Read Online The Shepherd's Betrothal by Lynn A. Coleman - Free Book Online Page A

requested on the table. Also, I brought you some fresh biscuits from the inn.”
    â€œThank ye. How is Mrs. Arman doing?”
    â€œQuite well. The doctor said she could start doing a few more things around the house. Which is good because Grace isn’t one to sit down for too long.”
    Ian smiled. “Aye, I understand. I don’t know how to thank ye for all the help ye have been to me.” He looked down at his work boots.
    Hope swallowed. She prayed he’d stay in the doorway. The desire to be in his arms grew with each passing day. She came by to help at times when she knew he wouldn’t be at home.
    He raised his head and focused on her. “Ye are a godsend, Miss Lang.”
    â€œIt is a pleasure to help. Now I must be off. I have to take in the sheets and iron some items for the Armans before my day ends.”
    â€œOh, ye should know the lawyer was able to fix the records. Even so, I was served a legal notice today. Me attorney said it was nothing and he would handle it.”
    â€œThis really makes no sense at all. I can’t believe the judge agreed to hear the case.”
    â€œIt does baffle. But I will trust the Lord.”
    Hope smiled. “That is a good attitude.”
    â€œI have to or I would not sleep.”
    Ian paused and then took a step into the house, closing the gap between them to little more than three feet.
    â€œHope,” he whispered. “Would ye dine with me once the dogs are fit to be on their own?”
    Hope locked onto his penetrating gaze. Unable to face her own growing attraction, she closed her eyes. “I don’t think I should.”
    He took another step closer. “Ye must know I care for ye. And if I’m not mistaken, ye care for me, too.”
    Hope struggled to hold back tears, then focused on Ian’s luminous blue eyes. Her heart sank. “I’m sorry, I…”
    Ian squared his shoulders and stood soldier straight. “I know.” He reached out his hands. Tentatively, she placed her hands in his open palms. “Father,” he prayed, “Hope and I are scared and confused as to whether or not we should pursue a relationship. We ask Ye to guide us and help us to know if this be Thy will and not our own. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
    â€œAmen,” she repeated, then opened her eyes and met his gaze. “Thank you.” A calm washed over her.
    â€œâ€™Tis me pleasure, and I meant every word, Hope. I’m as confused as ye.”
    Hope chuckled. “We are quite a pair, you and I.”
    â€œAye, that we are, me love, that we are.”
    Hope’s eyes widened.
    â€œSorry, I meant it as a term of endearment, not as a proclamation of me love for ye.”
    Hope nodded, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
    She certainly knew enough of her Irish heritage to understand the term of endearment. “I better go now.”
    He released her hands and stepped to the side. “God’s blessings, Hope.”
    â€œAnd on you as well, Ian.”
    She left his place as if her feet were being licked by the fires of hell. Every part of her wanted to wrap him in her arms and kiss him. But they would need more to build a relationship than their physical attraction and romantic feelings for one another. A lot more. Did he have to be so handsome, Lord? And why’d You give him such incredible eyes? They light his soul and reveal his heart. He’s such a strong and direct person. You know how much I like that.
    * * *
    Ian was falling in love with Hope. He knew it; she knew it. But he had to agree, it was too soon. Nearly two months had passed since his arrival in St. Augustine. He’d given up on her before he’d even met her. He’d never even wanted to get to know Hope Lang. He had decided sight unseen she wouldn’t be what he wanted in a wife, but now with each passing day he saw new signs of how wonderful she would be as his wife. Then again, she was raised with