Runaway Cowgirl by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online Page A

children, I think it’s the best solution for us all.”
    “You’re right. We’re not strangers. What happened in the barn was amazing. Whoever I don’t marry might feel slighted or look that way to the townsfolk. I need to think it all through. I do want that life.”
    “And the freedom we offer. We won’t interfere with any of your efforts to aid the whores, orphans, or the vote. Anything you want to pursue. Henry and I aren’t poor, but with your fortune, we’ll have a good nest egg and a great ranch to hand down to a son.” Jack wanted children. He wanted convention in some way.
    “And if there are only girls?” she asked.
    He grinned. “Spoiled rotten, highly educated, and married well.” He watched her face light up.
    “Good answer.” She nodded. “But wouldn’t the children be confused?”
    As she showed her intelligence, Jack wanted her all the more. A simple woman who did as she was asked would never satisfy the Bonner men. “Does the Widow Lange know anything went on in the barn? Is she suspicious?”
    She shook her blonde curls. “No. I’m sure some things would work themselves out in the future, if I married you. I just feel as though someone would be slighted. We wouldn’t fit. Would the other man marry, and what would be expected then?”
    Jack rode up close to Emily and took her hand, pulling her horse to a stop. “Please don’t worry about all of that. You just need to decide which of us you want to marry. If either of us will do. Even if you don’t, we’ll keep your secret. If you don’t want more, say so.”
    The deep red in her cheeks told him the truth and relief filled him.
    “Good,” he said. “We want more of you as well, but the protection of marriage is a big one. Understand it’s your choice. No one will pressure you, except maybe Mrs Lange. No chaperone, no sister, no brother-in-law will outrank a husband, and I’d be the most permissive one in Colorado.”
    “Thank you, Jack. I appreciate your honesty. I wish I could ride over and spend time in the barn again,” she confessed.
    “That would be too dangerous. Especially with people seeing us riding out together.” He looked around. No one could hear them, but he could see other people.
    “It’ll be all over town tomorrow that we’re courting.” She sighed.
    “I hope so. When you go out with Henry, it’ll cause a lot more talk. Enjoy it. You have your pick of men. Once you’re married, you’re stuck.” He winked at her.
    “Men get away with so much more than women can.” She nudged her horse forward.
    “True, but you know the truth about us. So you’ll always have a bit more power over your husband than the average wife. For the record, we don’t want a wife each. We’re sort of a package deal if you’re up for it.” He hoped that little tidbit would entice her into a quick decision.
     
    * * * *
     
    Two days later, Henry set about spreading the blanket on the grassy stretch between Emily’s house and the church. They’d taken Henry’s open wagon so there was no privacy on the ride. Things were completely appropriate and they could have a private talk in the glorious sunshine.
    “At least we didn’t totally scare you off.” Henry sat as Emily unpacked supper.
    “No, I’m not scared. Although I do worry it won’t be as simple as you two think it will be. Marriage is serious business. I don’t want to regret anything.” She opened the dishes.
    “I know. I’m sorry I tried to push things that day. I was so taken with you. Jack was too, but he has better self-control. More sense. You should marry him.” Henry dug into the food ravenously. The chicken and fresh-roasted corn smelled too good to wait.
    “That’s quite odd. If you’re bowing out, I understand.” Emily took a sip of lemonade and looked out at the town.
    As the wilder and less serious type, Henry wanted to be traditional in his courting attempt. He was fun but people would be shocked if he was ready to settle down first. He