COLLEEN: A Sweet Western Historical Romance Read Online Free

sat silently on her other side, seemingly focused on his food. Colleen decided to try and engage him in conversation.
    "So, David, Julia tells me that you and Paul have adjoining farms and often work together?"
    He looked up then, and seemed surprised that she was addressing him.
    "That's right, we do." He didn't offer anything further, so Colleen tried again to draw him out.
    "What's it like, working together? Is it easier because you're brothers?" She figured an open-ended question might get him to say a bit more. He set his fork down then and looked thoughtful.
    "I haven't worked with anyone else, so I can't really compare. But, I think in some ways it must be easier. We know each other, know how the other thinks and how hard to push. We also know when to back down. It's worked out well so far."
    "What do you grow?" Farming was completely foreign to her.
    "Wheat and potatoes mostly, and we raise cattle, of course." Of course. Colleen had seen hundreds of cattle roaming the hills of the west as the train glided along. She'd stared out the window for hours, watching and dreaming of what lay ahead. Wondering if she'd fit in, and curious what the people would be like.
    "Sunday afternoon, after we eat, I'll show you around if you like?"
    "Show me around?" She was surprised by the invitation and David looked surprised as well that he'd extended it.
    "I'll take you for a ride to my farm and give you a tour."
    "I'd love that."
     
     
    Not long after everyone finished dessert, Ethan mentioned that they all had to be up early the next day and a short time later, after saying goodbye, everyone was gone and the house was quiet again.
    "Ladies, I'm going to head to bed myself. Good night." Liam poured himself a glass of milk and then went upstairs while Julia and Colleen finished straightening up the kitchen. When they were done, Colleen yawned and realized how bone-tired she suddenly was. The long trip had caught up to her. She tried to hide it, but wasn't fast enough.
    "Why don't you head to bed, too?” Julia said. “You must be exhausted. We can catch up tomorrow when we go to Emma's."
    "I think I might. It hit me all of a sudden and that bed is so comfortable."
    Colleen went to her room, changed into her pajamas and climbed under the covers. The softness of the mattress was heavenly after sleeping on the train. She stretched and sighed happily. He eyes grew heavy and as she drifted off to sleep, it was with a feeling of peace that she hadn't felt in a long time.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Colleen was disoriented when she woke the next morning, not sure at first where she was. It came to her quickly, though, as she stretched and luxuriated in the comfort of the soft bed. She'd made it and was in Montana. As she lay there, she thought about the two men she'd met the night before. She was intrigued by both of Liam's brothers and was looking forward to getting to know them better. Paul was the more outgoing of the two and his personality matched his sunny, blond hair. He was similar to Liam in that regard and she sensed that they would have fun together. David was a bit more of a mystery. He was quieter and often seemed lost in his thoughts. She was curious to find out more about him.
    When she heard movement in the kitchen and low voices talking, Colleen eased herself out of bed, dressed and followed the wonderful smell of fresh coffee brewing.
    "Morning!" Julia said. "Would you like coffee?"
    "Yes, please." Julia handed her a cup as Liam buttoned up his coat and turned to leave.
    "I'll see you ladies later this evening. Enjoy your day." Liam shut the door tightly behind him.
    "I'm having toast and eggs. Does that sound good to you?" Julia added two eggs to a bowl and waited to see if she should add two more.
    "Yes, that sounds good—can I do anything to help?"
    "Just have a seat and relax." Colleen did as instructed and watched as Julia melted some butter in a skillet and then