His Most Suitable Bride

The Marriage List

No one in Denver knows how close Callie Mitchell once came to ruin. Dowdy dresses and severe hairstyles hide evidence of the pretty, trusting girl she used to be. Now her matchmaking employer wants Callie to help find a wife for the one man who sees through her careful facade.

For his business’s sake, Reese Bennett Jr. plans on making a sensible marriage. Preferably one without the unpredictable emotions that spring to life around Callie. Yet no matter how many candidates she presents to Reese, none compare with the vibrant, intelligent woman who is right under his nose—and quickly invading his heart.

Charity House: Offering an oasis of hope, faith and love on the rugged Colorado frontier

“We are friends, are we not?”

Reese nodded. “We are.”

“Wouldn’t you also agree that friends help friends?”

He ran a hand along his jaw. “I would.”

“I don’t mind if this puts us in close proximity.” Callie’s bow-shaped lips curved upward. “I enjoy your company.”

“I enjoy yours, too.” A little too much. And therein lay the problem. Reese really liked Callie. He especially liked this new Callie, the one who dressed in rich, bold colors that made her skin glow and her eyes sparkle.

Her transformation awed him. Her beauty stole his breath.

“If you will give me a chance—” she pulled her hand away from his arm “—I believe I can be of great assistance in your search.”

Hadn’t he already arrived at that same conclusion? “That is not the point.”

“What is the point?”

He couldn’t remember.

“I need a day or two to think this through,” he said, grasping for any reason to make his exit before he said or did something he couldn’t take back.

RENEE RYAN

grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf very poorly. Armed with a degree in economics and religion from Florida State University, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency and a cosmetics conglomerate. She also taught high school economics, American government and Latin while coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. She currently lives in Nebraska with her husband and a large, fluffy cat many have mistaken for a small bear. Renee’s website is www.reneeryan.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter, @ReneeRyanBooks.

His Most Suitable Bride

Renee Ryan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For the Lord does not see as man sees;

for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

—1 Samuel 16:7

To my amazing, handsome, fabulous husband, Mark. Because of the love and grace you show me on a daily basis, writing romance is easy for me. I just have to look at you and know happily-ever-after is real. Love you, always and forever.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

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

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Denver, Colorado—1895

The Tabor Grand Opera House

Tonight should have ranked among the finest of Callie Mitchell’s life. Certainly all the elements were in place. She sat in a box seat, on a plush velvet chair, watching a world-class performance of Roméo et Juliette.

Based on William Shakespeare’s play, the popular opera consisted of five drama-filled acts with four—four!—duets between the main characters.

Callie was supposed be happy.

She was happy. Almost. But not quite.

Stifling a sigh, she took her gaze off the drama unfolding on the stage and glanced around. Horace A. W. Tabor had spared no expense in the construction of his opera house. The expert woodwork, elaborate chandelier and vibrant frescos made for a luxurious decor unrivaled by any other theater in Denver.

Perhaps therein lay the problem. Too many sights assaulted Callie, begging her to gawk in openmouthed wonder.

She was entirely too sensible for such a vulgar reaction. After all, she was the more levelheaded of the two Mitchell sisters, the boring one. Everyone said so.

Another sigh worked its way up her throat. Callie only had herself to blame for what people thought of her. She’d deliberately cultivated her uninteresting persona after her shameless act all those years ago when she’d attended school in Boston.

Fortunately, no one in Denver knew just how close she’d come to ruin. God may have forgiven her sin. Callie could not. Nor could she forget and thereby risk repeating the same mistake twice.