Read Online A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher - Free Book Online Page A

more.
    For practical purposes, of course. The more he knew about Gwen Arlington the more likely he was to win this election.
    And he meant to win. The success of New Hope could depend upon him becoming the next mayor of this small mountain town. He
     wasn’t about to let a pretty face best him. The sooner Gwen Arlington realized it, the better for all concerned.

SEVEN
    Gwen’s favorite day of the week was Sunday.
    She loved cooking for her father and sister, but even more, she enjoyed the discussions that transpired after they’d eaten
     their Sunday dinner and moved to either the parlor or, in nice weather, the front porch. Once settled comfortably, they shared
     the main points of the sermons they’d heard from the pulpits, Gwen quoting Reverend Rawlings, the minister at All Saints,
     and her father and sister sharing the words of Reverend Barker from the Methodist church.
    Then, invariably, Gwen and her father would debate opposing points of Christian doctrine held to by their respective denominations.
     Cleo tried to stay neutral and sometimes acted as referee.
    This Sunday had followed the familiar pattern.
    Leaning against the porch rail — looking more comfortable now that she’d changed out of the dress she wore to church and into
     her trousers, shirt, and vest — Cleo set her glass of iced tea on the floor. “Gwen, your roses are prettier than ever, and
     it’s only May.” She straightened and moved to the steps. “I’m particularly fond of those.” She pointed to a bush near the
     front gate. “What color would you call that?”
    “Peach.” Gwen exchanged an amused glance with her father. Mentioning the roses was Cleo’s way of indicating it was time for
     the debate to cease. “I’ll cut you some and put them in water for you to take home.”
    She rose from the swing and went into the house, retrieving a pair of scissors from a drawer in the kitchen. When she came
     outside again, she saw Cleo had descended the steps and was bent over the rose bush in question, sniffing the petals.
    Gwen drew near. “You should plant some roses at the ranch. They would be beautiful along the south side of the house. I could
     give you some starts.”
    “Gwennie, I just look at a plant like I’m going to tend it and it keels over dead. I’m far better with horses than green things.”
    “I’d be happy to show you how — ” The words died in her throat at the sight of Morgan McKinley on the other side of her fence.
    “Good day, Miss Arlington.” He touched his hat brim. Then his gaze shifted to Cleo. “And I believe you are Cleo Arlington.
     I saw you and your father in church this morning but didn’t have an opportunity to be introduced.”
    Gwen felt her eyes widen. This was the first she’d heard of that. Why hadn’t Cleo told her he’d been there?
    “I’m Morgan McKinley.”
    “Pleasure to meet you,” Cleo answered. “We were admiring my sister’s roses. Aren’t they pretty?”
    He was looking at Gwen when he answered, “Very pretty, indeed.”
    She felt an odd quiver in her stomach.
    “Out for an afternoon stroll?” Cleo asked.
    “Yes. I felt the need to walk after dinner. I have a new cook, and I’m afraid I ate more than I should have.”
    “I know what you mean. Gwennie’s a mighty fine cook herself.” Cleo stepped to the gate and pulled it open. “Why don’t you
     come on up and meet our father? He’d probably like some male
    company.”
    Forget what their father would like. Gwen would like to kick her sister in the shin.
    “That’s kind of you, Miss Arlington. Thank you.”
    “It’s too confusing, all this ‘Miss Arlington’ nonsense, what with the two of us. Call me Cleo. That’s proper enough for me. I’m not a candidate for anything.” She led the way toward the porch. “Care for some iced tea, Mr. McKinley?”
    “Yes, thank you. I would. And feel free to call me Morgan.”
    When that man left, Gwen was going to throttle her sister. Throttle her within an