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

people guessing,”
Tessa responded. Then she turned to Dean. “And for you.”
    Dean looked uncomfortable but took the gift
she offered recognizing that he couldn’t refuse any more than his
brothers had been able. He unwrapped a fine pair of work gloves
that were soft yet highly durable. He looked at Tessa in surprise.
How had she known he had needed a pair? In fact, all of her gifts
were very thoughtful and appropriate to each person.
    “Thank you, Tessa,” he said. “These will be
useful, that’s for sure.”
    “I’m glad.”
    “I’m sorry, but I don’t have anything for
you. We weren’t expecting gifts,” Dean said.
    Tessa sought to soothe his pride. “Yes, you
have. You’ve opened up your home to me and allowed me to meet your
family. Not only that, but I want you to teach me some things. So
although the presents may not be purchased, think of them as
education. Lydia, will you please show me how to make chicken like
that and some other things?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Marcus, I’d be very grateful if you were to
show me how to whittle something?”
    “Sure,” he said with a smile.
    “Seth, I would enjoy it if you were to tell
me what a real cattle drive is like so I can write about it.”
    “Okay, but that doesn’t seem like much of a
present,” Seth replied.
    “To someone like me, it is,” Tessa assured
him.
    “And Dean, please show me how to cut a calf
from the herd?” Tessa leaned toward him, her eyes pleading with
him. “You said that when the men are gone, the women have to carry
on, so I see no reason why I shouldn’t be allowed to learn
something like that. What if one becomes sick and needs tending? I
might need to separate it so it can be treated.” She heard a
snicker behind her and frowned at Marcus.
    “Sorry, but you’re awful cute when you’re
determined,” he said.
    Dean tried not to, but he couldn’t prevent
the laugh that started in his chest. “Not you, too!” she said in
dismay.
    “I’m sorry. Marcus is right. You’re very
pretty with your eyes all bright and your pink cheeks. Are you sure
you really want to learn that? It’s dangerous.”
    Tessa crossed her arms over her chest. “Are
you implying that I’m a weak woman and can’t handle it?”
    Lydia heard the steel under Tessa’s cultured
voice and sat back to watch the show.
    “Uh, no, not exactly,” Dean said.
    “Mr. Samuels, I should like you to explain to
me in exact words, then, what your concerns are so that I may put
them to rest,” she said.
    Dean frowned at her formal tone. “All right.
Have you ever ridden a cow horse?”
    “No, but I have ridden a lot of horses,
including rather difficult ones,” she said.
    “Okay. Have you ever been around cattle, I
mean, up close?” Dean said.
    “Does being able to milk a bad-tempered cow
count? Or being unafraid to pet a bull?”
    Dean nodded. “I guess so. How fast do you
ride?”
    Tessa gave a snort. “I think you mean race
and jump, sir.”
    Marcus and Seth exchanged surprised
looks.
    “What kind of saddle are we talking? Side
saddle?”
    “Yes, but I also ride astride,” Tessa said.
“I know! If you teach this to me, I’ll teach you how to jump
sidesaddle.”
    Everyone laughed, even Dean. Marcus had tears
in his eyes, he laughed so hard. He couldn’t get the picture of
Dean in a dress, riding some pretty mare sidesaddle, out of his
head.
    When the laughter died, Dean said, “All
right. You’re on.”
    “Thank you,” Tessa said.
    Lydia stood and said, “Well, I’d better get
this cleaned up. It’s starting to get late.”
    Tessa stood with her. “Please let me help.
I’ve never washed dishes and I’d like to learn.”
    “No time like the present then,” Lydia
agreed.
    An hour later, she and Lydia had finished and
Lydia set about getting the children ready for bed. Tessa decided
to leave her to it, figuring she would be learning that soon
enough. She also had to remind herself that although she was eager
to learn, she