The Widow's Gift

By John J. Law

The bounty hunter smiled at Tex. "Unlikely. Do you remember what happened when you saved my hash? That was something, indeed."
Tex shook his head. "I don't want to sound like you owe me anything. I was just doing what anybody else would have done."
"I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just think that's a much better topic of discussion instead of my future wedding plans." the bounty hunter said.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Dec 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223925422

Book preview

Chapter One

A marriage is one of the happiest things that could ever happen to a person. The joy and bliss of the moment could be seen in Tex Hammond and in his new wife Madison. The two newlyweds held each other tightly and seemed inseparable. They looked into each other's eyes as if they were staring at Heaven and the promise of being together forever.

The people around them cheered and raised a toast to the new couple. Tex and Madison took it all in. This was their moment, and they had paid well enough for the reception. This was a once in a lifetime event, and they would enjoy every moment of it.

A toast to the newlyweds!

To Tex and Madison, forever!

The words of encouragement and good tidings flowed as easy as the wine. Tex and Madison took it all in, and all seemed well. There was however, one man who seemed to stand out from all the merrymakers.

It was the bounty hunter. As always, he sat alone and was distant from the other people in the reception. He was used to being alone, and unlike most people, actually craved the solitude and went towards it, as much as he could. Even in a social gathering like this, he chose to distance himself.

It was Madison who noticed the bounty hunter sitting alone. She whispered to her groom to attend to him. Your friend's sitting all alone there. Perhaps you should accompany him or ask him to mingle with the others. He does look so aloof and lonely. she said.

Tex smiled at Madison. Believe me, I've known that man long enough to know that he just prefers his privacy, even in an occasion like this. he said.

Perhaps that is so, but it does not seem proper that he sit alone at a time like this. I insist you ask him if he is well, at least.

Tex smiled at his bride. Madison was always welcoming and hospitable. It was simply how she did things and he was not surprised that she would find the bounty hunter's ways uncomfortable.

All right, fine. Still, I know what he will say.

Tex approached his friend and took a seat. You sure you don't want to mingle with the others? he said.

The bounty hunter looked at Tex and seemed to smile through his eternal scowl.

I think you should know me better by now, Hammond. I ain't no social butterfly. The only reason I came here to attend your wedding is simply because I owe you my life. In our line of work that's a debt you don't forget.

The bounty hunter's words stirred up memories from both men. Both of them remembered another time, a long time ago when Tex Hammond rode with the bounty hunter to track a killer and his gang.

"I just did what had to be done, back then. I'm sure if the tables were turned,