An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) Read Online Free

make those rascals her pet project. I predict in two weeks they’ll be all cleaned up, shiny-haired, and bursting at the gut from having eaten so much they can’t stand anymore.”
    “That’s not going to happen.”
    “Yeah? Just wait and see. I really need to put my thinkin’ cap on and find a suitable husband for her.”
    “How do you propose to do that?”
    “I’ll hang a “husband wanted” sign at the post office.
    Laughter filled the room. “Oh, my goodness.”
    “A woman that smart needs a man to rein her in, otherwise she’s liable to start a riot.”
    “You’re being ridiculous now.”
    “The sooner she gets herself a man and baby, the sooner she’ll settle and mind her own business, instead of stirring up a heap of trouble.”
    Nathan was far more astute than I had given him credit for. Everything he had said was right on the money. I had every intention of taking care of those children, with or without Mr. Montgomery’s permission. I would ignore his other remarks about needing a husband. I had resolved never to marry again. Once had been enough.
    Early in the morning, before anyone had even thought about stirring, I donned a robe, tying the sash securely. I stepped into slippers, leaving the bedroom, while tiptoeing down the hallway to the stairs. My plan was to glance out the kitchen window, which had a view of the henhouse. The bottom few steps creaked, and I hesitated, wondering if I had disturbed anyone. George ambled over, his nails clicking on the wood floor. He sniffed my foot.
    “Hello, boy,” I whispered. “It’s just me.”
    In the kitchen, I approached the window, noting that it had been left open a crack for air. The nights had yet to cool down substantially, as the days were still quite warm. I stared at the henhouse, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn’t long, though, that movement caught my eye.
    “Oh, there you are, you little scamps!”
    The shapes of three children materialized. One opened the door, while the others stayed behind, watching, as if on the lookout. I recognized Annie; the little girl was shorter than her brothers. Within seconds, they stole eggs, holding them in their hands, while running behind the barn. I wasn’t able to see them, so I hurried down the hallway to the parlor, glancing out the front window. One of the boys went into the smokehouse, returning moments later with a rather large chunk of meat.
    “Nathan’s going to tan your hide for this,” I murmured.
    George remained by my side, seemingly oblivious that there were strangers on the property. Perhaps, if I let him out, he would stir up a fuss? But, knowing that the children were hungry, I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. Having my suspicions confirmed, I returned to bed, tossing and turning another hour or two before I heard the sound of crying. The baby wanted to be fed.
    Giving up on sleep, I dressed quickly, securing my hair in a bun. Hannah was in the kitchen, with Letty, who was nursing. I poured myself a cup of tea and joined her at the table.
    “It’s the Montgomery children. I saw them with my own eyes.”
    She looked resigned. “Just what Nathan and I suspected.”
    “What will you do?”
    “Put a lock on everything. Nathan’s going to town later. He’ll see what he can find.”
    “Then the children will have nothing to eat.”
    “Well, they can’t run around stealing from people. Nathan will have to talk to Pastor Bailey about it.”
    “What can he do? I’ve never seen the Montgomery’s in church.”
    “If they’re starving, people need to step in and help them. It’s the Christian thing to do. We can’t let those poor kids go on without food. It’s not right.”
    “Exactly.”
    “This one kept me up half the night.” Although tired, she gazed at her daughter with affection. “Oh, Louisa, if anyone had told me that I would be so happy, especially after Frank died, I never would’ve believed them.”
    “You’ve been through enough tragedy,