Zack's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) Read Online Free PDF

sighed. "They certainly are a handful. They keep me on my toes."
    "I'll bet they do. But you handle it all so well. It's a joy to behold."
    "I do my best," she admitted.
    Lydia glanced at Zack and saw his eyes narrow, searching for the next thing to say, deliberating on what was appropriate to ask, choosing words carefully. Why was he being so reticent? Didn't he know that she desperately wanted to talk to him about why she had come, what they had to do, what the future held for all of them?
    "Zack..." she started to say, but he spoke her name at the exact same moment. They both looked at each other and smiled at the awkwardness.
    Zack gestured with a hand. "Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Go on. You were about to say something."
    Lydia nodded. "I was going to say that I am so very grateful to you for what you are doing for me and the children," she said. She immediately regretted her choice of words when she saw Zack's brows furrow. His lips narrowed and he glanced down at the table, saying nothing for the moment.
    When he looked up she saw a curious combination of puzzlement and hurt. She felt a knot of unease settle in her chest as she looked at Zack's face.
    "I don't want you to be grateful for anything, Lydia."
    "But I am, Zack. What you are doing is...well...incredible."
    Zack frowned. "And what exactly is it that I'm doing Lydia?"
    She shifted in her chair. "By agreeing to allow myself and the children to come and live here, you are giving them a much needed security they would most certainly not have had in the city."
    Zack's eyes narrowed slightly. "I know that the children's safety is the most important thing. The last thing I would want is for them to come to any harm living in a place like San Francisco."
    "It's not a bad place."
    "Nor is it a place where those children should be growing up. Especially without a father."
    Zack stiffened as if he'd realized the harshness of his words. "I didn't mean to be insensitive, Lydia. I'm sorry. I can only imagine how hard things have been for you since Daniel's passing. I know you only alluded to it in your letters to me. But, forgive me if I have offended you."
    Lydia leaned closer to Zack. "You haven't offended me at all, Zack. It will take a very long while to get over Daniel's passing. It's been especially hard for the children."
    Zack frowned and let out a coarse, frustrated groan. "It's so unfair. Children should never have to endure what those wonderful little ones have had to go through."
    "Life is hard," Lydia said. "For everyone. Young and old. It's our job as parents to shield them from the pain as much as we can."
    Zack glanced up at Lydia. "Our job? Parents?"
    Lydia nodded and paused. Had Zack caught her meaning? Had he thought through the consequences of bringing Lydia and her children into his life? Or had he underestimated what it would mean to have an entire and instantaneous family brought into his previously serene and simple ranch life?
    "That's what we will be. Isn't it Zack? A least that is my understanding."
    Zack ran a hand through his dark hair. Lydia saw a flicker of worry shift across his features. "I guess you're right. I've given all of this as much thought as I could. I was sure I'd figured it all out. Maybe I didn't realize what it would mean to have all of you here, under one roof."
    Lydia tried to smile. "I know it must be hard for you, Zack. It can't be easy having four women arriving and taking up residence in your home."
    "That's not a problem, Lydia. I told you in my letters, that there is one thing that has never changed. I meant what I said to you when you left. Nothing can change a promise I give. The promise I gave you is the most important thing I've ever said in my life."
    Lydia felt her heart begin to race. She looked at Zack and saw the purpose, the determination on his features that matched the firm tone of his voice. Her mind went suddenly blank, insistent sensations coursing through her body. What could she say to that? Of