Read Online August (Prairie Grooms, #1) by Kit Morgan - Free Book Online

to read.”
    “That is because none of us can read you. You’re as unpredictable as the wind.”
    “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? I like being unpredictable. It makes me mysterious. Papa told me once that men like mystery in women.”
    “Father told you what? Oh, never mind. Go to sleep.”
    “I can’t sleep, I’m too excited. If we go to town tomorrow, maybe I’ll get a glimpse of my husband.”
    Penelope yawned. “He is not your husband until you marry.”
    “Future husband, then. Aren’t you excited to see Mr. Bennett again?”
    Penelope stared at the ceiling while her stomach did a little flip at the thought. She would see him tomorrow, look into those dark-blue eyes, gaze at the sharp lines of his features, and perhaps again experience the feel of his touch when he took her hand in his. She stifled a sigh and turned over. “I suppose I should have to see him if we are to speak with the local clergy about getting married.”
    She listened to the frame of a bed creaking as Constance sat up. “I cannot believe you said that! One would think you didn’t wish to marry Mr. Bennett at all.”
    “Perhaps I don’t.”
    “Penelope! What would Mother say if she were here?”
    “She would say ... oh, bother – I don’t know what she would say anymore. Now go to sleep.” She pulled her pillow over her head, knowing exactly what her mother would say. Penelope, if you do not marry this one, you shall never marry! You shall be a spinster the rest of your life!
    “Yes, mama,” she automatically whispered. It was what she’d always replied when she heard her mother say it, which was a lot over the last five years. Well, not this time. For one, her mother wasn’t here, and two, August Bennett didn’t know about the Sayer name, and all it entailed ...

Five
    A ugust showed up at the Triple-C bright and early – early enough to have breakfast with Jefferson Cooke and his wife Edith, who also lived on the ranch. They dwelt in the little cabin on the hill that overlooked the barnyard. Edith and her two sisters, Sally and Marybeth, had come to Clear Creek a few years before to work in Mr. Van Cleet’s hotel once it was completed. Edith’s only job now was helping out on the ranch and taking care of her husband, and she couldn’t be happier. Her sisters still worked in the hotel and helped Mr. and Mrs. Van Cleet with thinking up clever ways to make it bigger and better. The only problem with that, however, was that there were rarely any hotel guests to enjoy their cleverness.
    “Are you going to town today?” Jefferson asked his wife.
    “Yes, I thought I’d go see Sally and Marybeth, and show the young ladies around Clear Creek. Besides, the ladies’ sewing circle meets soon, and we need to get the word out about the girl’s wedding dresses.”
    “Of course. How about you, August?” Jefferson asked. “Need any assistance with that new farm of yours?”
    “Thank you, no. Not yet.”
    “Need any stock?”
    “Yes, but I’ve already spoken with Harrison and Colin about acquiring some. I’m also making plans to get some more chickens.”
    Jefferson nodded. “I hear the Turners are trying to get rid of ... er, are selling a rooster.”
    August stared at him a moment in suspicion. “So I’ve heard ...”
    Jefferson grabbed a piece of bacon and munched on it. “Come on out tomorrow and I’ll take you out to the south pasture. You can have your pick of what’s there.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Cooke, that’s mighty kind of you,” he told him as three sleepy-eyed women entered the kitchen. Miss Red gazed at him a second or two before she quickly took in her appearance, as if just realizing he was there. He stifled a chuckle as he buttered a biscuit. “Good morning, ladies.”
    Constance took in the food on the table and licked her lips. “Good morning. Have you been here long?”
    “Only a few minutes. Enough time for Edith to pour me a cup of coffee and hand me a plate.”
    Miss Red remained silent, but did