Read Online To Love and to Cherish by Leigh Greenwood - Free Book Online Page B

Frank lost a son in that Indian attack, but I lost a husband and father-in-law.”
    It was a shame the Indians didn’t get Norman instead. Everybody had liked Toby, but they were all grateful to Norman for the loans to build their homes and start their businesses. Laurie didn’t understand how he could be so generous to everyone else and so miserly to her. It wasn’t his money. If he got his way, she wouldn’t be allowed to spend even a quarter of her income. What was he planning to do with the rest?
    â€œWhy don’t you ask Sibyl to stay with you a while?” Cassie asked when they reached Laurie’s house.
    â€œI’d rather Naomi. I don’t want my anger with Norman to spill over onto Sibyl. She suffers enough having to live with him.”
    â€œBeats me why you two let your fathers force you to marry men you couldn’t stand.”
    Cassie was nothing if not forthright. “Now that you mention it, it beats me, too. But what’s done can’t be undone. Now if you don’t mind, see if you can find Naomi.”
    But that wasn’t necessary. Laurie barely had time to remove her coat and move into the parlor before Naomi was at the door.
    â€œSibyl said you came out of the bank looking like you were going to be sick. What’s wrong?”
    â€œNorman is what’s wrong,” Cassie informed her. “What did you expect? Now that you’re here, I’m going back to work. I might even give Norman a piece of my mind.”
    â€œTell me what happened,” Naomi said as soon as Cassie had gone.
    Naomi let Laurie talk without interruption, which was a great help. By the time she’d finished, she’d talked out her rage and was in a better frame of mind to think rationally.
    â€œYou know what I think of Norman,” Naomi said, “but I never thought he could be that cruel.”
    â€œHe insists he’s following the spirit of Noah’s will, and I think he probably is.”
    â€œThat’s still no excuse. What are you going to do?”
    â€œI don’t know, but I won’t allow him to ruin the rest of my life.”
    â€œYou could always get married. Then Norman would have to hand over your money to you or your husband.”
    â€œWho do you suggest I marry? As far as I know, Jared Smith is the only eligible man this side of Fort Verde. I hope you aren’t going to suggest I marry a soldier.”
    â€œI’m not suggesting you marry anyone in particular. I just meant that marriage would free you from Norman’s control.”
    â€œGetting married would be no more than transferring control from one man to another. I want to be free to make my own decisions about what I eat and what I wear. I wouldn’t be surprised if Norman expects to approve of my undergarments.”
    That caused both women to laugh, which made Laurie feel better.
    â€œWhy would you mention Jared Smith?” Naomi asked. “I thought you didn’t remember him until you met him at the wake.”
    â€œHe’s not an easy man to forget.” Naomi didn’t need to know about Laurie’s visit to his ranch. “You don’t have to be young and single to think he’s attractive.”
    Naomi’s gaze intensified. “Are you interested in him?”
    â€œJust because I think he’s attractive doesn’t mean I’m interested in him. I don’t even know him.”
    â€œI remember you said you wanted a ranch, and he’s a rancher.”
    â€œJust because I want a ranch doesn’t mean I want a rancher to go with it.”
    â€œYou don’t know anything about running a ranch.”
    â€œYou learned how to lay out a town and sell lots. Cassie learned to work in the bank, and Amber could manage the store if my father would give her the chance. Why couldn’t I learn to run a ranch?”
    â€œCassie’s job is to attract men, which she can do just by waking up each day. Amber