Lucas by Kelli Ann Morgan Read Free Book Online Page A

“How
could you possibly know about that?”
    “You don’t get to be
where I’m at without learning a few tricks,” he said, raising his head to look
at Lucas. “After my Leah sent word about Henry, I wrote to a friend of mine in
Oregon, who filled me in on your predicament. Of course, I knew that your
father would never accept my help, so I made a purchase on his behalf. With his
money. It was an offer Mr. Markham could not refuse.”
    Granddad pushed off his
knees and leaned back against the chair. His face was flushed. His eyes glassy.
    Lucy quickly pumped a
glass of water and rushed toward them. “Liam, you look like you are feeling
ill. Is everything all right?” It was as if she could sense that something was
wrong. She set the drink on the table in front of his grandfather—concern
evident on her brow.
    “Just a little warm now
is all. Thank you, Lucy Mae.” He lifted the glass to her and took a large gulp.
“Maybe we should go for a little walk.”
    Lucy shot a look at
Lucas that betrayed her worry. A storm raged outside. They would not be going
for a walk.
    “The paperwork for the
herd is being drawn up as we speak. It now belongs to your family. It was paid
for out of a portion of your father’s estate. The money he left behind.” Granddad
laughed, then coughed. “You said before that Noah has hired on with Markham.
Well, when he heads for home, he’ll do so with a full herd and the drovers to
help him get them there.”
    Lucas didn’t know what
to say—something that had never been much of a problem at home, much to Jonah’s
chagrin. But here, it seemed almost commonplace.
    “It’s done? The herd’s
been paid for?”
    Granddad nodded.
    “I know you’ve already
got a full crew, but I’m a real hard worker and have been working the horse
ranch near my whole life.”
    “What are you talking
about, Lucas?”
    “I can work off our
debt.”
    “Haven’t you been
listening to a word I’ve said? It wasn’t my money to pay back. It rightfully
belongs to your father. I just helped him spend it.” Granddad guffawed, which
quickly turned to a bellowing cough.
    Lucas frowned as he
patted his grandfather on the back. “I listened. It’s just more than I possibly
could have expected.”
    Liam tsked. “It must
have been hard on you boys. Growing up without a mother.”
    Lucas nodded. “Or a
grandfather.”
    “Ha,” Granddad
chuckled. “You’re straightforward, kid. I like that.” Cough. “Now, let me be
straight with you.” He reached out and took Lucy by the hand and pulled her
close to him as he spoke to Lucas. “I want you to stay at Whisper Ridge. I’ve
missed out on too many years to lose you again. I want to know my grandsons. I
understand you not wanting to get married, what with your mama the way she is
and all, but Lucy needs a good man. A Deardon man.”
    Why didn’t I bring
Noah?

Chapter Seven

     
    “Liam, please.” Lucy’s
heart pounded heavily in her chest. It was one thing to agree to marry a
stranger after exchanging dozens of letters through the mail, but quite another
to be pawned off on a reluctant groom. “I told you. I want to do it right this
time. I want to fall in love.”
    “You want a husband,
don’t you, girl? Babies?”
    Heat flooded Lucy’s
face. She couldn’t look at Lucas for fear of the rejection she would see there.
“Of course, but not like this.” She knew Liam felt responsible for her, but
he’d already given her a home and had seen to it that she’d learned what she
needed to survive a life in the west. That was enough.
    “Let’s get one thing
straight in all of this,” Lucas looked between them, “I am not ready to get
married. To anyone.” He met her gaze fully with a raised brow. “No matter how
pretty…or perfect she might be.”
    Lucy’s cheeks burned.
She did not want to be the first one to look away, but heaven help her, if she
kept staring at him, she might forget her place.
    Why does he have to be
so handsome?
    Cough.