Prologue

Vernon, Texas, 1884

“Anna?”

Anna barely heard her name being called. She stood staring at the cross with her father’s name scrawled on it. The flowers laid over the freshly filled-in grave were full of life and color, which felt ironic given Edgar Montgomery’s current state.

She wanted him back. Pa had been so strong and healthy, so he should’ve lasted longer, maybe even still be alive when she was starting to go gray. But he had suddenly taken ill, and he just wouldn’t get better.

Now he was gone. And Anna felt like she was alone for the first time.

She stared at his name carved into the cross and the dates. And then she glanced over at the grave beside it, this one much older with grass covering where the body had been laid to rest. She read the name inscribed and felt her chest tighten.

Mary Montgomery. Her mother.

Anna could still remember when she died. She’d been only six years old, confused as to why her mother was so sick, and they couldn’t play together. The pain of losing her had been strong seventeen years ago, and it felt even more acute now, especially with her father lying in the freshest grave beside her.

“Anna.”

Someone touched her arm, and Anna jumped, her heart feeling like it was about to burst out of her chest. She spun around and saw Connor Laurie standing beside her. She pressed a hand to her chest, her heart racing.

“Connor! Don’t scare me like that!”

“Sorry. I called your name five times.” Connor glanced at Pa’s grave. “I still can’t believe he’s gone. It doesn’t seem real.”

Anna didn’t say anything. She didn’t want to go into it right now, otherwise she would end up bursting into tears again. Swallowing, she squared her shoulders and straightened up.

“What is it you wanted? I thought you were going back to the ranch.”

“I did, but Mr. Neelley is there. He wanted to speak with you.”

Anna frowned. Why did her father’s lawyer want to speak with her right now? Surely, there were formalities that could wait until the next day when she visited his offices?

“Why?”

“He didn’t say other than it pertained to the ranch, and you needed to hear it.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better, Connor.” Anna smoothed her hands down her skirt. “All right, I’m coming. Where’s Edwin?”

“I think he’s in the saloon. I heard him laughing in there when I went past.” Connor scowled. “He seems to be celebrating rather than mourning. It’s disgusting.”

Anna couldn’t agree more. She knew Edwin and Pa had been at odds in recent months, but to be so callous as to celebrate someone’s death… that made her feel sick. How were they related?

At least she could speak to Mr. Neelley on her own. Edwin was more focused on how much money he was getting. Anna didn’t want to know about the money beyond knowing if there were any debts to pay off.

She would rather have her father back than his money.

“He’s going to inherit the ranch, isn’t he?” Connor asked as they walked toward the church gate.

“What makes you think that?”

“Because he’s the next male heir.” Connor shifted his weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

Anna scowled. “Edwin might think he’s going to get it, but not if I have anything to do with it. I won’t let him have my home.”

“Do you think that he won’t be able to run the ranch properly?”

“Do you? You two don’t get on, so what do you think?”

Connor snorted. “I wouldn’t trust him to look after shutting the front door properly.”

“It’s that bad?”

“Just because he’s entitled doesn’t mean he gets to behave as if he’s going to have everyone do his bidding simply because he said so. I’m certainly not going to do it.”

Anna wasn’t surprised by that. Connor and Edwin did not get along. Connor had been hired by Pa five years earlier, and he’d proven himself to be a good worker. Anna saw him as an older brother she never had. It was nice to have someone to lean on when she needed it. She’d hoped, years ago, that it would be Edwin, but her older cousin really didn’t care about her. All he was focused on was getting what he felt he deserved.

Anna didn’t understand how someone could be that greedy. She certainly couldn’t do it.

It didn’t take long to walk back to the ranch, which was on the outskirts of town. It was strange to have a ranch this close to a town, but it worked for Pa. According to him, her grandfather had built the ranch first, and Vernon was built around him. Anna wasn’t sure how much of that was true, or if her grandfather was just too lazy to go too far away, but she didn’t question it. It made it easier to head into town to get supplies.

However, it was bad because Edwin drank every night, and sometimes during the day at the saloon. It was all he cared about. Even with the funeral, he’d barely hung around to see his uncle get lowered into the ground before leaving. Anna couldn’t believe the disrespect.

Mr. Neelley was sitting in a wicker chair on the porch when they arrived. The lawyer was flipping through papers on his lap, his legs crossed. He looked very comfortable. He jumped to his feet and cleared his throat when he saw Anna and Connor approaching.

“Miss Montgomery,” he said with a cough. “Forgive me, but I didn’t think this could wait until tomorrow.”

“It’s fine, Mr. Neelley.” Anna beckoned him to follow her. “How about we take this inside?”

“I’ll just go and get the horses brushed down,” Connor said, squeezing her arm. “You need me, you just give me a shout.”

“Thank you, Connor.”

As Connor walked away, she and Mr. Neelley went into the house. As Anna removed her coat, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her dark hair, even when braided, fell to her waist, tendrils escaping from the braid. Her face was pale, making her dark eyes stand out even more. She looked thinner than she remembered, with dark circles under her eyes that made them look hollowed out.

It was a miracle she was still upright. Anna took one look at herself, and thought she looked unwell.

“Anna?” The portly lawyer was standing in the doorway to the sitting room, giving her an odd look. “Are you all right?”

“I…I’m fine.” Anna dusted herself down and joined him, sitting in her favorite chair by the window. “Well, as fine as I can be in the situation here. I just…it feels so strange. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Mr. Neelley gave her a sympathetic smile.

“Your father talked about you often. He loved you dearly, and he was very proud of what you’d become. I know he worried about you should anything happen to him.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

“In a manner of speaking.” Mr. Neelley sighed as he reached into the file on his lap. “He came to see me shortly before he had taken ill. He wanted to make sure his will was up to date and… make sure that you had what you deserved.”

Anna didn’t like the sound of that. It could mean anything, and she didn’t want to get her hopes up. Part of her was still expecting Pa to walk into the room and ask what they were up to and why he hadn’t been invited to join them. She imagined him giving her a warm smile and a kiss on her cheek before joining them and talking to Mr. Neelley about the cattle and their recent antics.

But that didn’t happen, and Anna could feel a heavy weight pressing down on her shoulders.

“What does that mean?”

Mr. Neelley gave her a nervous smile before handing her the will to look at.

“As you can see, the ranch is to be passed on to Edwin, your cousin. As the next male relative, it’s to be expected…”

“I’m aware of that,” Anna said tightly, trying not to tighten her fists as she looked at the offending words. “I was hoping that it would be different. That Pa wouldn’t…”

“He really wanted to leave you the ranch, but the law dictates…”

Anna held up a hand to stop him.

“I wish you would stop saying that, Mr. Neelley. I know daughters aren’t supposed to inherit property. But I would’ve thought that he would provide for me, at the very least. Make sure that I didn’t lose everything.” She gestured at their surroundings. “This is my home. I was born here. This is the place that holds the few memories I have of Ma. If I have to leave, they’ll all be gone.”

“Wouldn’t Edwin let you live here?”

Anna scoffed.

“He doesn’t want me around at all. He’s made that very clear. He’s been dropping hints that I should move to that lodge on the other side of the ranch. Out of sight where I belong, he said.”

Remembering that conversation the day before the funeral, made Anna’s stomach turn. She couldn’t believe that someone could be so callous.

Pa would’ve been furious if he knew his daughter was being mistreated.

“Well, that’s why your father wanted to update the will,” Mr. Neelley said, taking the will back to inspect it himself. “He wanted to put in a stipulation. One that would benefit you.”

“Benefit me?” Anna blinked. “How is that possible?”

“He told me, and we put it in writing, that he knew Edwin wouldn’t be able to handle the ranch properly, that it would go to rack and ruin. In his own words, ‘my nephew will make my family ranch bankrupt within six months’.”

“I won’t argue with him on that one,” Anna mused. “But why not just ignore what Society dictates and let me inherit?”

“He suspected that Edwin would put up a fight and make sure something happened for him to get it, I’m sure. Everyone knows how much your cousin wants to own this place.”

“It’s all over Vernon about how he wants to make it his own,” Anna snorted. “Pa could’ve just disinherited him.”

“He did something else.” Mr. Neelley hesitated. “I’m not sure if you’re going to like it, though.”

That didn’t make Anna feel any better. She gripped the arms of her chair, resisting the urge to squirm. She hated it when someone spoke in this manner. Pa often did it, and it always came with bad news, or something he knew she wasn’t going to be happy with. Why did the lawyer use the same language?

“What is it?” she whispered.

“There’s a chance for you to inherit the ranch in your own right.”

That made her sit up.

“What? Really?”

“Yes. But you would have to marry.”

Anna thought she’d misheard him. She stared at him, but Mr. Neelley’s expression didn’t change.

“What… but… I have to marry?”

“If you have a husband, then you’ll be able to get the ranch instead.” The lawyer backtracked a little. “Well, your husband inherits, but it will mean it becomes yours. Edwin wouldn’t be able to do anything about it if you got married.”

“But…”

Anna’s mind was spinning. Had her father wanted her to marry so she could inherit the ranch herself? How could he do that to her? It didn’t make any sense. Why couldn’t he just let her have it without all the issues? It would be frowned upon, but it would be a lot easier.

“And if I don’t marry?” she croaked.

Mr. Neelley looked pained.

“Then, I’m afraid, you won’t be able to get your home back.”

“So, I have to find a husband in order to hold onto what is actually mine?” Anna felt the shock being replaced by fury. “I can’t believe he would do that to me.”

The lawyer didn’t say anything, and Anna did her best to rein in her anger. She didn’t want to get married, and certainly not in such a calculating way. It felt like her choices had been taken out of her hands, and she hated it.

“He’s given you a timeline as well,” Mr. Neelley said quietly. “You’ve got until the end of next month to get married.”

“But that’s only six weeks away!”

“And if you succeed, then you get the ranch. Then even your cousin can’t argue with that.” He paused. “I’m sorry, Anna, but that’s what your father put in his will. There’s no other way around it.”

Anna knew that much. She was being given no choice, simply to get what was rightfully hers. Pa had known that, and he’d done things his own way.

It didn’t make her any happier, though.

Chapter One

Vernon, Texas, 1884

“He did what?” Emily stared at Anna in bewilderment. “He actually put that in the will?”

Anna nodded, staring at the steaming mug of coffee in her hands. She’d been sitting in the kitchen for some time now, barely aware of what was going on. It wasn’t until Emily had come to find her that she’d snapped out of her daze.

Mr. Neelley had urged her to think about it before he departed, and it was making her feel nauseous. How could anyone go into a marriage like this? Certainly, it was common practice, but Anna couldn’t do that for herself. She didn’t think she could do something that felt clinical and transactional. If it worked for others, she wasn’t going to argue. In fact, she’d be happy for them.

But she couldn’t do that.

“Well,” Emily said, sitting back in her chair, shaking her head. “I’m surprised he didn’t ignore everything and let you inherit regardless. He loved you deeply and knew you’d do a better job running the ranch.”

Anna made a face. “I wish he had done that. It would be easier for me to handle. I’m not about to be bound to someone just to get what I want. That’s not right.”

“But everyone does it. And getting married at your age isn’t a bad thing.” Emily folded her arms over his chest.

“I just don’t want it. Especially when it feels like I’m being forced into it.”

Emily gave her a sympathetic smile, but Anna wondered how much of her friend’s thoughts were in support of her. Despite how close they were and how Emily was Anna’s confidant, they couldn’t be more different in their personalities and looks. Anna was dark-haired, slim, and quiet, preferring hard work and not minding the smell of the animals she tended. Emily, on the other hand, was curvy with golden-blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. She liked to buy the most extravagant perfume and dresses available. You could often smell the perfume before Emily turned up.

They were also different when it came to love and marriage. Emily was a romantic, and she wished to have a loving husband and happy marriage. Anna wasn’t romantic, preferring to be on her own. It worked for her, and she didn’t have to answer to anyone. Edwin, certainly, had tried, but Anna wasn’t about to bow down to him. Pa said she shouldn’t have to, but Edwin tended to ignore him.

“I know this is hard for you, Anna,” Emily said, reaching over to take Anna’s hand. “But you have to think practically. Do you want the ranch?”

“Of course I do. No question about it.”

“Then you’ll have to go through with it, won’t you? Who knows? You might find someone you actually like.” Emily sighed wistfully. “I know I’d love to be in that position, but… you know how people are.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to marry any of the eligible local men,” Anna muttered. “Especially if they are friends with Edwin. That’s going to be too dangerous.”

“Then what about doing it another way?”

“What other way?”

Emily smiled, and her eyes twinkled.

“An advertisement for a husband.”

Anna let the words sink in, but it didn’t make any sense. She blinked and stared at her friend. “What? Did I hear you right, Emily? You’re telling me that I should advertise for a husband?”

Emily rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why you’re so shocked about it, Anna. You know it’s done around here.”

“I’m well aware of that, but I didn’t think that you would suggest it to me, given you know my feelings on the subject.”

“Well, what other choice have you got?” Her friend shot back. “You’ve got to find someone to marry, and there are plenty of men out there who want a wife. It would be ideal. You’d have what you wanted.”

Anna scoffed at that. “Not exactly how I wanted it to happen.”

“I wish you wouldn’t make it sound like it’s a bad thing.” Emily tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear. “You never know. You might end up liking the man. Maybe even falling in love with him.”

Anna groaned. Not this again. Emily saw romance in everything, whereas Anna didn’t believe in it. She’d seen a loving marriage between her parents before her mother died, and she’d given up on having something like that for herself.

“Don’t even think about love like that, Emily. You know what I think about love.”

Emily raised her eyes to the heavens. “Honestly, you need to open your mind and admit that it might happen to you one day.”

“Don’t you think I tried? Don’t you remember what happened a few years ago? I had men who were more interested in the ranch than in me. I even overheard one of them telling his friends it would be worth it even if he had to put up with the stench of manure on me.” Anna looked down at her clothes. “I bathe regularly, and I always have clean clothes on. That knocked me back a lot.”

“Callum White is a cad, and he deserves to remain unmarried for the rest of his life,” Emily declared. “He doesn’t respect women at all. Anyway, I wouldn’t expect you to marry someone as horrible as him.”

“Besides, how can I go into anything like this and think I might fall in love? I’ve got to think practically. I need someone who can work around the ranch and help me keep the ranch. Love doesn’t come into it.”

“Then that makes advertising for a husband ideal!” Emily cried. “You can find the right person. If they’re looking for a better life but not love, then even better. You can come to an agreement together.”

Anna knew this was practical, but she was still unsure about it. The thought of getting married within the next six weeks was terrifying to her. She didn’t think she would even consider getting married until her thirties, when she would be more mature and ready for a husband. She wanted to focus on the ranch, preferring to know it was safe and secure rather than find someone to spend her life with. If it didn’t happen, she wasn’t going to be upset; it just meant more time for her, which she found enticing. She could do whatever she wanted without having to worry about anything. That made her smile as she thought about it.

However, this wasn’t about to be her future. She had to do something about it, or she would have no future.

The sound of the front door slamming made both women jump, and then heavy footsteps followed. Then Edwin filled the doorway, leaning on the doorframe and giving Anna a lazy smile.

“Oh, you’re still here?” he said, leering at Anna. “I would’ve thought you’d move out by now.”

Anna straightened up, fixing her cousin with a hard stare.

“I’m not going anywhere, Edwin. I think we’ve made that clear.”

“You do know I could have you thrown out, if you’re going to be difficult. I have no qualms about making you homeless, Anna.”

Emily gasped in shock.

“How could you be so cruel? She’s your family, Edwin!”

But Edwin simply shrugged. Anna felt a wave of revulsion as she looked at her older cousin. He was not quite thirty, tall and well-built from years of heavy lifting. With his fair hair, thick beard, and tanned, weathered skin, he looked every bit a rancher. But his laziness was legendary. He just did the bare minimum, claiming he had done the most work. Connor kept having to stay on him to actually do some work.

It was no wonder Pa didn’t want to leave the ranch to him when he had no care or respect for the place except how wealthy it could make him.

“So, Anna,” Edwin addressed her. “When are you leaving? You’d better get a move on.”

“I’m not leaving.”

Her cousin sighed as if talking to a child.

“You shouldn’t…”

“Why don’t you go and talk to Mr. Neelley and find out why I’m not going anywhere?” Anna countered with a slight smile. “I’m sure he can give you a decent explanation.”

That made Edwin frown in confusion.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded.

“I’m saying there’s a reason why I’m staying where I am. Didn’t he tell you anything when you went to have the will read to you?”

“Why would I go to have the will read to me when I know that I’m the one inheriting everything?” Now Edwin faltered. “Are… are you suggesting that’s not true?”

Anna didn’t say anything, raising her coffee mug to her lips and taking a sip. Her cousin watched her with wide eyes, and then he left abruptly, stumbling back through the house and slamming the door as he left. Emily giggled.

“You like goading him, don’t you?”

“It’s very easy at times. It makes me feel better after what he’s done over the years.” Anna sighed heavily. “I suppose this means that I have to actually find someone who is willing to be part of a transactional game to get what I want.”

“Oh, I’m sure you won’t have a problem trying to find a husband. Any man would be lucky to have you as his wife,” Emily said.

“Emily!” Anna felt her face getting warm. “You don’t need to say that.”

“What are you talking about? You’re beautiful. I love your hair the most. It’s always so soft.”

“You’ve got lovely hair as well.”

But her friend made a face and patted her chignon.

Taking a deep breath, she put her mug on the table. “All right. Let’s do it.”

Beaming, Emily reached into her bag, which she’d placed on the table, and brought out a newspaper, a pad of paper, and a pencil.

“Then I suggest we get started now. We can draft the advertisement together, and I’ll take it straight to the printers.”

“You were expecting me to give in, weren’t you?”

Her friend shrugged and said nothing, but the smirk told Anna everything. Sighing, Anna stood up and left the kitchen, Emily following close behind. Inwardly, Anna wished her father hadn’t done this.

She was not looking forward to her future anymore, but if it meant she kept what was hers, it was the only choice she had.

She wasn’t about to be beaten.

Chapter Two

Piney Woods, Texas, 1884.

“How’s it coming along?” Mr. Tremaine asked.

Travis Cooper straightened up, his shoulders tight and his back and arms screaming at him. He wiped the sweat off his face with his handkerchief.

“I’m almost done, Mr. Tremaine. I won’t be long.”

“Perfect.” The old man beamed. “Thank you so much for doing this. With Marcus being so busy with his family, and my body not as strong as it used to be…”

“I’m more than happy to help you and Mrs. Tremaine, sir,” Travis said, managing to bring a little warmth to his tone. “You’ve certainly helped me enough over the years. It’s only fair that I return the favor every now and then.”

Mr. Tremaine gave him an affectionate look and turned away.

“There will be some food ready for you when you’re done. My wife didn’t want you to leave without your belly being filled.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out…”

“Nonsense! She’s more than happy to do something. And you never could resist her baking, could you?”

Travis smiled, feeling his stomach growl. He hadn’t had any breakfast that morning, and he was famished. It would be nice to sit down and have a proper meal. He wielded the axe again, preparing to chop the wood up again. It was a little off-center this time, but the wood split easily, and Travis tossed the pieces onto the pile. He was more than happy to help Colin and Eleanor Tremaine, who’d taken him in after his parents died. That had been eighteen years ago, and Travis had never forgotten it. Otherwise, he would’ve been left with nothing.

Although it felt like he had nothing right now. Especially after what he’d just lost.

“You’re going to end up splitting the trunk as well if you’re not careful,” a jovial voice said.

Travis spun around, seeing a young man his age with bright red hair and a thick beard walking toward him. He slumped onto the trunk and tossed the axe to one side.

“You really shouldn’t sneak up on me like that,” he grumbled. “I’m really on edge at the moment.”

“I’ve noticed.” Marcus Tremaine reached him and stood over Travis, his arms folded. “Ma told me that you were here. I thought you’d be miles away from here by now with Clara.”

Travis scowled. The mention of that name made his stomach clench.

“That’s not going to happen. Not anymore.”

Marcus raised his eyebrows.

“What? Didn’t you get to talk to her?”

“I did, but she turned me down. Said it was for the best that she followed her father’s wishes.” Travis shook his head glumly. “After promising me everything, saying she loved me, and she didn’t care what her father said, she still turned her back on me.”

His friend gave him a sympathetic look before settling on the trunk beside him. They sat in silence for a while,

Travis grateful for that. Marcus was like a brother to him, having grown up together in the Tremaine house.

“We can’t always choose who we love,” Marcus said finally. “It’s horrible when it goes wrong, but we have to pick up and move on.”

Travis snorted and glared at the ground. “I could move on. Out of here. Get away from here and never come back.”

“You’re not serious about that, are you?”