The Bride’s Choice by Ruth Ann Nordin

“Stop stuttering, Jack. Don’t be so clumsy. What’s wrong with you?” Over and over, Jack Warren heard such words his entire life from his father and others. When his brother comes across an ad looking for hired hands in Lincoln, Nebraska, Jack jumps at the chance to go. Finally, he’ll get to live his life in peace since he’ll be far removed from others. What he doesn’t count on is the owner’s attractive daughter who happens to be available.

When the new hired hands arrive at her pa’s farm, Maybell is immediately drawn to Jack. Though he wasn’t the most graceful of all men to work for her pa, there’s a certain charm and sweetness about him that appeals to her. Her pa, however, has other ideas. Certain someone as timid as Jack wouldn’t make a good husband, he rejects Jack’s suit. Instead, he plans for her to marry his brother, and he’ll do everything he can to make that happen.

*This was originally published in A Groom’s Promise anthology.