The Eager Bride_The Ladies Club of Laramie by Everly West

Author:Everly West [West, Everly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-04-12T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Jane allowed Michael to guide her as they walked the short distance from the wagon to a cusp of trees. Centered between them was a patch of tall bushes that had piqued her curiosity.

“I’d never noticed these before,” Jane said, peering down at the thorny branches. “Looks like some kind of berry.”

“Boysenberry?” Michael asked.

Jane chuckled. “I’m not sure. This is more Beth’s forte. She loves picking berries and searching out edible plants.”

He walked a few feet away and leaned against the tree as she plucked a blue fruit and sniffed it.

Jane looked to him. “I admit that I don’t know you well. However, it seems to me that you’re very pensive today.”

Gaze downcast, he seemed to be considering how to respond. Finally, he let out a long breath. “I am not sure why I’m here. It’s obvious we are from two very different worlds. It was a surprise that your father didn’t run me off when I asked to call on you.”

Whatever he was getting to, it wasn’t good. By the fact he didn’t meet her gaze, it was obvious he was searching for a way out of having to call again.

“Why did you ask then?” Jane couldn’t help the anger at the edges of her voice. “I certainly didn’t expect it, nor did I encourage you to.”

When he shrugged, she wanted to stalk closer and slap him. “It was the honorable thing to do after what happened between us.”

“It was but a kiss. People kiss all the time. A kiss is neither a contract nor an obligation.”

The sting of tears threatening was the last thing she needed. Jane turned on her heel and walked a few feet away. What now? Knowing Michael had no plans for a future between them affected her in a surprising way. Chest tightened with hurt, she wanted nothing more than to return home immediately and begin the process of forgetting Michael O’Leary existed.

“Take me home.”

A shot rang out. The startled horse lifted its head and took off toward the road, away from the sound. At the same time, Michael threw her to the ground, his large body over hers protectively.

Jane struggled to shove him off. “That’s probably Father testing the stupid guns you brought back. He shoots into the air.”

“It didn’t sound like he shot in our direction.” He didn’t make to move, lifting his head and looking around.

Just then a second shot and a third echoed.

Once again, she shoved at him. “Get off me and take me home.”

“Don’t stand up just yet.” Michael lifted, but only to his knees. “Mr. Farnsworth!”

The response was another shot, this one closer. The horse trotted a bit farther.

“Father!” Jane screamed. “Stop shooting at once!”

There was silence and then in the distance, her father, along with Ian, appeared. Both waved as if it was the most normal thing for her to be on the ground with a man.

Scrambling to stand with her hands on her hips, Jane glared at them as they neared. “You could have killed me.

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