Free The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick Page B

side and strained toward the glass of water sitting on the nightstand. Hannah snatched it up and held the glass while he took several sips. “Thank you, sweetheart.” His eyes and smile spoke of the intense love he had for the woman.
    Rainee envied Hannah. What she would give for a man to smile at her like that. To marry a man who truly loved her. She pushed those gloomy thoughts away.
    “I would have never sent for you if I hadn’t had this peace inside of me.” He laid his hand on his chest. “I’m sorry.” His Adam’s apple slid up and down. “I must have missed God.”
    Rainee desired to ease his mind straightaway. “There is no need for you to apologize. I prayed about my decision to come here as well. And I, too, had peace. At first I must say I was shocked to discover the truth. Buteven so, I still believe that God, for whatever reason, led me here.”
    The wrinkles around his eyes disappeared and his body relaxed. “Thank you, Rainee, for saying that. Now if only Haydon would forgive me,” he whispered and then his eyes drifted shut.
    Hannah motioned for them to leave the room. “Would you like a cup of tea?”
    “That would be lovely. But, please, allow me to get it.”
    “Don’t be silly. I can do it.”
    Rainee politely led the woman with her bulging stomach over to a chair and after finding all the ingredients, she fixed the tea.
    An hour later, after Rainee shook out the remaining pile of rugs Hannah had by the front door, she headed toward the field, wondering what had happened to Jesse’s head.
     
    Ever since the ride into town, Haydon felt scattered. He tried not to think of her, but every step brought a reminder of the situation, which inevitably yanked thoughts of her right back into his mind. Worse, every time he got things in his life and around the ranch under control, Jess and his willfulness did something to throw a kick into the works.
    This morning he’d been so frazzled and frustrated when Michael told him Jess wasn’t coming out because he still wasn’t feeling well, in his haste to get the extra chores done so he could get to town, Haydon had left the corral gate open and the horses had gotten out. Gathering them by himself had cut mightily into his already-long day.
    And now Kitty was missing.
    If only he hadn’t been so thickheaded and allowed his anger at his brother to get the best of him, then Jess wouldn’t be laid up and he wouldn’t be dealing with Rainee. There she was again, invading his thoughts. He pressed his hand down his face. It was driving him to distraction seeing what Jess’s latest antics were costing that poor woman. And himself. Having Rainee around was wreaking havoc in his life. He had enough pressures to deal with—he didn’t need to add a woman on top of everything else. “That Jess,” he grumbled.
    No more dwelling on it, Haydon. You have work to do.
    “Here, Kitty.” Haydon swung his leg over the saddle and dismounted. “Come here, Kitty.” He scanned the trees and field in front of him looking for her, wondering where she was. Usually when he called her she came right away.
    “Good afternoon, Haydon.”
    Haydon spun toward the voice. It was just as he feared. Her. Again. “What are you doing here?” Guilt snapped into him at his lack of keeping the impatience he felt at seeing her from his tone. But he couldn’t help himself. He didn’t want to be around this woman who stirred his heart and bombarded his thoughts any longer. She was making him senseless.
    One look at the hurt expression on her face, and he pushed aside the unwelcome feelings of attraction she aroused in him. Besides, that was no way to treat another human being. His mother’s tongue lashing before Rainee had shown up this morning had reminded him of that fact.
    Mother said he needed to let go of the past. But he didn’t know how to stop blaming himself for Melanie’s death.
    He sent Rainee what he hoped was his best welcoming smile. “It sure is a nice day for a