Runaway Cowgirl by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online

help. A bit of pressure was off her thanks to Jack. It was true that if she married, the only approval she needed was her husband’s. Helping whores, putting up orphans, or even working for the vote could cause talk in the town.
    If her husband didn’t object, none of the talk mattered and the townsfolk knew it. Some might hope a marriage would calm Emily and focus her on motherhood. That would be wonderful, but she’d still help people.

Chapter Four
     
     
     
    Riding out with Emily wasn’t a breech in etiquette. She was as lovely as ever and smelled like lavender as the wind blew through her hair. They avoided the thick of town yet stayed on public roads.
    “I’m so sorry about my behavior Sunday in the barn,” Emily said.
    Jack chuckled. “Sorry? That’s not a good start. We shouldn’t have encouraged you. Henry and I were wrong. Thank you for not exposing us.”
    “I walked in on a private moment. I should’ve left immediately.” She blushed deeply.
    “We drew you in. It’s been a long time since we… Women are rare on the drives. Even settled, we won’t risk the saloon, either. You’re the one woman we can’t resist.” Jack wanted to find a shady tree and spend some time under it, but he wouldn’t compromise Emily.
    “I shouldn’t have given in to temptation.” She exhaled slowly.
    “That sounds more like Mrs Lange than you.” He grinned.
    “She would be horrified at what I did. I still think it was a dream.” Her blonde curls swayed as she shook her head.
    “You know better. But Henry and I will never breathe a word of it. Even if you don’t marry one of us.” Jack admired her perfect posture on the horse.
    “I know. I trust you both. However, I can marry only one of you and I don’t see how it could work. It’s so unconventional.” She glanced around as though someone might have come up on them.
    Jack looked around for anyone watching them, but it was just her guilt. “It is odd, but you know we won’t force anything on you. Marriage to one is all the law will allow. The ranch has always belonged to both me and Henry so you living with both of us won’t be noticed by anyone. The house is huge and the ranch is right there. If two men is too much for you, you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”
    “A woman with rights in a marriage? That’s radical thinking.” She seemed to relax.
    “We’re not exactly conventional either. You could have us run out of town, or worse. You know it and I know it. Your word is good in this town. People respect you. That’s why all of those men were there to court you.”
    “They wanted the money,” Emily said.
    He knew better. “Some, maybe. They all wanted you to stay. They gave you a couple weeks out of respect to your father, but your fortune helps Manitou Springs. You employ people. Having you here raises the town.”
    “There are other wealthy families.” She seemed to dismiss her value and Jack didn’t like it one bit.
    “True, but they are stable here. No chance of moving away. You could’ve found a husband in Denver. The townspeople want you to stay for good reasons as well as the monetary ones. If you marry and have children, you’ll be less likely to move.” He shrugged.
    “My father moved us repeatedly,” she replied.
    “I understand. But if your husband is from the town…” Jack didn’t want to come out and say it.
    “The husband is in charge. Right.” Emily nodded. “If I were mistreated, I could always head back to Denver. My sister would never turn me away.”
    Jack grinned. “I do love your independent streak. You’re a soldier who would never surrender.”
    “Really?” She looked genuinely shocked.
    “You know I’m not so conventional in some ways.” Jack walked the line between honest and appropriate. “We can both play to the public demands and act like what they need to see. In private, we are who we are. Henry and I want you to be happy. If you truly want marriage and