Cowboy Homecoming. Louise Gouge M.
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Rocky Mountain Proposal
After two years, Tolley Northam returns home, transformed from a mischievous youth into an ambitious lawyer confident of winning his father’s approval at last. But he soon begins to wonder if the only way to do so is to marry family friend Laurie Eberly—a woman his father has always liked. If only she weren’t so adamant about refusing Tolley’s proposal...
Laurie’s childhood friend is now a handsome, accomplished lawyer with undeniable charm. But she can’t accept Tolley’s proposal; she believes it’s just to earn his father’s praise. First he’ll have to prove to her that he wants her for a wife not because his father thinks she’s the perfect match, but because he does.
Laurie’s bright blue eyes shone with kindness.
Could she see his inner turmoil? He dipped his head to hide his face.
She moved forward as if about to jump down from the rail, and Tolley hurried around his horse and grabbed her waist to lift her down. Once her feet touched the barn floor, he didn’t want to let go. Marrying this pretty little gal would have all kinds of benefits, not simply gaining the Colonel’s approval. That selfish thought, so like his old way of thinking, broke his grip like a bee sting. He stepped back. “Those city shoes might turn your ankle if you jump. They’ll sure as anything get messed up if you tromp around these stalls.”
“I suppose so.” She sounded a bit breathless as she blinked those big blue eyes at him.
He started to chuck her under the chin like he used to but resisted the urge. Such a gesture might offend her.
“One of our cowhands can take Gypsy back to Four Stones.”
“Thanks.” He secured his carpetbag to the back of the saddle and mounted up. “See you later, Laurie.”
She reached up and squeezed his hand. “Welcome home, Tolley.”
How did she know those were the exact words he’d needed to hear?
Florida author LOUISE M. GOUGE writes historical fiction for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical line. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005 and placed in 2011 and 2015; she also placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012. When she isn’t writing, she and her husband, David, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. Please visit her website at blog.louisemgouge.com.
Cowboy Homecoming
Louise M. Gouge
Man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the Lord looketh on the heart.
—1 Samuel 16:7b
This book series is dedicated to the intrepid pioneers who settled the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the mid to late 1800s. They could not have found a more beautiful place to make their homes than in this vast 7500-foot-high valley situated between the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges.
Thanks go to my beloved husband of fifty-two years, David Gouge, for his loving support as I pursue my dream of writing love stories to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.
Contents
June 1885
San Luis Valley, Colorado
At last!
Tolley Northam struggled to keep from laughing with unfettered happiness as the Denver and Rio Grande train descended onto the vast San Luis Valley plains, picking up speed after its laborious climb over La Veta Pass. After wiping what must be a foolish grin off his face, Tolley glanced around the Pullman car at his fellow passengers, especially