Tempting the Marshal: (A Western Historical Romance) (Dodge City Brides Series Book 2) by Julianne MacLean Page B

lowered her weapon. She would have confessed everything to Marshal Collins.
    Not knowing, of course, that he was Zeb’s kin.
    Desperate to change the subject, she cleared her throat and forced a smile. “Heavens above, I’m sitting beside the famous Bruiser. You’re not what I imagined.”
    “No? And what was that?”
    Jo felt suddenly uncomfortable. “I was expecting someone…bigger.”
    She saw humor dance across his face, then he laughed. “Well, it doesn’t take size to whack someone over the head with a pistol. It only takes a sober mind.”
    “I suppose.” They drove past a patch of white elderberry and pink clover, and in the distance, Jo recognized bright yellow sunflowers. She breathed in the deep aromatic scent of the blossoms and, with some surprise, felt the tension lift between her and Fletcher. He was gazing toward the sunflowers, too, the set lines of his face relaxing somewhat, so that he no longer looked like the rigid, vigilant lawman that he was.
    Realizing she wasn’t the only one letting down her guard, Jo decided to take advantage and ask some questions of her own.
    “How did your sister get hitched up with Zeb Stone?”
    “He met her in Chicago just before she finished school. They hit it off but he didn’t stay around long, with his business back here. They only knew each other a few weeks before he sent for her, asking her to be his wife. You don’t know her?”
    Jo shook her head. She’d made it a point not to get to know Zeb’s wife. “How long have you known Zeb?”
    “Since the wedding this past spring.” He didn’t look at her when he spoke. “I thought I was the one supposed to be asking all the questions.”
    Jo clasped her hands together in her lap. “Just making conversation. It’s a long drive.”
    “But not much longer.” He nudged his hat back with his thumb and squinted up at the blue sky. “Looks like you’ll be home in time for supper.”
    Jo settled into the seat and tried not to think about everything the marshal had just said. With all the tragedy he’d seen, it was no wonder he’d retreated from the ranching life he’d known to become a lawman. It was plain to see that he thought he could make up for his father’s mistakes, and that he was dead set on protecting his sister’s happiness. The way he saw it, she was the only survivor left in the family, the only one with any hope for the future. He wanted to protect his own, and that meant protecting Zeb Stone.
    And Lord help Jo if the marshal ever discovered he’d rented a fancy buggy to escort none other than Six Shooter Hank straight home to her front door.

Chapter Seven

    By the time the marshal drove the buggy up the last rise, the wind had calmed and the meadowlarks were singing their hearts out. Though the ride had been bumpy and painful at times, Jo was glad she had decided to drive instead of walk. She only wished she had come to that conclusion sooner and avoided the unfortunate fainting incident.
    The horse nickered softly when they crested the last hill. Jo spotted the ranch, where a couple of the cowhands were leaning against the bunkhouse, sipping water. One more was shaving, and she heard their easy laughter in the distance, along with the clucking chatter from the henhouse. Wood smoke rose from the kitchen chimney and melted into the sky.
    She sat forward when the front door of the house swung open and Leo ran onto the covered porch. He clutched the corner post and waved, then called for Matilda, who promptly came out, wiping her hands on her long white apron and waving. Jo waved back.
    The marshal drove the buggy into the yard and pulled the horse to a gentle halt next to the white plank corral fence.
    “Ma!” Leo called out, leaping off the porch and hurrying to take hold of the horse’s harness. “You’re all better!”
    “Not quite, Leo, but I’m on the mend and happy to be home.”
    The marshal hopped down and walked around the buggy, appearing at Jo’s side to help her