Nathan’s Montana Bride (Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance) (Montana Ranchers Brides series) by Maya Stirling Read Free Book Online

"To our future, Mr. Grantly," she said trying to contain the joy she felt inside.

    Throughout the meal Nathan observed Abby with fascination. It was a wonder to him that she was here with him. He had dreamed of this moment so many times since they had started their correspondence. And now they were together, a couple.
    His new wife.
    Nathan felt a momentary stab of sadness. Nothing could replace Lucy. It wouldn't be possible for anyone to replace his first wife's zest for life, her determination, not even the love that Nathan could feel in his heart for a woman. Abby would surely come close to what he had felt with Lucy. But, they had so much to learn about each other. It would take time.
    He looked across the table as she put the food on her fork and placed it into her mouth. How could it be so amazing to watch her eat. He couldn't figure it out. But it was. He tried not to make her feel self conscious as he watched her.  
    She was so beautiful. When he had seen the sepia toned likeness she had sent to him weeks before, he had fallen head over heels. It was that simple. And, when Emma had seen the image, she had just cried and said that she wanted Abby as her new mama.  
    From that moment on Nathan was a man on a mission. Nothing she or anyone else would do was going to stop him claiming her as his wife.
    And he had succeeded.
    He was proud of himself for what he had achieved in making her his new wife. He was sure she was going to fit in to life on the ranch.  
    And there would be more children. With someone as fit and healthy as Abby obviously was, it would only be a matter of time before their family was growing.
    Something about that was digging at Nathan, though. It seemed that every time he mentioned children Abby kind of tightened up and tried to change the subject. He couldn't figure out why that could be. She obviously loved children and she was so good with Emma.   He loved to watch Abby and Emma together. It filled his heart with a joy he had doubted he would ever feel again.
    He'd knew he'd have to dig deeper and get past her reluctance to tell him how she really felt about having children.
    In the meantime he savored her presence at his dining table.
    And later there would another kind of presence he would savor. He pushed those thoughts out of his head. He didn't want to tarnish the moment with those kind of thoughts. But it was difficult.  
    Abby's beauty had captivated him and he wasn't sure he'd be able to control his passion and desire when the moment came.
    His anticipation for the upcoming night was almost uncontrollable.
    He looked at Abby. Yes. Almost uncontrollable.

CHAPTER EIGHT

    They finished eating and went outside. The darkness had fallen completely. The ranch was quiet. The light from the inside of the house cast a glow across the front yard and out to the corral.
    Nathan and Abby walked hand in hand and stopped at the wooden fencing of the corral.
    Abby looked up at the Montana sky and gasped. There were so many stars! She couldn't believe her eyes.
    "It's so beautiful," she said, scanning the sky.
    Nathan leaned down. "It's nothing compared to you," he whispered.
    Nathan pressed his lips onto Abby's mouth. She felt heart quicken. The blood raced around her body. Her knees felt suddenly weak.
    Nathan wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. The scent of him overwhelmed her. The pressure of his lips was gentle but insistent. Abby raised her head toward him. He was so tall! She hadn't quite realized before just how tall he was.
    The strength of his body was apparent as he pulled her even tighter against him. Abby started to breath deeply.
    Their lips parted and Nathan looked down at her. "Happy?"
    Abby nodded. "Mmm..."
    When she looked closely into his eyes, Abby caught a flash of something she hadn't seen before in Nathan.
    Was that uncertainty?
    Nathan turned and looked up at the stars. "I love coming out here at night, and just looking up. The sky out here in Montana is amazing at