High Desert Haven (The Shepherd's Heart) (40 page)

She closed her eyes and let all the love she felt for this man pour into one little word.
“Si.”

Total silence greeted her.

She opened her eyes.

He wore a look of stunned confusion. “Yes, you are going to answer? Or yes, you will marry me?”

She grinned. “I will marry you, Jason Jordan. Yes, yes, yes.”

His face cleared. He let go of her hand and cupped her face, lacing his fingers back through her hair. A slow smile spread across his face. “You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world.”

He dipped his head and his lips touched hers softly, like the caress of a butterfly’s wing. He eased back, but she leaned after him, unwilling to live with such a brief bit of bliss. Wrapping her arms around the back of his neck and pulling his head back down to hers, she whispered,
“No pares todabia
. Don’t stop yet.”

A rumble escaped his chest and when his lips settled on hers once more, she felt a tremor race through him. He slid one hand down her back, tucking her firmly against him.

She cupped his face, her thumbs caressing the corners of his mouth as he kissed her. Standing on tiptoe and leaning into the solid strength of him, she reveled at the love she felt for this man. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.

With a ragged breath he pulled away, looked at her, leaned back in, trailed a line of kisses from her mouth to her earlobe and then pulled her head to his chest and rested his chin on the top of her tangled hair.

She pressed her ear against him, clutching handfuls of his shirt in her fists. She could hear the wild hammering of his heart…or was it hers?

From this vantage point Nicki could see out over her ranch,
their
ranch.

Smoke drifted lazily from the soddy chimney, a soft gray column against the dimming sky. Light spilled from the barn door in a happy golden rectangle, and laughter and music floated on the cooling air. Off to the right the milling herd of horses mingled, feet stomping and heads bobbing as if they themselves were dancing to the music.

She sighed. So much had happened here in such a short time. So much death and destruction, but through it all, God had kept His promise to her. His promise to be a comfort to her. And much of that had come about because of the man holding her in his arms.

“Jason?”

“Hmmm?”

“I’m glad God sent you to me. You have taken this valley of death,” she gestured to the spread stretched out before them, “and turned it into a haven for me.”

He dropped a tender kiss against the top of her head, and Nicki closed her eyes, simply relaxing in the safety of his arms.

Dear Reader,

The saying is true that reality is stranger than fiction. Historical records show that the Ochoco Livestock Association was much more violent than I have depicted here. Most people of that day simply referred to them as “The Vigilantes.” Their desires were enforced upon the community with hemp rope and bullets. The Association’s mission was to keep the range free of settlers, and anyone who opposed them was in danger of losing their life. One man made the mistake of announcing that he’d found an underground river on his property. Since that was viewed as something that might attract settlers to the area he was “asked” to move on. Being a smart man, he did. Others who weren’t so lucky were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, or were of the “wrong” lineage. For further information about this time of turmoil in Oregon’s history, I recommend
Thunder Over the Ochoco—And the Juniper Trees Bore Fruit
, by Gale Ontko.

Also, of note is the fact that most of the terrible reign of The Vigilantes ended in 1884. Those who are history buffs, please forgive me for fudging the timeline of history to fit my story.

Don’t Miss…

He’s different from any man she’s ever known.

However, she’s sworn never to risk her heart again.

Idaho Territory,

Brooke Baker, sold as a mail-order bride, looks to her future with dread, but firm resolve. If she survived Uncle Jackson, she can survive anyone.

When Sky Jordan hears that his nefarious cousin has sent for a mail-order bride, he knows he has to prevent the marriage. No woman deserves to be left to that fate. Still, he’s as surprised as anyone to find himself standing next to her before the minister.

A thirsty soul. Alluring hope. An Oasis of love.

Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.

www.lynnettebonner.com

To purchase
Rocky Mountain Oasis
click
here.

What People Are Saying About

Rocky Mountain Oasis

The perfect blend of suspense, drama, and romance. Best keep your eyes on Lynnette Bonner. She’s a gifted storyteller.

—SHARLENE MACLAREN,
Through Every Storm
,
Long Journey Home
, Little Hickman Creek series, The Daughters of Jacob Kane series

A tale with a unique twist that keeps your attention from the front cover to the back. Based upon actual events, people, and places, this story will linger with you long after you’ve read the last line.

—BRUCE JUDISCH,
Katia
, A Prophet’s Tale series

A delightful step back into the Wild West. A touching, fulfilling, strong message of redemption.

—L.D. ALFORD,
Centurion
,
Aegypt
, The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox series

Full of wonderful scenery, excellent character development, and intense emotion. I read many books a week and am happy to say I will be reading this book over and over. The message is simply STUPENDOUS. I loved every minute of it and was quite sad when it was over.

—ANNDRA, Amazon reader

I love this story. I couldn’t put it down. I kept it in my hands until I was done. The story line was well-written, and the use of historical facts made the story all the more fascinating for me. Thanks for such a great book! I can’t wait for the next one!

—KRISTA, Amazon reader

I enjoyed every word of
Rocky Mountain Oasis!
I really related to Brooke’s feelings and emotions. Lynnette does an excellent job making you feel each aspect of her life. Plus the suspense part keeps you on the edge of your seat! This is a great historical mail-order-bride read. I highly recommend it!

—MARTHA, Amazon reader

To purchase
Rocky Mountain Oasis
click
here.

Now Available…

She’s loved him for as long as she can remember.

But can she trust her heart to a man haunted by constant danger?

Shiloh, Oregon, April 1887

Victoria Snyder, adopted when she was only days old, pastes on a smile for her mama’s wedding day, but inside she’s all atremble. Lawman Rocky Jordan is back home. And this time he’s got a bullet hole in his shoulder and enough audacity to come calling. Since tragedy seems to strike those she cares for with uncanny frequency, she wants nothing to do with a man who could be killed in the line of duty like her father.

But when an orphan-train arrives at the Salem depot, Victoria is irresistibly drawn toward the three remaining “unlovable” children…and stunned by a proposal that will change all of their lives forever.

Can she risk her heart, and her future happiness, on someone she might lose at a moment’s notice?

Two stubborn hearts. A most unusual proposal. Persevering love.

Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.

www.lynnettebonner.com

To purchase
Fair Valley Refuge
click
here.

Fair Valley Refuge – AN EXCERPT…

Prologue

New York City, July 21, 1867

Thick black clouds covered the moon and stars, blocking out even the pretense of light. God had, at least, granted that favor. Ignoring the pain that emanated from every pore of her body, the woman clutched the baby to her chest and took Zeb’s hand, allowing him to help her from the coach. “I’ll only be a moment.”

“Yes’m.”

Darting a look around, she scuttled across the cobblestone street.

The Foundling Hospital lay just ahead now, all its lights extinguished. Hannah had told her to expect that. She trembled as she stepped onto the walk. Pausing, she swiped the tears from her cheeks and glanced both ways, and then behind her, straining to glimpse any movement or change of shadow. No one was there, as it should be at this hour of night.

Clutching her precious bundle tightly, she hurried on towards the hospital. Mercifully, the babe slept. At least her last memory of the child would be one of peace and contentment.

The door loomed ahead, its pointed arch only a lighter shadow outlining a darker center. Her steps faltered, now that safety was so near.

Easing back into the dark shadows next to the door of the hospital, she pressed against the wall and lifted the baby touching her damp cheek to the child’s small soft one. A silent sob parted her lips, shook her shoulders, and stole the strength from her legs. Sliding down, she laid the babe across her lap and wrapped the blanket tightly around her so she wouldn’t get cold in the night. She dashed more tears from her cheeks with quick, angry swipes and tucked the note carefully into the folds of the blanket making sure the rag doll was there too. It was not right, this travesty.

Yet love compelled her. One last time, she trailed the back of her first finger over her daughter’s soft cheek. “Ahh Lambkin, the good Lord He be knowin’ I’m only tryin’ ta save ye. ’Tis His forgiveness I’ll rest on. I ken not another path to take.”

The baby took a soft shuddering breath and turned her face towards the finger, searching even in her sleep for something to latch onto.