The Preacher's Outlaw Bride — Mildred Colvin

A pretend wedding gives eight-year-old KodyAnne the assurance that even the Orphan Train cannot separate her from Michael forever. Their love transcends time until her father, a banker, and a sheriff change their lives.

   

   With her father dead and her brother a wanted man, KodyAnne brings her younger sister to Willow Springs where she discovers Michael is the pastor of the only church. She has never stopped loving him, but is convinced he doesn't care the same for her and determines she will not allow him to give up his freedom for her a second time. She must get possession of her family's lockbox, but the bank won't give it to her. She has two choices, wait for the court system she believes is corrupt to get it for her or enter the bank after hours and take it. She decides there is only one choice.

   

   Michael, the local minister, has loved KodyAnne since before they rode the Orphan Train together years ago. He feels manipulated by her father's deathbed request that he marry her, but sets his feelings aside only to have her reject his proposal. Now, he's determined to change her mind, but outlaws threaten her family, and a treasure hunt threatens the very basis of their relationship until Michael wonders if their love is strong enough to endure.