A Bride for Deke
The Proxy Brides Book #40
Marianne Spitzer
A Bride for Deke
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.
A Bride for Deke ©2020 Marianne Spitzer
Cover Design by Virginia McKevitt
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
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Acknowledgements
There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience and understanding when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my loyal readers who read my books and leave reviews. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best.
The cover was created by the talented Virginia McKevitt. You can find her on Facebook at Virginia McKevitt, Author.
My editor, Elise, at EMSA Publishing helped me make this book a better read.
A special thanks to Tammy Lewis for helping choose the name of the family ranch, The Double S, in a contest on the series’ Facebook page, The Proxy Brides Readers Group. Thank you again, Tammy.
Prologue
The hotel’s lobby was as clean as twenty-year-old Amalie Brassel could get it. She worked hard after the dining room had closed, and most of the hotel’s guests had retired for the evening. She blew a loose auburn curl out of her eyes and retreated down the hall toward the storeroom.
Mister Caldwell opened his office door just as Amalie passed and said, “Miss Brassel, would you please come into my office as soon as you’ve put your cleaning supplies away.”
Amalie groaned to herself and answered, “Yes, sir. Just give me a minute.”
The sound of the office door closing caused Amalie to sigh, knowing that, once again, she would have to face her new employer and his unwelcome suggestions. She wished Mister Caldwell’s uncle was still the hotel’s owner but wishes alone were not enough to help her deal with the overly ardent young man.
Two minutes later, she knocked on the door and entered, responding to Mister Caldwell’s call of, “Come in.”
Amalie closed the door behind her and stood with her hands tightly clenched in front of her.
“Ah, Miss Brassel—or should I call you Amalie? Have you considered my request?”
Amalie blushed and nodded. “I have, and I can’t do as you asked, sir. I just can’t.”
Arthur Caldwell sat behind the large mahogany desk and stared at Amalie. “I told you there would be consequences if you did not accept the offer to warm my bed at my request. You are aware that you are still under contract with the hotel for another six months?”
Amalie nodded but refused to look at him.
“Now, I have the legal authority to terminate your employment and ruin your reputation so that you will not find another decent job in this town, but I have found a better solution. I also have the right to sell your contract to another employer. I’ve spoken to Rex Horrison at the new saloon across the river, and he’s looking for working girls for his upstairs enterprise.”
Amalie gasped and said, “You wouldn’t. How could you do that to me? I just want to work and live my simple life.”
Mister Caldwell laughed, and it made Amalie’s skin crawl. “You have one week to make up your mind. You will either come to me willingly, or I will sell your services to Rex. One week, Amalie—you decide. Now, leave me.”
Amalie didn’t respond before turning to rush from the office. She couldn’t do what he wanted, and she’d die before she became a soiled dove. Amalie nearly bumped into her friend, Nate, who was the hotel’s handyman, on her way out.
Nate reached out and took her arm. “The walls are thin. I heard what Caldwell said to you. Don’t be afraid. I knew he wanted to do something like this when Rex was here for his meeting earlier today, but I think I have an idea. Go to your room, and please try not to worry. I won’t let them hurt you. If all goes well, you’ll be safe in a week’s time.”
Amalie nodded, whispered, “Thank you,” and hurried to the small room at the back of the hotel that she called home.
Chapter 1
Nate Sperling wasn’t exactly sure what he could do to help Amalie out of the situation into which Caldwell had put her, but he knew of one man who might be able to help him find an answer.
Judge Alexander Evans had been a lawyer and judge since before Nate was born twenty-three years ago. If anyone had an answer, Judge Evans would, and if not, he would know where Nate could find one.
Nate walked as briskly as his damaged leg would allow and hoped the judge would be in his office. Luck had followed Nate when he found the judge free and in his office.
“Come in, Nate. Always good to see you.
