Mail Order Bride: A Bride for the Doctor (Bozeman Brides Book 4) by Emily Woods Page A

thank you very much. Now why don’t you go figure out your own life instead of controlling mine?”
    She spun on her heels and rounded the corner nearly running into his boss Eugene Coulter.
    “Daisy,” Eugene said, tipping his hat with a look of concern on his face.
    She paused only to dip her head in reply to his acknowledgement before running off down the dusty path back toward the church where several of the ladies stood around talking.
    “What was that all about?” Eugene asked.
    Jonathan shook his head, lifting his hat long enough to run a hand through his hair. He respected Eugene and saw him as his best friend, though there was the separation caused by the fact that Jonathan worked for Eugene on his ranch.
    “I caught her trying to let some sorry cowboy down but going about it all wrong. That girl,” he sighed, looking out to the mountains in the distance. “I just don't know.”
    “I’m sorry. That sounds like a tough situation.”
    “Can I ask you something?” Jonathan swallowed; surprised he’d said anything. He hadn’t planned on asking, but the thought had formed into words before he could stop himself.
    “Of course, you know you can.”
    “What do you want out of life?”
    “Oh,” Eugene looked surprise. “That’s a big question.”
    Jonathan forced a laugh. “It is. Never mind,” he said, stepping back.
    “No, it’s all right. I was just surprised. I mean, I’ve been thinking about it recently and that’s why it’s surprising you asked me.”
    “You have?”
    “Yeah, that’s why I came to find you actually.” Eugene scrunched up his shoulders. “I know this could have waited until tomorrow at the ranch, but I wanted to ask your advice as well. You…well, you’re like a brother to me Jonathan and I value your opinion.”
    Pleasure at his friend’s words coursed through him and he gave into a smile, waiting for his friend to explain.
    “I’ve been corresponding with a woman back east. I put out an advertisement for a mail order bride some months ago when I was feeling more alone on the ranch. It turns out that it may have been the best thing for me though.” Eugene smiled, his eyes dropping from Jonathan’s gaze. “I’m going to ask her to come here. I want to court her and spend time with her in person to see if…well, if she’s someone I could marry.”
    Jonathan was shocked at the news but he tried his best to hide his surprise. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations!”
    “I had hoped you’d say that,” Eugene admitted. “It’s all so new. But, in answer to your question, I guess I want to be a husband and start a family. That’s what I want out of life.”
    At his friend’s words Jonathan cringed inwardly. The way Eugene talked about marriage reminded Jonathan of a time he had once thought about getting married. It was in the past now, but the memories still carried barbs that dug into his heart.
    This wasn’t about him though, it was about his friend.
    “That’s great, I’m really happy for you—for you both.”
    Eugene slapped him on the back, pulling him in the direction of those milling about in front of the church. “Don’t worry about Daisy,” he said, “She’s a bright, beautiful girl and she’ll only stand for the best man to win her—despite what it may seem like.”
    Jonathan wanted to believe his friend, but part of him—likely the older brother part—couldn’t completely agree. She was young and still had a lot to learn about life.
    He swallowed his comments and allowed his friend to move them toward the group of men likely talking about farm life. He’d deal with Daisy’s foolishness later, but for now he’d go talk about what he knew: ranching and cattle.

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