A Promise of Roses by Heidi Betts

Author:Heidi Betts [Betts, Heidi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Western, Historical, General, Action & Adventure
ISBN: 9781497614864
Google: PBUeAwAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00J3EU43M
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2014-03-31T16:00:00+00:00

Lucas let his eyes drift across the expanse of Caleb Adams's ranch. The large white house was nestled in a valley between two crests of pasture land. A few head of cattle grazed on the hilltop. The lawn was strewn with toys. A hobbyhorse, a red wagon missing a wheel, the remnants of a corn-husk doll, and proof of a bloody battle between wooden cowboys and Indians.

As they rode up to the hitching post, Lucas noticed two sets of fingers wrapped around the porch railing. His hand moved automatically to the Colt at his hip.

"No,” Megan said, covering his hand with her own. “It's just little Zachary.” She dismounted and moved toward the house.

When the small boy recognized Megan, he popped up and ran yelling happily down the porch steps, launching himself into her arms.

"Aunt Megan! Aunt Megan!"

"Hey, there, Zach.” She picked him up and spun him around, kissing him atop his light-brown hair.

"Where've you been, Aunt Megan? Mama and Daddy have been awful worried ‘bout you."

"I know, but—"

"Zachary Adams, what on earth are you yelling about? You're going to wake your sister if you don't—"

A woman with hair the exact color of the boy's stopped in midstride. The screen door fell closed, hitting her behind. “Oh, my God. Megan.” She flew down the steps.

After several minutes of happy embraces and excited chatter, the women broke apart. Megan set Zachary back on his feet, turning to Lucas.

"Lucas,” she said, taking his hand and drawing him closer. “This is my brother's wife, Rebecca, and their son, Zachary. This is Lucas,” she said by way of introduction.

"Zachary,” Rebecca said, “go to the barn and find your father.” The little boy ran off without further urging, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.

"Come inside.” Rebecca took Megan's hand and guided her through the front door. “Sit down, both of you.” She waved to the settee in the middle of the parlor.

Megan took a seat on the sofa while Lucas sat in an armchair off to the side.

"Are you all right? We've been worried sick about you,” Rebecca said.

"I'm fine,” Megan answered, smiling. “When Caleb gets here, I'll tell you everything. How's Rose?” she asked.

"She's napping. Unless Zachary woke her with all that screeching. Maybe I ought to check on her."

"I'll go with you.” Megan followed her sister-in-law to the stairs leading to the second floor. “I'll be right back,” she mouthed to Lucas.

He sat back in the chair, exhaling a deep breath. The women were gone no longer than five minutes when heavy footsteps echoed on the porch. A tower of a man with dark hair and brown eyes stepped into the room.

"Megan!” he barked. “Megan?"

The little boy scooted around the man's legs and hopped onto the sofa.

"Caleb!” Megan came clattering down the steps, throwing herself into her brother's arms.

Rebecca appeared a second later, carrying the baby. “You're all going to give poor Rose nightmares if you don't hush.” She bounced the child gently in her arms, cooing quietly.

"Where have you been, Megan?” Caleb asked.

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