Robin Lee Hatcher by Wagered Heart

Author:Wagered Heart
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-TWO

Vince Richards sat in the back pew of Sweetwater’s new church on the first Sunday it was in use. Not that he held much with religion. Never had. But most folks did, and it behooved a good politician to be seen in church. He was nothing if not a good politician, even though he held no public office at this time.

Besides, he hadn’t failed to notice how quickly the good Reverend Silverton had become an influential member of the community. People in Sweetwater turned to Nathaniel for advice in many different matters, not merely for spiritual guidance. When the time came for Vince to run for political office in Montana, he would want the reverend’s backing. He definitely didn’t want him as an enemy or opponent.

His gaze shifted to the couple seated in the front pew next to Mrs. Silverton. His jaw clenched, and he had to force it to relax. It galled him beyond words to see Bethany with Hawk Chandler. Beautiful and refined, she had been — and would always be — meant for him. He’d known it from the first time she and her father visited the Bar V.

Next time his hired men would do a better job of delivering a message. Next time, Chandler wouldn’t walk away.

He suppressed a sneer. By the time he returned from the East, if things went as he hoped, he would be able to make some substantial changes, regarding both Chandler’s land and Chandler’s bride. Three months should be ample time.

His thoughts shifted to his upcoming trip. In Washington, he meant to strengthen his ties with men of power in the nation’s capital. The time was ripe. The main line of the Northern Pacific was now complete. Land was being snatched up throughout the western territories, and the population of Montana was growing. Ranchers had become rich off the cattle and sheep that roamed the range. It was time for him to make his move. When Montana became a state, he meant to be in Helena, seated at the head of its government.

His gaze moved again to the front pew, settling on Bethany. Tiny burnished curls brushed her neck and the collar of her bodice.

One day.

Vince wasn’t the sort who gave up, not even when it appeared something — or someone — was out of his reach. Miss Silverton’s vows to Chandler wouldn’t dissuade him from making her his own. He could be patient. Didn’t the Bible say good things come to those who wait?

This time he didn’t bother to suppress the gloating expression that came over his face.

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