Lone Star Bride

Lone Star Bride
Carolyn Davidson

Wanted: a wife for the Texas lawman Sheriff’s Deputy James Webster is seeking a fresh start on a remote Texas ranch – and the last thing he needs is temptation, in the form of the ranch manager’s beautiful and innocent daughter Alexis!The only way James can ever have Alexis is by marrying her – but this stranger with a dark past will first have to prove he is worthy of protecting his Lone Star Bride…whatever it costs him…‘Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges. ’ – Publishers Weekly

“You don’t frighten me,” Alexis said boldly. “And I kinda like your hands where they are.”

Jamie felt the line of her back beneath his fingertips, the flaring of her hips, the narrowing of her waist, and he slid his palms upward, knew the fullness of her breasts against his chest as he measured her width, his fingertips touching at the center of her back.

She was silent, unmoving, as if any bit of protest from her might halt his meandering. And so it might. For he was in uncharted territory here, Jamie realized.

His hands slipped to her ribs, then forward just a bit, cradling the weight of her breasts against his thumbs. It was all he could do not to clasp the softness, but he thought better of it and wisely left it for another time. For there would be another time.

Of that Jamie was certain.

Praise for Carolyn Davidson:

‘Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.’

—Publishers Weekly

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

‘Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.’

—RT Book Reviews

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

‘This deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.’

—RT Book Reviews

Lone Star Bride

Carolyn Davidson

MILLS & BOON®

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Reading, writing and research—Carolyn Davidson’s life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travel—her husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church, and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.

Recent novels by the same author:

A MARRIAGE BY CHANCE

THE TEXAN

TEMPTING A TEXAN

STORMWALKER’S WOMAN

(short story in One Starry Christmas)

TEXAS GOLD

THE MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

ABANDONED

(short story in Wed Under Western Skies)

TEXAS LAWMAN

OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART

A CHRISTMAS CHILD

(short story in The Magic of Christmas)

and in Mills & Boon® Super Historical Romance:

REDEMPTION

HAVEN

THE OUTLAW’S BRIDE

THE BRIDE

Reasons for a dedication are many and varied.

This one is due to the presence of a bona fide angel in our family. Alexis Davidson will probably never be aware of the influence she will have on the lives of those around her, yet it will be felt by all who love her. She is our baby, our own grandchild and great-grandchild, and as such she is precious.

So, to our Lexy this book is dedicated, with all the love this grandma’s heart can hold.

And to Mr. Ed, who loves me.

Prologue

Benning, Texas, Spring 1895

“I heard you’re looking for a deputy.” James Webster stood in the doorway of the local lawman’s office, presenting himself as a candidate for the job.

The sheriff, Brace Caulfield, nodded and waved a hand at the stranger. “Have a seat and tell me your qualifications, son.” The young man was dressed for the trail, his boots dusty, his clothing clean but well worn. And on his face he wore the look of a man who had lived through a heap of problems.

James took off his hat and did as instructed, bringing forth an envelope from his pack before he sat it on the floor. He handed it to the sheriff and then sat, his long legs stretching halfway across to the desk. “I’m James Webster, and I brought this for you to look at. It will give you an idea of what I’ve been up to for the past few years.”

Sheriff Caulfield opened the envelope and raised his eyes to James. “Would this be a recommendation? Have you been a lawman before?”