A Cowgirl's Pride by Lorraine Nelson

Author:Lorraine Nelson [Nelson, Lorraine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 2012-03-25T23:13:59+00:00

Chapter Nine

It was still dark outside when Leah arrived in the kitchen to see her family sitting around the old oak table, eating their breakfast. She smiled a greeting, which died quickly when she saw the stranger seated with them. Automatically, she took a step back, feeling the need to retreat…until the stranger spoke.

Trent let out a long, slow whistle. “Wow! Your picture didn’t do you justice at all.”

“My picture?”

Michael rose to make the introductions. “Yeah, Leah Manning meet Trent Erickson, a private investigator hired to find you.”

She laughed uncertainly. “Gee, I didn’t realize I was lost.”

The twins giggled, but everyone else remained serious.

“Have a seat, dear, and I’ll get your breakfast,” Winnie said as she stood and crossed to the stove, returning with a plate piled high with sliced ham, cubed home fries, and gravy.

She took the only seat still vacant, pleased that it was next to her father. “Thanks, Winnie.”

It was slightly unnerving, sitting there with the stranger staring at her. “I take it Roddy hired you?”

“Yes, and I’m glad he did. I’ve never seen a lovelier woman. You have the hair and face of an angel.”

The twins giggled again. Leah laughed. “Flattery, Mr. Erickson?”

“Trent, and it’s a fact.”

“Then thank you. I appreciate the compliment.” She took a couple bites of breakfast and chewed slowly, trying to get her mind around the reason for the investigator’s presence. How could she ask without soliciting too many details in front of the children? “So, you’ve found me. What’s next on your agenda?”

“Well, I don’t rightly know as yet. We’re waiting on some files from my office and a phone call or two. Michael isn’t willing to accept my story at face value.”

She sent a grateful smile Michael’s way and tried to keep the conversation light. “You should be thankful. At least you’re being treated to breakfast by one of the best cooks in the province.”

He patted his stomach. “Yep, best meal I’ve eaten in a long time.” He turned toward her stepmother. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Winnie nodded in acknowledgement.

Leah finished eating and rose to get a cup of coffee. She poured her own and brandished the pot in the direction of the table. “Anyone want a refill?”

All four men did, so she filled their mugs before returning to the table. “Are you from B.C.?”

“Yes, my office is in Vancouver,” Trent replied.

“Did you drive all this way?”

“Not exactly. Roddy dropped me off down the road.”

Leah tensed, choked, her coffee spewing out in front of her to the twins’ amusement.

“It’s all right, darlin’. Michael’s men should have him anytime now.” Her father passed her a napkin and patted her back.

“What?”

“As soon as Trent filled me in, I arranged a little surprise for Kendall,” Michael said, an evil smirk on his face. “None of my guys are on his payroll. Guaranteed!”

“So it’s over?” she asked hopefully.

“Not yet, but soon.”

She breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief. “Thank you, Michael. Thank you all for standing by me. Have I told you lately how much I love you guys?”

“Nope, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again,” Michael teased.

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