Excerpt from the Book

Eli raised his mug to his lips and asked, “Why don’t you say yes to someone else? Not that man, but another.”

“What do you mean?” Hannah asked, puzzled. “Yes to what?”

Eli set his mug down. “Yes to getting married.” His tone and expression were curious, yet Hannah almost felt a hint of reproach. Was he upset at his assignment, but too proud to say no?

“I shouldn’t have to,” she said with a frown. “I might be a woman without much of her own, but one thing I do have is my pride. It’s my right to say who I will or won’t marry.”

“I wasn’t trying to upset you,” Eli said quickly. “I was just curious. I’ve not met the man yet, but I have known many women who have married for convenience. Many times, it even works out. You don’t think that would be the case here? There’s got to be someone who would marry a woman as beautiful as you.”

“I know it won’t be,” Hannah said. Her voice was tight, and she forced herself to ignore his compliment. “Call me foolish, I don’t care, but I’d hoped…” She stopped. They’d just met. He didn’t need to know all the thoughts in her head. He wouldn’t care. Men like him only came to do the job, get paid, and look for the next one.

But when she finally looked up, he was watching, waiting. There was a look in his eyes that wasn’t judgmental. It wasn’t filled with amusement. There was…concern? Whatever it was made her continue talking before she’d even realized it.

“I’d hoped for love. You see, Jim, my husband, was a marriage of convenience.”

Eli leaned back then, arms crossed, and shook his head. “I find it hard to believe that a woman like you had to have a marriage of convenience.”

Before she could ask him what he meant, Gus walked in. “Didn’t see nothing,” he said. He poured more cider and sat.

“It’s late,” Eli said. “Gus, we are taking watches. Can you take the first one? Two hours on, two hours off until daylight?”

Gus straightened his shoulders. “Sure can. Nothing’s going to get through me if I can help it.” He gestured outside. “I’ll start walking around. Do some circles around the house. I might be old, but my hearing’s right sharp still.”

“Thank you,” Hannah said softly. “If you need anything, please come and get it.”

The door closed behind him as he left, and Eli rose to follow. “We’ll talk more tomorrow,” he said. At her nod, he moved to the door, then stopped, one hand resting on it. “Hannah?” he asked.

Her eyes met his. “Yes?”

“I didn’t answer your question earlier. About if I could protect you.” His eyes seemed to pierce her. It caused her to suck in a sharp breath. She wasn’t sure why. Was he about to tell her he couldn’t? What on earth would she do then?

A long moment passed, then Eli continued, his face made of stone, “No one’s going to lay a finger on you while I’m here. I promise you that.”

Want to know more about the book?

Urgently needed, a gunslinger to protect a woman, her daughter, and her unborn babe. Newly widowed and with a baby on the way, Hannah Carson faces a chilling ultimatum—marry her evil brother-in-law or be forced off her land. As the town of Red Ridge is swayed against her, loyal but aging ranch hand, Gus, sends away for a gunslinger—the only man who might be able to protect them. Eli Jones takes the job, expecting a simple payday. But the situation is more complicated than he expected, and his presence brings additional risks to Hannah and to himself. In his line of work, falling for a woman is dangerous—and right now, he’s head over heels. It’s not a spot he expected or wanted to be in. As danger and desire surround them, can Eli keep his mind focused on the task at hand? Or will their attraction end in tragedy?

Get your copy here!

About the Author

Sarah writes captivating characters and clean romance that’s anything BUT boring! From heartbreaking moments to heartwarming tales, get swept away in either historical or small town romance that pulls you in until the last page. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she’s married to her Texan husband, you’ll find Sarah creating her next book, homeschooling her two boys, or volunteering in her community.  

Scavenger Hunt Word: back

Find the other stops here!

Giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

https://www.celebratelit.com/2026-back-to-school-scavenger-hunt/