Today's snippet is taken from
A Bride for Devlin
The Sheriff's Mail Order Bride, Book 6
by Zina Abbott
“Now, about the letters we received.” Jesse reached into his pocket and pulled out two envelopes. “I’ll allow, in mine, there wasn’t much said about her skills. There might be more details in yours.” He grinned as he held up the unopened envelope. “They’re sisters, Devlin. They’re not only from similar backgrounds but the same household. They’re both looking for husbands, and they want to live close by each other.” He tossed the letter on the table. “Go on. Open it.”
Devlin sucked in a breath. He stared at the envelope as if it was a coiled rattlesnake. “Jesse, I told you. I want no part of this letter-writing business.”
“Well, you got it, anyway.” Jesse nodded. “When I sent the letters, I wrote mine in cursive. Yours, I printed. I figured that way, maybe it wouldn’t look like they were written by the same person. Don’t worry, I shared all your better traits.”
“Yeah, you probably soaped this pig up right clean and dressed it in ruffles and lace.” Clenching and unclenching his fists, Devlin jumped out of his chair. He ran to the stove and opened the door to the firebox. After tossing in a stick of firewood, he slammed the door and latched it. Tightening the flesh around his eyes, he stood and turned until his gaze met Jesse’s. “What happens if she finds out about the real me?”
“Once she realizes there’s a decent man behind all your gruffness, she’ll get over it.” Jesse shrugged. “You’re hard-working and loyal. If my sisters’ opinions count for anything, that’s important to a woman. Also, based on the hometown yokels they tended to get starry-eyed over...” Jesse raised a pointer finger. “It’s safe to say, most women would consider you right handsome. Or, at least, you will be, once you shave that buffalo fur off your face and cut your hair.” A teasing glint entered his gaze.
“Winter’s here. Need my beard.” As he stroked his chin with his thumb and fingertips, Devlin stared across the room. What gruffness? “I told you to leave me out of your marriage-writing scheme. I’m the sheriff. How come you don’t listen to me?” He held out a hand, palm up.
To celebrate the total solar eclipse that will be visible from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024, I have compiled into a boxset my first three of six books that are connected to the total solar eclipse of 1878.
Jocelyn's Wedding Dilemma, the second book in the series, The Matchmaker and the Mother-in-Law, is now on pre-order. The ebook will be available March 5, 2024.
Florence's Good Deed, Book 6 in the Rejected Mail-Order Brides series, is now on pre-order. The ebook is scheduled for release on April 15, 2024.
Includes my own A WATCHMAN FOR WILLOW and A BRIDE FOR DEVLIN
Please CLICK HERE
