AllFreeNovel
Share Us
one
?. . .?
Colton
The sun beats down mercilesslyon my weathered skin as I survey the sprawling ranch before me. Acres of parched land stretch out as far as the eye can see, dotted with listless cattle that hang their heads in the oppressive heat. My father's legacy, now a heavy burden on my shoulders alone.
I wipe the sweat from my brow with a calloused hand, the rough fabric of my worn Stetson offering little respite from the searing rays. The ranch house looms behind me, once a haven filled with laughter and life, now a hollow reminder of all that I've lost. Ma's faded curtains still hang in the windows, threads of happier memories that unravel a little more each day.
Everywhere I turn, there are signs of disrepair—broken fences, rusted machinery, a barn roof that sags under the weight of neglect. The land thirsts for attention I can scarcely afford to give. Each morning, I rise with the sun and work until my muscles scream in protest, but it's never enough. The debts pile higher, and the silence grows thicker.
As I lead my horse back to the stable, my mind drifts to thoughts of companionship, of someone to share the load. But what woman would want a life of endless toil and lonely nights? I shake my head, dismissing the notion as foolish. And yet, a small, stubborn seed of hope takes root in my heart, whispering of a different path.
Later, as I sit at the kitchen table, bathed in the dim light of a kerosene lamp, I stare at the mail-order bride advertisement, the paper worn soft from my touch. The words blur before my tired eyes, but the promise is clear—a chance for something more. My hand trembles slightly as I reach for a pen, a man drowning grasping for a lifeline.
"To hell with it," I mutter, my voice rough with disuse. I begin to write, pouring my hopes and dreams onto the page, each word a desperate prayer cast into the void.
Sam
The cramped apartment feels like it's closing in on me, the air thick with the weight of broken dreams. I sit on the edge of the bed, my green eyes fixed on the faded photograph in my hands. Dad's smiling face looks back at me, forever frozen in a moment of happiness we'll never share again.
Grief constricts my throat as I trace the lines of his face, remembering the warmth of his hugs, the rumble of his laughter. He was my rock, my guiding light in a world that often felt too dark. Now, I'm adrift, lost in a sea of uncertainty.
The eviction notice on the kitchen table taunts me, a harsh reminder of the cruel realities I face. With no job and no familyto turn to, my options have dwindled to a desperate few. I take a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the glossy brochure that promises a new beginning.
Mail-Order Brides: Find Your Perfect Match!the headline proclaims in bold, enticing letters. Beneath it, pictures of smiling couples and sprawling ranches paint a picture of a life I can scarcely imagine. A life of purpose, of belonging, of love.
I hesitate, my heart torn between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. Can I really leave everything I've ever known behind? Can I trust a stranger to be my anchor in the storm?
As if in answer, a ray of sunlight breaks through the clouded window, illuminating the brochure in a soft, golden glow. It feels like a sign, a whisper of hope in the darkness.
With trembling hands, I reach for my phone, my decision made. As the ringback tone echoes in my ear, I close my eyes and picture a different future, one where I'm no longer alone. When a warm, friendly voice answers, I take a deep breath and speak the words that will change my life forever.
"Hello, I'm calling about the mail-order bride service. My name is Samantha Davis, and I'm ready for a new start."
The voice on the other end of the line is warm and inviting, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. "Welcome, Samantha. We're here to help you find your perfect match. Can you tell me a little about yourself and what you're looking for in a partner?"
I pause, the question catching me off guard. What am I looking for? Stability, companionship, a chance at a better life? The words feel inadequate, but I forge ahead. "I'm looking for someone kind and hardworking, someone who values family and wants to build a life together. I'm not afraid of hard work, and I'm ready for a fresh start."
There's a gentle hum of understanding from the other end. "I think we may have just the match for you. His name is ColtonWestbrook, and he owns a ranch in Montana. He's a bit older, but he's a good man looking for a partner to share his life with. Would you like me to send you his profile?"
My heart skips a beat at the mention of Montana, a world away from the suffocating familiarity of my hometown. "Yes, please," I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
Moments later, my phone chimes with an incoming message. I open it with shaking hands, and Colton's rugged face fills the screen. His piercing blue eyes seem to stare straight into my soul, and I feel a flutter of something I can't quite name.
As I read through his profile, I'm struck by the honesty in his words. He doesn't try to paint himself as perfect, but rather as a man who's faced his share of struggles and is looking for someone to weather the storms with him.
Before I can second-guess myself, I find my fingers flying across the screen, crafting a message to this man who feels like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty.
"Hello, Colton. I'm Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam. I saw your profile and felt a connection. I know we're strangers, but I'm willing to take a chance if you are. Life has dealt us both some hard blows, but maybe together, we can find a way to heal."
I hit send before I lose my nerve, my heart pounding in my chest. As I wait for his response, I can't help but wonder if I've officially gone nuts.
But, honestly? What do I have to lose?
two
?. . .?
