A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

words.
    “And?”
    She glanced up at him for a second but couldn’t hold his searching gaze. “I’m a small
     woman. Once a man with ill intentions realizes no one will call him to task over how
     hetreats me, what’ll stand in his way?” The tears in her throat threatened to shut off
     her voice. She’d written to Rachel the night she was cornered in the tavern stairwell.
     Thankfully, her boss heard the scuffle, but she’d realized how precarious life was
     as a hired girl. She’d hoped Rachel could advise her on how to find a better situation.
    Well, Rachel’s suggestion stood before her now. But would Everett want to provide
     for her this way? She shook her head a bit. She wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t, but
     she had to try. “A girl usually looks to her father for that kind of protection or
     has money to stay away from the riffraff—but neither of those are true for me. An
     understanding husband is my only choice.”
    After hearing nothing but the whooshing sound of her heart in her ears for what seemed
     like forever, she watched him turn his back on her. She wished she could run. Wished
     she’d run earlier, but the lack of reply cemented her to the ground.
    ———
    Everett swallowed and turned from Julia’s fidgeting form. With his back to her, he
     let his face contort to mirror the confusion inside. He ached to talk to God aloud,
     but she’d hear.
    Lord, I don’t understand. She said she’d hoped to get away as soon as possible. Said
     she didn’t want this life.
    Her cough sounded behind him.
    He had to give her a reply. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he said, “Give me
     a minute.”
    She gave him a sharp nod. “Take as many as you need.”
    He stepped farther away, swiped his sweaty hair off his forehead, and took a deep
     breath.
    I said I wasn’t doing this again. And I wasn’t kidding. Notone more time. Figured you done made it clear I’d remain single my whole life. I’d
     reconciled myself to that.
    He looked up at the fluffy clouds hanging low overhead, bright and cheery, the antithesis
     to the storm rolling in his gut. Whatever plans she was talking about last night must
     have fallen through. But he’d given his word. He’d said if she wanted to marry, he
     would. Despite her ramblings about not holding him to it, would he be able to live
     with himself if he didn’t?
    And if I don’t take her up on this, Lord, I’m not trying this torturous wife-acquiring
     business again. That’s for sure. No matter what you say.
    He kicked a rock into the pond. The wind blew across the water, causing the ripples
     to cascade across its surface.
    She can cook and do farm chores well enough, and that’s what I need. I’d be mad to
     think love comes without time. It’s not her fault I was immediately attracted to her.
    He looked back at her. She was staring out over the prairie, arms clasped across her
     waist. She might think marrying for protection was worth the commitment, but what
     would happen when she decided she had enough of this life? She could sneak away, leaving
     him unable to marry ever again.
    But then, he’d already vowed never to get tangled up with another bride.
    The rippling grasses undulated in the breeze all around her, tall enough to whip around
     her slight hips.
    How could he live with her platonically? He looked up at the clouds as they breezed
     past. Would you truly ask that of me? No answer sounded from the sky, but he felt a peace. How he kept his thoughts pure
     when looking upon other attractive women would work . . . for now.
    Julia was right, though; they were strangers. But theywouldn’t be strangers for long. And with time, caring—if not love—would come. He’d
     not force her faster than he’d force any woman he might court. They were just going
     through the marriage ceremony first for convenience.
    “Julia?” He crossed the distance between them.
    Her glistening eyes turned to him. Pink tinged her cheeks. Never before