Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White Page B

before my eyes the entire time.”
    “And who, pray, is that?” A sardonic smile lingered around Nicolas’s mouth.
    “Chuck Brittle.”
    He laughed, “You’ve got to be joking.”
    “No, I am not,” she said sternly.
    My attention drifted between them, because I suspected another argument was about to ensue. Their banter was always amusing.
    “He’s a desperado. You’re going to marry her off to an outlaw?”
    “He might’ve dabbled in some shady businesses in his youth, but he’s an upstanding member of society now with a good job. He’s in need of a wife.”
    Nicolas grimaced, shaking his head. “Those sorts of men cause trouble wherever they go. He’d make a deplorable husband. He’s got the manners of an ox.”
    “Mr. Brittle is a little rough around the edges, but he’s a far sight better than someone like Taylor Holmes.”
    “Anyone is better than that drunkard, Doris. He’s in the county lockup every week. He’s probably there right now.”
    “Yes, I know.”
    “Chuck Brittle’s been arrested more times than I can count. You can’t possibly think someone like that would be good for a woman and her baby.”
    “He’s a changed man. He’s a churchgoer. He’s trying to mend his ways. You of all people should find that admirable.”
    “I’m glad to hear that, and I can attest to seeing him in church, but I can’t imagine Celia marrying that man. He’s as uncouth as they come and far too rough around the edges.”
    “Which would describe most of the men of Boot Creek.”
    Having been quiet, I said, “It’s fine. I don’t mind having supper and conversation with someone. Even though I wasn’t all that fond of Mr. Holter, the soup was good.”
    “You should expect more out of life, Celia,” said Nicolas.
    “I should?”
    “Yes. Anyone can take a girl out to dinner, but few will offer more. At worst, they’ll expect something else from you that no decent woman would ever consider exposing herself to.”
    “Then what are you saying? How else am I supposed to find a husband? If I sit in my room all day, I’ll never meet anyone. If I don’t meet anyone, then I’ll have to manage my son on my own, and my money will eventually run out. You seem to know everything, Nick, so you tell me what to do.”
    Mrs. Hershey stared at him raptly, clearly interested in what he would say. I had hit a nerve. It looked like he might break a tooth or two, because his jaw had clenched. I waited patiently for wise words and sage advice, but instead of saying anything, he turned on his heel and strode away.
    “Oh, my goodness,” murmured Doris.
    “He’s the most perplexing person I’ve ever met.”
    “Indeed.”
    “I dare say, I think I love that man.” Having uttered those words out loud, my heart flipped over almost painfully in my chest.
    Her hand covered mine. “I know, my dear.”
    “You know?”
    She nodded. “Yes. I could tell straight away there was something between you. Why do you think I’m throwing these particular men your way? I know they’re highly unsuitable.”
    “But you’re supposed to help me find a husband.”
    “Oh, I have already.”
    “You’re confusing me, Doris. I’ve no idea what’s up or down now.”
    “What’s down will soon be up.”
    “Stop it,” I giggled. “What on earth are you talking about?”
    “You just continue to be you, and I’ll continue to arrange dates with the town’s most unsuitable bachelors. You’ll have Nicolas on one knee shortly, my dear, and proposing marriage.”
    “I would love that, but there’s more to him than we know. He has a drawing of a pretty woman in a book—someone from his past. She left him. I think he’s skittish about the prospect of giving his heart to another woman.”
    “He won’t have any choice in the matter. You can’t help who you fall in love with. I’ve suspected his feelings for you ran deep, and what I just witnessed confirmed it.”
    “I think so too, but I don’t know when he’ll offer