He stopped mid twirl and tightened his grip on her waist. “That is good news indeed, and it reminds me of something I’d like to ask you.”
“What?” Kate asked with a tilt of her head.
“Well, with Easterly taken care of and things calming down in town, I wanted to ask you what you thought of motherhood?”
“I think it’s a very noble profession,” Kate said, biting back her smile.
“Indeed it is,” he said, “but I suppose my question was more would you like to be a mother?”
“I would like that very much, Deputy Jennings.” This time she didn’t bother to hold back the smile.
“As would I,” he said. Their gazes locked for the briefest of moments and then Jesse leaned his head down to touch Kate’s lips with his own.
The End!
It’s not quite the end!
* * *
Did you enjoy — Lawfully Matched? You won’t want to miss the other ones in the series from — Jenna Brandt, Kate Cambridge, and Annie Boone!
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The Other Books in the Series
Lawfully Loved:
Late Spring of 1887
Outskirts of Abilene, Texas
The sun was stretched low across the late-day sky as Deputy Sheriff Jake Bolton pushed his horse through the prairie flats. A herd of Texas longhorns grazed on the thick fields of golden grass along the road as Jake galloped past the livestock.
He heard the screeching sound of a bird above, causing him to raise his hand over his brow to scan the horizon for the creature. Just as he located the white-tailed hawk, it swooped down and snatched up a small creature from the ground. Such was the cycle of life in the rural Texas countryside.
In his head, Jake went over the details of the investigation he was working which brought him to the outlying small towns that dotted the northeast corner of Taylor County. The third general store in two weeks had been robbed by the infamous Grimes Brothers.
Jake was tasked with following up the newest lead after a local stagecoach company telegraphed the sheriff’s office. One of the drivers had seen two men fitting their descriptions on the road between Woody and Rockwood Springs. The brothers were armed and dangerous, and Jake wanted nothing more than to free the county of their threat.
In the distance, clouds were rolling into sight and the smell of rain was in the air. It wasn’t surprising since sporadic showers were common during this time of year. He needed to get to Woody before the sun set and he got caught in the downpour.
Lawfully Charmed:
1885, Bareglen Creek, Texas
He shifted in the saddle, his eyes scouring the landscape as though the source of the unease in the pit of his stomach would somehow manifest in the early morning horizon. Days like this didn’t end well, and Sheriff Sullivan “Sully” Clarke sat up straighter in his saddle, urging his mount forward. He’d learned the hard way that it was best to meet a challenge head on, and best to keep his premonitions to himself.
“Sheriff, what’s the rush?” Jim Hawarden, his Deputy Sheriff’s baritone voice boomed from behind him.
The Sheriff raised his hand and pulled the reins, patting Cider’s neck as he came to a sure stop, sidestepped and whinnied, shaking his mane. Did he sense it, too? “Easy boy.” Jim pulled alongside, tipped his hat and wiped the sweat dripping down his face on the back of his sleeve. “Jeez, Sheriff, when are we gonna take a break?”
Sheriff Sully sighed as he glanced at his deputy. Jim was just shy of his own height at six feet, and an impressive figure with dirty blonde hair that always looked like it needed a trim and gentle brown eyes. He was a good man, but was he really cut out for this work? He was eager to help—driven to help, even, but part of Sully believed he’d be better off full-time at his sister’s farm. The man was simply accident prone, and for a man who’d chosen Texas, he hated being out in the heat. But then again, when his sister, Mary Trost, lost her husband, she’d needed help with the small farm they’d purchased. Jim may not love the Texas heat, but he clearly loved his sister, and his business degree and savvy is probably what saved her from having to sell. “We’ve only been riding for an hour, Jim—”
A shot rang out, echoing like thunder across the hills. Cider reared as Jim’s steed raced past them without his rider. Sully fought to spin Cider around, leaped off and raced toward his deputy—now prone on the ground, a red circle spreading on his chest. “Jim, Jim, can you hear me?” Fear tightened his chest as he reached his side.
Lawfully Played:
Fort Worth, Texas; 1883
“Mr. Hornsley, are you sure that’s what it says?” Tess Bonner pursed her lips as she looked hopefully at the smartly dressed man sitting across the desk from her.
He removed his half-moon spectacles and looked her squarely in the eye. His gaze made her insides squirm, and she felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes. She was determined not to let him see her be so weak and womanly, so she held her head high.
“You may read it yourself, Miss Bonner.” He handed the document to her. His eyebrow raised slightly, almost as a challenge.
She took it from him. “But Papa always said he’d done everything he could to ensure that Mama and I would be provided for should something like this ever occur. He worried about that, especially when we moved here to Texas. Papa was so careful in such matters. I cannot, and will not, believe he could possibly have left his affairs in a mess like this.”
Tess jutted her chin out defiantly. When Mr. Hornsley didn’t respond, she looked down at the sheaf of documents in her hands. Scanning through the long pages of legal language she barely understood, she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Hubert Hornsley folded his hands primly on his desk. “Miss Bonner, I am sorry to be the bearer of such tidings and can entirely understand your shock at finding out the truth about your father’s estate. I wish I could have given you better news.”
“I am sure,” Tess said waspishly, sure she saw a glimmer of amusement in the man’s cold eyes. “This will not be the last you hear of me,” she assured him as she stood up and fastened the buttons of her coat.
He stood and gave a shallow bow, more of a discourteous nod than a show of respect, but Tess didn’t care for niceties any longer. A well of anger was surging inside her, and she wanted to be long gone from this man’s office before it escaped. “Good day.”
About The Author
Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational author originally from Texas but now living in the PNW with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be seen kickboxing at the gym, singing, or acting on stage. One day, she hopes to retire from teaching and write full time.
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If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Lorana’s other books.
When Love Returns: The first in the Star Lake series. Presley Hays and Brandon Scott were best friends in High School until Morgan entered their town and stole Brandon’s heart. Devastated, Presley takes a scholarship to Le Cordon Bleu, but five years later, she is back in Star Lake after a tough breakup. Brandon thought he’d never return to Star Lake after Morgan left him and his daughter Joy, but when his father needs help, he returns home and finds more than he bargained for. Can Presley and Brandon forget past hurts or will their stubborn natures keep them apart forever? http://books2read.com/whenlovereturns
Once Upon a Star: The second book in the Star Lake series. Audrey left Star Lake to pursue acting, but after an unplanned pregnancy her jobs and her money dwindled, leaving her no option except to return home and start over. Blake was the quintessential nerd in high school and was never able to tell Audrey how he felt. Now that he’s gained confidence and some muscle, will he finally be able to reveal his feelings? Once Upon a Star will take you back to Christmas in Star Lake. Revisit your favorite characters and meet a few
ones in this sweet Christmas read. https://www.books2read.com/OUAStar
Love Conquers All: Lanie Perkins Hall never imagined being divorced at thirty. Nor did she imagine falling for an old friend, but when she runs into Azarius Jacobson, she can't deny the attraction. As they begin to spend more time together, Lanie struggles with the fact Azarius keeps his past a secret. What is he hiding? And will she ever be able to get him to open up? Azarius Jacobson has loved Lanie Perkins Hall from the moment he saw her, but issues from his past have left him guarded. Now that he has another chance with her, will he find the courage to share his life with her? Or will his emotional walls create a barrier that will leave him alone once more? Find out in this heartfelt, emotional third book (stand alone) in the Star Lake series. https://www.books2read.com/loveconquersall
Where It All Began: Sandra Baker thought her life was on the right track until she ended up pregnant. Her boyfriend, not wanting the baby, pushes her to have an abortion. After the procedure, Sandra's life falls apart, and she turns to alcohol. Her relationship ends, and she struggles to find meaning in her life. When she meets Henry Dobbs, a strong Christian man, she begins to wonder if God would accept her. Will she tell Henry her darkest secret? And will she ever be able to forgive herself and find healing? Find out in this emotional love story. http://books2read.com/WhereBegan
The Power of Prayer: Callie Green thought she had her whole life planned out until her fiance left her at the altar. When her carefully laid plans crumble, she begins to make mistakes at work and engage in uncharacteristic activities. After a mistake nearly costs her her job, she cashes in her honeymoon tickets for some time away. There she meets JD, a charming Christian man who, even though she is not a believer, captures her interest. Before their relationship can deepen, Callie’s ex-fiance shows back up in her life and she is forced to choose between Daniel and JD. Who will she choose and how will her choice affect the rest of her life? Find out in this touching novel. http://books2read.com/PowerofPrayer
When Hearts Collide: Amanda Adams has always been a Christian, but she's a novice at relationships. When she meets Caleb, her emotions get the best of her and she ignores the sign that something is amiss. Will she find out before it’s too late? Jared Masterson is still healing from his girlfriend’s strange rejection and disappearance when he meets Amanda. She captivates his heart, but can he save her from making the biggest mistake of her life? A must read for mothers and daughters. Though part of the series and the first of the college spin off series, it is a stand alone book and can be read separately. http://books2read.com/Whenheartscollide
A Past Forgiven: Jess Peterson has lived a life of abuse and lost her self worth, but when she meets Emily, she begins to wonder if there is a loving father looking down on her. Her decisions lead her one way, but when she ends up pregnant, she must make some major changes. Chad Michelson is healing from his own past and uses meaningless relationships to hide his pain, but when Jess becomes pregnant, he begins to wonder about the meaning of life. Can he step up and be there for Jess and the baby? COMING SOON!
A Father’s Love: Maxwell Banks was the ultimate player until he found himself caring for a daughter he didn't know he had. Can he change to become the role model she needs? Alyssa Miller hasn't had the best luck with past relationships, so why is she falling for the one man who is sure to break her heart? Though nearly complete opposites, feelings develop, but can Max really change his philandering ways? Or will one mistake seal his fate forever? http://books2read.com/AFathersLove
Love Breaks Through: Brent just wanted to finish his novel in peace, but when his car breaks down in Sweet Grove, he is forced to deal with a female mechanic and try to get along. Sam thought she had given up on city boys, but when Brent shows up in her shop, she finds herself fighting attraction. Will their stubborn natures keep them apart or can a small town festival bring them together? http://tinyurl.com/lovebreaksthrough
Lawfully Matched: Kate Whidby doesn't want to impose on her newly married brother after their parents die, so she accepts a mail order bride offer in the paper. Little does she know the man she intends to marry has a dark past, sending her fleeing into a neighboring town and into Jesse Jenning's life. Jesse never wanted to be in law enforcement, but after a band of robbers kills his fiancee, he dons the badge and swears revenge. Will he find his fiancee's killer? And when Kate flies into his life, will he be able to put his painful past behind him in order to love again?
Her children’s early reader chapter book series:
The Wishing Stone #1: Dangerous Dinosaur http://books2read.com/WishingStone1
The Wishing Stone #2: Dragon Dilemma http://books2read.com/WishingStone2
The Wishing Stone #3: Mesmerizing Mermaids http://books2read.com/wishingstone3
The Wishing Stone #4: Pyramid Puzzle COMING SOON
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Lawfully Matched (Texas Lawkeeper Romance) Page 10
