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    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)
    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)
    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)
    Ebook311 pages4 hours

    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)

    By Rita Hestand

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Cole Morgan was about to embark with another wagon train, headed for Oregon, where land grants were being dispersed. Emily Carrington was running away from home. Even though she was twenty-six years old, this was the first time she'd been on her own. When she heard about all the wagon trains going west from Independence Missouri, she knew that was her ticket to her new freedom.

    There was only one problem. Cole Morgan didn't allow unmarried women on his train. But meeting Emily for the first time, she made a huge impression on him. So he found a way to take her and still not break his own rules. He would marry her himself, and in return she could cook for his men along the trail to Oregon.

    Emily agreed, since she was desperate to escape her controlling Uncle and Robert, the man she had been engaged to for six years.

    She had no idea of the adventures she would face both good and bad along the way. And what would happen once she was in Oregon to her husband?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRita Hestand
    Release dateFeb 2, 2015
    ISBN9781311885050
    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)
    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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    Reviews for Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West)

    3.5/5

    14 ratings3 reviews

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    • 3/5
      The book was an easy quick read. The characters were all likeable. But the dialog seemed to jump around at times.

      Chayton Amory kidnapped Kasie Moore the day before her wedding at the request of her father. Chayton was to take her to his mountain cabin until her father could talk to her about the rock star she was getting ready to marry. When a blizzard struck and they were stranded at the cabin they had to face their true feelings for each other. 8 years ago Kasie overheard her father & Chayton talking and thought it was her fathers idea for Chayton to marry her so she ran away and started a life for herself. Now they need to clear the air about what happen then and what they feel now.
    • 5/5
      AUTHOR: Rita has written approx. 34 books to include children's books, poetry and romance, along with plays and short stories. The grownup stuff is written with taste.. GENRE: Romance fiction, Western, Native American, Multicultural romanceSETTING: Modern day Cascade Mountains CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: She has parents with money but she has always tried to be independent and find her way. She doubts herself but is stubborn.CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Native American and handsome. He appears to be a push over. He knows nature and the Cascade Mountains better than anyone.SYNOPSIS: With her wedding just days away, she is kidnapped at the request of her father and taken to the Cascade Mountains. While waiting for her father to arrive, she gets stuck in the cabin of her kidnapper.; a man she walked away from many years ago. ROMANCE: He takes his kisses remembering that his bed was made for a day that never came between the two of them. He will not however, take her virginity so use your imagination. PASSION as in sexual content is "none"; just clean romantic moments.WHAT I LIKED: I can appreciate that a romance fiction does not always have to contain sexual acts. He was just downright handsome. The book made it easy to visualize him.WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Her stubbornness and acting like a brat was a bit overcooked.MOST OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE: None TYPICAL ROMANCE STUFF:He does not want to admit that he loves her and visa versa;Almost nil sexual references to include (7) breasts, (6) nipple, (0) tongue, (0) flick’n (0) hardness, (0) cupping, (3) caressing and over (10) kiss’ns. Penetration (0). Well, you get the picture.This book gets (FIVE) out of (5) STARS because it was just romantic. I enjoyed the entire storyline.
    • 5/5
      AUTHOR: Rita has written approx. 34 books to include children's books, poetry and romance, along with plays and short stories. The grownup stuff is written with taste.. GENRE: Romance fiction, Western, Native American, Multicultural romanceSETTING: Modern day Cascade Mountains CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: She has parents with money but she has always tried to be independent and find her way. She doubts herself but is stubborn.CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Native American and handsome. He appears to be a push over. He knows nature and the Cascade Mountains better than anyone.SYNOPSIS: With her wedding just days away, she is kidnapped at the request of her father and taken to the Cascade Mountains. While waiting for her father to arrive, she gets stuck in the cabin of her kidnapper.; a man she walked away from many years ago. ROMANCE: He takes his kisses remembering that his bed was made for a day that never came between the two of them. He will not however, take her virginity so use your imagination. PASSION as in sexual content is "none"; just clean romantic moments.WHAT I LIKED: I can appreciate that a romance fiction does not always have to contain sexual acts. He was just downright handsome. The book made it easy to visualize him.WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Her stubbornness and acting like a brat was a bit overcooked.MOST OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE: None TYPICAL ROMANCE STUFF:He does not want to admit that he loves her and visa versa;Almost nil sexual references to include (7) breasts, (6) nipple, (0) tongue, (0) flick’n (0) hardness, (0) cupping, (3) caressing and over (10) kiss’ns. Penetration (0). Well, you get the picture.This book gets (FIVE) out of (5) STARS because it was just romantic. I enjoyed the entire storyline.

    Book preview

    Heart of a Woman (Book Three of the Brides of the West) - Rita Hestand

    No unmarried women are allowed! Cole Morgan yelled from his tent as he heard a female voice talking to one of his men.

    What in blazes!

    But I've got to go. I can't stay here. The woman persisted, turning her attention to the tent, where the voice had come from. Who is that?

    "Ma'am I don't make the rules, I just follow them. And that's the boss." The man said scratching his head as he took his dusty hat off and walked off, shaking his head.

    Who made such a rule? The woman asked in a haughty voice.

    I did! Cole threw open the tent doorway as he came out and eyed the woman that was apparently giving his scout a hard time. Something inside him reacted to the sight of her. He ignored it. He couldn't put his finger on what attracted him. But her lovely cascade of brown hair had a lot to do with it and the healthy vigor of a woman in her prime. Her sassy tongue certainly got his attention.

    Aside from her hair that cascaded to nearly her waist in delicate brown-gold curls, and her large brown eyes that probed the soul, she looked like many others among the train. Except for one very distinct thing, she carried herself more proudly, and her chin lifted with defiance at his voice.

    Dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her figure stood out as womanly and almost perfect in Cole's quick assessment.

    He cleared his throat. Damn, if she wasn't a handsome woman!

    Look…I can hitch a team and drive it. I'm strong and capable and I have to go… Her voice fell to a plea now as she stared at Cole. Her eyes traveled him slowly. He couldn't help but wonder how he measured up in her books.

    She was definitely trying a different approach with him than she had his scout. He liked her spunk, but she'd have to take no for an answer. He couldn't break the rules for anyone. And if he ever wanted to, this was the time!

    He'd heard many such pleas before, but why this one was different, he didn't know. Perhaps it was that desperate look in her eyes that intrigued him. Or perhaps it was that the stubborn jut of her delicate chin that made him waver his thoughts of taking her west.

    Come in here, He ordered her inside the tent, none too gently.

    The woman hesitated, then lifted her chin and obeyed, as though obeying were not in her vocabulary. He liked that, a woman with sand.

    Cole sat down at the makeshift desk of kegs and boards and looked at his maps. Why do you need to leave so badly? Have you broken the law? He intimated the keg in front of his desk for her to sit on. She sat down.

    Not once did she lift her nose to his raw furnishings. She didn't assess his possessions, only him.

    No, of course not! She huffed, pulling at her blouse.

    Her blouse flounced at her breast, pronouncing them.

    He glanced at her, then the blouse.

    Are you a whore, being run out of town for it? He asked, expecting a rash of explanations from that quick assessment.

    The woman started to rebuke his statement but changed the air in the tent with her words and the strange look in her eyes. Okay, her voice lowered effectively, You've found me out. The sheriff wants me out today…I do not care to ride a stagecoach with filthy men for miles that could be held up by the worst of them. She insisted.

    You talk funny. He said as his head jerked up and his eyes feasted on the ample display of breast staring at him. What women did to get their way was beyond his imagination. But he never minded looking at beautiful pillows to which to lay the head.

    I'm originally from Boston. She lifted her chin once more.

    Boston huh? You don't sound it. Cole almost laughed. The woman was lying through her teeth. But her desperation to leave the city for the hard life intrigued him. What manner of problems did she carry with her? When her head turned in question, he continued. People from Boston have a strange way of pronouncing things. Something about their R's.

    She still looked puzzled.

    Nevermind.

    I assure you….

    You can assure me of many things, but can you cook? He interrupted, his eyes never leaving hers.

    Cook? Oh…but of course I can. She insisted.

    What can you cook? He asked, almost sure this was another stretch of her imagination.

    My culinary abilities interest you? She huffed. She glanced around the tent with interest, evading his questions.

    I need a cook for my crew. The families sometimes invite them to eat with them, but not on a regular basis, I need a cook. He looked her over, waiting for her answer.

    I can manage, why? She scoffed at his questions.

    Can you make chili, beans, stews, biscuits? He asked. And more importantly, coffee?

    Naturally… she replied, but her eyes didn't quite meet his gaze.

    She was lying again. He'd bet his life on it that she couldn't cook. Still, he had to admit she wasn't hard on the eyes, and she looked strong enough to handle the rigorous trip. For now, he couldn't think of a single reason not to take her. Most everyone on the train had reasons for wanting to 'get away'.

    Alright, you’re hired! He announced as though the subject was now closed.

    "I'm…Hired? As a cook?" She swallowed hard.

    Sure…why not? He asked amused by her squirming. Just because your former occupation wasn't cooking doesn't mean you don't know how, now does it?

    For a split second, he wondered if she'd back down and tell the truth. But that stubborn set of her chin didn't budge. Oddly enough, he liked that about her. No matter how much trouble her tongue got her into, she didn't back down. That was to be admired. She'd play out her bluff and he'd watch.

    I thought you didn't allow unmarried women on the train! She shrieked standing up now. That's what your hired man said.

    He nodded and made a face. Oh yes, that. That's true, but that can be fixed too.

    She stared at him now, her eyes narrowing on him.

    And how do you presume to 'fix' something like that? She inquired putting her hands on her hips.

    I'll marry you! He said quite matter-of-factly.

    The color drained from her face. She went so pale; he thought she might pass out. That was not what she expected to hear! He'd shocked her. Good!

    Marry me! She shrieked again, the color finally rising in her cheeks, her nose lifting another notch. I beg your pardon. I'm not in search of a husband, sir.

    Minor details can be taken care of…

    You're crazy! She screeched standing and staring at him as though he'd lost his mind. She started to leave. I don't even know you, sir. I don't even know your name. Or if you are a Christian.

    My name is Cole, Cole Morgan. You want to go west? He asked not even bothering to look at her now.

    Of course, I do. She glanced at him over her shoulder.

    Then…we'll have a ceremony, and you can go. That's all there is to it. He shrugged. And as far as being Christian, I don't know of many whores that are.

    This time the color increased in her cheeks.

    That's a bit judgmental, don't you think?

    Maybe! He grinned.

    God, she's beautiful when she blushes like that!

    A ceremony. Do you think I’m mad? I'm not so desperate I'd marry the likes of you. She faced him now with her indignation.

    The likes of me? He jerked his head up and stared at her. The likes of me can take you west, lady. Look, I don't allow unmarried women on a train because they often time cause trouble among the men. Now, granted, you don't have to marry me, but it's the only way you are gonna be allowed on my train. Unless you can come up with a suitable husband by tomorrow. In that case I'd require a marriage certificate. It's as simple as that. I'm offering you a way to go that's all.

    She blew the sprig of hair from her face and huffed.

    I never heard of such! She protested. Why would you marry a stranger?

    I need a cook. It's as simple as that.

    When she gasped, he shook his head with a crooked kind of smile. Lady, you look healthy, and you sound smart, but this trip is no picnic. It's hard for any woman. You'll face severe weather that you will have to brave to push on. You'll face possible diseases, you'll face probable Indians, and for sure an outlaw or two. The wagons will break down. You'll end up throwing half of what you own away so you can get over the mountains. And that's not all. That's a few of the hazards. Now do you still want to go?

    Of course, I do. I didn't figure it was going to be a picnic.

    Alright. He glanced from her head to her toe, clearing his throat at her reaction. Look, we just go to a justice of the peace and have a ceremony, that's all. Once you are established on the train as a married woman, there will be no trouble. And I am not proposing anything other than the ceremony. Just so you know. Not that you aren't a handsome woman, but I'm not the marrying kind and you might as well know it. He said finally glancing at her. His glance slid up and down her slowly. I'm not in the market for a wife, any more than you are for a husband.

    I see. She firmed her lips and put her hands on her hips again. She stood rock still, obviously soaking his offer in. He wondered just how desperate she was to get away. He'd bet his life she wasn't a whore though.

    Then I wouldn't have to… She didn't finish.

    No ma'am, you wouldn't. He finished that sentence for her. He knew where her mind was going with that. Mainly because his had already been there.

    But why would you do such a thing for me? Her voice lowered, disbelieving.

    He stood up and came from around the small desk he had made. It would benefit me also to be married. A wagon master is sometimes viewed as a hero and young women on the train, daughters sometimes get it in their heads that they want to get married. All kinds of havoc are raised. This creates a conflict on a train. I have to direct my attention to the train as a whole. Not that I'm that good a catch, but that I am a catch at all. And you would be protected from the letches of men who want the same from you. A mutual benefit. That's all.

    She sat down once more in the makeshift chair and stared at him for a moment. Her eyes became wide as saucers and a slight smile broke over her face. "That's an ingenious idea. She shook her head. I'm sorry, I underestimated you."

    He laughed aloud. You're not the first. You're desperate to go west; I'm desperate not to be caught in some compromising position along the way. This way fewer problems for both of us. I'm just surprised it took me so long to figure that out. Ten trips I've made out west and every one of them filled with some discord over a lady, usually by her mother.

    One question. She studied his face for a moment.

    Yes ma'am?

    Do you always marry the young women who want to go west that aren't already married?

    His eyes narrowed on her. No ma'am. I don't. But like I said, I figure it will have mutual benefits for us both.

    There's only one problem with this situation.

    Which is? He challenged.

    What happens when we get to Oregon? Do we go our own ways and seek a divorce or what? She asked.

    How old are you? He asked, not answering her question.

    She turned bright red and he knew he'd struck some chord in her.

    I'm twenty-six.

    He realized quickly the admission had come hard for her, but she had swallowed her pride. He admired a person who could swallow their pride.

    At least you're no kid. Nothing to be ashamed of, I assure you. Just for your information, I'm thirty. You won't be compromised by me. And when we reach our destination, I will leave you, and you can do as you wish. Basically, we will be protecting each other from unwanted advances. That's all.

    Except I'm expected to cook for your crew of men. She seemed to think about his offer, seriously.

    Yes ma'am, it comes with the territory. If I had a wife, she'd be the one to cook for them and me. My men would expect it.

    Her warm brown eyes met his. Can I have all this in writing?

    If there's a real need for it. He nodded with a frown.

    Well, of course, there is. If you leave, I have no way of finding you for a divorce. Yes, I want it in writing. And yes, you have a deal.

    She stuck out her hand, to shake his. He looked at it and instead, he reached to pull her up against him.

    Taken by surprise, her mouth came open, but she said nothing, only stared. His head bent, and he captured the softness of her lips in one swoop. He hadn't meant to do anything but put her in her place, but he hadn't expected her to kiss him back. She smelled sweet, like flowers, and her hair was sinfully long and curly, the kind a man liked to run his hands through. For only a moment, he was lost, but when sanity prevailed, he pushed her away, gently.

    To seal our bargain, and now we are not so much strangers. It would be unseemly to be married and know nothing of each other. And to what name do I address my intended? He asked, cooling himself from the onslaught of her kiss.

    My name is Emily Carrington. She raised her head in defiance. He saw that stubborn pride of hers reassert itself and he almost laughed.

    Of the Carrington Shipping yards from New York. He asked knowing it shocked her that he knew of her family.

    That's right. You've heard of us? Her disbelief was showing in her voice. Are you revoking your offer?

    On the contrary, I guess that proves I have good taste in women, doesn't it? I knew from the moment I saw you that you, madam were not a whore. You interest me. Why have you ventured here to Missouri?

    Let's just say I have family problems and want to escape them. Now one thing I wish to ask you and it's not personal, but I must know. Are you a Christian man?

    Cole hadn't expected that question. His head flew up from his paperwork and he glared at her. I do take that as personal. But…I suppose coming from a woman, it is a decent question. Yes, I believe in God if that's what you mean. If I didn't, I wouldn't be taking this many people through such hazardous territory. Does that answer your question?

    Good. I couldn't marry you if you didn't.

    His head popped up again to stare at her. It's that important to you?

    Yes, for one, it speaks of the character. Let's just say there are certain things a Christian man would not do.

    He nodded slowly, digesting that for a moment.

    Do you go around proposing to women on such a whim, before you even know their names? She asked her cheeks still rosy from the unexpected kiss.

    No ma'am. I've never proposed to a woman in my life. But let's set the record straight right here. This isn't a proposal, it's a proposition. Understood?

    She nodded.

    I don't believe in divorce, but this is not a usual circumstance, you will understand. We'd be helping each other out. In all circumstances, I would expect you to acknowledge that I am your husband. I would accept you as my wife. And proudly.

    Proudly? Her head twisted once more in question.

    Yes ma'am. Even though I'm on the rough side most of the time. You got a quality about you that is unmistakable. And I say that, not because of the name. I recognized that in you right away. Let me assure you, I will not take privileges you don't allow. And we won't have time for such frivolities as that on a wagon train. There is very little privacy. I wonder though. Do you have any idea what you are letting yourself in for? He had to get the upper hand fast to this situation. She had to understand this was not a permanent arrangement.

    I think I do, sir. I see…then if this is the only way I can get out of here, I'll take it. Of course, I know it will be rough. I would expect it to be, at least. She nodded and walked to the entrance of the tent. And I have your word that as a Christian and a gentleman, you won't take the advantage of me?

    You must need to leave awfully bad. He shook his head and smiled. When she didn't return the smile, he added. "But you have my word. I'm not in the habit of taking a woman that doesn't want to be taken. From that kiss, I can tell you are not a whore. But you are a lady, of that, I am sure. And if I didn't know that I wouldn't be marrying you. I wouldn't be explaining all of this either. So…meet me at Judge Chesterfield's office at eight in the morning. We'll have the ceremony."

    Alright… she barely murmured and started to leave again. She paused on the way out. What was wrong with the kiss?

    Wrong? You may be a spinster, but beneath that façade lays a passionate woman, with the heart of a real woman.

    She shot him a puzzled look.

    You're a damn good kisser, ma'am. He cleared his throat.

    Emily stood paralyzed to the dirt floor. Her cheeks blossomed, and he stared at her for a long moment. And you blush like a flower in the spring… he added.

    His words had some sort of effect on her, as her mouth hung open. She turned to go abruptly. And Emily… He murmured softly.

    Yes… She looked over her shoulder.

    You could never be just a whore…

    What tipped you off? She stammered.

    A whore doesn't kiss like that… He smiled.

    Like what? She crimsoned.

    Like she means it. His smile widened, she blushed and left with her mouth open once more.

    Chapter Two

    The streets were muddy, and the rain drizzled miserably. It was mid-April and it had rained off and on for two weeks. Tents were lined up as far as the eye could see. Stores to accommodate the pioneers going west were eager for their business. Blacksmith's shops hummed with the making and repairing of wagon wheels. Linseed Oil permeated the air as canvas for the tops of the wagons were treated with it, so the rain couldn't get in.

    People were everywhere, going about their business of preparing for a long trip.

    Furniture was strewn all over the streets as the wagons were packed. Huge sacks of flour, salt, sugar, and beans were packed high. The wagons seemed to grow with each new addition.

    Emily was amazed at how the people worked to get things ready while it rained.

    There had to be ten wagon trains in line to move out.

    There were mud holes everywhere in the streets. Emily hadn't taken care to wear something appropriate for such an occasion, big mistake, she chided herself as she stepped into another mud puddle and again her dress was splashed. She glanced down at the hem of her white dress, it was lined with mud. Her white boots were now brown. She groaned inwardly. Her hair was a mess, as the rain trickled down her neck and plastered her hair against her, she groaned. When she left

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