The Barefoot Bride Read online

  A second later, Patch opened the door. Nes-sie was with her, and so was Whit. “What's wrong, Pa?” she asked anxiously.

  He pointed to the raccoon curled up on the foot of the bed. “Get that animal out of here before I shoot it.”

  “I wondered where he'd gotten to.”

  She scooped the animal up in her arms. “Anything else, Pa?”

  “No, just go to bed, all of you. And go to sleepl”

  When the door closed behind the children, Seth turned to Molly. He smiled crookedly. “I guess I lost my temper.”

  She walked into his arms and hugged him. “I can understand why,” she said. She kissed him on the chin, the cheeks, the eyes, and finally the lips.

  The kiss grew, and maybe because they'd been interrupted so many times, they let their mouths say everything they were feeling. Seth took Molly's lower lip between his teeth and nibbled it, then sucked it into his mouth. His tongue teased the sensitive underside of her upper lip. Their mouths touched tentatively, as passion built slowly but surely.

  “Dare we try this again?” Seth asked. He could feel Molly's smile against his lips when she answered, “Sure. Why not?”

  Seth didn't waste time taking off his jeans, simply lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the bed. He laid her down, then blew out the lantern and joined her. He slipped a hand up under her robe—

  And there was a knock at the door.

  “Don't answer it,” Seth hissed.

  “We have to,” Molly whispered back, straightening her robe. “The children—”

  Seth levered himself off the bed and lit the lantern. Then he stalked over to the door and yanked it open. “What is it?” he demanded.

  Nessie stood there, her thumb in her mouth. “I can't sleep.”

  Seth sighed. “Would it help if you lie down with us for a little while?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Seth picked her up, shut the door, and carried her over to the bed. He set her down and went back over to stand beside the door. A second later there was another knock. When he opened the door, Whit and Patch stood there.

  “Where's Nessie?” they asked.

  Seth pointed to the bed. “Would you like to join us?”

  Patch and Whit jumped into the bed beside Nessie and scooched down under the covers.

  Seth didn't try to get next to Molly, just took the space that was left on the opposite side of the bed. He sat there and met Molly's eyes over the top of the children's heads. “You realize,” he said, “that this sort of thing could severely limit the size of our family.”

  Molly grinned. “For the next eight months that isn't a problem.”

  Seth groaned. “Good night, Molly.”

  “Good night, Seth.” Molly blew out the lantern and scooted down under the covers.

  Then three sets of loving hands gently tucked their parents into bed.

  LETTER TO READERS

  Dear Readers,

  First, thanks so much for your support of my previous Dell book, Sweetwater Seduction. Your response to Eden and Burke was wonderful, and I especially loved hearing from those of you who wrote me personal letters.

  The Barefoot Bride meant a lot to me as I wrote it, because as single parent I find myself searching for that special man who can also have a special relationship with my ten-year-old son and teenage daughter. In The Barefoot Bride, Molly and Seth marry because of their children—and find true love in spite of them.

  I always appreciate hearing your opinions and find inspiration from your comments, questions, and suggestions. Please write to me at P.O. Box 8531, Pembroke Pines FL 33084 and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope so I can respond. I personally read and answer all my mail, although a reply might sometimes be delayed if I have a writing deadline.

  Take care and keep reading!

  Happy trails,

  Joan Johnston

  January 1992

  Joan Johnston is the bestselling, award-winning author of fourteen historical romances and nineteen contemporary romance novels. She received a master of arts degree in theater from the University of Illinois and was graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin. She is currently a full-time writer who lives in South Florida.

  Published by

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  that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and

  destroyed” to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher

  has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  Copyright © 1992 by Joan Mertens Johnston

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  eISBN: 978-0-307-48195-5

  January 1992

  v3.0