Free Historical Cowboy Romance Two Book Box Set - Mail Order Brides by Linda Bridey Page A

said.
    “C’mon, Dean. You can’t blame us,” Seth said
with a smile. “You say she has sisters?”
    “Don’t get any bright ideas,” Dean warned.
“Not unless you’re suddenly serious about settling down?”
    Seth snorted and finished his iced tea.
    “Didn’t think so.”
    Marcus chuckled. “Let’s see; she’s beautiful,
cultured, educated, and brings presents? I’d say she’s a
keeper.”
    Lydia smacked his arm. “Be serious for once,
Marcus. This isn’t a game.”
    “Sheesh! I was just kidding,” Marcus rubbed
his arm but sobered.
    Tessa came back into the room carrying one of
her suitcases. Dean rose and took it from her. “You should have
told me what you were up to. I’d have carried it for you.”
    She laid a hand on his arm briefly. “You are
quite the gentleman, but I was quite capable.”
    “All right.”
    Tessa pulled her chair out a little more and
then sat down with the suitcase in front of her.
    “I didn’t wrap them in fancy paper because I
was afraid it would get ripped, so I hope you’ll pardon the
wrapping. Sadie, this is for you.”
    She handed a package to her. Sadie took it
carefully and opened it. It was a little white jewelry box done in
white satin with a pink bow on the top. She opened it and inside
stood a tiny ballerina. Tessa showed her the winding key on the
bottom and soon, the ballerina began to spin, dancing to pretty
music.
    “It’s beautiful!” Sadie said. “Thank
you!”
    “You’re welcome.” Tessa turned to Jack. “And
now for the young master.” She reached into her suitcase and pulled
out another package.
    Jack pounced on it and ripped it open. He
stopped when he saw the little tin train and train tracks. His
mouth hung open and everyone laughed.
    Dean said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him
speechless except when he’s sleeping.”
    “Thanks, Tessa. It’s great,” Jack said
finally. He promptly began playing with it on the kitchen
floor.
    Lydia was shocked when Tessa handed her a
present. “For me? Why?”
    “Because I know that you are family and there
was no way I was going to leave you out. Besides, as one woman to
another, you can never have too much of this,” Tessa answered.
    Lydia opened the package and gasped. It was a
fine French perfume. Delicately, she sniffed at the bottle and
closed her eyes. It was glorious. “You didn’t have to, but I’m sure
glad you did. You’re right. I haven’t ever smelled anything like
it. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. Marcus. You’re next.”
    “Me?”
    “Yes, you. Here.”
    He took the gift, which turned out to be a
set of leather bound journals. He gave her a questioning glance.
“They’re beautiful.”
    “Oh, shoot. That’s the wrong one. I mean, it
is and it isn’t,” Tessa was slightly flustered and pulled out
another one. “This is the real gift.”
    The second one revealed an autographed copy
of Dickenson’s A Tale of Two Cities. He looked at Tessa
sharply. “How? Why?”
    “I was privileged several years ago to be
able to meet him and have him sign this book. I’ve gotten much joy
from it and would like to pass it on to you because as another avid
reader, I know that you would draw as much enjoyment from it as I,”
Tessa explained. Before Marcus objected, she said, “I shall be
extremely offended if you do not accept it.”
    Dean was enjoying watching her get the best
of his little brother. Usually, it was Marcus getting his own way
about something. It was nice to see the tables turned.
    Marcus smiled, realizing she’d beaten him.
“Very well, milady. As you wish.”
    Tessa clapped and then handed Seth a package.
Seth frowned a little but took it when she raised her eyebrows at
him. He opened it and found a fine dress shirt and silk tie.
    She laughed at his confused look. “As I
understand it, you are a bit of a scoundrel. No lady will be able
to resist you in those. Trust me.”
    Seth laughed. “I’m not sure what to think of
you.”
    “Good. I enjoy keeping