Bargain Bessie — Zina Abbott

A confirmed spinster meets up with a headstrong, impatient rancher who is NOT pushing forty.

After years of caring for her parents, Bessie Carlson considers herself well past marriageable age. After she is left alone and destitute, she moves in with her aunt and uncle, the owners of the Jubilee Springs mercantile. To some of the single men in town who are looking for wives, she is more than eligible. She quickly gains the moniker of “Bargain Bessie” because she is already in town. They won't have to pay the bridal agency fee, travel money or railroad tickets to get her there.

Zeb Jacobson lives on a remote ranch in nearby Monarch Bend. He takes advantage of the relatively mild weather of the region to run his cattle on government land in the mountains. On a trip to Jubilee Springs for supplies he meets Bessie. He's interested, but confused by her claim she is not free to marry.

How can Zeb convince Bessie she isn't a bargain of last resort, but a priceless treasure?