Cowgirl for Keeps. Louise M. Gouge

      

      Lassoing the Cowgirl

      Rosamond Northam’s plans of building a high school take an unexpected turn when her father informs her she’ll be overseeing construction of a new hotel instead—with Englishman Garrick Wakefield. The newly arrived aristocrat seems to turn his nose up at all she loves about her Colorado hometown. The man is entirely insufferable…yet undoubtedly handsome.

      Garrick wants nothing more than to prove himself to his uncle, who has backed the building of this hotel. But he finds himself ever at odds with his pretty cowgirl partner over the plans. The American West is so different from his British home, but with Rosamond showing him the ropes, maybe he’ll commit to Western life…and a Western lass.

      Four Stones Ranch: Love finds a home out West

      As Garrick walked toward her, that perfect smile on his handsome face, she couldn’t be stern with him. Not with her heart fluttering like a baby bird trying to fly for the first time.

      Garrick reached her in seconds. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was one fine-looking cowboy. Fine-looking, yes. Cowboy, definitely no. During his short stay at Four Stones, he’d shown very little interest in ranch life.

      “Good morning, Rosamond. You’re the picture of beauty, as always.”

      She smiled. “You’re not so bad yourself, cowboy.”

      He doffed that silly white Stetson she’d forced him to accept and gave her a sweeping bow. “My lady, at your service. Do you have steers to rope? Calves to brand? Cows to milk? I am yours to command.”

      His offer, delivered in the English accent she was beginning to love, brought laughter from the children nearby. At a glance, she could see they were entirely too interested in her conversation with Garrick.

      “No branding today, but you can help me round up these mavericks so we can get their three-legged race started.”

      “I can do that.” He studied the children almost like a schoolmaster, giving her heart another lurch. Where had that thought come from?

      Florida author and college professor LOUISE M. GOUGE writes historical fiction for Mills & Boon Love Inspired Historical series. In addition to other awards, she has received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice and the Laurel Wreath Awards. When she isn’t writing or teaching her classes, she and her husband, David, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. Please visit her website at blog.louisemgouge.com.

      Cowgirl for Keeps

      Louise M. Gouge

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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      Delight thyself also in the Lord,

      and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

      —Psalms 37:4

      This book is dedicated to the intrepid pioneers who settled the San Luis Valley of Colorado in the mid- to late 1800s. They could not have found a more beautiful place to make their homes than in this vast 7500-foot-high valley situated between the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges. It has been many years since I lived in the San Luis Valley, so my thanks go to Pam Williams of Hooper, Colorado, for her extensive on-site research on my behalf. With their permission, I named two of my characters after her and her husband, Charlie. These dear old friends are every bit as kind and wise as their namesakes. I also want to thank my dear husband of fifty years, David Gouge, for his loving support as I pursue my dream of writing love stories to honor the Lord.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Quote

       Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Epilogue

       Dear Reader

       Extract

       Copyright

Chapter One

      Denver, Colorado

      May 1883

      “I tell you, Percy, my uncle’s American enterprise will be a disaster. Look at these ragtag masses.” Garrick Wakefield waved a dismissive hand toward the crowds milling about the Denver train station. His gesture stirred up the stench of burning coal and unwashed bodies. “It’s far worse than I expected.”

      Most