His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Read Free Book Online

life she did well now.  Except when she double-booked that room for the U.S. Congresswoman.   If Jase hadn’t intervened, well, she didn’t want to think what her parents would have done.  Looking back, she still didn’t know where she had messed up, but she promised herself it wouldn’t happen again.
    Inside her office, she put the last touches on the welcome packets.  The season was still early and, even with today’s new arrivals, they wouldn’t be at full capacity.  By the reservations already made, this summer looked promising though.  She’d convinced her parents to invest in a new computer system that stream-lined the reservation process, but also gave them more exposure on the internet.   Just in its first week, they’d seen an increase to their website.   Her inner-child really wanted to go up to her dad and say “I told you I can do something right.”  She sighed and leaned back in her chair. One day she’d find a way to make her dad proud of her.
    A knock on her door was a welcome interruption.
    “Good morning, sister ,” Lanie Callahan greeted her. “Tell me it’s true.  Did my brother and you really run off and get married?”
    “We didn’t exactly run off, but yes,” Allie confirmed. “How’d you hear? We’ve only told our parents so far.”  Some people had probably assumed something was going on if they saw Allie coming and going from Jase’s cabin, but overall nothing had been said.
    “Our moms were talking and didn’t realize I’d walked in the room. By the time they saw me, I heard enough to figure it out, but they wouldn’t give me details. So come on girl, tell me what happened,” she demanded lightheartedly.
    Lanie’s laughter was contagious.  She was Jase’s older sister and, although she hadn’t been close with her as a child, they’d become good friends since Lanie returned to the Whispering Winds after an ugly divorce.
    “There’s not much to tell. We were in Vegas with Missy and Charlie, decided we wanted to get married, so we got married,” Allie told her.
    “Oh there’s more than that.  I see the sparkle in your eye and you’re practically glowing.  I’d wager you haven’t had to turn the heater on yet in that cabin,” Lanie insisted. “On second thought, eww, I don’t want to know- for a minute I forgot your new husband is my brother,” she squealed through laughter.
    The blush crept up Allie’s neck.  Nothing had happened since the night they married, but the memories still made her flush.  Or maybe it was the growing desire she had for him raising her body temperature. 
    “I was a newlywed once,” Lanie said. “No need to be embarrassed.  I’m happy for you guys. If ever two people were meant to be together, it was you and Jase.”
    Hadn’t Missy said those exact words back at the hotel?  Maybe someone should clue Jase into that.  “Where’s Cody today?” Allie asked, changing the subject.
    “With his dad. There’s no school Monday, so he’s spending the weekend in Rawlins. Jeremy picked him up last night.”
    “How’s that going?” Allie questioned with genuine concern.
    “It’s getting better. Jeremy actually had the idea to spend the weekend with Cody, believe it or not.”
    “That’s good. Cody must’ve been ecstatic to see him.”
    “Yes, but I worry about the hero-worship he has toward his dad. Cody sees him through rose-colored glasses: his dad the rodeo star. I just hope Jeremy doesn’t let him down. I can’t make his excuses forever.”
    “So what will you do with your childless weekend?”
    Now it was Lanie’s turn to blush. “I have a date,” she confided sheepishly.
    “Lanie! How could you been in here for ten whole minutes and not tell me this!”  Allie put her hands on her hips and gave Lanie the sternest look she could conjure, before grinning from ear to ear. 
    “Excuse me, but a secret marriage takes priority over a measly date,” Lanie defended herself, smiling.
    “Who’s the