BLURB
Toleman, Wyoming 1880’s
Feisty, outspoken schoolmarm, Lorelei Webster, is determined to stop the neglect and abuse in Toleman. And if it means raising havoc such as the town has never known, and deterring any man's attraction to her, so be it. But when faced with the compelling task of righting the wrongs in the handsome new doctor’s life, she desires more than merely cleansing his soul.
Reserved and dedicated to medicine, Doctor Seth Taylor has resigned himself to be content with his practice and a peaceful, uncomplicated life. Nothing more. But when the irritating Miss Webster stirs up memories he's long tried to bury, his complacent world tilts off kilter. Forced to accept her help in saving a youngster’s life, Seth finds he must deal with his dark haunting past before he can ever hope for more…But can he?
Both of them must make some changes in their dreams, but it's ALL FOR LOVE...
EXCERPT
Toleman, Wyoming 1886
Thwack!
The well-aimed object impacted dead-center between Lorelei Webster’s shoulder blades. Knife-piercing pain stabbed deep as flames sizzled across her skin. Its bite didn't begin to match her humiliation, or the warning behind the insulting attack. Braking her foot on the first step up to the walkway, she fought to catch her breath. And inhaled the odor of tomato.
Whoops of male laughter pierced the stifling air, triggering tears to cloud her vision. Juice oozed through her cotton blouse and across her tingling skin as a chunk of pulp plopped to the ground with a muted thud. She prayed the steps would open up so she could sink below. Refusing further disgrace, she sniffled back the sudden weakness, raised her chin and squared her shoulders. Unmannered, ignorant bastards. All of them.
"Take that Miss Neb-nose,” Sam Ahearns bellowed from across the street. “That's what we think of your damn meddlin'." Raucous mirth rose from his cohorts.
"Yeah, maybe now y’all know to keep yer unwanted snoot out of affairs that don't involve ya," Andy Piedmont's voice thundered worse than she'd ever heard.
Oh my, I've riled them but good this time. One, two…she silently counted to ten, striving for any kind of dignity she could muster. Don’t let them see your fear. You’re right in doing what you believe in. You are! She hoped her wide-brimmed bonnet hid her distress.
Gathering courage, she held her back taut to brace against another assault and, hesitantly but determinedly, lifted her left foot to the next step. She focused on her original destination straight ahead, yet the bank seemed a mile away. If her rubbery knees did not fail her, maybe, just maybe, she could make it inside with a smidgeon of poise.
