No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station #1)(106)
“Some of these women come to us seeking sanctuary from abusive fathers or husbands but are afraid to stay because they don’t feel safe with only females standing between them and their abusers. But if there was a man, a good man—say, a town marshal—willing to guard them, they’d be more likely to stay and eventually to thrive as the strong women God always desired them to be.”
A marshal? Mal nearly laughed at the irony. How many times had he evaded the law during his youth? And now she thought him worthy of being the law, himself?
“Think of Lewis and Ned and the other returning families with children,” Emma continued. “They need godly men in their lives. Boys need an example to emulate, and girls need a way to recognize a man of character who will respect and honor them.
“The pay wouldn’t be what you’re used to at first, but as the town grows, so will your salary. We’ve already voted in a city tax ordinance. Of course, it’s with the understanding that when things are quiet, you’ll make yourself available to assist with things that require heavy lifting or repairs. Betty said if you’d help her build on to her henhouse, she’d donate a percentage of her profits from the additional chickens to the law enforcement fund.
“Mr. Porter convinced Tori to expand her business, as well, by starting a delivery route to area farms and ranches, saving the owners from having to travel into Seymour or Wichita Falls for supplies. If that partnership proves as lucrative as they expect, that will mean increased sales of all our products—quilts, canned goods, eggs. The more the economy grows, the more we can afford to pay—”
“Slow down.” Mal chuckled, holding up a hand. His stunned mind could barely keep up with her rapid-fire explanations.
The woman was amazing. While he’d resigned himself to the fact that his dreams of a life with her were unattainable, that banker’s brain of hers had been busy plotting a perfectly feasible plan to make the impossible possible.
He grinned at her, took her hand, and lifted it to his lips. “I don’t need a big salary, Emma. Just enough to provide for you and our children.” He pressed his lips slowly to the back of her hand, gratified when a tremor passed through her that matched the one dancing around in his belly.
“So you’ll stay? Oh, please say you will.” She leaned her head against his chest in a quick hug, then turned her face back up to look at him. Her cheeks flushed pink and her eyes glowed with love. “You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted, Malachi Shaw. No other will do.”
He nodded. “I’ll stay.”
With a squeal of pure happiness, Emma threw herself into his arms. He swept her around in a circle, laughter gurgling up inside him as her feet dangled in midair. As he lowered her back to earth, he bent his head for a kiss—one not born of desperation, but born of love, a love they had years to explore.
“That better mean you’re staying, young man,” Aunt Henry shouted.
Mal lifted his head but didn’t release his hold on Emma’s waist. Not only was Henry looking on, but the entire town had stepped out of the café to watch, each lady with a smile on her face.
He pushed his hat up off his forehead and grinned. “Just try to get rid of me!”
Then he bent right back down and resumed his kiss. The onlookers cheered. Emma barely lasted a heartbeat before she dissolved into giggles, not that Malachi cared. He simply held her close and reveled in feeling her heart beat in time with his.
With his angel in his arms, he’d always be in heaven.
Christy Award finalist and winner of the ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romances because she believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and shower singer, and she bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
To learn more about Karen and her books and to sign up for her free newsletter featuring special giveaways and behind-the-scenes information, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.