The Rancher Inherits a Family by Cheryl St.John

The Rancher Inherits a Family by Cheryl St.John

Author:Cheryl St.John
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-01-03T20:13:06+00:00


Chapter Ten

Leah got Seth’s attention and led him to where a few people stood watching Buck Hanley coach the new schoolteacher in pitching horseshoes. “She seems to be doing pretty well. I wouldn’t be able to get that close.”

Marigold’s hair was a bright nimbus in the sun. He imagined he could smell orange blossom and almond, and his gut tightened. Seeing the former sheriff standing so near to her gave him a sick feeling. “Whatever she puts her mind to, she does well.”

“Buck is respected in town,” she added.

“She could do worse.”

A few others ventured over to the other pit and threw practice pitches. Old Horace and Gus showed up and stood watching.

“Think Horace and Gus will be a team?” she asked.

“Those two spend as much time arguing as they do playing,” Daniel said from behind them.

Leah turned and slipped her arm around her husband’s waist. “Did you sign up?”

“No. Did you want to join?”

She shook her head. “Seth would make a fine partner, though.”

Daniel glanced at him. “Want to compete? The prizes are good. We could get fortunate. Win a couple of Hannah’s shirts.”

“I forgot about your arm,” Leah added.

“Dr. Mason wouldn’t be happy with me using it, but I can try with my left arm. I’ve been forced to use it a lot.”

“We’d better sign up and get in a few practice throws then,” Daniel suggested.

Seth joined Daniel at the makeshift sign-up table, and then they waited in a line to do a little practicing. He noted Marigold and Buck had relinquished their shoes to others and stood together on the sidelines. She looked to be having a grand time.

“Seth! Are you competing?”

He glanced over and found Molly on her toes, waving. He gave her a polite nod.

“I’ll be cheering for you!”

Daniel raised an eyebrow, and Seth ignored the unspoken question. His partner only took a couple of throws and let Seth do more practicing. Seth didn’t get a ringer, as he likely would have with his other arm, but he didn’t do too badly. They joined the crowd gathering to watch the games.

At last the bell rang and Reverend Taggart called for the teams to line up. They drew straws for positions, and Marlys Mason and Hannah took over the scoring position from chairs at a safe distance.

“How has it gone with Miss Brewster staying at your place?” Daniel asked him as they waited their turn.

“She and my mother get along,” Seth told him. “She’s good with the children, and they’re attached to her.”

“We don’t seem to keep teachers in that position long. We’ve talked about a man next time.”

Seth remembered Will expressing the same concerns. “I don’t see her giving up her teaching position,” Seth reassured him, as he had with Will. “She’s devoted.”

“Even if she marries one of these suitors?”

“I can’t speak for her.”

“Well, Buck’s a terrific fellow. He seems to have earned her favor.”

Seth glanced along the line until he spotted Marigold listening to something Buck was saying. “Can’t fault him for the attention.



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