Race to the Altar

Though he’d never planned to wed, Daniel Westland must marry and produce a grandchild before his brother does in order to inherit the family ranch. Leave it to him to pick a mail-order bride who insists on being courted! Yet every time Daniel wonders if Hannah Young is even suited to rugged living, the petite schoolteacher shows her gumption.

What man sends away for a bride but doesn’t really want to get married? Hannah came to Granite, Texas, hoping to find love and security, and she can’t settle for less than a true partnership. If the brooding, handsome rancher can just learn to trust in Hannah, their future could be as filled with promise as this bountiful land.

“If Levi marries before me, he’ll get the ranch. I’ve worked hard all my life on this spread. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. Hannah, I can’t let Levi have it.”

“And I can’t marry you right now, Daniel.”

“Because you want love?”

“Yes. I want to fall in love. I want to be the center of my husband’s world. I won’t settle for less.” Having love jerked from her before had hurt her too deeply to take the chance it would happen again.

Hannah sighed. Where was she going to go? It was obvious she wouldn’t be staying here. Daniel wanted only the land; he didn’t really want a wife.

“We have time, Miss Young. Levi’s mail-order bride didn’t arrive today. Until she does, I am willing to court you. I can’t promise you love, but maybe we can become friends. I’ve heard that friends have been known to fall in love and marry. Who’s to say it won’t happen with us?”

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 www.rhondagibson.net, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

Taming the Texas Rancher
Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

—Psalms 27:10

To the Bards of Faith, my life hasn’t been the same since you kidnapped me at an ACFW conference. It has been much richer and blessed. Thank you for taking a misfit into your group and making her your friend. I love you all!

To James Gibson, my dream of writing books would never have come true without your love and support. Thank you.

To my Lord and Savior: Who is the true author of my books. Without Whom I’d never meet a deadline.

Contents

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

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Excerpt

Chapter One

Granite, Texas

Spring 1886

“What are you doing here?” Daniel Westland scowled at his younger brother, Levi. He’d been running late, and seeing his brother standing there, looking freshly cleaned and pressed, was not what he’d expected. The wildflowers in Levi’s hands spun daintily in the breeze that swished about them as the stagecoach pulled to a stop.

Dust filled the air, and both men shaded their eyes against the grit. As soon as the horses came to a complete halt and the dust settled, Levi answered, “I imagine I’m here for the same reason you are, big brother.”

Levi grinned. His green eyes sparkled with mischief. Daniel’s scowl deepened. Surely Levi hadn’t sent off for a mail-order bride, also? But then again, maybe he had. Daniel pulled his hat farther down on his forehead to shade his eyes from both his brother and the sun.

While they waited for the driver to leap down and open the carriage door, Daniel thought of the woman within the stagecoach. She was a schoolteacher and had written that she felt it was time to have children of her own. The letter promised she had all her teeth, that she was twenty-eight years old and believed in God.

Daniel’s jaw tightened. Once more he wanted to scream that he didn’t have time for this, he had a ranch to run! Why his mother, Bonnie Westland, felt the need for grandchildren now was beyond his comprehension.

Truth be told, he wasn’t ready for a wife or children, but his mother was feeling the pinch of old age. At Christmas she’d decided that her sons needed wives and she needed grandchildren. She’d proclaimed over dinner that the first son to marry and produce a grandchild would inherit the ranch.

Daniel swept his hat off and ran a weary hand through his hair. His mood darkened as he again noticed the fresh bouquet of wildflowers in Levi’s tan hand. Why hadn’t he thought to pick Miss Hannah Young flowers?

The two men’s gazes met and clashed. Levi winked at him and then continued to watch the door expectantly. Why did Daniel let his younger brother get under his skin so? He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Unlike Levi, he didn’t have time to stop and smell the flowers, or in this case pick them for a stranger. He slapped at the dirt on his pant legs. He’d been more concerned about fixing the west fence on the ranch before he had to meet the stagecoach and his mail-order bride than he had sprucing up for her.

The driver set a wooden box in front of the coach door and then reached for the handle.

Daniel quickly did a self-inventory. His tan shirt hid most of the day’s sweat and grime. Thankfully, he was wearing dark brown pants or he’d really look shabby to his new bride. His work boots were covered in a fine layer of dirt and mire. He knocked a chunk of dried mud off the hem of his trouser leg.

The sound of Levi’s low, appreciative whistle brought Daniel’s head up.

A vision of loveliness stood in the doorway of the coach. As she stepped down onto the wooden box, her blue travel dress floated about her, much how he would imagine ocean waves would look. Silky black ringlets framed her heart-shaped face. Stormy blue eyes scanned the small town and then alighted on him.

She held his gaze for several long minutes, and during that time Daniel felt as if his heart were being squeezed and his lungs had lost all means of holding air. He hadn’t expected Hannah Young to be so beautiful.

Levi stepped forward and clasped her hand in his. “I’m Levi Westland.” He helped her step down from the box until her feet touched the ground. “Are you Millicent Summer?”

Her voice sounded soft and almost musical. “I’m sorry, Mr. Westland. I’m Hannah Young.” Confusion laced her pretty blue eyes. “I am here to meet Daniel Westland. Did he send you to pick me up?”

“No, ma’am. I’m his brother, Levi.”

Daniel stepped forward. “I’m Daniel Westland.” His words squeaked out, making him sound much like an adolescent instead of the thirty-three-year-old man he was. He cleared his throat and stepped forward, extending his hand.

She smiled and placed her small gloved fingers in his. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Westland.”

The coach driver set two large bags down beside her. “Here is your luggage, ma’am.” He picked up the wooden box and replaced it inside the carriage.

Hannah released Daniel’s hand and thanked the driver.

Levi looked inside the vehicle. Disappointment laced his voice. “Weren’t there other passengers?”

The driver grunted as he climbed back aboard the stage. “Not this trip.” He slapped the reins over the horses’ backs, heading to the livery at a fast pace.

Levi stood watching them go. The dejected look on his face said it all: he had hoped to have a bride today, as well. Was Levi disappointed because he was behind in the game? Or had he somehow learned to care about Millicent Summers through her letters?

The look on his younger brother’s face bothered Daniel. He squashed the feelings. He couldn’t let them affect him now. Thanks to his mother’s challenge, the ownership of the family ranch was at stake.

He returned his attention to Hannah Young and offered what he hoped was his best smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Are you ready?” At her slight nod, he pressed on. “I thought we’d head on over to the preacher’s house, and then enjoy an early supper before going out to the ranch.” Now that the time to actually get married was here, Daniel felt as if someone had tied a big stone around his neck and was about to toss him into the river.

Would he ever feel right about marrying a woman who he wasn’t sure he’d be able to protect and love? After the death of his sister and his inability to protect her on the ranch, what made him think he could take care of a complete stranger? If only his mother hadn’t interfered in his life, he’d never have to find out.

He picked up her bags and looked again in Levi’s direction. His brother stood off to the side with the flowers still clutched in his hand. Confusion furrowed his brow.

A featherlight hand landed on Daniel’s forearm. “I’m sorry, Mr. Westland, but am I correct in my assumption that you are planning on our wedding being today?”

“Of course.” He turned toward the buckboard, which waited in front of the general store. The sooner they got this over with, the better.

Her hand slipped from his arm. He’d taken several steps before he realized Hannah was no longer by his side. Daniel looked over his shoulder and saw that she stood where he’d left her, her arms crossed and a stern look upon her face.

He walked back to her. “Is something amiss, Miss Young?”

A new sharpness filled her voice as she informed him, “Mr. Westland, I don’t believe that is what we agreed upon. Per my letter, we will not be married until I am properly courted, and only if we find there is love in our hearts for one another.”

Daniel dropped the bags. He didn’t like the firmness in her voice when she spoke to him. He wasn’t one of her students, and they had to get married today.

Anger caused his next words to come out swift and full of emotion. “Madam, getting married today isn’t something I relish, either. But it is what happens when a man places a mail-order bride ad and a lady accepts the offer. I did not agree to any other terms. I have a ranch to run, and the sooner we get this...” for a moment he faltered for words “...this marriage thing over with, the better. Now come along.” He reached for her arm, figuring the tone he’d just used with her had scared more than one cowpoke into doing what he ordered.

She stepped back out of his reach. Determination laced her blue eyes and she responded in a stern manner of her own. “I don’t think so, Mr. Westland. I sent a letter and told you my stipulations. By sending me tickets to come here, you agreed to those terms.”

Daniel spread his legs and planted his fists on his waist. He ignored the grinning Levi, who’d taken a sudden interest in them. His sibling no longer resembled a dejected hound dog.

He turned his gaze from his little brother and focused on her. “Miss Young, I did not receive your letter and would never have agreed to your demands. Did you or did you not answer my mail-order bride ad?”

She offered him a sweet smile. Her blue eyes sparkled in the morning sunlight, much like a woman’s jewels. Daniel felt sure she was about to say that it was all right and she’d be happy to marry him on the spot.

Instead, Hannah said, “Yes, I did. And I only did so because I thought you agreed to my terms. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get my letter, but the terms still stand. I am not trying to be a demanding woman, Mr. Westland. But I will not be forced into a quick marriage.”

Sweetness dripped from her lips, but determination filled her eyes. He could tell this woman was giving no quarter in their disagreement. He also realized they were gathering more attention than a bucking bull on Main Street.

He ground his teeth and scowled at his brother, who grinned back at him. This was not working out as Daniel had planned. “Come along. We’ll discuss this over lunch.” He walked back to her luggage and jerked it up.

Leave it to him to pick a bride who wanted to marry, but only for love. Why hadn’t he gotten the missing letter? In the last one he’d received she’d said yes, that she’d like to come to Granite and meet him. Had she mentioned a long engagement? No, he felt sure he’d have remembered it if she had.

Upon reflection, he realized she’d said “meet” him, not marry him. His assumption that all mail-order brides had to get married might have cost him his ranch.

* * *

Hannah followed behind Daniel Westland. His straight shoulders and tight jaw screamed of his anger and confusion. She believed him when he’d said he hadn’t gotten her letter, but Hannah held fast to the dream of marrying for love.

She’d already been left at the altar once because the young man didn’t love her. It was too bad he’d decided to tell her so in front of all their friends and family. It was a hard lesson, but she’d learned it well. Now Hannah refused to marry a man until she was sure of his love and she heard him proclaim the words I love you with his own lips. Hannah didn’t think it was too much to ask.

“Miss Young?”

She turned to see a smiling Levi Westland strolling beside her. He looked a lot like his older brother, with the same green eyes, even white teeth and sandy-brown hair. Only where Daniel’s was short, Levi’s touched his collar, and twin dimples winked from his cheeks. He was shorter than his brother by a few inches. “Yes?”

He cleared his throat and spoke in a louder-than-necessary voice. “If my brother isn’t willing to agree to court you, I will. I’ll even wait until you fall in love with me before we marry.” Levi held out the wildflowers he’d been holding tightly, and offered her a bright smile.

If the situation had been different, Hannah would have laughed at the comical way he’d gallantly made his announcement. Levi seemed very sure that he could make her fall head over heels in love with him. Her gaze moved to Daniel as he lifted both her bags into the buckboard. What did he think of his brother’s declaration?

Hannah took the flowers Levi offered and smiled sweetly at both men. “Thank you, Mr. Westland. I’ll keep that in mind.”

A low growl came from Daniel as he turned from the buckboard. Hard green eyes swept over his younger brother.

“Levi, leave Miss Young alone.”

Mischief danced in Levi’s face. His dimples deepened as he grinned. “Why, big brother? Have you changed your mind already?”

Daniel ignored him and came to stand in front of Hannah. “Would you like to eat at the hotel dining room? Or The Eating House?”

She squared her shoulders and asked, “Which is more private and offers a pot of hot tea?” Had Daniel changed his mind? She didn’t think so. From the set of his jaw and the fire in his eyes, she’d almost bet that he hadn’t.

“Probably The Eating House,” he said, stepping to her side and cupping her elbow in his callused hand.

She marveled at the gentleness of his touch. Even though he was mad enough to spit nails, Daniel’s hand betrayed none of the anger Hannah was sure he was feeling.

Levi moved to the other side. “I think pot roast and fresh bread are the special today,” he offered as he grinned across at Daniel.

Hannah felt small as she walked between the brothers. She straightened to her full height of four feet eleven inches and was still almost a foot shorter than Levi. Daniel towered a few inches over his brother, making her feel even smaller.

Aware of the limp she’d attained as a child, she tried to keep her footsteps strong and even with theirs. So far neither Daniel nor Levi had mentioned her slight hobble; perhaps it wasn’t as important to them as she had feared it would be.

Normally Hannah would have relished the silence among the three of them, but when she’d made the decision to start a new life, she’d also decided to become more sociable. Talk more, express more, live more.

So to break the tension-filled stillness she asked, “Mr. Westland, who is Millicent Summer?” She turned her gaze on Levi.

He cleared his throat and looked away. “She’s the woman who answered my mail-order bride advertisement. It seems I’m not the only one who had that idea.” Levi cut his eyes toward his brother once more.

Hannah followed his gaze. Daniel continued walking, but his jaw worked and his lips had thinned. Confusion warred within her. “But why did you both send for a mail-order bride?” She looked about the small town. Maybe there just weren’t enough women to go around here in Granite, Texas.

“Let’s get a pot of tea in front of you and I’ll tell you everything,” Levi answered.

Hannah nodded. A sick quiver churned her already unsettled stomach. She prayed it was simply because she hadn’t eaten since the early hours of the morning, but knew it was her normal reaction to forthcoming bad news.

Daniel growled between gritted teeth. “Don’t you think I should be the one to tell her?”

They walked toward a large building with the name The Eating House painted over the door. The fragrance of fresh bread drifted from an open window, which sported red-and-white curtains. Hannah’s stomach growled.

Levi followed them and chuckled. “You should, but I didn’t think you would.”

Daniel ignored his brother. He released her arm and yanked the door to the restaurant open. His green eyes blazed in Levi’s direction.

Hannah entered in front of the men. The rich fragrances of coffee and roasted meat filled her nostrils, but she ignored them. Her mind circled the question: What secret was Daniel Westland withholding from her?

Once more he took her arm, and began to direct her to the back of the room. They passed wooden tables and chairs. Salt and pepper shakers were the only objects on the tables. She was happy to see that the tabletops looked clean.

Why wouldn’t Daniel tell her? What had he been keeping from her in his letters? She’d thought him an honest and hardworking man. The letters had hinted at long hours and a busy life. Hannah had been looking forward to working by his side.

Now dread caused her hands to shake. Daniel stopped at the last table and held out a chair for her. She laid the flowers down, slid into her seat and then clutched her hands together in her lap.

What did she really know of the Westlands? Had she allowed her romantic thoughts to put her in a mess of hot water? A new knot developed in the pit of her stomach as Hannah realized her friend Eliza might have been right. Becoming a mail-order bride might have been a bad idea.

Chapter Two

Daniel noticed Hannah’s limp for the first time as he guided her to the back of the room. The sweet scent of honeysuckle drifted from her as he pulled out a chair and waited until she was seated before gently pushing it forward. Hannah Young was not what he’d expected. He knew from her letters that she was a schoolteacher, but he hadn’t expected her to be a stubborn woman or to have a limp. Maybe he should put her back on the stagecoach and send her home to New Mexico. Ranch life was too hard on a healthy person, let alone someone with a disability. He wondered if it caused her pain, and realized that, come winter, she might suffer in her joints.

Levi hurried around the table and sat with his back to the wall, opposite Hannah. His knowing grin forced Daniel to reconsider his earlier thought. If he sent Hannah home, then he’d have to start his hunt for a bride all over again, giving Levi time to marry and have the first child.

Daniel thought about the conversation they’d had earlier in the week. He regretted taunting his brother and telling him he could always work on the ranch once he won it. The realization that Levi could still win and that the tables could easily be turned, and he’d be the one staying on and working for his brother, caused Daniel to frown. Would he be able to do such a thing?

The owner of The Eating House, Bertha Steward, hurried to their table. “Well, I declare. Daniel and Levi Westland, and who is this lovely young woman?”

Daniel made the introductions. “Mrs. Steward, this is Miss Hannah Young.”

Bertha handed each of them a menu. “Nice to meet you, Miss Young.” She wiped her hand on a flour-covered apron, and then extended it for Hannah to shake.

“Please, call me Hannah.” She took Bertha’s hand and smiled. “I’m not a big fan of formality.”

The older woman laughed. “I like her, boys.” Then she turned her attention back to Hannah. “You must call me Bertha. What would you like to drink?”

Hannah laid the menu to the side. “I’d like a cup of hot tea, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all. Boys?” Bertha tucked a graying strand of light brown hair behind her ear.

Daniel felt a grin ease onto his face. All his life Bertha had called him a boy. Even though he was now thirty-three, she still saw him as the six-year-old who used to beg her for cookies. “Coffee, black, please.”

“Levi?”

“I’ll have the same as Daniel.”

“I’ll be right back.” Bertha hurried away to fill their drink orders.

Hannah studied the list of foods. “If everyone is as nice as her, I’m going to like it here.” She lowered the menu and grinned at Daniel.

He noticed the paper menu shook slightly. Was Hannah Young nervous? Scared?

“They are.” Levi laid his menu down and grinned across at him. “Well, are you going to tell her? Or shall I?”

The teasing in his brother’s eyes irritated Daniel. “Don’t you have someplace else to be?” He hoped his brother understood he wanted him to leave, without him actually coming out and saying it in front of Hannah.

Levi’s dimples winked. “No. Since I haven’t eaten today, I’ll stay here and have lunch with you two.” He smiled at Hannah and sat up straighter in his chair.

Daniel gave him his most irritated look. There were times when he wanted to strangle his little brother, and one of them was now.

Bertha arrived with the drinks and took their orders of roast beef stew and fresh bread. Daniel was aware of Hannah’s gaze upon his face. He felt heat enter his neck and cheeks.

“I’ll have your food right out.” Bertha gave them all a big, toothy smile, took the menus and headed back toward the kitchen.

Daniel gulped his coffee, scorching his tongue in the process. He sputtered and grabbed for his napkin. More heat filled his face and neck. Could this day get any worse?

“Since my big brother seems to be having a hard time getting the words out, I’ll explain why we both need brides.” Levi picked up Hannah’s hand and held it in his. He made a show of looking deeply into her eyes.

Daniel made a mental note to throttle his baby brother when they got back to the ranch. “I—”

Before he could say anything more, Levi interrupted. “Back in December, our mother made a declaration that whichever son got married and had the first grandchild would inherit our family ranch.” His solemn gaze met Daniel’s, the teasing light no longer there.

Hannah gasped and pulled her hand from Levi’s grasp. Her eyes grew large and her breathing became rapid. Was she going to have a spell right there?

Daniel could only imagine what was going through her mind. Her green eyes screamed shock and disbelief. He’d planned on telling her once they were married and settled comfortably in his new house. Why did his mother’s words have to sound so cold when spoken out loud?

His bride-to-be cleared her throat before taking a delicate sip of her tea. She lowered the cup. “I see.”

Did she really? Daniel didn’t think so. The Westland Ranch should rightfully be his. He was the oldest, worked the hardest and he’d poured his blood, sweat and tears into the land. Daniel doubted any woman could understand.

Hannah turned her gaze to Levi. “In your letters to Miss Summer, did you tell her why you wanted to get married?”

He nodded his head, his gaze focused on his coffee cup. Daniel could almost hear his brother thinking that he shouldn’t have written that part of his letter. If he hadn’t, Millicent Summers might have arrived, too.

Hannah cleared her throat again, drawing his attention from his brother. “So why didn’t you tell me?” Her soft voice held a sharp edge.

Daniel captured her gaze with his and sighed. “Would you have come?” He didn’t think so, and in this instance supposed he hadn’t been truthful with Hannah. He sent a silent prayer heavenward asking forgiveness.

His not being honest and her stubbornness would probably cause him to lose his ranch. Lord, please help Miss Young and me work through this. I don’t want to lose my ranch.

* * *

Had she mistaken God’s gentle nudge to answer Daniel Westland’s ad? Hannah studied his handsome features. Strong jaw line, firm chin and the prettiest green eyes she’d ever seen. All that aside, Hannah had to ask herself, would she have still come had she known his real reason for taking a wife?

Truth be told, she probably wouldn’t have. Getting married was one thing, but expecting a child immediately afterward was another, unless they were in love. And they were not. It was bad enough when her fiancé had left her at the altar. What would have happened had they gotten married, she came up with child and then he’d decided he didn’t love her and left?

Hannah had thought she was doing God’s will when she’d answered Daniel’s ad. Now she had to wonder about that, as well. If she had known why he was looking for a bride, and it had still been God’s will for her to come, Hannah knew she would have obeyed the voice of her Lord.

Heat filled her face as she realized that a number of minutes had passed since his question. She raised her chin and answered, “I would like to think that if God had deemed it so, I would have.”

Bertha chose that moment to make her way to their table. She balanced three plates of food, a small basket of bread, silverware and a pot of tea on the large tray she carried.

She set the tray on the empty table next to theirs and then skillfully positioned everything before them. The rich aroma of the stew floated to Hannah as Bertha worked. When she had everything where it should be, she grinned. “Will there be anything else?” she asked.

“I think that about does it. This smells wonderful, Bertha. Thank you,” Levi answered for them all.

Daniel nodded his thanks as well, but kept his eyes trained on Hannah. “Just holler if you need anything,” Bertha replied, leaving to greet a couple who’d entered the restaurant.

After saying a quick prayer of grace over their meal, Daniel continued their conversation. “Now you can see why we have to get married today.” He picked up his spoon as if to say the matter was closed.

“No, I don’t.” He started to protest and Hannah raised her hand to stop him. She struggled to keep her voice strong and even. “I will not get married without being courted or without love. Your mother said you have to get married and have a child. I never agreed to her terms, even if you did.” She picked up a piece of bread and tore it in two.

Hannah focused on the bread. What if he said, “Fine, I’ll order a new bride who will do what I tell her to”? Would Levi be willing to court her, as he’d declared earlier? Hannah instantly rejected that thought. She refused to come between brothers, especially since, from what she could gather so far, their mother had already placed one invisible barrier between them. Hannah wouldn’t do the same.

The desire to get up and walk out pulled at her. She fought the need to run. But where would she go? If only she could return to Cottonwood Springs.... But even as the thought teased her, Hannah knew she couldn’t.

The people of Cottonwood Springs thought she’d tried to have a romantic relationship with one of their local teens, so they’d stripped her of her job, and most of the local gossips had lost all respect for her. Everyone seemed to have turned against her except her two best friends, Rebecca Billings and Eliza Kelly.

No, she couldn’t return there. Self-doubt began to plague her. Was it foolish to hold out for love? Should she up and marry Daniel Westland just to have a roof over her head?

She thought about her limp and all the years she’d been teased, ignored or pitied because of it. Hannah wanted to prove to Daniel that she’d make a good wife. That she could work on the ranch and not be a hindrance to her husband. She wanted him to love her, not just feel sorry for her.

Hannah wanted love, she wanted security and she wanted respect from her husband, not pity. To have those things, she felt that she had to insist on courtship and the words “I love you” said before they said their vows. With that thought in mind, she squared her shoulders and lifted her head.

Her gaze clashed with that of Daniel, who seemed to have been studying her. Hannah lifted her chin even as despair ripped through her heart, taking her breath away. Did Daniel realize how much power he held over her at this moment? She prayed with all her might that he did not.

Chapter Three

Hannah still couldn’t believe that Daniel had simply nodded and begun to eat his meal after she’d told him that she hadn’t agreed to his mother’s contest. Shock must have shown on her face, for Levi had grinned and winked at her. Then he, too, had turned his attention to the food in front of him.

When they’d left town in Daniel’s buckboard wagon, Levi had followed on a white stallion. Every so often Hannah would hear the animal snort and Levi reassure him with gentle words. She wondered what had happened to Millicent Summer. Had the other woman gotten cold feet? Or would she show up in a couple days? If she did arrive, would that give Levi an advantage over Daniel’s chances of winning the ranch?

“Oh, it’s beautiful out here,” Hannah said, bouncing along on the seat of the supply wagon. Red, blue, yellow and purple wildflowers dotted the deep green, grassy pastures. Cedars, elms and other short, bushy trees and shrubs peppered the landscape.

“Are we on Westland land now?” She gripped the bench she was sitting on tighter.

Daniel nodded. He’d been quiet the whole trip. Hannah wasn’t sure if that was his normal nature or if he was punishing her for not marrying him immediately.

Levi brought his horse alongside the wagon. “We like it. Pa worked hard to settle this land and build the house and barn.”

She noticed that he looked over her head at Daniel. What was Levi thinking? Since she’d come along, did that mean he’d lost the contest their mother had set into motion? Heat filled her face as Hannah remembered the rules of the game. The first one to get married and have a grandchild would inherit the ranch.

If it all relied on her having a child, then Levi was still in the contest. She’d not marry without love and would never consider having a child without marriage first. To redirect her thoughts, Hannah asked, “How long ago was that?”

Levi’s horse tossed his head. He patted the beast’s neck and then answered, “About twenty years ago now. I was only ten when we settled here. Daniel was thirteen, so he can tell you more about how life was when we first moved to Texas.” His gaze shifted from her to Daniel, to a house that stood to their right in the distance and then back to her. “I think I’ll ride on ahead. See you in a little while.” With those words, Levi nudged his horse onto a dirt road and into a trot.

They continued on in silence. Once more, Hannah wondered if Daniel was a quiet man by nature. If so, he and Levi seemed to be complete opposites.

For a brief moment their eyes met. Tension crackled in the air between them. She jerked hers from his and looked at what she now knew was the Westland Ranch. Lord, please help us, Hannah silently prayed.

“I hope you will like it here, Miss Young.” His low voice was like an answer to her prayer.

Hannah slowly returned her gaze to him. Daniel’s lips twitched as if he’d thought about smiling but at the last minute changed his mind. He faced forward once more.

This was more difficult than she’d thought it would be. “I’m sure I will like it just fine.” Hannah straightened her skirt and focused on the pretty scenery.

Sturdy oak and cedar trees towered above her on both sides of the driveway that led to the house. The wind filtered through the tall grass, giving her the illusion she was riding in a sea of green. Beauty abounded all about her. If only things were different between her and Daniel, she’d enjoy her surroundings more.

Hannah took a deep breath and then blurted, “Would you stop the wagon for just a moment?” Her hands began to tremble.

Daniel pulled back on the reins and turned to face her. His green eyes searched hers.

To halt the shaking of her hands, Hannah clasped them together on her lap. “When I answered your letters, I thought we had an understanding of what we both wanted. You wanted a wife and I wanted to be a wife, but I wanted us to be in love before we wed.”

He nodded. “Go on.”

“But since you didn’t get the letter explaining about the courtship, and didn’t understand the terms of the agreement, I feel as if we are total strangers. Is it possible to start over?” Hannah held her breath. She hated confrontations like this. She released the pent-up air in a gush of words. “Or should I simply ask you to turn the wagon around and take me back to town?”

There, the question was out. Now Daniel Westland could decide if he wanted to court her, and he could do it on his own terms. Although giving him an escape put her in a bad situation. She had no idea what she was going to do once they returned to town.

He surprised her by asking, “Why would you want to go back to town? I thought we had an agreement.” His gaze continued to study her face.

Hannah wondered if he really didn’t understand. “I know you aren’t happy that I want to wait to get married. And since you didn’t get the letter, I don’t want you brooding and blaming me because things haven’t worked out the way you planned. So I was thinking, maybe it would be better if I returned to Granite.” She swallowed hard to ease the lump in her throat.

She couldn’t hold his gaze one moment longer, so she shifted and looked straight ahead, to the two-story white house with a wraparound porch. Movement to the right caught her attention and she watched as Levi dismounted from his horse beside a red barn. Hannah could see a vegetable garden on the left side of the house; small green shoots were poking through the rich soil.

So this was the Westland Ranch. She’d waited weeks for this glimpse of a Texas ranch. Her heart gave a little lurch at the thought that at any moment, Daniel was going to turn the wagon around and take her away from the place she’d planned on making her future home.

A heavy sigh drew her gaze back to him. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I haven’t made you feel welcome. To be honest, I really don’t know how to act now. When we were going to be wed, I figured we’d work through the details of married life, but now...” He rubbed the knuckles of his right hand with his left palm and sighed again. “I just don’t know what to do or how to do it. I’m sorry. I haven’t been very friendly.”

Hannah felt hope swell in her chest. “Is there a chance we can start over?” She captured her bottom lip between her teeth and waited.

His green eyes searched hers. “That’s just it—I don’t feel as if we’ve started anything.” He looked toward the house. “I’m a man who thought he had a plan, but now that’s changed.”

“I see.” The words caught in her throat. Hannah licked her lips and looked toward the ranch house in turn.

A harsh laugh tore from him. “No, you don’t. If Levi marries before me, he’ll get the ranch.” Daniel took one of her hands in his and tugged on it to get her attention. When she looked at him, he continued, “I’ve worked hard all my life on this spread. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. Hannah, I can’t let Levi have it.”

She raised her chin and wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. He was asking her to give up her dream of being respected and loved because he wanted a piece of dirt. “And I can’t marry you right now, Daniel.”

He dropped her hand. “Because you want love?”

“Yes. I want to fall in love. I want to be the center of my husband’s world. I won’t settle for less.” Having love jerked from her before had hurt her too deeply to take the chance it would happen again. Tears filled her eyes. She couldn’t bring herself to finish that thought with, and I want you to forget I have a handicap. I want to be treated like a normal human being.

Hannah sighed. Where was she going to go? It was obvious she wouldn’t be staying here. Daniel wanted only the land—he didn’t really want a wife.

“We have time, Miss Young. Levi’s mail-order bride didn’t arrive today. Until she does, I am willing to court you. I can’t promise you love, but maybe we can become friends.” He rubbed his chin. His five o’clock shadow scratched against the calluses on his hand. “I’ve heard that friends have been known to fall in love and marry. Who’s to say it won’t happen with us?”

Hannah mulled his words over. She needed time. If Daniel was willing to court her, she’d use the borrowed time to pray and decide what to do about her future.

* * *

Daniel watched her face closely. Did she realize her thoughts flittered across her delicate features like a butterfly flutters from flower to flower? Even before she nodded her consent, he knew she’d agree.

He also knew it was a stretch, but maybe he could make her fall in love with him and he’d still win his ranch. He offered her a grin. “Good. Are you ready to go meet the rest of my family?”

She ran a trembling hand over her hair and readjusted her hat. Hannah turned to look at the house. “I believe so.”

Reaching across to her clasped hands, Daniel gave them a gentle squeeze. “You will do fine. My mother is going to love you.”

As for him falling in love with her, he had no intentions of doing that with anyone. With Hannah having a limp, like his sister, he couldn’t allow her to enter his heart. He’d made the decision to take care of Hannah, and keep her off the ranch and out of harm’s way.

But as for loving her...

Daniel didn’t think he could lose another person he loved to ranch life. His sister, Gracie Joy, had been ten when she’d been killed. He tried not to relive that night, but the memories started flooding his mind and he couldn’t stop them.

Gracie Joy had loved the ranch and wanted a horse of her own. Because she’d had one leg shorter than the other since birth, their mother had insisted they get her a Shetland pony instead of a full-size mare. He’d tried to explain that Shetland ponies were often mean-spirited and had no sense of personal space, but his mother hadn’t listened.

The morning they’d gone to get the little Shetland, Gracie Joy had been thrilled, and rode with Daniel over to the Carlsons’ ranch to get him. She’d listened carefully how to care for the little horse, and had named him Lightning because of a white blaze that ran down his nose in a zigzag pattern. Mr. Carlson had laughed, and then explained that Lightning was afraid of storms.

After a week, Daniel began to doubt his own judgment of the pony. Lightning and Gracie Joy took to each other like kittens take to fresh milk.

And then it happened.

A storm blew in from the west. In his rush to get the newborn calves in out of the wet weather, Daniel and Levi had hurried to the pastures to gather them. Gracie Joy remembered that Mr. Carlson said Lightening was afraid of storms, and she’d sneaked out to the barn.

When Daniel and Levi returned, they’d found their little sister’s broken body inside Lightning’s stall. The doctor said it looked as if the little horse had kicked her in the head and then run over her chest in his hurry to get out of the barn. He said Gracie Joy probably never even felt the impact.

Daniel sighed. If he had been there, then Gracie Joy wouldn’t have gone to the stables. If he’d refused to get the Shetland as he’d first planned, she would still be alive.

A soft voice pulled him from the nightmare of memories. “Daniel, are you all right?”

He looked into Hannah Young’s heart-shaped face. Soft blue eyes studied him with concern. Daniel cleared his throat. “I’m fine.”

He released her hands and focused on guiding the horse to the house. If he lost his heart to Hannah, and she died, too, Daniel was sure he’d not survive. In desperation, he turned to the Lord. Father, I don’t know why You have allowed this woman to enter my life, but I will do my best to make her happy and keep her safe. But please don’t ask me to love her.

Chapter Four

Gravel crunched under the wagon’s wheels as Daniel pulled it up to the front porch. The sweet fragrance of roses drifted from the rosebushes beside the house. It teased Hannah’s nose as he set the break and hopped down.

She watched as a woman opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch. She wore a peach-colored blouse and a tan riding skirt, and brown boots peeked out from under the hem. Her blond hair was pulled back in a braid that hung over her left shoulder. Hannah wondered if this was one of Daniel’s sisters. She had the same green eyes, the same nose.

Daniel jumped from the wagon and then turned to offer Hannah his hand. She studied his stormy eyes. No longer did they look pain filled and haunted.

She laid her hand in his. He helped her down and then turned her toward the woman. “Hannah Young, this is my mother, Bonnie Westland. Ma, Hannah is my mail-order bride.”

His mother?

The same shock that Hannah felt at discovering this was his mother filled Bonnie Westland’s voice. “Your mail-order bride?”

“Yes, ma’am. You said to get a wife. Here she is.” Daniel pulled Hannah’s bags from the wagon.

Hannah stepped forward and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Westland.”

Bonnie took her hand and gave it a hard shake, then released it. “Same here.”

Hannah felt like a cow at auction as Daniel’s mother walked around her, studying her as if she were sizing her up before making an offer.

“What was wrong with JoAnna Crawford?” Bonnie asked Daniel, placing both hands on her hips and standing in a manner that indicated she expected an answer from her son, and fast.

Daniel stomped past them up onto the porch, his neck and cheeks bright red. “Ma, that girl doesn’t have the sense that God gave a goose.” With that he used his booted foot to push the door open, and then slipped inside.

Mrs. Westland took off after him. “I was talking to you, Daniel Westland. You get yourself back here.” She slammed the door behind her.

Hannah crossed her arms. She didn’t know whether to be insulted, annoyed or happy that they seemed to have forgotten all about her. Obviously, Bonnie Westland didn’t like the way her son had chosen a bride. Had Daniel realized his mother would be displeased?

“I see you’ve met Ma.”

She turned to find Levi approaching. His steps were long and even, as if he was never in a hurry to get anywhere. “I did.”

Levi laughed. “Ma doesn’t make a good first impression, but she’s as good as gold.”

A smile touched Hannah’s lips. “I’m sure she is. But she doesn’t seem too happy that Daniel sent for me when JoAnna Crawford is available.”

“I reckon she isn’t. Ma’s wanted him to take up with JoAnna ever since we were kids.” Levi walked to the horse and gave its harness a little tug. “Why don’t you come with me to the barn? We’ll let them hash that out before we go inside.”

That sounded fine by Hannah. She nodded and fell into step beside him. “Why didn’t Daniel want to marry JoAnna? It seems to me that would be easier than sending off for a mail-order bride.”

Levi looked over at her. “Probably for the same reason I won’t marry Lucille Lawson.” He kicked a stone and watched it skip across the ground.

When they got to the barn, Hannah knew he wasn’t going to elaborate without a little prodding. “And that would be because...”

“The girls around here are simpleminded and most of them are too young for us, anyway.” Levi’s face flushed the same shade of red that Daniel’s had a few minutes earlier. He hid his embarrassment by unhitching the wagon.

Hannah leaned against a stall door and inhaled the sweet fragrance of hay. A mama cat looked up from the corner of the barn, where three kittens nuzzled at her. Contentment could be found here on the Westland Ranch, if things were different.

The mama cat licked her babies’ faces.

When Hannah was a child she’d been content. Until the horse stepped on her ankle and shattered that contentment, along with the bones. She’d been saddling her horse to go for an afternoon ride when a snake spooked it and sent it sidestepping. Unfortunately for her, the animal had stepped on her ankle, shattering the bone. Hannah remembered the doctor and her parents whispering in the next room when she’d come to and the doctor telling her father that he should probably put her away. She wasn’t ranch life material anymore. Her world had changed that day. People’s behavior toward her changed.

Her father had no longer wanted his favorite child working beside him on the family farm. He’d swiftly made the decision she was a cripple and not good for farming. Horses were to be kept far away from her, and as soon as she was old enough, Hannah had been sent off to school, where she was trained to be a teacher. Feelings of hurt and anxiety filled her as she recalled being put on a stagecoach and sent as far away from home as one could go. After all these years, resentment and pain still lingered in her heart. Then she’d met Thomas, and he’d promised to marry her and create a home she could be proud of. Only that, too, had shattered with no more than a moment’s notice. She’d pretended like neither mattered, but as soon as she’d completed her education, Hannah had run to New Mexico, as far from Missouri as her money would take her. She’d found working for the school in Cottonwood Springs rewarding, but not having her own place had left her far from content.

Then Eliza had invited her to come live with her, and Hannah had been happy for a while. She felt sick to her stomach as she remembered the humiliation she’d felt when Mr. Miller entered the school and found his sixteen-year-old nephew, John Miller, trying to kiss her.

“Miss Young? Are you all right?” Levi stood in front of her with his hands on his hips, reminding her of his mother. His concerned green eyes studied her.

In a shaky voice Hannah answered, “I’m fine.” She straightened. Earlier, Daniel had said he was fine, too, but Hannah wondered again what had put that haunted look in his eyes.

His brother reached forward and brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. “You sure?” Levi’s gaze studied her.

“What’s going on in here?”

Hannah jerked her eyes from Levi’s. Daniel stood in the doorway, staring at them. Anger seemed to radiate from the man like hot sun off a flat rock. She sighed and looked back to Levi, who dropped his hand.

“Are you feeling any better?” he asked, just loudly enough for her to hear.

“Yes, thank you,” she whispered back.

Levi winked at her and then muttered, “Then time to have fun with my brother.” In a robust voice he said, “I’m sorry, big brother, I thought since you left Miss Young standing in front of the house, it was all right for me to get to know her a little better.”

Daniel stalked into the barn. He passed Levi and came to a stop at Hannah’s side. “Get to know her like a sister-in-law and not like a sweetheart and we’ll be just fine.”

Levi tilted his head. “And if I decide to give you a little competition and see if she’d rather marry me, what then?”

Hannah couldn’t believe what Levi was saying. She’d not led him to believe she’d choose him over his brother, but that’s what he was insinuating. The first time they were alone, she was going to set him straight. She refused to come between the brothers. Although from the looks of things, they didn’t seem very close. Still, Hannah planned on setting them both straight.

* * *

“I suppose that is up to Miss Young. She’ll have to decide the right thing to do.” Daniel directed Hannah to the barn door, leaving his brother standing there staring after them. Had he just called Levi’s bluff? Or ignited the flame of competition in him? He wasn’t sure.

And what about Hannah Young? She’d stared up at him like a newborn calf at its mother. Had she expected Daniel to fight his own flesh and blood over her? He continued propelling her across the yard toward the house. “Mother is waiting for you.”

Hannah pulled her elbow from his hand. Anger flashed in her pretty blue eyes. “And whose fault is that?”

“I didn’t say it was anyone’s fault.” If he lived to be a hundred, Daniel would never understand women. First his mother was angry with him for bringing home a mail-order bride, and now Hannah was angry with him, too.

She huffed. “No, you implied it was mine.”

Daniel straightened his shoulders. “Well, you did run off to the barn with Levi.”

“Because you left me standing in the front yard as if I was a stray puppy and not your fiancée. By the way...” she paused, then squared her shoulders, too, and tilted her head back to look him in the face “...I did not run.”

“You two stop that squabbling and get in here! You’re acting like children,” his mother called from the front door.

He had the satisfaction of watching mortification wash over Hannah’s face. His pleasure was brief as his mother continued, “Wipe that smirk off your face, young man.” She turned and stomped back inside the house, leaving the door open.

Daniel assumed that if she’d left the door ajar, his mother was getting over being mad. He’d known she wouldn’t be too happy about him marrying a girl from anywhere else but Granite, but he hadn’t expected her to be this angry.

His gaze moved from the door to Hannah. She looked ready to bolt. Once more he took her arm and propelled her toward the house. “Ma will be fine and so will you. You know, if we were already married, she wouldn’t be able to say much.”

Hannah seemed to ignore his comment. “You told her we aren’t married yet?”

He followed her up the porch steps. “Sure did.”

She sighed. “Good.”

Daniel followed her over the threshold and swung the door shut behind them. Hannah stopped suddenly, causing him to bump into her, almost knocking her to the floor. He reached out and pulled her back against his chest and stomach.

Bonnie Westland stood in front of them with Hannah’s suitcases propped in front of her. Her arms were crossed and her mouth was set in a hard line. She hadn’t looked at him like that since he was a little boy. And then it had been a baby skunk and not a girl he’d brought home. “Daniel, I suggest you take your future bride back to town. She’ll not be staying under my roof.”

Chapter Five

Hannah gasped at the venom in the older woman’s words. She thought Daniel’s mother would have been happy that her oldest son had brought home a prospective bride. Hadn’t she been the one to set up this contest? Hannah squared her shoulders and asked, “May I ask what you have against me, Mrs. Westland?”

Bonnie’s eyes narrowed. “No, you may not.” She looked over Hannah’s head at her son. “Get this woman out of my house now.” With that, she spun on her booted heels and stomped up the stairs.

The way she’d said “woman” made Hannah feel dirty. She spun on her heels in turn and stepped around Daniel. As she did so, Hannah saw that his mouth was gaping open and his eyes were wide. Obviously this wasn’t normal behavior from Bonnie Westland.

Still, it hurt.

Hannah fought tears.

She stopped at the porch railing and looked out over the Westland Ranch. Cows grazed in the pastures and horses stood in the corrals. A pond could be seen in the distance and dots that might be ducks floated on its watery surface. Chickens scratched in the dirt. Several fruit trees stood off to one side, with blooms of various colors promising a healthy harvest. To Hannah it was the most beautiful place on earth.

“I’m sorry for my mother’s brisk behavior. Normally she is not this ill-mannered.”

Hannah turned her head and looked at Daniel Westland. His dazed expression spoke volumes about his confused feelings. She sighed. This day hadn’t gone well. “Maybe she’s right.”

“No, she isn’t.” Daniel’s gaze moved to the orchard. “She wanted me to marry and I will. But I will chose who I wish to wed.” His chin rose stubbornly. The glint in his eyes matched that of his mother’s.

“But where will I stay?” Hannah didn’t know what else to say. Right now she was homeless, and disliked by the only woman she’d seen on the place.

“The schoolhouse.” He picked up her bags and headed down the steps.

“You have a schoolhouse?” Hannah hurried after him. “Won’t the schoolteacher need it?”

“School’s not running right now.” Daniel continued across the yard. His feet carried him over a grassy pasture to the edge of the orchard.

Hannah picked up her skirts and hurried after him. The sounds of a gurgling stream played in her ears as she looked about. Green, lush trees surrounded them as they continued on. She wondered how much farther they’d have to go. Just as she opened her mouth to ask, they came out of the orchard and she saw the schoolhouse sitting on a hill.

It was whitewashed and rather large, with two big windows looking out over the yard. She wondered if more windows were on the other side. A tall tree stood in front and she saw where a rope had been hung over one limb. A loop at the bottom indicated it was a swing.

Daniel’s legs were too long for Hannah to try to keep pace with, so she gave up and looked about. Her sides were aching and she felt out of breath. The stream she’d heard earlier wound behind the school, with tall cedar and pine trees lining its banks. Birdcalls filled the early evening air.

A sense of peace enveloped her. The schoolhouse felt like a beacon in a storm. Could she be happy here? At least for a little while? Hannah believed she could.

She slowly began to follow Daniel again, watching his wide shoulders sway as he climbed the hill. He’d seemed annoyed with his mother, but not truly angry. Had Hannah chosen a man with a slow temper for a future husband? She hoped so.

He put her bags on the porch and then turned to wait for her. She was aware of his eyes upon her as she climbed the short hill. He had yet to comment on her limp. Hannah tried to walk without favoring her injured ankle.

She pretended to ignore him, and took in her surroundings. Wildflowers grew about the building and she wondered when the school had been built. It looked and smelled new.

Once she’d climbed the steep, widely spaced steps and stood beside him, Daniel asked, “Ready to go inside?”

“Yes.” She felt a little out of breath.

He must have heard it in her voice because he said, “Good. I hope you can manage that climb. When I built the stairs it didn’t occur to me that...” He let the sentence hang between them as he opened the door.

Hannah took mercy on him and continued his sentence. “That a small child might have trouble making the climb? Maybe if you added another plank between each step that would help. They are a little steep.”

He nodded. “I’ll get on that first thing in the morning.” Daniel retrieved her bags once more.

“Thank you,” Hannah said, entering the room. The scent of fresh-cut wood filled her nostrils and she inhaled deeply.

The bags looked small in his large hands. Hannah knew they were heavier than they looked. She had packed at least ten of her favorite books, along with her dresses and two pairs of shoes. The muscles in his arms bulged. What would it feel like to someday have those same arms around her in a tender hug?

She shook the thought off and turned from him to focus on the large room. A bookshelf filled each of the four corners. He’d placed a blackboard on the far wall. She turned and looked back the way they’d come. There were several hooks beside the front door, low enough for children to hang their coats and jackets on, but there were no desks.

A fireplace rested on the west wall, between two large windows that matched the ones she’d seen while coming up the hill. It was made of red bricks, and he’d placed a metal screen in front of it—to keep the children out and the wood within, she assumed. She’d expected to see a stove there, but was happy the fireplace was so large.

To the right of the blackboard was another doorway.

“What is through there?” she asked, even as she walked toward it.

His boots clopped on the wooden floor behind her. “That would be the storage closet, but I think we can fit a bed in it, and maybe a side table for you to use, until we get married.”

Hannah opened the door to find a nice-size room. About ten feet wide and twelve feet long, it was much larger than she’d expected. Built-in bookshelves lined the far wall, and a window on the west end let in the setting sun. A smile touched Hannah’s lips. It was perfect.

“Yoo-hoo!” The call came from the front door.

Hannah looked to Daniel. He’d already turned and was heading in that direction.

“Well, hello, Opal, girls,” he said as he walked toward an older woman and two little girls.

A warm sensation enveloped Hannah at the pleasant kindness in his voice. It curled around her heart, creating a space of its own. During the past few hours she hadn’t heard that tone from Daniel, but decided it was one she’d love to hear all the time.

Opal wore an apron over her day dress and a flush tinged her cheeks. “Your mother sent me. There is a bed and bedding in the back of the wagon, and I brought a basket of food, just in case you two might be hungry.” She handed Daniel the basket and stepped around him.

Hannah watched her approach. After the reception she’d received from his mother, she wasn’t sure what to expect from this woman.

“I’m Opal Dean and these are my granddaughters, Daisy and Mary.” She pulled the girls in front of her and offered a wide smile.

Daniel set the basket on the floor and headed toward the door. “Thank you, Opal. I’ll go unload the bed.”

Hannah smiled at the children. Daisy looked to be older, perhaps eight or nine. As Mary chewed her fingernail and stared up at her, Hannah decided she was probably five or six. “It’s nice to meet you all. My name is Hannah Young.”

“That’s a pretty name,” Daisy offered.

“Thank you. I think Daisy is a pretty name, also.” Hannah raised her gaze to Opal.

“I’m sorry about Bonnie’s behavior earlier. I don’t know what has gotten into her lately. She’s normally very kind and levelheaded.” Opal shook her head as if trying to figure the other woman out.

Hannah wanted to ask how she knew Bonnie, but felt it wouldn’t be appropriate at this stage of their relationship. “I’m sure she was having a bad day,” she murmured politely.

“No, she’s just gotten ornery over the past few months. I’m her housekeeper and best friend, so I should know. It’s not like her to be so rude.” Opal stroked Mary’s red curls.

Hannah didn’t know what to say. If this woman really was Bonnie’s close friend, then it would be best not to say anything at all. She was saved from answering by the tugging on her skirt.

Mary stared up at her with big brown eyes, looking almost like a miniature image of her grandmother. She pulled her finger out of her mouth and asked, “Are you our new teacher?”

Daniel set part of the bed down and answered before Hannah could. He must have seen the look of dismay cross her features at the little girl’s question. “She sure is. I told you I found a teacher to start teaching you those ABCs, didn’t I?”

* * *

Daniel snuck a peek at Hannah. Confusion marred her lovely features. His gaze returned to the kids, who were laughing and jumping about. These two little girls were a big part of why he’d chosen Hannah’s letter from the stacks of others he’d received in answer to his newspaper ad. She’d been the only schoolteacher to respond.

His announcement was rewarded with a smile from Mary and a frown from Hannah. To avoid a confrontation with Hannah, he turned his attention to the younger female.

Mary’s front tooth had fallen out sometime between yesterday and this evening, he noted, as the redheaded urchin nodded.

Daisy clapped her hands. Her pigtails bounced against her shoulders as she jumped up and down. “Oh, I’m so glad! We’ve been waiting forever for you to get here. I can’t wait to tell John Paul. He hates school.”

He realized he couldn’t ignore her forever, and walked to her side. “I thought you understood that part of the reason I chose you was because you are a schoolteacher.” He tried to keep his voice from carrying to Opal, who was squawking at the girls to settle down.

“How would I have known that?” she whispered back.

He ran a hand through his hair and tried to remember if he’d mentioned the new schoolhouse, or his expectations that she’d agree to teach the children on the ranch. With a sinking feeling, he realized he hadn’t.

“Did you and Mr. Daniel get married?” Mary asked Hannah, and then poked the tip of her finger back inside her mouth.

Daniel coughed to cover up his embarrassment. Surely Opal had already heard from his mother that they weren’t married yet.

A nervous laugh exited the older woman. “Girls, girls. Let Miss Young get settled before you start asking her personal questions.”

“John Paul says Mr. Daniel isn’t the marrying kind. John Paul’s sister has been trying to get him to marry her for years, and he keeps saying no. You didn’t marry him, either, did you, Miss Young?” Daisy asked, moving out of range of her grandmother.

Daniel felt his face burst into flames. Hannah answered by shaking her head. Her eyes searched his face and he could hear the unasked question. Why hadn’t he married John Paul’s sister?

“I need to go get the rest of the frame for your bed.” He hurried away from her accusing eyes.

Opal’s embarrassed voice filled their ears. “Daisy Dean! Go play on the swing and take your sister with you! Don’t get dirty!” She shooed both girls out the door.

Just as they passed him on the stairs, Daniel heard Opal say to Hannah, “I’m sorry. This hasn’t been a good day for you, has it, dear?”

It hadn’t been a good day for him, either. He stomped down the stairs and yanked another piece of the iron bed from the wagon as he recalled his day.

The west fence had been cut and had to be mended, so he’d had to rush to get to the stagecoach on time to meet his bride. She’d refused to marry him, and his brother had tried to steal her from him. His mother refused to believe he was going to wed Hannah and had forced him to find a new home for her, and now had sent the heaviest bed in the house for him to haul inside and assemble for the woman who wouldn’t marry him.

Daniel tugged the heavy section of bed frame into the schoolroom and dumped it next to the one he’d brought in earlier. Opal stood hugging Hannah around the shoulders and talking softly to her. He headed back outside.

The sun was steadily sinking and he still had a bed to assemble and chores to do before he could eat and turn in himself. He jerked at the next piece of metal framing. This was not the way he’d thought his wedding day would go.

A movement to his right caught his eye. Cole Winters, Daniel’s right-hand man on the ranch, stepped out of the shadow of the building. The serious look on his rugged face caused Daniel to pause. Cole normally greeted everyone with a lazy smile. As he came closer, Daniel could see he was covered in mud and a fresh, bloody cut marked his face.

“Boss, we’ve got trouble.”

Daniel wanted to groan. Trouble seemed to be in abundance today. Lord, I should have stayed in bed.

“What kind of trouble?”

Cole grabbed the other end of the bed and helped him pull it from the wagon. “Jack Tanner kind of trouble.”

Jack had been a thorn in Daniel’s side ever since the day he’d hired him. The man drank too much and always brought some sort of bad attitude with him wherever he landed.

Cole walked toward the steps with his end of the frame. “The kind that started with us both in the horse trough and ended with him sprawled out in the mud beside it.”

That explained the scratch down Cole’s face. “So you were fighting.” Daniel heaved his end of the bed up and followed him inside.

“’Fraid so.” Cole laid his end down beside the other pieces.

“What started it?” Daniel asked, standing. He didn’t see Hannah or Opal in the schoolroom, then detected the soft sound of their voices coming from the supply room.

Cole removed his hat and swept his chestnut hair off his forehead. “He came back from town drunk and as mean as an ole polecat.”

Daniel shook his head. “Well, help me get this bed set up for Miss Young and we’ll escort him back to town.”

“So you’re gonna fire him this time?” Cole asked, stooping over to pick up the bed again.

“Yep, no choice. He was warned. It’s a shame, too. He’s a good hand when he’s sober.” Daniel and Cole carried the bed frame into the storage room. He really did wish there was another way to deal with Jack. Letting men go wasn’t his favorite part of running a ranch.

“I’m going to fill this shelf with the books I brought from Cottonwood Springs,” he heard Hannah say as she dusted off one of the many shelves.

“Miss Young, where do you want the bed set up?” Daniel asked.

She turned and gave him a gentle smile. “Really, Daniel, just call me Hannah. After all, we will be married, so we might as well start using each other’s first names.”

So she was planning on marrying him. Daniel felt as if she’d lifted a hundred-pound bale of hay from his shoulders. He nodded in her direction. “Hannah, where would you like the bed?”

“Under the window would be nice.”

Cole didn’t move to where she’d indicated, but continued to stand there, staring at Hannah.

Daniel gave Cole a shove to wake the hired hand from his apparent awe of Hannah. “Cole, this frame isn’t getting any lighter.”

Hannah’s cheeks became a pretty shade of pink before she turned her back on them. Her hands worked at dusting the shelves.

“Oh, sorry, boss. I, uh, had something in my eye.” Cole ducked his head and began moving toward the window.

Opal grinned at Daniel. “You two bring in the rest of the pieces and we’ll put it together.”

Daniel didn’t know what to make of his friend’s behavior. “Thank you, Opal.” They set the section down, then headed back to the wagon.

Cole didn’t look at him, but walked ahead. “Sorry about that, boss.”

Daniel nodded. “I’ll get this piece while you grab the other two.” He bent over and picked up the rail.

“I’ll be right back.” Cole hurried from the schoolhouse as if his boots were on fire.

Did Hannah really have that effect on men? Daniel answered his own silent question with another one. Hadn’t he stopped to stare when he’d first seen her, too? He hoped she wouldn’t have that effect on all the hands on the ranch or they might never get any work done.

Chapter Six

Hannah waved goodbye to Opal and the girls just as the sun slipped over the horizon. She shut the door and bolted the lock. The schoolhouse felt silent and peaceful. After the day she’d had, silent and peaceful seemed wonderful.

She walked back to the bedroom and dropped onto the soft mattress. Her gaze moved to her suitcases. This day had not turned out the way she’d thought it would. Daniel Westland wasn’t the man she’d expected.

She’d assumed he would be open, talkative and thrilled that she wanted to get to know him and fall in love before they got married. Daniel was far from those things. He seemed angry all the time, except when he was with the little girls. The man hadn’t said fifty words to her since they’d met, not that she’d been seriously counting, and he wanted a quick marriage and children so he could have the family ranch.

But he was handsome, and when he’d talked to Daisy and Mary she’d seen a soft side of Daniel that touched her heart and took away her anger at him for not telling her she was expected to teach the schoolchildren on the ranch. She’d also seen the sadness in his eyes that told her he was a wounded soul.

And what about Bonnie Westland? Hannah hadn’t given his mother any thought when she was writing him letters and had agreed to come to Granite to be his mail-order bride. Now that she’d met the woman, Hannah wasn’t sure what to think of her.

What kind of mother pitched her sons against each other? And of all things, over a plot of dirt? Why did she demand that they marry and have children if she wasn’t going to be happy with the women they chose?

Hannah turned the wick up on the kerosene lamp that Opal had lit earlier, and then walked to her suitcases. She opened the first one and began unpacking her books. The Holy Bible was on top, and she caressed the cover before taking it to the small table beside her bed.

After that she arranged The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There and the remaining books on the shelf closest to the headboard. She ran her hand over the spines of her favorite stories.

Hannah took out her shoes and lined them up at the foot of the bed. Her gaze moved to the other suitcase and she wondered where she should put her clothes.

Weariness tugged at her. She slipped her shoes off and placed them with the others. Opening the second suitcase, she pulled out her nightgown and then proceeded to get ready for bed. Hannah decided she’d worry about the rest of her unpacking tomorrow. Carefully, she folded her dress and laid it on one of the many empty shelves.

Before climbing between the fresh clean sheets, she knelt beside her bed and prayed. She thanked the Lord for her safe travel from Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico, to Granite, Texas. She asked Him to help her and Daniel work through their new relationship, and she prayed that Bonnie Westland would learn to accept her as a potential daughter-in-law. Once her prayers were complete, she pulled back the covers and climbed into bed.

The sound of hammering woke Hannah the next morning. She quickly rose and pulled on a simple dress. The noise was coming from the back of the building, and with the room’s one window facing west instead of south, she had no idea who was making the racket.

Running her fingers through the tangles in her hair, she rushed to see what was going on. Hannah took a deep breath before opening the back door. Daniel and the man who had been with him the day before were working on a small building. The rancher turned with a soft smile. “Good morning, Hannah.”

“Uh, good morning.” For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what they were building. It was too large for a wood box and too small for an extended room to the building.

“I see that we woke you. Sorry about that.” Daniel was looking at the ground in front of her. A frown replaced the smile that had seemed so warm.

Hannah looked down, too, and realized her bare feet were showing. The scars on her right foot were pale but visible. She felt heat flood her face. “I’ll be right back.” As quick as her feet would carry her, she hurried inside.

The horror that he and his hired man had seen the scars filled her with a sense of illness. No one had seen them since she was a child. Hannah had always been careful to keep them covered. She even had special socks she wore at all time, except when she was sleeping.

Now that he’d seen the scars, what must Daniel think of her? She hurried to her suitcase and pulled out a pair of stockings, then proceeded to put on her shoes.

The sound of hammering resumed.

Taking a steadying breath, Hannah decided he’d have had to seen them sooner or later. She would have preferred later, but the damage was done and she’d have to deal with whatever results it brought.

She sank down on the edge of the bed. The thought had come to her in the middle of the night that she would need supplies if she was going to live in the schoolhouse. And as soon as she could get up her courage, she’d go back outside and ask if Daniel would escort her to town. She wondered again what they were making as she combed her hair and pulled it into a braid.

The hammering stopped, and Hannah stood up. She inhaled deeply to soothe her nerves. Be brave, Hannah Young, she silently told herself as she walked to the door once more. He’s just a man and you need him to take you to town. You can do this.

Even if he is as handsome as sin and has now seen your worst flaw.

* * *

Daniel turned toward the sound of the door opening. He saw that Hannah had donned shoes and fixed her hair. Color still rode high on her cheeks, but her blue eyes held his. “I thought you might need a storage shed.”

Hannah smiled. Even white teeth flashed in the morning sun. “So that’s what you are making. I wondered.”

“Ma sent over a washtub and a small armoire. I thought you might like to have a place to store the tub and any supplies.” He took his hat off and wiped sweat from his forehead. Hannah looked as pretty as the flowers Levi had given her the day before.

“That was very considerate of both you and your mother.” She played with a ribbon on her dress. “Speaking of supplies, do you think we could go back into town today so I can pick a few things up?”

Daniel thought of all the jobs he still had to do. They needed to finish the shed, a stall in the barn needed to be mended and he wanted to check his fence line in the north pasture. The thought came to him that he could send one of his men. He turned to Cole.

The man was grinning at Hannah as if she was a slice of his favorite pie. He tipped his hat to her and said in a husky voice, “Good morning, ma’am.”

No, sending her with one of the ranch hands was out of the question.

“Sure. Let me talk to Cole here and then we’ll be on our way.” He enjoyed the sweetness of her smile, which brightened her eyes and face. Strands of black hair had escaped the braid and curled about her rosy cheeks. She almost looked like a porcelain doll he’d once seen in a city shop.

“Thank you. I’ll go start a list.” Her skirt swished as she turned and reentered the school.

Daniel glanced back at Cole, who had picked up another board and was about to resume working. “I need you to take care of a few things while I’m in town.”

“Sure, boss, you name it,” he said, hammering the board into place.

He was a great worker, but at some point Daniel knew he’d have to talk to him about Hannah. She was going to be Daniel’s wife, so Cole was going to have to stop looking at her like a lovesick schoolboy.

“Go to the house and get Levi to finish this shed. Tell Tucker and Sam to check the fence on the north pasture. Miguel and Rowdy can do the feeding today. Once you get all the men working, come back here and help Levi.” Daniel put his hat back on his head and tried to decide if there was anything else that needed doing.

Cole laid his hammer down. “Sure, boss. You’d mentioned earlier that you might set up a spot for Hannah to have a garden. Would you still like us to start her a plot?”

Daniel didn’t like him using Hannah’s name as if he had a right to do so. “That’s Miss Young to you, Cole. And while we’re on the subject, I suggest that any interest you have in her, you put to rest.”

The ranch hand coughed. “Uh, sorry. I don’t really have an interest in her, but she reminds me of someone. I’ll try to control my reactions when I’m around Miss Young.”

Daniel walked over and clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s all I’m asking.” Cole was a hard worker and probably his best friend; Daniel didn’t want Hannah to come between them.

He looked about the backyard. “How about we put the garden over there?” He pointed at a spot off to the right of the door, between the stream and the schoolhouse.

“How close do you want the garden to the tree?” Cole asked, surveying the land.

Daniel grinned. He could see Hannah sitting in the shade of the tree on a swing, sipping tea and enjoying the breeze. When he realized where his thoughts were headed, he squashed them. Yes, he wanted her happy, but he didn’t want to be thinking of her in a warm way. He didn’t want any feelings of love to cloud his better judgment. Daniel reminded himself that when he loved, others got hurt. They depended on him too much, and he couldn’t allow either to happen again. “I’ll leave that up to you.”

“Would it be all right with you if young Adam had a look? He’s good at planting things. He’ll know better than I do where it should go.” Cole piled the wood, hammers and nails together.

“I’d forgotten Adam. Yes, give him that job. I’ll leave what you do up to you. I know you’ll take care of whatever else needs to be done.” Daniel wanted Cole to know he bore no hard feelings over Hannah.

Cole acknowledged the praise with a nod. “I’ll get started, then.” He walked to his horse and mounted. As he came even with Daniel, he stopped, leaned on his saddle horn and advised, “Daniel, enjoy your day in town today. You work too hard and don’t play enough.” He didn’t give him a chance to respond, simply turned his horse and sent her into a gallop toward the ranch house.

Maybe Cole was right. He should try to enjoy the day. It wasn’t like they were getting married while in town. Besides, the sooner he convinced Hannah she was in love with him, the sooner they’d get married, have a baby and he’d inherit the ranch. Winning the ranch was the true goal, and he’d have to wed to get it. With that thought in mind, Daniel squared his shoulders in anticipation of making Hannah fall in love with him without losing his heart to her.

Chapter Seven

Hannah held tightly to her list. She didn’t know what to think of Daniel’s easy, laid-back behavior today. He’d helped her into the wagon and then began telling her about the ranch he loved so much.

She learned that it was over one hundred acres of the best cattle land in the state of Texas, with three large ponds, and a spring-fed river running through it. The Larsons were on the west, the Montoyas’ spread lay to the south, the Crawfords’ land lay to the east and the Johnsons were on the north.

Daniel seemed to love every inch of the property, from the grazing pastures to the small patches of wood that surrounded the bodies of water. He talked about the wildlife and warned of rattlesnakes.

The thought of snakes sent a shiver down her spine. To take her mind off the reptiles, Hannah focused on Daniel. She watched his lips as he spoke.

“I am looking forward to the day I can take you down to the canyons. They are on the west corner of the ranch and are beautiful during the summer. The sunsets are perfect there. Would you like to go with me to see them? We could have an evening picnic.” His lips parted in a smile.

Hannah would love to accompany him, but wanted to make sure he understood it would have to be a proper outing. “I’d love to, after we are married.”

A grin tilted his mouth. “I’m sure the preacher would have no trouble hitching us today, if you’d like.” The teasing glint in his eyes told her he wasn’t really proposing they marry today.

“It’s a mighty tempting offer, Mr. Westland, but I think I’ll wait until your heart aligns up with your words before I say I do.” She smiled back.

He winked at her and then turned his attention back to driving the team. “Fair enough.” Daniel slapped the reins over the mares’ backs and sent them trotting into town.

Since it was Saturday, the main road was busy with families in buckboards and lone riders on horseback traveling from business to business. Dust kicked up from all the traffic. Hannah covered her mouth with her handkerchief and glanced about.

Yesterday she hadn’t taken the time to really look at the place.

Granite seemed to be a working town, with no frills that she could see. Each store looked the same: raw wood fronts, no paint, no trees and no flowers. A few of the rustic buildings, such as the general store, had benches sitting on the boardwalk beside their windows. Water troughs were lined up on the dirt street in front of the mercantile, the hotel, the bank and what looked like a saloon toward the end of town.

Hannah jerked her gaze away from the saloon. It wasn’t a bad town; it just wasn’t as pretty as Cottonwood Springs, at least not in her eyes.

Up the hillside sat the church, which also served as the school. It was the only building in town that sported paint. Unlike her school, this one had no trees to offer shade to the children.

She missed the new trees that had recently been planted and the freshly painted flower boxes that stood in front of most Cottonwood Springs businesses. Hannah wondered if there was a ladies group she could join. Perhaps they could work together to beautify the town a little.

Daniel stopped in front of the general store. “It’s not much to look at, is it?” he asked, setting the break. Hannah smiled at him.

“Not now, but it could be.” She watched as he leaped from the wagon and came to her side to help her down.

“Miss Young, I don’t believe I like that glint in your eyes,” he teased, as her feet touched the hard ground. “Makes me think you might be up to something.”

She held on to his arms. “Who, me? I just arrived, Mr. Westland. What could I possibly be up to?”

Daniel laughed down at her. His green eyes sparkled. The richness of his laughter quickened the beat of her heart and tickled her funny bone, causing her to giggle.

His hands felt warm against the fabric at her waist. Hannah thought she could get used to being around Daniel when he was in this mood. Maybe her first impression of him, that he wanted her around only for business reasons, had been wrong. Dare she hope?

* * *

Daniel released Hannah and tucked her small hand into his. He enjoyed the sound of her sweet laughter and the feel of her soft palm. “Get whatever you need at the general store and have it put on my personal account.”

A frown creased her forehead. “I don’t know.”

He stopped her by shaking his head. “You are going to be my wife, so you should go ahead and start getting things you think we will need. No one will question that.” He opened the door and allowed her to enter first.

Hannah whispered, “But it might get too expensive. I’d prefer you look at my list and then decide what I should and shouldn’t buy today.” She held it out to him.

Daniel glanced toward the back of the store, where two gentlemen were playing checkers by the window. He nodded as he recognized the town doctor and Mr. Carlson. Daniel returned his attention to Hannah, not bothering to read her list. “Get everything.”

She murmured for his ears only, “But you didn’t even look at the list. It’s going to be expensive.” Her blue eyes echoed the concern in her voice.

Daniel grinned. She really didn’t know that if she married him, she’d be wedding a wealthy man. He turned her toward him, leaned forward until their cheeks were almost touching and whispered, “I can afford whatever you want or need. I’m not a poor man, Hannah.”

Her eyes widened as understanding dawned. “Oh, I see. I should have realized. Well, thank you.”

Daniel enjoyed the way color filled her face, the soft smile she offered and the way her eyes turned into a river of deep blue. It was no wonder Cole couldn’t seem to tear his gaze from her. Hannah Young was a beautiful woman.

“I, uh, need to go to the livery and see a man. I’ll be back in a little while.” Daniel dropped her hand and spun on his heels, not liking the path his thoughts had taken.

* * *

Hannah watched as his long legs carried him from the store in a rush. The bell jingled as the door closed behind him. Why had he left so quickly? Was it something she’d said? Or had he embarrassed himself by confessing his wealth?

“Is there something I can help you find?” The soft voice came from behind her.

Hannah turned to discover a tall woman with blond hair and clear blue eyes studying her with interest. A dimple graced her cheek. She wore a simple dress with a large apron over her swollen stomach, and a pencil was stuck in the hair over her left ear.

Hannah returned her smile. “I hope so, as my list is rather long.” Once more her gaze moved to the woman’s swollen stomach and she felt bad that she had bags of sugar, flour, beans and rice to buy.

The woman took the list. “I’m Carolyn Moore. My husband and I own the store. I’ll be happy to help you find everything you require.” She chuckled as she looked over the paper. “At least I hope we have everything on here.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Moore.” Hannah wanted to introduce herself, but didn’t really know how. If she followed Carolyn’s example, she’d have to say something like, “I’m Hannah Young, Daniel Westland’s mail-order bride.” She really didn’t want people referring to her that way.

“I see you have five slates on your list. Are you a teacher?” Mrs. Moore asked.

Hannah almost sighed. There was her answer. “Yes, I’m Hannah Young. I’ll be starting classes out on the Westland Ranch for the children who live too far from town to attend here.”

“That is wonderful. Those kids really do need an education. I was just telling Wilson—that’s my husband—the other day that I wish there was someone who could teach those young’uns.” She walked over to a shelf and pulled out the slates. “When will you be starting classes?”

Hannah followed her and said, “I’m thinking next week. We’ll have classes during the middle of the day, when it’s the hottest. That way the children can do their chores and still get an education. During harvest season we’ll take a break and then start up winter sessions at the beginning of the year.”

Hannah ran her hand over the books on display. Would her budget allow her to splurge and buy a couple? She missed the books she’d had to leave behind. Hopefully, Cottonwood Springs’s new schoolteacher would find some use for them.

“That sounds like a great schedule to me. You’ve considered the children, the parents and the best way to get their education in.” Carolyn Moore moved to the counter and laid down the requested slates.

Hannah continued to study the books. “Thank you.” She didn’t recognize several of the titles. Were they new, or just new to her?

The shopkeeper continued to gather items on the list and place them on the counter. “Mr. Richards, the schoolmaster here in town, has almost every book on that shelf. He’s always ordering something new. I try to order two copies. That way I have an extra for our customers.” She reached behind her for a tin of mint tea.

What was Mr. Richards like? Was he older? Younger? Hannah wondered if she should introduce herself to him.

“It’s going to take me a little while to get everything on your list boxed up if you’d like to walk over to the school and meet him,” Carolyn offered with a knowing look.

Hannah nodded. “I would like to introduce myself to him. He will probably know where the ranch children are in their studies.” She glanced about the store. It would be nice to just browse, but that could wait for another day. “Would you let Mr. Westland know I’ve walked up to the schoolhouse?”

“I will. You might beat him back. The men at the livery love to talk.”

A man at the back of the room made a huffing noise. “And you womenfolk don’t.”

Hannah peered at the gentleman who had spoken. A twinkle lit his grayish-blue eyes. He appeared to be in his late sixties or early seventies.

“Now, Pa...” A stern warning sounded in Carolyn’s voice. “You best pay attention to your checker game or Doc Bryant is going to beat you again.”

The man opposite her father laughed. He was younger, probably in his thirties, and as handsome as sin. His brown hair was a little wild and his brown eyes were as soft as a doe’s. “Ole Phil here has already lost.” He removed his opponent’s last checker.

“Well, it’s those womenfolks’ fault. They were talkin’ too loud,” Phil answered as he frowned down at the board.

Dr. Bryant stood and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for the game, Phil. I need to be heading out to the Larson place. Jack Larson has a nasty cut on his leg that needs tending.”

“Thanks for letting Mr. Westland know where I’ll be, Mrs. Moore,” Hannah said, turning to leave.

The doctor beat her to the door and held it open. As they stepped out onto the boardwalk he asked, “Mind if I walk with you for a bit?”

“You are free to walk wherever you please, Mr. Bryant,” Hannah answered kindly. She wondered why the doctor wanted to walk with her.

“The Larsons live just over the hill from the schoolhouse. We’re going in the same direction,” he said as he slowed his steps to match hers.

Had he read her unspoken question on her face? She looked down and noticed his empty hands. “Won’t you need your bag?”

“Not for this visit. I’m basically going to check the wound and make sure it’s clear of infection. Whatever I might need, Mrs. Larson will have on hand.” He grinned across at her.

The doctor was handsome, but Hannah couldn’t help but compare him to Daniel. Her future husband had a rugged quality about him that she discovered she appreciated more than the doctor’s clean-cut look and soft brown eyes. Hannah looked to the schoolhouse that now stood a few feet away.

“Thank you for accompanying me to the schoolhouse, Doctor.” Hannah hurried her footsteps. When she had climbed the steps, she turned back to him.

He grinned and bowed at the waist. “The pleasure was all mine.” Then the doctor put his hands in his pockets, whistled a merry tone and walked away.

She watched him go. Yes, if she’d had to choose between the two men, Daniel Westland would have been her first choice. The doctor reminded her too much of Thomas and the scar he’d left upon her heart.

Chapter Eight

Daniel sat across the table from the minister. They’d met by the livery and then walked over to The Eating House. Sitting at the table, he held his coffee and blew into it. “I thought I’d be a married man by today, but Hannah wants love before marriage.” He sipped the bitter brew. “And Ma seems to have lost her mind. She insisted I get a bride, but when I brought one home she wouldn’t even let her stay in the same house.”

Reverend Robert Lincoln shook his head and laughed. “I imagine your mother thought that if Hannah didn’t have a place to live, she’d marry you, and the two of you would move into that big house you had built. You did ask Hannah to marry you again, didn’t you?”

Daniel lowered his cup. “You mean after Ma kicked her out?”

“That would have been a good time to do so, don’t you think?” The minister’s twinkling blue eyes revealed he’d already guessed Daniel hadn’t thought of that.

Why hadn’t he? Had he subconsciously avoided marrying Hannah? The impulse to smack himself on the forehead overwhelmed him, and he did just that. “No, I took her to the new schoolhouse.”

The preacher chuckled. “Where is she now?”

Daniel groaned. “Over at the general store buying supplies.” He picked up his cup again and cradled it in his hands. “I don’t know the first thing about making a woman fall in love with me.” He stared into the dark liquid.

A serious tone entered the preacher’s voice. “Be yourself, Daniel. A woman wants to know the real man, not someone made up to please her.”

He looked into the minister’s eyes. “You don’t understand. If Levi’s mail-order bride shows up and he marries her and they have a baby first, then my brother inherits the ranch. Not just a corner of it—the whole thing.” Daniel heard the desperation in his voice and avoided the other man’s gaze by looking out the window.

Gentleness entered the preacher’s voice. “I know the terms of your mother’s demands, but I also know a woman’s heart.”

Whose heart did the reverend think he knew? His mother’s? Or Hannah’s? Had his mother been trying to push them into marriage? Daniel hadn’t really spoken to her about what had happened the day before.

And then there was Hannah. She’d seemed to enjoy the ride into town and had even teased him. If Daniel continued to be open with her and tell her about his life, maybe she’d fall in love with him and be ready to marry before Levi’s mail-order bride arrived.

“I do believe you are right.” He gulped the rest of his lukewarm coffee and stood. “Thanks for letting me bend your ear, Reverend, but I think it’s time I go pick up my future bride.”

Daniel paid for the coffees and then headed back to the general store. The bell over the door jingled as he entered. Several boxes lined the counter, with his name printed on each wooden crate.

“That little gal sure can shop.” Phil Carlson stepped out from behind the counter. “Carolyn had to run to the bank, but said to tell you she put everything on your account. Want me to help you carry these to your wagon?”

Daniel looked about the store. He and Mr. Carlson were the only ones there. “I got it, thank you.” He reached for the nearest box. “Did Miss Young go with Mrs. Moore to the bank?”

Mr. Carlson walked in front of him to the door. He pulled it open before answering. “Nope. She and the doctor were headed to the schoolhouse last I saw her.”

Daniel carried the box to the wagon and looked toward the school. Children played in the yard, but he couldn’t see Hannah, the doctor or the schoolmaster.

“Doc seemed awful interested in Miss Young. He beat me at checkers and then hightailed it out of here with her,” Mr. Carlson called from the doorway.

Daniel headed back inside for the next box. The doctor was a single man and about his age. Was he interested in Hannah? They’d just met; surely the doctor hadn’t taken a liking to her that quickly. Daniel scooped up the crate and walked back outside.

As he passed, Mr. Carlson added, “Miss Young seemed in a hurry to meet the schoolteacher, too. When my Carolyn told her about all his books, she decided to go see him. I never did cotton to reading. Suppose some folks enjoy it, but I’d rather be playing board games.”

Daniel set the crate in the bed of the wagon and headed back for the last one. It made sense that Hannah would be interested in the schoolmaster’s books. She was a teacher herself. But why would the doctor go with her?

He crossed the store threshold again. Mr. Carlson asked, “Would you like to play a game while you wait for her to come back?”

Daniel wiped sweat off his brow and then replaced his hat. “No, thanks. I think I’ll go get Miss Young and then head on back to the ranch. Tell Mrs. Moore thank you for me.”

Her father grumbled something and then walked back inside.

Daniel climbed aboard the wagon and turned the horses toward the schoolhouse. Both the doctor and the schoolteacher were single and about his age. Were they competing for Hannah’s attentions? And if so, where did that leave him?

As far as he knew, only the minister and Daniel’s family were aware that Hannah was his mail-order bride. The ranch hands knew also, but none of them had come to town yet and leaked the news. He pulled the wagon to a stop a few feet away from the school.

Children laughed as they played chase and other games in the schoolyard. He took the steps two at a time. The door was open, so he walked inside.

Hannah and the teacher were looking down at the big desk positioned off to the right, at the front of the room. She glanced up at Daniel and offered a dazzling smile. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement. “Mr. Westland, I am learning so much about the children on your ranch.”

So they were back to addressing each other formally. He moved to the front pew and sat down. “I’m glad to hear that, Miss Young. Are you about finished here?” Daniel watched as the schoolmaster studied Hannah’s profile. He didn’t care for the way the man’s gaze seemed to take in her every feature.

“I think so.” She straightened and picked up several books.

Jonah stood also, his white teeth flashing in a smile. “I’m so glad you came by to see me today. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop by. I’d love to visit with you again, when we have more time.” He held a piece of paper out to Hannah.

She took it and smiled back. “Well, I will have to return these books, and I’m sure Mr. Westland wouldn’t mind if you came out and looked over my small collection.”

Jonah followed her around the desk. “I might just take you up on that offer.”

Daniel stood. His eyes bored into the schoolteacher’s. “We’ll be glad to see you.” At the moment he felt anything but pleased to invite the man out to his ranch. But the invitation had been made, and there was no reason to deny him a visit.

Other than the fact that he was handsome, not married and kept looking at Hannah as if she was a fresh flower ready to be picked. Daniel took her elbow and escorted her out to the wagon, very aware that Jonah followed.

“Thanks for everything,” Hannah called as Daniel helped her onto the high seat.

The teacher nodded and gave the school bell cord a good tug. The sound of it ringing filled the little town.

Daniel climbed up beside Hannah and slapped the reins over the horse’s back. There was something about Jonah that he didn’t quite like. Could it be he didn’t trust him because of his obvious interest in Hannah? Daniel mulled over the idea.

He looked back at the schoolteacher, who was talking to the children as they entered the building. He was a big man who wore jeans and boots. A white shirt covered his wide shoulders. Daniel turned his attention back to guiding the horse home. Jonah’s appearance was more that of a rancher or lawman than a teacher.

Trying not to be obvious, Daniel glanced in Hannah’s direction. She seemed absorbed in the book on her lap. Her hair shone in the midday sun. The back of her slender neck was exposed, revealing creamy white skin. He had to admit that Hannah Young was a fine-looking woman. Why hadn’t she already married?

She chose that moment to look up. “Oh, we’re heading out of town.” Disappointment filled her voice.

Daniel pulled back on the reins. “Was there something else you needed to do while we’re here? I can turn us around.”

Hannah closed the book. “No, I just assumed we’d be having lunch in town. But since we are already on our way, I’ll fix us a snack from the supplies.”

“I’ll turn the wagon around.” He really didn’t want to. The fence on the west side of the ranch needed to be looked at, and he had a herd of cows over there that he wanted to check on, also.

Hannah’s soft laughter took him by surprise. “No, I can tell you have work to do. My pa used to get that same look on his face when he had chores that needed doing but didn’t want to disappoint Ma. Trust me, I’ll be fine eating from the supplies, and so will you.” She turned on the seat and rummaged through the boxes.

Daniel grinned and clicked his tongue to get the horse started again. “I take it your pa was a rancher.”

* * *

They hadn’t talked about her family in their letters and Hannah dreaded the questions she knew were now coming. She turned back around and sat down on the seat. Their fingers brushed when she handed him a green apple. “More like a farmer. He doesn’t hold as much land or livestock as you do.”

The apple crunched as Daniel bit into it. The scent of green sweetness drifted to her. She took a much smaller bite of her own fruit and chewed.

Daniel swallowed and then asked, “Where is his spread?”

“Missouri.” She took another bite to avoid adding to her answer.

Daniel nodded, as if he understood she didn’t want to talk about her family. “I hear that is beautiful country.”

“Pa says Missouri is the closest he can imagine that heaven will look like. The trees are tall, and in the summer the grass is deep green and the sky royal blue, with fluffy white clouds. But my favorite time of the year is autumn. The leaves turn colors and it’s like God got out His paintbrush and began to work.” Hannah turned and found Daniel studying her face. She felt heat enter her cheeks and looked away.

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