The Rancher Takes A Bride (The Burnett Brides Book 1)

appear to be going all that well.
    " Debector! "How disgusting! She would never undervalue Isaiah's help again. "Extinguish your cigar, sir."
    "Why don't you just continue speaking those pretty foreign words to me and my friend? We're itchin' to spend a little time with you," the insolent cowboy said, as he poked his friend in the ribs with his elbow.
    The woman who looked as if she was drumming up business for the local madam became indignant. "Wait just a minute. I've already paid my money so I could speak with my daddy."
    "Ladies and gentlemen! Another outburst, and I will call upon the spirits to chase you from this house!" Rose gave a gentle toss of her head, settling her hair across her shoulders and down her back. She scowled at the two young men. "Shall we begin?"
    Rose clapped her hands together three times, and the boy she'd hired dimmed the lantern, casting shadows in the room. She glanced around the table, meeting each person's gaze.
    "We're going to speak with the spirits in a few moments. Do not treat this lightly, as they could become very angry and I cannot be responsible for their actions."
    She closed her eyes and started to sway and moan. After several minutes, when the walls of the room seemed to be breathing in rhythm with her clients, Rose slipped her foot out of her boot. She gripped the handle of the bell with her toes and rang the bell. "I see an elderly gentleman approaching ..."
    Pounding on the door jerked her out of her pretend trance. " Merde! " she exclaimed, hopping mad.
    Paul, the young street boy she'd hired, opened the door.
    "Tell them to come back in an hour," Rose commanded.
    "Afraid I can't do that, Miss Severin." A man with a star on his chest pushed past Paul into the room. It could only be Tucker Burnett.
    Same strong jaw and prominent chin, though the auburn cast to the marshal's hair was more prominent. Flecks of gold twinkled with amusement in the younger man's brown eyes, and he appeared friendlier, more relaxed than his brother.
    Rose slowly stood a welcoming smile on her face as she calmly greeted the marshal. "Come in, Marshal. Paul, please turn up the lantern so we can see our guest clearly."
    With dread, she watched as Travis Burnett then stepped through the door behind his brother, his hat in his hand. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the tall, muscular man.
    What was he doing here?
    She lifted her chin and let her gaze travel slowly over Travis and then met his insolent stare. She smiled at his cocky smirk. "Mr. Burnett, what a pleasure. Are you here for another séance? I'm sure I could arrange for you to speak with Benedict Arnold or some equally offensive family member."
    Travis stepped within inches of her. His eyes locked with hers, his voice low and rough. "Miss Severin, by the time I leave here today, you're going to think you've met up with the devil."
    Rose had a sinking feeling in her stomach. "I think I'm gazing at him."
    The cowboy grinned, which didn't make Rose feel any better.
    The marshal strolled around the room, picking up tarot cards, running his hands along the walls, searching. "Miss Severin, how did you acquire this talent of yours to speak with the dead?"
    "I was born with it. Members of my family have had this ability for generations," she lied.
    The marshal walked over to her clients, who sat watching in disbelief. Rose held her breath as she realized the bell was still under the table.
    "Don't you people have someplace to go?" the marshal asked.
    "Yes, sir." The two cowboys pushed back their chairs and were scrambling toward the door, as if the spirits were hot on their heels.
    "What about our séance?" the woman asked, indignant. "I paid."
    "Come back tomorrow," Rose advised, glad to be rid of that bunch. "You'll get your séance then."
    "Unless the spirits catch the next stage out of town," Travis mumbled, but the woman had already walked out the door, along with Paul, Rose's helper.
    Rose was alone with the Burnett brothers. She glanced at Travis. "The spirits don't need a stage; they're always here, Mr. Burnett."
    "And I'm a saint," he replied. He shook his head in disbelief and gazed around the room. "Where do you hide the bells?"
    "What are you talking about?" Rose asked in innocence.
    The corner of his mouth rose in a half grin. "You really don't want to make this easy, do you?"
    She shrugged. "Why should I? You haven't even told me why you're here," she stated. But she knew and was determined not to show fear.