To Wed in Texas Read Online Free Page B

with her grief. Over the years she’d learned to cry quietly, so that no one would know. But when he touched her, he could feel her sorrow, she knew he could.
    His body leaned closer until she felt the heat of him through her clothes and his breath brush over her damp cheek. His hand moved hesitantly against her face, stroking her hair back away from her eyes.
    The palm of his hand filled with her tears as he turned her face slowly toward him.
    Karlee moved into his arms as though it were the most natural act in the world. She’d never felt a man’s arms around her. The warmth of him. The experience of being enclosed in strength as he leaned against her.
    He held her to him, letting his calm warmth seep into her. She leaned her head against his shoulder and breathed deep. There was a rock-solid feel to him that made her believe the world might settle into place enough to allow her to grow roots and belong.
    “We have to talk,” he whispered without easing his hold around her.
    “I know,” she answered wanting the closeness to never end.
    “Are you sure Gerilyn didn’t send you?”
    Karlee let out a little laugh that sounded more like a hiccup. “If you mean your late wife’s sister, no. She hasn’t spoken to me in years.”
    Karlee didn’t add that Gerilyn’s quick tongue had cut her to the bone when they’d met once several years back. “Gerilyn considered herself the grand lady of the family. I seem to be the embarrassment to her. Even the few times she invited the aunts to a holiday, she made a point of not including me in the invitation. We’d havenothing to say to one another even if we did meet.”
    She felt his hand brush her shoulder slightly in comfort. “I believe you,” he finally said. “But she’s told me often enough that this is no place for a woman or children for that matter. And she’s probably right. The town may break out in war at any moment.” He rested his hands at Karlee’s waist.
    “So I’ve heard.”
    “It’s not fair to ask you to stay.” He pulled a few inches away. His light grip at her waist kept her from moving against him once more.
    Karlee lowered her head, realizing what he was trying to say. “I understand. I can’t cook and I’m not even sure I can take care of children. I tend to act before I think and …”
    “I know,” he chuckled. “In truth, I’m not an easy person to be around either. Wolf complains that I make hailstorms look cheery most days.”
    Karlee brushed away her last tear, thinking she’d like to get to know this man if things were different. He made her feel calm and protected even though she could see the banked turmoil in his eyes. He was a man whose kind soul showed in his eyes.
    “To be honest.” He let out a long breath. “All I care about is my daughters. I died inside a long time ago, but they keep me going each day. If Gerilyn knew I needed help, she’d fight me for the twins in every court from here to New Orleans.”
    Karlee touched his arm, knowing he was showing her more of himself in the shadows than he allowed most people to see in sunlight. Despite all his strength, he was a man wounded so deeply he had to remember to breathe.
    “I’d never tell her.” Karlee guessed Daniel had his secrets but there was a goodness about him anyone should be able to see. She’d never want to hurt him.
    He placed his hand over hers. “That’s why, despite the trouble here, I’m asking you to stay and help me raise the twins. With you, a relative here, Gerilyn wouldn’t stand a chance.”
    “What?” Karlee tried to see his face in the darkness.
    “Stay,” he said. “Help me protect the twins, Karlee.”
    “Say it again.” She closed her eyes so that all her energy could concentrate on listening.
    “Stay, Karlee,” he repeated. “Stay with me.”

FOUR

    K
    ARLEE FELT SUDDENLY SHY AS SHE FOLLOWED
    Daniel up the stairs. He carried her huge trunk as if it were no more than a carpetbag. He didn’t fit the mold of what she