Groom by Arrangement

Groom by Arrangement
Rhonda Gibson

AN ACCIDENTAL HUSBANDEliza Kelly thought her humiliation was complete when she identified the wrong train passenger as her mail-order groom. She was only trying to tell Jackson Hart that the madcap scheme was not her idea. But now that the stormy-eyed blacksmith has decided to stay, rumors are flying. And Jackson does the gallant thing—he offers the lovely widow a marriage of convenience.Though he came to New Mexico to find his father, Jackson wonders if Eliza’s mistake was his good fortune. Between caring for an orphaned youngster and protecting Eliza, Jackson feels whole again.If only he can persuade Eliza to marry him, her reputation will be saved…and so will their long-buried dreams of forging a real family.

An Accidental Husband

Eliza Kelly thought her humiliation was complete when she identified the wrong train passenger as her mail-order groom. She was only trying to tell Jackson Hart that the madcap scheme was not her idea. But now that the stormy-eyed blacksmith has decided to stay, rumors are flying. And Jackson does the gallant thing—he offers the lovely widow a marriage of convenience.

Though he came to New Mexico to find his father, Jackson wonders if Eliza’s mistake was his good fortune. Between caring for an orphaned youngster and protecting Eliza, Jackson feels whole again. If only he can persuade Eliza to marry him, her reputation will be saved...and so will their long-buried dreams of forging a real family.

Jackson had never asked a woman to marry him before. Come to think of it, he really hadn’t asked her. He’d simply made a statement.

From the shocked look on her face, Eliza hadn’t expected the suggestion, either. After several moments of silence, he wondered if Eliza Kelly had been turned speechless.

“Get married? You and me? Why?” She sputtered the words. “What would motivate you to ask me to marry you? Well, you really didn’t ask, you suggested. But still, why?”

His lips twitched. So much for speechless. “Yes, get married and yes, you and me.”

Again she asked, “Why?”

Jackson sat down on the porch and patted the wood beside him. When she sat, he turned to her. “Look, I know what the ladies are saying. I’ve put your reputation in danger and I want to make things right.”

She offered him a smile. “Look, Jackson. I’m sure your heart is in the right place, but I can’t be a good wife to you.”

RHONDA GIBSON

lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and two 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.

Groom by Arrangement

Rhonda Gibson

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

Behold, the former things are come to pass,

and new things do I declare.

—Isaiah 42:9a

Thank you, Tamela Hancock Murray

for being my friend and my agent. You are a blessing.

Contents

Chapter One (#uc35e05fc-c2fe-5aa9-8162-f1b8c9d67f14)

Chapter Two (#u2b0de6c5-3956-545b-9bb0-e241fc8065e5)

Chapter Three (#u6770136d-2906-579b-9040-5cb517dee05b)

Chapter Four (#ub04f6976-bc40-5354-8e3b-43ee4283beea)

Chapter Five (#ud341ac1b-932f-5ce1-8c65-f67c69989f79)

Chapter Six (#uff7e18e8-9062-5259-9a30-52f8a9c946ef)

Chapter Seven (#u8b1c9022-40ff-5596-981a-5a8e40bc65e1)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Two (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Three (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Seven (#litres_trial_promo)