Take a Chance - Josie_Western Brides Read online

  Take a Chance - Josie

  Across The Prairie Plain

  Indiana Wake

  Fair Havens Books Western Romance

  Contents

  Across the Prairie Plain

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Healing His Heart – Preview

  36 Book Cowboy and Brides Box Set – Preview

  More Books by Indiana Wake

  About the Author

  ©Copyright 2017 Indiana Wake

  Across the Prairie Plain

  Across the Prairie Plain is a brand new series of standalone books that you are going to love. Bestselling authors Indiana Wake and Belle Fiffer have once again brought these wonderful characters to life in these amazing new stories.

  The books in this series are:

  Book 1 & 2 No Choice for a Scarred Bride & Two Grooms for Grace.

  Get book 1 & 2 in a special edition set for just $0.99 or FREE on Kindle Unlimited

  Book 3 The Runaway Bride - Patience

  Book 4 His Future Bride – Mercy

  Book 5 Take a Chance – Josie

  Book 6 – Healing His Heart – Abraham

  These books are part of an exciting new series but each book is a complete story and each can be read alone.

  To find out when our next book is available and to receive two free romances join Indiana Wake’s Newsletter here

  Chapter 1

  Josie Matthews sat back and stared in wonderment at her sister over her steaming mug of coffee.

  “I can’t believe this is happening... it feels like we only just got here but in a few months, there’s going to be a gorgeous little bundle in your arms... we’re all going to be aunties.”

  Cora Corbett smiled and rubbed her swollen belly.

  “I know. I’m still struggling to believe it myself.” She chuckled in that delighted and dreamy way that her condition seemed to have given her. “I’ve got the belly to prove it, it’s becoming more and more real.”

  Josie could very well believe that. Cora was nearly six months pregnant and hadn’t really shown physically until the last three weeks. It had been shortly after their sister, Mercy, went off on her honeymoon. Suddenly, Cora’s belly appeared out of nowhere and she was complaining that she couldn’t see her feet or put her shoes on. Her husband, Truman, helped out, not even batting an eyelid. As a father already, he seemed to be taking it in his stride.

  Josie marveled at her brother-in-law. He owned his own farm, had his mother living with him as well as his two gorgeous twin daughters, Saskia and Clara. Truman had gotten used to heartache after his wife abandoned them and later died. A chance meeting with Cora changed everything. Josie was so pleased because a good man like Truman Corbett had seen past the pox scars Cora still carried. It warmed her heart that he had seen the amazing woman beneath them.

  It gave her hope that good men could still be found, because in Josie’s experience, too many of the men she met were shallow and selfish. Since arriving in Rapid City, her sisters had ended up with good, genuine, honest men, all who clearly loved their new wives and went above and beyond to make them happy.

  Josie wished she could have that, but she wasn’t expecting to be so lucky.

  She peered at Cora’s belly, which seemed far too big for just one child.

  “Are you sure there’s just one baby in there? You know twins run in Truman’s family.”

  Cora chuckled.

  “I hope so. I think the twins run in his wife’s side because there aren’t any twins in Truman’s line, as far as what Sarah’s told me.” She looked away, her eyes seeing into a future and chuckled. “I think Truman would have a heart attack if he had a second pair of twins.”

  “If they were boys as well, a set of each. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

  Cora’s eyes widened and she patted her belly again. “I think one baby will be quite enough for me... this time. In the future, who knows?”

  Josie laughed. “Soon I will be an auntie, soon there will be so many babies and I just can’t wait.” Only, as much as she tried to keep it there the smile slipped from her face. What about her chance for babies and a happy life?

  Cora shifted so her legs were underneath her, leaning on the arm of the couch. “So, how are things with you?” she asked and Josie knew that she couldn’t hide things from her sister.

  Josie still lived in the guest house, albeit alone, on Truman’s farm and they saw each other every day. Cora didn’t need to ask her something like that.

  Which meant she was fishing for something. And Josie had a feeling she knew what she was fishing her.

  “Fine.” She tried to keep it light and vague. “As far as I know, things are fine.”

  Cora raised her eyebrows.

  “You know what I’m talking about, Josie.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Liar. I’m talking about you and Parker Young.” Cora grinned. “The handsome young bank manager.”

  Out of all of the matches their father, Abraham, had found, only two matches were made with decent men. Sealy Rothwell had been paired with Grace but was now married to Patience and Parker Young had been Josie’s suitor. Josie had been relieved she hadn’t been matched with an abusive man like Cora and Mercy. It was also nice that Parker was handsome. The banker was tall and slim with light brown hair and a smile that could make her heart flutter.

  The only problem was he was just boring. There was no substance underneath the looks. He owned the bank in Rapid City and was successful with enough wealth to be in the top five of the richest men in the county. He could talk a hind leg off a donkey. Only, Josie couldn’t find anything interesting in what he said, or in the man himself for that matter.

  Unfortunately, she was too soft-hearted. She didn’t want to break it off with him and hurt his feelings. While he was boring, he was a good person; even she could see that. Also, after everything her sisters had put their father, Abraham, through, Josie didn’t want to do the same. Her father had frustrated all of them with his antics when forcing them into suits – and possible marriages – that none of them wanted. Josie was too tired after her sisters’ dramas to add to it.

  Sighing, put her mug down on the coffee table.

  “It’s not going anywhere, Cora. I should’ve broken it off ages ago.”

  Cora looked surprised. She sat up.

  “What, why? I thought he was very sweet on you. It’s been six months and I thought you were happy with him.”

  “Well, he tries.” Josie felt bad speaking ill of Parker. “And he’s… well, he’s boring. I’m just too nice to let him know. And don’t say anything about being unkind to his feelings and stringing him along,” she added hurriedly.

  “I wasn’t going to say that. And after the excitement the rest of us have had, wouldn’t you want something safe?”

  “Well, safe is nice, but I want a bit more excitement than what is happening right now. I mean, Parker’s a nice young man. He’s an attentive and courteous suitor... but our courtship... it’s... well, it's mind-numbingly boring. There’s no substance to him at all.”

  Cora looked pained.

  “That’s a shame. I thought there was a lot going on for him. He seemed very pleasant when I’ve spoken to him.” She paused. “I thought he was going to propose soon.”

  “I would’ve turned him down.” Josie felt awful for saying this. “Chances are I’m going to turn him away next time we see each other.”

  “Poor Parker. I would’ve liked him as a brot
her-in-law.”

  Josie frowned at her eldest sister.

  “Don’t you start. I have enough problems with Father breathing down my neck. My suit is the only one that’s actually lasted the course and he’s eager for another marriage, one that he arranged.”

  Josie knew her father was smarting and even though he had chosen Sealy, it didn’t really count. He had originally been set up for Grace, who hated horses and Abraham had known that. Despite Grace and Sealy expressing that they wanted out of the arrangement, Abraham had refused to let them break it off. So, Sealy and Pastor Justin Keach had had to get creative and switch places at the wedding. It was done in secret and was magical when Grace got to marry the man she loved.

  “Maybe talk to Father,” Cora urged. “Say you’re unhappy…”

  “You really think he’s going to listen to me? After the four of you married people he hadn’t chosen? That’s not going to go down well. It’s best if I keep my head down and let Parker down gently.”

  Even thinking about it made Josie’s stomach clench up tight. She was a people-pleaser and hated to let people down or find out they were unhappy with her. But there would be no choice, not this time.

  Cora looked like she wanted to argue but she backed down, sitting back with a shrug.

  “All right. You know best, my dear sister, but if I can help... remember I am always here.”

  Josie could hear the underlying meaning. She sat forward.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Exactly what I meant.” Cora’s expression didn’t change. “You know best.”

  “Why did that sound patronizing?”

  Cora chuckled.

  “Because you’re a suspicious person, little sister. You think everyone’s patronizing you.”

  Chapter 2

  Parker Young was looking forward to setting up his next courtship with Josie. He had planned to have Mrs. Fleet cook something nice for the two of them and he would arrange a candlelit dinner. Josie liked a private dinner and it reminded Parker of their first night.

  Maybe tonight he might see some interest come back into her eyes.

  Parker wasn’t stupid. He knew that Josie had rapidly lost interest in him. And the thought of her walking away panicked him more than he cared to admit. Maybe it was selfish to keep trying, instead of letting Josie down and asking her father for his money back, but that made it feel dirty. Parker was being selfish in wanting Josie to himself for a little while longer. Maybe things would change, maybe she would come to like him.

  Yet in his heart he didn’t believe that. It was going to end up bad for both of them, Parker was sure of it. But he just couldn’t seem to let her go.

  A knock came at the door as Parker totaled up the figures in the accounts book. He barely looked up.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened and a sultry, warm voice filled the room.

  “Hey, Parker.”

  Parker recognized that voice. He looked up and saw Kitty Carmichael enter his study, giving him a smile. His heart warmed and he lowered his pen and stood.

  “Aunt Kitty, hello.” He came around the desk and kissed his aunt’s cheek. “What are you doing here?”

  “I went to your house and Mrs. Fleet said you’d forgotten your sandwiches again.” Kitty held up a brown paper bag. “I brought them for you.”

  Parker grimaced. He was always forgetting his lunch, something he found to be lower on his list of priorities. His housekeeper was a saint for putting up with him. Many were the times he would forget to eat, virtually all of his energy was focused on the bank. Josie was higher up his list of priorities than eating. Up until now, besides Kitty, Parker didn’t hold anyone higher than his work at the bank.

  “Thanks for this, Kitty.” He put the sandwiches on the desk. Knowing there would be thick slices of bread, some meat, some cheese and an apple. “I was beginning to feel hungry.”

  “Well, stop forgetting your lunches.”

  “I know.” Parker sighed and leaned against the desk, folding his arms. “I’m just so busy.”

  Kitty sighed. Parker’s parents had died when he was twelve and the bank had been held in trust until he was twenty-one. Kitty had practically raised him and, as a shrewd businesswoman, had taught him the art of keeping an eye on the money. Parker took her advice and now the bank had been thriving for the past seven years. People actually put their money into accounts instead of stuffing it under their mattresses. They came in and spoke to the cashiers, who started to look forward to coming to work.

  It was a wonder they hadn’t been robbed yet since they were the richest bank in the county.

  Kitty approached her nephew and ruffled his hair.

  “Hey, get off!”

  “You need to take a step back and relax, Parker. You’re not getting any younger. Take Benny out for walks more. Have fun where it’s not at work.”

  “I am trying to do that, Kitty.” Parker pushed her hand away. “And stop doing that. It’s annoying.”

  Kitty grinned.

  “Speaking of fun, how are you and Josie getting along? You’ve been seeing her for a while now, haven’t you?”

  “Yes.” Parker sighed, looking down at the floor. “Almost six months.”

  “And you haven’t asked her to marry you yet?” Kitty’s eyes widened before she laughed. “You’re losing your touch, my boy.”

  “This is not funny, Kitty.” Parker didn’t realize he had a touch and it was making him blush from the realization that his aunt thought he was a joke. “I don’t know what to do. I know for a fact that I want to marry her…”

  “Whoa, back up there.” Kitty held up her hands to stop him. “So, you do love her, then?”

  Parker nodded. It was difficult not to fall in love with a Matthews sister. All of them were blonde, beautiful and sweet in their own ways as well as being a touch fiery. Just one look at them and you could feel your heart skip a beat. Parker remembered staring at all five sisters when they arrived but when Josie was brought to meet him Parker thought his heart had stopped.

  She was beautiful and it hadn’t taken much for him to fall hard for her.

  “Josie’s beautiful, kind and loving. I fell in love with her by the end of our first evening.” He swallowed. Admitting this next bit, especially to his aunt, was hard. “But I can tell she’s bored of me. She’s good at hiding it but I can tell. I try really hard and nothing seems to work. I sometimes wonder if she’s stringing me along but I’m in too deep to break it off myself.”

  Kitty listened to this in silence. Then she sighed heavily and shook her head.

  “Oh, dear Parker, my darling.”

  “What?”

  “You really do have it bad.”

  At least Kitty understood. She had been married to Charles since she was eighteen and they had three children, all around Parker’s age. She had been through a lot of heartache with Charles’ affairs and finally losing her husband when he drank himself to death. If anyone could understand affairs of the heart, especially now, being a mother-in-law and grandmother, it was Kitty Carmichael.

  Parker pushed off his desk and began to pace.

  “Why can’t I get a break? I take over this place from my father and make it into what it is. I’ve got all the riches I could ever want and all the women pouring out of the woodwork, but I’m not happy. When I first met Josie, I thought she could make me happy. And if she would show me some interest, she could.”

  Kitty went around to Parker’s chair and sat, crossing her legs.

  “You two are an absolute mess.” Her eyes glinted. “Maybe you’re not exciting enough for her.”

  “Kitty,” Parker glared at her. “You’re my aunt. You’re supposed to be supporting me.”

  “Sorry. I know it’s not easy to hear.” Kitty looked at him thoughtfully before looking at her nails. “Why don’t you try doing something different, something a little exciting? You were very good at that when you were younger.”

  “When I was a
n adolescent and I was trying to find a way to express my grief after my parents were killed in that carriage accident. I don’t think it would be the same with Josie... not now.”

  “You never know.” Kitty’s mouth twitched into a smile. “You’re very good at finding things out.” Then she sat up. “Listen, Josie loves to paint, doesn’t she?”

  “Yes. She’s very good at it.” Parker had managed to see some of her paintings the one time he had gone to pick her up from Truman’s guest house. Josie had almost refused to let him in but Parker was glad he had seen them. “I’d send her work to a gallery on the East Coast if she’d let me.”

  Only, when he had mentioned it Josie had refused outright. With work as good as hers, it should have been displayed. But she kept it hidden away where no one could see it. It was a shame because she had a lot of talent and her pictures could touch the heart. He wanted everyone to share in the happiness they could bring.

  “I thought that’s what she wanted.”

  “So did I.” Then Parker realized what his aunt was saying. He stopped and turned, narrowing his eyes at her. “You’re thinking I should find her something to paint. Something that’s exciting.”

  Kitty grinned.

  “You and your cousins ran around this prairie when you were young and you know every part of this place. You would know what would be considered enough to catch Josie’s eye.” She winked. “I think she would appreciate it.”

  Parker nodded. That didn’t sound like a bad idea at all.

  Chapter 3

  Everyone told her to be careful when she went out on the prairie, due to the wild animals prowling around, but Josie didn’t care. None of the big carnivores came out, just little prairie dogs and a few birds. It was very beautiful out on the plains and so peaceful that she could get lost in her painting.