Read Online Linda Ford by The Cowboy's Surprise Bride - Free Book Online Page A

the cows and keep them from drifting. He didn’t need to be there helping them. Yet it was his responsibility—and his alone—to insure the herd was safe. The future of the ranch depended on it. But he was stuck here, away from the action, doing nothing to protect his investment. Or more accurately, his father’s investment.
    Noises from the next room informed him the others were up. He slowly turned from the window and poured a cup of coffee. He’d make sure the guests were safe. Later, he’d head out to the barn. At least he could check on the stock that was there.
    The three other occupants of the storm-wrapped cabin stepped into view. Cassie’s expression was enough to stop a train and send the occupants dashing for safety. Grady fussed for no reason. But Linette smiled and hummed. He immediately recognized the tune. It was the same one playing over and over in his head. “‘This is the day that the Lord hath made... Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”’ She seemed intent on enjoying the day. She went immediately to the window. “It’s beautiful. Snow covers everything like piles of whipped cream.”
    She turned, and her smile flattened and she frowned. “I’m sorry. This is not what you need, is it?”
    “I would have preferred to have the cows closer before this hit.”
    She nodded, looked thoughtful a moment longer then turned to the others with a beaming smile. “Cassie, Grady, look. There’s snow everywhere.” She lifted Grady to the window to look out.
    He laughed. “I play in it?”
    Eddie stared at the boy. It was the first time he’d heard anything but a cry from his lips.
    “I don’t think—” Linette looked at Eddie. “It doesn’t look safe out there.”
    “Not while it’s coming down so hard.” He lowered his gaze to Grady. “You’ll have to wait for a little while.”
    In his excitement over the snow, Grady had forgotten Eddie. Now he clung to Linette’s neck. His lips quivered.
    Eddie sighed inwardly. He couldn’t bear the idea of more fussing and crying. “If you don’t cry I’ll take you to see the horses as soon as it’s safe. But only big boys can come.”
    Grady swallowed hard and blinked half a dozen times. “I not cry.”
    “Good boy. Now climb up to the table and let’s see what Linette can find to feed us.”
    Grady edged around Eddie and sat as far away as the small space would allow.
    Linette hadn’t moved from the window. She stared at Eddie, her eyes wide.
    Had he done something wrong? Did she think he was out of place telling Grady to stop crying? Or—he stifled a groan—had he offended her by calling her by her Christian name? “I’m sorry. I meant Miss Edwards.”
    “No, Linette is fine. Much more comfortable.”
    Were her words rushed and airy? He jerked his gaze away in self-disgust. Less than twenty-four hours with two women and a child in his little cabin and he was already getting fanciful. He needed the company of some cows and cowboys.
    But first, breakfast.
    Linette again pulled the bowl of potatoes toward her and turned the slab of bacon over and over.
    Eddie grabbed the butcher knife. “I’ll slice us off some pieces. You can fry them up.”
    “Thank you.” She avoided meeting his eyes.
    “I take it you’ve never seen bacon before.”
    “I’m unfamiliar with the term and the format.”
    He chuckled. She had a unique way of admitting she didn’t have a clue. “It’s the same as rashers in England.”
    Understanding lightened her eyes. “You mean—” She pointed to the chunk of meat and watched with keen interest as he carved off thin slices. “That’s what rashers look like before they’re all crispy?”
    He dropped the pieces into the hot fry pan. “They’ll soon be something you recognize.”
    She stared at the sizzling pan. A heavy sigh left her lungs. “I told you I wasn’t a good cook, but I assure you I won’t have to be shown twice. In no time at all I’ll be creating culinary delights to warm your