Small Town Matchmaker Collection (Books 1-6) by Wright Cheryl

Author:Wright, Cheryl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

With his wife by his side, James stopped at the arch leading onto his property. It was dusk—far later than he’d intended to arrive home. “See that dot in the distance?” he asked Harriet. When she didn’t answer, he glanced at her. His bride was sound asleep as she leaned against his shoulder.

And who could blame her? Harriet had been traveling, trying to avoid the man who was apparently trying to frame her. At least that’s what she’d told him. James hadn’t thought to question her story, as it sounded so plausible. His wife sounded so genuine, and he was certain she was telling the truth.

Besides, Anna wouldn’t have come to his mind telling him to marry her if she were a criminal. Would she?

James shook the thought aside. Harriet was no criminal. She didn’t have to tell him anything—she could have continued her journey on the stagecoach and not shared anything. With her still sound asleep, he flicked the reins and continued their journey to the homestead. By now, he expected the children would be tucked up in bed. Four-year-old Pearl would certainly be asleep. Will was a different story altogether. That boy believed himself to be a full-grown cowboy—at six.

He couldn’t help but chuckle. But being brought up by cowboys, what did he expect? Perhaps having a mother would bring out his child’s side. Will was only two when his mother died, and despite Martha Brady coming daily to care for the children and keeping house for him, life had been difficult. For all of them.

It made him wonder what sort of mother Harriet would make. She was a few years younger than James, and by all accounts had never married. Would motherhood come easily to her, or was she one that didn’t have a nurturing bone in her body? Her face had softened when he’d mentioned the children, so that was promising. He would have to wait and see.

He brought the wagon to a halt outside the homestead and pulled on the brake. “Harriet,” he whispered, running his fingers under her chin, trying to wake her up.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped. “Where…” Suddenly she straightened up and turned to face him, then glanced about. “Oh,” she said, then a slow smile came to her lips.

It was the first time he’d seen her smile. No, that wasn’t true. When Preacher Walters handed her the flowers, a fleeting smile crossed her face. He’d liked it then, and he liked it now. When Harriet smiled, it transformed her entire appearance. “Wait there,” he said, and scurried down from the wagon. He was around to her side in record time. Helping her up, he’d tried to keep his distance. This time, he wasn’t sure he could.

When he glanced up, she appeared to be waiting in anticipation. “I think I can manage,” she said, her words not fitting her expression.

“Better safe than sorry. Let me help.” He reached out and took her hand. It was so soft and gentle, and he couldn’t imagine this woman doing harm to anyone.

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