Sweetwater Seduction (49 page)

Unfortunately, the former Miss Eden Devlin was among the very few who were not in the family way.

Eden knew the ladies spoke of it behind her back, because whenever she came into a room there would be a sudden hush. Her barrenness was considered a tragedy of monumental proportions. She had been at first disappointed, and later chagrined, and finally distraught, that she and Kerrigan apparently were not going to be blessed with a child of their own.

Kerrigan had never spoken to her about the fact she had not conceived. But she saw the worried frown on his brow when he thought she wasn't looking. He had held her in his arms and comforted her once when he had caught her crying because she would need the rags again.

It was Eden's privilege to hold Bliss and Hadley's daughter, Caroline Elizabeth (Persia's and Regina's middle names), while the preacher conducted the christening ceremony. Edenhe baby's toes through the blanket, and brushed her fingertips through the fine hair on Caroline's head, under the pretense of arranging what little there was of it. There were tears in her eyes as she and Kerrigan repeated the appropriate responses along with Bliss and Hadley.

At last, she handed the baby back to Bliss and all of them turned to face the congregation.

“This is a joyful day,” Reverend Simonson said. “Is there a word of gladness any of you would like to share with the congregation?”

Hadley cleared his throat and said, “I want to say how proud I am to be married to such a good woman, and that we're going to raise Caroline Elizabeth the best we know how.”

There were several sentimental sniffles from the pews.

“This is a joyful day,” Reverend Simonson repeated. “Does anyone else have any good news they would like to share?”

Usually, this was where a husband and wife would stand and announce they were expecting a child. It had become a painful part of the service for Eden. She felt Kerrigan's arm slip around her waist, and he pulled her close, as though to lend her courage.

Kerrigan had never felt so helpless as he had the past few months knowing that Eden wanted a child and he was unable to give her one—though it hadn't been for want of trying. This was always the hardest part of the service for him. Because it was a time when Eden, who was never at a loss for words, had nothing to say.

To his surprise, Eden turned to the reverend and announced, “I have something I'd like to say.”

Kerrigan caught his wife's eye, his confusion apparent. Eden met his concerned gaze and smiled, a look so joyful that it caused a sudden lump in Kerrigan's throat, a sudden surge of hope in his chest.

Eden turned back to face the congregation and said, “My husband and I wish to share the news with all of you that we're expecting our first child at Christmastime.”

There was a moment of astonished silence before the entire congregation erupted in shouts and laughter and clapping.

Kerrigan looked stunned. “Are you sure?”

Eden let her happiness shine in her eyes. “I'm sure.”

He picked her up with a shout and swung her exuberantly in a circle. Just as quickly, he set her down again and asked, “Are you all right? I didn't hurt you, did I? Or the baby?”

“I'm fine,” she reassured him.

He folded her in his arms and rocked her from side to side. “I am so happy, Eden. For you. For me. For us.”

The weren't left alone for long. Their friends and neighbors surrounded them, congratulating Kerrigan and including Eden in all the talk she had missed, about what to do and not to do while pregnant, how to recognize the signs of labor, what to do while nursing, and all the other myriad bits of advice that mothers the world over share with other mothers.

Eden stood in the supporting circle of her husband's arms and listened and smiled and nodded. She laid a hand on her womb and thought of the child growing there. The past no longer had the power to frighten her. Life was good. Life was sweet. She had stopped running at last.

Author's Note

T
HE
G
REEK COMEDY
L
YSISTRATA
WAS WRITTEN BY
Aristophanes in 411
B
.
C
. as a satire on the foolishness of war. The ancient play is one of the earliest heralds for the rights and influence of women. It has been my inspiration, as it was Miss Devlin's.

Dear Readers,

Sweetwater Seduction
is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Be sure to check out my modern-day western Bitter Creek series, including
The Cowboy, The Texan,
and
The Loner.
And in stores now,
The Rivals.

I love hearing from you! You can reach me through my web site

Happy reading,
Joan Johnston

Dell Books by Joan Johnston

Bitter Creek Series
THE COWBOY
THE TEXAN
THE LONER

Captive Hearts Series
CAPTIVE
AFTER THE KISS
THE BODYGUARD
THE BRIDEGROOM

Sisters of the Lone Star Series
FRONTIER WOMAN
COMANCHE WOMAN
TEXAS WOMAN

Connected Books
THE BAREFOOT BRIDE
OUTLAW'S BRIDE
THE INHERITANCE
MAVERICK HEART

And don't miss . . .
SWEETWATER SEDUCTION
KID CALHOUN

RAVES FOR THE
SUMPTUOUS NOVELS OF

JOAN JOHON

COMANCHE WOMAN

“A fast and furious read.”
—Belles and Beaux of Romance

FRONTIER WOMAN

“A rousing, passion-filled story of a proud and larger-than-life family.”
—Rendezvous

“[Joan Johnston's] best story yet.”
—Old Book Barn Gazette

THE LONER

“Fans of Ms. Johnston will recognize the family names of the two Texas dynasties, Blackthorne and Creed. Rich supporting characters generate a depth that shows romance can be found at any age, in any walk of life, and even with physical limitations.”
—Romantic Times

“Skillful storyteller Johnston makes what in lesser hands would be melodramatic compellingly realistic in this page-turner.”
—Booklist

“A combination of
Dallas
and
Romeo and Juliet.
The sweeping saga is full of gripping characters embroiled in a compelling plot. Fans of Joan Johnston and contemporary westerns will be delighted with this offering.”
—Affaire de Coeur

THE TEXAN

“Awesome romance and mystery with a touch of thriller thrown in. Lots of twists and turns that will keep the reader hooked until the very end.”
—Huntress Book Reviews

“A riveting blend of adventure, intrigue and romance . . . which builds to a hair-raising, edge-of-the-seat climax. If you like well-written tales of romance, adventure, and suspense,
The Texan
is a book you won't want to miss! It's a story you'll remember long after the last page is turned, with a truly unforgettable hero.”
—Romance Reviews Today

THE COWBOY

“A winner . . . Joan Johnston [creates] unforgettable subplots and characters who make every fine thread weave into a touching tapestry.”
—Affaire de Coeur

“Joan Johnston has once again masterfully created very real characters, a captivating story and interesting subplots.
The Cowboy
just screams sequel!”
—Under the Covers

“Like LaVyrle Spencer, Ms. Johnston writes of intense emotions and tender passion that seem so real that readers will feel each one of them.”
—Rave Reviews

SWEETWATER SEDUCTION
A Dell Book

PUBLISHING HISTORY
Dell mass market edition published January 1991
Dell mass market reissue / November 2004

Published by Bantam Dell
A Division of Random House, Inc.
New York, New York

All rights reserved
Copyright © 1991 by Joan Mertens Johnston

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