by Linda Broday
“Yep.” Sam fought to control his emotions and found it quite a chore. He gazed deep into his bride’s beautiful eyes, the color of the sky. “By all rights, I shouldn’t be here, Sierra. I’ve cheated death countless times. But somehow I escaped, and I’m very happy to stand here with the woman I love. I fear I fall short in being good husband material, and can’t imagine what you want with someone who’s all horns and rattles and cussed god-awful stubbornness, but I will never give you cause to regret marrying me.” He paused for a second to settle his quavering voice.
“Don’t know what you see in me, but I’m mighty glad you do, darlin’. I’ll spend every waking minute thinking of ways to make your life better. You’re my lady, and I’m damn proud to be with you.” He shot Burdine a glance. “I reckon that’s all.”
“I’d like to say something, Ranger Burdine,” Sierra said. “Sam, you know the life I’ve had, and you know it didn’t prepare me for this moment. I don’t know how to be a wife, one who’s strong and confident. I’m liable to be a work in progress, I’m afraid. But I’ll stand beside you through thick and thin. I’ll never falter, never run and leave you to face any problems alone.
“You’re my husband, my friend, my lover. If anyone’s unworthy, it’s me. Through your patient caring, you showed me that everyone I touch does not die. I was broken, and you glued me back together and made me strong and healthy.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “We have a son, and I’ll be the best mother to him I possibly can. I’ll give you more children to teach and love. We’re a team, yoked together and pulling a load. I will always love you, my dearest Sam.”
Sam found thickness blocking his airway. Why in the hell had he tried so hard to push her away? He deserved a good flogging. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but he knew life with her would never be boring.
* * *
They had barely said their “I dos” before Carlos and the other men whipped out their guitars and the party started. The women, dressed in their swirling skirts and white Mexican blouses, waved colorful streamers.
The scent of the night drifted around Sam as he took Sierra in his arms. He put his face against her fragrant hair, thinking of the night he’d told her to forget him for good. Thank his lucky stars she hadn’t.
Her body swayed against him, creating a heat like no friction match ever did. This petite woman, with such strength and grace, was all he’d ever need.
Sierra looked up with a searching gaze. “Do you wish you were riding with Luke?”
“Yes, but not for the reason you think. I want to help him straighten out his life. Protect him from those who aim to kill him. Deep down, he’s the most caring man I know.” Sam thought of those women hiding out in Deliverance Canyon. At least he could look after them for Luke. In the near future, he hoped to persuade Tally Shannon to trust Sierra too.
But if she refused, he’d guard the women’s secret.
Sam tightened his hold around Sierra. “Other than that, I’m perfectly content right here with you and our little man.”
“I’m glad I have you, Sam. Glad we have each other.”
“Me too. I can’t even remember a time when you weren’t beside me. The hanging and my life as a single man are only vague memories. Nothing out there equals what I’ve found here.”
A smile spread across Sierra’s face. “I’m very happy.”
That made two of them. He didn’t want to ever be alone again.
“Our future, my darling, twinkles as bright as my wife’s pretty blue eyes.”
“Do we have to stay for everything?” she asked, pouting.
“Nope.” Sam twirled her around, grinning. “I’m whisking you away as soon as this song stops and making mad, passionate love to you. Anything you want to say, Mrs. Legend?”
Her glance up at him was quite innocent as she reached between them to fondle him. “How soon will that be, sweetheart?”
“Good Lord, woman, right now.” Sam swept her up into his arms and sprinted toward her little schoolteacher house and the bed’s scripture quilt.
Order Linda Broday’s next book
Texas Redemption
On sale February 2017
Order Linda Broday’s next book
Texas Redemption
On sale February 2017
About the Author
At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall, rugged cowboys that get her fired up! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She now resides in the panhandle of Texas on the Llano Estacado.
Left at the Altar
A Match Made in Texas
by Margaret Brownley
New York Times bestselling author
Welcome to Two Time, Texas. Where tempers burn hot, love runs deep, and a single marriage can unite a feuding town…or tear it apart for good.
In the wild and untamed West, time is set by the local jeweler, but Two-Time, Texas, has two—two feuding jewelers and two wildly conflicting time zones. Meg Lockwood’s marriage was supposed to unite the families and finally bring peace. But when she’s left at the altar by her no-good fiancé, Meg’s dreams of dragging her quarrelsome neighbors into a cease-fire are dashed.
No wedding bells? No one-time town.
Hired to defend the groom against a breach-of-promise lawsuit, Grant Garrison quickly realizes that the only thing worse than small-town trouble is falling for the jilted bride. But there’s something about Meg’s sweet smile and determined grit that draws him in, even as the whole crazy town seems set on keeping them apart.
Who knew being Left at the Altar could be such sweet, clean, madcap fun?
Praise for Left at the Altar:
“A great story by a wonderful author.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
For more Margaret Brownley, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Texas Redemption
by Linda Broday
New York Times bestselling author
Two brothers—One woman
A final chance to find…
REDEMPTION
Desperate to escape her dark past, Laurel James agrees to wed the mayor of a small east Texas town. With him, life will be quiet. Respectable. Safe. It should be everything she ever wanted.
And it is. Until Shenandoah rides back into town.
Shenandoah never thought he would find the woman he’s loved and lost…and he certainly never dreamed she’d be pledged to his brother. He knows he should step aside—he has nothing to offer a woman like Laurel James—but the moment their eyes meet, Shenandoah is lost. He can only find peace in her arms…but can redemption be more than a dream for a man who has known nothing but war?
Praise for Linda Broday:
“Linda Broday’s heroes step right out of her books and into your heart.” —Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author
“Broday understands the West and its lure. She brings strong characters and deep emotions into a very realistic western romance that pulls no punches.” —RT Book Reviews for Redemption, 4 stars
For more Linda Broday, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
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