Grooms with Honor Series, Books 1-3
Page 35
“You are more than welcome. We want all our guests to enjoy the finest in dining.” Ethan knew he was staring at Mrs. Higby’s gorgeous hair since she had come downstairs without her hat, but it was like he couldn’t help himself, he was so drawn to her.
“Here’s your dessert, young ladies,” Naomi, the waitress announced as she presented the cherry pie to the table. “Who wants the first slice?”
Four hands and shouts of “Me!” immediately filled the air, causing other diners in the room to chuckle at the scene.
“Mr. Paulson, there’s one piece of pie left in the pie tin. Do you want to join this little party of happy girls?” Now why did Naomi, old enough to be his mother, ask him that? He never sat down with guests. He looked at her and she winked, probably figuring out he was fascinated with the family, or Mrs. Higby?
“Yes, please join us, Mr. Paulson. You’ve been so kind...” Mrs. Higby finally said after she realized he was still standing at the table.
“Oh, uh, I’d be pleased to.” Naomi already had an extra plate and fork with her so she scooped the last piece on the plate and set it down on the table across from the oldest girl. Had Naomi been watching him watching them?
Now he had five pairs of eyes on him while he ate his pie. He bet Naomi and Irma were peeking out of the dining room door watching him, too.
“What are your plans for tomorrow?” It seemed like a safe subject to ask.
Mrs. Higby had a smear of red cherry filling on the corner of her lip, which he’d so like to wipe off. “I’ll meet Mr. Jensen tomorrow morning, then...I’m not sure.” She had that worried look on her face again.
“What does this Mr. Jensen do? I can’t quite place him,” or know of him at all.
“His letter said he owns a ranch north of town. Do you not know him? Mr. Maurice Jensen?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t made his acquaintance yet, but I’m sure we’ll be getting to know him better when he comes into town with you for church and school functions.”
“There’s a school in Clear Creek?” Ida Mae asked. “We haven’t been to school yet this year since...” The girl stopped talking after glancing at her mother.
“You’ll have to start next week then,” Ethan practically butted in to save the mother another embarrassed explanation. “The new teacher, Miss Maeve Ramsey, is well liked by the students and parents, and you’ll soon have new friends.”
Ethan looked at Mrs. Higby who gave him a slight nod, probably thankful he gave the schoolteacher a good mark.
“And I saw one church when we came into town? What denomination is it?”
“Our only church is called the Clear Creek Community Church and almost everyone attends church there, instead of traveling further to Ellsworth where there are more churches.
“Pastor Patrick and Kaitlyn Reagan are two of the most helpful citizens in town. Always feel free to knock on their door. They have six boys, so you’ll meet them at school.”
“Eww, boys!” Ethan didn’t know which child proclaimed their annoyance with them.
“Your tune will change in a few years,” Ethan couldn’t help teasing them, while looking over at Mrs. Higby, who smiled and gave a nod of agreement.
Why did he want to spend time with this woman and her little family? It was so unlike him. He’d been engaged to Sarah Wilerson…now Brenner, for a long time, but things were…always formal between him and Sarah. They didn’t tease each other or show much affection in public, or even alone when he thought of it. He inwardly sighed. Ethan had been moping around about Sarah marrying another, but…meeting Helen Higby put a spark in his heart that had been absent with Sarah. And just his luck, when he felt like his heart might feel attraction to someone again, the woman is marrying someone else, tomorrow.
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I hope you enjoyed the beginning of Helen Heals a Hotelier. You can continue reading it on Amazon now.
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About the Author
Linda Hubalek had written over forty books about strong women and honorable men, with a touch of humor, despair, and drama woven into the stories. The setting for all the series is the Kansas prairie which Linda enjoys daily, be it being outside or looking out her office window.
Linda loves to hear from her readers and loves to know what they'd like to see her write next. Visit her website at http://www.LindaHubalek.com to contact her or read about all her books.
Her historical romance series include Brides with Grit, Grooms with Honor, and the Clear Creek Legacy. Linda's historical fiction series, based on her ancestors' pioneer lives include, Butter in the Well, Trail of Thread, and Planting Dreams.
When not writing, Linda is reading (usually with dark chocolate within reach), gardening (channeling her degree in Horticulture), or traveling with her husband to explore the world.
Table of Contents
Angus’ Trust
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Fergus’ Honor
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Gabe’s Pledge
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue