The Rancher's Daughter by Pamela Ladner Read Free Book Online Page A

Heath I almost forgot. Here’s your pocketknife and wallet that I took off you back at the ranch. I’m very sorry about the mix up. Just stay in town, in case I need you.”
                  The sheriff knew now he had another arrest to make of that no account for making a false claim, not to mention that weasel of a banker who’d came in here with him.  He was going to enjoy it too.  He hated liars, and more than that, he hated bankers. Ever since, they took his grandfathers farm. It would have been his one day.  It was his legacy.  It had been in his family for generations. This was going to be one arrest he was happy to make.
     

Chapter Eight
     
                  Back at the ranch, everyone gathered around the table to eat.  Hilary fixed a big meal and there was plenty to go around.  The old sheriff rocked back in his chair patting his now, well rounded stomach that had once been flat and hard.  “Well now, that was a meal to last me a month. That’s some mighty good cooking, I ain’t had a meal this good since.” His voice trailed off and there was a sadness, which crept into his eyes.  It was plain to see he was remembering his late wife.  Everyone pretended not to notice but they all looked at one another, acknowledging they understood.
                  Josey helped Hilary clear the table and they talked of things from the past.  Hilary had been her mom.  She had been the only real mom she had.  She would no longer claim her biological mother.  She called Hilary Mom now, and had for a long time.  She remembered the look on Hilary’s face the first time she called her mom.  Her grin was bigger than the Mississippi.  She took her in her arms and nearly squeezed the life out of her.  It was odd how one little word could make someone that happy.
                  Josey let her mind wander while she washed dishes.  Hilary didn’t speak she just watched her.  She was thinking of Heath.  She loved him, always had. Her mind floated back to the hurtful words she had said to him. 
                  She would give anything to take them back.  If only she hadn’t said those awful things to him, maybe he wouldn’t have left.  They could have gotten married years ago, and have little babies running around.  She stopped herself from crying and refocused her thoughts. 
                  This morning had been scary.  She’d only just gotten him back, and she almost lost him to jail.  She tried to get her mind off Heath.  The rodeo festivities would be starting soon.  There were already people piling in.  There were several cowboys who had stayed the night on the ranch, their RVs parked all over, she waited for them to pile into the yard. 
                  She decided she might rather stay in the house today.  She didn’t want any more incidents from her carelessness.  She scrubbed the last dish and Hilary reached for it, towel in hand, ready to dry it and put it away. 
                  Josey drained the soapy dishwater and rinsed the suds off her hands and wrist.  “I think, today, we might just have enough money to cover the bank note.” She said.  Hilary nodded her head, and sat down at the table.  Josey joined her, elbows on the table and her chin propped on her hand.  “I just hope I never have to lay eyes, on that snake, Williams again.  He’s nothing but a crook.”  Hilary groaned, “Tell me about it.  I’d like to wrap my hands around his wormy little neck.” 
                  They sat and gossiped for a bit.  The men were walking around in the yard, getting things done.  Josey was not usually one for idleness and neither was Hilary.  For reasons they could not name, today just seemed different. There was so much on both of their minds lately, and they both needed a break.  
                  They worked together cleaning the house from top to bottom.