One Brave Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle Read Free Book Online

helping Celia, and she’ll give you a ride back to Sinte.” She glanced at Celia. “Is that okay with you?”
    â€œWhat’s the assignment?”
    â€œFind out how six of our horses got into Tutan’s pasture.” Sally took off her glasses and waved them at Logan. “Your father-in-law—my damned neighbor—called the sheriff again. He doesn’t believe in handling these things between neighbors.”
    â€œMy father-in-law.” Logan shook his head. “That’s a real kicker.”
    â€œI sent a couple of the kids out, but they came up empty, said they couldn’t find any fence down. I just want to make sure. If there’s a hole in that fence, we’ll get it fixed before Mary gets back.” She made a smooth-sailing gesture. “Peace in the valley for Mary’s sake. You think he’ll show up at the celebration?”
    â€œI doubt it. But she’ll want to see her mother. She’s only got three days this time.” Logan lifted one shoulder. “Kinda sorry I planned this party now. Only three days.”
    â€œShe’s a short-timer,” Sally said. “Pretty soon she’ll be home for good. But I wouldn’t put it past your father-in-law to run our stock into his pasture just to stir things up again. Which is fine by me—he cranks on his egg beater, I’ll come back at him with my Mixmaster—but it’s not fair to Mary.”
    â€œYou can pick your wife, but not your in-laws. Listen, I’m all for mending fences, and I’d stay and help with it, but I’ve got a meeting,” Logan told Cougar. He nodded at Sally. “Watch out for that one. She’ll have you thanking her for letting you paint her fence.”
    Sally laughed. “If he’s lucky he’ll get to stretch some wire, but there’s nothing out there to paint. I’ll tell you what, though, I can’t wait to paint this house. I don’t care how many people try to horn in, I’m saving it all for myself.” She wagged a finger at Cougar. “I might let you watch, but nobody’s taking over on me.”
    â€œShe’ll get takers. You watch.” Logan clapped a hand on Cougar’s shoulder. “I gotta get goin’. I’ll move the pickup so we can load up your mustang. I’ll buy these two lunch, Sally. The Fence Rider’s Special, on me.”
    â€œOne volunteer sponsorship. That’s going on your tab, Wolf Track.”
    â€œThis woman knows how to rake in the donations,” Logan told Cougar. “Better than a cable TV preacher.” He gave Sally a two-fingered wave. “You oughta get yourself a show, Sally.”
    â€œPeople in love are so generous. Gotta strike while they’re hot,” Sally called out after Logan. Then shegave Celia the calculating eye. “A weekly TV show. How could we work that?”
    Celia glanced at Cougar. She was smiling. The horses weren’t the Double D’s only attraction for a woman packing some heavy cares. Cougar nodded, and her smile brightened even more.
    â€œOh! Speaking of hot irons,” Sally said. She was checking her watch. “Hank should be pulling in any time now. He’s been out shoeing horses for a team-roping club, and I’m not gonna let him cool off just yet.” She rolled back from her desk, put her wheels in park and levered herself to her feet. “Just the thought makes me weak in the knees.
    â€œSo you guys get that horse loaded up and then help yourselves in the kitchen, will you? Pack up the Fence Rider’s Special. Sandwiches, chips, water and a wire stretcher. Enjoy the ride.” She winked at Cougar as she reached past him for her cane. “I know I will.”
    â€œCan’t wait to meet her husband,” Cougar whispered to Celia as they headed for the front door.
    â€œHank’s a lovely man, and Sally’s the rising tide that lifts all boats,” Celia said.