Renee Ryan - Wagon Train Proposal

For the Sake of His Children

A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn’t possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks—someone to love her for herself.

Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she’s winning over his shy little girls, and the next she’s tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan’s unexpected second chance at happiness…if he’ll risk his wary heart again.

Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail

“I could help you with your daughters.”

Tristan turned to face Rachel, smiled. “That’s what I came to discuss with you.”

So, he had followed her. She’d suspected as much. But just to be clear…

“You followed me out here to talk about your girls?”

He went very still and studied her face with that intensity she found so disconcerting, as if he were trying to look into the depths of her soul. “In a manner of speaking.”

She swallowed. This wasn’t supposed to be so hard. What she had to offer made sense for all of them. “So you agree I should take over for Bertha.”

“No.”

No? She waited for him to expand on that. When he didn’t she blinked at him in confusion. That’s it, she thought. Just…no. Not a single word of explanation?

She blew out a frustrated puff of air. “You realize I’m offering to take care of your daughters. It’s the perfect solution. I adore them. I’m pretty confident they like me.”

He was already shaking his head before she finished stating her case.

She frowned at him. “I don’t understand your refusal. You need help immediately. I’m available.”

“I had a more permanent solution in mind.”

Oh. Oh.

* * *

Journey West: Romance and adventure

await three siblings on the Oregon Trail

Wagon Train Reunion—

Linda Ford, April 2015

Wagon Train Sweetheart—

Lacy Williams, May 2015

Wagon Train Proposal—

Renee Ryan, June 2015

RENEE RYANgrew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com, on Twitter @ReneeRyanBooks, or on Facebook.

Wagon Train Proposal

Renee Ryan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casteth out fear.

—1 John 4:18

To my fabulous critique partner, Cindy Kirk. Thank you for your wisdom and support through the years and, most of all, your friendship. Every book I write is stronger because of your insights. No matter what trial I face, I know you always have my back, and I have yours!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text For the Sake of His Children A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn’t possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks—someone to love her for herself. Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she’s winning over his shy little girls, and the next she’s tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan’s unexpected second chance at happiness…if he’ll risk his wary heart again. Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail

Introduction “I could help you with your daughters.” Tristan turned to face Rachel, smiled. “That’s what I came to discuss with you.” So, he had followed her. She’d suspected as much. But just to be clear… “You followed me out here to talk about your girls?” He went very still and studied her face with that intensity she found so disconcerting, as if he were trying to look into the depths of her soul. “In a manner of speaking.” She swallowed. This wasn’t supposed to be so hard. What she had to offer made sense for all of them. “So you agree I should take over for Bertha.” “No.” No? She waited for him to expand on that. When he didn’t she blinked at him in confusion. That’s it, she thought. Just…no. Not a single word of explanation? She blew out a frustrated puff of air. “You realize I’m offering to take care of your daughters. It’s the perfect solution. I adore them. I’m pretty confident they like me.” He was already shaking his head before she finished stating her case. She frowned at him. “I don’t understand your refusal. You need help immediately. I’m available.” “I had a more permanent solution in mind.” Oh. Oh. * * * Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail Wagon Train Reunion— Linda Ford, April 2015 Wagon Train Sweetheart— Lacy Williams, May 2015 Wagon Train Proposal— Renee Ryan, June 2015

About the Author RENEE RYAN grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com , on Twitter @ReneeRyanBooks , or on Facebook.

Title Page Wagon Train Proposal Renee Ryan www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. —1 John 4:18

Dedication To my fabulous critique partner, Cindy Kirk. Thank you for your wisdom and support through the years and, most of all, your friendship. Every book I write is stronger because of your insights. No matter what trial I face, I know you always have my back, and I have yours!

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Fort Nez Perce October 1843

Exhausted, footsore and chilled to the bone from a recent rainstorm, Rachel Hewitt leaned against her family’s covered wagon. As she looked out over the organized chaos, one thought emerged. Nearly there.