Charlene Sands by Lily Gets Her Man Page A

believe she’d been here five days. Her decision, once made, rolled over and over in her mind until she was sure it was the only solution. She needed to discuss it with Tyler, but wouldn’t approach him until he felt much better.
    She tiptoed out of the child’s room, making her way down the long hallway. Tyler’s room was at the far end. Not wanting to wake him if he’d fallen asleep, she quietly turned the knob and let herself in.
    The gun was cocked and ready. And staring her in the face. She screamed.
    “Ah, hell, woman! You’ll wake the dead!”
    “T-Tyler Kincaide, d-don’t you point that thing atme! You about shocked ten years off my life.” Lily slumped against the door.
    “Well, then, don’t go sneaking up on a body in the dark!” Tyler lowered his guard and his gun. He leaned back against the bed until his head met with the pillow.
    “I didn’t want to wake you. I was being considerate.”
    “Considerate, ha! Don’t you believe in knockin’?”
    Lily bristled. “Oh! I’ve already explained, I didn’t want to disturb you. Who gave you the gun, anyway?”
    “Wes. My orders. I am the boss of this ranch, Lily, and I’m no sittin’ duck. Someone wants me or one of my own, they’ll have a fight on their hands.”
    Lily nodded. “I understand, but you could’ve pulled out your stitches, moving fast like that. Let me take a look.”
    Sitting on the bed, she unbuttoned his shirt and glanced at the bandages. When she leaned in to take a better look, she felt the pins in her hair being tugged out. Her long tresses fell onto her back.
    “What’re you doing?” she said, slapping at Tyler’s hand, knocking loose the pins he held.
    “Just curious, is all. Doesn’t that knot hurt your head?”
    “I’m used to it. Keeps the hair out of my way.”
    “You have pretty hair.”
    “It’s dirt brown and too thick.”
    Lily closed her eyes when Tyler’s hand touched one of the strands, sifting it through his fingers. “Feels like silk,” he whispered.
    Lily’s eyes snapped open. Nothing about her was soft or feminine. Tyler had to be teasing. And here shesat, like a foolish ninny, on his bed with the soft glow of moonlight streaming in, almost believing him.
    She bolted up. “The stitches are intact, for now. God willing and no more of your quick moves and you’ll be good as new in a week or two.”
    “Then, where will you be, Miss Lily? ”
    Lily clasped her hands together and studied the floor for several moments. Her heart thudded heavily in her chest. Lily was forced to make a choice. Taking a deep breath, she met his questioning gaze straight-on. “I’ve decided to take you up on your proposal.”

Chapter Six
    T yler’s mouth gaped open. His surprised expression must have jolted her because she backed up a step after making her declaration. He let his eyes roam over her, taking in her long form as she stood over him. He gave her credit for not turning away. Her gaze stayed fastened to his.
    Marriage.
    So it came down to that. Tyler resigned himself to it. It was best for Bethann. He’d seen over the days how Lily and his daughter got on. Bethann was already acting more the lady. She’d bound into his room along with the scrappy piece of calico she calls Miss Daisy, named no doubt after Lily, forever going on about how a lady does this and that.
    With eagerness in her eyes, Bethann announced that Lily wanted to make her and Miss Daisy matching dresses. His daughter asked for permission, as if he hadn’t wanted the very thing for Bethann from the start.
    And Lily managed to get her to do some chores. Easy ones, but Tyler was impressed. Under Lily’s watchful eye, Bethann brought him his supper oneday. She carried the tray to his room, carefully balancing it with her small hands, then set out the napkin on his lap. She boasted how she dusted the parlor and helped Lily with the wash.
    Tyler was astonished—and grateful. He believed in the discipline, never quite knowing how to extract