Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) by Mitzi Pool Bridges Read Free Book Online Page B

see you’ve introduced yourselves.”
    “Something smells wonderful.”
    “We don’t eat fancy, but there’s always plenty.”
    “Lela’s kitchen always smells good, too.”
    Donovan and Phyl walked in and were introduced.
    “You’re the man Dad is always bragging about,” Dani said. “He thinks you know everything about ranching.”
    Donovan chuckled. “Learn something new every day.”
    Once seated, Donovan said the blessing. Nellie watched Dani closely. It didn’t take her long to become comfortable with them. How could she not with Mark chattering away a mile a minute?
    Already, Nellie could tell she was a personable young lady with a lovely smile and hoped she was willing to work at a job she might consider menial.
    After dessert was served and eaten, Phyl insisted she and Mark would do the dishes so Nellie would be free to take Dani to town.
    “You have a nice car,” Nellie said as Dani drove away from the ranch.
    “Dad gave it to me when I graduated high school.”
    “Did you pick it out?”
    Dani shook her head. “But he knew what I wanted. I dropped enough hints.”
    “That always helps.”
    Dani’s mouth tightened. “With my dad, hints aren’t always enough.”
    Nellie reached over and patted her arm. “Some men are like that. It just isn’t in them to take it on themselves to remember things that are important to women.” She laughed. “That’s why they have wives.”
    Dani giggled.
    “Turn here,” Nellie instructed. “It’s only a few houses down.”
    They were in the middle of town, but in the residential section.
    “I’ll bet this small town is nothing like your home in Connecticut. We don’t have a mall or a theatre. If you want to go to a really nice place to eat, you have to go to San Antonio.”
    Dani cleared her throat. “It is different. Aren’t there any ranches close to a big city?”
    Nellie had to suppress her laughter. “I know what you’re thinking. Why couldn’t your dad buy a ranch closer to Dallas or Houston, even San Antonio would be better than here.”
    “I guess you get used to it,” Dani said weakly.
    But Nellie wondered if this young lady ever would. Would she stay here long enough to get to know her dad? First she had to get a job. “Pull into that driveway.” Nellie pointed to a nice sturdy one-story house.
    Though plain, it was fairly large, made of brick and trimmed in white. It could use a little yard work.
    “Who lives here?” Dani asked getting out of the car.
    “You’ll see,” Nellie answered as they walked up the walk and rang the doorbell.
    “Do I look okay?” Dani asked.
    “You look lovely, Dani. Now, don’t worry. You’ll do just fine.” In a pair of black slacks and white blouse, the girl was beautiful, but obviously nervous.
    “I have butterflies in my tummy, and they’re inching their way to my throat. I really need to work, but if this is a housecleaning job, I’m not the one for it.”
    The door opened.
    Nellie had to look close in the dim light of the foyer to see the woman scrunched in a wheelchair. Emma wasn’t a happy camper just now, and Nellie didn’t blame her.
    “Well, don’t just stand there.” She motioned them in.
    “Dani, this is Emma Wells. Emma, this is Dani Chandler.”
    Emma didn’t acknowledge the introduction, just pressed a button and the wheelchair turned and headed into the inner part of the house.
    Dani and Nellie followed.
    Looking around at the dust covered tables and knick-knacks, Nellie realized how badly Emma needed someone.
    Dani gave Nellie a questioning look, but Nellie turned her head. This would either work out. Or not.
    When they were in a large living area, Emma motioned for them to sit down.
    Nellie asked, “How are you, Emma?”
    “How does it look like I am?” she snapped.
    “Emma broke her hip a little over a month ago,” Nellie explained. “She needs help.”
    “I don’t need anyone.”
    “Yes you do, Emma. Look at you. You’re still in your night