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Finding Grace on His Ranch

“I’m not sure I deserve a second chance,” Reid said, his voice low.

“None of us deserve it,” Annalise replied. “That’s why it’s called grace.”

Escaping the brothel where she was born, Annalise risks everything for her little brother, answering an ad to become a mail-order bride. Arriving at Reid’s secluded Illinois ranch, she’s met by a man whose piercing eyes hide a cynical rancher unprepared for the responsibilities of a family…

Reid built his life around solitude, far from the lies and betrayal that once shattered him. Their unlikely marriage was supposed to be a practical arrangement—”a fresh start for you, a housekeeper for me.” But Annalise’s unshakable faith soon begins to chip away at the walls he’s built. She offers the one thing he’s forgotten how to believe in—hope.

But their fragile connection is threatened when a rival—both in business and in love—arrives, determined to tear apart their found family.

I have shown you all things,

how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak,

and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said,

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35

Written by:

Christian Historical Romance Author

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Prologue

Springfield, Illinois, April 1890 …

 

Ms. Annalise Owens stood hunched over a sink full of dishes as she scrubbed hard at a dirty cooking pot with the rough wash rag. She used her soaked forearm to push some of her dark hair out of her face and continued to scrub as she ignored a few drops of liquid that joined the soapy water. Although Annalise was working hard at her job, it wasn’t her sweat that had fallen into the water, but her tears. Even the obnoxious sounds coming from the occupied section of the brothel couldn’t distract Annalise from her thoughts. Her heart ached with a feeling of great sorrow as she thought of her mother who had passed away just three months prior. Oh, how Annalise wished that God’s plan had not included that illness that took her mother far too soon, leaving her all alone to care for her five-year-old brother, Jamie.

The door to the kitchen slammed open and Annalise jumped in surprise, splashing water onto the front of her dress. In marched Madam Levoy. The older brothel manager always had her face painted and her grey hair pinned up in place. She wore intricate dresses that revealed more than Annalise was comfortable seeing, and today was no different. However, Madam’s face was pinched much more than usual and her cheeks were flushed red. Behind her, she dragged along Jamie, his green eyes wide with shock and his lips pressed to avoid crying out as Madam’s fingernails dug into his arm.”

Just behind Jamie and Madam was Annalise’s best friend Lucy, her light brown hair wavy hair falling out of its braid to border around her worried eyes and apologetic smile. She had some of her green dress pulled up and wound up in her hands to allow her to run after Madame. “I’m so sorry Annalise,” Lucy said, out of breath and with a tremble of fear.

Madam’s dark eyes drilled holes into Annalise, her mouth pinched until she spoke. “What is Lucy doing, watching over your charge? You’re keeping her away from paying customers.” Madam pulled Jamie around and released him towards Annalise. Annalise quickly pulled her small, thin brother into her arms and wrapped around him protectively.

Annalise’s voice shook but her gaze met the Madam’s. “All of the customers were already attended to when I asked Lucy to play with him outside. Young boys need room to run around so I thought-”

“You thought?” Madam replied with a snort through her nose. “I don’t pay you to think. You’re here to work and do as I say.” Her glaring gaze lowered from Annalise down to Jamie. “There will be no more playing from you. I will not have anyone living off my business for free.”

“He’s only five,” Annalise squeaked out, feeling as if her words were getting caught in her throat.

Madam continued, her haughty voice piercing out as her gaze returned to Annalise, “It’s bad enough that you don’t pull your weight here, but stopping Lucy from fulfilling her duties as well is unacceptable.”

As she spoke, the Madam’s voice grew louder until Annalise was sure that all the customers could hear her. Her shoulders turned inward and her line of sight fell to the floor even as she clutched her brother tightly. Although a righteous fire burned in her chest at the way she and Jamie were treated, she could not find any more words to speak.

The cruel brothel manager continued, only slightly appeased by Annalise’s lack of response. “It’s about time that you earn your keep. Washing dishes will no longer be enough. If you want to stay, start taking clients.” She turned on her heel and left just as quickly as she had entered. As Madam’s words fell upon her ears, Annalise felt all air leave her lungs. She looked up at Lucy and clung to the sight of her friend like a candlelight in the darkness. Her knees felt wobbly under her and she was sure that if it wasn’t for Jamie’s grasp, she would have already fallen down. She could never give up her body to a man that she wasn’t married to. The Madam couldn’t make her…could she? Everyone stood in stunned silence while Annalise’s tears only rained down harder at the impossible choice that stood before her.

That night, after a long evening of soothing Jamie to sleep, Lucy and Annalise sat together as the candlelight flickered and cast shadows along the walls and Jamie’s sleeping form. Lucy held her friend’s hand as she tried to comfort her. “Please trust that God has a plan for you,” she whispered.

Annalise stifled another sob with two hands across her mouth. Her shoulders shook with the effort to contain her emotions and she felt her chest tighten. When air returned to her lungs, she responded, her voice barely audible, “Why would He put me in this position then? I don’t want to sleep with anyone unless I’m married to them. There’s nowhere else for us to go, I can’t let Jamie live on the streets.” She could hardly keep her sobs muffled and she crouched down, nearly rolling up into a ball with her knees pulled up against her chest.

Lucy patted her back. “There are other options.” She pulled out an advertisement that she had cut from the daily newspaper and held it out, waiting patiently. Annalise slowly unwrapped herself, wiped away a few tears, and took the paper, bringing it closer to the candlelight. She quickly read the top line: ‘Mail Order Bride Wanted’.

Their gazes met and Annalise struggled to find words. “I can’t marry some random man.”

Lucy wrapped her friend in a hug, “But I want you to be happy. This is the way out.” Annalise shook her head as she desperately tried to think of some other option. She had always wanted to meet someone, court, and fall in love. Someone she could create a family with. Someone she choose. Her stomach churned slightly at the idea of marrying the first man whose advertisement she found. “Don’t make a decision tonight,” Lucy said gently. “Get some rest.” She patted her friend’s hand and then left the room, heading to her own.

Once Lucy was gone, Annalise read through the article and thought through her options. Despite her friend’s words ringing in her mind, she put the advertisement down, knowing that first thing in the morning, she would have to find a different solution. This was not the answer. Unable to get comfortable in her bed, she fell into a fitful rest, tossing and turning for a while before she relaxed into a deep sleep.

In her dream, Annalise wandered around a dark space as she desperately looked for something. Suddenly a bright white light flashed before her and there was a massive presence, as if the sun itself had stepped into the room with her. Annalise fell to her knees at the sight and feeling of the creature. She was sure that it could only be one thing: a magnificent angel. In a musical voice the angel spoke to her, “It is time to go. There is more waiting for you out in the world. Follow the road ahead.”

Annalise woke with a start, the angel’s words echoing through her mind. Without meaning to, she looked over to where she had set the advertisement down and felt a fire ignite in her chest. This was the only option to follow. She quickly relit her candle and pulled out some paper and ink at her small desk. She skimmed through the advertisement once more, noting that the country cattle rancher only wanted a wife to help him run and take of his property and workers. With a quick nod to herself, she got to work writing a reply. Her hands shook with nerves, but the words she penned were determined. This had to be God’s plan for her.

Chapter One

Williamsville, Illinois, April 1890 …

 

Reid Shaw stood with his hands on his hips, watching a wagon a few miles in the distance as it drove past his acres of cattle and land and towards where he stood at his main ranch house. Even from here with just a little squint of his eyes, Reid could see that it was his younger sister Polly by the look of the wagon and the way she drove.

He shook his head, the smallest of smiles resting on the corner of his mouth. He tilted his head down, allowing the worn cowboy hat to shield his release of emotion from the world. He wiped his hands on his jeans and then turned around and headed toward the barns to let his workers know that he would be unavailable until Polly was done visiting.

By the time Polly pulled her horse and wagon up to the main barn, Reid was out and waiting and he quickly took over after a small wave. She looked just the same as ever with her brown hair pulled up and pinned behind her head, the same golden eyes as him, and a kind, knowing smile. She had always had a very motherly aura, even before having kids. Reid had always assumed it was because their parents had died when she was so young and she had to fill that void.

He unhitched her horse and put it in a stall to eat food and drink water. As soon as he was back out of the stable, Polly wrapped him in a warm hug. “It’s been a bit since I’ve seen you,” he teased her.

Polly let out a louder than necessary sigh “George was able to take some time off to watch the children so I could get over here. I can’t believe it’s already been a month since I made the trip.”

“You must have left early,” Reid replied with a glance up at the sun. “It’s not even noon yet.”

“That’s right,” Polly nodded. She looked thoughtful for a moment. “I’ve found it’s much easier to slip out of the house before everyone’s really up and moving. Otherwise I get caught up with the children and then before I know it, the day has already passed me by.”

“How are Catherine and Fredrick doing?” Reid asked as he thought fondly of his niece and nephew.

“Catherine is keeping us on our toes. She can pretty much walk anywhere now. She’s really started to pick on Fredrick and won’t give him any space or time alone with his books or toys.” Polly chuckled, then shook her head. “Enough about me; how are things going on here? The ranch looks great from what I saw driving up.” She looked around her childhood home, her face warm and relaxed. The siblings started walking towards the far pen where the largest pasture was visible.

“It’s going well. Nearly all our calves made it through spring. We also just bought a few new bulls so they’re getting acclimated with the herd over here.” He pointed out a specific section of field that was fenced in by long wooden boards. “You want to take a ride and I can show you the new improvements on the east side of the property?” Polly nodded, already itching to get back in the saddle after her long drive, and they walked towards the horse pasture to get some geldings saddled up.

When they reached the fence line after they had fetched the halters, one of the newer ranch hands, Jeffery, noticed them and stopped his work, putting down the boards he was going to replace. “Miss, would you like a hand with that?” he offered kindly. The boy hadn’t been working there long enough to remember Polly on sight, but he was very polite and waited patiently for a reply as he tucked his hands behind his back and made eye contact with them. His green eyes contrasted his very freckled face and red tinged hair.

Reid and Polly had a quick moment of eye contact before she turned and handed the halter to Jeffery. “I would appreciate that, thank you,” she said, smiling warmly at him. Jeffery quickly hopped the fence and hurried to catch her a horse without a moment to lose.

“Don’t want to catch your own horse?” Reid asked with a small smirk on his lips.

She gestured back towards where her horse was stabled. “I already did that today. Besides, the kind gentleman offered.” Reid let out a chuckle and then climbed over the fence.

“Catch Sundance for her,” he called out to Jeffery before going to collect his own horse, Lycan. He found his blue roan towards the back of the field as it grazed on a nice patch of green grass shielded from the sun by some large oak trees. The large horse had a dark gray, almost black, mane and tail. Its coat was a light gray color that nearly looked blue with slightly darker gray spots along its back and sides. Reid let out a familiar whistle and Lycan nickered a greeting in return. After a few more bites of grass, Lycan stood patiently as Reid slipped the halter over his head. Reid provided his horse with a few neck pats and some scratches on the top part of his face and then Lycan followed Reid back over to the top of the pasture. They exited the field and once Reid had the gate secured behind them, they headed to the tack shed.

Reid tied his horse and then quickly got his bridle, saddle blanket, and saddle on and cinched up. He mounted and comfortably rode Lycan out to where Polly was waiting on the brown gelding Sundance. She was giving her mount a few pats on the back and ruffles to his mane. Seeing Reid, she smiled mischievously, “What took you so long? Sundance and I were ready to get started without you.”

“Sundance never leaves the front half of the pasture. Lycan loves the back,” he said defensively before he patted his horse affectionately. Before Polly could reply, Reid urged his horse forward and they took off, shooting down the dirt road towards the far pastures. Reid glanced back and could see that after a moment of surprise, Polly urged her horse along, running fast to catch up with them. They raced to the far end of the property, just as they used to do as kids, before they slowed down to give their horses a rest and give themselves a chance to talk.

“You got a major head start back there,” Polly said, her voice carrying some feigned hurt.

Reid smiled slightly and immediately changed the subject. “The last time you were here, we’d started replacing all these fences. Since then, we finished that project. While we were digging, we noticed a few spots of spring water. So, we started a few wells and have been using them to provide more water on this side of the property for the cattle.”

“I thought you and Father had searched on this side of the property and were never able to find any water other than Rush Creek a few miles away,” Polly said, raising an eyebrow in thought.

Reid’s face crumpled slightly. A storm cloud seated itself on his mind at the mention of their father. “Well, we never found any. But there’s water here now.” He nudged his heels into the side of his horse and started walking back towards the main part of the property. Polly quickly followed him and allowed the topic to change.

“Have you gotten the grain storage container fixed up? You’re going to need that come this fall,” she said in a knowing voice.

Reid let out a sigh. “We replaced all the rusty sections, but honestly it would do a lot better if we just rebuilt the whole thing. It’s been here forever, and seems to do more harm than good these days.”

“Do you have money in the budget to make that happen?”

“Well…” Reid rubbed the back of his neck. “Sure… if I hadn’t just bought that new herd of cattle and the new plow. We won’t be making that money back until the end of fall when we sell off some of the livestock. And by then, I just don’t know if we’ll have the time to put a new structure in place before frost starts setting in.” Polly shook her head in agreement, knowing that making decisions for a ranch was always going to be tough.

They continued their tour, making their way around the ranch as Reid showed Polly all the other things that had changed since her last visit. She turned to him as they were heading back. “I’m really proud of you; the ranch looks even more successful than the last time I visited. And it always seems to be the talk of the town.” He glanced away at the unexpected compliment but nodded his head in thanks. They soon headed back to the tack shed to rub down their mounts and release them back into the pasture. Just before Reid let Lycan go, he gave him and Sundance a sugar cube through the fence, and then he and Polly made their way over to the house.

Reid’s house was simple and clean, furnished the same as it had been before his sister had moved out after marrying George. Truthfully, Reid spent so much time outside the house that the building’s only purpose to him was a place to sometimes sleep and sometimes eat. During the summer he spent so much time sleeping outside and cooking on fires that his house wasn’t used that much. In the kitchen, he scrambled to make food and settled on some bread and cheese with some peach preserves that had been canned since the previous summer. He got everything plated and brought it over to the table where Polly was waiting. His sister glanced at the simple meal and shook her head a little. “So, when are you planning on getting a wife?”

He stopped his bread just a few inches from his mouth as his sister asked the dreaded question. He placed his food back down with a sigh and a wish that the conversation was already over. “I like my independence,” he replied simply. His lone wolf status was something that he had always prided himself on. Polly remained silent for a moment, and Reid quickly took a few bites, digging into the food. He was almost giddy at the thought that Polly might have let the subject drop.

To his disappointment, however, she started again in a soft voice that held a lot of sympathy. “You can’t let the bad things in your past harm your chances of a great future.” Reid remained quiet and continued to eat, actively ignoring her statement.

Polly took a few bites of her food. “Surely there are some local women you might be interested in? From what I’ve seen in church, there are quite a few single ladies in town looking for an eligible bachelor.” Reid’s ears rang, but she continued to talk. “I know that it’s hard to meet people when you’re always out here on the ranch, but I’m sure I could set up some correspondence with a few of the ladies for you. That way you could at least talk to them and try to see if you would be interested in any of them. There’s this one lovely lady named Victoria who-”

“I submitted an ad in the paper,” Reid interrupted quickly to stop his sister from carrying on. She paused and glanced at him in surprise.

She seemed not to believe him as she asked carefully, “An ad?”

“For a mail-order bride,” he explained in a slightly embarrassed tone.

“You submitted an ad,” Polly repeated, her voice raising an octave as she hopped up to her feet in giddy energy. He looked down at his plate and continued eating, almost wishing that he hadn’t interrupted her. “Have you had any responses? When did the paper run? Oh my goddess, this is so exciting!”

“Well, I actually accepted someone already,” he continued slowly.

Polly jumped back into her chair and leaned hard against the table toward him. “You accepted someone? Tell me everything.” Reid thought her voice sounded similar to a tweeting bird since she had been caught up in the excitement.

“Her name is Annalise,” he offered. “We exchanged letters a few times and she’s from Springfield. She accepted my offer and I sent the fare for her travels. She’ll be arriving at the train station on Friday.”

“Friday?” Polly chirped out and hopped up from her chair once more. “Why that’s just later this week.” She fell back down into her chair, her mouth open slightly in shock.

Reid shrugged his shoulders and began to defend his decision to his surprised sister. “I need more help. Just like I hire a ranch hand to help with the cattle, I need a… wife to help me with making the food and taking care of the house. Everything is just becoming a lot to handle on my own so, I finally took your advice.”

Polly took his hand into her own and smiled at him as if her heart was going to burst open with happiness. “I very much look forward to meeting her. Friday will be here before we know it.” While Polly’s voice was filled with joy, a sense of unease filled Reid’s chest at the thought of Annalise’s arrival in just a few days. His whole life was going to be different, but he wasn’t sure yet if it would truly be for the better.

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