Missy Meets the Marshal (Lone Star Love Book 2) by Amelia Smarts Read Free Book Online Page A

crept in through her tears. "Yes. But when I'm your wife, are you still going to spank me?"
    He leaned back, pulling her with him to rest against his chest. "Mm hmm. Of course, darlin'. But only when you give me cause."
    She smiled and sighed, and he kissed her forehead.
    "How's this going to work, Grover? What's your plan?"
     
     

Chapter 5 - Grover's Plan
     
    Grover knew his plan might be difficult to carry out, not to mention life-changing and potentially dangerous for the both of them. Among other things, it required help from a friend. He saddled his sorrel mustang and set out in the late afternoon for the Barnes' ranch. The day's heat and humidity brought a flush to his skin and caused his horse to break into a sweat, though the journey was no longer than two miles and he rode the mare at a walk.
    "Hulloo, the house!" Grover called as he approached the cabin. He hoped to find both Carter and Carter's wife there.
    He was in luck. Anna opened the door and walked to the porch holding her infant daughter. "Howdy, Marshal."
    Anna Barnes was a strapping farmer's daughter who rose to the height of most men, but not her husband, who stood a few inches taller. Anna had a pragmatic, openhearted way about her. A person always knew where he stood with her, as she was utterly devoid of guile. She also showed disregard for consequence or danger, which was why Grover knew she'd be willing to help him. Her husband, however, was not so flippant about potential danger. Grover knew he'd have to convince him to allow her to help, and it promised to be anything but an easy task.
    Carter followed Anna to the porch with their two-year-old boy toddling behind him, while his older son Paddy rushed to greet Grover as he dismounted his horse.
    "Marshal, did you arrest any bad guys today?" Paddy asked.
    "Not yet, son."
    "I want to be your deputy when I grow up. Can I?"
    Grover tied his mare to the hitching post, leaving enough slack for her to take a long drink of water from the trough next to it. "Deputy, you say? I might be dragged out by then. Maybe you should be marshal."
    The boy's face broke into a wide smile. "You reckon? Will you teach me how to—"
    Carter cleared his throat. "Patrick, give the man a minute to rest before you yammer his ear off. Come inside, Grover."
    Grover followed Carter, Anna, and their three children into the cabin. He removed his hat and hung it on a hook next to the door. The cabin felt small and cluttered with five people living in it, but Grover could see that the family was happy, if a bit disorganized. Children's blocks and handmade carved animals laid piled in a corner on the hardware floor. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room, and the sounds of children's cooing and fussing added a pleasant, homey feeling.
    Carter settled in a wingback chair across from the sofa and motioned for Grover to sit down too. "What brings you out here, Grover?" He picked up his steaming pipe from the table next to the chair and puffed at it.
    Grover sat on the sofa, and Paddy sat next to him and resumed chattering before he could answer Carter's question. "I'm learning how to whittle. Pa got me a knife and showed me how, but now I'm better than he is. I made all those animals." He pointed to the carved wood in the corner.
    "Patrick, come here." Carter sounded exasperated.
    Paddy sighed and trudged to his father, who frowned at him. "I said to stop talking the marshal's ear off, didn't I?"
    "Yeah."
    "And did you stop?"
    "I guess not." Paddy sighed again.
    "Why don't you go to the room for a bit and do some of your figures. You can come out in fifteen minutes."
    "Oh, all right." The boy sauntered to the bedroom, his shoulders slumped.
    Grover felt a bit sorry for the lad, though Carter hadn't been harsh. He knew his friend, and though the rancher didn't suffer much folly, he was as kindhearted as Anna when it came to his family.
    "I'll make some coffee," Anna said. "Mind holding the baby, Grover?"
    "Not at all."
    Anna