Millie (Pendleton Petticoats Book 7) Read online

  “It will be fun, Grandmama.” Dally gave her grandmother another impetuous hug then stepped back and snatched the cap off Jeff’s head, ruffling his dark hair before setting it back in place. The boy grimaced but didn’t pull away. He gave Dally a quick hug then just as swiftly stuffed his hands into his pockets. Dally bit back a smile, knowing her little brother, pesky as he could be, would miss her and Hunter.

  “Are you sure you two want to stay at the B Bar D until after the fair?” Braxton asked, settling a hand on Hunter’s shoulder.

  “We’re sure, Dad.” Hunter glanced at Dally for confirmation.

  Quickly, she nodded her head. “Absolutely. Hunter and I promise to keep each other out of trouble. We’ll be on the train heading home no later than the fourth of October.”

  “Why can’t I stay, too?” Jeff groused, glancing between his parents.

  “Because you’re too young and you spend far too much time antagonizing your brother and sister,” Dacey said. She tweaked Jeff’s nose then gave him a push toward the train.

  “All aboard,” the conductor called. “Last call!”

  “Come on, honey. We really do need to board.” Braxton placed a hand on Dacey’s back and gave her a gentle nudge forward. “Hunter and Dally will behave. Won’t you?”

  “We promise.” Dally crossed her fingers over her heart as she elbowed her brother.

  Hunter grunted then bobbed his head up and down in agreement. “We will, Dad. I’ll do my best to keep Dally on the straight and narrow.”

  Dally glared at him while Braxton chuckled.

  Dacey gave Hunter and Dally each one more hug then took Braxton’s hand while Jeff helped Beatrice up the steps to the train car. “Be good to each other and stay out of trouble. You know Rowdy and Cornelia will send us a telegram if you two step into something you shouldn’t.”

  “Good gravy, Mama. I’m nineteen, not nine.” Dally rolled her eyes then gave her mother one last hug. “Besides, between Corni and Rowdy, how could we possible get into trouble?”

  Dacey lifted her eyebrows and Braxton grinned. “Your mother certainly could have at your age, which is why we worry about you two. Dally, you are just like her.”

  “And glad I am for that fact.” Dally winked at her father then grabbed Hunter’s arm, pulling him away from the train. “Have a safe trip home. I promise one of us will write every week.”

  Hunter sighed and tipped his head toward his sister. “That means I’ll be writing the letters. Send us a telegram when you get home so we know you made it. And don’t let Jeff destroy anything of mine while we’re gone.”

  “Would your brother do that?” Dacey grinned then shook a finger at her daughter. “For mercy sakes, be nice to Nik Nash, Dally. You might become friends if you’d give it a half-hearted effort.” The woman blew them a kiss as she stepped onto the train

  “Bye, kids. We love you,” Braxton said, lifting his hand in a wave before following Dacey onto the train.

  Dally took Hunter’s hand in hers. They watched as their parents settled into a seat and waved out the window.

  For the next month, freedom belonged to the two of them.

  The train chugged away from the station and Dally offered her family a final parting wave. Once they disappeared from view, she spun on her heel and marched back to their wagon. “Come on, Hunter. We’ve got oodles to do before the end of the month. Let’s get to it!”

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  Pendleton Petticoats Series

  Set in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon, at the turn of the 20th century, each book in this series bears the name of the heroine, all brave yet very different.

  Dacey (Prelude) — A conniving mother, a reluctant groom and a desperate bride make for a lively adventure full of sweet romance in this prelude to the beginning of the series.

  Aundy (Book 1) — Aundy Thorsen, a stubborn mail-order bride, finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.

  Caterina (Book 2) — Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina Campanelli starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred in her by the town's incredibly handsome deputy sheriff.

  Ilsa (Book 3) — Desperate to escape her wicked aunt and an unthinkable future, Ilsa Thorsen finds herself on her sister's ranch in Pendleton. Not only are the dust and smells more than she can bear, but Tony Campanelli seems bent on making her his special project.

  Marnie (Book 4) — Beyond all hope for a happy future, Marnie Jones struggles to deal with her roiling emotions when U.S. Marshal Lars Thorsen rides into town, tearing down the walls she’s erected around her heart.

  Lacy (Book 5) — Bound by tradition and responsibilities, Lacy has to choose between the ties that bind her to the past and the unexpected love that will carry her into the future.

  Bertie (Book 6) — Haunted by the trauma of her past, Bertie Hawkins must open her heart to love if she has any hope for the future.

  Millie (Book 7) — Determined to bring prohibition to town, the last thing Millie Matlock expects is to fall for the charming owner of the Second Chance Saloon.

  Dally (Book 8) — Eager to return home and begin his career, Doctor Nik Nash is caught by surprise when the spirited Dally Douglas captures his heart.

  Quinn (Book 9) — Coming in 2018!

  Tad’s Treasure (Prequel) — Tad Palmer makes a promise to his dying friend to watch over the man’s wife and child. Will his heart withstand the vow when he falls in love with the widow and her son?

  Crumpets and Cowpies (Book 1) — Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined.

  Thimbles and Thistles (Book 2) — Maggie Dalton doesn't need a man, especially not one as handsome as charming as Ian MacGregor.

  Corsets and Cuffs (Book 3) — Sheriff Tully Barrett meets his match when a pampered woman comes to town, catching his eye and capturing his heart.

  Bobbins and Boots (Book 4) — Carefree cowboy Ben Amick ventures into town to purchase supplies… and returns home married to another man’s mail-order bride.

  Lightning and Lawmen (Book 5) - Coming in 2018!

  Can forbidden love blossom amid the constraints of war?

  “Strong characters, historical authenticity, and unique twists of fate blend with details of a wounded soldier's love.”

  Jane Kirkpatrick

  Award-winning author of This Road We Traveled

  Garden of Her Heart (Hearts of the War, Book 1) — The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive.

  After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life.

  A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places even under the most challenging circumstances.

  Grass Valley Cowboys Series

  Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon. Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this sweet contemporary western romance series.

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan (Book 1) — Cadence Greer’s plans for a happy-ever-after are quickly derailed when her fiancé runs off with his secretary a w
eek before their wedding. Homeless, jobless, and jilted, she escapes to Grass Valley, Oregon, where she takes a job as a housekeeper and cook to seven cowboys on a sprawling ranch.

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance (Book 2) — Trent Thompson has carried a torch for the new schoolteacher since she moved to Grass Valley more than three years ago. Instead of asking her out, he’s dated every single female in a thirty-mile radius, giving her the impression he’s not interested in her at all.

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love (Book 3) — Always the wild-child, Travis Thompson doesn’t disappoint as he rolls from one adventure to another in his quest to keep his adrenaline pumping. He needs a release for the tension constantly building inside him, especially after he discovers the girl he’s loved his entire life just moved back to Grass Valley.

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall (Book 4) — Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of schoolgirls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intriguing woman.

  The Cowboy’s New Heart (Book 5) — Years after her husband died unexpectedly, Denni Thompson can’t bear to think of giving her heart to anyone else. With three newly married sons, a grandchild on the way, and a busy life, Denni doesn’t give a thought to romance until she meets the handsome new owner of Grass Valley’s gas station.

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Book 6) — With his siblings and friends all entangled in the state of matrimony, Ben Morgan is more determined than ever to remain blissfully single. Despite his vehement refusal to commit to a relationship, he can’t help but envision a future with the sweet, charming woman who unknowingly captures his heart.

  The Women of Tenacity Series

  Tenacious, spunky women give the wild, rugged men who love them a run for their money in this contemporary western romance series.

  Heart of Clay (Book 1) — Easy-going cowboy Clay Matthews is a respected college professor. He's the man family and friends turn to for help, or when they need a good laugh, since he's a huge tease and practical joker. Life would be almost perfect, except for the strained relationship with his once beloved wife... (Available FREE for electronic downloads.)

  Country Boy vs. City Girl (Book 2) — A confirmed city girl finds herself falling for a wanna-be country boy. Sparks fly as a battle of stubborn will ensues.

  Not His Type (Book 3) — After spending her entire twenty-four years hiding in the background and perfecting her status of wallflower, Anna Zimmerman arrives at the astounding conclusion it’s time for a change. Tired of living life in the shadows, she steps into the light, unprepared to handle the attention of the charming, handsome cowboy who works across the street.

  Books by Shanna Hatfield

  FICTION

  HISTORICAL

  Baker City Brides

  Tad’s Treasure

  Crumpets and Cowpies

  Thimbles and Thistles

  Corsets and Cuffs

  Bobbins and Boots

  Pendleton Petticoats

  Dacey

  Aundy

  Caterina

  Ilsa

  Marnie

  Lacy

  Bertie

  Millie

  Dally

  Hearts of the War

  Garden of Her Heart

  Hardman Holidays

  The Christmas Bargain

  The Christmas Token

  The Christmas Calamity

  The Christmas Vow

  The Christmas Quandary

  CONTEMPORARY

  Learnin’ The Ropes

  Love at the 20-Yard Line

  QR Code Killer

  Taste of Tara

  Grass Valley Cowboys

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall

  The Cowboy’s New Heart

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye

  Holiday Brides

  Valentine Bride

  Rodeo Romance

  The Christmas Cowboy

  Wrestlin’ Christmas

  Capturing Christmas

  Barreling Through Christmas

  Silverton Sweethearts

  The Coffee Girl

  The Christmas Crusade

  Untangling Christmas

  The Women of Tenacity

  A Prelude (Short Story)

  Heart of Clay

  Country Boy vs. City Girl

  Not His Type

  NONFICTION

  Farm Girl

  Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller

  Recipes of Love

  Savvy Entertaining

  Savvy Autumn Entertaining

  Savvy Holiday Entertaining

  Savvy Spring Entertaining

  Savvy Summer Entertaining

  About the Author

  Hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Sharing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Pacific Northwest.

  Shanna loves to hear from readers. Connect with her online:

  Blog: shannahatfield.com

  Facebook: Shanna Hatfield’s Page

  Shanna Hatfield’s Hopeless Romantics Group

  Pinterest: Shanna Hatfield

  Email: [email protected]

  If you’d like to know more about the characters in any of her books,

  visit the Book Characters page on her website

  or check out her Book Boards on Pinterest.