To Love and to Cherish by Leigh Greenwood

Author:Leigh Greenwood
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc
Published: 2014-09-04T16:00:00+00:00

Ten

Colby wasn’t fazed by the confused and unfriendly response that met his announcement. “My wife is Laurie’s cousin,” he explained. “She and just about every woman in Cactus Corner—half of them related to Laurie—spent most of the night at my house worrying about her. The only reason they aren’t here themselves is that I promised to bring her home tonight.”

“By the time we realized the snow wasn’t going to stop, it was too late,” Jared said.

“You can’t be any more concerned for her safety than we are,” Loomis added.

“That’s why I ride with her every morning and night,” Steve said.

“It’s as much a question of my sanity as your safety,” Colby said to Laurie. “Do you know what it’s like having a houseful of women imagining such horrible things happening to you that I was nearly ready to come after you when it was so dark I couldn’t see a dozen feet in front of me?”

“It’s my fault,” Laurie said. “I was so sure the snow would stop and melt before nightfall that I stayed until it was too late to try to go home.”

“It’s no one’s fault,” Colby said, “but Laurie has to go home tonight. In case you’re wondering, everyone is concerned about her safety rather than her reputation.”

Jared was surprised at the anger he felt. Being married to Laurie’s cousin meant Colby would automatically be concerned about Laurie’s safety, as would other members of her family. Since there was nothing in Colby’s demeanor to indicate he thought anything improper had occurred, Jared had no reason to be upset. But he was. Was it because he thought Laurie was his responsibility and resented Colby’s intrusion?

“How did you get here?” Laurie asked Colby. “Jared said the snow hasn’t started to melt.”

“I had a load to take to the fort. There’s nothing like eight oxen and a wagon to break a trail through the deepest snow.”

“Did you drive your wagon up to the house?” Jared asked.

“He sure did.” Steve had rushed to the window. “Can I drive them on the way to town?”

“When they’re headed home, those oxen don’t need anybody to drive them. They know the way.” Colby turned to Laurie. “You’d better bundle up as much as you can. It’s bitter cold out there.”

“I can’t leave until the men have had their supper.”

“We can serve ourselves, ma’am,” Loomis said. “You get on home.”

“I’m going with her,” Steve announced.

“Me, too,” Jared said.

“You don’t have to do that,” Laurie said, “not with Colby making sure I’m safe.”

“Someone has to drive your buggy,” Steve reminded her.

“I’m responsible for your safety from the moment you leave your house until you return.” Jared knew there was no real need for him to accompany Laurie to town, but staying here felt like he was shirking his responsibility, like he wasn’t properly concerned about her safety. He’d been the one to insist that she had to work at the ranch to earn a full partnership, so he had to make sure nothing happened to her.

“You can’t go without eating your supper,” Laurie said.

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