A Bride for Logan by Barbara Goss (free children's online books TXT) 📗

 Her well-meaning sister-in-law pushed her onto Logan’s large, double bed. She fluffed up the pillows. “You rest, and I’ll get you a cup of tea.”

Emma couldn’t tell Prudence it wasn’t her bed. No harm done—she’d recover quickly and leave Logan’s bed.

Prudence returned with a tea tray. “Feeling any better?”

Emma nodded. “Much better.”

“I think I know what your ailment is.” Prudence winked. “Am I going to be an aunt soon?”

Confused, Emma asked, “An aunt?”

Prudence smiled knowingly. “I know the signs. You’re increasing.”

“I don’t think so. It’s too soon,” Emma told her.

“Nonsense. I knew the first month with Billy.”

“I've just had too much sun.”

“Take my word for it: you’re with child, dear.” Prudence winked and left the room.

It wasn’t long before Logan came storming into the room. Emma could tell that he was angry. He stood facing her and demanded, “Who’s responsible?”

Emma sat up. “For what? I don’t understand.”

“Prudence just congratulated me. She said you were with child. I want to know who, when, and where. This could blow our whole scheme apart.”

Emma closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I demand to know…now!” Logan shouted.

“There is no child. I’m not increasing.”

“Why did my sister tell me you were with child, then?”

“Because I came home ill today, and she jumped to conclusions. I am definitely not with child—I can promise you that.”

Logan let out the breath he’d been holding. “Why didn’t you tell Prudence that?”

“I did, but she wouldn’t listen.”

Emma swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I hope I didn’t mess up your bed. I couldn’t tell Prudence I slept in the other room.”

“It’s just a wrinkled quilt. It’s fine.”

“I’d appreciate it if you would convince your sister I’m not increasing.”

“I’ll try, but once she gets something into her head, there’s no changing it.”

Emma bent and smoothed the quilt. “I feel better. If I’m excused, I’d like to go to the stables to brush Lady.”

It had been the first time she’d seen Logan’s anger, and it was unsettling. Even if she had been with child, it was no way to treat a lady. Then again, he thought she was a saloon woman and not a lady.

Alan rode up while Emma was walking to the stables. He slid off his horse and greeted her.

“Did you enjoy the dance last night?” he asked.

“It was fabulous. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss that experience.”

Alan walked with Emma into the stables.

“Several of my male friends chided me for having two beautiful women all to myself while they had none,” he laughed.

Emma laughed with him.

 “Am I missing something?” Logan asked from the doorway of the stables. “What’s so funny?”

Alan smiled at Emma. “It’s a private joke, Logan. You wouldn’t think it was funny.”

Emma smiled back at Alan, and they both stifled some giggles.

Logan asked Alan brusquely, “Did you come to see me or Emma?”

“You, of course,” Alan replied.

“Then let’s go into my office. Did you bring your matchsticks?”

Two weeks from the day she arrived, Prudence announced she would be leaving in the morning. “I’ve enjoyed my visit, but I miss Billy,” she said after church.

“We enjoyed having you,” Emma said. “Next time, bring little Billy. We’d love to see him.”

“I shall. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, and I can rest assured that my brother has done well for himself. You’re the perfect wife for him.”

Chapter Eight

Alan and Logan walked through the stables to supervise preparations for the auction. One worker was polishing a saddle, and two others were grooming horses.

Logan led Alan to the side door which led to the arena. “I need your advice," Logan began. "Emma’s coming out so we can practice her moves, and another opinion would help. Owen usually rides the horses, but I think Emma will add something to the show. She’s attractive and sits a horse beautifully. She’ll give the show some class.”

“I haven’t been to many horse auctions,” Alan said, “so I’m not sure how helpful my input will be, but I think Emma will be great.”

“You and Emma have been spending a lot of time together lately. I hope you haven’t become too fond of my wife, Alan.”

“I like Emma. She's more than a pretty face. She’s smart and poised, and I enjoy her company. You, my friend, should try it sometime.”

“She’s a saloon woman.”

“So is Trixie, and you never minded spending time with her.”

“That’s different. I was never seen with her in public.”

“So what? No one except me knows Emma’s a saloon woman. Besides, she may have been in a desperate situation, and that was the only option left to her.”

“I’m afraid to get too friendly with her.”

“Why?” Alan asked.

“She’s attractive. I don’t want to be tempted to consummate the marriage. If we do, we can’t annul it. Since I married, I've had to give Trixie up, and I’m lonely for female attention. She might tempt me if we became too close.”

“Maybe if you gave her a chance—”

“Shh,” Logan said, elbowing Alan. “Here she comes.”

“Wow!” Alan remarked. “She looks sensational.”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t publicly ogle my wife. People might talk.”

Alan frowned and shook his head.

Emma joined them, wearing her new riding outfit. “How do you like it?” She twirled around and the short skirt flared out around her. The tunic-style top came to her knees, and she wore long, loose-fitting black pants beneath the skirt. From the neck to the waist, the outfit looked like a business suit, complete with a starched, white shirt and tie. The gem-studded boots completed the look.

“It’s perfect,” Logan said, trying not to eye her too obviously. “We’ll go through the moves you’re to make while showing the horses.” Logan removed a black horse from