Stephen’s Bride (14 page)

“Can’t.” She shook her head and stuck her fingers back into her mouth. The younger boy, not much more than a baby, came to the edge of the porch and started down the steps.

“Jace, git back here!” Chan lowered the gun again and grabbed for his brother.

Daniel directed his comments to Amelia. “Can I go around to the back of the house and speak with your pa?”

She shook her curly head again.

“Why not?”

“Pa died,” Jace lisped in a baby voice, big blue eyes riveted on him.

Daniel’s shoulders slumped, and he looked at Chan. “Is your pa dead?”

The boy gave a quick nod, and raised the gun again. “Now git off my property. We don’t want no Rebs around here. You already done took everything we had.”

A reminder he stood in enemy territory. With the pa dead, and the ma so sick she didn’t come out to investigate, these children were in a lot of trouble. The oldest boy still peered at him with narrowed eyes, even though the younger boy and little girl had advanced down the steps and now stood right in front of him, watching him with huge eyes.

“Can you fix my ma, mister?” Amelia asked as she reached for her little brother’s hand.

Daniel’s heart seized at the serious situation. He needed to look at their mother, but it didn’t appear Chan would let him. No doubt he had reason to mistrust Confederates.

“Chan. Is that your name?” He spoke softly to the boy who continued to swipe at his eyes. The kid seemed about to fall apart, but with a shaky arm still managed to point the gun in his direction.

The boy ignored the question, however Daniel continued. “My name is Daniel McCoy, and I know a little bit about healing. Can I at least look at your ma?”

“No Reb is gonna touch my ma.”

“Chandler, I want Mama to get better.” Amelia burst into tears and wrapped her tiny arms around Daniel’s leg.

What a dilemma. One look at his sister, and the little boy also began to wail, and grabbed his other leg.

“Chandler, please.” Daniel patted the two children on their heads, as he appealed to the boy. “Let me say hello to your ma. I won’t touch her, or do anything to upset her.” The boy hesitated, so he added, “You can keep your gun pointed at me the whole time.”

Apparently those were the magic words because the boy lowered the gun and wiped his eyes once more. “All right. But I’ll be watchin’ you.”

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Daniel’s Desire
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Callie Hutton, the
USA Today
bestselling author of
The Elusive Wife
writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (
The Romance Reviews
). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. Her family also includes her daughter, son and daughter-in-law, and twin grandsons.

Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at [email protected] or find her online at
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Books by Callie Hutton

The Marriage Mart Mayhem Series

The Elusive Wife

The Duke’s Quandary

The Lady’s Disgrace

The Baron’s Betrayal

The Highlander’s Choice

The Highlander’s Accidental Marriage

Oklahoma Lovers series

A Run For Love
(Jesse & Tori)

A Prescription For Love
(Michael & Heidi)

A Chance To Love Again
(Rachel &Rusty)

A Wife by Christmas
(Ellie & Max)

Anyplace But Here
(Emily & Hunter)

Single Titles

Julia: Bride of New York
(American Mail-Order Brides)

An Angel in the Mail

Heirloom of the Heart

Caleb: The Surprise Brides

Daniel’s Desire

Miss Merry’s Christmas

Emma’s Journey

A Tumble Through Time

Choose Your Heart
(Honky Tonk Hearts series)

A Little Bit of Love (Three Short Stories)

Boxed sets

Wild Western Women

Wild Western Women Ride Again

Praise for books by Callie Hutton

A Wife By Christmas

“A
Wife by Christmas
is the reason why we read romance...the perfect story for any season.” --
The Romance Reviews Top Pick

The Elusive Wife

“I loved this book and you will too. Jason is a hottie & Oliva is the kind of woman we'd all want as a friend. Read it!” --
Cocktails and Books

“In my experience I’ve had a few hits but more misses with historical romance so I was really pleasantly surprised to be hooked from the start by obviously good writing.” --
Book Chick City

“The historic elements and sensory details of each scene make the story come to life, and certainly helps immerse the reader in the world that Olivia and Jason share.” --
The Romance Reviews

"You will not want to miss
The Elusive Wife
.” --
My Book Addiction

". . . it was a well written plot and the characters were likeable." --
Night Owl Reviews

A Run For Love

“An exciting, heart-warming Western love story!" --
NY Times Best Selling Author, Georgina Gentry

“I loved this book!!! I read the BEST historical romance last night...It's called
A Run For Love.: --NY Times Best Selling Author, Sharon Sala

“This is my first Callie Hutton story, but it certainly won't be my last.” --
The Romance Reviews

A Prescription For Love

"There was love, romance, angst, some darkness, laughter, hope and despair." --
RomCon

“I laughed out loud at some of the dialogue and situations. I think you will enjoy this story by Callie Hutton.” --
Night Owl Reviews

An Angel in the Mail

“…a warm fuzzy sensuous read. I didn’t put it down until I was done.” --
Sizzling Hot Reviews

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www.calliehutton.com
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