Free Sweet Surrender (Mercers of Montana Book 1) by Evelyn MacQuaid

nose.
    They grew up together, knew the land together, loved Montana and Virginia City together. It was what bound them so closely, knit into the perfect couple by common ties. Was that the secret to their happy marriage? Why then was he considering marrying a stranger from a faraway country?
    "You're a good man, Jackson Mercer." His mother's words cut through his thoughts.
    Jackson grunted and shook his head. She marched into the room and though she had to reach up, Abigail took his face in her hands and repeated what she believed.
    "You're a decent man and we are lucky to have you home with us tonight. Thank you."
    "I should be thanking you." Jackson shrugged off her hands. "It's not every day a man gets such a package delivered by stagecoach."
    Abigail beamed. "You never would've gone to meet the stagecoach if I'd told you. She had to be a surprise."
    Jackson wrinkled his nose. "I thought arranged marriages were only for those old world fools with more money than sense."
    Abigail shrugged. "Your father and I had an arranged marriage."
    Jackson swallowed hard, thinking how her marriage had turned out. "You don't seriously believe I am marriage material?"
    "Yes I do, and if you know what's good for you, Jackson Mercer, you'll marry that lovely woman and be happy."
    A lump formed in his throat. "You know I can't." He lowered his head.
    "You can and you will. Mark my words, darling boy." Abigail straightened his tie. "Now escort your old mother to the dining room."
    Jackson held out his arm for his mother with a wry shake of his head. This morning marked his third month away from the ranch. After his last job with the Knifemen, he dedicated himself to finishing the cabin in the clearing. He hadn't seen his family besides visits from Joseph, and here he was dressed in his finest and heading to the dining room as if no time had passed.
    Could time actually erase certain memories? If he simply went back to the way things were, could he start all over again and forget about the things he had done?
----
    O livia was a vision in pale green silk and stole his breath away. She stood near the roaring fireplace at the far end of the dining room, flanked by Lady Dubuque and Verity, but she was all he could see. The dress caught the candlelight and gave her a glow.
    Like a will-o’-the-wisp, luring him away from the path. Away from the dark path with no end, and all he had to do was pursue her.
    Charlotte tugged on his sleeve. “Jackson, please, you have to help me." She shook her head in a wild frenzy. "Look what they've done to me."
    Charlotte held out her soft pink, ruffled dress, her hair pleated neatly and tucked into a tight bun. Her face was scrubbed clean, and Jackson reached out and give a rosy cheek a gentle pinch. "Why now, who is this little lady?"
    "Jest all you want." Charlotte pouted. "They've dressed you up too."
    "And he looks very handsome." Lady Dubuque flapped her fan in an exaggerated gesture.
    Olivia appeared behind her and Jackson felt dizzy. His whole world was tangled up: the exiled man he was this morning tied into the celebrated gentlemen he appeared to be tonight. It was too much, and he tugged on his cravat for a breath of air.
    "Perhaps you would like to take some air before we are seated?" Lady Dubuque's questioning eyes narrowed. "Olivia would be very pleased to see the gardens."
    The chaperone had their arms linked and feet heading out the French doors to the garden before either knew what was happening.
    From a corner of the garden, Lady Dubuque exclaimed, “What a marvelous peony bush. I simply must cut some for my room." She dragged Charlotte back inside and left Jackson alone in the dusk-filled garden with Olivia.
    It was as though he had already drunk the heady wine that was to be served with dinner. Jackson was not a celibate man. In fact, he winced thinking of his last encounter with a willing shopkeeper, so he had no idea why just the light touch of Olivia's hand on his arm was causing a wildfire