Straight to My Heart by Davalynn Spencer

Author:Davalynn Spencer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: inspirational, cowboy romance, strong female, love and life, christian western romance, western series, ranch romance, ranch foreman, 1800s romance, 1800s old west

CHAPTER TWELVE

On the third morning, the clock in Whit’s head woke him to the tuneless racket of Buck snoring. Snorting was more like it. The kid gagged like a choking bull.

Their second day of branding had gone much like the first, and Whit hoped today was their last. In fact, he did more than hope—he prayed. The rain held off yesterday, but he’d smelled it on the breeze last night, and didn’t want to get caught in a late storm today.

He pulled on his pants and boots, knotted his bandana and tucked in his shirt. A hard kick to Perkins’s bunk shut off the noise. “Get up. Daylight’s burnin’.”

Wasn’t burning, wasn’t even smoldering, but it would be before the kid made it to the kitchen. They had farther to ride today and needed a fast start.

He gathered their horses, saddled them, and checked hooves, then led them to the hitching rail behind the house. Through the kitchen window he watched Livvy at the stove doing what she did best. One of many things, he grudgingly admitted. She was definitely full of skill and surprises. Maybe he’d get a few moments alone with her before Baker and Buck showed up.

But he’d not be apologizing for his earlier behavior. He was justified in his concern for his men, for the cattle. For her. They were all his responsibility. Hauling a woman in to do a man’s job was not. Lucky for her it had turned out all right.

Lucky for him.

He pulled his hat off, stepped through the back door and into the warm yellow light.

She looked up from the stove, a pleased expression tilting her mouth in a pink curve. “Good morning.”

“Mornin’.” So far so good. He straddled a chair.

“Coffee?” She brought the pot and two mugs to the table, set one before him, and filled it near to the brim.

He nodded his thanks and took the cup in both hands, then pulled the steamy brew through his lips. Not many things better in a man’s life than strong coffee from a beautiful woman first thing in the morning. He could get used to this.

She filled the other cup and sat down, catching his glance at the stove.

“Don’t worry. Breakfast is ready. I’m waiting for everyone to show up so we can all eat at once rather than in shifts.”

She had pulled her long hair back into a single plait, oddly disappointing him. “Your grandfather not up?”

She sipped. “He’s up, but moving slow.”

A faint trace of liniment mingled with the coffee’s strong aroma. He leaned toward her and sniffed. “Did you rub him down?”

She blushed like the sky at dawn and hid behind her mug. Two laughing eyes peered over the top. “I was a little sore myself after two days, so when he fell asleep last night, I stole in and borrowed the bottle.”

Another surprise. He chuckled at her admission. “I guess you might be. How long has it been since you rode?”

“It’s been a while. There was no riding on our last visit for Mama Ruth’s funeral.

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