Mail Order Misfortune by Kirsten Osbourne Read Free Book Online Page B

himself to her with his answer, but he didn't know what else to tell her.
    She sighed.  She wanted to know she'd have security, but this sounded like the best offer she'd get.  Being a wife without the bedroom duties sounded wonderful to her.  She stepped toward him and held out her right hand to shake.  "I'll do it."
    He grinned, happy with her agreement.  He didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until she agreed.  His hand swallowed hers as he shook it.  He felt a rush of electricity shoot through him as soon as he touched her, but he ignored it.  He didn't have feelings like that for women any longer.  He'd married Deborah, and he'd promised to be true to her.  He would still be true to her.  "I guess we could get married next Saturday?" he suggested.
    She frowned.  "I have to have everything clea red out of the house where I live today.  I've not only lost my job, but I've lost my home."
    He shrugged.  "Well, let's hope the preacher is around to marry us then."  He strode toward the house, planning on finding Ernie and heading into town.  It was the only right thing to do after all. 

Chapter Four
     
     
    Anna followed along behind Mr. Hoover, not certain where he was going, but refusing to go into the house with him, because it wouldn't be proper with them both being unmarried and no chaperone around.  She stayed on the front porch, sitting in a porch swing that was there.  She knew it must be from the previous owners because Mr. Hoover didn't seem like the porch swing type to her at all. 
    A porch swing was more of a finishing touch on a house than something a man would do.  It was comfortable though, and she liked the idea of doing some mending on the porch when it was cool outside.  It was October, and she still found the weather much too hot for her tastes.  Didn't it ever cool off in Texas?
    She frowned.  She still didn't know the man's first name.  He'd kissed her, and she was about to marry him, but she didn't know his name?  What was wrong with her?
    He came out of the house a moment later with Ernie in tow.  Ernie glared at her.  "You're not my mother!"
    She stood up, looking at the boy.  "I never said I was, but I will do my best to feed you and make sure you wear proper clothes and act right."   What else could she say?  She knew he didn't want a new mother, but she was stepping into that role, and he was going to respect her.
    Ernie was obviously upset at the prospect of her marrying his father, but he said nothing more, just looking down at his feet.
    Mr. Hoover looked at her.  "You ready?  Let's get this over with."   He gestured to the swing.  "Wait here while I hitch up the horses."
    Jesse strode off to the stable, wondering if he could possibly be doing the right thing.  He needed to get some help with his son, but was marrying the right way to do it?  And he was attracted to her, whether he wanted to be or not.  He didn't need her to constantly be around.   What was he thinking marrying again anyway?  And her?  She was the last woman he should marry.
    He took a deep breath to calm himself, realizing Ernie was standing there looking at him.  "Son, I'm not marrying her because I love her.  I made her lose her job.  I'm giving her another one."   He wasn't certain if the words were for her benefit, his, or Ernie's.
    Ernie nodded solemnly.  "But, you still only love Ma, right?"
    Jesse nodded emphatically.  "I still only love your ma."  He made quick work of hitching up the team and drove to the house. 
    He drove what was obviously his farm wagon, but she didn't ask if he had a buggy.  She needed t his marriage to be respectable but still have a place to live and work to do.  She knew better than to antagonize him at that point.  She climbed into the wagon without help, because he didn't offer any, and sat as far from him on the seat as the buckboard allowed. 
    They didn't speak as they drove into town, stopping in front of a small house.  The three