Free Heidi Vanlandingham - Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-Order Bride 16) by Heidi Vanlandingham Page A

and black cutaway coat and burgundy vest, with a crisp white shirt and western tie completed the illusion.
    She pushed her plate away, no longer hungry as he sat in the chair next to hers. Needing something to do with her hands, she wrapped her fingers around her coffee cup and cradled it between her palms. The slight pain from the heat deflected any more stray thoughts about the man beside her.
    “Sebastian?” Martha prodded, tilting her head toward Lucie. When he continued to stare at her, she frowned. “Sebastian, please.”
    He sighed. When his dark eyes locked with Lucie’s, she noticed the subtle veins of gold running through their depths, along with frustration. “Lucie, may I have a word with you—in my office?”
    His mother shook her head. “What a horrid way to begin, Sebastian.”
    He stood, holding out his hand to her. Lucie stared at it then Martha, who remained silent. She placed her hand in his and followed him behind the counter to is office. She jumped when the door closed behind them.
    Sebastian led her closer to the desk and stopped beside the chair used by his clients or staff. “I would like to take Mr. Crenshaw’s place as your husband…if you’re agreeable, of course.”
    Her heart stopped and whatever breath had been in her lungs now lodged in her throat until she thought she would choke on it. “Excuse me?”
    He held up a hand. “You and Alex need somewhere to stay on a more permanent basis, and I need help raising my daughter. I am not looking for a wife, in the truest meaning of the word, Lucie. I need a woman who can aid Stella to grow up a bit more cultured, nothing more.”
    She didn’t quite know what to think, much less feel. The man had about as much thoughtfulness as a stump. “Why don’t you just hire me on as a nanny?”
    “Your reputation would be ruined, living as a single woman in my home. Even here, we have a certain civility to maintain, and that’s one of the big rules, I’m afraid.”
    “What about the wifely duties…” Her cheeks burned, but she had to ask the question. “I mean…well, in the bedroom?”
    “We won’t consummate our marriage until you’re ready, Lucie. I’ve never forced myself on a woman, and I’m not about to start to now. If you would like to think about your answer, there’s no rush, nor do you have to decide today.”
    Lucie forced a smile to her face and looked down at her shabby boots. Without a word, she walked to the closed door, her hand resting on the doorknob. Hesitating, she turned her head but not enough to see Sebastian. “Thank you, Sebastian. I will let you know my answer soon.”
    * * *
    Lucie paced back and forth in the living room, unable to stay still. She felt as if she were jumping out of her skin.
    “Sissy, please sit down and tell me what’s got you so rattled,” Alex said, his gaze following her around the room from his comfortable perch on the chaise. “Did something happen again today?”
    She gave him a quick look. “Who told you something happened to me?”
    He shrugged and rolled his eyes. “People talk, especially after having a few drinks. I heard several versions of the story while I ate supper with the sheriff last night. One version even had Mr. McCord coming to your rescue like a knight in shining armor.” He snickered.
    “He did.”
    Alex frowned. “Really?”
    She nodded and dropped into the chair opposite her brother. “He wants to take Mr. Crenshaw’s place in the marriage contract.”
    “Who does? And what contract?”
    Sighing, she rubbed her temple. “Before leaving Massachusetts, I signed a paper agreeing to marry Mr. Crenshaw.”
    His face went blank. “What about love, sissy? You’re supposed to marry someone because you love them.”
    She stared at her little brother in wonder. He sounded so much older than his twelve years. “You’re right, Alex. A marriage should be filled with love. But sometimes things go wrong in life, and someone like me doesn’t have the luxury of