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Chapter 72
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2023-09-29 12:59:18Related chapters
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 73
I’m engaged to Ian Hart.Sara repeated the line in her mind throughout the rest of the day. It seemed like a dream. In fact, it had been a dream for most of her life. Ian had chosen to be by her side every moment he’d been given a chance, and she would be sharing her life with a partner who cherished her above all others.Returning from the river with a fiancé and an engagement ring, Sara was on cloud nine.Ian held her hand and turned to her as they approached the house. “I think I’m gonna start pulling the old boards from the back deck. In a little while, I’ll run into town and grab some lumber for the repair and stop by my house for some clothes.”“I’ll help pull boards. I’m not ready to go back inside. The paint smell was a bit much.”Ian squeezed her hand. “Sounds great. I have an extra crowbar in the truck.”Sara sat on the bottom step of the deck and leaned back on her elbows. Tilting her head to the sky, she let the lukewarm rays of sunshine rest on her face.Ian was on the ph
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 74
Ian had thrown together a bag of clothes and necessities before they left his house, locking it up tight since he wasn’t sure when he’d be back.Mr. Garrison’s house only had one bathroom, but thankfully, Ian had quickly remodeled the parts needing attention first. The new flooring was crisp and clean, he’d replaced the shower head, and he’d even installed a new toilet.Sara showered first, while Ian put some of his things away in his new bedroom.When she was young, knowing Ian was close-by had instilled calmness in her. Now, she felt safe, but her emotions and senses were hyperaware of the handsome man in the next room.My fiancé, she thought. He’s my fiancé. He wants to marry me.It still seemed surreal. Sara hadn’t ever dated anyone seriously enough to matter. She’d gone on dates with a few boys in college, but there hadn’t been hope for a future. How could she have told them she’d be living her life looking over her shoulder? Who would be willing to marry her and start a family k
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 75
Sara woke to the sun streaming through her bedroom window the next morning. She stretched the aching muscles in her back and arms then listened. The house was quiet.The extra blanket wasn’t draped over her feet the way she normally slept. She sat up in the bed and remembered curling up on the couch the night before for Ian to read to her.He must have carried her to bed. She’d been so tired from pulling boards and painting the day before, she hadn’t woken. From the stillness of the house, he must still be asleep.Her phone rang on the nightstand beside her. No one called her except Trisha, especially this early.“Hello.” Sara wiped her eyes and lay back onto the pillow.“I thought you were going to call me when he left,” Trisha said in greeting.“I was. He didn’t leave.”Trisha huffed. “Excuse me? Please tell me you’re not saying what I think you’re saying.”“I’m not, but I have so much to tell you. It’s been a whirlwind.”A car door slammed on Trisha’s end of the line. “Please start
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 76
IanThe next few weeks passed in a blur of exhaustion. They were both eager to finish renovating the house and move on to the next chapter of their lives together. The sooner they tidied up Mr. Garrison’s old house, the sooner he’d be kissing his bride and riding off into the sunset with her.As excited as he was to be starting a lifelong relationship with Sara, the things they still had left to do weighed on them both. He needed to get his house on the market, and that might take a while. Not to mention, he still hadn’t told any of his friends or family about his plans to leave with Sara.A few of those conversations would be tough. His parents hadn’t ever tried to strap him down, and they would understand why he had to go once he told them about Sara. Leaving his nieces and nephews would be hard, and his other friends had kids too. He wouldn’t be here when Jake and Natalie’s baby was born.All those kids would grow up and forget him. He wouldn’t be a regular part of their lives the
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 77
Sara’s hand shook as she ended the call with Ian. How would he be able to get here to pick her up without leading someone to her?She pushed the pad of her thumb into the edge of her top teeth as she looked around. What did she need to bring? This wasn’t her first move, but she’d grown too attached to the small house that used to belong to her old friend.Not knowing when she’d get to come back, she started packing clothes she didn’t intend to wear anytime soon. Half an hour later, her phone rang, and she saw that it was Andrew.“Hey, I should’ve called you,” Sara said.“I’m sorry. I’ve been out sick, and I just heard the news. I’m not sure how word got out, but I think the best course of action is to get out of town.”She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. “I can’t leave without Ian.”“So take him with you.”“He’s being followed by reporters.”Andrew whispered a curse. “Can’t you leave without him? You have a car. He could meet you somewhere.”She could, but how well
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 78
Sara jumped from her seat at the kitchen table when she heard gravel crunching beneath tires. Hanging over the sink, she spotted a black Tahoe parking beside her car. It was Brian. She dumped the meager sandwich she’d been eating into the trash as she ran to the door.Brian was stepping out of the truck. The sun was setting, but there was still ample light spilling into the clearing around the house. What if it wasn’t Brian? He was much bigger than she remembered him being in high school, but she shoved the doubt to the side when she saw his face. She’d know that smile anywhere.He bounded to the door to meet her. “Hey, Lizzy!” His excitement was short-lived as he remembered her name change. “Sorry, old habits.” He turned to scan the area as he stepped to the door she held open for him.“Don’t worry about it. Get in here. Nobody followed you?”“Nope. I’ve got stealth like a cheetah.”Sara chuckled. “I’ve missed you. It’s good to see you haven’t changed.”“That’s me. Old reliable.” Bri
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 79
Ian Waiting for nightfall was torture. He’d packed the essentials and loaded them into his truck in the privacy of his garage, but he wanted to make sure no one was hanging around before leaving. He’d called Tyler and Sissy first, and that phone call had been tough. He was happy to leave them to the task of explaining his absence to the kids. They would be devastated. Lydia adored Ian, and he’d appreciated being able to be himself around her. It was easy to relax and forget about the tougher parts of life around an innocent toddler. The call had begun and ended with Sissy in tears, but there wasn’t much he could do to change things. He and Sara needed to leave now, and waiting for the cover of darkness was almost too long. Owen McCall had at least a day’s head start on them. Next had been Ian’s parents. His mom had shed some tears, but this wasn’t the first time he’d warned them he intended to be gone for an indefinite amount of time. Coming from a marine family, his mom was used
Last Updated : 2023-09-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 80
Sara listened to Brian playing the guitar as he neared the end of another song. With her head resting back on the couch and her eyes closed, she had almost calmed herself enough to forget about the threat she still faced. Brian stilled the strings. “Another?” “Sure. Keep playing as long as you want. I love your songs.” She’d picked up her Bible once tonight, but her mind was racing too fast to concentrate on the words. Instead, she found she could pray silently while Brian sang. In the quiet stretch of space before Brian began the next song, she heard footsteps. The faint rustle came from the front of the house. Raising her head and turning toward the door in the kitchen, she whispered, “Is that Ian?” Brian had stilled, and he was watching the door too. “I don’t think so,” he whispered back. “He’d be more deliberate.” Sara turned to Brian, hoping he could communicate with her quietly enough to form a quick plan. Brian raised a finger to his lips and rested the guitar on the floo
Last Updated : 2023-09-29
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 117
NOAH Camille glanced over both shoulders as if checking to make sure the coast was clear before extending both hands, palms up, toward Sprite. “Take your pick, pretty lady.” One hand offered an apple and the other a sugar cube. Noah wasn’t sure who liked treat time the most, his girlfriend or the horse. Dixie circled Camille’s legs, begging for attention. He’d just watched from the tailgate as Camille rode Sprite through the pasture by the stable. “Sugar. Always a good choice.” Camille waited for the blue roan to finish the treats before nuzzling noses with the big softie. It’d been a week since Noah was released from the hospital, and he was still getting used to needing help completing small tasks. The bandages were cumbersome and needed to be changed often. Not to mention small things like showering and putting on pants had become a chore. Camille spent every moment she could helping him. He didn’t mind it when she helped, but it was an unspoken truth that any “help” from his b
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 116
“There’s a lot you don’t know about Nathan, but none of it excuses what he did,” Bonnie said. Bonnie went with Camille to her house to change clothes and pack a bag of extras, in case Noah stayed at the hospital overnight. She planned on staying there until he came home. She’d called Anita and rounded up some things she needed too. Now, Camille and her mom were back on the road, and they had a lot to talk about. “Nathan was adopted when he was four years old,” Bonnie began. “He was neglected as a child, and he had a handful of health problems that had never been treated. By the time he was taken from his parents, he was malnourished, dehydrated, and had several broken bones and bruises.” Camille turned away from her mother. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever heard this story before, but her heart told her she hadn’t. “Your grandparents didn’t have any children, but they had been in touch with the local foster care system and were contacted when Nathan was still recovering. They adopted
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 115
Her foot rested heavy on the accelerator as she drove from Cody to Blackwater. Anger and betrayal built within her with every mile that passed beneath her tires. Twisting her hands on the steering wheel, she ached for a distraction. Something to calm the storm of her emotions. How could Nathan do something so horrible? She called Jenny and let the ringing in her car speakers drown out the roiling in her ears. “Hey. What’s up?” “Noah is in the hospital in Cody. A bear attacked him this morning.” “What?” Jenny screamed. “Is he okay?” Camille’s voice shook. “He is now. It looked so bad after it happened, though. It clawed his leg up good.” Rustling sounded on Jenny’s end of the line. “Do I need to come?” “No,” Camille assured her. “He’s doing okay. They stitched him up and he’s conscious now, but he lost a lot of blood. He’ll be in quite a bit of pain while it heals.” “I can’t imagine.” “They were cleaning up a dozen cows that were shot last night when the bear attacked.” Camill
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 114
She couldn’t lose him. Not again, and not like this. Camille raked her hands through Noah’s hair while his head lay in her lap. She was trying to be brave. It wouldn’t do either of them any good to break apart right now. Noah needed her to stay alert and strong for him. “I’m glad you’re here.” His words were faint, but she’d heard him. Whatever reason he had for breaking up with her didn’t matter now. A tear slid down her face as she prayed. “Lord, please lay Your hand on Noah. Help us get him to the help he needs in time. Help me to be strong. Help us.” Her words cracked at the end, and she squeezed her eyes closed. “Please, Lord. I don’t want to lose him.” Tears burned her eyes when she opened them. He was lying still—too still. She looked to Lucas. “I think he’s unconscious!” Lucas held the injured leg stationary. “Almost there.” She turned and stretched her neck to see the main house over the next rise. The red-and-white ambulance was parked in front. The paramedics carefu
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 113
NOAH Noah tried to hold his ground, but the bear was running toward him now. He lowered the phone from his ear and yelled, “Micah!” He took two steps backward on instinct. He wasn’t running, but he was pretty sure it was the better option right now. On the third step back, his heel snagged on a fallen branch. He fell backward, arms flailing, and his phone went soaring through the air. “Micah!” Noah couldn’t take his eyes off the advancing predator to see if his brother was coming to help, but he prayed he’d yelled loud enough to be heard over the running tractor. The bear slowed as it approached Noah lying on his back. The fall had knocked the wind out of him, but he wasn’t breathing anyway. The bear’s large paw lifted and swiped down faster than any animal that large should’ve been able to move. Noah cried out once more as the claws sliced across his thigh. “Micah!” A boom filled the air, followed by another, and the bear jerked backward and fell onto its side. Noah could hear
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 112
NOAHNoah drove through the gates at Blackwater Ranch in a daze. His shift at the fire station had started the morning after he’d gone to Camille’s, and it had been a long two days.His shifts were always tiring, but this time he hadn’t been able to sleep or eat like he should to keep his energy up. Losing Camille felt like a constant, nagging hunger. His insides were empty, but he couldn’t get filled.He’d been praying, but no answers had come. Was he supposed to fix this on his own or wait for the Lord to show him how to mend his broken heart?He topped the slight hill before the main house, and a sinking feeling hit him in the chest. There weren’t any trucks parked out front. It was breakfast time. Everyone should’ve been there.Noah hastily parked by the door and ran inside, forgetting to take off his shoes.“Mom. Dad,” Noah hollered into the empty dining room.His mom stepped out of the kitchen and wiped her hands on her apron. “They’re all out,” his mom said in a shaky voice.“W
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 111
NOAHNoah closed Camille’s door behind him, but it didn’t block out her sobs. He couldn’t move his feet to walk away from her just yet. What had he done? He’d made things worse with Nathan tonight, and then… this.Remembering the look on Camille’s face had his gut twisting. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He’d been given the chance to be happy again, and it had all been taken away too soon.Anger built in his chest as he sat on the small step on her front porch. There was a roaring in his ears, but he could still hear Camille’s wails behind him.He wanted to go back inside and hold her and tell her they would make it through anything together.But he couldn’t do that when it was probably a lie. How could he save his family and keep Camille in his life? It was too much to hope. He’d been allowed to enjoy the best times of his life with her, and the stretches of time in between were just filler.Sitting alone in the dark night outside her door, he hung his head and prayed.
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 110
Camille leaned closer to the screen of her laptop and squinted. “Those might work,” she mumbled to herself. The boots on her screen resembled the ones Noah and his brothers wore around the ranch, but finding the female equivalent had proven to be a challenge. Plus, ordering shoes online was always hit or miss. She ran the heart pendant of her necklace back and forth along the chain as she added the boots to the shopping cart.She’d wised up with the wide-brimmed cowboy hat already, and good boots were a must at this point if she planned to keep working with Noah around the ranch on her days off.A knock sounded at her door, and Camille jumped in her seat, bumping her knees on the desk. “Oww.” So much for assessing the stranger at her door before revealing she was at home.She pushed away from the desk and padded over to the door in her bare feet. Peering through the peephole, she saw Noah standing on her doorstep with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.Camille fumbled with t
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 109
NOAHCamille’s parents’ house was a log and brick monstrosity with wooden columns along the front side thicker than Noah had ever seen. Two stories of walls and windows stretched into a double-decker garage on one side. A twenty-foot-tall statue of angels and cherubs sat imposing in the grassy area along the circular drive.He’d put off coming here for long enough, but it was time to talk. If Nathan wasn’t home, he’d just sit in his truck and wait for him.Noah had always felt small when he came here. The size of the place dwarfed anything around it except the mountains. He knew from days past when he would visit Camille that there was a heated pool in the back along with a fire pit, an outdoor grilling area, and a guest house.The old truck door groaned and creaked as it closed behind him, and Noah threw his cowboy hat back into the cab through the open window. There wasn’t any sense in stirring the pot. His boots thudded loudly against the sturdy boards of the porch as he approached
