Second Chance Brides by Vickie Mcdonough

purpose was too mind-boggling to consider. Why would He care about her?
    She shook her head and tried moving her foot. Her ankle didn’t hurt as much as it had. Sitting up, she rearranged her skirts and tried putting some weight on her foot. A sharp stab made her suck in a breath. She grabbed the side pillow and smacked it against the settee. She’d do about anything to feel useful and to get her mind off her troubles. Leaning back down, she lifted her foot onto the pillows that had kept it elevated.
    What she needed to do was figure out where she’d go when she left Lookout. There were a myriad of tiny towns like Lookout in Texas, but did she want to stay in the state? At least it was somewhat familiar now.
    One thing she knew was that she had no desire to return to Louisiana. Only bad things had happened to her there. Maybe she’d go to Dallas. She’d heard it was a big city and would surely have opportunities for employment for a woman.
    Her hand ran over the edge of the letter. It wasn’t finished and probably never would be, for she’d lost the desire to complete it. Hasty footsteps sounded on the front porch, but where she lay, she couldn’t see the visitor. A quick knock sounded, and the door opened.
    “Rachel? Luke?”
    ’Twas one of the Corbett brothers, but she couldn’t tell which from the sound of his voice. She scowled, not wanting to see Mark. What could she say to him? She felt a clod for being the cause of his broken wrist. If he hadn’t come to her aid, he’d still be fine and not suffering, but she might well be dead.
    “Hello?” Garrett stopped in the parlor doorway, and Shannon held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice her. He looked down the hall, up the stairs, and turned his head. His eyes sparked when he saw her. He tipped his hat and grinned like a rogue. “Just the person I wanted to see.”
    Shannon sat up straighter, combed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and peeked at her skirt to make sure it covered her ankles. Why would he be wantin’ her? Would he expect her to pay the doctor’s fee for setting Mark’s arm? He’d be sorely disappointed, for she had not a penny in her handbag.
    “Morning, Miss O’Neil.” He approached, still grinning and his sky blue eyes twinkling.
    “’Tis a fine day, Mr. Corbett.” She nodded, fearing the man was up to no good. Having been on the short end of his interfering with other people’s lives, she was wary of him. ’twouldn’t happen again.
    “Indeed, it is.”
    Rachel entered the room, wiping her hands on the bottom of her apron. “Garrett, what brings you here today? Luke’s out somewhere doing his rounds.”
    “I don’t need him anyhow. Came to talk to Miss O’Neil, here.”
    Rachel’s brows lifted, and she made no effort to hide her surprise. “All right. Can I fetch something for you to drink?”
    “No, thanks. I’m fine. Just had my last cup of coffee for the morning.” He shifted from foot to foot and fiddled with the hat in his hand.
    Rachel’s gaze darted to Shannon. “Would you…uh…like me to stay?”
    Garrett chuckled aloud. “No need. You know I’m a perfect gentleman.”
    Rachel’s brows dashed clear up under the edge of the scarf that held her long, brown hair away from her face before they dropped back down. “I’m not so sure about that, Garrett. You’re a rascal and a prankster.”
    Garrett’s smile grew even wider, as if she’d offered him the greatest of compliments. “True, but I’m always nice to the ladies.”
    Shaking her head, a bemused smile wrinkled her lips. She looked at Shannon. “Would you like me to stay?”
    Part of her wanted to say aye, but she didn’t fear this man, in spite of all the trouble he’d caused her. “Nay, I’ll be fine. If he bothers me, I’ll conk him on the head with your lamp.”
    Rachel splayed her hand across her chest, her eyes dancing with mirth. “Oh, not my new lamp. Please. Use that footstool down there beside the settee. It’s made of