Cowgirl Under the Mistletoe by Louise M. Gouge

Author:Louise M. Gouge
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-09-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Micah found Joel and Miss Sutton having tea in the parsonage parlor. Once again, as he entered the house, he felt as if he were a guest rather than a resident. Still, he did enjoy the warmth of the blazing fireplace, a fire he hadn’t had to start himself. When—if—he married, how pleasant it would be to return home to such warmth on these bitter winter days and to smell such mouthwatering aromas as now wafted into the parlor from the kitchen.

“Supper will be ready in an hour, Reverend Thomas,” Miss Sutton said. “Let me fetch a cup and pour you some tea.” She didn’t wait for his answer, but went to the kitchen. In a trice, she returned with a set of her china cups and saucers.

Had she already placed her china in his cupboard? Surely not. While he enjoyed using fine china rather than his heavier, mismatched dinnerware, the situation was becoming awkward. Had he been mistaken about the interest he’d seen only yesterday between this lady and Nolan Means? None of the local ladies had been quite so aggressive in their attempts to lay claim to him. While such thoughts seemed incredibly vain, he couldn’t mistake this attention, which made him entirely uncomfortable in his own home.

“Thank you, Miss Sutton.” He accepted the tea and took a sip. Even though he’d had soup and coffee at the café not a half hour ago, the steaming liquid warmed away the chill that had cut through his coat on the walk home. A chill made worse because of his disagreement with Grace and even more so because of his doubts and fears about Adam, and now Miss Sutton’s unwanted attentions.

“We heard about the sheriff from Mrs. Winsted this afternoon.” Joel shook his head in disgust. “I wish you had let me go with you. Another set of eyes might have caught the shooter.”

“And get shot yourself, as well?” Miss Sutton sniffed. “This isn’t our quarrel, Joel.”

“It is if we’re going to settle down here.” He frowned at his sister, a rare thing.

She returned the look, and then softened her expression. “In truth, I had hoped to settle in a more populated area, perhaps Denver, where there are more stores. After shopping only twice at Mrs. Winsted’s mercantile, I have now seen the entire extent of all her wares. And—”

“By the by, Micah.” Joel stood abruptly, cutting her off, and strode across the room to the hall tree by the front door. “Mrs. Winsted sent your mail home with us.” He brought two letters and a brown paper package over to Micah.

“Thank you.” Micah didn’t know whether to be pleased or annoyed that his friend had taken care of his personal business. But then, Micah was already cross about his disagreement with Grace, so he mustn’t let his mood affect his attitude toward his old friend, who’d only been trying to help him.

“It’s from New York. Isn’t that exciting?” Miss Sutton eyed the package as if it were a present for her.

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