Read The Marshal Takes A Bride for Free Online

almost too quiet. Not nearly like when I first took on this job. I was hoping Tanner would want to come work with me here as a deputy, but he’s been helping Travis around the ranch.”
    “I guess he got his fill of law enforcement when he was running from the law. I’m going to be in town for several days. Why don’t we get together and have a beer? I may need a new man. One of my men is considering getting married and settling down.”
    Tucker nodded.
    “This isn’t the kind of job a family man needs,” McCoy said. “You’re never at home.”
    “Besides being dangerous,” Tucker replied.
    “Do you like being the marshal here, Tucker?” Tucker was taken aback by the question. “Yes, I enjoy being in law enforcement.”
    The marshal twirled his hat in his hands. “I could use a good man like you, Tucker.”
    Tucker sat up, suddenly feeling a spark of interest. “Tell me more about the job.”
    “Most of the time I’m off on special assignment, following some particular criminal. The way I was assigned to your brother. I never stay in one place long, so this is not a job for a man who has commitments or family, unless you like being gone from them.”
    Tucker shrugged. "I’m not tied to anyone or anyplace."
    I like being able to pick up and go at a moment’s notice.”
    The marshal nodded. “I understand. Like I said, the man may be getting married”
    “Keep me in mind,” Tucker said. “I’d like a different opportunity.”
    “I will.”
    A deputy suddenly burst into Tucker’s office, interrupting their conversation. “Marshal, come quick, there’s been an accident”
    Tucker stood and grabbed his hat “What kind of accident?”
    “It’s the doctor!”
    His heart skipped a beat as the image of Sarah splayed on the ground and bleeding came to mind. A shudder passed through him, and his legs felt leaden.
    “What happened?” he asked, moving toward the door.
    “Some rowdy cowboy shot off his pistol, and the doctor’s horse got spooked. Dragged the poor doctor for over a block before the man’s boot came off and released him from the stirrup. He’s hurt bad.”
    “Doc Wilson?”
    “Who else?” the deputy asked.
    Tucker ignored the man’s question. Relief that Sarah was unharmed went through him, and just as quickly he wanted to kick himself for jumping to the conclusion that she had been hurt.
    “Excuse me, Marshal McCoy, while I take care of business.”
    The marshal stood and nodded. “I’ve got to go anyway. We’ll get together for that beer before I leave town.”
    “Good to see you,” Tucker said, and hurried out the door to his office, walking briskly. He stopped outside the door of the jail and gave directions to his deputy. “Run down to the El Paso Hotel and tell Dr. Sarah James that I need her. Ask her to bring her medical bag.”
    “Sure thing, Marshal. The accident is one block over on Main Street in front of the Red Slipper Saloon. When I left, a crowd was gathering, and Charlie stayed with him.”
    Tucker sprinted the short distance to where the accident had occurred. When he arrived, Tucker knew the doctor was hurt badly as he lay unconscious, his leg twisted at an odd angle. Suddenly he was afraid for the man. What if he didn’t live?
    The town needed a doctor, and Doc Wilson was the only one they had. Who was going to deliver Rose’s baby if Doc Wilson died?
    Tucker pushed the thought out of his mind while he began clearing the people from around the older man. “Everyone step back and give the man some breathing room. We’ve got a doctor on the way.”
     “Who?” a man yelled from the crowd. “We don’t have another doc in town.”
    “Just step back,” Tucker said firmly.
    He glanced down the street and saw his deputy hurrying alongside Sarah, her black bag in hand. She was brisk and businesslike as she walked quickly down the street. She didn’t look like a doctor, but more like a refined lady, her blond hair swept off her neck with tendrils softly