Homespun Bride

in a tender, loving kiss. Sweetness filled her heart. Joy left her dizzy. Hope lived in her soul. Yes, theirs was a love that would last forever.
    “Henrietta’s gonna be mad at me now.” He stole one more kiss. “We’re definitely going to be late for supper.”
    “Perhaps she’ll forgive us once we announce our good news.” It was her turn to steal one last kiss. “She’ll be too ecstatic to be really mad at us.”
    “I know how that feels. I’m ecstatic, too.”
    She laid her hand on his, and it was the future she saw. Those four upstairs bedrooms full, the house pleasantly loud with children’s footsteps and laughter and play. Ida would be watching over them all, sweet and loving. The evenings would be best of all. She would spend them on the front porch beside her husband, hand in hand, heart to heart.
    Yes, it was easy to see her dreams these days. Thad was right. Love was enough. And when dreams came true, it was called happiness.
    “Are you ready?” he asked.
    She grabbed hold of the saddle horn and suddenly she was airborne, lifted by Thad’s strong arms. She slipped into the saddle and she smoothed her skirts, while Sky stood patiently. The wind ruffled her hair, and she pulled at the strings of her hat, which was hanging down her back. The Stetson slid up into place and its wide brim shaded her face from the sun’s heat. “Are you settled okay?” Thad asked, handing her the reins.
    She nodded, and while he mounted up with a creak of the saddle, her heart brimmed with gratitude for this wonderful life full of blessings. She knew that God had brought her and Thad together again. The good Lord had blessed her with the privilege of being Thad’s wife.
    She would be forever thankful to Him. “Ready, darlin’?”
    “Ready.” She gathered the sun-warmed reins.
    They started out together. Side by side they rode into the rays of the sun and through green pastures.
    * * * * *

Books by Jillian Hart
    Love Inspired Historical
    * Homespun Bride
* High Country Bride
In a Mother’s Arms
“Finally a Family”
** Gingham Bride
** Patchwork Bride
** Calico Bride
* Snowflake Bride
Mail-Order
Christmas Brides
“Her Christmas Family”
    Love Inspired
    * Montana Homecoming
* Montana Cowboy
    Look for Jillian’s next Love Inspired titles: * Montana Dreams (September 2012)
†† Jingle Bell Bride (November 2012) Reunited for the Holidays (December 2012)
    Look for Jillian’s next Love Inspired Historical title: Mail Order Holiday Brides (December 2012)
“Home for Christmas”
    *The McKaslin Clan
**Buttons & Bobbins
††The McKaslins of Wyoming

    JILLIAN HART
    grew up on her family’s homestead, where she helped raise cattle, rode horses and scribbled stories in her spare time. After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel. Visit her website at www.jillianhart.net .
    To browse a current listing of Jillian Hart’s titles, please visit www.Harlequin.com .

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ISBN: 9781426830655
    Copyright © 2008 by Jill Strickler

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