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

course she'd expected he would say such a thing. Out here in Montana a promise was more than mere words. It was almost a physical thing that could not be taken back once it was offered and accepted.
    And that was what Lydia had done, wasn't it? She had accepted Zack's promise that if she ever fell on hard times that he would be there for her, ready to catch her, protect her and those precious to her. But, what was she to say to him? How was she to discuss the one thing that was standing between them like a barrier, a stone wall that would only be breached with honesty and forthrightness?
    Lydia decided to seize the moment. "Zack. About our situation."
    She hesitated as Zack stood up quickly and came across, taking the seat next to Lydia. His physical proximity took her by surprise. Up close he seemed so large, so imposing. With him seated so close to her, she could see the maturity which the years of hard ranch work had carved onto his features. But there was still that unalterable expression in his eyes. The same expression that Lydia had recalled so many times during the last few weeks. It was an expression of goodness, fascination with her and genuine warmth.
    Lydia felt the words she'd been about to utter, freeze in her throat.
    "What were you going to say?" Zack asked.
    Just at that moment Mrs. Brodie came striding into the dining room. She paused suddenly, realizing that the dining room wasn't empty. "Sorry. I thought everyone was outside. I didn't mean to interrupt." She turned and made to leave the room but Lydia called her back.
    "Not at all, Mrs. Brodie. Can I help you clear up after that fabulous dinner?" Lydia said.
    Lydia saw Zack glance at her, his eyes narrowing and she was sure that she could see a sudden expression of relief on his face.
    As she started to pick up the plates from the table Lydia wondered just what it was going to take for her and Zack to come right out and say what was on each other's minds.
    And, it was the only question Lydia wanted an answer to.
    When was the wedding going to take place?

CHAPTER FOUR

    Later in the afternoon, when he returned from checking the herd, Zack found Lydia waiting for him on the porch.
    He'd gone out to work hastily after their conversation, telling Lydia that it was essential work. But, really, it had been more about putting some distance between him and the bustle of activity that had overtaken his usually calm ranch house. He figured he'd be as well getting used to the noise and the busyness. It was going to be a permanent feature of his life now.
    And, he tried to tell himself, he was happy with that notion. It was going to be fine, having a wife and children on the ranch. It was going to be a real delight making the ranch fit for a family. Above all it was going to be a special pleasure having Lydia by his side, day after day.
    Then how come the mere thought of that didn't fill him with an overwhelming satisfaction? How come the thought of Lydia becoming his wife didn't make his heart rejoice? Because, in spite of the delight he'd felt at seeing her arrive, and the homely experience of their first family dinner, Zack Buchanan was troubled. And he couldn't figure out why.
    He could see what all of this meant to Lydia. Being on the ranch meant her children were safe. It meant she herself was safe. Thinking of that made Zack feel glad that he had responded to Lydia's letter all those weeks ago. He thought back to the day Mrs. Brodie had handed him the small envelope. He'd barely recognized the handwriting and when he'd opened the envelope and seen that it was from Lydia he'd had to go to the parlor and sit down on the sofa.
    Her letter had been plain and her request direct. Lydia had recounted the circumstances of her recent life in cool, almost businesslike terms. How she had married soon after leaving Great Falls. How she had met Daniel Robards just months before Lydia's father had died of typhus after treating a patient. How she had three beautiful girls who