Read Online Tracie Peterson - [Heirs of Montana 04] by The Hope Within - Free Book Online Page A

said something, then stepped back from her son. Cole turned.
    “Dianne, this is my mother, Mary Selby. Ma, this is my wife, Dianne, and our children.” He noted each one, telling their names and ages.
    Mary Selby was not a handsome woman. She was rather stern faced and severe, in fact. Dianne thought she might look less so if she were to arrange her hair differently. Her gray hair had been pulled back tightly and arranged into a no-nonsense type of bun that rejected any sign of an escaping wisp.
    “Hello, Mrs. Selby. I’m so glad we could finally meet.” Dianne tried to sound pleasant without making it seem joyous. After all, the circumstances were not what anyone would have wanted.
    “Pity you didn’t come when Hallam was well,” Mary said in her first greeting.
    Dianne was uncertain what to say, so she said nothing. She was tired, hot, and sticky and longed only for a bath. She knew Lia would also feel better if given a chance to bathe and cool off. Still, Dianne didn’t want to set the tone for their visit by making demands.
    “Ma was telling me that Pa is barely holding on. The doctor says it won’t be long. We got here just in time.”
    “What can we do?” Dianne asked.
    “There’s nothing you can do!” Cole’s mother snapped. “He wants to see his son.”
    Dianne tried not to appear shocked. “I merely wondered if we might help with the housework or cooking—maybe the laundry and yard work, so that you would be freed up to sit with your husband.”
    Mary sneered. “I don’t expect you would know much about farm life.”
    “I doubt it’s that different from ranch life,” Dianne countered, unable to hold her tongue. “And laundry is pretty much laundry wherever you go.” She smiled, hoping to soften the retort.
    “Your wife is rude,” Mary told Cole without even attempting to hide her comment.
    Dianne bristled. “My suggestions were not meant to be rude but rather to offer insight. I’m very capable of helping out.”
    “I don’t need your help. I have daughters for that. Just keep your children out from underfoot.” With that she turned and opened the door. “You know where his room is,” she told Cole. “You should go to him immediately. The others can wait in the front room.”
    Cole seemed to remember his family’s exhaustion, much to Dianne’s surprise. “Do you have room for us here, or should I take them back to a hotel in town?”
    Mary looked back at Dianne and the children and frowned. It was almost as if Dianne could read the woman’s mind. She would obviously like it if Dianne and the children were not a part of the arrangement at all. Well, she thought, at least there we agree. I wish I were home working with the horses and checking the new calves .
    “I have room. You needn’t take them into town. Although the children mustn’t be noisy and disturb your father.”
    “We understand,” Cole replied. “I’ve already told the children they must be on their best behavior. Why don’t I get our bags and you can show us to our rooms. Then Dianne can settle the children and I can see Pa.”
    Mary seemed to consider this for a moment, then reluctantly said, “Very well.”
    “Go ahead,” Cole told Dianne. “I’ll get our things and find the way. Come on boys, you help me.”
    Mary gathered her dark brown skirt and trudged up the stairs. Dianne could feel the woman’s disdain but had no idea why she should so hate her daughter-in-law and grandchildren. When they reached the top of the stairs, Mary turned abruptly to the left. Dianne and Lia followed in silence.
    Without ceremony, Mary opened the door to a room. “You and Cole will be in here.” The room was small but serviceable and clean. “Thank you, it looks lovely,” Dianne said softly.
    Mary didn’t respond but instead crossed the hall and opened another door. “The children can stay here.”
    Dianne looked inside. There were two small beds and a dresser, but little more. The room smelled musty, as if it