The Glenmore's: Caught by Susan Horsnell Read Free Book Online Page A

kissed her cheek.
    “Come on Justine; we better get outta the way or she’ll take that wooden spoon to us”
    “Right behind ya Josh” Justine laughed as she stood up from the table.
    They headed out to the barn to saddle the horses. They’d repaired some of the fences in the south west paddock that had been damaged by the storm and today they were going to fix the broken fences in the south east paddock. The rest of the hands were checking the cattle and then fixing the fences in the north.
    “By the end of today we should have all the fences fixed. We’ll get all that hay up off the floor in the barn and into the loft tomorrow. We’ve still got plenty stocked up in the shed we can use first. We’ve got feed arrivin’ on Tuesday too”
    “You’re so organised Josh; no wonder grandpapa trusted you. He loved ya like a son ya know”
    “I know he did and I loved him too; we all did. I cain’t believe he left me a hundred and fifty thousand dollars when he passed”
    “You deserve it Josh. I’m just grateful ya stayed on. Ya coulda gone and got ya own place with that money ya know”
    “I believe in what Mason was doin’ with bloodlines and besides that Millie and I promised we’d take care of ya. He knew ya’d come here when he went”
    Justine smiled. “Ya know ya don’t have to but I’m sure glad you’re here and I do appreciate it”
    “We’re real happy Justine and we don’t plan on goin’ nowhere unless ya want us to”
    “That ain’t never gonna happen”
    Josh stopped just as they reached the barn. “Justine, can I ask ya a favour?”
    “Of course ya can Josh; what can I do for ya?”
    “I wanna ask Millie to marry me at Christmas but I want it to be a surprise. I’d like to ask her at Joe and Ginny’s ‘ cause they’re such good friends. Can ya help me to organise it?”
    Justine hugged Josh and gave him a kiss. “Josh that is so excitin’; of course I’ll help ya but where are ya gonna live?” Justine was scared that they would leave her when they married.
    ‘I’m not sure; I ain’t thought that far ahead”
    Justine laughed. “Might be a good idea to have somethin’ to tell Millie ‘cause I’m sure she’ll ask. Is there anywhere on my land where ya could build a small cottage? That way I’d be able to keep ya here to work the ranch with me”
    “I never really gave it much thought Justine; that’s real kind of ya though. Millie and I would love that. We’ll have a look over the ranch tomorrow if ya like”
    “I’d love that Josh and I’ll get thinkin’ on that proposal”
    They saddled their horses, mounted up and rode down to start fixin’ the fences.
    ********
    The day passed quickly and Justine was soaking in a hot bath before getting dressed for the dance. She’d told Millie and Josh that she’d take and chance and go along. They’d assured her again that they’d look out for her.
    Justine had picked out a pretty pale green dress trimmed with white lace and it had a broad white ribbon at her waist. It accentuated just how tiny her waist was and tied in a large bow at the back. The dress was a little low cut in the front and showed a hint of her creamy white breasts. Justine still thought it was proper and it made her feel pretty.
    She pulled her hair up at the sides and draped it over her shoulders. Her scars could be easily seen but Justine didn’t care. She was sick of having to hide them and she wanted to begin to trust in people again. She pulled on her coat and bonnet and joined Josh and Millie at the door.
    “Ready?” Millie asked as she took Justine by the arm.
    “I think so Millie; let’s go”
    Josh had the buggy waiting and he lifted the tow ladies in before climbing onto the seat and lifting the reins. The Cedar Ridge passed quickly and the night was cool but pleasant. Josh and Millie talked about some of the people she would meet but Justine was nervous and couldn’t relax.
    Josh pulled up the horses at the side of the hall and lifted