Rhonda Gibson - Pony Express Hero

Bound by a Child

Pony Express rider Jacob Young is a man of action, which is why when he sees a little girl caught in the middle of a stampede, he races to her rescue. And he soon discovers the child is the half sister he hadn’t known he had. The more time Jacob spends with adorable Daisy and her beautiful guardian, ranch owner Lilly Johnson, the more he realizes they’re filling all the lonely corners of his heart.

Wary Lilly can’t deny the cherished feelings that overcome her when Jacob vows to protect her and Daisy from any harm. And she can’t help but hope that maybe they can put their past hurts aside and forge a future together as a full-fledged family.

“If you will trust me, I’ll help you protect Daisy.”

Jacob watched the emotions wash across Lilly’s soft features. She wanted to trust him but something held her back.

“Thank you.” The words sounded tight in her throat.

He offered her a smile. “I won’t let you down.”

If someone was going to hurt Daisy, they’d have to go through him. He’d vowed to watch over the little girl and he’d do just that.

Jacob realized then that his promise included Lilly. If anyone hurt Daisy, they’d also be hurting Lilly. His instincts told him that she was a kind person. Her sympathy for him when he’d told her about his upbringing had been sincere. Jacob knew he’d not let either Daisy or Lilly be hurt.

He just prayed he’d not lose his heart in his desire to protect them both. Jacob had no intentions of falling in love. Women couldn’t be trusted not to abandon those they claimed to love the most. His birth mother had proven that. No, he’d harden that part of his heart and still keep his promise.

RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

Pony Express Hero

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

—Psalms 9:10

To my brother, Marty McConnell, for all the good times we shared growing up and the support you have shown me as an adult. I’m proud to call you my little brother and best friend. As always, thank You to my Lord and Savior for allowing me to write books for Him.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Bound by a Child Pony Express rider Jacob Young is a man of action, which is why when he sees a little girl caught in the middle of a stampede, he races to her rescue. And he soon discovers the child is the half sister he hadn’t known he had. The more time Jacob spends with adorable Daisy and her beautiful guardian, ranch owner Lilly Johnson, the more he realizes they’re filling all the lonely corners of his heart. Wary Lilly can’t deny the cherished feelings that overcome her when Jacob vows to protect her and Daisy from any harm. And she can’t help but hope that maybe they can put their past hurts aside and forge a future together as a full-fledged family.

Introduction “If you will trust me, I’ll help you protect Daisy.” Jacob watched the emotions wash across Lilly’s soft features. She wanted to trust him but something held her back. “Thank you.” The words sounded tight in her throat. He offered her a smile. “I won’t let you down.” If someone was going to hurt Daisy, they’d have to go through him. He’d vowed to watch over the little girl and he’d do just that. Jacob realized then that his promise included Lilly. If anyone hurt Daisy, they’d also be hurting Lilly. His instincts told him that she was a kind person. Her sympathy for him when he’d told her about his upbringing had been sincere. Jacob knew he’d not let either Daisy or Lilly be hurt. He just prayed he’d not lose his heart in his desire to protect them both. Jacob had no intentions of falling in love. Women couldn’t be trusted not to abandon those they claimed to love the most. His birth mother had proven that. No, he’d harden that part of his heart and still keep his promise.

About the Author RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net . Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

Title Page Pony Express Hero Rhonda Gibson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. —Psalms 9:10

Dedication To my brother, Marty McConnell, for all the good times we shared growing up and the support you have shown me as an adult. I’m proud to call you my little brother and best friend. As always, thank You to my Lord and Savior for allowing me to write books for Him.

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

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Mud Springs, California

Summer 1860

A scream tore through the early-morning air. Instantly alert, Jacob Young reined in his horse and pushed back his hat, scanning the area for trouble. His horse shifted beneath him, its movements telling him it, too, sensed something was wrong.

Then Jacob saw her. A child, no more than three or four years old, in bare feet and a white nightgown. He squinted, searching intently for her parents, but found no one. Why would a little girl be in a ravine by herself at this early hour of the morning? The sun had barely begun to top the horizon.

His gaze moved to the other end of the ravine. A cloud of dust rose like steam from a kettle. Icy fear twisted around his heart as he saw what had the little girl scrambling up the small hillside. Cows, hundreds of cows, thundered down the gorge toward her. The rumble of hooves pounded the ground along with the continual terrified screams from the little girl.

Stampede.

Jacob kicked his horse’s flanks and shouted, “Hiyah!” The horse’s sturdy legs tensed—then, like a shot, they raced down one side of the ravine toward the small figure that seemed so very far away. He leaned over the horse’s neck, urging him to go faster and faster. They were close but so were the cows. A flicker of apprehension coursed through him. Would he make it in time?