It wasn’t a real marriage, but she considered herself lucky she had some place to go. Shivering, she thought about John Hardy’s duplicity. He had plenty of women at his place, so why send for her? What did he expect she’d do when she found out his true profession? Men ran the world, and she'd bet anything he'd expected her to go along with him regardless of his brutishness.
This was supposed to be her one chance for a happy life. Now that chance was lost. Cinders didn’t want her. He’d simply been backed into a corner by the judge. Her mother had always chastised her for living in a dream world. Now she knew the words to be true. Reality set in the moment her parents had died.
There were no happy endings, and it didn’t help to dream of things that could never be.
“We’ll be at the house soon. We’re on my land now.” The pride in his voice was impossible to miss.
“It’s lovely. How long have you lived here?”
“All my life.”
“Did you fight in the war? I mean if you did, I wouldn’t hold being a confederate against you.”
The edges of his lips twitched. “That’s mighty kind of you, Shannon, seeing as you’re in Texas now and all.”
Her eyes widened as the realization of how inappropriate her words were sunk in. “I’m sorry. My side has been trying to kill your side and it never occurred to me until now. But truthfully so many of our men never came home and the marriage prospects dwindled.”
“I didn’t fight.”
“Why not? Do you have something wrong with you I can’t see?”
Cinders laugh started deep and low, rumbling from his chest. “Not that I know of. The Texas government requested I stay and provide meat for the cause. I accepted but as money grew tight, my profits dwindled. Eventually I had no buyers but I did have plenty of people who needed food. It hasn’t been easy but the herd has grown and I’m planning to drive my cattle north to sell this time.”
“Did you give people food?”
“I sold some in New Orleans but yes, I gave a lot away. I couldn’t stand to watch my neighbors’ families starve. I had a roof over my head and enough to feed my men. I don’t need a lot.”
Her admiration for him grew stronger— perhaps he was one of those good doers. He helped her when he could have just walked away.
“Whoa,” Cinders yelled as he stopped the team. “This, Mrs. Cinders, is your first view of your new home.”
To her relief the house was made of wood. She’d heard about the sod houses. There was a barn and a few other buildings dotting the area. Warmth flowed through her as she took in the sight of her new home. Relief overcame her. “It’s beautiful.”
He nodded with a satisfied expression. “That’s what I always think when I get to this point on my way home.”
He picked up the reins and off they went. The house was bigger than she realized as they stopped in front of it. It was a fine log house and it looked safe and sturdy. Things were looking up.
Cinders jumped down, walked to her side and held out his hand. She grasped it and the next thing she knew she was in his strong arms. He held her for a moment staring into her eyes, and then gently put her down.
A young man walked out of the barn, whistling. He grabbed the reins and nodded to Cinders. He seemed to be bigger than Cinders with brown hair and dark brown eyes. His whistling stopped and his jaw dropped. “You finally found us some entertainment? I know I mentioned it a time or two, but I never thought you’d do it. Now we won’t have to go to town so often, we’ll have our own gal to give us relief. What’s wrong with her face? Is she hiding a wart under that bandage?”
She gasped and her hand instantly lay on her cheek.
“Tramp, this is my wife, Shannon.” His voice was slow and steady but the warning was clear.
Tramp didn’t apologize or acknowledge her. He kept his gaze on Cinders. “Sure, boss, just glad you’re back.”
“I’ll be out in a few,” Cinders said.
Tramp shrugged. “Take your time.” He then winked at her when Cinders wasn’t paying attention.
She’d have to put him on her list of lowdown snakes. The list only had John Hardy on it and now there were two names. She hoped her list didn’t grow any longer.
Cinders grabbed her reticule out of the wagon and led her to the front door. He opened it and ushered her in. “I, um, I didn’t expect to have a guest. It’s a busy time of year.”
She winced in pain when she tried to smile. “It’s fine. Nothing some soap, water, a duster and broom won’t fix. It’s lovely actually.”
“I built it myself.”
“You did a great job, Mitch.”
“Mitch?” His eyebrows rose.
“I’m trying out first names for you. I figure if I keep at it I’ll get it right.”
“You’ve had a bad few days yet you’re still able to find humor. I think we’ll get on just fine. Make yourself at home. The bedroom is through the door on the right. If you need, well if you need the necessary, the outhouse is out the back door. I’ll bring in some water for you in a bit and I’ll send Cookie in to help you put away the grub I bought at the mercantile.” He hesitated as though he was afraid to leave her alone.
“I’ll be fine. I’m sure you have a cow or two to milk or something.”
He laughed. “There you go with that sense of humor. Okay, I’ll be back in a bit.”
The door closed behind him and she made a mental note, he doesn’t milk cows.
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Love Before Midnight
By Kathleen Ball
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About the Author
Sexy Cowboys and the Women Who Love Them...
Finalist in the 2012 and 2015 RONE Awards.
Top Pick, Five Star Series from the Romance Review.
Kathleen Ball writes contemporary and historical western romance with great emotion and
memorable characters. Her books are award winners and have appeared on best sellers lists including: Amazon's Best Seller's List, All Romance Ebooks, Bookstrand, Desert Breeze Publishing and Secret Cravings Publishing Best Sellers list. She is the recipient of eight Editor's Choice Awards, and The Readers' Choice Award for Ryelee's Cowboy.
Winner of the Lear diamond award Best Historical Novel- Cinders' Bride
There's something about a cowboy
Other Books by Kathleen
Lasso Spring’s Series
Callie’s Heart
Lone Star Joy
Stetson’s Storm
Dawson Ranch Series
Texas Haven
Ryelee’s Cowboy
Cowboy Season Series
Summer’s Desire
Autumn’s Hope
Winter’s Embrace
Spring’s Delight
Mail Order Brides of Texa
Cinders’ Bride
Keegan’s Bride
Shane’s Bride
Tramp’s Bride
Poor Boy’s Christmas
Oregon Trail Dreamin’
We’ve Only Just Begun
A Lifetime to Share
A Love Worth Searching For
So Many Roads to Choose
The Settlers
Greg
Juan
Scarlett
Mail Order Brides of Spring Water
Tattered Hearts
The Greatest Gift
Love So Deep
Luke’s Fate
Whispered Love
Love Before Midnight
I’m Forever Yours
Finn’s Fortune
book with friends
Tattered Hearts: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book One Page 17
