Free Finding Promise by Scarlett Dunn

were there just to get a look at Promise. It was probably a good thing for him that she was such a looker. That alone would keep the men from grumbling about having a woman on the drive.
    Cole walked over and took a seat on a nearby stump. Having heard Shorty’s comment on the food, he said, “I agree, Shorty, these biscuits are better than yours.”
    Jake knew Cole would come sniffing around Promise as soon as he could. Cole would always find a way to finagle an introduction to a pretty woman. “Promise, this is Cole Becker. He was a U.S. Marshal too, and we rode together for ten years.”
    Cole stood again and tipped his hat. “Ma’am.” Getting his first good look at her, Cole couldn’t stop staring. Jake had told him she was almost as pretty as his brother’s wife, but the way he saw it, this gal wouldn’t play second fiddle to any woman.
    â€œYou are no longer a marshal?” Promise asked Cole.
    â€œNo, I decided I like Wyoming. When Jake told me his plans, I decided it might be time for me to settle down, and Wyoming sounded like as good a place as any. Besides, he would just get into trouble without me,” Cole teased.
    Jake glared at him. Why did he have the feeling Cole had never thought of settling down until he took one look at Promise? He wouldn’t have been surprised if Cole started quoting Shakespeare, like Jake’s big brother. Cole told him if quoting Shakespeare helped Colt win a woman like Victoria, he was going to borrow his books.
    Jake glanced at Promise to gauge her reaction to his glib-talking friend. To his surprise, Promise had her head bowed in prayer over her meal. Jake removed his hat, and the men followed his lead and waited for her to finish. Jake had never seen his men stop eating or drinking their coffee for anything before. It shamed him that his own manners needed polishing, and he didn’t think he’d said a prayer over a meal since he was a boy.
    Once she finished praying, Jake introduced her to the rest of the men. When he came to Rodriguez, the vaquero came forward, removed his hat, and bowed before her like she was a queen. “It is my great pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady in such a dreary place.” He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.
    Promise barely felt his lips brush over the top of her hand. “Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez.” She didn’t know what to make of the well-mannered, regal-looking man. There was a vast contrast between Rodriguez and the other cowboys on the drive. She gazed up at him through her dark lashes, taking in his perfect white teeth gleaming under a thick, black mustache.
    â€œRodriguez Ruiz Dominguez Santoya,” he said, bowing again. “It would be an honor if you would call me Rodriguez.”
    When her eyes slowly met his, she had another surprise. Clear blue eyes were staring back at her. He was smiling at her as if he knew what she was thinking.
    â€œMy family is from Spain.”
    â€œOf course,” she responded shyly.
    â€œI am sorry for your troubles, señorita. If there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to ask.”
    â€œThat is very kind, Rodriguez.” All of the men were so kind to her that she found herself becoming emotional. She refused to allow herself to wallow in self-pity, reminding herself that God had sent Mr. McBride and these wonderful men to find her. She should consider herself blessed.
    As much as he wanted to stay and talk to her, Rodriguez knew every man was listening. “Good evening.” He gave another slight bow before he walked away.
    Promise watched him walk into the darkness. She had the feeling he was not the usual kind of man that would be found on a cattle drive. He seemed almost aristocratic in his manner, reminding her of someone she might meet . . . where? There were memories on the edge of her mind that continued to elude her.
    Jake noticed Promise watching Rodriguez. He figured