The Bride
She thought her fate was sealed… Before her father died, fourteen-year-old Isabella Montgomery had been betrothed to an older rancher infamous for cruelty. Two years later and shut away in a convent, Isabella dreaded the day he would come to claim her…Until a handsome captor revealed her true destiny! Tall, dark and devastatingly attractive, rancher Rafael McKenzie needed a bride before he came into his vast inheritance. The moment he laid eyes on Isabella, he knew she would be his!Breaking into the convent and capturing her against all the odds was effortless – but stealing her heart would be a different challenge altogether!
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Praise for Carolyn Davidson
âCarolyn Davidson creates such vivid images, youâd think she was using paints instead of words.ââBestselling author Pamela Morsi
âDavidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.â
âPublishers Weekly
Redemption
â[An] unflinching inquiry into the serious issues of the day.â
âBooklist
Oklahoma Sweetheart
âLike Dorothy Garlock, Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.â
âRomantic Times BOOKreviews
A Marriage by Chance
âThis deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.â
âRomantic Times BOOKreviews
The task of winning her heart would not be without difficulty, but he would use kindness as a tool, tender touchesâ¦and then he would claim her, know her in the most intimate sense, and she would be his.
Rafael bent closer to her and his whisper was soft, coaxing in her ear.
âYou will be mine, Isabella. My bride. My wife.â
The words resounded within her and the movement of her head was a rebuttal of his words. He laughed aloud.
âYou have no choice, sweetheart. Once youâre mine, once Iâve taken you to my bed, the fine señor will no longer be interested in you. He bargained for a young girl, a virgin. And you will no longer be able to claim that title.â
âIâve known no man,â she said quietly. âMy virtue is to be given only to the man I marry, the man I choose.â
âYou chose me when you walked out of the convent.â
âWould you take a woman to your bed who is not willing?â she asked, daring a look into mysterious eyes that seemed to search her secrets out.
He smiled darkly, and yet she caught a glimpse of warmth glittering in those black eyes that met hers.
âYou will be willing. I guarantee it.â
Reading, writing and researchâCarolyn Davidsonâs life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travelâher husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.
Table of Contents
This book is dedicated to those who married in earlier times, back when life was perilous and every day was an adventure. It is, more important, dedicated to the memory of my parentsâ marriage.
They were born very near the time this story takes place. Theirs was a wedding between two strong, independent individuals who sought the joys of wedded bliss and found not only that, but the trials and tribulations of two very different, stubborn people in the midst of a changing world. The life they lived gave to the children they raised a legacy.
It was one that inspired their offspring to seek and find marriages containing love and fidelity, enough to last for a lifetime.
So to Mother and Daddy, whose memories will be alive in the thoughts of those who loved them, this book is dedicated.
And, as always, my words are given with love to Mr Ed, who loves me.
Prologue
The Territory of New Mexico
1890
ISABELLA MONTGOMERY trembled as she stood before her father. Feeling compelled to state her case she forced words from her throat, well aware that she risked, almost invited, her fatherâs anger. âI am fourteen years old, Father. I know that there are girls of my age already married, but I fear Iâm not ready to become a wife.â Her voice broke as she considered the man her father intended for her and revulsion filled her mind. âJuan Garcia is as old as you are. How can you think of giving me to him as a bride?â
And even as she spoke, she knew her plea would be in vain, for her words would not be heeded by her father.
Charles Montgomery was a man of mixed heritage, who saw before him the means of his own upward climb into society, and his eyes were dark, dull orbs as he considered the female before him. Given his motherâs Spanish aristocratic background, he would have been of exalted heritage, had not that woman been seduced by an Irish immigrant and given birth to a child who looked like a throwback to the Spanish grandees, yet bore the name of an Irish potato farmer.
