Cowboy Homecoming

Rocky Mountain Proposal

After two years, Tolley Northam returns home, transformed from a mischievous youth into an ambitious lawyer confident of winning his father’s approval at last. But he soon begins to wonder if the only way to do so is to marry family friend Laurie Eberly—a woman his father has always liked. If only she weren’t so adamant about refusing Tolley’s proposal...

Laurie’s childhood friend is now a handsome, accomplished lawyer with undeniable charm. But she can’t accept Tolley’s proposal; she believes it’s just to earn his father’s praise. First he’ll have to prove to her that he wants her for a wife not because his father thinks she’s the perfect match, but because he does.

Laurie’s bright blue eyes shone with kindness.

Could she see his inner turmoil? He dipped his head to hide his face.

She moved forward as if about to jump down from the rail, and Tolley hurried around his horse and grabbed her waist to lift her down. Once her feet touched the barn floor, he didn’t want to let go. Marrying this pretty little gal would have all kinds of benefits, not simply gaining the Colonel’s approval. That selfish thought, so like his old way of thinking, broke his grip like a bee sting. He stepped back. “Those city shoes might turn your ankle if you jump. They’ll sure as anything get messed up if you tromp around these stalls.”

“I suppose so.” She sounded a bit breathless as she blinked those big blue eyes at him.

He started to chuck her under the chin like he used to but resisted the urge. Such a gesture might offend her.

“One of our cowhands can take Gypsy back to Four Stones.”

“Thanks.” He secured his carpetbag to the back of the saddle and mounted up. “See you later, Laurie.”

She reached up and squeezed his hand. “Welcome home, Tolley.”

How did she know those were the exact words he’d needed to hear?

Florida author LOUISE M. GOUGE writes historical fiction for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005 and placed in 2011 and 2015; she also placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. When she isn’t writing, she and her husband, David, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. Please visit her website at blog.louisemgouge.com.

Cowboy Homecoming

Louise M. Gouge

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Man looketh on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looketh on the heart.

—1 Samuel 16:7b

This book series is dedicated to the intrepid pioneers who settled the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the mid to late 1800s. They could not have found a more beautiful place to make their homes than in this vast 7500-foot-high valley situated between the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges.

Thanks go to my beloved husband of fifty-two years, David Gouge, for his loving support as I pursue my dream of writing love stories to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

June 1885

San Luis Valley, Colorado

At last!

Tolley Northam struggled to keep from laughing with unfettered happiness as the Denver and Rio Grande train descended onto the vast San Luis Valley plains, picking up speed after its laborious climb over La Veta Pass. After wiping what must be a foolish grin off his face, Tolley glanced around the Pullman car at his fellow passengers, especially the couple who’d sat across from him since the train left Walsenburg early this morning.

“Almost home.” The middle-aged woman gave him a maternal smile, reminding him of Mother.

“Yes, ma’am.” When they’d asked about his travels, he’d told them about attending college in Boston to become a lawyer and how he now headed home to open his practice and help run the family ranch. “My whole family will be at the train station. They always come out in force to welcome home family members who’ve traveled.”

“As it should be.” The husband nodded his approval. “We expect our son and his family to be waiting for us in Alamosa.”

The two years in Boston had seemed like an eternity, but at last Tolley would be back on the family’s ranch doing the work he loved. Of course he’d honor his father’s wishes and set up a law practice, as befitted his Harvard law studies. He’d even purchased a shingle that should please the Colonel, as everyone called his formidable father. Gone was the mischievous boy who’d caused more than his share of trouble. Tolley vowed to be the perfect son so maybe, just maybe, the Colonel would at last approve of him.

He’d pictured this day in his mind for the entire two years. He’d kiss Mother first, of course. Shake hands with his brothers and brother-in-law. Kiss his sister and sisters-in-law on the cheek. Embrace his nieces and nephews, some of whom he’d never met. But his imaginings always stalled over how he’d greet the Colonel. Maybe the old man would reach out to shake his hand and Tolley wouldn’t have to decide. But then, their bitter parting had been fueled by anger on both sides. He could only pray the Colonel had mellowed.