An Unexpected Love: Finding Love, #15

By Dianne Reed Burns

Wanting to put her nursing degree to better use, Marleigh joins an organization to provide medical services to small villages in Africa. Excited for the new adventure, she's unaware as to what awaits her on her first solo trip for supplies — armed men seeking revenge.

 

Thinking fast, Lance Reynolds, a copper mine owner, pulls the pretty woman into a hiding area to save her from the gunmen. Knowing who is behind it, he tells Marleigh they must present to be married in order to save their lives. However, a pretend marriage turns very real when the gang leader demands they have another ceremony to satisfy his curiosity.

 

Marleigh and Lance spend a lot of time together in the evenings, visiting and getting to know each other, to help make their marriage appear to be real. Both of them have growing feelings for one another, when an illness spreads among the villages. Unable to get the outbreak under control, the medical team fears the villages are lost, until Marleigh, quite accidentally, stumbles over what might be the answer.

 

In order to protect her, Lance is determined to send Marleigh away, regardless of their growing feelings for each other. Will they be strong enough to find their way back to each other? Or will the harsh African life separate them forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dianne Reed Burns
• Release date: Mar 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215625859

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The pretty blonde haired woman walked down the dusty street in front of the town’s shops. Her loose, wrinkled nurse’s scrubs were sticking to her sweaty skin in the oppressive summer heat. She ran a hand around her long hair and lifted it off her neck, pulling it over her left shoulder. With her other hand, she ran her palm over the back of her neck to remove some of the moisture.

I guess I should have put my hair up, she said, talking to herself. "And where is that pharmacy they told me was here? I’m not seeing it."

She continued to walk in front of the small stores on the hard-packed, dry ground, looking in windows and trying to find her destination. An old car drove by, kicked up dirt, and fogged her. She began to cough, breathing in the fine dust. She couldn’t catch her breath and was embarrassed by the coughing fit, knowing she was drawing attention to herself from the handful of locals close by.

She stumbled as she tried to catch her breath and ran head long into the most gorgeous, muscled, green-eyed man she’d ever seen in her life. Dressed in tight jeans, work boots, and a short-sleeved khaki shirt, he made her heart flutter. She gasped at the sight of him as her eyes watered and she finally began to catch her breath.

The man grabbed her upper arms and held her steady. He looked at her with concern in his eyes. Hey, are you okay? he asked, watching her closely.

Surprise lit her face. She coughed hard a couple of more times and finally got her voice back. Yes, I…think so. A car went by…and the dust…choked me. I couldn’t…catch my breath.

But you’re okay now?

I’m getting…there. She looked at him oddly.

What’s the matter? he asked, frowning.

Are you…American? she asked, clearing her throat once more.

He laughed softly before answering. I am. You are, too, he stated.

Yes.

The man suddenly turned to look behind him. He heard the truck bearing down on the town center of Etwana, Zambia in Central Africa before he saw it. He grabbed the woman by the arm as the truck rounded the corner at a high rate of speed. They saw men with guns, standing in the open back, hanging over the railing.

The woman gasped at the sight, as he shoved her through a single door between two shops. He pushed her to the floor as he followed her down. The stranger wrapped an arm around her and clamped his hand over her mouth as gunfire began to ring outside. Two bullets zinged through the old, dry wood door and lodged themselves in the plaster wall by the crumbling staircase. The woman jerked and then cringed in his hold.

Don’t scream, he whispered close to her ear. Understand? Do. Not. Scream.

She nodded her head in understanding as terror showed in her bright blue eyes.

My name is Lance Reynolds. Got it?

She nodded again.

We’re married, he stated.

She shook her head no, emphatically.

"Yes, we are. If you want me to save you from a fate worse than death, we’re married. Alright?" he asked in a gruff voice.

She slowly nodded, breathing hard through her nose.

I own two copper mines, with my brother, not far from here. Got it?

She nodded.

We’ve been married three months. You just came over to be with me. You’ve been staying with my brother and his family in Arizona.

She nodded again, starting to breathe easier.

I’m going to uncover your mouth. You are not going to scream. You’re going to tell me your name.

She nodded, relaxing a bit more.

Lance Reynolds uncovered her mouth, and she didn’t make a sound. They both looked towards the door as more gunfire rang out close by. She ducked and covered her head with her hands as if that would stop a bullet.

What is your name? he whispered.

Marleigh. Marleigh Henderson.

What is it now? he questioned.

She glanced up at him awkwardly. Oh, Marleigh Reynolds.

Good girl. We’re going to stay right here until things calm down, just in case.

In case of what? she whispered.

In case the gunfire hasn’t stopped. In case we could be a target. We were seen, he admitted.

By who?

The men with the guns.

Oh.

There were a few seconds of quiet inside the hallway and out.

Who are they? she whispered.

They’re not the good guys. They’re the ones that take things into their own hands. They want what they want and usually get it.

Will they kill us?

I’m trying to prevent that. Or worse.

What could be worse? she whispered, terrified.

Marleigh…you’re a woman. A very beautiful woman. They…like…women, he stated, nodding his head and lifting his eyebrows to emphasize his words.

In other words, death would be better.

In some cases, yes.

She nodded and gulped, swallowing hard.

Why are you here? he asked, his brow furrowing.

I came to get some medicine and supplies at the pharmacy.

For who? His frown deepened.

"Giving Hands Mission. I’m a nurse and a physician’s assistant."

Max? he asked, surprised.

You know Dr. Max? she questioned.

Very well, he told her.

I see, she said, surprised by his words.

Why didn’t Robert or Troy come? he asked, talking about the two male physician’s assistants at the mission. Or better yet, why didn’t Max contact me?

That, I don’t know. I came to town because they all got sick and still aren’t feeling well. Ironic, huh? she asked.

What’s wrong with them? he questioned, concerned.

Jan’s mother sent a box of cookies to her from the states. She shared them with everyone. Come to find out they were made with mayonnaise so they think they got food poisoning from them. Anyway, that’s what I was told, she added.

That’s rough. Especially coming from a mom. Since you don’t seem to be sick, I guess you didn’t eat any.

I just arrived three days ago at the airport in Johannesburg, so I wasn’t here when they ate the cookies. I guess that saved me from being sick.

I guess it did. Lucky you, he said.

I haven’t heard any shooting recently. Do you think they’re gone?

No. They’re still out there. Waiting.

On who?

Us.

She turned in his arms and looked at him questioningly.

Do you remember everything I told you?

Yes. She nodded her head.

Are you ready? he asked.

For what?

"To get out of this closet."

Do you think it’s safe? she asked.

Probably not, but we have to resurface sometime. He looked into her eyes. Can you stand up?

I think so. She moved forward on her hands and knees and pushed herself up on the rotting bottom step of the staircase. Lance followed her up and grabbed her waist as she steadied herself.

Got it? he asked.

Yeah, thanks.

Marleigh stood behind him as Lance cautiously opened the door to the oppressive heat and blazing sun. Both of them had to let their eyes adjust to the brightness before they spotted the African man in olive green fatigues. He was leaning against the store front, next to the door, holding an automatic weapon across his chest in his folded arms.

You finally come out, the African man stated, his English rough.

Adofo, what in the hell do you mean coming into town and shooting things up? You scare these people to death. You destroy their property. They have enough problems as it is, Lance said, angry.

The man called Adofo, pointed to a dead man on the street and another one up next to a store front about a half a block from where they stood. Marleigh gasped and jumped upon seeing the bloody bodies. She turned into Lance’s arms and buried her face in his chest. He looked back at Adofo with a hard look on his face as he wrapped her protectively in his embrace.

Why, Adofo? Why did you and your men kill them?

They were gun runners, dope dealers, bushmeat exporters. The man shrugged his shoulders as if that was explanation enough, before moving away from the wall he’d been leaning against.

But that’s what you do. You and your men, Lance reminded him harshly.

Yes. They infringed on my business and my profits. They had to go, Adofo said in a casual voice, shrugging one shoulder.

I see. It’s greed, Lance accused.

Call it what you wish, Lance Reynolds. I leave you alone. You leave me alone. We have an understanding, unless you wish to…break it.

No. We understand each other.

Good. Now, who is this pretty? Adofo asked, gesturing towards Marleigh.

Lance loosened his hold on her so she could turn to look at the man.

This is my wife, Lance Reynolds stated firmly.

"She is your wife? Adofo guffawed loudly. I do not believe you."

Believe it. She’s mine and will not be touched. Got it? Lance threatened.

You are a big talker, Lance Reynolds, with a pretty woman in your arms and no gun on your hip.

I thought we had an understanding, Lance stated. It wasn’t a question.

What is your name, woman with the golden hair? Adofo asked.

She looked up at Lance for direction. He nodded for her to answer.

My name is Marleigh. Marleigh H…Reynolds, she stuttered.

Why do you stutter your name? You start to say something else. What was it? the man demanded.

My maiden name was Henderson. Before I married Lance, she told him.

How long? he demanded.

How long what? she asked, confused.

How long have you been the wife of Lance Reynolds?

Three months. I just came over from the United States.

And where have you been without your man?

With Lance’s brother and his family. In Arizona.

Garth Reynolds? Adofo asked. You stay with Garth?

Marleigh didn’t know Lance’s brother’s name, but she felt a reassuring squeeze from him on her upper arm. Yes, with Garth.

I see. Do you know what this man you say you are married to does to make his money? Adofo questioned, eyeing her closely.

He owns two copper mines, she said, confidently. With his brother.

I see you schooled her well in the few minutes you were behind that door. Where are his mines? Adofo smirked at the two of them.

They aren’t far from here, was all she said.

I do not believe you, Adofo said gruffly.

You don’t believe what? Lance asked.

I do not believe she is your wife. Show me the American license proving this fact, the man demanded.

I can’t, Lance said. It’s with our things at Garth’s. We don’t have it here.

How did this so called marriage take place? Adofo demanded.

What do you mean? Lance Reynolds asked.

Where and when did it take place? Adofo demanded gruffly.

Like my wife said. It was three months ago. During my last trip to the states when I met our lawyers in New York.

"I see. How convenient. Well, since you cannot produce a paper to show you are married, you will not mind proving it to me and marry again. Otherwise, I take…Marleigh…with me."

What? Lance? she asked, panicked.

Shhh, he told her. To Adofo he said, Fine. That’s not a problem.

Marleigh looked stricken.

Who will you have do this? Adofo asked, baiting Lance.

"Marleigh is working with the Giving Hands Mission. That’s why she couldn’t come back with me three months ago. She’s a nurse. She had to finish a job she was on and then wait on her paperwork to come here. I believe Dr. Max, the head of the mission group, is an ordained minister from the state of Georgia. Isn’t that right, Marleigh?" Lance addressed her.

He is. Dr. Max is a minister and a doctor, she declared, in a choked voice.

Good! We go there now, because you will not make a fool of me, Lance Reynolds.

That was never my intention.

They started to move down the dirt walkway.

Wait, Marleigh said, stopping their progression. I need medicine and supplies. I have to take them back with me.

Later, Adofo said in a harsh, commanding voice. This will be done first.

Follow us in my jeep? Lance asked.

But of course. Lead the way, Lance Reynolds, Adofo stated, condescendingly.

CHAPTER 2

Once Lance and Marleigh were settled into his open jeep, he took off towards the mission camp with Adofo following closely in an old rusted truck being driven by one of his rebel soldiers. Marleigh looked back to see him following as she held on tightly to the roll bar.

What about the mission’s truck? she asked in a raised voice to be heard over the whipping wind. I left it parked between two buildings on a side street.

We’ll get it back to Max, later.

You really do know Dr. Max? she asked.

Very well. My company has helped him out several times. He turned to look at her.

Oh! she said loud enough to make herself heard.

They bumped along the hard, rough road once they were out of the small town.

What are we going to do, Mr. Reynolds? she asked.

First of all, you better call me Lance. Especially in front of Adofo, he told her.

Sorry. What are we going to do, Lance? she restated her question, practicing.

About what? he questioned.

About getting married! I can’t marry you! she exclaimed.

Oh, hell, are you already married? he asked, with a stricken look on his face. I didn’t even think about that!

No, I’m not married, but I don’t know you! she defended.

All you need to know right now is that I’m trying to keep you from suffering a fate worse than death, and I’m trying to keep my head attached to my shoulders, he stated, while controlling the jeep on the uncared for dirt road.

What? she gasped.

You heard me, Marleigh. Don’t you get it, yet?

He’d kill you? For what?

If Adofo finds out we’ve lied to him, you’ll become a whore to him and his men, and I’ll be beheaded.

He wouldn’t do that! There are laws! she wailed.

He has, he would, and he will. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, Lance said, harshly. These men make their own laws.

What have I gotten myself into? Tears welled up in her eyes.

Don’t cry. Just stick with me and follow my lead. We’ll get through this, I promise. Lance looked at her for a second and smiled. She nodded her head.

Trust me? he asked.

I guess I have to, she agreed.

After many minutes of rough road and fast driving with Adofo and his men hot on their tail, Lance and Marleigh arrived at the mission camp of the Giving Hands Mission not far from the main office of Lance and Garth’s copper mines.

Lance and Marleigh hurried out of the jeep to meet Dr. Max who had just stepped out the door of the clinic building.

Max, Lance greeted, rushing up to him.

Lance! How are you? Max asked.

Just peachy, he answered sarcastically.

Lance pushed his hand out to the other man for a handshake. Max took his hand and smiled as Lance tugged him in close to him.

I didn’t know you knew Marleigh, Dr. Max said surprised.

Go along, Max, he whispered to the doctor. We’re married. Have been for three months, but you must marry us again, now, he demanded. Marleigh’s been staying with Garth.

What?!

Adofo, he said gruffly, as the other man began his walk towards them from the truck he’d just arrived in. Fill you in later.

Got it, Max agreed, knowing how dangerous a man Adofo could be.

The two men separated and Max walked up to Adofo and greeted him with a handshake. Adofo, Max said, after dropping his hand and backing away from him. It’s good to see you. How can I help you today?

First, are these two married? Adofo asked, pointing at Lance and then at Marleigh.

Why, yes, they are. About three months ago as I recall. It happened on Lance’s last trip to the states, the doctor said, as he remembered Lance going home about that long ago. Marleigh just came here in the last couple of days. She’s going to help us out here at the clinic. She’s a very fine nurse and physician’s assistant. Lance has missed her, he stated.

I see. You are all in this together, the leader stated.

Whatever do you mean? Max asked.

I mean I will not be made a fool of.

How’s that, Adofo? Max asked, looking confused.

They will be married, again. By you. I want to see your license to do this. If I see it, then I will believe it…for now, he said, evil oozing from his voice.

But they are already married. Why should they marry again for you? the doctor asked.

Because I do not believe they are. He wants to keep her from me, so he will marry her…again, he said, his voice menacing.

Okay, yes, I can do that. I’ve been under the weather and haven’t been feeling very well. Maybe we can do this in a day or two? Max suggested.

"You will do it now, Adofo thundered, or I take this golden haired woman with me!"

Of course, Max said, turning towards the medical building.

Where are you going? Adofo questioned, none to kindly.

To get my Bible. My license is in it, Max stated, turning to look at all three of the people involved in this situation.

Of course, Adofo ground out. Proceed, but hurry.

Max quickly went into the building and came out with an old, worn Bible in his hands. He looked at Lance and Marleigh. There was gratefulness in Lance’s eyes and fear in Marleigh’s. Lance was holding her close to his side, tight enough to keep her upright, because if he let her go, she looked like her knees would buckle and she’d fall to the ground.

Max opened his Bible to the back and unfolded a legal document that was taped at the top to the inside back cover. He held it out for Adofo’s inspection. After a few moments, he asked, Satisfied with my credentials?

Yes, Adofo stated.

Should I proceed? he asked the man.

Yes! Adofo ground out. Get on with it!

Dr. Max stepped away from Adofo and moved to in front of Lance and Marleigh. He nodded his head to them and then looked at Adofo once more.

Opening his Bible to the marriage ceremony scripture, Dr. Max started reciting the traditional marriage vows of the Christian faith. In less than fifteen minutes, Marleigh realized she was now a woman named Mrs. Marleigh Reynolds who had a husband named Lance. Then she heard Max say his last sentence. You may now kiss your bride.

She tensed at the words and let Lance turn her to face him. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was open, not believing what had just taken place as she looked at this stranger standing in front of her.

Lance grasped her arms at her sides, steadying her.

Marleigh stood motionless as she watched his beautiful mouth descend upon hers. He covered her mouth with his own, and she felt him trace her lips with his wet tongue before slipping it inside to touch her tongue seductively. At this move, Marleigh was jolted out of her trance. She unpinned her arms and threw them around Lance’s neck like he was her lifeline and saving grace. She plunged her tongue, between his lips, to mate with his. She moved closer to him, deepening the kiss into a molten hot flame of desire. Lance accommodated her by returning the heated kiss. Holding her close to him, he splayed his hands across her back and hip, pulling her into his full length. Both of them were lost to everything outside of what was going on between them at that moment.

Enough! Enough, they heard a loud voice boom. They broke apart at the words. I can see that she is Lance Reynolds’s woman and that they pleasure one another by the kiss she gives him, Adofo said gruffly. I will respect the agreement Reynolds and I have and I will leave this woman to him. But make no mistake, Lance Reynolds, Adofo said pointing at him, if I find that you have lied to me in any way, our agreement will be dissolved. You will die and she will be mine. Do I make myself clear? he asked menacingly.

I understand the words you speak, Adofo, but you will not be going to those great lengths.

See that I do not have to, Adofo stated.

I understand you are powerful enough to destroy me, but you must remember that I am powerful enough to destroy you. That’s why we have an agreement, Lance reminded him.

Adofo turned from them with his gun slung over his shoulder, walked to his vehicle, and climbed inside. His driver started the truck, turned around, and sped off at a high rate of speed with the rest of his men following them back the way they’d come.

CHAPTER 3

Lance felt Marleigh slipping from his grasp as her knees buckled. He grabbed her, holding her next to him, before leaning down and scooping her up into his hard, muscled arms.

Max, do you have a place I can lay her down? She’s had a rough day, so far, Lance informed him, turning to the doctor.

Of course. Bring her into the clinic out of this hot sun. We’ll put her on one of the cots we have set up.

Lance followed Dr. Max into the clinic with her slight weight in his arms.

Over here, away from the others. Max pointed to the far side of the room. They bypassed some patients receiving attention from other staff members throughout the room.

Marleigh told me everyone was sick. Possibly food poisoning. How are you seeing these villagers if you don’t feel well?

"We must keep going, Lance.