Read Online The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice - Free Book Online

flarin’ that temper of hers easily enough.”
    Ridge gave Angus a forlorn look. “That can’t be good, can it?”
    “Awk, don’t be so certain, lad.” Angus grinned and gripped Ridge’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “There be an old Irish tale me good da told me once. Said his own old da told it ta him as a young lad. Don’t know who told it to me granda, but if it be true, ye still have hope. Well then, if I can just be rememberin’ how it goes.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Aye, I remember now.”
    When Irish born, then Irish blood
    Runs through a lass’s veins,
    The truth of where her true love lies,
    Be how her temper flames.
    If when first ye steal a lover’s kiss,
    She warms within yar arms,
    Her heart will not be given true,
    Ye are not the one she loves.
    But if when that kiss be stolen,
    Her anger burns like fire
    She’ll bind her heart and soul to ye,
    And none but ye desire.
    Mark me words and listen well,
    T’were not mere legend ye be told.
    Take heart, me lad, she’s yar true love,
    If her flame with ye be bold.

    “Me Shannon were like that, and she was the great love of me life.” He sighed deeply, and they stood in silence for a moment. “Well, lad, best be gettin’ off to me bed now and ye best be doin’ the same. Mornin’ comes early on a cattle ranch. Good night, then.” He turned and ambled back toward the house.
    “Night, Angus,” Ridge called quietly after him, “and I thank ya . . . for the advice, I mean.”
    “Anytime, lad . . . anytime,” Angus called over his shoulder.
    Ridge stared into the night, pondering. A few moments later he heard the door to the ranch house close. If Irish tales were true, maybe she did like him a little. He smiled thoughtfully at the idea of stealing his own kiss from Miss Georgiana McLaughlin. After another moment of pondering, he headed into the bunkhouse to try to get some sleep. If he was going to be able to keep his wits about him around that woman, he’d need it.

4. Reunited

    “Grandad,” Georgiana addressed her grandfather as she served the men their breakfast, “I have a list of things I need from town. Is there one of the men who can drive me there? I haven’t yet learned to drive the team myself.” Her grandfather looked about the table into the hopeful faces of the men before his gaze settled on Jimmy.
    “Jimmy, me lad . . . how ’bout ye take me granddaughter into town today?”
    Jimmy’s face beamed with the luck of being chosen.
    “Yes, sir, I’d be right pleased ta do it.”
    Georgiana smiled at his enthusiasm and then sat down at the table.
    “When would ya be wantin’ ta go, Miss McLaughlin?” he asked after she had placed her napkin properly in her lap.
    “Just as soon as we’re through with breakfast Jimmy, and I’ve cleaned up.” She smiled again at his eager look. “I’ll need to change into something more suitable. I imagine about an hour will be an ample amount of time.”
    “I’ll go fetch the horses and hitch up the wagon right away,” Jimmy said eagerly, standing up promptly. Grabbing his hat, he hurried out the door. Georgiana stood up from the table, gathered his plate, and brought it to the sink, briefly wondering at his untouched meal, but flattered at his eagerness. Once he was out of hearing range, the rest of the men at the table burst into laughter. Georgiana spun back around to face the men.
    “He ran out of here so fast . . . ,” Jeremiah began as the laughter finally died down a bit.
    “ . . . that he hardly ate a thing,” Jonas finished the statement.
    “He’ll sure be hungry come lunchtime,” Tiny added sympathetically.
    “Think that was wise?” Ridge asked her grandfather. “The boy’s terribly smitten already. Walks around moon-eyed most of the day as it is.” Ridge paused and rubbed his chin in contemplation before adding, “In fact, since your granddaughter arrived, that boy has been happier than a pup with two tails.”
    A fresh bout of