Carolyn Davidson - Lone Star Bride

“You don’t frighten me,” Alexis said boldly. “And I kinda like your hands where they are.”

Jamie felt the line of her back beneath his fingertips, the flaring of her hips, the narrowing of her waist, and he slid his palms upward, knew the fullness of her breasts against his chest as he measured her width, his fingertips touching at the center of her back.

She was silent, unmoving, as if any bit of protest from her might halt his meandering. And so it might. For he was in uncharted territory here, Jamie realized.

His hands slipped to her ribs, then forward just a bit, cradling the weight of her breasts against his thumbs. It was all he could do not to clasp the softness, but he thought better of it and wisely left it for another time. For there would be another time.

Of that Jamie was certain.

‘Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.’

— Publishers Weekly

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

‘Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.’

— RT Book Reviews

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

‘This deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.’

— RT Book Reviews

MILLS & BOON®

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Reading, writing and research— Carolyn Davidson’s life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travel—her husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church, and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.

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Recent novels by the same author:

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

THE TEXAN

TEMPTING A TEXAN

STORMWALKER’S WOMAN

(short story in One Starry Christmas)

TEXAS GOLD

THE MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

ABANDONED

(short story in Wed Under Western Skies)

TEXAS LAWMAN

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

A CHRISTMAS CHILD

(short story in The Magic of Christmas)

and in Mills & Boon® Super Historical Romance:

REDEMPTION

HAVEN

THE OUTLAW’S BRIDE

THE BRIDE

Reasons for a dedication are many and varied.

This one is due to the presence of a bona fide angel in our family. Alexis Davidson will probably never be aware of the influence she will have on the lives of those around her, yet it will be felt by all who love her. She is our baby, our own grandchild and great-grandchild, and as such she is precious.

So, to our Lexy this book is dedicated, with all the love this grandma’s heart can hold.

And to Mr. Ed, who loves me.

Benning, Texas, Spring 1895

“I heard you’re looking for a deputy.” James Webster stood in the doorway of the local lawman’s office, presenting himself as a candidate for the job.

The sheriff, Brace Caulfield, nodded and waved a hand at the stranger. “Have a seat and tell me your qualifications, son.” The young man was dressed for the trail, his boots dusty, his clothing clean but well worn. And on his face he wore the look of a man who had lived through a heap of problems.

James took off his hat and did as instructed, bringing forth an envelope from his pack before he sat it on the floor. He handed it to the sheriff and then sat, his long legs stretching halfway across to the desk. “I’m James Webster, and I brought this for you to look at. It will give you an idea of what I’ve been up to for the past few years.”

Sheriff Caulfield opened the envelope and raised his eyes to James. “Would this be a recommendation? Have you been a lawman before?”

James shook his head. “No, but I’m a good man with a gun. I’m honest, big enough to stop any fights that might take place where a show of strength is required and I need a job.”

The sheriff bent his head over the letter he’d been offered and then handed it to the man across the desk from him. “Read this aloud for me, son. I want to think about it and I’ll do better if you read it to me.”

James nodded, although he had his doubts as to the reason he’d been asked to do the honors, so to speak. “It’s from the rancher I worked for up in Missouri. Offered to write the letter on his own hook. I’m never one to turn down a helping hand, so I brought it with me. I’d hoped it might make an impression on someone when I started job hunting. I’d done a good job for him, but it was time to move on. Texas seemed a likely place.”

“How long you been looking?” the sheriff asked.

“Not long, a month or so, maybe. I just got into town and put my horse up at the livery stable. I need a decent bed for a night or two, and when the clerk at the hotel told me your deputy had left for greener pastures, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to introduce myself to you.”

“Well,” Brace said lazily, leaning back in his chair, “read it to me. Let me hear what the man has to say. Then why don’t you get yourself a room at the hotel for a day or two and I’ll stop by at suppertime and we can eat in the dining room there. Their fried chicken is good, and I think they’ve got roast beef for the special tonight.”

James cleared his throat. “Can I just paraphrase the letter?” he asked, embarrassed to read the words that would praise him to the skies.

Brace nodded. “If you like. So long as I know what it says.”

James sat up straighter in the chair and began. “First off, he says that I’m a good man with those under my command. I was his foreman for a couple of years, and we got along pretty well.” Glancing down at the letter he held, he flushed a bit.

“He says I’m honest, dependable and a good hand with a gun.” With that, Jamie folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. “I’m not lily-white, Sheriff, and I’m not about to play any games with you.” He met the lawman’s gaze and hesitated. “I’ve been a rascal in my time, but my record speaks for my life over the past couple of years.”

“What sort of rascal are we talking about here?” Brace asked, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. “You get in any big trouble while you sowed your wild oats?”

“I hurt some folks. Caused some problems that will probably haunt me till the day I die. But I’ve done my best to make amends with my family and…”

“And?” Brace nudged his visitor into an explanation.