Maralie by F. A. Rogers

Author:F. A. Rogers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, family, historical romance, western romance, brides, short read

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“When it comes right down to it, I’m falling in love with her.” Goldie thumped her tail against the ground and whimpered as she looked up at him. “I know it’s crazy, but I can’t help myself. Since that Reuben fellow came by something is different. Why just being here in the barn away from her is driving me crazy.” He placed the pitchfork on the ground and leaned against it.

Dreamily, he stared off into space. “I want to do something nice for her. Maybe take her to town and buy her some material for a new gown. I bet she would like that.”

Goldie seemed unimpressed with his ideas. Smiling to himself, he finished working in the barn and headed to the chicken house. He gathered eggs in the fold of his shirt.

Normally he left them on the table for Maralie to cook and eat, but today he had something else planned.

As she snored softly he cooked the eggs and placed them on the table. Finished, he sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her cheek with his knuckles. Her lids fluttered open.

“Good morning, sleepy head.”

She stretched, revealing the top of a creamy white shoulder. She opened her eyes completely, and lifted her lips in a smile. “Good morning.” Suddenly, her lips turned downward.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I smell eggs.”

“I cooked them. Would you like to come join me for breakfast?”

Shock registered on her face and she rolled from the bed and landed with a hard plop on the floor. The sound of her knees hitting made him hurt.

He went to help her, but she pushed him away and stood on her own. Eyeing the table and then him, she asked, “Is this some kind of trick?”

“No.”

She cocked her brow. “Are you trying to poison me?”

He laughed under his breath. “No, woman, I’m not trying to poison you. Now come eat with me before I change my mind.”

Walking sideways she approached to the table. With each step she sent him a glance filled with questions. Taking his seat first, he dove into the plate’s contents. Refined, Maralie consumed her eggs slower.

“What are your plans for today?” he asked, wiping his mouth.

“Me?” she asked, pointing an unsteady finger to her chest.

“Yes, you. What are your plans?”

“I – I don’t know.”

“Well I could use some help if you’re willing. The horses have been cooped up in the barn for too long. I thought we might take a ride along the southern property line. What do you think?”

“You want me to go riding with you?”

Did she have to repeat everything he said? Exasperated, he answered, “Yes.”

The chair fell backward in her haste. Within two minutes she was dressed and standing in front of him.

“I’m ready.”

He laughed softly hoping he didn’t hurt her feelings. “I see that. If you’ll just give me a minute I’ll saddle the horses and we can be on our way.”

“I can help.”

The chair scraped across the floor as he stood. “That’s not necessary. I can do it. Why don’t you pack us some lunch, and I’ll come get you in a bit.

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