McKenna, (Sweet Western Historical Romance) (Nevada Brides Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

THREE
    McKenna had never been more nervous in her life as she waited for Cole to join her at the home of Betty and Frank Nash. She had sent him a note by way of courier, and he had responded promptly. Both he and his brother Bret would join them at their neighbor’s house, which would be much more appropriate.
    As McKenna lifted her teacup to her lips, it rattled. When she set it down, Betty gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Are you certain you wish to do this, McKenna?”
    “Yes, it’s my only chance. Our only chance for a new life, since our uncle stole the business right out from under us.”
    “That man is a ba—”
    “Frank,” Betty interjected. “Watch your language.”
    Frank shook his head. “That Abner is no good, and Neiman’s will be closed within a year of him taking over the business. From what I heard, his business skills are quite lacking.”
    Cadence sniffled. “I-I hope not. I just hate that the business Papa and Mama had built will just go down like that. There must be something we can do?”
    “No, believe me. I’ve sorted it out with the attorney. There simply is no other option for us. Opening a store in Nevada is our best hope of getting back what we’ve lost.”
    “I agree,” Frank said. “But you do know that Nevada will be nothing like Halston. It will be rugged and dangerous for a woman on her own.”
    “I won’t be alone. I’ll be with my husband.”
    “Make darn sure you stick close to him. I’d hate for something to happen to you.”
    “You will look after my sisters while I’m gone, right?” McKenna asked.
    “Yes, we will,” Betty assured her. “Abigail has found a few women in need of a room. It will help with expenses until you get settled.”
    “We have enough to last almost a year,” Abigail added.
    McKenna glanced at her sister and knew she’d be able to handle things when she left. She’d done well managing the household.
    “Keep a close eye on Kayla,” she whispered to Abigail. “I’m worried she might just get herself into trouble when I leave.”
    “Not to worry. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
    “And we’ll make sure she stays on her studies,” Frank said.
    Kayla pouted. “I don’t know why you think me incapable of running my life the way I see fit.”
    “Because, dear, once you ruin your reputation, it will limit your chances at finding a decent man,” Betty explained. “If what you’ve said you wanted is true.”
    They were interrupted when there was a knock at the door. Betty waited until there were three raps before she answered it.
    She opened the door and invited Cole and Bret inside. When the men strode in, Cole wasn’t dressed like he’d been the day before. Instead, he wore jeans, cowboy boots and a black vest.
    “What is the meaning of this, young man? Is this how you show up when you come a-courting?” Margaret asked.
    “I-I—”
    “I tried to tell you, Cole,” Bret said.
    Kayla glided toward Bret, but Betty took ahold of her arm and guided her right back to the sofa. “Calm yourself, Kayla. We want to hear what Cole has to say for himself.”
    “I apologize. I was readying my wagon for the trip to Nevada.”
    McKenna’s hands went to her hips. “I didn’t even tell you whether I’d marry you or not yet.”
    “I’m going regardless, even if I have to become a miner until I raise the funds I need.”
    McKenna’s shoulders dropped. “I’m sorry, Mr. Winters. I should have held my tongue until you were able to explain yourself.”
    “No problem, Miss McKenna, but have you made a decision yet about my proposal?”
    “If she marries you, I expect you to abide by her wishes,” Frank said. “Meaning this marriage will be in name only until McKenna decides otherwise.”
    “Which I won’t,” McKenna butted in. “But if you can agree that it will be in name only, I’ll marry you, providing you can prove you have the funds to pay your half.”
    “I can prove that, McKenna,” Cole said, grinning. “We’ll have