The Marshal's Promise. Rhonda Gibson

      A bride without a groom

      Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams—but they’re shattered when she discovers her intended husband has been killed. If it weren’t for U.S. marshal Seth Billings’s housekeeping job offer, she’d have nowhere to go. Rebecca loves tending to Seth’s home, but the strong and silent lawman is harder to figure out. What secret is he hiding?

      Caring for Jesse Cole’s would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren’t for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca—and to keep her safe from Jesse’s enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well....

      Seth felt closer to Rebecca than he’d ever felt to another woman.

      But he knew that he wouldn’t put any woman through the dangers and loss of being married to a lawman. It had cost Clare her life, and that was before they’d even wed. Looking into Rebecca’s eyes, Seth knew her love would be true and strong.

      “You are turning out to be a good friend, Seth,” Rebecca said.

      Her gentle smile created a longing in him to take back her hand and never let it go. He told himself that this was a simple reaction from learning that Rebecca had suffered losses much like him.

      He hated the thought that his actions had caused her even more loss. Jesse Cole would have been a good husband to her.

      Once Rebecca learned the truth of the circumstances of Jesse’s death, would she still want to be friends with him?

      RHONDA GIBSON

      lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and two beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life, and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.com, where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

      The Marshal’s Promise

      Rhonda Gibson