Read Online The Marshal Takes A Bride by Sylvia McDaniel - Free Book Online

against the wood. Yes, he was right; he had never made her any promises. God, how could she spend two months in the same town with this man without letting her feelings slip? And his mother. She surely didn’t need Eugenia nosing around and finding out the truth.
    She laughed. He'd asked her to see other men! What a homecoming!
    ***
    Sarah heard the knocking on the doctor’s office door, but was checking her patient’s wounds. She hurried through the hallway connecting the house and the office and heard the voice she had been dreading.
    “Yoo-hoo, is anyone here?” Eugenia called.
    “Hello, Mrs. Burnett, how are you?” Sarah asked, as she strolled into the office area. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to the door, but I was changing the doctor’s bandages.”
    “I’m fine, dear. I must say you are looking lovely. I haven’t seen you since you left for that fancy college you insisted on attending back east.”
    “That was a long time ago.”
    “Yes, it was, but I’m so happy that you’re here and that you’re replacing Doc Wilson.” Eugenia took a breath and paused. “I’m really worried about him. How is he?”
    “He’s seems to be improving a little bit each day. It’s just going to take time.” Sarah smiled at the older woman’s ploy. “But I’m not replacing him. I’m just filling in until he’s strong enough to resume his duties or the town finds someone else.”
    Eugenia shook her head. “Whatever you say, dear. Tucker told me that the two of you have been getting reacquainted. I’m so glad to hear that. Since you’ve been back in Fort Worth, I’ve noticed some nice changes in him, and I’m hoping that’s because of you.”
    “Don’t give me credit for any changes in Tucker. We really haven’t been getting along all that well since I’ve returned.”
    “Well, he’s like his father. Stubborn as they come,” the older woman said. “You know, it’s been ages since you’ve been out to the house. Why don’t you bring your son and come for a visit.”
    Sarah decided it was time for some frank discussion with Tucker’s mother regarding her matchmaking and the telegram that had brought Sarah home. “Eugenia, Tucker came by and warned me about your intentions regarding the two of us. I also assume that’s the reason you sent me that telegram about my grandfather. You know, I really did not appreciate being scared into coming home.”
    “What, dear? I didn’t mean to scare you, but your grandfather was ill. I took care of him, so I would know. As for Tucker, he’s so confused about what he wants and needs right now. I hope that you can help him.”
    “Tucker does not want to marry, and I’m not about to get involved with your son again.” As soon as the words were out of Sarah’s mouth, she wanted to retract them.
    “Again?” Shock rippled across Eugenia’s face—followed by a smile.
    Sarah wanted to kick herself. Why had she let the word 'again' slip when she knew Eugenia would jump on it? She could almost see the thoughts scampering across the woman’s brain like a stampeding herd.
    “What do you mean 'again'? When were the two of you involved?” Eugenia asked.
    “I meant a man like Tucker.”
    “Oh.” She stared at Sarah. “I bet it was in Tombstone.”
    “Eugenia, Tucker and I will never be married. Please don’t try and push us together.”
    The woman completely ignored her.
    “Like I was saying, why don’t you bring your son, Lucas, out to visit with us? Tucker could teach him how to ride a pony, and you could meet my daughters-in-law, Rose and Beth.”
    “We’re really very busy,” Sarah said, trying to politely refuse the woman.
    “I insist. Rose’s baby is due in four to six weeks, and you’re going to be her doctor. So when you come out to see Rose, bring Lucas and we’ll make a day of it.”
    “If I do as you request, you have to understand that there will be nothing between Tucker and me.”
    “Oh, right, dear. That’s between the two of you.