His Passionate Pioneer Read Online Free PDF Page A

strap, Richard gave Anna's punished rear one more glance. This was no little girl. Richard saw her as the adult she was—her woman parts had been occasionally visible for a few brief moments when her leg had kicked out. He continued to stand where he was. He believed that fate had brought him to the barn at this precise moment. Perhaps the Good Lord above had drawn him here to listen to John's worry that no man would be able to handle his willful daughter as well as give her the love she deserved. His heart had been hers for years even though she hadn't known that fact. He looked down at his hands; yes, they were firm, and very willing to take over guiding Anna down the proper path in life. God knew he needed a woman who was both soft and strong, and it looked as though that woman was presently lying across a hay bale; her arse strapped crimson.
    John stepped through the door and motioned for Richard to follow. They walked to the trough. "We won't speak of this again," John said. "I don't punish my family to shame them—I punish to teach them. I expect I don't need to ask you for your silence."
    "No, sir, you don't," Richard assured him. He pulled the dress and boots from his saddle bag, passing them to John with a quiet explanation of how he'd found them.
    John looked towards the barn, "You do understand that I didn't strap her for simply swimming?"
    "Yes, she put herself in a dangerous situation, and instead of facing up to her error in judgement, she attempted to deny that very fact," Richard said.
    John nodded. "I just hope she comes to realize that as well. Lord knows she is a stubborn little thing."
    "With all due respect, sir, her spirit and her fire are part of what makes her a magnificent woman, and it's how I know she has the strength to face anything." Richard smiled. "I want to assure you that not only have I loved Anna since she was a child, I'm more than willing to help her keep that spirit without breaking her. I guess what I'm saying is that I expect I'll be asking you for your blessing soon enough—that is, if she will have me."
    John extended his hand. "I shall pray that she will, son, for I would welcome you to our family without reservation."
     
    * * * * *
     
    The memory did nothing except make Richard pray that Anna would understand exactly why her Pa had whipped her. He had no intention of taking her away from her family until he knew they were at peace with one another. Sounds of a giggle had him once again glancing across at them. He smiled, seeing that Anna was no longer standing above her seated family. Instead, she was sitting on her father's lap, his arms wrapped around her. Relief washed through him to see that her arms were wrapped around his neck and her cheek laid on his shoulder. She might have apologized the previous afternoon, might have taken the strapping, but they had all known that she felt it unjustified. Watching her accept her father's embrace and the kiss he dropped on the top of her bonnet told Richard that the prayer he had made was being answered. When she stood and gave her family a wave before turning towards him, he got up and opened his arms. His heart was full when she stepped into them without hesitation. Closing his arms around her small body, he bent.
    "Okay?"
    "Yes, perfectly okay. I understand now. Papa was many things, but ashamed was not one of them." She tilted her head up to meet his eyes. "I was wrong but didn't want to admit it. I've apologized and asked for forgiveness."
    "And learned you already had it?" At her nod, he cupped her face between his palms and bent closer. "As I said, your Pa loves you."
    As he lifted her chin and kissed her gently, he could practically hear the disapproval he was sure would be hissed by any onlookers. He had no respect for those of the community who had so quickly wanted to believe that a girl they had known since birth had instantly become some sort of harlot. If they were unable to see her for the angel he knew her to