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    Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine)
    Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine)
    Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine)
    Ebook290 pages4 hours

    Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine)

    By Rita Hestand

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    Her Pa had literally sold her to a stranger, for food on the table for his large family. Beth Sawyer was the oldest of twelve children, and because of the drought the crops were barely covering the price of the next crop. Beth's mother tried to comfort her daughter by telling her to follow her heart. Wade Cahill was a gambler and the minute he laid eyes on Beth an idea struck him. He'd heard how a pretty woman sitting next to you at the gambling tables could bring him luck, and right now Wade needed some luck. Beth was his answer, but would he have to marry her to get her to go along with his ideas?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRita Hestand
    Release dateMay 18, 2016
    ISBN9781310520075
    Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine)
    Author

    Rita Hestand

    Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

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      Book preview

      Wherever My Heart Roams (Brides of the West Series Book Nine) - Rita Hestand

      Isn't he the dreamiest man you've ever seen? Beth Sawyer sighed as she grabbed the rope from the tree and swung on it. The sound of the rope against the tree was lulling, like the soft muted sounds of a rocking chair.

      Oh Beth, you gotta be careful around Pa these days. He's liable to trade you to that man just for food on the table. Her sister, Martina warned aloud with a giggle.

      I wouldn't mind. He's dreamy. Beth stole another look at the man who was talking to her father on the back porch. They were far enough away the man couldn't possibly hear them.

      It hadn't dawned on Beth that she was a fully-grown woman now. She had plenty of time to find a husband, and yet every time she glanced at the stranger, her heartbeat quickened.

      The East Texas wind blew over Beth's face, cooling her from the sun that promised to scorch before the day was over. It was early April, but the summer promised a long hot dry spell. Bluebonnets dotted the fields in the distance, the old oak tree shadowed most of the backyard, Beth loved that old tree. She figured it must have been here a hundred years or more, seeing how tall it stood. The rope from the swing made a settling sound, and Beth glanced up into the center of the old tree.

      Don't you just love this old tree.

      Never thought much about it, it's just a tree… Martina looked at her sister strangely. Who do you think you are, Beth Sawyer, Mother Nature?

      Yeah, but how many times have we sat out here, swinging and enjoying its shade. Beth exclaimed. You have to learn to appreciate things Martina, don't take everything for granted.

      You talk as if you are going somewhere. Martina frowned. It'll still be here when we have children.

      Yes, but will we?

      Will we what? Martina chuckled.

      Be here! Beth glanced at her, arching a brow.

      Well, where are we going to go, silly?

      "We'll be married, we can't live with Ma and Pa forever, you know. I been thinking about that more and more lately. This won't be our home, forever. Haven't you seriously thought about marriage Martina? I mean look at us, we are fully growed. We can't indulge in childhood fantasies all our lives you know. Don't you want to get married and have children of your own?"

      Don't talk like that, I don't want to ever leave. And I don't want children…at least not right away. I've been surrounded by children all my life. If I get married, I want to enjoy just being special to someone.

      I want lots of children…but we're going to have to, someday.

      You're growing up too fast Beth. I don't want you to leave me here…alone with Ma and Pa and all the others. Martina cried out. If you go, I go.

      "Well, I am of age… Beth laughed. But I figure I got a few years left here. After all, I haven't met anyone I want to marry yet. I'm not in love yet."

      Would you leave me here? Martina gasped. I mean, if you did meet someone.

      I wouldn't want to, but if I had a husband…I would. I sure would. Beth giggled, then sighed as she stared at the handsome stranger. I just never seen a man so good looking as that one before. He's tall, thin, and look at those eyes and lashes. Make's a girl want to swoon. Look how his shoulders are wide, and yet, his chest tapers to a thin waist and long legs.

      My, you are looking, aren't you? Martina frowned at the man now. Well, he is handsome, and truly built like a man, but…you can't leave me! I won't allow it.

      I'm not going anywhere. Stop your fretting. He hasn't even so much as glanced my way. What makes you think he'd be interested in me, anyhow. Beth chuckled. But he's sure a looker.

      You can't judge a man by his looks. What if he's mean. What if he beat you every night? Martina let her imagination run away with itself.

      Beth closed her eyes and smiled. As long as he kissed me better, I might let him. She giggled again.

      Martina didn't laugh though. Martina looked from the stranger to Beth and a worry wrinkled formed on her forehead.

      Beth shook her head at her. Silly, you gotta get your head out of the clouds. Ain't no man gonna rescue us from this place. We're stuck here, with ten other brothers and sisters. We'll never get away. Who would watch the kids when they go into town? Ma and Pa would never let us go with a man…

      I'm not so sure. Ma's sure been talkin' to us a lot about the birds and bees. Gotta be a reason, don't you think?

      Beth's mouth took on a downward curve. Hadn't thought of that. She has hasn't she. Wonder why? Maybe she thinks we aren't listening.

      Martina laughed. Oh, I listened alright, but I just don't quite understand it all. I've seen animals do it all the time, but it sure don't look like fun to me.

      Come to think of it…. You know as well as I do that Pa tried to hook me up with that tinker man last year. Thank goodness they found out he was married before they tried to marry me off to him. Beth said with a huff. And you're right…Ma's been telling us both about the birds and bees for months now. I think she has a reason. You and I are marrying age, you know. That's downright scary when you think on it, Martina. I've been so busy lately with chores I hadn't noticed, but we are what they call, 'Ripe for the picking'. And they have a house full of kids they can't support. That's a big hint that they want us to get out of here. Naturally, I'll be the first to go, beings I'm the oldest. You'll be next. And no telling where we will end up in a year or two. But if I have to get hooked up with a man, let it be someone as handsome as this one. Wouldn't that be something?

      You have a big imagination. Why, if I didn't know better, I'd say you are anxious to hook up with some man. Martina laughed.

      Beth shrugged. I get some stirrings every now and then. According to Mama that's natural. But most of the boys we know sure don't encourage those feelings. I'm just saying that if I did get hooked up with a man, I'd want him to be a looker, like that one. Beth sighed nodding toward the tall dark stranger that sat on the porch with their Pa. But I am foolin'. I'm not ready to get married yet. I haven't fallen in love with anyone. You can't get married until you're in love, you know. Ma and Pa wouldn't just sell us down the river. Would they?

      Martina rolled her eyes.

      You think you have to fall in love to get married? Martina asked as she pushed Beth in the old swing. Haven't you heard of the arranging thing some do? Why Laura Saunders was just like us and then one day her folks decided she was going to marry someone from way up north that she'd never met. I felt so sorry for her. She didn't even know the man. Can you imagine that?

      Beth turned her head to look at her. Poor Laura, I remember the day she left, she was shaking like a leaf. And never even seen the man. That must have been so hard on her.

      I don't know. Maybe they do want to get rid of us. Getting married is scary. You go from a home full of people to just two. Maybe I shouldn't say that that makes me want to get married. Martina rationalized it, and then giggled aloud. Is he staying for supper?

      Martina nodded toward the stranger.

      I don't know. I don't know if there is enough for him to eat with us. Beth watched her mother from a distance. It's downright embarrassing that we don't have enough to feed company. But we aren't alone. This past year has seen little profits for anyone. There just wasn't enough rain to get good crops in. Papa should have planted cotton, as they say it don't take as much water.

      You gonna tell Papa how to farm now? Martina frowned.

      No, but I've read about it. Cotton is the easier thing to grow in Texas.

      Yeah, but who is gonna pick it?

      Hadn't thought of that. I guess we would. That would be a lot of back breaking work. Maybe cotton isn't the best crop after all.

      She looked at the stranger once more. He was looking straight at her and her insides turned to mush. She glanced away. Why did her body react to him so? She couldn't remember any time reacting by just looking at a man. And this was a man, not a boy.

      He sure don't look like he's in a hurry to leave, though.

      You think married life is heavenly, Martina?

      Land sakes, how would I know. I've heard all kinds of stories from Roberta, Elizabeth, and Mary. Roberta says her man won't keep his hands off of her, and the novelty has done worn off. She has to find excuses why she won't lay with him. Must be bad if you have to make up reasons not to.

      Beth turned red and scoffed.

      After only three months of marriage? Beth frowned. That truly must be the hardest part of being married.

      That's what she says.

      What about Elizabeth?

      Martina curled her long dark hair around her finger and smiled. Martina looked like their father, with his dark hair and eyes.

      Beth glanced at her. Martina was so lovely, maybe the stranger was looking at her, instead. But when she glanced at him again, her eyes met his from the distance and her body reacted once more. She held her belly.

      What's wrong?

      Oh nothing, now what was you saying? Beth turned away because the feelings that the stranger evoked puzzled her so.

      Elizabeth says it's a chore to make love and she hopes she gets pregnant soon, so she won't have to endure it any longer.

      Wow…layin' with a fella must be awful… Beth chuckled. But Elizabeth's husband is handsome.

      That's what she says! Maybe handsome ain't got anything to do with it.

      And Mary? What does she say?

      Martina scrunched up her nose. Who'd have thought it, but Mary is so happy with Arthur and I can't begin to imagine why. But then again, Mary is kind of plain, isn't she?

      So is Arthur. And yet she's happy and the others aren't. Does that tell you anything? Maybe handsome men are not good men. And ugly men are.

      Do you think Mary is plain?

      Yeah, I guess she is a little. Her Pa don't inspire her to primp much. Maybe Arthur is a better lover! Beth giggled. "Maybe men that aren't so good looking are better lovers.

      Beth…I can't believe you said that.

      Well…what else are we to think. Maybe they compensate for their looks with actions. That threw them both into hysterics.

      It was fun to speculate.

      Arthur? Martina shook her head. With his curly hair and freckles? What could any woman see in him? Martina giggled this time.

      Well, I don't think it's the seein' that does it Martina. Beth laughed. People seem to be drawn to certain people, haven't you noticed. Pauline was sure drawn to Mack. She couldn't take her eyes off him. It's called some kind of chemistry.

      Like in school…science they call it?

      I guess. I don't know.

      You think he's a good lover? Martina asked glancing at the tall figure on the porch.

      Heavens I don't know. Maybe….

      And you…do you think you'll be good at it?

      Martina, how would I know. The most I ever done is kiss a cousin, and not on the mouth either. 'Course I do practice with my pillow from time to time. Imagining the most handsome of handsome.

      They giggled.

      Girls, come wash up and set the table for supper. Their mother called through the window.

      Play time was over, but Beth loved her talk with Martina. Martina was the only one in the family old enough to talk to about this kind of thing, so when they got the chance they indulged in fantasies.

      The girls obeyed and were giggling while they finished their chores. Fourteen places, Mama? Beth asked.

      No dear, fifteen. Mr. Cahill is joining us. Her mother informed them, glancing at Beth.

      Beth set another place and looked up to see Martina smiling.

      Food was scarce, how could they invite someone to eat with them. It meant taking smaller portions for each person. And their brothers were already so skinny a good wind would blow them over.

      See the others wash before coming to the table, girls.

      Yes Mama. They both replied at the same time.

      It was a routine that all the children lined up to wash before eating, and Beth and Martina were to inspect their hands after each washed. Cleanliness was next to Godliness, according to the bible.

      It took a good ten minutes to look at them all, but it had to be done. Their parents expected them clean at the table.

      When their mother put a wild turkey on the table though, their eyes got big and round. What was the occasion? It wasn't Christmas.

      Somebody die, Mama? Beth swallowed hard when she saw her mother's expression.

      Land sakes child, no. Mr. Cahill brought the turkey with him. He shot it just the other side of Primrose. That's why he's stayin' for dinner. He wanted to share it with us, and it's the least we can do to feed him.

      Beth cast the handsome stranger a glance. She had passed him on the porch, and he shot her a quick glance as she passed. His eyes were beautiful, a light blue, she had noticed, and those long lashes emphasized them. His skin was so tan, it made his eyes even more alluring.

      When he sat beside Beth at the table though, she quickly took in his thick black hair as he took his hat off. He was startlingly handsome.

      Thank you, Mr. Cahill. Beth nodded as he took her hand in his to say grace.

      She'd die if her hand sweat.

      You are most welcome, Beth. The man's voice was deep and ever so quiet.

      Their father joined them at the table, giving Mr. Cahill a nod and smile as he sat down and joined hands.

      They gave thanks, and everyone dug into the food. It was the first time they had meat since Christmas, so this was some kind of occasion and the girls could only wonder what was up.

      Is this a special occasion? Beth couldn't keep her curiosity to herself.

      Her mother blushed, then answered. Yes, in a way. She glanced at Beth with a sad looking kind of smile. It's your engagement party so to speak. You are engaged to Mr. Cahill, Beth. Her mother announced as though she should have known it.

      Beth couldn't speak, she was so shocked. Engaged. Dear God, what was happening? Was it true? Talking about running away with a man was one thing. Being forced to was another. What engagement?

      Had they sold their daughter for food like Martina had said? It certainly looked that way. First man to bring meat to the table gets Beth!

      Beth got up and ran out the back door, letting it slam. She couldn't face the others just yet. Surely this was some kind of joke for all her comments in the backyard.

      Her embarrassment followed her. She knew it was rude, but she didn't know how to handle this kind of news. And all the other kids were snickering, and she couldn't take that.

      She ran for a bit then stopped suddenly and collapsed in a heap on the ground. Her tears swallowed her.

      She was wearing a skirt and blouse, and she didn't care if it got dusty or not. Aside from her two dresses, this was all she had, except a pair of pants her brother had given her to work in the fields.

      She had joked about it just moments ago, never once believing her parents would do such a thing. But they had! She was being married off to a stranger, so they could all eat. Dear God, where was the justice in this?

      But the handsome stranger stood over her now, peering down into her tear stained face. Up close he was even more handsome. She got a quick glimpse of him and turned her head.

      She swatted the tears on her cheek away.

      They sold me down the river, didn't they? She cried trying to control her rioting emotions.

      He took her hand and pulled her up. It might seem that way, yes. I’m sorry it came out the way it did. I wanted to speak to you first, of course. I was planning on asking you directly first.

      His apology seemed genuine.

      Why? Why would you make such a deal with my folks? I'm not the prettiest of the bunch…

      You are very pretty. I've seen you in town, several times. I thought you were pretty as a picture.

      Oh yeah. I'm a doll. Barefoot and worn out clothes. She cried.

      Clothes don't really make a woman. Those kinds of things are fixable. I wasn't looking at your clothes.

      Why would you want to fix that? Her voice turned cold and almost belligerent.

      Because you are gonna be my wife. He answered, watching her face contort. I can provide well for you, believe it or not.

      Your wife? She shouted at him. You want me to marry you? She backed up a little and cocked her head at him.

      He laughed. Well, you didn't think I was just gonna take you home with me and not marry you, did you? He laughed again.

      But that's indecent. You don't know me. You don't love me. Folks don't marry without love.

      His head turned slightly then he stared at her with a slow burning smile on his face.

      Love is something that comes later. So, I’m told.

      Later? Where are you from because it doesn't come later for me! I won't marry the likes of you. You're a stranger. She backed up against the tree. I don't mean to be rude, but…

      Your folks are starving Beth. I want to help.

      She scrunched up her nose, You offered to marry me, because my folks are starving?

      Not exactly…but it did influence me.

      Well, explain it to me then. I don't understand? She shook her head and turned away. I don't understand any of this.

      He sighed heavily, silently as though he were studying on how to answer her. As though he meant to put some thought into the answer.

      I offered to help your folks. They wouldn't take my money unless they could give me something in return.

      And they gave me to you? That's not funny. At least from where I'm standing it isn't.

      Beth rounded on him now and fire came spitting from her eyes. "They sold me into bondage, so they could eat?"

      She couldn't keep the belligerence out of her voice.

      Not bondage Beth, just living. But yes…they sold you out…to me. I'm sorry. I know, from your point of view it really does seem like they sold you out, but in time, I hope you change your mind about that. I'll never be mean or cruel to you. I can provide well, and…truth be known there is something between us, already. I mean…if you are honest about it. You been looking at me ever since I came here. His slight smile flirted with her.

      She started pacing the dusty road. Sure, I looked. Any girl would. But…I don't believe this. They sold their daughter. I'm a person. You don't sell what you love…

      They offered me their horses and cows. Naturally, I wouldn't take them.

      Why not? She charged.

      They need them.

      But they don't need me? She asked swallowing hard.

      He struggled with an answer. Beth despite what you are thinking, I'm not a wolf in sheep's clothing. I don't think they need you as much as…I do.

      You? You need me? She asked stunned.

      In a way, yes.

      But I'm not something to be sold. Her temper flared.

      I agree. He said softly, moving a strand of her hair behind her ear. The action caused a stir in her. He noticed and smiled again. You're a human being with lovely eyes and hair. But you are way too thin, and I can help you, too. He offered. We can help each other.

      Who ask you to?

      Beth try to understand. You are of age. And they got too many kids they can't feed. Getting rid of one would help some. He explained. I realize that isn't romantic, but it is the truth.

      When she grew quiet, he went on.

      I won't hurt you Beth. And I won't impose myself upon you until you are ready or want to. He promised.

      Want to what? Beth shouted at him.

      He looked at her stunned…Want to…to…make love. He realized too late that Beth knew nothing of the subject.

      When she blushed, he couldn't stop the smile that spread

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