Read Online The Christmas Bride - A Western Romance Novella (Book 4, Burnett Brides Series) by Sylvia McDaniel - Free Book Online

to get in line.
    “I brought you a plate. I thought maybe we could sit on the back of my wagon. I pulled it over close to Travis and Rose,” he said, his gaze sizzling and inviting, giving her pause to consider his request.
    “Thanks,” she said, wanting to refuse, but unable to decline his company.
    Eugenia took a seat on the tailgate of his wagon and stared across the blanket at her children. Sarah had stayed home with Kira, the young Chinese girl she’d rescued, by her side. At eight months pregnant, she’d chosen not to attend the tree cutting, but Tucker had brought Lucas. Tanner and Beth were there with baby Carter and then Rose, Travis, and Desirée.
    She loved her children, their wives, and her grandchildren more than her next breath, and she knew that because of her marriage to Thomas, they were in her life.
    Eugenia glanced at Wyatt. He sat watching her, looking at her with such an intent gaze.
    “Oh, go ahead and say it,” she said. “You’re shocked I hated being married.”
    Living with Thomas was hard, and when he passed away, she’d grieved. Their marriage had been a sturdy rock, a firm foundation that they’d built their family and ranch on. The years had been good, but now she realized she needed more than a bossy man.
    Wyatt continued chewing his food, glancing out at her children and their families. “Nice looking family you have, Eugenia.”
    She just didn’t know if she could do that again with another man. She just didn’t know if she wanted another man giving her directions. She just didn’t know if she wanted to give her heart to another man to have him leave her to grieve again.
    Eugenia let her fork drop onto her plate. “You’re not going to say anything about what I told you this morning?”
    He turned his attention back to her, his cinnamon eyes twinkling, the corner of his mouth turned up in that sassy-sexy grin that made her want to kiss it away. “It’s hardly the time or the place to discuss this matter.”
    She drew her brows together. “Why?”
    “And after I thought about it, why should I be shocked? It’s obvious you’re resisting every attempt I make,” he said, not gazing at her, but down at his plate. “Did you try that chicken salad? That’s really good.”
    Was he deliberately acting nonchalant about her revelation this morning just to goad her into confessing?
    “It’s Mary Eugene’s recipe,” she said. “Are you ready to give up pursuing me?”
    Her heart did a little stutter step, and she realized she didn’t want him to give up. But she didn’t want marriage. What did she want?
    He smiled. “No, but sooner or later you’re going to have to tell me why. Ride back with me, Eugenia.”
    Part of her wanted to beg off, but another part of her wanted him to understand. Needed him to understand her reasoning for why she didn’t want him to pursue her.
    “Yes,” she finally said, not knowing for certain that she’d made a wise choice, but knowing Wyatt was a special man. He deserved to know why she kept saying no.
    “We could leave the picnic right now, but I fear the speculation we’d create,” he said. “Not that I care, but you might.”
    “No. I don’t want to stir up speculation.”
    The tongues would already be a wagging since she was sitting next to him and they were working on the Christmas pageant together.
    Wyatt smiled at her. “God, you know how to use a man’s words against him.”
    She shrugged. “It’s the truth.”
    Lucas came running up, his shirt pulled out of his pants, his face red from exertion. His sweet baby face already disappearing into a little boy’s features. “You promised to teach me horseshoes.”
    “Did someone set up a game?” Wyatt asked the boy.
    He reached out his hand. “Yes, come and show me.”
    Wyatt set his plate down, took the boy’s hand, and stood up from the wagon. “Excuse me, Eugenia. Lucas and I are going to play horseshoes.”
    Eugenia watched the pair walk away. He was good with her