Karen Witemeyer Quote
Your only other option is to marry one of us. He paused. Me. Travis suddenly felt the need to clear his throat. This alternative would repair your reputation, give you a place to live, and provide the protection of four able-bodied men. Unless you have something else to suggest . . . ? Actually, there is something else. Her quiet statement startled him. There is? He glanced over at Crockett. His brother shrugged. Meredith slowly lowered herself into the straight-back chair, the fight draining from her. I could leave Anderson County. I could go farther west to where the railroad is opening new towns, or head to a larger city where no one knows me. Her chin jutted upward. I could find work. Make a clean start. Leave Anderson County? Travis frowned. He hadn’t considered that option. Didn’t really want to, either. It was reckless. Dangerous. And for some odd reason . . . disappointing. Besides, he’d already settled his mind on this marrying business. No sense muddying the waters. You’re a good man, Travis. An honorable man. Meredith plucked at her sleeve. You drew the short straw, and you’re willing to stand before a preacher because you feel responsible for me. But you’re not. I made the decision to come here, and I’ll deal with the consequences. You deserve to have a wife of your own choosing, not one forced on you through circumstances outside your control. It’s not like that, Meredith. It’s . . . Travis sighed and rubbed his jaw. Why did she say nothing about what she deserved? He didn’t know much about the workings of the female mind, but he knew one thing—she deserved a choice. I’m not going to force you, Meredith. If you believe leaving is the best option, I’ll not stop you. But if you think you might be able to make a home for yourself here, with a bunch of unrefined men, we’d like you to stay. I’d like you to stay. Stretching his hand across the space that separated them, he caressed her cheek with his knuckles, then let his arm fall away. You’re a fine woman, Meredith Hayes. You’re strong and brave and kind. And should you decide to take a chance on me, I’d be honored to make you my bride.
Your only other option is to marry one of us. He paused. Me. Travis suddenly felt the need to clear his throat. This alternative would repair your reputation, give you a place to live, and provide the protection of four able-bodied men. Unless you have something else to suggest . . . ? Actually, there is something else. Her quiet statement startled him. There is? He glanced over at Crockett. His brother shrugged. Meredith slowly lowered herself into the straight-back chair, the fight draining from her. I could leave Anderson County. I could go farther west to where the railroad is opening new towns, or head to a larger city where no one knows me. Her chin jutted upward. I could find work. Make a clean start. Leave Anderson County? Travis frowned. He hadn’t considered that option. Didn’t really want to, either. It was reckless. Dangerous. And for some odd reason . . . disappointing. Besides, he’d already settled his mind on this marrying business. No sense muddying the waters. You’re a good man, Travis. An honorable man. Meredith plucked at her sleeve. You drew the short straw, and you’re willing to stand before a preacher because you feel responsible for me. But you’re not. I made the decision to come here, and I’ll deal with the consequences. You deserve to have a wife of your own choosing, not one forced on you through circumstances outside your control. It’s not like that, Meredith. It’s . . . Travis sighed and rubbed his jaw. Why did she say nothing about what she deserved? He didn’t know much about the workings of the female mind, but he knew one thing—she deserved a choice. I’m not going to force you, Meredith. If you believe leaving is the best option, I’ll not stop you. But if you think you might be able to make a home for yourself here, with a bunch of unrefined men, we’d like you to stay. I’d like you to stay. Stretching his hand across the space that separated them, he caressed her cheek with his knuckles, then let his arm fall away. You’re a fine woman, Meredith Hayes. You’re strong and brave and kind. And should you decide to take a chance on me, I’d be honored to make you my bride.