Groom For Hire (Pioneer Series #3) by Ruth Ann Nordin

Author:Ruth Ann Nordin [Nordin, Ruth Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier & Pioneer, Western, Cowboys, Hearts Desire, American West, Pioneer Series, Wagon Train, Travel, Platonic Marriage, Marriage of Convenience, Sensual, Dangerous, Circumstances, Temporary Arrangement, Uncle & Aunt, Across Country, Hurtful Past, Failed Relationship, California, Money Deal, Marriage Contract
ISBN: 9781938352836
Publisher: Parchment & Plume, LLC
Published: 2017-02-12T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

The night seemed to go on far longer than what Joe was used to. Michelle had gone to sleep long ago, something that was a feat considering how excited she’d been earlier that evening when he asked her to help with the lookout.

Joe had managed to drift off to sleep a couple of times, but no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t forget what she’d said about this being an adventure. He’d always looked at it that way. It sure beat working in a factory all day, which he would have done if he had married Amanda.

He glanced over at Michelle, who slept on her back. The resemblance still unnerved him, but the more he got to know her, the less he thought of Amanda when he saw her. It helped that she was nothing like Amanda. The two couldn’t have been more different. Which was good. The last thing he’d wanted when he started this trip was to be reminded of Amanda for the next few months. Amanda had Richard, and that was all he cared to remember.

Michelle let out a contented sigh and rolled over so that she was facing him. His attention went back to her, and he studied her face in the soft glow of the fire. She really did seem like she was happy out in the wilderness. He tried to remember how she seemed when he’d met her in Omaha in her fancy house wearing her fancy dress. She’d liked playing the piano. That much he recalled.

But all he’d kept thinking that evening was how difficult it was going to be to get over Amanda if he was marrying a woman who looked just like her. Even if it was temporary, he had considered telling her father he couldn’t go through with the marriage. There was no getting out of it, of course. He’d already signed the contract. He was bound to keep it, regardless of how much he dreaded it.

Now, as he sat by the fire and sipped his coffee while he peered out at the morning star, he supposed the arrangement wasn’t so bad after all. At least she wasn’t one of those hysterical women who were too afraid to do anything unless a male relative was with them. He’d hate to have to go everywhere with Michelle. It was definitely nice that Michelle didn’t get squeamish at every little bug or harmless snake that crept along the trail.

Yes, he could have done worse. He was getting paid to take care of a woman who pretty much took care of herself. That wasn’t so bad when he took the time to think about it.

And she was attractive. But of course, that wasn’t a surprise. She looked a lot like Amanda, and he’d been in love with her. Naturally, he found Michelle pleasing to look at. It would be silly if he didn’t.

She opened her eyes, and he quickly averted his gaze, hoping she hadn’t caught him staring at her. She sat up and stretched her arms above her head.

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