Read Online Duncan's Bride by Linda Howard - Free Book Online Page A

been so adamant that she was wrong for the job. But he wanted her, she knew, remembering that kiss at the airport and the way he’d looked at her. She wanted him, more than she’d ever thought it was possible to want a man, both physically and emotionally, but was thatenough to hold together a relationship when they were faced with the day-in, day-out routine that marriage entailed? Would she still love him when he had a cold and was grouchy, or yelled at her for something that wasn’t her fault? Would he still want her after he’d seen her without makeup, stumbling around in the morning with uncombed hair, or when she was in a bad mood, too?
    Looking at it clearly, she decided that she should ask the doctor about birth control pills while she was there. If everything worked out and they decided to have children, it would be easy to go off the Pill, but what a mess it would be if she got pregnant right away and then the marriage fell apart. It was something she would already have discussed with Reese if their situation had been a normal one, but nothing about this was normal.
    She was making a complete change in her life, from urban to rural, from single to marriage, all without really knowing the man she was marrying. She didn’t know his favorite foods or colors, his moods, how he would react to any given situation; all she really knew about him was that his store of miscellaneous knowledge rivaled hers, and that she responded more violently to him than anyone she’d ever met before. She was definitely following her heart here, and not her head.
    Reese would want the marriage ceremony to be conducted with as little fuss as possible, before a magistrate or a justice of the peace. She didn’t mind that, but she made up her mind that Robert would be there, and her friend Christine. They could be the witnesses, rather than two strangers.
    Robert was less than thrilled with the news, as she had expected. “I know you fell for him, but shouldn’t you give this more time? You’ve met him once. Or didyou get to know him really well during that one meeting?”
    â€œI told you, he was a perfect gentleman.”
    â€œAh, but were you a perfect lady?”
    â€œI’m good at whatever I do, but I’ve never claimed to be perfect.”
    His eyes twinkled, and he leaned over to pinch her cheek. “You’re determined to have this man, aren’t you?”
    â€œHe gave me this chance, and I’m taking it before he changes his mind. Oh yes, we’re getting married now if I have to kidnap him.”
    â€œHe may be in for a surprise,” Robert mused. “Does he know about that bulldog stubbornness you hide behind that lazy walk and talk?”
    â€œOf course not. Give me some credit. He’ll learn about that in due time, after we’re married.” She smiled that sweet smile.
    â€œSo, when do I get to meet him?”
    â€œThe day of the wedding, probably. No matter what you have scheduled, I expect you to drop everything and fly out when I call you.”
    â€œWouldn’t miss it.”
    Christine was even less encouraging. “What do you know about ranch life?” she asked ominously. “Nothing. There are no movies, no neighbors, not even any television reception to speak of. No plays, no operas or concerts.”
    â€œNo pollution, no having to put six different locks on my door when I go out, no getting mugged when I go shopping.”
    â€œYou’ve never been mugged.”
    â€œBut there’s always the possibility. I know people who’ve been mugged several times.”
    â€œThere’s the possibility of a lot of things. It’s possible I may even get married some day, but I’m not holding my breath waiting. That isn’t the point. You really have no idea what life on a ranch is like. At least I have some idea. It’s a hard, lonely way to live, and you’re not the isolated type.”
    â€œ Au