Letter Perfect ( Book #1) by Cathy Marie Hake Read Free Book Online

the family Bible beneath Mama and Father’s marriage.”
    Joshua drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “Rick, what does this mean?”
    “Miss Caldwell has rightful claim to her father’s land. Depending on who hears the case, she could inherit his full half of the Broken P.”
    Ruth felt tension crackle in the room.
    “We’ll have to put it on a docket and wait till the circuit judge makes his rounds—unless you want to go to Sacramento and have the case heard sooner. Even then you’ll have to wait a bit.”
    Snorting, Joshua rose from his chair. “I’m not racing off to get bad news.”
    Bad news. That’s me . “Excuse me, gentlemen. I don’t know that I want to lay claim to any property. It scarcely seems right since Mr. McCain has done all of the work.”
    Mr. McCain spread his hand wide and rubbed both temples as if he suffered a horrendous headache. “Lady, you don’t know how tempting it is to accept that, but it’s not what you want or what I want that matters here. It’s what your father would have wanted.”
    “Perhaps, Miss Caldwell, you and Mr. McCain can reach an amicable resolution on your own,” the attorney suggested.
    Fully aware she was in over her head, Ruth blurted out, “I’d want you to represent me, Mr. Maltby. Surely a woman ought to have a professional advise her in such a matter.”
    “Now hold on a minute,” Joshua protested.
    Mr. Maltby lifted a hand. “Wait. I drafted the will. I’m legally obliged to represent the decedent’s wishes. If you choose not to iron out the matter among yourselves, you’ll need to seek representation from other professionals.”
    “Like who? You’re the only one around,” Joshua rumbled. He paced back and forth like prospective grooms did in the parlor before Miss Pettigrew ushered in possible bridal candidates.
    “I suppose I’d better—”
    “Come with me,” Mr. McCain interrupted her. Wrapping his hand around her wrist, he tugged her to her feet. “You can stay at the ranch until we get this ironed out.”
    Ruth didn’t want to go anywhere with him. For once, all of those seemingly silly etiquette lessons came in handy. She blurted out, “I don’t think that would be proper.”
    “It’s fine, Miss Caldwell,” the attorney assured her. “Josh has a sister and a housekeeper. I recommend you agree to this arrangement for the time being.”
    So much for etiquette .
    “It’s settled, then.” Josh headed toward the door with her in tow. “You can contact us at the Broken P as soon you find out when the circuit judge is coming.”
    They stepped outside, and Ruth blinked in the powerful sunlight. “Oh, look! My trunks are over on the boardwalk!”
    Josh yanked her back. “Where are you going?”
    “My things—”
    “Probably weigh a ton. I’m going to have to rent a buggy to haul it all to the ranch.”
    “Well, then.” Ruth glanced up and down the street. “Where is the livery?”
    “Other side of the saloon. You stay put here.”
    Ruth whipped out her fan and opened it. “I’m sure it’ll take you a little while to hire a conveyance. Since I’m in town, I’d like to see what’s on hand. That mercantile over there looks quite impressive.”
    “You’re not shopping and buying more junk for me to haul around.”
    She resisted the urge to waft the fan at him. It would probably do him some good. Joshua McCain had a hot temper and needed to cool off. Instead, Ruth forced herself to speak calmly. “It would be foolish for me to buy much. I’m already having things shipped.”
    The muscles in his jaws twitched. “You’ve got more stuff on the way?”
    “It won’t get here for a while, but it made sense. After all, I’ll need to set up housekeeping at some point.” Feeling her words ought to pacify him, she said, “Why don’t you go get a wagon while I explore a little?”
    “Lady, the last thing I want is to have to go searching for you. I don’t have that kind of time to waste.” He heaved a sigh.