Read Online Kitty: Bride of Hawaii (American Mail-Order Bride 50) by Janelle Daniels - Free Book Online Page B

would be a start. However, if she was adamantly opposed, he wouldn’t press. “I understand. Perhaps you’d consider a different option?”
    When she didn’t immediately argue, he continued, “While Mr. Banner’s bungalow will belong to the next foreman of the plantation, there is another vacant house not far from here. You could reside there as a bonus during your employment.”
    Her brows lowered, still not sold on the idea.
    “In fact,” he smiled, knowing she wouldn’t turn down the chance to help another, “this would also allow continued employment for another person as well. Kalea. With Mr. Banner’s death, she lost her position. She would be your housekeeper and cook, seeing to all of your household needs at my expense.”
    Her shoulders relaxed, and relief swiftly cut through him as he sensed her agreement.
    “It’s too much.”
    “Absolutely not. What I’m asking will take up much of your time and energy. Plus, with the need to have you close by, it’s only right I pay for that convenience.”
    If she wasn’t ready to confide her reasons for refusing to marry him, having her by his side, helping him with his home and business, was the next best thing.
    His chest expanded. Caring for Kitty, even without the benefits of marriage, felt good. Right, even. The need to protect her had become paramount, and this arrangement allowed him to do so.
    “If that’s true, I accept.” She flashed him a bright, overjoyed smile. “I accept your offer.”
    “Excellent.” It took every ounce of discipline he had to remain in his chair, to not take her into his arms and kiss her. “We’ll discuss the particulars after you’ve had a chance to settle in.”
    “Thank you.” For the first time, excitement and happiness filled her eyes.
    And he’d put them there. As he left the room to speak with Makano, his palm rubbed his chest. He didn’t know what to label his feelings for Kitty, but he didn’t need to. The label didn’t matter.
    Kitty would be his.

Chapter Eight
    K itty floated down the mansion’s steps, barely registering the helping hand assisting her into the wagon. How could so much change so quickly?
    Under an hour ago, she’d been alone. Afraid. Unsure of what to do in a place where she had no friends or money. And now, here she was, on her way to her own household, an amazing job in her grasp, starting a new life.
    A safe life.
    She wanted to scream, laugh, dance, giggle. Anything to vent the pent-up emotion within her.
    The wagon pulled up to a charming whitewashed structure much larger than her new home would be, and she wondered why they’d stopped. “Is there something we need from here?”
    The man assigned to drive her tipped his hat. “This is the bungalow you’ve been given, miss.”
    Kitty’s mouth fell open as her eyes darted to the large wraparound porch and fragrant pots overflowing with flowers. “This is for me?”
    “This is the place Mr. Castle instructed I bring you.”
    “But surely this is too much…”
    The man grinned, charmed. It wasn’t for him to say one way or another, Kitty knew.
    With his help, she climbed out of the buggy and staggered up the porch. The flowers’ perfume overwhelmed her, their heady scent muddling her brain further.
    Opening the front door, she stepped into the darkened space. The front room alone was twice the size of the apartment she’d shared with her friends back in Massachusetts.
    They wouldn’t believe what had happened to her since she’d last seen them.
    The driver popped his head in. “If you’re all right here, I’ll go fetch Kalea. Mr. Castle wanted her here as soon as possible to see to the house’s needs.”
    “That would be wonderful. Thank you.” She smiled her gratitude.
    She was grateful Kalea would be with her, but she also felt a little guilty. The woman was in mourning for her old employer—the man Kitty was supposed to marry. She should be doing something to ease the housekeeper’s grief, not making her