Bound by a Child
Pony Express rider Jacob Young is a man of action, which is why when he sees a little girl caught in the middle of a stampede, he races to her rescue. And he soon discovers the child is the half sister he hadn’t known he had. The more time Jacob spends with adorable Daisy and her beautiful guardian, ranch owner Lilly Johnson, the more he realizes they’re filling all the lonely corners of his heart.
Wary Lilly can’t deny the cherished feelings that overcome her when Jacob vows to protect her and Daisy from any harm. And she can’t help but hope that maybe they can put their past hurts aside and forge a future together as a full-fledged family.
“If you will trust me, I’ll help you protect Daisy.”
Jacob watched the emotions wash across Lilly’s soft features. She wanted to trust him but something held her back.
“Thank you.” The words sounded tight in her throat.
He offered her a smile. “I won’t let you down.”
If someone was going to hurt Daisy, they’d have to go through him. He’d vowed to watch over the little girl and he’d do just that.
Jacob realized then that his promise included Lilly. If anyone hurt Daisy, they’d also be hurting Lilly. His instincts told him that she was a kind person. Her sympathy for him when he’d told her about his upbringing had been sincere. Jacob knew he’d not let either Daisy or Lilly be hurt.
He just prayed he’d not lose his heart in his desire to protect them both. Jacob had no intentions of falling in love. Women couldn’t be trusted not to abandon those they claimed to love the most. His birth mother had proven that. No, he’d harden that part of his heart and still keep his promise.
RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
Pony Express Hero
Rhonda Gibson
And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.
—Psalms 9:10
To my brother, Marty McConnell, for all the good times we shared growing up and the support you have shown me as an adult. I’m proud to call you my little brother and best friend. As always, thank You to my Lord and Savior for allowing me to write books for Him.
Contents
Mud Springs, California
Summer 1860
A scream