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  Adele stepped forward as she continued to quote verses. The man continued to back away.

  They were almost in front of Ethan. Two more feet and he could hope to tackle the man from his horse. He’d seen no sign of a gun.

  At that moment, the man pulled a gun from his hip. “Shut up. I don’t want to hear any more of that.” He waved the gun but didn’t aim it at Adele. “I’m going to shoot you dead, then you’ll have to stop talking. And I’ll ride away a rich man. ”

  Ethan coiled his muscles. He wasn’t about to let some crazed man shoot the woman he loved.

  Her gaze fierce, Adele didn’t stop. “God has instructed us to wield the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and I intend to do just that.”

  “Shut up. Just shut up.

  The horse backed up. The man continued to wave his gun around.

  Now. With a roar of anger, Ethan leapt for the man, unsaddling him and pulling him to the ground. He twisted the gun hand behind the man’s back, and the gun dropped to the grass. His knee in the man’s back, Ethan forced him face down into the dirt.

  Adele grabbed the gun and leveled it at the man. “The money you’re looking for is in the saddlebags. This man will hang for murder.”

  A youngish boy appeared a hundred feet down the river.

  Adele called to him. “Jimmy, go get the sheriff, and hurry.”

  Ethan studied Adele. “Are you hurt?”

  “No. But still angry.”

  “At me?”

  “At him.”

  “Not at me?”

  She barely took her gaze from the man, keeping the gun ready to stop any escape. “We’ll talk later.”

  “Good.”

  It was evening before things settled down. The sheriff had taken the dandy away. Adele had given her statement. Her nerves still twanged with a combination of fear, anger, and anticipation. The children had been fed and put to bed when she went out to the corrals where Ethan leaned against the fence. She walked toward him, feeling certain of what she wanted to say.

  He grinned at her approach. “You were incredible facing that man and driving him back with your words.”

  “I prayed for help, and God sent it in two ways. First, He gave me the words to say. I’ll have to thank Ma for all the verses she taught me. They saved my life.” She stopped a yard from him. “What made you come when you did?”

  “I’ll have to give God the credit.”

  “Thank God for sending you.” She hadn’t had much chance to think how to tell him what she’d decided but meant to do it now. Waiting had caused enough problems already. “Ethan, I’ve been thinking about your suggestion that we marry and provide a home for all three of the children. I’m prepared to agree to that proposal. I think it’s in their best interests.” She forced herself to stop there though her heart overflowed with the love she felt for this man.

  He took a step closer. Another. Until if either of them had raised a hand they would touch. Neither did. “I wish to change my proposal.”

  “No. Why?”

  “Remember when I said you deserved to be cherished and protected—”

  “And kissed,” she whispered. “Don’t you think that anymore?” She tried to calm the fear clawing at her insides. This was worse than facing a man prepared to shoot her. She would have to live with this pain the rest of her life.

  “I think that with my whole heart.” His voice deepened. “But it isn’t all you deserve. You deserve to be loved.”

  He was going to refuse her because he didn’t love her? Her face felt like it had turned to wood. She couldn’t move her lips. Couldn’t even blink.

  “I’m not asking for that.” She managed to drag the words from her throat. Or was it from her shattered heart.

  “It’s what I’m offering.”

  She blinked. “I don’t understand.”

  He fell to one knee. “Adele Roberts, I love you so much I feel like my heart might explode from my chest. Marry me. Not to give the children a home, though we will do that if you say yes. But to give my heart a home.” He waited, his face upturned to her.

  She pressed her palms to either side of his face. “Ethan Sandburg. I promised myself I would marry you and hide my love.” She laughed. “Now I don’t have to.” She bent over and kissed him.

  He got to his feet, drawing her to himself. “Say it. Say you’ll marry me.”

  She leaned back to smile into his dear, handsome face. “I will marry you, because I love you.”

  He kissed her thoroughly, erasing any lingering doubt that he only wanted to marry her to give the children a home. Most of all, erasing the pain and disillusionment of her first marriage.

  He glanced past her. “I believe we have an audience.”

  She turned to see Ma and Pa watching from the kitchen window and waved. “They’ll be pleased. They like you.”

  He kissed her again.

  Epilogue

  Sunday morning

  Adele jumped from bed, a smile on her face. She dressed in her finest blue dress, lifted Jake from his cot, and hurried downstairs and set him free to roam.

  Ma ginned at her. “You certainly look pleased with yourself. And you should be. I’m happy for you.”

  Adele hugged her mother. “I’m so happy I can hardly keep my feet on the ground.” She went to the window. “Here he comes.”

  “Your father?” Ma asked innocently.

  Adele laughed. “I don’t see anyone but Ethan.”

  “And that’s as it should be.”

  Ethan stepped into the house carrying Georgie. Susie was at his side. Jake toddled over and begged to be picked up. Ethan easily held both of the little boys, and they grinned at him.

  Susie went to Adele’s side and took her hand. “It’s perfect.” She nodded toward Ethan and the boys.

  “It is, isn’t it?”

  “And we’ll be a perfect family.” Susie had declared her approval of Adele and Ethan’s plans to marry.

  They would be a perfect family, though Adele knew there would be challenging times. Susie and Georgie would each mourn the death of their parents in their own way, but Adele and Ethan would be there to hold their hands, hug them, and guide them through those times.

  The past few days had been full of joy as Adele and Ethan worked together, talked together, and shared the joys of the children.

  Saturday, her parents had insisted they would keep the children while Ethan and Adele had an outing on their own. Ethan had rented a buggy, and they went west. They both agreed they would not visit family but simply look around.

  “Would you mind living out of town?” Ethan asked.

  “I will live anywhere with you. I know you want to own your own place. I promise I will be there to support you.”

  “I can now afford to buy something, so I need to start looking around.”

  He’d received his share of the money.

  They discussed what they wanted in a home. They agreed a comfortable house with room for more children. A yard with space for a garden. “I wouldn’t mind being close enough to town to be able to visit and perhaps near one of my sisters, but it isn’t essential.”

  “I remember Kade saying he knew someone who had mentioned selling.”

  “Yes, Jonathan Bates.” But they had decided against visiting him at that time.

  Instead they had pulled off the road near the river and spent the afternoon alone together learning more about each other.

  The more she learned, the more she loved him.

  She brought her thoughts back to the present and helped serve breakfast and clean up afterwards. Then, each carrying a little boy and Susie proudly between them, Adele and Ethan had crossed to church.

  All her sisters were there. Unusual for them all to attend two Sundays in a row, but she was glad. They could all be informed at the same time.

  Flora looked at them enter. She blinked and poked Eve. Eve smiled, then caught Victoria’s attention. She smiled and turned to Josie.

  Ade
le knew there would be no need to make an announcement.

  She was barely seated when Jonathan Bates came down the aisle and sat beside Ma.

  Adele leaned over to whisper to Ethan who he was.

  She sang from a full heart during the service and rejoiced to Pa’s preaching. She’d told her parents how their teaching and scripture memory had enabled her to confront that man.

  After the service, they all trooped over to the parsonage.

  The girls clustered around her demanding news.

  She waved them away. “Let’s eat.”

  Ethan stood. “Adele and I are pleased to announce our engagement. We’ll be married as soon as possible…or at least as soon as I find us a place to live.”

  There were cheers and congratulations, and her sisters all said they knew it from the first.

  Susie waited until she could get in a word. “I asked God for a new mama and papa, and now I will have them.” Her eyes glistened.

  Both Ethan and Adele hugged her, then returned to their seats.

  Pa asked the blessing, and the food was passed. Adele admitted she would miss this. But then, her sisters were there on Sunday or special occasions, and she planned to be as well.

  Mr. Bates cleared his throat and lifted a hand to signal he had something to say. “Is this the young man you were telling me about, Kade?”

  “It is.”

  “A fine young man. Ethan, I’d like to show you my place. If you’re interested in taking over, we could talk.”

  * * *

  Two weeks later, as the new Mr. and Mrs. Sandburg, Adele and Ethan moved into the main house on the ranch. They’d encouraged Mr. Bates to stay in the smaller house next to the bunkhouse as long as he wished, and he had accepted with tears in his eyes. “It’s like having the family I never had.”

  The children adored him and were spending the night with him so Ethan and Adele could enjoy their first night together as man and wife. They had married that afternoon in a ceremony attended only by family and Mr. Bates, who was now as much family as anyone.

  Ethan held Adele in the circle of his arms. “I feel like I am in a dream.”

  “Me too. One I hope to never waken from.”

  “I promise to cherish you, protect you, and love you all my life,” he said.

  “I promise to trust you and honor you always.” Her throat tightened. “I will thank God every day for a man like you.”

  He silenced her words with a kiss full of every promise they had ever uttered or ever would.

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  The story of the Kinsley family begins long before they take up residence in Glory, Montana Territory. It begins with a young woman, married to a preacher man. Both of them desire to serve God and have a large family. But their lives aren’t the dream they’d imagined. There are disappointments that threaten their hearts. Will their faith endure and their love survive?

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  Sneak peek of Cowboy Groom

  “Aunt Mary, you need help, and you need it now.” Twenty-three-year-old Bruce Reynolds pressed a hand to his burning insides. He hated to see his aunt in such agony.

  “I’m a foolish old woman,” she said, her voice thin with pain. “Putting you to all this trouble.”

  “You’ve never caused me trouble.” He stopped the wagon, jumped down to scoop his aunt into his arms, and crossed toward the house where he’d been told there was a woman who could provide medical help.

  “I feel like a baby,” Aunt Mary murmured.

  “You can’t walk on a broken leg.” She’d fallen from the wagon right into the fire. He’d torn the charred skirt and petticoat out of the way then covered the burns with a clean towel, not knowing what else he should do. When she tried to walk, they’d realized her leg was broken.

  He reached the door and leaned forward to knock. And then he waited. Sounds came from inside. A child yelling. A pot banging. A door slamming. Yet no one answered the door.

  Aunt Mary moaned, causing Bruce to grit his teeth. He’d take her pain if he could. He shifted her so he could rap harder.

  “Ma,” a child yelled. “Someone’s here.” The door opened to reveal a boy of about five or six, with an untidy mop of brown hair and brown eyes brimming with curiosity. “Hi. Whatcha want?”

  “Donny!” A woman hurried down the hall, clutching a heavy pot and a towel. Her wet hands indicated she had been washing the pot. “How many times have I told you to mind your manners?”

  “Sorry, Ma.” He stepped back to allow the woman to take his place.

  “It’s okay, son.”

  Shock raced through Bruce’s veins. This woman didn’t look old enough to be married, let alone have a son that age. She had a fragility behind her calm expression that made him think she’d experienced her share of troubles and trials. The thought made him want to step closer and shield her from further hurt. He drew in a deep breath. Wouldn’t Aunt Mary be surprised by his reaction? She was always telling him he was too guarded. There are times you need to listen to your heart.

  Look where listening to his heart had gotten him. Though the truth was, his troubles had come from trusting someone else’s heart.

  The boy’s mother took in the woman in Bruce’s arms. “You’ve come to the right place. Right this way.”

  He followed the young woman down the hall. Donny on his heels.

  “What happened?” the boy asked.

  His mother slowed. “Donny, please.”

  “Yes, Ma.”

  Bruce grinned at the boy. “Can’t help but be curious, can you? I understand.”

  Donny beamed at him.

  Bruce stepped into a living room.

  “Put her on the sofa.” Donny’s mother put the pot and towel down on the nearest chair.

  Bruce lowered Aunt Mary to the burgundy cushions, cringing at her moans. He turned to the nearby woman. “Mrs. Kinsley?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m as bad as Donny.” A low chuckle from the woman as she drew her son to her side. “I’m Mrs. Norwood, and this is my son, Donny. We are guests here. Mrs. Kinsley is busy with patients in the addition.”

  Relief eased through Bruce’s brain. He’d hoped for someone more mature, more experienced than the woman before him. Regret followed on the heels of his relief. Having the young Mrs. Norwood attend his aunt held a certain appeal.

  It seemed he hadn’t learned the lesson about listening to his head, not his heart, as well as he hoped.

  Bruce gave his name and introduced Aunt Mary as Miss Rivers.

  “Pleased to meet you,” Mrs. Norwood said. “Though I could wish for different circumstances.” She indicated Aunt Mary’s leg. “May I look?” She waited for Aunt Mary’s nod then slowly lifted a corner of the towel. To her credit she showed no shock. “What happened?” Her gentle tones eased Bruce’s concerns that he might be blamed for her condition.

  “She fell from the wagon, her leg broke, and she tumbled into the fire.” Bruce knew his voice sounded tight, but he would never forget the shock of Aunt Mary’s cries and racing toward her to smother the fire and tear away her scorched skirt. And then dismay on top of his shock as he realized her situation.

  “Has she had anything for pain?”

  “I had nothing.” In hindsight he realized how foolish it was to head west, intending to cross the mountains, without carrying something for this sort of emergency. All he’d thought of was getting his aunt to safety.

  That hadn’t worked out too well.

  Mrs. Norwood covered the wound again. “I’ll fetch Mrs. Kinsley.”

  “Can I stay here?” Donny asked.

  His ma paused, studied her son a moment, then gave Bruce piercing study. He held her gaze witho
ut blinking, knowing that he was being warned and challenged.

  “I don’t mind.” He spoke calmly, letting her know the boy didn’t bother him.

  She shifted her attention to her son. “Very well. Come and get me if anything happens.”

  “Like what, Ma? You think she’s gonna di—?”

  “Donny. Heavens above, no.” She shook her head. “Try and keep your tongue under control.” She hurried away.

  Bruce drew a chair close to the sofa. Aunt Mary’s head rested on a cushion. Her eyes were closed, her mouth drawn into a narrow line. “Aunt Mary, are you all right?” Bruce whispered.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and he saw the depth of pain that she fought. “I’ll live,” she whispered.

  “I didn’t mean nothin’,” Donny said.

  “No harm done,” Bruce reassured him. They sat in silence for the space of about fifteen seconds.

  “We’s been here a long time. I want to go home, but Ma says it isn’t time.”

  Bruce hid a smile at Donny’s mournful tone. “When will it be time?”

  Donny shrugged. “She says soon. But with my pa dead, she says she’ll need to be good and strong before we go back.” He perked up. “I’m almost big enough to help her with the farm.”

  Bruce ruffled Donny’s hair. “You’ll be a great help when you’re bigger.”

  A movement at the doorway drew Bruce’s attention. A small girl with pale blonde hair and big blue eyes peeked in.

  “That’s my sister, Blossom,” Donny said. “She’s shy ’cause she’s only three.”

  “Hi, Blossom,” Bruce said. “Nice to meet you.”

  Blossom didn’t answer, but her eyes grew wider as her gaze shifted to Aunt Mary. The little girl eased in until she could see Aunt Mary better. “You hurt?”