A Most Inconvenient Wish by Eileen Richards Read Free Book Online Page A

should have limited his choices.”
    Tony shook his head. “Let him pick more than one. We can split the lambs next season.”
    â€œThe wool from the last batch is of exceptional quality. I think we should broaden the plan. Include Nathaniel, and others if they are interested.”
    Tony looked at him. “Do you think we have a new breed?”
    â€œWe will,” Ian said. He squinted at a movement in the distance. A woman marched toward them from the Lodge. Her arms swung with purpose, pushing her forward. This was a woman on a mission. “Are you expecting anyone?”
    â€œNo.”
    As the woman drew closer, Ian recognized her. Sophia Townsend marched toward the stream that ran between the two properties. Since Tony’s purchase of the Horneswood estate, a foot bridge had been built. He could almost hear the stomping of her feet on the wood as she crossed. “Does Miss Townsend know not to come through the pasture?” It was mating season; the rams would be dangerous.
    Tony laughed. “Sophia? You’re bamming me, right? I’m not sure she could tell which were the ewes and which the rams.”
    Ian’s heartbeat picked up as she opened the gate, stepped inside the enclosed pasture, and closed the gate with a snap. She swung her arms and walked quickly across the pasture, right past the ram with his latest conquest, who didn’t look too pleased.
    A fear he’d not known he possessed picked up his pulse. “She’s going to get hurt.” He jumped the fence and took off running. “Sophia! Stop!”
    â€œIan, you’ll never get to her in time,” Tony shouted after him.
    Ian ignored him. An angry ram could not just knock Sophia Townsend on her pretty bottom but seriously hurt her. Visions of those horns and what they could do to her raged through his head as he ran full out toward her.
    The space between Sophia and him seemed a mile wide but was, in fact, only a brief distance. He reached her, gasping for breath so badly that he couldn’t speak. His eyes were on the ram, who was lowering his head.
    â€œMr. McDonald, I demand to know what your connection is to Lord Bateman.” She spat out the words. “Imagine my surprise when he asked for you specifically.”
    The ram had taken his stance. The damn animal was going to charge right at Sophia Townsend.
    He grabbed Sophia’s arm and jerked her behind him.
    â€œOw! That was uncalled for.” She moved back beside him again, her hands on her hips.
    â€œStay behind me.”
    â€œI will not stay behind you. How dare you speak to me that way?”
    Ian had no choice; the ram was coming for them both. He shoved Sophia hard. His heart pounded in his chest as the ram moved forward, his head down. He’d only seen this maneuver performed by others. He’d never had to be the one to do it. God give him the strength.
    Sophia’s complaining faded into the background as he put all his focus on the animal. If he failed, they would both be at risk of injury. His heart bounded in his chest and his body tensed, ready for action.
    â€œMr. McDonald . . .”
    â€œQuiet!” Amazingly, Sophia shut up.
    As the ram approached, Ian bent down and grabbed his horns and twisted to send him in a different direction. Confused, the ram ran past, then turned and lowered his head again in a defensive stance.
    â€œDid you just grab that sheep by its horns?” There was awe in her voice. “I have never seen anyone do that.”
    â€œGet out of the pasture.” He couldn’t spare her a glance, but he also didn’t hear her moving toward the fence. “Now!”
    The ram turned, even angrier than before. Ian could hear Sophia struggling behind him. “Sometime today, Miss Townsend.”
    â€œHow dare you bark orders at me as if I were—were one of those stupid sheep!”
    â€œSophia, get the hell out of here!” He bent to meet the ram once more.
    As