Zack's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) by Maya Stirling Read Free Book Online

asking the question? Did everyone go through this?
    Then, all his worries evaporated in an instant when he saw something that told him that there was absolutely nothing to be concerned about.
    Lydia smiled at him.
    He felt relief surge through his body and it was only then that he found the courage to speak.
    "Lydia? I have to ask you something."
    Lydia's eyes widened. "Yes, Zack?"
    "I don't rightly know the perfect words, so I'd be as well just coming out straight with it," Zack said.
    "You don't need to find the perfect words, Zack. I know what you're talking about," Lydia reassured him.
    Zack nodded. "Uh. Huh. I thought you might," he said. He took a deep breath and fixed his eyes on Lydia's.
    "Lydia. Will you do the me the honor of becoming my wife?"
    Lydia's eyes narrowed with the smile that appeared on her face. "I would be happy to become your wife, Zack. Very happy."
    As he heard her say the words, Zack felt a jolt of primitive energy surge through his body. It was if he were sitting on a bucking bronco and it was about to throw him over. Involuntarily, Zack stood up and clenched his fists by his side. He felt like the only thing he could do was to yell loud enough to bring Mrs. Brodie scurrying from the kitchen.
    Zack looked down at Lydia and saw that she was watching him with a fascinated smile.
    Zack kneeled down at Lydia's feet and seized one of her hands. "I promise to care for you and the children with all that I have to offer in body, mind and soul. You know I'm a man of my word. I tell you that I will move heaven and earth to make sure you and those beautiful children there are happy and safe. Believe me, Lydia."
    She looked at him with surprise at the strength of feeling in his voice. For his part, Zack felt that a lid had been taken off feelings and thoughts that had been kept in check for far too long.
    "I believe you, Zack," Lydia said softly. "I never had any doubt that you would keep your promise," she said.
    "Never doubt me, Lydia. Don't ever make that mistake," he said.
    Lydia smiled down at him and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I won't."
    Holding her hand there was only one more thing to say to Lydia. It had been burning inside him ever since the day she'd left. Now felt like the right time to say what he'd needed to say for so long.
    "I know that this marriage might look like a marriage of convenience," he said. "But it's more than that to me. I think you know that already."
    Lydia's brows furrowed immediately and Zack took a breath and continued. "I think that with time, even a marriage of convenience can harbor something that can approach...love."
    Zack felt Lydia's hand tighten and he was suddenly aware that she had pulled it ever so slightly away from him.
    "Marriages of convenience are very commonplace in these times, Zack. People's circumstances sometimes force such an arrangement upon them."
    Zack felt a chill up his spine. "Arrangement? Is that how you see this marriage, Lydia?"
    Lydia finally tugged on her hand and Zack released her fingers. "That's not what I meant, Zack. It's just that this is all so very hasty. Rather difficult to understand. Even if it's so very necessary," Lydia said, her voice assuming the same cool tone Zack had noted earlier.
    Why was she saying this to him? Were her feelings about the marriage so very different from his? Had it been the mention of love which had triggered this response?
    "I'm not sure I know what you mean, Lydia. I thought we had an understanding," he said.
    Lydia took in a deep breath. Her posture stiffened and Zack knew he was suddenly facing an uphill struggle. Lydia looked away.
    "Have I said something to offend you, Lydia?"
    She stood and clutched her hands tight in front of her. "You haven't said anything wrong, Zack. Trust me."
    Zack stood up and faced Lydia, restraining the urge to once again take her hands in his.
    Lydia looked quickly over toward the stable and then turned to look at Zack. "I think all that's been said is sufficient. The