Read Online Runaway Cowgirl by Cheryl Dragon - Free Book Online

in the saloon.”
    Jack kneeled and took her hand. “We’d never let that happen.”
    She nodded. “I know that now. But when he fell sick and I had all that time to sit with him, he’d say things about how he was so glad he’d done right by us. He’d gotten that lucky hit and we weren’t poor anymore. He never spent too lavishly and even put some of his money in banks. He was always afraid he’d lose it somehow.”
    “Don’t worry. We’re not going to let you lose anything. We can take care of you. We love you, not the money.” Henry held her tightly.
    “You helped those ladies before your father was ill. Charity is a part of you.” Jack kissed her hand.
    “I know. I just have to help them even more now.” She jumped up and paced the room. “Wait! Maybe we can use the house for an orphanage too? If Manitou Springs ever needs one, of course. Most people have family or friends to raise the kids. If not, instead of sending a child off to a big orphanage in Denver, they stay here with the town they know.” She watched Henry’s eyes light up.
    “Raised by prostitutes?” Jack asked.
    “And the Widow Lange and my housekeeper. She’ll stay there. It’ll be a fulltime job for sure. If they have family to go to then of course that’s the right thing to do instead. I’d just hate to see bad things come to this town. I saw the orphanage in Denver and it’s so crowded. So big. We can do better. We can aid whoever needs help. Give out extra food too. Help for families that are struggling. A centralized charity office with food for the poor, classes for those who want to learn, and anyone can go and ask for help if they need it.” She nodded. “Don’t try to talk me out of it.”
    “Never. You’re too stubborn and amazing.” Henry pulled her back into her seat and buried his face in her hair.
    “I love you and I know this can work. I can have everything I wanted for the town, and also the marriage, children and passionate love with both the men I wanted. How can you even think of sending me away?” She shook her head at Jack.
    Henry kissed her mouth. “I’m in. I love you, Emily. You’re stuck with me forever.”
    She snuggled to him and inhaled his scent. The emotions playing over his face told her how much it meant to him. They both looked at Jack.
    “I love you too, but this relationship is not conventional. We have to be careful and very careful in public about things.” Jack folded his arms.
    “I know. We can do it. It’s not as though people go around kissing in public. I want a full night of passion before a formal engagement. That way you can’t take it back. Don’t send me away. Make me yours, both of you. If you’re sure, we’ll announce the engagement tomorrow.” She waited impatiently for an answer.
    “You’re sure?” Jack asked.
    Annoyed, she hopped up and methodically stripped off all her clothing right there in the kitchen. It was a difficult process without a maid, but she couldn’t go riding off on horseback in her nightclothes. “If you don’t, I could just tell them you did and you’ll have to marry me anyway.”
    Jack grinned. “Fine.”
    “Fine?” she mocked. “That’s it?”
    “You’ll be nice and sore tomorrow. Like you rode your horse for days and days.” Jack gave in, helping her undress then snagged her by the legs.
    He carried her to the bedroom over his shoulder. Henry followed, licking his lips. The joy was clear on Henry’s face and she knew her cheeks would be sore from smiling as well.
    The big wooden bed covered with plaid flannel blankets dominated the room. No paintings hung on the walls, just an oil lamp sitting on the bedside table. There was some decorating to be done in here. Her body flushed as he tossed her onto the bed with room enough for three. The tingling between her legs started as the men undressed each other.
    They kissed slowly and she didn’t even have to ask them to. It dawned on her that she could protect them as well. With