The Anonymous Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

is one of the best cooks around. She’ll take good care of you.”
     
    Luke’s lips pursed, as if he doubted the mayor’s words.
     
    “My ma’s the best cook in this whole town.” Jacqueline hiked her chin as if daring him to disagree.
     
    “We should be going.” Rachel’s heart fluttered like a cornered rabbit’s. How could she bear seeing Luke three times a day and dining with him? Evidently he didn’t favor the idea either, since he looked as if he had eaten a sugarless rhubarb pie.
     
    Eleven years ago, she’d pleaded for his forgiveness when she told him she had married James, but he’d said then he’d never forgive her. Over the years, she’d prayed for him and hoped he’d found it in his heart to pardon her for hurting him so much, but by the glare in his eyes and his hardened jaw, she knew the truth. He hadn’t forgiven her, and he never would.
     
    Ducking her head, she took Jacqueline’s hand, and they skirted past the two men. At the door, she halted and forced herself to face Luke. She cleared her throat, hoping her voice didn’t warble. “Breakfast is at six thirty.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER 4
     
    “Howdy, cuz.” Garrett gave a welcoming nod.
     
    Luke stopped next to the Corbetts’ freight wagon and eyed several crates of supplies Garrett was tying down on the buckboard. “Looks like you’re off again.”
     
    “Yep. We’re taking this load to Snake River Ranch. Be gone a couple of days.” He tossed the end of the rope across the wood to Luke. “You’ll look out for things around here while we’re gone, won’tcha?”
     
    After securing the rope, Luke pulled to make sure it was taut. He grinned. “With you two hooligans gone, the town is bound to be as quiet as a funeral.”
     
    Garrett slapped him on the back. “Just keep thinking that way, and one of these days some real outlaw is gonna get the drop on you.”
     
    Luke shook his head. “Where’s that rascally brother of yours?”
     
    His cousin jutted his chin toward the other side of the street. “Over at the café. Polly’s packing up a meal for us.”
     
    Luke walked around the stout draft horses, checking the rigging. He didn’t need to, since both his cousins took excellent care of their animals, but it gave him an excuse to hang around for the moment. He hated seeing the brothers leave town again. Spending time with them helped keep his mind off other things.
     
    Garrett lifted his hat and plowed rows in his blond hair with his fingers. His blue eyes stared back without the glint of amusement they often held. “How’s it going with Rachel?”
     
    Luke’s gaze darted sideways at the unexpected change of topics. He hadn’t told them how difficult it was being around Rachel. “Don’t see much of her.”
     
    “Aren’t you taking your meals at her boardinghouse?”
     
    He shrugged, not wanting to admit the extremes he’d taken to avoid seeing her. “I usually take my plate home or to the jail.”
     
    Garrett shook his head. “James is dead, and Rachel’s available again. What are you waiting for?”
     
    Luke narrowed his gaze and clenched his jaw. Why couldn’t Garrett leave well enough alone? “You know why.”
     
    His cousin’s hat lifted as his brows rose. “All that happened a long time ago. She’s a beautiful, young widow, and there’s no reason you two couldn’t get hitched now.”
     
    “There are a wagonload of reasons.” Luke straightened.
     
    “Well, if you’re interested in her at all, don’t wait too long. A local rancher named Rand Kessler has been comin’ calling on her regularly.”
     
    Luke flinched at the thought of another man courting Rachel, but she was a beautiful woman of marrying age. It was to be expected. So why did it bother him so much?
     
    “Y’all have a safe trip.” He strode away, not giving Garrett a chance to say more. In the two weeks that he’d been home, both cousins had tried to get him to reconcile with Rachel. But they