High Stakes Bride — Margery Scott

This sweet historical western romance was originally published in the Pistols & Poplin anthology.

Chloe Taggart has one goal â€" to leave Rocky Ridge (and the diner she runs with her father) as soon as possible and see the world. She has no desire to be under any man's thumb when she could be sailing the Pacific or touring ancient Greek ruins.

Rancher Austin Hayward is content with his life in Rocky Ridge, but it would be perfect if he could share it with Chloe Taggart as his wife. Unfortunately, even though Austin has loved Chloe for years, she has never looked at him as anything more than a friend.

When Chloe's father loses the diner to Austin in a poker game, Austin makes her a proposition she can't refuse. But Chloe has a plan of her own â€" a plan that will give her what she wants in the end. If it works … and if Austin loves her enough to let her go.