Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) Read Free Page A

rendered me mute on the topic.
    “I look forward to seeing your farm.”
    “It’s more like a ranch. I’ve got pigs, goats, and horses. A few cows as well. The hay and sorghum yield was outstanding this year. I made a tidy profit. I also harvest piñon nuts and pinto beans.”
    “It’ll be refreshing being married to someone who’s successful for once.”
    “Pardon?”
    “Oh, I … I … just find it refreshing. Most of the men I know aren’t doing so well. They’re rather … um … poor.”
    “There are plenty of poor folks in Boot Creek too, Celia. We’ve got it all in our little town. Everything from the down-and-outs, to the rich cattle barons.”
    “I’m sure you do.”
    “Would you like me to put your bag on the floor? You don't have to hold onto it the entire ride. Looks like you’re clutching it for dear life.” He grinned.
    Oh, I am . “That’s fine. I can hold it.”
    The longer we rode, the more nervous I became, because my moment of reckoning was close at hand. I would have to confess to a few things that were sure to shock my fiancé. I felt badly about this, but I hoped he would be able to overlook the fact that I was pregnant and had been married, however briefly. He did say he wanted to continue the family name. The way I saw it, this was the perfect opportunity for him to achieve that.
    “I wish we had another day so, so you could recover from your travels and refresh yourself. If I were in your shoes, I’d want a bath and a change of clothing. I'm sorry everything’s so rushed. I just think it best to marry first. Then no one will look sideways at the fact that you’re staying in my house.”
    “I understand. It’s a sound idea, Earnest. I agree completely. I’d love a bath, and Lord knows I need one, but I can wash up later.”
    He nodded, a cheerful expression remaining in place. “Very well.”
    A group of buildings came into view. “Is that Boot Creek?”
    “It is.”
    Sitting up, the traveling bag slipped from my lap. “Oh, gracious.” After I had retrieved it, I glanced at Earnest. “I sure am looking forward to marrying you. You’ve been the answer to my prayers.”
    His smile had fallen, while his brows furrowed. “I thought you were plump.”
    “Oh, I am. I’ve gained a bit of weight over the last few months.”
    “Weight?”
    “Um … yes, a bit.”
    “You look like you’re with child, Celia.”
    Oh, dear. Now I would have to confess. “I wanted to discuss that with you.”
    He sat forward, glaring at me. “I beg your pardon?”
    Goodness he looked cross. “I … I … have s-something to t-tell you.”
    “It looks as if you’re quite well along in this pregnancy. Don’t you think you could’ve told me about this when we first corresponded?”
    “I probably should’ve.”
    He raked fingers through the sparse hair on his scalp. “For pity’s sake!”
    “You said you wanted to continue the family name. Well, this will give us a running start on that.”
    “Have you lost your senses? I don’t want to raise some other man’s child, Celia. I want my own child. I wanted a pure wife, not a lying little tart.”
    “I was married! My husband died and left me with nothing! When I saw the ad in the paper, I thought it was the answer to my prayers. I’m not a tart.”
    “You were married?” The color drained from his face.
    “I was. His bull stomped on him and killed him dead. I discovered I was in the family way a short while later.”
    He sat back, staring out the window at the busy street. I did too, curious about what Boot Creek looked like. I spied a bustling little town of clapboard sided storefronts and lengthy boardwalks. Men in wide-brimmed hats strode towards the saloon, which was in the center of all the activity. A whitewashed church appeared at the end of the lane, with a towering steeple. The driver had directed the horses towards a grouping of Coyote Willows.
    “Are we still getting married?” He seemed reluctant to speak, his jaw