Lauri Robinson by Sheriff McBride Read Free Book Online Page B

streaks of fire lick the skin over his ribcage as she caressed his chest.
    “When you marry me, you are going to become a very rich woman.”
    She lifted her head, looked at him quizzically. “Adam, I’m not marrying you for your money. It really doesn’t matter to me.” A smile pricked at her lips before they touched his cheek. “For richer, for poorer,” she quoted.
    He knew it. Love meant more than money. A dark cloud hovered over the thoughts as they formed. A deep sigh filled his lungs, telling him he needed to clarify his statement. “I don’t mean my money.”
    She frowned.
    “I have plenty, but—but when we get married, you will inherit a substantial fortune.”
    Her spine became as stiff as a new board. “What are you talking about?”
    “Your grandmother—”
    “Died right after I was born,” she interrupted and rose to her feet.
    He followed suit, brushed the dried grass from his backside. “Before she died, she made a will, you are the benefactor.”
    Her face scrunched as she tried to digest what he said. “I’ve never heard anything about a will. Not even after my parents died. Why?”
    “I don’t really know, but Evan said the banker in Paradise has the will. Has had it since your grandmother passed.”
    “Buford Holmes? He’s the one who foreclosed on the farm.”
    He reached out, took her hands. “No, not Buford, another banker, I think Evan said his name was Harold Jones.”
    “Harold Jones? He’s as old as the hills. Everyone knows his mind is going, if not already gone. Why he’s rarely allowed in the bank, only when Buford has to go out of town.” She shook her head. “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
    “Evan was pretty convinced the man knew what he was talking about.”
    “When did Evan talk with Harold?”
    “They didn’t actually talk, but sent telegrams back and forth this morning.” He tried to tug her closer.
    She remained where she was, stood stiff. “What else did Evan learn today?”
    He didn’t like the way she looked at him, it was clear her feathers were ruffled. With a hard tug, he pulled her into his embrace and decided to tell her everything. “From what Evan learned, Buford Holmes found out about the will as soon as he became the banker. Right afterward is when his cousin, Nathaniel Kingston moved to town.”
    A stunned looked covered her face. “Nathaniel and Buford are cousins?”
    He nodded. “It appears the sheriff of Paradise is another cousin.”
    She pressed her head to his chest. “No wonder it was so easy for him to take over the town.”
    Relief flooded his system, happy to feel her relaxing in his arms. “A full investigation has been started. Don’t worry, we’ll find out the truth.”
    It was a few moments before she said, “And if the truth discovers there is a will. Then what?”
    She had once again gone stiff. “Then you inherit a substantial amount of money and property.”
    Her hands slipped from his waist and she stepped back, peered up at him. “If there is a will, and I have money, I’ll have to leave.”
    His heart skipped a beat. “Leave?”
    She nodded. “Yes, I’ll have to return to Paradise.”
    He didn’t like the sound of that. “No, I’m sure Evan can handle most of it through the mail.”
    She shook her head. “No, I’ll have to return so I can take care of the town.”
    It was his turn to stiffen. What the hell was it with woman today, thinking they needed to take care of a town? He rubbed his forehead. “What?”
    She’d moved over to pick her hat up off the ground, fluffed the bent flowers. “I’ll have to go back to fix what Nathaniel ruined.” Her eyes popped open as if she just thought of something wonderful. “I’ll be able to re-open the school. Find another doctor to move to town…” The hat landed on her head at an odd angle, she straightened it as she added, “Oh, I’ll be able to help so many!”
    Adam went cold. Had he really just asked this woman to marry him,