McKenna, (Sweet Western Historical Romance) (Nevada Brides Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

were that simple. Even if we take boarders in the house, we’ll be out of money to support ourselves before the end of the year.”
    “We could all get a job,” Cadence suggested. “I’m good at sewing. I would be a good seamstress.”
    “You won’t make any money doing that,” Abigail told her. “I’d like to see you girls go to the university. There certainly is a need for teachers.”
    “How can I go to school and work at the same time?” Penelope asked.
    “Abigail is right. I won’t see you girls taking low-paying jobs in the service area. Chamber maids, seamstresses, cooks, and nannies are not a fitting job for any of you. I won’t allow any of you to do that.”
    “But, McKenna. You just can’t go to Nevada with a man you don’t even know. There’s no telling what would happen when you’re on the journey, and it’s quite improper for an unmarried woman to do so,” Abigail countered. “You haven’t even told us what kind of business this Cole wants you to be involved in. I’ve heard some dreadful stories about the west. It’s simply not safe for you, McKenna.”
    “Well, in Nevada there is a gold rush going on, and Cole has proposed we open a mercantile store there. We stand to make a fortune since miners come into town with only the clothes on their backs. Once the business is successful, I’d send for you, all of you.”
    “No, it’s out of the question,” Abigail choked out as she stood. “What on Earth are you thinking? Going to some place that is a din of iniquity, at the very least.”
    McKenna watched as Abigail made her way over to a Bible on a nearby table. “You’re a decent Christian woman, McKenna. I forbid you to go and ruin your reputation.”
    “I think that fits you better, sister, and I won’t have my reputation in tatters if I marry Cole before we leave.” McKenna shrugged. “While I find the notion repulsive, it’s the only way. I won’t ruin our family name.”
    “Repulsive?” Kayla asked. “There’s nothing repulsive about Cole. He’s very handsome and looks quite able to—”
    “Kayla,” Abigail interjected. “I don’t appreciate you speaking that way.”
    Kayla’s mouth gaped open as she came back with, “What are you talking about, Abby? I wasn’t going to say anything bad. You had better head to church with that mind of yours.” Kayla cleared her throat. “I was going to say he looks strong enough to carry you over the threshold, and protect you.”
    McKenna vehemently shook her head. “Oh, there will be none of that. Cole has insisted our marriage will be in name only.”
    “Oh, really?” Abigail said with an incredulous look on her face. “You, McKenna, who has always insisted that you’d never marry, are considering marrying a man you don’t even know. It’s just unnatural to promise to marry this man and not even plan on having a proper marriage.”
    “I haven’t promised anything yet, which is why I’m discussing it with you now. I won’t just be doing this for me, but all of us. I won’t see my sisters working their hands to the bone trying to keep the family going, and I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure you don’t. I’ll be able to send you money regularly, if all goes well.”
    “Well, the marriage part would ease my mind somewhat,” Abigail offered after a moment. “But whatever will you do if you fall in love with this Cole? From the way you were looking at him when you came out of the dining room, I think you like him at least a little.”
    McKenna shook her head. There was just no truth to that. “I don’t know him well enough to say if I like him or not, but falling in love with Cole is not part of the deal.”
    “It never is, sister,” Penelope said with a sly smile.
    Penelope had more experience in the matters of the heart than any of her other sisters. The problem was that she fell in love much too easily, and as a result, her heart had been broken often. She had just gotten over her