Free Joshua's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) by Maya Stirling Page A

hard time at home. On the Thorne ranch."
    "What do you mean?"
    "Her brother, Eli," Mrs. Bell said, her tone heavy with finality. "Seems he's a bad one."
    Joshua took a step back. It seemed like every time the subject of Laura's unhappiness came up, Eli's unwelcome presence made itself known.
    "I know he's been bad to Laura. I've seen it since we were all young. He's always been a difficult character. But Laura could always handle him."
    Mrs. Bell shook her head. "No. It's more than that," she said.
    Joshua frowned and felt a knot of worry settle in his gut. What could Mrs. Bell be talking about? Brothers and sisters often didn't get along. That was commonplace, especially when they were cooped up on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, even if it was in a place as beautiful as Montana.
    "What do you mean?"
    Mrs. Bell sighed. "I'm not sure. Laura wouldn't tell me. But the feeling I have is that Eli did everything in his power to drive Laura out of the home," she said.
    Joshua's fists clenched and his jaw tightened. Mrs. Bell saw the reaction her words had produced. Concern filled her eyes.
    "Don't go getting yourself worked up over a no-good like Eli," she advised Joshua.
    "What do you mean he tried to drive her out?"
    Mrs. Bell shook her head. "I don't know any details. But I think Eli is an ambitious man and his plans didn't include having a little sister around," Mrs. Bell said.
    "But she's his own flesh and blood. How could he be so mean to her?"
    "Look Joshua. You and I know that families aren't always happy. Especially when there's property and money involved. Eli seems to think he's the head of the family. And in many ways he is."
    "I think Belinda might have something to say about that."
    "Sure. I know she is one tough lady. If anyone can reign Eli in, it's his own mother."
    The thought of Eli being mean to Laura made Joshua's blood boil. If he had ever done anything to hurt Laura then it would take all the self control Joshua had to prevent himself from dealing out some justice on his wife's behalf. But then Joshua thought of the arrangement Eli had offered him. He hadn't taken Eli up on that offer, and it had proved to be just as well he hadn't. Belinda had given Joshua a way out of the unthinkable option of marrying Laura merely for money by her plea that they both wed. It had helped Joshua avoid an unwelcome obligation to Eli. In any case Joshua was sure that he would never have married Laura just to satisfy Eli's desire to have his sister move out of the ranch. The thought that he had almost fallen into a trap laid by Eli made Joshua feel a sharp chill up his spine.
    But Joshua's financial troubles hadn't gone away. The last thing he wanted was to burden an already anxious Laura with any of his pressing money troubles. He'd find a way to deal with them soon enough. But his main priority was to make sure that Laura was happy. And in that, he wasn't merely failing, but in danger of ruining their marriage right from the outset.
    Joshua glanced out the window. The sorrel was getting real antsy, leaping up and down on his hind legs, front hooves moving powerfully at Curt, who was struggling to hold on to the restraining rope. Laura was leaning hard up against the rails, watching the spectacle with eager eyes. Joshua wondered how much involvement with horses she'd had back at her parent's ranch.
    Mrs. Bell interrupted his train of thought. "Laura needs time, Joshua. She'll come around. Probably the last thing she thought would happen is that she'd end up marrying you," she said.
    "You make it sound like it's a fate worse than death," he said with a smile.
    "You know I don't mean that," Mrs. Bell said with a warm smile.
    Mrs. Bell placed a hand on his arm and looked out at Laura. "She's a fine young woman. But then, you've known that for a long time. Haven't you?"
    Joshua nodded. "I sure have." A surge of emotion flooded through him. At times like these he could always share his feelings with the kindly housekeeper. "Mrs.