Rhonda Gibson - Pony Express Special Delivery

Conveniently Wed

Pony Express manager Clayton Young arrives for his new assignment at a Wyoming ranch just in time to save Maggie Fillmore’s ailing baby. The lovely young widow is struggling to care for a ranch, her sister and a newborn, and Clayton plans to pursue medicine—not marriage. Yet Maggie’s dire situation spurs him to offer a match of convenience...

Maggie hoped never to rely on any man again, even one as kind as Clayton. But with her late husband’s greedy cousin trying to take away her ranch, she has little choice. And though Maggie worries her union with Clayton might not be enough to save her ranch, she soon sees it could be just what her heart needs.

“I’m so glad you came along when you did.”

“I am, too.”

Did Maggie have any idea how pretty she was? Her hazel eyes looked tired but happy. Maggie Young was a beautiful woman, and he didn’t have to be in love to appreciate that.

“Well, I just wanted to say thank you again. For everything.”

“You are welcome. Good night, Maggie.” Clayton waited until she shut the door and then prepared for bed. He heard her moving about her room for a moment or two and then the house was silent. His brain went into overdrive in the quiet.

What had he been thinking? Marriage? Responsibility of the ranch? Firing the foreman and taking over his job, along with his own responsibilities as a Pony Express manager? He’d been sent here to do the job of Pony Express manager.

He’d not shirk his duties as a Pony Express employee, he’d not allow harm to come to his new family and, most important, Clayton Young would not fall in love with his pretty new bride.

Distance. That was what he needed to keep between them. If he didn’t get close to Maggie, his heart wouldn’t betray him.

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 Special Delivery

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

—Psalms 118:23

To my readers:

Thank you so much for reading my books.

You are forever in my heart.

To James Gibson, my real-life hero.

I will love you, always.

Thank You, Lord, I give You ALL the glory

for each and every book.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Conveniently Wed Pony Express manager Clayton Young arrives for his new assignment at a Wyoming ranch just in time to save Maggie Fillmore’s ailing baby. The lovely young widow is struggling to care for a ranch, her sister and a newborn, and Clayton plans to pursue medicine—not marriage. Yet Maggie’s dire situation spurs him to offer a match of convenience... Maggie hoped never to rely on any man again, even one as kind as Clayton. But with her late husband’s greedy cousin trying to take away her ranch, she has little choice. And though Maggie worries her union with Clayton might not be enough to save her ranch, she soon sees it could be just what her heart needs.

Introduction “I’m so glad you came along when you did.” “I am, too.” Did Maggie have any idea how pretty she was? Her hazel eyes looked tired but happy. Maggie Young was a beautiful woman, and he didn’t have to be in love to appreciate that. “Well, I just wanted to say thank you again. For everything.” “You are welcome. Good night, Maggie.” Clayton waited until she shut the door and then prepared for bed. He heard her moving about her room for a moment or two and then the house was silent. His brain went into overdrive in the quiet. What had he been thinking? Marriage? Responsibility of the ranch? Firing the foreman and taking over his job, along with his own responsibilities as a Pony Express manager? He’d been sent here to do the job of Pony Express manager. He’d not shirk his duties as a Pony Express employee, he’d not allow harm to come to his new family and, most important, Clayton Young would not fall in love with his pretty new bride. Distance. That was what he needed to keep between them. If he didn’t get close to Maggie, his heart wouldn’t betray him.

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 Special Delivery Rhonda Gibson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. —Psalms 118:23

Dedication To my readers: Thank you so much for reading my books. You are forever in my heart. To James Gibson, my real-life hero. I will love you, always. Thank You, Lord, I give You ALL the glory for each and every book.

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

Wyoming

Winter 1861

Clayton Young’s horse, Bones, slowly picked his way down the dirt road that led to the Fillmore Ranch. The leather of the saddle on the horse’s back squeaked and shifted as the horse stumbled a bit. Clayton patted the horse’s neck. “Good job, Bones. Hang in there. We’re almost to the barn, ole boy, and then we’ll see what can be found to eat in our new home.” Clayton straightened up and drew in a deep breath.

This was the third and final day of his journey. The Fillmore Ranch offered much in the way of comfort, or so he’d been told. Right before he quit, the previous relay station manager, Bill Evers, had said the ranch had been his easiest assignment with the Pony Express.

Clayton sighed. This assignment was his last job with the Pony Express. The telegraph lines and offices were swiftly taking over the Express’s routes. Why send your mail by pony when it could go by train in a day’s time or wire in mere minutes? People were whispering that the Pony Express was in financial distress and would soon be extinct once telegraph lines were completed from the East Coast to the West. Because of all the talk, Bill had found another job and quit the Pony Express. He had a small family and couldn’t afford to be out of work even a day.

Unlike his friend Bill, Clayton didn’t have a family to support so he figured he’d stick with the Pony Express to the end. Then he’d pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He’d saved almost every dime of the money he’d earned working for the Pony Express, and that would hold him over for a while after this job ended.