Trinity: Bride of West Virginia (Amercan Mail-Order Bride 35) (18 page)
Read Trinity: Bride of West Virginia (Amercan Mail-Order Bride 35) Online
Authors: Carré White
Tags: #Historical, #Romance, #Fiction, #Forever Love, #Victorian Era, #Western, #Thirty-Fourth In Series, #Saga, #Fifty-Books, #Forty-Five Authors, #Newspaper Ad, #Short Story, #American Mail-Order Bride, #Bachelor, #Single Woman, #Marriage Of Convenience, #Christian, #Religious, #Faith, #Inspirational, #Factory Burned, #Pioneer, #West Virginia, #Older Gentleman, #City Hall, #Stolen Heart, #Letters, #Gifts, #Stepmother, #Father, #Grown Son, #Forbidden Love, #Mistake, #Age Difference
“I did. I … just got scared at the last moment. I’m sorry.”
“And you so conveniently end up with Mr. McKinney.” Her hands went to her hips. “It’s funny how that always seems to happen.”
Embarrassed, I squared my shoulders, mustering up what was left of my dignity. “I swear I didn’t mean to do it. I kept seeing myself floating downriver and drowning. I’m petrified of drowning. I didn’t feel the least bit safe in the creaky old wagon. I much prefer to ride across on a horse.”
“Not just any horse, of course.”
“I’m not sure what you’re accusing me of, Mrs. Cooper, but I had no idea Mr. McKinney would take me over. How was I supposed to know?”
“Because all you have to do is bat your eyelashes and that man comes running.”
“Well … I … I didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Quit givin’ the girl a hard time,” grumbled Mr. Cooper. “We got more important things to worry about. The Lord was watching over us all today. For that, we should be grateful. A wagon busted, and a few fellas lost their supplies, but we’re alive and well. So what if she caught a ride with the wagon master? He’s a good sort. He’s fond of her. I can’t see the harm.”
“She’s promised to a miner.”
“I haven’t forgotten that,” I muttered.
Edna pinned me with a look, which made me want to wither and die behind a bush. “Good. You remember that then. Whenever you feel the need to flaunt yourself in Mr. McKinney’s presence, you remember that.” She strode to the wagon, hauling herself to the seat.
I quelled the urge to roll my eyes, glancing at the men in the river bringing over the last wagon. “We should be on our way soon.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mr. Cooper grinned. “Don't mind her. She’s long since forgotten what it’s like to be young and in love. She’ll simmer for a while, until it passes.” He patted my shoulder.
His words left me rooted to the spot, twin circles of pink appearing on my cheeks. In love? Ha! No. I wasn’t in love, not with … not with Mr. McKinney.
No. Not at all.
End of Preview
http://carrewhite.wordpress.com/
Other works by Carré White
Brides of the Rockies
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Jessica
The Colorado Brides Series
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The Carson Brothers of Kansas
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A Mail Order Bride for Charlie
A Mail Order Bride for Bronson
The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek
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The Arizona Brides Series
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Contemporary New Adult Romance
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Table of Contents
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