His Forever Valentine Read Online Free PDF

in his chair . “Deputy Turner, what I do is my own business, and …” What was he saying?  He took a closer look at him and noted the seriousness in his eyes. Was he protecting the girl? The idea that sparked earlier was back. “I’ll do things right by her, if that’s what you mean.”
    “I meant no dis respect. But a gal needs courtin’ if’n she’s gonna get married. Especially being as how the two of you just met and all.”
    “Yes, I couldn’t agree more.” Matthew glanced around the kitchen as his mind raced. “And I suppose that means we’ll be spending lots of time alone together.”
    “Alone?” he asked, his voice turned up a notch. “Won’t the womenfolk in this town think that’s improper?”
    Matthew hid a smile by rubbing his chin with a hand. “Yes … I guess I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right, we’ll definitely need a chaperone.” He looked up at him, a hopeful gleam in his eye. “You ah … well, you wouldn’t be interested, would you?”
    “Me! Why me?”
    “Well, on account you are the law, and I’m sure Miss Smith wouldn’t object, let alone my mother.” His last words came out flat.
    Tom’s eyes flicked to the door again. “That I am.” He turned back to him. “The law, I mean.”
    “Yes, and I’m sure Miss Smith would feel quite safe knowing you’re just feet away from us. I know I will.”
    Tom took a few steps toward the door, his eyes once again fixated on it. “When’s the weddin’?”
    “I have no idea, who knows how long we’ll court. Could be months …”
    Tom sighed and slowly turned to him. “I’m not sure I could stand chaperonin’ for months …”
    “Or weeks!” Matthew piped up. “Days, who knows?”
    Tom scratched his jaw as he thought. “I can’t be with you all the time, you’re gonna need more than one chaperone.”
    Matthew couldn’t hide his smile. “I know.”
    Tom finally turned back to him. “You got any body in mind for the job?”
    “Oh trust me,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I know just the right person.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Three

    Rose couldn’t concentrate. Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Quinn droned on and on about wedding details, and didn’t let her get a word in edgewise. She glanced more than once toward the hall, hoping to get a glimpse of the handsome deputy that came to Matthew Quinn’s rescue. If she’d come to marry him , maybe she wouldn’t have such an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach. One that told her she didn’t belong there. But what could she do? She knew what she was getting into, coming to marry a man she hadn’t even exchanged a letter with. She’d signed a contract, traveled all the way across the country to be there, and had already laid eyes on her intended.  She had to go through with it.
    Matthew seemed like a nice enough fellow, albeit somewhat bookish. But she liked books, she wouldn’t mind if he had a library full. He was nice looking too. But it was also obvious, he didn’t expect her, and hadn’t the slightest clue she was coming. Which of course, would explain why he didn’t seem excited in the least with her arrival.
    “What about this color?” Mrs. Quinn asked as she held up a bolt of fabric. Of co urse, she wasn’t talking to her , she was talking to Mrs. Riley.
    “Why , that’s lovely! What do you think, Miss Smith?”
    Rose looked at the ivory brocade and felt about as excited as a doorknob, Now she understood how Matthew Quinn felt.  “Lovely.” What had she gotten herself into?
    “We’ll have the wedding as soon as the dress is done.” Mrs. Quinn declared.
    Rose felt herself cringe. “How long will that take?”
    “Well, dear,” Mrs. Riley said as she took the bolt to the counter. “If we can get Abbey Davis … oh , I mean  … good Heavens,” she exclaimed and looked to Mrs. Quinn. “You know I don’t think I’ve ever heard what Billy’s last name is? We’ve only ever called him Billy.”
    “Who