Taming the Texas Rancher. Rhonda Gibson

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      Chapter Two

      Daniel noticed Hannah’s limp for the first time as he guided her to the back of the room. The sweet scent of honeysuckle drifted from her as he pulled out a chair and waited until she was seated before gently pushing it forward. Hannah Young was not what he’d expected. He knew from her letters that she was a schoolteacher, but he hadn’t expected her to be a stubborn woman or to have a limp. Maybe he should put her back on the stagecoach and send her home to New Mexico. Ranch life was too hard on a healthy person, let alone someone with a disability. He wondered if it caused her pain, and realized that, come winter, she might suffer in her joints.

      Levi hurried around the table and sat with his back to the wall, opposite Hannah. His knowing grin forced Daniel to reconsider his earlier thought. If he sent Hannah home, then he’d have to start his hunt for a bride all over again, giving Levi time to marry and have the first child.

      Daniel thought about the conversation they’d had earlier in the week. He regretted taunting his brother and telling him he could always work on the ranch once he won it. The realization that Levi could still win and that the tables could easily be turned, and he’d be the one staying on and working for his brother, caused Daniel to frown. Would he be able to do such a thing?

      The owner of The Eating House, Bertha Steward, hurried to their table. “Well, I declare. Daniel and Levi Westland, and who is this lovely young woman?”

      Daniel made the introductions. “Mrs. Steward, this is Miss Hannah Young.”

      Bertha handed each of them a menu. “Nice to meet you, Miss Young.” She wiped her hand on a flour-covered apron, and then extended it for Hannah to shake.

      “Please, call me Hannah.” She took Bertha’s hand and smiled. “I’m not a big fan of formality.”

      The older woman laughed. “I like her, boys.” Then she turned her attention back to Hannah. “You must call me Bertha. What would you like to drink?”

      Hannah laid the menu to the side. “I’d like a cup of hot tea, if it’s not too much trouble.”

      “No trouble at all. Boys?” Bertha tucked a graying strand of light brown hair behind her ear.

      Daniel felt a grin ease onto his face. All his life Bertha had called him a boy. Even though he was now thirty-three, she still saw him as the six-year-old who used to beg her for cookies. “Coffee, black, please.”

      “Levi?”

      “I’ll have the same as Daniel.”

      “I’ll be right back.” Bertha hurried away to fill their drink orders.

      Hannah studied the list of foods. “If everyone is as nice as her, I’m going to like it here.” She lowered the menu and grinned at Daniel.

      He noticed the paper menu shook slightly. Was Hannah Young nervous? Scared?

      “They are.” Levi laid his menu down and grinned across at him. “Well, are you going to tell her? Or shall I?”

      The teasing in his brother’s eyes irritated Daniel. “Don’t you have someplace else to be?” He hoped his brother understood he wanted him to leave, without him actually coming out and saying it in front of Hannah.

      Levi’s dimples winked. “No. Since I haven’t eaten today, I’ll stay here and have lunch with you two.” He smiled at Hannah and sat up straighter in his chair.

      Daniel gave him his most irritated look. There were times when he wanted to strangle his little brother, and one of them was now.

      Bertha arrived with the drinks and took their orders of roast beef stew and fresh bread. Daniel was aware of Hannah’s gaze upon his face. He felt heat enter his neck and cheeks.

      “I’ll have your food right out.” Bertha gave them all a big, toothy smile, took the menus and headed back toward the kitchen.

      Daniel gulped his coffee, scorching his tongue in the process. He sputtered and grabbed for his napkin. More heat filled his face and neck. Could this day get any worse?

      “Since my big brother seems to be having a hard time getting the words out, I’ll explain why we both need brides.” Levi picked up Hannah’s hand and held it in his. He made a show of looking deeply into her eyes.

      Daniel made a mental note to throttle his baby brother when they got back to the ranch. “I—”

      Before he could say anything more, Levi interrupted. “Back in December, our mother made a declaration that whichever son got married and had the first grandchild would inherit our family ranch.” His solemn gaze met Daniel’s, the teasing light no longer there.

      Hannah gasped and pulled her hand from Levi’s grasp. Her eyes grew large and her breathing became rapid. Was she going to have a spell right there?

      Daniel could only imagine what was going through her mind. Her green eyes screamed shock and disbelief. He’d planned on telling her once they were married and settled comfortably in his new house. Why did his mother’s words have to sound so cold when spoken out loud?

      His bride-to-be cleared her throat before taking a delicate sip of her tea. She lowered the cup. “I see.”

      Did she really? Daniel didn’t think so. The Westland Ranch should rightfully be his. He was the oldest, worked the hardest and he’d poured his blood, sweat and tears into the land. Daniel doubted any woman could understand.

      Hannah turned her gaze to Levi. “In your letters to Miss Summer, did you tell her why you wanted to get married?”

      He nodded his head, his gaze focused on his coffee cup. Daniel could almost hear his brother thinking that he shouldn’t have written that part of his letter. If he hadn’t, Millicent Summers might have arrived, too.

      Hannah cleared her throat again, drawing his attention from his brother. “So why didn’t you tell me?” Her soft voice held a sharp edge.

      Daniel СКАЧАТЬ