Lone Star Heiress. Winnie Griggs
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Название: Lone Star Heiress
Автор: Winnie Griggs
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Исторические любовные романы
Серия: Mills & Boon Love Inspired Historical
isbn: 9781472073006
isbn:
He could never forgive himself for that.
Mitch pushed away those fruitless thoughts and focused on Jubal. He firmly nudged the animal, forcing him to take a few reluctant steps, and studied his gait. It was quickly apparent that the mule would indeed need more time before he could make the trip to Turnabout.
“Sorry you had to make that long walk this morning, but it couldn’t be helped.” He gave the animal a handful of oats and patted his side. “But I’ll make you as comfortable as I can while you recover.”
He dug out another scoop of grain and turned to Seeley. “Here you go.” He stroked the animal’s nose. “You didn’t think I’d forgotten about you, did you?”
As he tended to the animals, his thoughts drifted back to Miss Feagan’s mention of that possible inheritance. The conversation had raised as many questions as it had answered. If her father had been dead for all these years, then why was she just now hearing about her inheritance?
And it was even stranger that Drum Mosley was involved. The man had a reputation as a penny-pincher. Mitch couldn’t picture him voluntarily giving away any of his holdings. Then again, he vaguely remembered hearing that Drum had taken to his sickbed recently. Perhaps the rancher was getting his affairs in order.
Whatever the case, it was none of his business. As soon as he could get her to Turnabout, his involvement in her affairs would be over.
He picked up the water bucket and headed back to the cabin, ignoring the little voice inside him that whispered his involvement in Miss Feagan’s affairs was actually just beginning.
When Mitch returned to the cabin, the dishes had been cleaned and put away, and the checkerboard set up for another game.
“I see you’ve been busy,” he said with what he considered commendable restraint. He should have known she wouldn’t take it easy.
She waved toward the game board. “Didn’t want anything standing in the way of my getting my revenge.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather turn in? I wouldn’t want you to suffer yet a third defeat.”
“That does it. Sit yourself down and prepare to eat those words.”
And to his surprise, she actually won.
Mitch found himself smiling as she crowed about her victory. Then he started collecting the checkers. “I believe I’d better quit while I’m ahead. And dusk settled in while we weren’t looking, so it’s time to call it a night. It’s been a long day and we both could use some rest.”
She grimaced. “All I’ve done today is rest.”
But since she followed that statement with a broad yawn, he had no compunction in insisting. “Is there anything you need before you retire?” he asked as he stood.
Miss Feagan shook her head. “I’ll be fine, thank you. Good night.” She crossed the room then paused and eyed him suspiciously. “You do remember you promised not to sleep outside, don’t you?”
He’d hoped she wouldn’t bring that up again. But maybe it was best that she knew his plans so she could speak honestly if questions came up later. “What I promised was to sleep under this roof. I’m going to drag the mattress from the other bed out to the porch. It’s a nice night and I’ll be quite comfortable.” He raised a hand to stop the protest already forming on her lips. “My mind is made up.”
She crossed her arms, glaring at him, frustration etched on her face. “It just doesn’t seem right.”
“Still, the decision is mine so you’ll just have to accept it.”
She glared a moment longer, then lifted her hands in surrender. “Have it your way.”
As she turned to her room, he called out, “Take Rufus with you.”
Just before she closed her door, Mitch thought he heard her mutter something that contained the phrase “more stubborn than Jubal.”
He grinned as he wrestled the unwieldy mattress out the front door. She certainly wasn’t bashful about speaking her mind. But at least she was smart enough to know when arguments were useless.
His smile faded as he stretched out on the mattress and stared out at the stars. If he was being entirely honest with himself, despite his desire for solitude, he hadn’t really minded her presence here today. Which was troubling.
Because he had to hold himself apart. He couldn’t risk hurting someone else the way he’d hurt Gretchen.
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