by Renee Ryan
“I’m pretty sure I heard her make a few outrageous promises, including one that would involve a trip to Paris when Jane comes of age, just like the one she’d given Jane’s aunts before they’d gone off to finishing school.”
That made Logan scowl in a way that warned Megan his mood had shifted. “No Paris. That city is full of Frenchmen.”
She tried not to laugh at his overprotective tone. “Men being the operative word?” she teased.
“Precisely.” His scowl deepened as he watched his mother playing with their daughter on the blanket.
In hopes of distracting him, Megan cupped his face and kissed him on the lips, making sure their mouths stayed connected long enough to ensure he forgot everything on his mind, especially Frenchmen.
He came up sputtering. “What were we talking about again?”
“Our new home.” She steered him toward the unfinished structure. “It’s going to be beautiful, Logan.”
“And large enough for us to have lots and lots of children.”
“I like the sound of that.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and smiled up at the structure with her.
Settling against him, Megan sighed happily. “When do you want to get started on those other children?” she whispered low enough for only his ears to hear.
His grip tightened. “How about later tonight?”
“Perfect.”
“But no more girls,” he said in a stern voice. “Our little Jane is killing me.”
“She’s only two months old.”
“And I’m already dealing with Frenchmen.”
Megan laughed at him. She couldn’t help herself. He looked so handsome when he was flustered.
“Stop laughing. Boys are easier. Boys I understand.”
Garrett chose that moment to rush up behind him and swat him on the shoulder. “Tag, you’re it.”
With lightning speed, Logan reached out and tapped Garrett on the back before he could make his getaway. “You’re it again,” Logan said with the superior tone only a big brother could pull off.
Garrett spun around and gaped at him. The look in his eyes was so forlorn, so full of grief, Megan was reminded of the last time she’d seen the oldest Mitchell. Hunter’s gaze had held a similar expression.
When Garrett shuffled off, muttering something to his other brothers about Logan cheating again, Megan decided it was time to ask her husband about his trip to Denver the previous afternoon. “What did you find out about Hunter?”
“His trail has dried up again.” Logan shook his head. “The marshal was a day behind him, just one day, when all signs of Hunter evaporated. It’s like he vanished into thin air.”
“You’re relieved.” She heard the truth of it in his voice.
“I guess I am.”
“We’ll keep praying for him.”
He nodded. “That’s all we can do at this point.”
“I’m sorry, Logan.”
“Me, too.” When he turned and put both his arms around her waist she felt the sadness in him, hated that she’d been the one to put it there by asking about his brother.
“Come with me.” She tugged on his hand. “Let’s go rescue our daughter from her doting grandmother. Before the woman makes any more promises to the poor girl.”
“Not yet.” He pulled her back against him. “Thanks, Megan.”
Confused, she looked up into his eyes. “For what?”
“For knowing exactly what to say to make my sadness go away, for being a good mother and a wonderful wife. For loving me, even though I waited five years to claim you as my bride.”
“No, Logan. No regrets. The years apart made our union all the sweeter.”
“I promise I’ll always love you, Megan. And I’ll never leave you again. Not for more than a day at a time.” He lowered his mouth to hers and proceeded to prove his point.
And that, Megan decided, was the best promise of all.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing The Lawman Claims His Bride. This book marks the fourth installment in my CHARITY HOUSE series and brings together two characters that have been along for the ride ever since the beginning. Megan fell in love with Logan when she was only seventeen. Despite time, distance and other obstacles, she never wavered in her devotion to the man she loved. Of course, neither did Logan. I was glad to give them their happily-ever-after.
I have to admit, I especially enjoyed writing this book. I was able to explore two of my favorite themes in one book: Love at First Sight and Marriage of Convenience. I would have never thought to put those two themes together, but often plans have a way of going awry.
On that note, I learned something very valuable along the way. No matter how much I try to plan, organize, push, pull and/or shove my way to solve a problem in my life, in the end God’s Plan will always prevail over mine. I wouldn’t want it any other way. After all, the Lord’s plan is always better than the one I thought I wanted.
Back to themes. What are your favorites? I would love to hear what you think. You can contact me at [email protected] or stop by my social networking pages. The links are on my landing page at www.reneeryan.com.
In the meantime, happy reading,
Renee Ryan
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
In the opening scene, Megan is in the fight of her life and fears she’s killed a man in self-defense. Do you think her memory loss has anything to do with this fear? Why or why not?
Were you surprised Trey locked Megan in jail? Why did he do this? Did you agree with his reasoning?
What do you think is behind Logan’s anger when he discovers Megan in the jail cell? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt completely out of control? How did you handle it?
What is Logan’s solution for getting Megan released from jail? Why do you think he came up with the idea? Why do you think she agreed? Was this the marriage either of them planned?
What is Logan’s idea for helping Megan regain her memory? Do you think this is a good plan? Why or why not?
Why do you think Megan is slightly afraid of Logan? Why do you think it’s only at certain times and not others? Have you ever had someone not “understand” your motives and thus pre-judge your every move? How did that make you feel?
Although Megan has spent her life surrounded by people who love her, she still holds a part of herself back. Why do you think she does this?
Logan’s family is not what Megan expected. Why do you think he failed to talk about his family through the years?
Why do you think Megan loves life on the ranch? What does Logan’s family offer her that she’s never had?
Do you agree with Logan? Did he fail his brother when he found him in that brothel all those years ago? Why or why not?
What event in Logan’s life led him to leave home in the first place? Why did he stay away? Have you ever chased a dream when all along what you really wanted was right in front of you? Explain.
Why do you think Megan was so hurt when she discovered why Logan gave her the sketch pad? Have you ever discovered hidden motives in others? How did you respond?
Were you surprised to discover the identity of the killer? Do you think Logan should have tried harder to arrest him? Why or why not?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8983-7
THE LAWMAN CLAIMS HIS BRIDE
Copyright © 2011 by Renee Halverson
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, busin
ess establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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*Charity House
Table of Contents
Books by Renee Ryan
About the Author
Title Page
Epigraph
Dedication
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Epilogue
Letter to Reader
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Copyright