Monroe, Marla - Their Bartered Bride [Men of the Border Lands 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Marla Monroe Page A

they are having trouble like we are,” Joel agreed.
    Leigh sighed. She would like to meet some of the other women as well. Surely the men would let her go with them.
    “What are you frowning about over there?” Joel asked.
    Jonathan looked down at her.
    “I was just wondering if you would take me with you so maybe I could meet some of the other women.”
    “Feeling lonely for some female company?” Jonathan asked, looking worried.
    “Just thought it would be nice to know that there are other women around. How far are we from the closest neighbor?” she asked.
    “By truck, it’s about two, maybe three miles. By horse, it’s about one and a half going through the woods. They aren’t that far.” Joel stretched.
    “Joel?” Jonathan asked.
    “I don’t see why she couldn’t go with us. She should be safe.”
    “Yipee!” Leigh bounced on the couch.
    “Whoa, you stay in the truck until I know if there is a female for you to meet,” Joel said.
    “Okay. I’ll stay in the truck until you tell me I can get out.”
    “Something about her being so cooperative worries me,” Joel said with a grin.
    “She’ll get us later with something.” Jonathan pulled her hair.
    “I’ll go start the coffee and a meal for you.” Leigh got up and headed to the kitchen.
    Joel stopped her with an arm around her waist. “Come here, you.” He leaned down and kissed her. Then he released her.

    * * * *

    By nine the next morning, the three of them were loaded in the truck and driving toward their closest neighbor’s house. When they pulled in, Joel once again reminded Leigh to stay in the truck until they told her she could get out. She promised, but had her eyes open for any sign there was a woman to talk to in the area.
    By the time the men had made it to the front door, it had been thrown open by a man that was even larger than Jonathan. Leigh shrank down in the front seat of the truck. What if he wasn’t friendly? Would he hurt her guys? She eyed them over the dashboard of the truck, trying to see what was going on. From where she sat, it looked like everything was going okay, but she couldn’t be sure. She didn’t see anything that looked threatening, though.
    About that time, Jonathan walked over to the truck and knocked on the window.
    “Their female is Ronnie. She’s inside. Come on and you can meet her while we talk about the wolves.”
    Leigh nodded and climbed out of the truck with Jonathan’s help when he opened the door for her. He led her toward the house and introduced her to the two men standing just inside the doorway as Brice and Garrett. Garrett was the larger one. She steered well clear of him as Jonathan held her hand when they were escorted farther into the living room.
    “Ronnie!” Garrett called out.
    A woman walked into the living room with a tentative smile on her face. Her hazel eyes were friendly but cautious. She had light brown hair and was about five feet five inches. She caught sight of Leigh and grinned wider.
    “Leigh, this is Ronnie, our wife. Ronnie, this is Leigh and these are Joel and Jonathan. They live a couple of miles west of us.” Garrett made the introductions.
    “Pleased to meet you, Leigh. Come on in here and we can talk while they talk. I overheard wolves, so I know they are going to be a while. We’re having a terrible time with them right now.”
    Leigh followed Ronnie into a spacious kitchen with all the amenities. In fact, the entire house looked huge and state-of-the-art. Next to theirs, she felt as if she were standing in a mansion.
    “Would you like some coffee?” she asked.
    “Thanks, that would be great. I’ll help you serve the men if you like.” Leigh wasn’t sure what sort of relationship this woman had with her men. She knew it could be a forced one. She hoped not.
    “How long have you been living over there?” Ronnie asked.
    “Only about a month or so. How long have you been here?”
    “I’ve lived here nearly four years now. The men have only