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Want-Ad Wife
Mail-order bride Josephine Dooley’s trip West was supposed to end in marriage to her intended groom—not with the discovery that he hadn’t actually placed the bridal ad! Now her only choice is to convince Pony Express rider Thomas Young to wed her anyway to save her from her scheming uncle.
A bride shouldn’t be a surprise package, and when Thomas finds out about his meddling brother’s ruse, he plans to send his would-be wife packing. However, when he realizes Josephine desperately needs his help and a marriage of convenience is the only way he can protect her, he vows to become the husband she needs. But he quickly learns that it will be hard to keep his new bride at arm’s length...because Josephine is his perfect match.
“Look, I’m not sure what you are expecting from this marriage.”
Thomas took his hat off his head and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “But it isn’t going to be a real marriage.”
“We said vows, Thomas. Vows that I have been raised to keep.” Now that they were alone, was this his way of saying he’d changed his mind? How could he do such a thing?
His gaze met and held hers. “I agree, but this isn’t a real marriage, Josephine. The only reason I agreed to it was because I wanted you to be safe from your uncle and his evil plans. I have no intention of falling in love.”
All Josephine could think to say was “All right.” Inside she told herself she was happy that he harbored no desire to fall in love and live happily ever after.
Tension eased from her body. If he felt that way, then he couldn’t expect her to love him, either. How could anyone love another when they weren’t even sure they could trust them?
Still, a twinge of worry etched its way through her mind. “Does this mean you want to get out of the marriage?” She didn’t want to not be married to him; she needed the protection of his name.
“No, we’re married and you have the protection of the Young name, but that is all.”
When I was researching the Pony Express, I came across a letter from a little girl who asked if there were any girl Pony Express riders. The gentleman who answered her letter said, “not that history recorded but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t one.” That got me to thinking, and Josephine’s story was born. I enjoyed telling Thomas and Josephine’s love story.
Thank you so much for reading Pony Express Christmas Bride. I hope you are enjoying reading this miniseries as much as I am writing it.
Warmly,
Rhonda Gibson
RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
Pony Express Christmas Bride
Rhonda Gibson
MILLS & BOON
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To everything there is a season.
A time for every purpose under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
A special thank-you to my family.
I love you all very much.
James Gibson, your support means the world to me.
Father God, thank You for the stories You place on my heart and for being with me when I write.
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