Darcie Desires a Drover — Linda K. Hubalek

Darcie Robbins fled St. Louis to protect her two children from their abusive father. Now divorced, she's temporarily working on the Bar E Ranch in central Kansas. She needs a permanent job -- or a trustworthy husband -- to help provide for her family.

Reuben Shepard went home to his family in New York after the Civil War, to find his wife had declared him dead -- so she could wed another. In shock, Reuben didn't contest her claim and wandered south, spending years as a cattle drover on western trails until settling down to work on the Bar E Ranch.

Spending time with Darcie's toddler, Tate, makes Reuben miss his own son, Gabe. Reuben travels to New York, hoping to visit his son, and ends up bringing Gabe back to the Kansas because the boy's step-father had just died.

When Reuben proposes marriage to Darcie for their children's sake, the couple falls in love as they learn to trust and support each other while planning for their future. But their wedding is stalled when Reuben's former wife arrives, stating she and Reuben are still married.

What's the truth and what's best for the children is their concern now instead of a wedding date. How can they clear the past so they can have a future together?

Read all these sweet historical romance novels set in the fictional Clear Creek, Kansas.

Brides with Grit Series (first series, 1873-1874)
1. Rania Ropes a Rancher (Rania and Jacob)
2. Millie Marries a Marshal (Millie and Adam)
3. Hilda Hogties a Horseman (Hilda and Noah)
4. Cora Captures a Cowboy (Cora and Dagmar)
5. Sarah Snares a Soldier (Sarah and Marcus)
6. Cate Corrals a Cattleman (Cate and Isaac)
7. Darcie Desires a Drover (Darcie and Reuben)
8. Tina Tracks a Trail Boss (Tina and Leif)
9. Lorna Loves a Lawyer (Lorna and Lyle)
10. Helen Heals a Hotelier (Helen and Ethan)
11. Faye Favors a Foreman (Faye and Rusty)
12. Amy Admires an Amish Man (Amy and Eli)

Grooms with Honor Series (second series covering 1885-1892)
1. Angus' Trust (Angus and Daisy)
2. Fergus' Honor (Fergus and Iris)
3. Gabe's Pledge (Gabe and Iva Mae)
4. Mack's Care (Mack and Pansy)
5. Cullen's Love (Cullen and Rose)
6. Seth's Promise (Seth and Lily)
7. Adolph's Choice (Adolph and Poppy)
8. Nolan's Vow (Nolan and Holly)
9. Elof's Mission (Elof and Linnea)
10. Jasper's Wish (Jasper and Julip)
11. Tully's Faith (Tully and Violet)
12. Kiowa's Oath (Kiowa and Mary)

Mismatched Mail-Order Brides Series (third series, 1892) 

1. The Peashooter Society's Plan
2. Amelia changes her Fellow (Amelia and Barton)
3. Avalee exchanges her Fiancé (Avalee and Gordon)
4. Maggie shifts her Gent (Maggie and Peter)
5. Maisie swaps her Groom (Maisie and Squires)
6. Molly switches her Man (Molly and Tobin)
7. Nadine trades her Partner (Nadine and Wesley)
8. The Christmas Plan