Beloved Texas Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

it to wash out wounds. It burned like hell but would “straighten your backbone and get your gumption up” as his old cowpoke used to tell him. His father frowned on it, but also kept a flask with him at all times. It was a necessity on the trails because you just never knew what to expect.
    He watched her cough and choke a bit but was relieved to see the color return to her sweet, pouty lips. Her face looked flushed now and she was fully revived from her faint. She was also sputtering like a wet hen. He did laugh aloud at her commenting that the whiskey was rancid.
    “Nope, it’s not rancid. It’s supposed to taste like that. It’s a helluva drink and for use in emergencies… or for fun,” he said lightly with a wink. “Want another sip?” he asked encouragingly and pointed at the flask again.  
    Elizabeth handed it back like it was evil. “I think not.” She wheezed and felt the warmth uncurl in her tummy. “That is vile,” she said, clearing her throat once again. She watched as he took back the metal flask and turned it up, taking a sip. He gave a wince and smiled at her.  
    “Yeah, it is pretty awful but it can help sometimes. I am Cole Hale. Nice to meet you Elizabeth…?” he left off inquisitively. She was lovely to watch and intrigued him.  
    Looking away, Elizabeth said softly, “Just Elizabeth, okay?” She did not want to reveal her name nor any more information than he needed for the time being. She did not want to be found nor returned to Indianapolis. She shuddered again thinking of her impending marriage and narrow escape.  
    Cole watched her carefully. She was running from something and he could appreciate the request for privacy. Everyone had things they did not want to talk about with friends, much less strangers, himself included.
    “Nice to meet you just Elizabeth,” he said with a wink. “If you ever want to talk or have another sip of this,” he said shaking the flask at her, “we are both within ear shot of you. You don’t have to pass out to get my attention,” he teased.  
    Elizabeth said nothing at first and then whispered embarrassed, “Thank you for your offer Mr. Hale.” She was mortified that she has passed out in the coach and caused a scene. The others were all standing in the distance attempting to keep busy, but kept watching the two of them under the tree as well.  
    Cole grinned. “No, no mister to it. Mr. Hale was my father, God rest his soul. Just call me Cole, okay?” He stood and held out his hand once again to her. This seemed to be a repeat occurrence helping the lovely Elizabeth to her feet and he enjoyed it. He watched as she placed her fingertips in his hand delicately.
    Reaching over, he grasped her hand with his own and pulled her into a full on stance, suddenly. He felt her body bump into his from the strength of his tug and felt her against him fully, noting her curves. “Hello,” he said gently against her as she steadied herself.  
    “Hello,” Elizabeth whispered distractedly as she looked up into his eyes. She noticed he had the thickest lashes surrounding his dark eyes. Elizabeth placed a hand against him to steady herself and then stepped back a bit, alarmed at how close Cole was to her.
    “Thank you again, Cole. I appreciate your assistance,” she said quietly and turned to find May nearby. Elizabeth could feel her heart pounding at how close he was. She could see the stubble on his chin, the laugh lines at his eyes and his smile was bewitching. Feeling intimidated and cowardly, she backed away and ran to May for safety from her own wants.  
    “May, I am so sorry about that. Maybe preparing chicken isn’t for me. Honestly, I have never prepared a meal at all. So let’s try maybe a few easier and gentler foods for me to learn,” Elizabeth said encouragingly.
    “I feel like I need to learn to cook and I find that I am severely lacking in any homemaking skills. If I am to be a child’s nanny, I may need to be able to properly