Rhonda Gibson - A Pony Express Christmas

MISTLETOE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

When Jake Bridges suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece, he knows he needs a wife. What does a stock tender at a pony express station know about raising little girls? A marriage of convenience to the child’s caretaker is the most practical solution.

A mail-order marriage seems like Leah Hollister’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. But then she receives word that her would-be groom is dead. Now Jake proposes she marry him. She knows love isn’t necessary. Yet the more she learns of sweet Molly’s kindhearted uncle, the more she dreams of a true partnership with the man who has unexpectedly captured her heart.

“You will never want for anything as long as you are my wife.”

Leah couldn’t find words to express how she felt. It was a lot to take in. She’d gone from having no plans or future to having a man offer her marriage and a daughter. She loved Molly, and yet she still couldn’t get out the word yes.

Molly burst through the kitchen door and ran to Leah. The little girl grabbed her free hand and tugged for Leah to follow her.

Leah gently pulled her back and said, “Go tell Mrs. Frontz that I’ll be there in a few minutes.” It was only after the little girl hurried away that she remembered Molly couldn’t or wouldn’t speak. How was she going to tell Mrs. Frontz what she’d said?

She turned her attention back to Jake. He still held her hand firmly in his. “What about friendship, Jake? Can you allow yourself to be my friend?”

He squeezed her hand gently and warmth filled his voice. “I will give you friendship and respect, and I believe we will get along fine, Leah. Just don’t ask for my heart…”

RHONDA GIBSON

lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and two 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. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

A Pony Express Christmas

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

—John 14:18

A very special thanks goes to Jean Williamson for all the wonderful resources that she provided to make this book possible. Thanks to Jean Kincaid, Kim Mort and Christina Rich. To James for your love and support, and above all, to my Lord and Savior.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text MISTLETOE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE When Jake Bridges suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece, he knows he needs a wife. What does a stock tender at a pony express station know about raising little girls? A marriage of convenience to the child’s caretaker is the most practical solution. A mail-order marriage seems like Leah Hollister’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. But then she receives word that her would-be groom is dead. Now Jake proposes she marry him. She knows love isn’t necessary. Yet the more she learns of sweet Molly’s kindhearted uncle, the more she dreams of a true partnership with the man who has unexpectedly captured her heart.

Introduction “You will never want for anything as long as you are my wife.” Leah couldn’t find words to express how she felt. It was a lot to take in. She’d gone from having no plans or future to having a man offer her marriage and a daughter. She loved Molly, and yet she still couldn’t get out the word yes. Molly burst through the kitchen door and ran to Leah. The little girl grabbed her free hand and tugged for Leah to follow her. Leah gently pulled her back and said, “Go tell Mrs. Frontz that I’ll be there in a few minutes.” It was only after the little girl hurried away that she remembered Molly couldn’t or wouldn’t speak. How was she going to tell Mrs. Frontz what she’d said? She turned her attention back to Jake. He still held her hand firmly in his. “What about friendship, Jake? Can you allow yourself to be my friend?” He squeezed her hand gently and warmth filled his voice. “I will give you friendship and respect, and I believe we will get along fine, Leah. Just don’t ask for my heart…”

About the Author RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and two 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. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net , where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

Title Page A Pony Express Christmas Rhonda Gibson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. —John 14:18

Dedication A very special thanks goes to Jean Williamson for all the wonderful resources that she provided to make this book possible. Thanks to Jean Kincaid, Kim Mort and Christina Rich. To James for your love and support, and above all, to my Lord and Savior.

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

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

South Platte, Colorado Winter 1860

“Rider! Coming in fast!”

Leah Hollister didn’t have time to worry about her luggage tossed carelessly to the ground by the stagecoach driver, or the fact that the coach’s rapid exit had drenched her feet in wet, cold snow. She heard horse’s hooves pounding the ground, bearing down on her and the four-year-old child whose hand she gripped tightly within her own.

“Move, lady!” Panic filled the male voice that called out.

Leah scooped up the little girl and fled across the icy snow toward the porch of the large log cabin closest to her. Reaching it, she turned in time to see a young man on a horse speed past, leaping over her luggage with ease and heading toward a barn that was located on the far side of the house. Aware of the danger she’d just escaped, Leah’s hands started to shake.

Two men were in front of the barn. One of them sat on a compact, sorrel-colored horse. The other man stood off to the side, watching the transfer between the riders, just as Leah was doing.

The first rider handed a flat leather saddle bag to a man astride a mustang. As soon as the second rider had the bag, he laid low over his horse’s neck and was gone almost as fast as the first young man had ridden in.

Leah stared after the rider until he could no longer be seen. She shivered as a blast of icy wind hit her uncovered face. Where was he going in such a hurry? Her gaze moved back to the barn and stable. The two other men had disappeared, presumably inside.

Molly buried her face in Leah’s neck and shivered. She tried to burrow her slight body closer. One small gloved hand tangled in the opening of Leah’s coat, allowing more cold air in, while the other clung to her worn rag doll.

Taking a deep breath, Leah walked back to their luggage, which still sat in the middle of the yard. Her tired brain tried to register what had just happened. Why had those riders been in such a hurry? What was in that bag that was so important? She’d never seen anything like it, but then, she hadn’t seen much of life outside of an orphanage. Even the stagecoach ride had been exciting to a girl who’d been so completely sheltered. It dawned on her that perhaps the stage stop was also a pony express stop as well.