Hannah Saves Samuel (Wanted: Wives In The West 1) Read Online Free PDF

Margaret and Hannah rode into town. It was the third letter Hannah was mailing to her ma, even though she had promised to write weekly. It seemed like the weeks and months just slipped away from her, and life was moving so fast on the prairie that she barely had time to get some shut eye, let alone sit down and pen some correspondence.
     
    “I can’t believe I’ve been here twelve weeks already!” Hannah said. She had found her place on the Marshall’s ranch, working both in and out of the house. The congregation had taken her into their fold, and even Beatrice had settled down when she realized she was outnumbered. Hannah felt like this was truly home to her now.
                 
    She loved watching the growth of Fort Worth as businesses continued popping up in downtown. Even the church attendance was growing as word spread of the success Pastor Littlejohn was having with his ad. Some of the bachelors who usually spent their nights drinking and gambling had grown tired of that life and longed to find a match much like Samuel had in Hannah.
     
    But there was still a strong presence of criminals south of the courthouse in Hell’s Half Acre. In fact, Fort Worth had developed quite a reputation around the country. Part of it was being known for its growing industry as the Queen of the Prairies. The other, for being a hideout among outlaws such as Sam Bass and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Hannah had never run into the likes of them, but she knew they had been there because she listened to Sheriff John Lockhart tell tales about them at the potluck dinners.
     
    The sheriff had befriended the Marshalls during Samuel’s dark time. He knew they were close to the young man, and whenever it looked like Samuel might get himself in trouble with too much drinking, it was them that he called to get him safely home. He was happy to see Samuel on the right track now.
     
    Sheriff Lockhart ran into Hannah and Margaret at the post office as they went inside to mail the letter and check for any in return. “Howdy, Ma’am,” he said, tipping his hat and nodding to each of the women. “It’s awfully hot out here today. Tempers are flaring in the Acre, so y’all best do your business and get on home.” It wasn’t unusual to hear gunshots or see a brawl right in the middle of Main Street. The saloons stayed open round the clock, and the outlaws had no schedule for indulging in their entertainment.
     
    Margaret thanked the sheriff and she and Hannah hurried inside. After depositing her letter, Hannah was given one in return. It was a letter from her little sister, Jenny. Hannah always loved getting letters from Jenny. She hung the sweet drawings up in her room. She missed her so much, and hoped she could afford to send for Ma and Jenny to come to Texas for a visit sometime next year, assuming she and Samuel had settled down together by then.
     
    There were two letters inside. One was a drawing from Jenny. The other, a letter from Aunt Agnes. The drawing was of an angel.
     
    Dear Hannah,
     
    I write to you with a heavy heart to inform you of your ma’s passing. My sister went to be with the Lord last Sunday, due to a terrible case of pneumonia.
     
    It was her wish that you would find a way to come take over the care for Jenny, as I am getting older and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. I understand you might not be able to make it here right away, but please do hurry.
     
    May the Lord comfort you as you read this.
     
    Aunt Agnes
     
    Hannah’s face turned pale as the letter dropped from her hands. Everything was swirling around her. It was hot and her legs had grown weak. “Somebody help!” she heard Margaret scream as everything went black and she fell to the wooden floor.
     
    Hannah opened her eyes and instantly saw Samuel’s soothing green eyes. He had been in town picking up supplies at Moore and Company’s General Store and saw the two of them in the post office. His mouth was moving but she