An Unexpected Bride (The Colorado Brides Series Book 2) by Carré White

Author:Carré White [White, Carré]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, Western, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Westerns
Amazon: B00DF54UPS
Publisher: Love Lust Story
Published: 2013-06-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Male voices woke me. “It’s hardly proper that you were with Ms. Hoffman all night, sir.”

“Is it a crime to take care of a sick person?”

“Mrs. Chandler could’ve watched over her. You had no business being alone with that young woman.” I recognized the voice of Jeremiah Kelley, the missionary preacher. “It’s a breach of etiquette.”

“So no good deed goes unpunished, eh?”

“Unmarried persons should not be alone together in such a manner.”

“Well, she was knocking on death’s door, reverend. I was more worried about her health than her reputation.”

“How is the patient today?”

“I really don’t know. She hasn’t woken yet, and I’m too busy arguing with you to check on her.”

“What are your intensions towards this young woman?”

“It’s seven in the mornin’, and I got a camp full of sick people. We’re supposed to be hittin’ the road in an hour. Don’t you think we have more important things to worry about?”

“We do, but a woman’s reputation is a delicate matter. Once there’s been a breach…it’s nearly impossible to repair.”

“Mister, if you weren’t a man of the cloth I would—”

“Now then,” said Mary. “Let’s settle down. Our main concern is Paulina and getting her well. You’re wasting valuable time arguing over this issue.”

“From that non-answer, I can assume that you will not do what’s right by this woman.”

“What exactly are you sayin’? Nursing her to health isn’t right? Should I let her die?”

“Mrs. Chandler could’ve taken care of Ms. Hoffman, and you know it.”

“I gotta see if Paulina’s awake,” he muttered. “I don’t have time for this.”

“I will have an answer.”

“Good grief.”

“Now.”

“You want me to marry her?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m not in the habit of marrying corpses, reverend.”

“I’ve prayed significantly for her recovery, and she will recover. What do you intend to do once this happens?”

“Well, I reckon I’ll do it, if that would make you happy.”

“Yes. Excellent.”

“You mind if she gets better first, or do you want me to drag her out here right now, this very minute?”

Laughter filled the air. “Oh, you two are wildly entertaining, but I have to check on Paulina. And you, Mr. Tucker, have made the right decision. Anyone can see you’re enamored of her.” The tent opened, and Mary appeared. “Oh, you’re awake. How do you feel?”

“Terrible.”

“You need the bucket?”

I struggled to sit up. “I don’t think so.”

“How about the privy?”

“Maybe.”

“Let’s get you up.” She held my arm, and I came to my knees. “That’s good. You’re looking a might better today. You must’ve kept enough fluids down.”

“He made me drink all night long.”

She moved hair out of my eyes. “He’s in love with you, honey. Anyone can see that.”

“I heard what the preacher said, but…I don’t want to force him to marry me.”

“Nonsense. He just needed a little push in the right direction. I think it’s a good match.”

Samuel appeared then, his brow furrowed. “How is she?”

“Better.”

He reached for my arm, pulling me to him. Our eyes met. “You don’t have to marry me, Sam. I…heard what Jeremiah Kelley said.”

“Don’t worry about that right now.

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