Colin's Quest by Shirleen Davies Read Free Book Online Page B

Isla.
    Taking one more look around, Sarah and Geneen followed her inside, seeing their father at a table in a private alcove near the back. Standing, he pulled her chair out so her back would be facing the entrance.
    “I’m glad to see you wore your best dress, Sarah.” Dougal took a sip of the whiskey already in front of him. He had yet to mention her birthday.
    Touching the brim of her bonnet, Sarah glanced down at the dress she’d spent hours sewing, dreaming about wearing it for Colin one day. A few minutes later, the food arrived and supper passed in utter silence, her father not saying a word about her birthday.
    “Da, when are you going to give Sarah the surprise you promised?” Geneen glanced at her sister, knowing she would never ask.
    Casting a glance at the entrance, Dougal’s face tightened. “Any minute now.”
    Something about his answer sent a chill through Sarah. Looking toward her mother, anxiety filled her at the pursed lips and icy expression on her face.
    “Ah, there he is now.”
    He? Sarah thought as she turned to see Wesley Bell come up behind her.
    “Wes, glad you could join us. Pull up a chair.” Dougal shook the young man’s hand, then cast a hard stare at Sarah, which she took to be a warning.
    Geneen’s response mirrored Sarah’s. Her heart pounded at the sight of Wes, palms growing damp. Wiping them down the skirt of her dress, she sent him a suspicious smile, but his attention was locked on Sarah. Something felt terribly wrong.
    “You know Sarah, of course, and my daughters, Geneen and Isla.”
    Wes sent them a bland smile. “Of course.” His gaze shifted back to Sarah, his face breaking out in a broad smile. “I understand you’re celebrating your birthday. Congratulations, and may I add how stunning you look tonight, Miss MacGregor.”
    Sarah’s stomach tightened as she squirmed in her chair. Feeling sick, she nodded, not offering any other reply as he settled in his chair next to her. Feeling his leg touch hers, she moved away, putting as much distance between them as possible in such a tight space.
    “Wes asked to join us tonight, Sarah, specifically asking to be allowed to sit next to you.” Dougal ignored the shock on Sarah’s face, not caring how uncomfortable she looked.
    Both girls shot looks at their mother, but Robena kept her eyes focused on the vase of flowers in the middle of the table, offering no support. As awareness of their father’s intentions shot through both of them, Geneen reached her hand toward Sarah, who grasped it tight.
    “I’d hoped to arrive in time for supper, but a group of wayward cows took longer to round up than I’d thought.” He let his appreciative gaze once again wander over Sarah, who flinched at his unconcealed attention.
    “Well, you’ve made it for the important part.” Dougal narrowed his gaze at Wes, nodding once.
    Clearing his throat, Wes reached over and placed his hand over Sarah’s, tightening his hold when she tried to snatch it away. A look almost of pity passed over his face, replaced by unquestionable resolve.
    “Your father and I have spoken of you many times, Sarah. For a long time, you’ve known of my interest in you, as well as our fathers’ desire to join our two ranches. Your father’s concern, and mine, has always been for your happiness.” Feeling her squirm under his unwavering gaze, he hurried to continue. “Yesterday, we came to an understanding.”
    No, no, no! her mind screamed as panic rose in her chest.
    “I offered for your hand in marriage, and your father accepted.”
    Geneen’s gasp matched the jolt she felt at Wes’s words. Sending one more look toward her mother, her heart sank, realizing she’d known of her husband’s dreadful action and did nothing to warn Sarah.
    Shock vibrated through Sarah. Turning the chair over in her haste to stand, she wrenched her hand from his grip, taking several steps back, shaking her head. Glaring at her father, then sending a withering look toward