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when the debt is paid, the marriage will be dissolved."
    The smile on Russell Johnson's face showed happiness with the arrangement. Kid let his gaze wander over the man. He recognized the shifty eye movements, the man's mind already scheming for a way to get out of the ten months of work. Kid felt a smile form, but didn't let it show. The man's hide had been saved, it was clear that was all he'd been concerned about. He showed little care to the harm he may have thrust on the sister. Well, it was time for Russell Johnson to learn a few lessons. The first one being Kid Quinter could not be swindled.
    "That sounds fair to me," the sheriff said. "What do you think, Reverend?"
    "Well, I don't believe in divorce, but under the circumstances, I could go along with the plan," Reverend Kirkpatrick agreed.
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    Shotgun Bride [The Quinter Brides Book One]
    by Lauri Robinson
    "Then start the service, Reverend," Stephanie Quinter said.
    "Wait a minute, we don't need to have the ceremony right here, tonight," Kid said. He'd agreed to the event, but needed a bit more time to get used to it, to plan his next step of action.
    "Yes, we do, Kid. If word got out a horse thief got away, I'd lose my job." Turley pointed to Kirkpatrick. "Go on Reverend."
    "Could you at least untie me?" Kid asked. Shuffling noises made Jessie turn to the brothers. They all scrambled for the door. Her fatigued mind, caught in a whirlwind, hadn't processed all that had been said. Had Kid Quinter agreed to marry her? She didn't know anything about being married, or how a marriage could be dissolved. And had he said Russell had to work for him? That could be worse than the marriage. Heavy dread bore down on her shoulders as the brothers fought over opening the door.
    "No, I think not," Sheriff Turley said with a curt laugh. "I want to be well on my way back to town before you get untied." His glance landed on Jessie. "I don't want to have to arrest your husband for murder on your wedding night." Her body went cold. The scuffling behind her ended and the sound of relieved sighs filled the room, making her shiver. Her gaze went to the man sitting beside her. Would he really kill his brothers? Would he kill Russell?
    Never in her life had Jessie imagined she'd be sitting at a table in a shanty in the middle of western Kansas marrying a man who was literally tied up from head to toe. Truth be told, she hadn't thought much about marriage, having always been 42
    Shotgun Bride [The Quinter Brides Book One]
    by Lauri Robinson
    too focused on finding food and shelter. She didn't have long to contemplate the thought nor what was going to happen next, because Reverend Kirkpatrick opened his Bible and began to read.
    The ceremony took all of five minutes. The Reverend completed the session by saying, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." With a nod at the man sitting beside her, he continued, "You may now kiss the bride." Kid Quinter tried to lean her way, but his bindings prevented any movement. All eyes were on them. Jessie had never kissed a man, nor had she ever been kissed, and had no idea what to do.
    The Reverend cleared his throat. She looked up. His whitewhiskered face and balding head tilted sideways as he stared down at her. Was he telling her to lean over so Kid could kiss her? Was that proper? The Reverend tilted his head again and pulled his eyes wide.
    Without looking toward her new husband, she leaned sideways. Warm lips brush against her cheek, blistering the spot they touched. Gasping for breath, Jessie quickly pulled away and pressed a hand to the burning skin.
    "This is just a suggestion, Kid, but I think Russell, should stay here at your Ma's place for a few days. He could start working for you the first part of next week. Give everyone time to adjust to the new situation," the sheriff said.
    "Is there anything else you'd like to suggest, Turley?" Kid Quinter's eyes were little more than slits as he glared at the lawman.
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    Shotgun Bride [The Quinter Brides