The Lawman's Bride

The Lawman's Bride
Cheryl St.John

Praise for Cheryl St John

THE LAWMAN’S BRIDE

‘As always, St John portrays the West realistically and romantically.’

—RT Book Reviews

HIS SECONDHAND WIFE

‘A beautifully crafted and involving story about the transforming power of love.’

—RT Book Reviews

PRAIRIE WIFE

‘This is a very special book, courageously executed by the author and her publisher.

St John explores the catastrophic loss of a toddler in intimate, painfully beautiful detail. Her considerable skill brings the common theme of the romance novel—love conquers all—to the level of genuine catharsis.’

—RT Book Reviews

SWEET ANNIE

‘A tale brimming with love…Ms St John delivers another wonderful Western historical romance…’

—Romance Reviews Today

THE DOCTOR’S WIFE

‘Cheryl St John gives testimony to the blessings of family and to the healing powers of love.’

—RT Book Reviews

Sophie wanted to change.

But how could she change now? How could she tell him the truth regarding anything without condemning herself to prison? She couldn’t. Not yet.

An uncharacteristic sense of hopelessness swept over her. She blinked back the sting of tears.

But he’d seen. “Sophie? What is it? What makes you so sad?”

She shook her head.

Clay remained seated, but took her hand and raised it to his lips. His warm breath and a soft kiss sent a tingle up her arm, and her breasts tightened unexpectedly.

A good man. An honest, straightforward man. He was as different from her as the moon was from the sun. And thinking of the two of them together was hopeless.

But she was weaker than she’d ever imagined.

Kiss me, she cried silently. Kiss me and let me feel the beauty just for this one night.

The Lawman’s Bride

Cheryl St John

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

A peacemaker, a romantic, an idealist and a discouraged perfectionist are the words that CHERYL ST JOHN uses to describe herself. The award-winning author of both historical and contemporary novels says she’s been told that she is painfully honest.

Cheryl admits to being an avid collector, displaying everything from dolls to Depression glass, as well as white ironstone, teapots, cups and saucers, old photographs and—most especially—books. When not doing a home improvement project, she and her husband love to browse antiques shops. In her spare time she’s an amateur photographer and a pretty good baker.

She says that knowing her stories bring hope and pleasure to readers is one of the best parts of being a writer. The other wonderful part is being able to set her own schedule and have time to work around her growing family.

Cheryl loves to hear from readers! E-mail her at: SaintJohn@aol.com

Recent novels by the same author:

SWEET ANNIE

JOE’S WIFE

THE DOCTOR’S WIFE

SAINT OR SINNER

THE MISTAKEN WIDOW

THE TENDERFOOT BRIDE

ALMOST A BRIDE (in Wed Under Western Skies)

PRAIRIE WIFE

CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY (in A Western Winter Wonderland)

HIS SECONDHAND WIFE

A BABY BLUE CHRISTMAS (in The Magic of Christmas)

This book is dedicated to my readers.

Your letters and emails brighten my days and encourage me. Your pictures are posted around my workspace to remind me why I do what I do. When you tell me you’ve read every one of my books, I’m honoured. When you say they’re on your keeper shelves, I’m delighted. When you share how a story touched you or helped you heal, I’m humbled. Whether we’ve met in person, blogged together, or live on different continents and will never exchange a word, consider yourself deeply appreciated.

You are special to me.

Prologue