Free Devlin's Montana Bride (Sweet, clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers Brides series) by Maya Stirling

him."
    Elise frowned. "I can see he's still hurting."  
    Mrs. Mildmay nodded slowly. "Real bad. There have been times in recent weeks when I didn't think he'd pull through."
    "But he's tough," Elise said.
    Mrs.Mildmay shook her head. "Not as tough as you'd think Elise. He needs a strong minded woman." The housekeeper's eyes brightened. "And judging by your skill with pies you might just be what he needs."
    Elise paused and then put down her dish towel. The laughter seemed to grow louder as she turned and made her way toward the parlor. Elise walked tall and straight. She had some serious socializing to do. If there was one thing she knew how to do, it was how to make a good impression. And that was exactly what she intended to do.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

    Devil stood with his arm around Elise and waved goodbye to Trent and Nathan as they rode away from the yard in front of the house. He pulled Elise close to him and enjoyed the warmth of her body against him. She didn't seem to resist and that made Devlin take a deep satisfied breath.
    They'd passed a fine time in the parlor. Elise had seemed to have calmed down after her escapade with the pie. In fact she'd seemed a totally different person. Devlin had seen just how fine a hostess she could be. Her conversation was delightful and she just plain charmed Trent and Nathan. Both of his friends had warmed to Elise and the time had flown by. It was such a transformation that Devlin had trouble understanding where it had come from.
    Throughout the pleasant time in the parlor with his new wife and friends Devlin caught himself, on more than one occasion, marvelling at how different life could be with a wife. He knew deep down that their marriage was an arrangement for each of their mutual benefit. But the feelings that were stirring in him contradicted that. It seemed to him that all too quickly this woman had caused something to shift inside him. And he was surprised at that.
    As he had led his rancher friend Trent out of the house, with Nathan and Elise following close behind, Trent had leaned in close to Devlin and whispered. "That's one amazing woman you've got there. Are you sure this is an arranged marriage?"
    Devlin had been shocked at his friend's statement. "What do you mean?"
    Trent stuck an elbow into Devlin's side. "The way you've been looking at her all this time, it seems to me this is more than a marriage of convenience," he said with a warm smile.
    Devlin shook his head. "Right now I don't know what to think," he said, glancing behind him to make sure that Elise couldn't hear what he had to say. "She's affecting me," he admitted.
    Trent chuckled. "See. I told you. She's one beautiful woman. You just got plain lucky there Devlin. That's what I think."
    "Well you're one to talk. With all the women you've charmed," he said.
    Trent placed his hat on his head with a cocky gesture. "I can't help it if women find me irresistible, can I?"
    Devlin shook his head. "You never were one to be modest about that, were you?"
    "Nothing's going to change me, buddy. Marriage isn't for me. Not under any circumstances," he concluded.
    "Life has a way of forcing men and women together. Haven't you noticed?"
    Trent turned and looked at Elise. He sighed. "You are still one lucky dog. Just remember what I told you. If I was you I wouldn't give Caulfield the slightest chance to undo what you've both made here."
    Elise came up behind them. "What're you two talking about. Looks like more men secrets," she said jokingly.
    Trent shook his head and laughed. "I was just telling your husband here what a lucky man he is, having such an absolutely beautiful lady for a wife," he said with a wry grin.
    Elise's cheeks colored. "Get away you and stop trying to embarrass me."
    Nathan came up and took Trent by the arm "I think you've had too much wine Trent."
    Trent shook his head. "Wine's not my usual drink of choice. I'll admit that. Maybe Devlin's tastes are too refined for me."
    Devlin pushed his friend.