Lawfully Played (Texas Lawkeeper Romance) by Annie Boone

Author:Annie Boone [Boone, Annie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Frontier & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Beautiful & Feisty, Home & Family, Respect & Honor, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Men & Women Heroes, Multiple Agencies & Generations, County Sheriff, Peace Officer, Law Enforcement, Lawman, Springville Texas, Suspense, Mystery, Intrigue
Publisher: The Lawkeepers
Published: 2018-02-05T05:00:00+00:00

Five

The service was short, the sermon to the point, and the minister had to leave almost immediately afterward to get to the next town. No socializing and mingling with the congregation for him.

Tess wondered if she’d ever experience the long and meandering sermons she’d been used to at the church her family had attended in Fort Worth. Pastor Hale was a little forgetful, but his passion for the Lord had been apparent in every word. She’d enjoyed his fervor.

This service, however, served its most basic purpose, but it had done little to soothe Tess’s soul. She so wanted to feel God’s grace, and she’d almost come to the conclusion that it may never settle upon her ever again.

“Good morning, Miss Bonner.” Sheriff Maitland stepped into her path as she walked out of the chapel.

“Good day, don’t you mean? It’s past noon, after all, Sheriff Maitland.” She looked at him with a half smile and a raised eyebrow.

“So it is,” he said with a grin. He pulled an elderly lady forward. “Might I introduce the lady who brought me up and made me into the man I am?”

Tess nodded. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Tess Bonner.” She held out her hand and smiled kindly at the older woman.

“It’s quite a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bonner. I’m Mae Ellison.” She took Tess’s hand in both of hers and held it firmly. She had a twinkle in her eye that seemed to be permanent. “Zachery’s never introduced me to a young lady before.”

“Mama Mae, Miss Bonner and I are new acquaintances. She’s new in town, and I know you are a kind and welcoming soul. I thought you might become friends.” His voice was calm, but he fidgeted with his collar, and Tess noticed that his neck had flushed red.

“Well, would you care to join us for supper?” Mrs. Ellison said, chuckling at the sheriff’s discomfiture. "I have a chicken roasting for a special meal. Today is Zachery’s birthday.”

“I couldn’t intrude,” Tess said, feeling a little awkward. “But I hope you have a wonderful birthday, Sheriff Maitland.”

“Of course you can, Miss Bonner. And it wouldn’t be an intrusion at all. Don’t want the bird to go to waste. Far too much for just the two of us, despite the amount this one can put away when he tries.” She patted Zachery’s belly, as if he were still a boy.

“Mama Mae, you make me sound like the worst of gluttons.” Though he protested, Zach chuckled and seemed not to mind the obviously affectionate teasing. “Please, come, Miss Bonner. I can think of no better gift than getting to know you better.”

Reluctantly, Tess allowed herself to be ushered toward the cart outside the sheriff’s office.

“I’ll take you both up to the farm, but I have to quickly return and take the prisoners to the jail at Wilson Creek. I’ll not be gone longer than an hour, I promise.” Zach helped each one into the cart and then went to the driver’s side to start the drive to Mae’s home.

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