Wagon Train Proposal
For the Sake of His ChildrenA marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldn't possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeks–someone to love her for herself.Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute she's winning over his shy little girls, and the next she's tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristan's unexpected second chance at happiness…if he'll risk his wary heart again.Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail
Читать Wagon Train Proposal онлайн беплатно
For the Sake of His Children
A marriage of convenience? Rachel Hewitt couldnât possibly accept. Not even for the sake of three adorable little girls who desperately want a new mother. Sheriff Tristan McCullough offers Rachel a home and family, but not the one thing she truly seeksâsomeone to love her for herself.
Tristan McCullough hoped to find a wife on the wagon train, not a nanny. The hardworking widower wants a marriage without emotional risks. But independent Rachel intrigues him. One minute sheâs winning over his shy little girls, and the next sheâs tackling danger head-on. She might just be Tristanâs unexpected second chance at happinessâ¦if heâll risk his wary heart again.
Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail
âI could help you with your daughters.â
Tristan turned to face Rachel, smiled. âThatâs what I came to discuss with you.â
So, he had followed her. Sheâd suspected as much. But just to be clearâ¦
âYou followed me out here to talk about your girls?â
He went very still and studied her face with that intensity she found so disconcerting, as if he were trying to look into the depths of her soul. âIn a manner of speaking.â
She swallowed. This wasnât supposed to be so hard. What she had to offer made sense for all of them. âSo you agree I should take over for Bertha.â
âNo.â
No? She waited for him to expand on that. When he didnât she blinked at him in confusion. Thatâs it, she thought. Justâ¦no. Not a single word of explanation?
She blew out a frustrated puff of air. âYou realize Iâm offering to take care of your daughters. Itâs the perfect solution. I adore them. Iâm pretty confident they like me.â
He was already shaking his head before she finished stating her case.
She frowned at him. âI donât understand your refusal. You need help immediately. Iâm available.â
âI had a more permanent solution in mind.â
Oh. Oh.
* * *
Journey West: Romance and adventure
await three siblings on the Oregon Trail
Wagon Train Reunionâ
Linda Ford, April 2015
Wagon Train Sweetheartâ
Lacy Williams, May 2015
Wagon Train Proposalâ
Renee Ryan, June 2015
RENEE RYAN grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com, on Twitter @ReneeRyanBooks, or on Facebook.
There is no fear in love;
but perfect love casteth out fear.
â1 John 4:18
To my fabulous critique partner, Cindy Kirk. Thank you for your wisdom and support through the years and, most of all, your friendship. Every book I write is stronger because of your insights. No matter what trial I face, I know you always have my back, and I have yours!
Contents
Fort Nez Perce October 1843
Exhausted, footsore and chilled to the bone from a recent rainstorm, Rachel Hewitt leaned against her familyâs covered wagon. As she looked out over the organized chaos, one thought emerged. Nearly there.
At long last, the wagon train had reached the final leg of what had turned out to be an arduous, five-month trek across the Oregon Trail.
Despite the hardships along the way, spirits were high among Rachelâs fellow emigrants. A brand-new life awaited in Oregon City, with the promise of fertile soil, large land grants. Endless possibilities awaited. And yet...
A sense of quiet despair crept into her usual optimism.
Wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders, she traced her fingertip along the edges of a wooden slat. Familiar sounds filled her ears. Hammers striking iron. Saws carving through wood. The creak of wagon wheels and childrenâs laughter and the bleating of worn-out animals.
Soft footsteps approached from behind her. Rachel moved to the other side of the wagon. She didnât especially want to speak with anyone right now.
Rachelâs family, along with many others, had made the decision to build rafts or buy canoes rather than risk the treacherous land route or abandon their belongings. It had seemed the wisest course of action. But as she eyed the rushing waters swollen from the recent storm, she wondered if the worst was yet to come.
The cold wind sweeping off the Cascade Range carried the scent of winter over the land. Time was running short. Little room for mistakes or wrong turns.
Rachel looked around her once again. This time, all she saw was the solitary figure standing on the riverbank.
