Promise Broken (The Callahan Series) by Mitzi Pool Bridges Read Free Book Online Page B

have seen us. Donovan had me count the calves for market. Guess how many?”
    She slid a glance at Donovan as he threw a long leg over the saddle and dropped to the ground. Without a wasted motion, he undid the buckle that held the saddle before he returned her look with one of his own.
    “So, how many?” She asked the question of Mark, but looked to Donovan for an answer.
    Just guessing, she would put the figure at more or less a hundred and twenty-five.
    “I counted a hundred,” Mark said with pride.
    “Did you really count to a hundred?” Mark knew his numbers, but she’d never heard him count that high.
    “Didn’t take that much coaching,” Donovan grunted. “Kid’s smart.”
    Mark watched Donovan. Then mimicked his actions as he attempted to unbuckle his own cinch.
    “Let me help,” Phyl said, going over to give him a hand.
    “I can do it, Mom.”
    “I’m sure you can.” She stepped back, watched him struggle.
    Though Mark had to grit his teeth to work the leather, the buckle finally gave way. Donovan reached over, grabbed the saddle as it slid sideways, handed Mark the blanket and headed for the tack room.
    She fell into step beside them. “So what was the actual count?”
    “Hundred and thirty.”
    “Close to what I figured.”
    He grunted again.
    “When will you take them to auction?” she asked after Donovan put away the saddles and handed Mark a brush.
    “You know the drill.” Mark watched as Donovan brushed Stormy with smooth even strokes. Turning to Lily, he did his best to do the same.
    Donovan gave her a penetrating look. “What had you planned?”
    “Actually, I thought this Saturday would be good. You should get top dollar.”
    Nodding, Donovan continued his rhythmic brush strokes.
    “Of course, that’s not set in stone. Your call really.”
    She walked over to help Mark. Mark’s glare sent her away. He was trying so hard to be a little man. He couldn’t reach Lily’s back until Donovan pulled a stool over for him to stand on.
    She watched Donovan. He hadn’t shaved, and the beard gave him a dangerous look that made her heart thump heavier than normal. Quickly, she looked away. “There’s a trough in the corral that needs water.”
    Neither Mark nor Donovan seemed to care. She couldn’t suppress a smile.
    When she got to the barn door their voices picked back up in conversation. A chill washed over her. Mark was growing up. He wasn’t a baby anymore, but a boy trying to be a man. She couldn’t ask for a better example than Donovan Callahan.
    It would break Mark’s heart to leave. Deep down, she knew that day would come. For a moment, she let the frustration, fear, and worry wash over her.
    Then, straightening, she moved toward the corral. She’d enjoy what time they had and do her job as best she could. During that time, she’d figure out a way to keep Mark’s heart from breaking when they left.

Chapter Five
    The auction was over.
    Boot-clad, Stetson-wearing men of every description poured out of the arena. Women sported their own brand of cowboy attire; jeans, Western shirts, and boots being the most popular. Both buyers and sellers had a look of accomplishment.
    It had been a while since Donovan had been to a sale.
    Like others in the crowd, he was smiling. Phyl had made a good judgment call. Just as she predicted, he got a good price.
    As he turned to walk away, a familiar figure came toward him. “Uncle Raymond? What are you doing here?”
    The older man chuckled. “Trying to figure out why your mom loves ranch life. Personally, I prefer the city.”
    Then why wasn’t he there instead of here? Donovan wondered.
    He trailed behind Mark and Phyl as they walked into town. Mom and her brother were talking a mile a minute, then his uncle turned to him. “Who’s the pretty blonde?” he asked.
    Phyl must have heard the question because she stopped, looked back. Even with dark sunglasses shading her eyes, Donovan saw the alarm.
    “Let me introduce you. Phyl, this is