to be fine. We have much to talk about and he’s only here to talk about safety or something.”

  Isabel waved at the approaching women to catch up and allowed Scarle
tt to pull her back inside. She took a deep breath hoping Colton would not be the first person she saw.

  Unfortunately, he stood just inside the doorway, his gaze meeting hers for a beat before he turned to greet Gemina’s husband.

  “Then again, you may have a situation on your hands,” Scarlett whispered.

  The meeting began when several other women arrived. The excitement was catching and Isabel soon stopped paying attention to Colton, who stood silently at the counter listening. Noncommittal grunts were his only replies if anyone directed a question to him, so after a while they ignored him.

  “I think he’s just here to eat,” Fern whispered. “He’s not in a good mood at all.”

  Isabel slid a look to the sheriff who watched the door. “I think you’re right.”

  Red-faced and gasping for breath, a teen boy rushed in. “Sheriff, my Pa sent me to tell you there’s trouble.” He held out a piece of paper and looked to the women for a beat before focusing on the tray of cookies.

  “Help yourself,” Gemina said to the boy who hurried over to the cookies. Gemina got up and rushed to where Colton read the paper with a scowl. “What is it?”

  “Band of outlaws on the outskirts of town,” the boy replied with a mouthful of cookie.

  Several women gasped. One woman got to her feet. “I need to go home. My twelve-year-old is watching the younger ones. I don’t want them alone at a time like this.”

  Without waiting for more information, three women hurried from the mercantile with ruffles of skirts and exclamations about getting their husbands home to protect them.

  Only Scarlett, Harriet, Fern, and Isabel remained. Gemina looked to Colton. “Should we be worried?”

  “You should take precautions and remain indoors until I form a group of men and see about this.” He pinned Isabel with a stern look. “You should probably stay here in town with someone.”