A Hopeful Bride: A Sweet Historical Western Romance (Crest Stone Mail-Order Brides Book 1) by Cat Cahill

Author:Cat Cahill [Cahill, Cat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cat Cahill
Published: 2021-03-14T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

ROMAN HELD TIGHTLY to one of Clara’s hands as he fought to focus on the voices he’d heard. Clara swayed just slightly next to him before following his gaze past the bend in the creek.

There, just beyond a few pines that jutted out, Roman spotted two people walking. Two ladies, in fact. They chattered as loudly as the birds in the trees. Roman straightened as they came into view, casting a quick glance at Clara, who appeared as dazed as a newborn foal. He bit down on his lip, trying not to think about how he was the one who’d had that effect on her.

“Good afternoon,” one of the girls said as they came into full view.

Roman recognized the gray dresses and matching hats of the waitresses who worked in the hotel’s restaurant. “Good afternoon, ladies,” he said, his voice as clear as it could be considering he’d nearly ruined Clara’s reputation.

He traced circles on the back of her hand with his thumb by way of apology. He ought to just let go completely, especially if he was so concerned with them remaining respectable. Just as the thought occurred to him, one of the girls noticed their entwined hands. Roman froze. It was too late. They’d be forced to announce their engagement immediately, else he’d risk not only Clara’s reputation, but her safety.

But the girl grinned at them, happy, as if she was delighted to share in their secret.

Roman let out a breath as they walked past. Finally, he pulled his hand from Clara’s. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have taken such a liberty, particularly in so public a place.”

But instead of looking upset, Clara merely smiled. “I believe my reputation is still intact, if that’s what worries you.” She bent down and expertly gathered the wrappings and glasses and placed them into the basket. “And besides,” she said as she handed him the closed basket, “I rather enjoyed myself.”

He stared at her a moment, and then burst into laughter. “I admit I enjoyed myself too. As far as picnics go, I doubt I’ll ever attend another quite as perfect as this one.”

“I should hope not,” Clara said as she took the elbow offered. She wrapped her other hand around his arm as they walked, and Roman decided right then and there that he’d do anything for this woman.

He didn’t know what it was about her—her innocent smile, her sharp wit, her forthright manner, the way she seemed to trust him implicitly—but he’d work his fingers to the bone to finish that house as soon as he possibly could.

And then he would marry her.

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