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      “I think my wife knows me well enough to be assured of her own safety.”

      The sheriff cut an inquiring look at Faith. “You’re sure?”

      Faith nodded.

      The sheriff mounted his gelding and swung the horse in a half circle. “I won’t stand for any shenanigans, McDowell. Miss Faith is under my protection, so long as she’s living in this county.”

      Max shot him a glittering look from dark eyes that brooked no interference. “I think I heard my wife tell you I was not a harsh man, Sheriff. Isn’t that good enough for you?”

      “Max…” The warning was clear, Faith’s use of his name drawing his attention and obliging Max to nod agreeably.

      “Don’t worry about the lady,” Max said. “I’ve never hurt Faith before. And I’m certainly not about to change my ways.”

      Texas Gold

      Harlequin Historical #663

      Praise for Carolyn Davidson’s recent titles

      The Texan

      “…heart-touching characters and a vivid, mythic setting…”

      —Romantic Times

      A Convenient Wife

      “Carolyn Davidson creates an engaging, complex plot with a hero to die for.”

      —Romantic Times

      The Bachelor Tax

      “From desperate situation to upbeat ending, Carolyn Davidson reminds us why we read romance.”

      —Romantic Times

      The Tender Stranger

      “Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges, portraying the extraordinary possibilities that exist within ordinary marital love.”

      —Publishers Weekly

      #664 OF MEN AND ANGELS

      Victoria Bylin

      #665 BEAUCHAMP BESIEGED

      Elaine Knighton

      #666 THE BETRAYAL

      Ruth Langan

      Texas Gold

      Carolyn Davidson

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Available from Harlequin Historicals and

      CAROLYN DAVIDSON

      Gerrity’s Bride #298

      Loving Katherine #325

      The Forever Man #385

      Runaway #416

      The Wedding Promise #431

      The Tender Stranger #456

      The Midwife #475

      *The Bachelor Tax #496

      *Tanner Stakes His Claim #513

      *One Christmas Wish #531

      “Wish Upon a Star”

      Maggie’s Beau #543

      The Seduction of Shay Devereaux #556

      A Convenient Wife #585

      A Marriage by Chance #600

      The Texan #615

      Tempting a Texan #647

      Texas Gold #663

      This story was written during a time when I found, firsthand, just how fragile we are as human beings. Thankfully, my own private crisis was resolved and my life partner was restored to health. To those who shared those months with me, offering me their strength and hope when my own faltered, I dedicate this book. As did Faith and Max in my story, I found, through those long days, new depths in the relationship of our marriage.

      I would be amiss if I did not include Mr. Ed in these few words, so

      To the man whose love I cherish above all else, I offer my devotion…for all time.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Epilogue

      Chapter One

      Benning, Texas—1898

      Maxwell McDowell. As if the name on the note she held were written in flame, and the ensuing heat had burned her fingers, Faith dropped the crumpled bit of paper to the ground. A lump rose in her throat as she closed her eyes and viewed the promised wreckage of the life she’d managed to put together over the past three years.

      “I’d say it’s pretty safe to say you recognize the fella’s name.”

      Her lashes rose, and she was silent. Her visitor’s gaze was penetrating, his mouth set in a firm line, and for a moment, Faith was tempted to use his broad chest for a resting place.

      She shook her head, both at the notion that had possessed her, and in reply to the sheriff’s query. “Who did he say he was looking for?” she asked, aware that her voice trembled.

      Brace Caulfield touched her arm, and she sensed the respect he offered in the gesture. “Can I do anything, Miss Faith? I don’t want anybody coming around here, trying to upset you or give you a hassle.” And then he sighed as she shot him a look that demanded an answer.

      “He said he was huntin’ for a woman called Faith McDowell. His wife, if my suspicions run true to form. I told him there wasn’t anybody hereabouts by that name, but if he’d write it out for me,

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