A Bride For Obadiah
Proxy Bride Series
Allyson Carter
Esther promises to honor and obey, certainly not love, a man she’d never met. To escape the attentions of a devious moneylender, she impulsively answers the mail order bride advertisement. The last thing she expects is to be dragged kicking and screaming on an expedition in the vast unexplored area of Wyoming by her husband, Obadiah who forgot to mention his occupation as an outlaw.
Obadiah Longtree knew the only way to get revenge on the man who killed his mother was to marry. Following his brother’s example, he sent for a bride. Anyone would do as the only way to join the expedition exploring unchartered territory in the Wyoming expanse is to have a wife. When he meets Esther, he at first has no interest in the woman who is only a means to an end. Yet, under the mysterious sky, he comes to see her as more than an end. In her eyes, he discovers there may be another reason than revenge to live. But when plans for his revenge bring her close to harm, will he abandon them or force her to execute his plans along with him?
Copyright © 2020 by Allyson Carter
All rights reserved by the author.
This book is a work of fiction. The characters and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, recording, by the information storage and retrieval or photocopied, without permission in writing from Allyson Carter.
Cover design by Black Widow Books
Prologue
Winter 1869…
He set the paper on the kitchen table jabbing a finger on the ad. It said “Mail Order Brides” and right next to it a drawer wanted for an expedition. Obadiah smiled at the newspaper. James’s face looking back at him. Now. This might be the plan he needed to get revenge on James.
“What’s this?” Jedediah, Obadiah’s twin brother asked as he rocked the baby in his arms. The child never stopped crying, and this wasn’t a complication they needed to handle at this moment. Except his brother didn’t agree, for some reason that he wouldn’t share with him.
“Work.”
“Why don’t I believe this?” He walked over to the table to look at the paper. His brow arched as he read. “No. Don’t go on this. Besides,” he pointed with his index finger. “it says you have to be married.”
Obadiah scoffed, rolling his eyes. The one thing his brother picks up on and doesn’t recognize the name of one of the explorers. He’d done forgot about their Ma and how this man ripped their family apart. His brother forgot, but he didn’t, and this man had to pay. That’s how things worked. He’d take this on by himself if need be.
“I’ll send off for one of them brides like you did.”
“Heaven help us. I didn’t get married by proxy because I wanted. This baby needs a ma, and it was the best way to handle the situation.”
“Stop being a “good boy”.” Obadiah made framed “good boy” in air quotes. “No one is impressed anymore. You could have sent the brat to an orphanage.”
He’d had enough of his brother and his holier than thou attitude. They’d both came from the tribe. Hard life at times, and he had something to prove or at least he felt this way with his twin. Living with him had gotten on his last nerve, and Obadiah had to do something. The expedition could be the good push he needed. He’d get the bride, and then he’d be allowed on this trip and could start working on a place for them to live.
Chapter One
Summer 1870, Jade, Wyoming.
6 months later…
Esther Jacobs wondered if her new husband would take exception to her hands.
She turned them over, staring at the chapped skin and the callouses she’d gained from the endless hours of washing laundry. It was backbreaking work, lifting heavy loads of washing into and out of the giant tubs, boiling the water, adding the soap, and hanging them to dry.
Her hands had sacrificed their right to be soft and well-kept all to save her soul.
Don’t think about that anymore. You’re away from that place.
Taking a deep breath, Esther clutched the bar on the side of the stagecoach as they rounded a tight corner. Her teeth snapped together as the stage went over the rocky trail. Traveling by stage left much to be desired. Though the window was open, a fresh breeze was as rare as gold. Her stomach rolled uncomfortably again for the umpteenth time in fear of the violent motion of the stage
Snow covered mountain tops moved closer as she stared out the window. They were much bigger than those she’d seen closer to home
The stage had room for nine people but only six occupied the seats. One couple, a Mr. and Mrs. Smith and a Mr. Lockwood, who traveled alone, hadn’t much to say during their time together.
Seated across from her, Ruth Westerly’s head lolled back and forth, her mouth slightly open. Esther shook her head. Her best friend was peculiar that way. She could sleep no matter where she was. Esther didn’t trust fate that much. She’d hardly slept the entire time it took to travel to Jade, Wyoming.
Jade. What sort of man awaited her there? Who was this husband she had never met, and she’d given her life to.
For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. Till Death do us part.
The coach seemed to leap into the air, and she gripped her seat tighter, her teeth grinding together. What she wouldn’t give to get this journey over with. If only to
