Heidi Vanlandingham - Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-Order Bride 16) by Heidi Vanlandingham Page A

your wedding ring?”
    A frown marred her perfect features. “After all these years, why are you asking me that now?”
    He shrugged. “I hate to say this, but I’ve never really taken the time to stop and notice. I saw the gold band and asked.”
    She pinched her lips closed and set the cup on the low table between them. “There are several reasons why I still wear it, I suppose. I’ve worn it so long, it’s part of me—who I am. Until I know for sure your father is dead—”
    “He’s dead, Mother.”
    She shook her head. “You don’t know that for certain. Besides, it also keeps unwanted men away.”
    He raised a sardonic brow. “Like the good Sheriff Gurley?”
    She blushed, which surprised him. He’d known John was sweet on his mother for the last ten years; however, he’d always assumed they never got together because John was shy, not because his mother pushed him away. A small fact he found quite interesting. “Why don’t you put the poor man out of his misery? He’s been in love with you for years.”
    She fidgeted with her skirt, arranging the folds until they lay perfect, then re-arranging them again. “I don’t know what you mean.” She narrowed her gaze at him and changed the subject. “You never answered the last time I asked, so I will ask again. Have you considered my suggestion?”
    He stayed silent, knowing it wouldn’t do any good. When his mother got a bee in her bonnet about something, it was just easier for him to agree and be done with it. Her mischievous expression made him nervous though.
    “You know I love you and want the best for you and Stella. And I normally would not tell you how to raise your daughter. But if you haven’t noticed, you’re raising her as a boy. Little girls don’t run around in pants, put frogs in other girls’ lunch pails, or want to go hunting. She should play with dolls and get excited about a new dress.”
    He stared at her, unable to blink, unable to move. Why was he reacting like this? He really didn’t feel well, and his lungs seized in his chest right along with his heart. He took a deep, calming breath before he said something he would later regret. He took another one for good measure. “Mother—”
    She held up her hand. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. Just promise me you will at least think about it. She needs you, Sebastian—so does Alex. And I think you need her.”
    He stood and headed for the door, but just before shutting it behind him, he stopped. “Fine, mother,” he said, hoping to mollify her for a little while longer. “I will think about it. But don’t get your hopes up.” He stomped down the stairs, his thoughts in turmoil. In a matter of a few weeks, his strict life had disappeared and had been replaced by chaos. He didn’t like it. Not one bit.
    He headed for the door, not paying attention to anything around him until he heard a low voice slur, “Come on, shweetheart, you an’ me. You’re not ugly and your figure ain’t bad. Could gain some weight, but then where I want to go, it won’t matter none.” The drunk man’s laughter was echoed by several other drunk railroad men around the room.
    “Let me go!” A familiar voice said between gasps.
    He slowly turned to see Lucie struggling in the embrace of a large man with a dirty red beard. What little skin showed was covered in soot as were his clothes. His hands groped Lucie’s chest as she jerked away. Fury raced through Sebastian as he fought for control.
    Lucie swung her elbow behind her and a loud cra-ack whipped through the room. The man dumped her on the floor at his feet while he screamed, holding his bloody nose. He pulled his foot back, aiming for Lucie as she scrambled to get out of the man’s way. 
    “Touch her, and I will kill you with my bare hands,” Sebastian said, his voice low and filled with menace. The room stilled as everyone turned to see him standing in the open doorway. His reflection in the mirror across the room showed the