Charlene Sands by Winning Jennas Heart Read Free Book Online Page A

such great pain. I recall feeling so small, so inadequate and so very alone. I’m tired of being alone, Blue.”
    Blue tightened his hold on her. His warmth lent her the solace she needed now. “Jenna, you were betrayed by someone who should have been by your side. Hell, if I ever get my hands on your brother…” He let the words trail off then he turned Jenna in his arms. “That’s why you were so frightened in the barn tonight.”
    Slowly, she nodded.
    “That man won’t come back. There’s nothing for him here. There’s nothing for you to fear. But if I’m wrong and he does come back, I’ll be right here, with you.”
    “Oh, Blue.” There was such understanding in the depths of his eyes and so much more. Theylooked at each other a long time, until Blue finally took her into his arms. She clung mightily to him, feeling his strength, his kindness and for the first time in a long time, Jenna’s fears were put to rest.
    Blue spoke in a voice filled with emotion. “I’m going to marry you, Jenna. As soon as the storm lets up. I don’t want to wait another day.”

Chapter Four
    I t took three full days for the storm to pass. But Jenna assured Blue that was all right, because it had given her time to get ready for the trip to Goose Creek for their wedding. Ben had gone to Goodwill, when the storm had simmered down some, to telegraph the preacher in Goose Creek and make all the necessary arrangements. Jenna seemed pleased.
    He still had doubts.
    The void inside him was strong. He had no past. He didn’t know what kind of man he was. Would he make a good husband? Would he be faithful and kind and caring? Would he provide for Jenna sufficiently or would he tire of the farm, finding the monotony too tedious? All manner of doubts crept inside him. The only thing he knew for certain was that he wanted Jenna Duncan and if it took marrying her to have her, to make her happy, he’d do it.
    With the wagon all packed up, he turned when Jenna came bustling out of the house. “You ready, sugar?”
    She looked beautiful. Rosalinda had insisted on sewing up a new dress for her, soft pink with ribbons and ivory lace. The dress fit her form perfectly. And Jenna had left her hair down just the way he liked it best, flowing in waves down around her shoulders. So pretty, with golden threads blending softly just like the wheat she cherished so much. His chest filled with pride. And with longing. Soon, he’d know her intimately and the need was powerful. He had trouble thinking of much else these past three days but their wedding night.
    “I’m ready,” she said, her smile bringing those dimples to life.
    “Do not go so fast.” Rosalinda came up quickly, breathing heavy from her fast stride. Ben was steps behind. “We have a gift for you, Jenna.”
    Rosalinda smiled warmly and handed Jenna a bouquet of flowers. The arrangement was filled with all of Jenna’s favorites and decorating the center was one large white magnolia. Jenna’s face beamed with joy as she clung to the fragrant bouquet. “Oh, these are beautiful.”
    “They match the beauty in your eyes, Jenna. You go and be happy with your man.” He heard her whisper, “You make lots of babies.”
    Jenna’s face flushed with rosy color and a little nervous chuckle escaped.
    Making babies with Jenna. He couldn’t wait. The sooner they got onto the wagon, the sooner they’d get to Goose Creek to make it all legal. And then came the baby-making time. His body had been tested to its limits lately. And the thought of finally claiming Jenna as his put notions in his head that weren’t fit for a morning ride.
    Ben strode over to him, handing him an envelope. He stared at it, wondering what Ben had in mind.
    “For the weddin’,” Ben said. “This is money left over from the seeder. Rosalinda and me, we thought a nice dinner and a stay in one of them fine hotels for the night would make a nice gift.”
    He hesitated, his pride getting in the way. He had no money of