Read Online Colt by Georgina Gentry - Free Book Online

He beamed at his only child. “You’re the sweetest, most thoughtful girl ever.”
    She smiled her most winsome smile. “I was only doing what any other kind, civilized woman would do. You have sent for her husband, haven’t you? I’m sure she’s really eager to get off this post and back to her family.”
    â€œOf course. I’ve sent telegraphs all over Texas, and if he’s alive and still in the state, we’ll find him.” He poured himself a drink.
    â€œOh, Daddy, must you? You drink too much.”
    â€œI do not. This is my first little toddy of the morning.”
    â€œI don’t think so.”
    â€œNow, have you been counting like your mother used to?” He sounded defensive and angry.
    She decided to drop the subject. The tension between her parents had grown worse over the years, which was why they kept so many miles between them. “Wasn’t that an exciting raid? The men are saying Lieutenant Prescott was so heroic. They think he deserves a promotion.”
    The major chuckled and reached for his pipe. “I’m way ahead of you, Olivia. I’m going to give him a battlefield promotion, making him a first lieutenant. He’s waited a long time.”
    â€œAnd then he’s bound to become a captain, isn’t he?”
    â€œEventually. You kind of like that Texan, don’t you?” The major paused in filling his pipe.
    â€œOh, Daddy, he’s so tall and handsome. I just almost swoon every time I see him.”
    â€œNow, Olivia, you should remember, he’s not like the boys you’re used to.”
    â€œI know. All those in Philadelphia were just boys. Colton is a man.”
    â€œYou call him Colton?”
    She felt herself blush. “Oh, Daddy, you may as well know, I’ve set my cap for him. I know he’s a little rough around the edges, just like you were when you met Mother, but he can be tamed.”
    The major lit his pipe and frowned. “You don’t want to make the same mistake your mother did.”
    â€œGoodness gracious, you don’t seem so Irish as Mother says.”
    â€œShe certainly didn’t want to live on some dusty army post. It hasn’t been much of a marriage, Olivia.”
    â€œOh, but this is going to be different.” Olivia leaned toward him with an eager smile. “I’ll turn Colton into a gentleman, correct his grammar and his manners.”
    â€œLike your mother tried to do to me?” The major snorted. “You need to accept a man for what he is, my dear, not try to turn him into a silk purse from a sow’s ear.”
    Olivia didn’t want to hear that; she was already making plans. “Then we’ll move back to Philadelphia and Mother can give him a job in her family’s company.”
    â€œColt Prescott doesn’t strike me as the type to sit in an office back East.” The major puffed his pipe.
    â€œWell, if he insists on staying in the army, you and Mama can use your influence to get him promoted. I think ‘Colonel’ would be nice. We could be posted to Washington, D.C., where there’s lots of social life and fancy balls.”
    The major smoked and shook his head. “His enlistment is up in June, Olivia, and I guess he’ll stay in the army, but he’s not the kind of man who can be led around by the nose by a woman. He’s a Texan and they have a tendency to be stubborn and independent.”
    â€œOh, just watch me!” Olivia said smugly. “Lieutenant Prescott is mad for me. He’ll do anything I want him to do, like a trained lapdog.”
    â€œBy Saint Mary’s blood, I think you underestimate the Texan.” The major leaned back in his chair and smoked his pipe.
    â€œDaddy, don’t sound so—so Irish.” She frowned.
    â€œIn the first place, you don’t know how Texans feel about the Lone Star State. They say they’ve got the Texas red dirt flowing in their