Read Zack's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) for Free Online

she loved very much. Then she had recounted the sad story of how her husband had succumbed to a fever and passed away suddenly.
    Zack's hand had been shaking as he'd almost come to the end of the letter. It wasn't just because of the fact that life had been so unjust to a woman about whom he'd had such strong feelings. His hand hadn't shook simply because of the anger he felt that those children had been deprived of the happiness of growing up with two loving parents.
    His hand had started shaking when his eyes had glanced down at the last paragraph of Lydia's letter.
    When his gaze finally reached the words at the foot of the page, Zack felt his breath stop and the color drain from his face.
    He'd had to read the paragraph three times to ensure that he'd had a full understanding of the request that Lydia had written there.
    He read the words Lydia had written again and again, burning them into his mind.

    I know you will recall the last words you spoke to me as we parted nine years ago. They were such kind words and, at the time, I had no idea that there would come a time when I would feel compelled to remind you of them. But, remind you I must.
    Did you not say to me, dearest Zack, that if there ever came a time when circumstances would be so perilous for myself or anyone I cared for, that you would be willing to offer yourself up to me. Indeed, I recall that you told me that if ever I needed you, then you would be prepared to even go so far as to propose marriage to me.
    Well. That time has come to me, my dearest. It has been a sorry tale, but I find myself compelled to ask you to keep your promise to me. And, since I know you to be a man of your word, for whom integrity is something to live by, I am asking you to consider honoring your promise. I know you to be a man compelled by decency and goodness.
    I cannot write any more for the moment, but look forward to your reply with anticipation.

Yours truly

Lydia Robards

    That letter had stunned Zack, and he'd sat in the parlor for what seemed like hours, trying to figure out what to do, how to respond to such a heartfelt letter.
    In the end he had written back an emphatic letter that was intended to leave Lydia in no doubt that he was indeed a man of his word. In that fateful letter he'd told her to come to him, bring her precious children, and that he would honor his pledge of nine years before.
    When he'd written the letter he'd ridden his horse as fast as he could to get into town and have the post take away the words that would decide his destiny.
    And now they were all here. She was here. His head shook in disbelief as he gazed over at Lydia sitting on the long seat on the porch.
    When he got off his horse and went to tie the reins to the hitching rail, he saw Lydia watching him with an expression on her face that looked like fascination. Zack took a deep breath. He heard some excited yells from the stable. Through the open doors he could see the girls moving around animatedly as Ned explained horses to them. Zack was pleased to see the children happy.
    Lydia looked over toward the stable and smiled. "Sound's like they're having a great time," she said.
    Zack stepped up onto the porch, his boots noisy on the dusty wooden floor. "Ned knows a lot about horses. Looks like he also knows how to keep some rowdy kids under control. Or maybe I'm not seeing things right.," he said.
    "As long as they don't try riding any of those horses," she said.
    "Don't worry. We'll keep them well away."
    "There wasn't much call for them to learn to ride in San Francisco," Lydia explained.
    "I guess not. They'll get their chance here. Eventually. But it takes time to get used to animals out here. Especially after city living."
    Lydia sighed."They're only kids. They've got time on their hands."
    "They'll have all the time they need to get used to living here," Zack said.
    Lydia glanced at him and her expression became serious. "On that subject. Maybe we should talk about what's going to