Rogues in Texas 03 - Never Marry a Cowboy

by Lorraine Heath

  “Grow old,” he murmured, before he gathered her into his arms, stood, and carried her to the bedroom where he planned for them to grow old together.

  Author’s Note

  Several years ago as I was browsing through a bookstore, a book caught my attention. I long ago stopped questioning why certain books stood out on the shelf and simply got into the habit of purchasing them when they did, certain there would come a time when I was glad that I had.

  Doc Susie, written by Virginia Cornell, is the biography of a physician diagnosed with consumption who traveled west to die at the age of thirty-seven. Incredibly weak and occasionally coughing up blood, she had to be carried to the train. When she arrived at her destination and word spread that she was a physician, she found herself called upon to walk to the homes of people in poor health to offer what medical assistance she could. No one knows if it was the air, an improved diet, her brisk walks, or simply a determination not to die, but Susan Anderson, M.D., soon discovered that her health was improving, and in time, no signs of consumption remained. She lived another fifty-three years.

  Her story served as the inspiration for my character, Ashton. Although Ashton is not a physician, she does eventually recover from her illness. As the author, I should know if the air, the improved diet, or the brisk daily walks improved her health. As a romantic, however, I have to believe it was the very special love of Christian Montgomery.

  I hope you enjoyed Kit and Ashton’s story and find it possible to accept that sometimes miracles do happen.