Lawfully Promised: The Lawkeepers Historical Romance Series, #3

By Elle E. Kay

Strange bargain. Uncertain future.

 

Ella Jamison's father is a horse thief and an abusive man, but he's still her father. Texas Ranger, Isaiah Hayes, is a stranger and Ella's new husband.

That was the deal: her father's freedom for Ella's hand in marriage.

If strange beginnings and long absences weren't enough opposition to overcome, they also have real enemies with violent tendencies. Can Ella trust her new husband with her heart and her life or will fear destroy her first?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing
• Release date: Dec 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999485682

Book preview

Books by Elle E. Kay

Faith Writes Publishing

Endless Mountain Series

Shadowing Stella

Implicating Claudia

Chasing Sofie

The Lawkeepers Contemporary Romance Series

Lawfully Held

A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Defended

A SWAT Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Guarded

A Billionaire Bodyguard Lawkeeper Romance

The Lawkeepers Historical Romance Series

Lawfully Taken

A Bounty Hunter Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Given

A Christmas Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Promised

A Texas Ranger Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Vindicated

A US Marshal Lawkeeper Romance

Blushing Brides Series

The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride

The Bodyguard’s Fake Bride

Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series

Healing the Hero

A Christian Army Ranger Christmas Romance

Standalone Novella

Holly’s Noel

This book is dedicated to my husband.

He keeps life interesting.

Introduction to The Lawkeepers Series

There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath. 

Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell. 

The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant. 

Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly.  But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service? 

We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our superheroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love. 

The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day superheroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody. 

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The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling, and more as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series. You can read these books in any order.

Chapter One

The ranch house was decorated with fir tree boughs tied with red ribbon. Rosa had been in the kitchen most of the day and the smell of cinnamon filled the air. Candles were displayed in the front windows but wouldn’t be lit until sunset. The fire in the hearth added to the ambiance and made him feel at home. There was nothing quite like spending Christmas with family.

Isaiah sat by the fire listening to a story his brother, Nate, recounted about how he’d stepped in as interim sheriff of Cimarron. It was a great story, but the account was interrupted when the ranch manager let himself in and made a beeline straight for him. He frowned as he scanned the telegram. It seemed his Christmas vacation would be short-lived this year.

Thomas Hayes placed a hand on his shoulder. What’s wrong, son?

It’s work. I’ve been summoned to investigate three hangings in McDade. Isaiah sighed. I need to go there.

Now? His father raised an eyebrow. On Christmas day?

The townsfolk in McDade are known for vigilante justice.

He hurried to his room and packed his meager belongings.

His brother met him as he stepped into the hall. In a hurry?

Unfortunately, yes.

I’ll ride with you to the Santa Fe station. Nate leaned against the door frame.

It’s your first Christmas with your wife. Stay. Send word when the baby comes, and I’ll come back for a visit.

I will. Nate hugged him. Be safe, little brother.

I’m glad you could come home for Christmas. His father slapped him on the back. Come back soon.

I will.

A black and white image of a crowd of people Description automatically generated with medium confidence

THE RIDE TO SANTA FE was uneventful. A few days after leaving Cimarron, Isaiah stepped off the train onto the platform in Giddings, Texas. Looking around he took in the familiar town’s sights and sounds. It was a lively little town with carriages and horses hurrying up and down the main strip. Isaiah stopped by the livery to pick up his Mustang, Charley. He then headed over to see the sheriff.

The door of the Lee County Sheriff’s office swung open and Jim Brown grinned. Glad to see your ugly mug, Isaiah. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.

I’d hoped to stay in the territories longer, but a telegram came.

I reckon you heard the news then?

Sounds like there was a gruesome event on Christmas Eve.

And another one on Christmas day.

I hadn’t heard that part yet. Isaiah scratched his head. You’ll have to fill me in.

Gladly.

How is Deputy Heffington’s widow holding up?

She’s about as well as can be expected. Grief is a terrible thing.

Tell me more about the hangings and whatever happened on Christmas.

Let’s grab some food at the saloon. There’s quite a bit to tell. McDade is the place to avoid these days.

They headed to the saloon on foot, but a horse’s whinny got Isaiah’s attention and he turned on his heel to see what caused the commotion just in time to see a scruffy man mounting his horse. Isaiah raced toward him, but before he could reach the horse thief, he’d taken off at a gallop, weaving his way around the people in the street.

When Sheriff Brown caught up, Isaiah was still bent at the waist with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. Jim, I’m going to need to borrow your horse.

A black and white image of a crowd of people Description automatically generated with medium confidence

ISAIAH FOLLOWED THE trail the horse thief had taken. The man hadn't bothered to cover his tracks but had instead ridden straight home. The thief’s tiny log cabin was in desperate need of repair. There were gaping holes between the logs, several windows were broken, and the piece of ground surrounding it was littered with junk.

Charley hadn’t been hitched up or stabled. When Isaiah neared his horse, he dismounted the borrowed Morgan, and approached Charley on foot. He greeted his old friend and considered the strange theft.

It was obvious the man hadn’t intended to bring the horse back after he accomplished whatever task he'd run home for. If he’d planned on returning the gelding, he would've tied him to make sure he couldn't run off, or at least that was what most people would’ve done. He puzzled over the actions of the other man, intent on sorting out the possibilities before approaching the house. The man probably hoped the beast would head for the hills, so the theft couldn’t be traced to him. He wouldn’t have known that Charley was a rare Mustang, too loyal to run off.

A woman’s piercing scream halted his self-debate. He ran toward the front door which hung loosely from its hinges and pushed it out of his way. The thief was swaying to and fro while hollering at a