Widows, Brides & Secret Babies series, Book 9
“If I was already twenty-one, which I’m not.”
“… and have the land joined with mine once we marry.”
“As for marriage, Mr. Becker, exactly when did you plan to marry me? Right after we put in our application?”
The man scowled. “Of course not. That would be too soon.”
Roslyn felt her heartrate increase, and her face grow hot. She took several deep breaths. “Of course not? What did you plan, then? Did you expect me to live with you and your sons for months or years without the benefit of marriage, or did you plan to abandon me in town to fend for myself until you were ready for me?”
Becker shook his head. “No. I planned to take you back with us so you can make yourself useful. I told you, we would have had a marriage in name only. It would have been the same whether we’re married or not. I figured I’d marry you about the time I’m ready to prove up. Have to, in order to get the land in my name, but I don’t come to town that often.”
Roslyn glared at the man. The same, except for everyone else around us who would judge me as being the hussy you just accused me of being because I would be living with you outside of wedlock. “But you don’t plan to marry me today before you leave to return to the land you are filing on.”
“No. without proof you are twenty-one years of age, you don’t qualify for the land unless you have proof of your marriage and husband’s death. Do you have any of that?”
Roslyn shook her head. “No. I only have my aunt’s letter.”
“You have a baby, but no documents about anything. Then you can’t get the land anyway, so it makes no never mind.”
“I qualify to get married, which is why you told my aunt you sent for me. I don’t owe you, Mr. Becker. You brought me here under false pretenses.”
The marshal stepped over until he stood at Becker’s side. “She’s got a point, Mr. Becker.”
Roslyn studied the lawman who spoke up in her support. She decided to push for more because, without any money or a ticket she could cash in, she was trapped in Junction City. She also approached Albert Becker. “Mr. Becker, it is you who owes me a ticket back to where I came from.”
“No, Roslyn, you can’t come back home. Ma…she’s dying. There won’t be a place for either of us once that happens.”
Still jiggling Emmy, who continued to fuss and squirm, Roslyn spun toward her cousin. “Hush up, Penelope! I need a ticket to somewhere.” She stared at her cousin before she closed her eyes and heaved a sigh. What do I do now?
This book is part of the Sweet Historical Romance offer below. To find the book description and purchase link for
Mail Order Roslyn, please CLICK HERE.
My next book to be published on August 10th is,
Now on preorder, you may find the book description by CLICKING HERE.
This book will be written as a companion book to Lightkeeper's Challenge by Linda Carroll-Bradd
Also on preorder to be published September 1st is my second Cupids and Cowboys book, Madeline.
You may find the book description and preorder link by CLICKING HERE.
A reminder about Old Timey Holiday Kitchen. A multi-author series sponsored by the Sweet Americana Book Club, the first book will be released Monday, July 19th.
To find the series page on Amazon, please CLICK HERE.
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