The Scarred Bride by Stella Clark

Author:Stella Clark [Clark, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Mail-Order Bride Series, marriage of convenience, Novella Length Story, Disfigured Scars
Publisher: Aryn House Publishing
Published: 2019-09-23T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

“You ready?” Cooper studied Kate as she clutched the reins of his Appaloosa horse. The old mare wasn’t good for the long runs out with the cattle anymore and she was slowing down with age, but he hadn’t been willing to part ways with her.

But Kate wanted to learn how to ride, and it was time she went on a ride by herself into town. She hated the wagon, often having to take time afterward so her stomach would settle. He’d heard of folks getting sick on things like that but couldn’t imagine what it was like. He was just glad she did well on a horse.

And she learned fast.

“I think so.” Kate took a deep breath as she gave him a winning smile. It made her face brighten up like the sun. He couldn’t help but smile back.

“You think so? Or you know so?”

She straightened her shoulders with a short laugh. He liked how there were freckles sprinkled across her face. They popped with her smile. “I know so. I think. I can do it,” she nodded as though she was still convincing herself.

Cooper was already convinced, but he was patient. In the last three months, Kate had proved herself indispensable. There was always food on the tables and the house was always tidy. She’d even organized the mess hall. The animals were tended to and she always had a smile just for him.

The only problem was that she didn’t believe in herself. She doubted her abilities and when she hesitated, she lost her chance. One morning he had been heading out just as five chickens escaped the coop. He stayed behind with her, trying to collect them.

But usually it was fine. Nothing they couldn’t fix together.

He grinned, tugging lightly on the reins. The horse gave him a look, but Kate let out the breath she had been holding. “You’ll be great,” he reminded her. “And if you’re not back by nightfall, I’ll come for you.”

“Promise?”

Chuckling, he nodded. “I promise. Don’t forget those peaches, Kate. Now, off you go.”

With another deep breath, Kate clucked her tongue. His Appaloosa had a sweet spirit and wouldn’t keep a gallop for more than a few seconds. Kate had made plenty of trips to town so far, and just because it was her first one riding a horse, she didn’t need to be so shy.

But he didn’t mind. She was sweet and caring, always ready to help out. There were soups when his men fell ill, and a cake at the end of the month to celebrate their hard work. The home had grown cozier with her homemade rugs and curtains. Kate was a good woman, and he was lucky to have her.

His heart thumped as he watched her go. Her back was straight, and she looked just like a lady. He couldn’t help but grin, a little proud.

They worked well together.

The concerns Cooper once had about marriage had faded away. Working hard during the day, the two of them often came together in the evenings to have a quiet meal to themselves.

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