Texas Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday Read Free Book Online

here.”
    â€œNope. Nary a word. Whoever did it is keeping quiet.”
    â€œHad to be someone with money. It cost a pretty penny to pay her way from Georgia. He’ll slip up one of these days and I’ll catch him. You can bet on that,” Cooper promised.
    â€œI’ll keep an eye out. How are things at the Long Odds?”
    â€œHaven’t found any more sick cows. Won’t know until we get them all accounted for, though. We begin roundup on Monday.”
    A wistful look crossed Rand’s angular face. He rubbed his dark stubble that he could never seem to keep off no matter how often he shaved. “One of these days I figure I’ll sell the saloon and buy me a nice parcel of land. It’d be nice to own a ranch and a fair-to-middling herd.”
    â€œThe saloon business losing its sparkle? If you hadn’t tried to take the easy way out, you could’ve had your own spread. It was your choice, brother.”
    â€œDon’t think I don’t know that. Let’s say I’ve grown up a lot in the last few years. Learned what was really important.”
    â€œGlad to see you’re thinking about more than easy money.”
    â€œJust hope when I do get my ranch, I remember all the stuff Isaac Daffern taught us. Guess I can always ask you or Brett about things I don’t know, though.”
    â€œOf course. We’re always here for you,” Cooper said quietly. He’d do anything for his brothers and they for him. Seeing Rand wanting something so badly and not having it created an ache in his chest.
    â€œSpeaking of Brett, it’s been a while since he’s been to town. When’ve you seen him last, Coop?”
    â€œJust came by his place. Needed to warn him about the hoof-and-mouth disease. Helped him put up a tepee.”
    â€œYou don’t say.” Rand threw back his head and roared with laughter.
    â€œSays he’s embracing his heritage. I have to admit that tepee is a damn sight better than living out of a wagon.”
    â€œBefore we know it, he’ll be paintin’ his face and doing a war dance around his campfire.”
    They both sobered, and Cooper knew Rand was remembering the raggedy little boy they’d taken under their wing and defended with everything they had. Both knew that without a doubt they’d paint their faces and do a war dance right alongside Brett if he asked them to.
    The brothers discussed various and sundry other things, then Cooper reached for another fried pie and pushed back from the long oak bar. “Gotta collect my supplies from the mercantile and get back to the ranch.”
    â€œDon’t let the lovely Miss Dandridge get the drop on you and drag you to the preacher,” Rand warned.
    â€œYou seem to be worrying about that enough for both of us, little brother.”
    â€œStranger things have happened. Say, I might ride out and watch the branding next week. Might learn a few things for when I have my own spread.”
    â€œYou’re welcome anytime. Heck, I’ll even let you join in and help us.” Cooper adjusted his hat, bringing it lower on his forehead. “I’m thinking we need to have another meeting of the bachelors’ club as soon as I’ve finished with the roundup.”
    â€œThinkin’ of dissolving it? I mean, with you being tempted to get hitched and all.”
    â€œDrop it, Rand. Enough is enough.”
    ***
    Abercrombie was back in the store when Cooper returned. He didn’t see Delta Dandridge anywhere, which was probably for the best.
    â€œHey, John, missed you earlier. I like what you’ve done with the place.”
    â€œCain’t take any credit for it. Miss Dandridge’s idea.”
    â€œAll the same, it’s a welcome sight to behold.”
    Just then Delta emerged humming from the back room with an armful of boxes, looking happy and content. Their eyes met and held. A look of guarded caution quickly replaced her carefree