Taming the Texas Rancher. Rhonda Gibson
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Race to the Altar
Though he’d never planned to wed, Daniel Westland must marry and produce a grandchild before his brother does in order to inherit the family ranch. Leave it to him to pick a mail-order bride who insists on being courted! Yet every time Daniel wonders if Hannah Young is even suited to rugged living, the petite schoolteacher shows her gumption.
What man sends away for a bride but doesn’t really want to get married? Hannah came to Granite, Texas, hoping to find love and security, and she can’t settle for less than a true partnership. If the brooding, handsome rancher can just learn to trust in Hannah, their future could be as filled with promise as this bountiful land.
“If Levi marries before me, he’ll get the ranch. I’ve worked hard all my life on this spread. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. Hannah, I can’t let Levi have it.”
“And I can’t marry you right now, Daniel.”
“Because you want love?”
“Yes. I want to fall in love. I want to be the center of my husband’s world. I won’t settle for less.” Having love jerked from her before had hurt her too deeply to take the chance it would happen again.
Hannah sighed. Where was she going to go? It was obvious she wouldn’t be staying here. Daniel wanted only the land; he didn’t really want a wife.
“We have time, Miss Young. Levi’s mail-order bride didn’t arrive today. Until she does, I am willing to court you. I can’t promise you love, but maybe we can become friends. I’ve heard that friends have been known to fall in love and marry. Who’s to say it won’t happen with us?”
RHONDA GIBSON
lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
Taming the Texas Rancher
Rhonda Gibson
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
—Psalms 27:10
To the Bards of Faith, my life hasn’t been the same since you kidnapped me at an ACFW conference. It has been much richer and blessed. Thank you for taking a misfit into your group and making her your friend. I love you all!
To James Gibson, my dream of writing books would never have come true without your love and support. Thank you.
To my Lord and Savior: Who is the true author of my books. Without Whom I’d never meet a deadline.
Contents
Chapter One
Granite, Texas
Spring 1886
“What are you doing here?” Daniel Westland scowled at his younger brother, Levi. He’d been running late, and seeing his brother standing there, looking freshly cleaned and pressed, was not what he’d expected. The wildflowers in Levi’s hands spun daintily in the breeze that swished about them as the stagecoach pulled to a stop.
Dust filled the air, and both men shaded their eyes against the grit. As soon as the horses came to a complete halt and the dust settled, Levi answered, “I imagine I’m here for the same reason you are, big brother.”
Levi grinned. His green eyes sparkled with mischief. Daniel’s scowl deepened. Surely Levi hadn’t sent off for a mail-order bride, also? But then again, maybe he had.