Western Bride Read online

  Western Bride

  Copper Kings - Book 1

  Janelle Daniels

  Abby Winthrop knows what life-altering love is like—and how it can destroy you. Now, all her dreams hang on the new women arriving in Promise Creek, hoping they’ll become like sisters to her. But when Lucas McDermott, the man who abandoned her years before, turns out to be one of the notorious Copper Kings and is charged with settling the new women, Abby’s life is thrown into chaos.

  Lucas McDermott is a man of action. When he and his partners strike the richest copper mine in the world, he won’t let anything stop their success—especially not a woman from his past. But when he lays eyes on Abby again, plans change. She isn’t just a woman he once desired, but the only woman who has ever touched his heart.

  Determined to win her back, he proposes a friendship between them. But when Abby is attacked, his protective instincts rise. He loves her still, but can Abby forgive him for past mistakes…or will history repeat itself?

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  To my readers. Thank you for loving my stories!

  And to Dan, my true hero.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Titles by Janelle Daniels

  Chapter 1

  Once a person’s heart breaks, it never truly heals. But with time, like any other part of the body, it mends, gets stronger, and figures out how to go on.

  At age twenty-six, Abby Winthrop was familiar with that process. Her heart was whole, but it had been sewn together with large, uneven stitches that the most inept seamstress would cringe at.

  In fact, that was the whole reason she found herself standing on the platform in Promise Creek, waiting for the train she spied in the distance. Without a broken heart, she would’ve never traveled here a year ago.

  She shifted her heavy basket to the opposite hand. The food inside, prepared by her lovely cook and housekeeper, Sylvia, seemed to get heavier by the minute. But Abby didn’t mind.

  After several day’s travel, she was sure the ladies she waited for would be ravenous. She’d also packed enough for the Copper King who was meeting them here, but since he was one of the wealthiest people in the country, she was sure such offerings were beneath him.

  The name was fitting, she mused. A group of six men had claimed a copper mine not far from here, one larger than anyone had ever seen. That alone would make them kings, but they were also tycoons from the East. At least, that’s what everyone said. She didn’t know who the men were, but wondered if she’d known them in her past life as one of society’s darlings, an heiress worth millions. She was sure her brother, Rhys, would. With one of the largest hotel empires in the country, Rhys knew everyone.

  As the train moved closer, its steam rising in the air, nervous energy filled her. She’d arrived in Promise Creek a little over a year ago, alone, out of money, and with nowhere to go. If it hadn’t been for Ivan’s brides who’d taken over his estate after he died, Abby would’ve been living on the streets. Only one of them was still living in the house when she’d arrived, so they allowed Abby to stay in the sprawling home indefinitely. Besides Sylvia, she’d lived alone for the past year after Willow, the last remaining of Ivan’s brides, had married Rhys.

  But today, that would all change.

  She just wished she wasn’t so nervous. If the women didn’t like her, there was nothing she could do about it. But Ivan’s brides had shown her what true sisterhood was like, and she craved that for herself.

  So no matter who these women were, no matter where they came from, Abby was determined to welcome them with open arms. Everyone deserved a chance, and if these women were coming here, it was likely their last chance.

  The porter, an older gentleman, called out a greeting to her, and she acknowledged him with a smile and a small wave. Things were so different here compared to how she’d grown up in Manhattan, and she loved it. Every single second of it. Here, everyone knew her name, and she knew theirs. It was the charm of living in a small town.

  Manhattan had suited her as a young girl—its wealth, high society, glitter, and glamour—but things changed. People changed. When she’d left New York, Abigail—the demure, wealthy, responsible woman—had stayed. And here in Promise Creek, Abby was born. Here, she had the freedom to do as she pleased. She wouldn’t be forced to marry someone she didn’t love, and she didn’t answer to anyone—especially not society.

  These women would be no different. They were coming here for a new start, a change, and she was determined to help them every step of the way.

  The train pulled into the station, and a loud, drawn-out whistle announced its arrival. Her stomach flipped, and she placed a hand over it. Settle down. She didn’t want the women to think she was a ninny.

  She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly as people disembarked from the train.

  Maybe I should’ve brought Rhys. She cut off any other thoughts of her brother. She loved him and appreciated everything he’d done for her, how he protected her and looked after her, but she could do this on her own. He’d been there for her when Lucas had broken her heart and left her all those years ago. No matter how many times she’d told him she had enough money for the both of them, it hadn’t been enough. She hadn’t been enough. It was time to stand on her own two feet.

  She let out a frustrated huff. If she really needed to wallow in the past, she could do so in the privacy of her own room. Right now, she had a job to do. She schooled her face into a mask of serenity, one that was second nature after years of being forced to wear it. She didn’t don it often, out west, but in this case, it was necessary. She needed to act the part of the sophisticated lady. This Copper King was sure to expect it from her, and she wouldn’t do anything that would reflect poorly on Rhys or her widowed mother. One whiff that Abby had turned savage in the West, and her mother would be a laughingstock.

  With any luck, the man would be someone she’d never met, and she’d only need speak with him briefly before fixing all her attention on the women. And even if they were acquainted, what would it matter? The Copper Kings knew she was living in the house they had rented for the ladies they were bringing in to help settle the town, so it wouldn’t be a surprise.

  Large groups of single men, a few families, and men escorting their wives filtered out of the train cars. But after a moment, her eyes fell on a woman with fiery red hair tumbling over her shoulders in long, loose curls. The woman scanned the platform as if memorizing every inch of it, then nodded minutely in satisfaction. Abby would have missed it if she hadn’t been staring at the porcelain-fine features of her face.

  Abby waved, catching her attention, and the woman walked over. There was a light dusting of freckles over the bridge of her nose, which Abby found charming as the woman smiled warmly.

  “Are you one of the other ladies who’ve been brought here?” the woman asked.

  “No, but we’ll be staying together for the near future. I thought I would meet you here to greet you. I’m Abby Winthrop.”

  “Lily Reed.” She held out her hand, and Abby took the firm grip. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m glad I’m finally here.”

  Abby grinned. “I’m thrilled you are too. I’ve been living
alone in the house for a year. Well, me and Sylvia.”

  “Sylvia?”

  “She’s both the housekeeper and cook. She lives in a small cottage near the house.”

  Lily seemed taken aback, some of her no-nonsense facade evaporating. “We’ll have someone taking care of the house and cooking for us?”

  Abby smiled slowly. “Yes. Is that all right?”

  Lily nodded slowly. “Yes. I just…” She made a small sound of frustration. “Oh, bother. I’ve never had help. I’m so used to cleaning and cooking and laundry I’m not sure what I’ll do with myself.”

  “I’m sure you won’t be alone there. Several of the women who lived in the house before me were the same. It’ll be an adjustment, but I hope it’ll be a pleasant one.”

  Lily grinned. “Oh, I shall enjoy it immensely.”

  “Excellent.” Abby’s gaze was drawn to another woman who was already making her way toward them. Her blonde hair, all tightly spiraled curls, bounced with each step.

  When she made it to them, her cornflower-blue eyes sparkled with delight. “Since you’re the only two single women on the platform, I’m assuming this is where I should be.”

  Abby nodded. “Were you brought here for work?”

  “Yes! It’s so exciting.” she said teasingly. “I’m Charlotte Hayer.”

  “Abby Winthrop, and this is Lily Reed.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” Charlotte turned her attention back to the train. “I wonder how many others there are.”

  “There should be three more.”

  Charlotte gestured to the end of the platform, where a brunette and a woman with honey-blonde hair waited. “They’re probably with us.”

  Lily waved but got no response. “I don’t think they’ve seen us yet.”

  “Why don’t we go to them?” Abby offered.

  In silent agreement, the three set off. When they approached the two women, the blonde looked relieved. “Thank heavens! I ran into Emery on the train”—she notched her head toward the dark-haired woman—“but I wasn’t sure where to go from here.”

  Emery smiled ruefully. “I told you we would have found our way regardless. I’m sure I could’ve gotten directions in town.”

  The other woman rolled her eyes playfully. “At least now, we don’t have to hunt anyone down. I’m Grace Cooper, by the way.” She nodded to the group in greeting.

  Emery did the same. “Emery Kane.”

  Abby and the other two introduced themselves. “I guess that leaves just one more woman and the Copper King.”

  Emery raised a dark brow. “Copper King?”

  “The men who brought you here,” Abby explained. “They’re called the Copper Kings because their claim is a massive copper mine. And they’re supposedly tycoons from the East.”

  “Ah.” Emery didn’t seem too impressed by the information, which only made Abby like her more. Too many people were dazzled by wealth.

  A couple stepped off the train, but Abby knew the gorgeous-looking woman wasn’t one of them. She’d only taken a glance at the man’s expensive, tailored suit and his physique which filled it out perfectly, before looking over at the woman. Her light-brown hair was perfectly coiffed, and her tasteful attire appeared unwrinkled after the long trip. Abby had no idea how she’d managed such a thing. She herself had looked like a rumpled mess when she’d finally gotten to Promise Creek.

  Maybe she should ask the woman for traveling tips. The thought made her chuckle. Abby turned to say something to the others when a voice interrupted.

  “Looks like we’re all here,” a man said next to her. The hairs on Abby’s arms rose. “I hope you all had a pleasant journey.”

  The women around her straightened as the man spoke, giving him their full attention, but Abby couldn’t catch her breath enough to look up at his face. Her eyes focused on his polished, expensive shoes and the dark blue suit pants cut from luxurious material.

  “Miss Winthrop,” he said in greeting.

  Her gut clenched, and she closed her eyes, praying for strength. She knew that voice. Years ago it had whispered hotly in her ear, words of love and dreams of the future, and it had haunted her for the eight years since.

  Finally, she looked up and met his eyes. Brown, piercing, gorgeous eyes she’d looked into hundreds of times in the past. Eyes she thought she’d never see again. “Mr. McDermott.” She couldn’t choke out anything else.

  Lucas was here.

  A heady rush wove through her as he looked over her before giving his attention back to the other women—like seeing her again wasn't shattering. She thought she might faint or vomit or run screaming and crying, but fortunately, she did none of those things.

  She locked her knees, praying to keep herself upright as conversation flowed around her. She briefly heard Lucas introduce the pristine woman who accompanied him as Hannah Pierce. Apparently, they’d been seated in the more luxurious portion of the train together. Other than that, Abby couldn’t follow the flow of conversation, couldn’t understand what anyone was saying. It was like standing in the middle of a thousand beehives.

  “Miss Winthrop?” The question sounded far away. “Miss Winthrop?”

  The words jarred her back. “Sorry.” She looked around the group, having no idea who’d spoken. “Yes?”

  Lily looked worriedly between Abby and Lucas. “I asked where I should direct the porter with our trunks.”

  “Oh, um. I brought a wagon to transport your belongings and extra horses to ride back to the house. I also packed sandwiches if you’re hungry.” She lamely held the basket up in front of her. “Or we could eat at the hotel, if you’d like to rest before continuing on.”

  Before the topic could be debated, Lucas said, “We should continue to the house. There is still much to do, and we want to arrive before dark.”

  The others agreed with him, but Abby wondered if he knew Rhys owned the hotel and only wanted to avoid him while in the presence of the other women. He couldn’t avoid him altogether though. There weren’t many options for lodging.

  She closed her eyes, just barely stifling a groan. Her brother would be apoplectic seeing Lucas again.

  But closing her eyes had been a mistake. With Lucas so close, his scent wrapped around her, caressing her like it had so often in the past. The spiced, woodsy scent mingled with his skin, giving off an aroma which made her mouth water. She knew if she tucked her head into his neck, it would be even stronger. She shivered as memories abraded her.

  The women looked to her, and the smile she gave them only wavered once—a huge accomplishment, in her opinion. “Let me speak with the porter, and we’ll be on our way.”

  She wished she felt as confident as she sounded, but with Lucas here, there was little chance of that.

  Chapter 2

  Lucas glanced over from his horse, eyeing the way Abigail handled the reins of the wagon. She was poised, confident, and as beautiful as he remembered—maybe even more so. The young girl he’d imagined himself in love with years ago had matured into a woman men would die for.

  Seeing her on the platform had jolted him. He’d expected to ride out to the house with the women, give Abigail a polite greeting, and then be on his way. He was here for business, to secure the women in the house and fulfill his other responsibilities. He had no time for distractions, and he’d assured his partners nothing would keep him from doing what needed to be done. And he was surprised to realize Abigail was a distraction.

  Over the years, he’d convinced himself that what he’d felt for her had been a passing fancy. He’d been low and poor, and she’d been like a sweet in a candy shop. Anyone would want her. It had been best to leave her and make something of himself. And even though he knew he’d broken her heart, it had ultimately been for her good. Had he stayed, they would have both been ruined. Her father had been vicious, and if Lucas had run away with his daughter, he would have disinherited her without blinking. Lucas hadn’t been willing to put her in that situation.

  He'd b
een sure his feelings were in the past, but seeing her now tugged at something in his heart. I’m just curious about her. Even as he tried to convince himself of it, it didn’t entirely ring true.

  Abigail chatted with Charlotte, Grace, and occasionally Hannah, when the woman deigned to speak, but she’d offered no overtures to him. In fact, she acted as though he wasn’t there at all.

  If it wasn’t for her reaction when he’d first spoken, he would wonder if she remembered him at all. She was incredibly beautiful, wealthy, and he knew for a fact she was brilliant and would make a wonderful wife for any man. Why she was in Promise Creek at all was a mystery.

  Abigail pointed to the curve in the road. “Just around there, we’ll see the house.”

  The rest of the women perked up, curious about the place they’d call home for the near future. He was also intrigued. Abigail had lived in a palace in Manhattan. Nothing out here could possibly compare.

  He rode ahead of the wagon and stopped once the house came into view. It wasn’t grand by New York standards, but the sprawling two-story home was much larger than he’d anticipated. It seemed almost ridiculous a house this size had been built so far outside of town. Oh, he’d heard the stories about the man who’d built it. People called him Crazy Ivan, and Lucas agreed with the moniker. What kind of person build a house like this and ordered ten mail-order brides?

  One woman was more than enough. Especially the right one.

  He cursed as he instinctively glanced at Abigail. She wasn’t the right one, and she never had been. They’d been young, their love juvenile. And he was arrogant and cocky to think seeing Abigail wouldn’t affect him.