The Shepherd's Betrothal (8 page)

Gabe sat back in his seat. “You're probably right. What do you think they'd be worth here in Florida?”

“Don't know.” Ian unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite. “I figured I would have to wait and see what kind of market would be available for me. There is a reason I took them with me everywhere I went.” Ian winked.

Gabe laughed out loud. “Touché. So you don't need my advice after all.”

“I didn't say that. But I may not be as lost as ye might think.”

“Good, then I'd like to learn more and see if I can help advise you?”

Ian nodded. “I'd like that.”
And maybe ye can clue me in about yer sister.

They finished their lunches and Gabe headed back to the city. Later that evening Ian started working on his ledgers, replaying his conversations with Gabe and with Hope. As complicated as his relationship with Hope was, Ian didn't want it any other way. He'd been turning down some invitations to dinner with local families, suspecting they were nothing more than attempts to match him with their daughters.

He knew it wouldn't be fair to give any hopeful young ladies ideas because his heart was not free. Not with his feelings for Hope growing every time he met her.

He glanced at the figures. He still had plenty of money, and within six to seven months' time he'd have that litter trained and ready to sell. Life was looking profitable in America—perhaps not as profitable as back in Ireland, but profitable nonetheless.

Ian was in good spirits until early the next morning, when the sheriff banged on his front door. “Mr. McGrae, I have a summons for you,” he announced.

Ian pulled the door open to find Sheriff Bower in full uniform, holding an official-looking envelope. “What kind of summons?”

“Can't say, it's sealed. I was ordered to deliver it for the courts.”

Ian broke the seal and scanned the letter, his heart sinking as he read.

“What? This can't be! Why?” he said.

In that moment, all he wanted was to speak with Hope for clarity and her calming influence.

But he was on his own this time.

* * *

Hope finished cleaning the rooms, washed and hung the first batch of laundry and was cleaning up the morning service dishes when Grace came into the kitchen. “Good morning, Hope.”

“How are you?”

“Fine. Actually, I'd love to run and jump but I can't do that just yet.”

Hope laughed. “I'm glad you're feeling better.”

“Tell me what's been happening. How are you and Ian getting along?”

Hope glanced to the ceiling then focused on Grace. She was a good friend and perhaps she could help her with these confusing emotions. “That could take a while.”

“Then I'm all ears. Let's have some tea and make ourselves comfortable.” Grace went over to the stove and put the kettle on.

Hope finished washing the last pot. “First, tell me, are you still expecting?”

“The doctor believes I was carrying twins. I might have lost one, but the other baby still seems to be growing.”

Hope didn't know what to say. She'd never heard of such a thing. She couldn't imagine what Grace was feeling or thinking.

“It's rare, but does happen from time to time. In another month we'll know for certain. We're waiting until we know for sure if I'll be able to carry the baby before telling Richard's parents, or the rest of the community.”

“Twins? Oh my, and you can still carry one of the babies?”

“Yes. But as I said, it is rare. I don't know what I would have done without you, or my mother. She's been wonderful. Of course, this will be her first grandchild. Father is beside himself. It's amazing the change in him. He respects Richard now and can't apologize enough for his behavior in trying to force me to marry men I had no interest in.” Grace took a sip of her tea and looked over the rim at Hope. “So…have you kissed Ian yet?”

“No!” Hope protested a little too loudly. “Sorry, no.” Grace laughed. “But you've thought about it.”

Hope groaned. “Well, yes. Have you looked at him? He's gorgeous. His smile can brighten an entire room. And his eyes… Goodness, a girl could get lost in those sparkling blue eyes.”

Hope sobered and hung her head. “Ian has asked me to dine with him twice, but I said no. Even though I wanted to say yes.”

Grace patted her hand. “What are you afraid of?”

“I've never had feelings like this before, Grace. I didn't expect to be scared by such strong emotions. And, well, I still feel the blow to my pride and confidence because of what happened with my job.”

“Oh, Hope. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. And I think your heart is telling you to take a chance on Ian.”

I
an paced back and forth in the front room at the lawyer's office.

“Mr. McGrae!” The door to the inner office swung open and Ben Greeley came out, right hand extended. “How can I help you?”

Ian handed him the summons. Ben's eyebrows rose. “This doesn't make any sense. I know this judge fairly well. Let me look into it and I'll send a message over to your place.”

“Thank ye, Mr. Greeley.”

“I've been looking into the clerical error you found on the bill of sale and we can't seem to track down where it happened. But I've petitioned the court to make the proper changes. The new paperwork should be ready in a day or two.”

“Again, thank ye, Mr. Greeley. I've been tied down to the ranch for the past week because Conall was attacked by a bobcat and Tara just gave birth.”

Ben smiled. “You wouldn't be interested in selling one of those pups, would you? My children would love a puppy and yours are so obedient.”

Ian chuckled. “We might be able to barter on that. I sold them for fifty pounds sterling in Ireland, that's two hundred and fifty American.”

Ben's eyes widened and he whistled. “That's a bit much for a childhood pet.”

“I understand.” Ian smiled. “I also won't sell them to anyone who doesn't have a large enough property for them to run. They are working dogs and need to exercise, or they would not be happy.”

“Ah, we have a fairly good-size courtyard but probably not large enough for your dogs.”

“What do I do about this?” Ian pointed to the summons.

“Nothing at the moment. I'm going to speak with the judge personally and see if I can get the case dropped before a court hearing.”

“I will wait to hear from ye. Good day, Mr. Greeley.”

“Good day, Mr. McGrae.”

Ian left the attorney's office and headed for the Seaside Inn. He wanted to check on the Armans and see how they were doing. Not to mention the possibility of running into Hope. He came up to the kitchen door and knocked. Inside he saw Grace and Hope in an embrace. Hope wiped her eyes. She'd been crying. He suddenly wanted to wrap her in his arms, offer her some protection against whatever was bothering her. She glanced over at him and gave a halfhearted smile.

Ian's pulse raced. Awareness solidified in the core of his being as he realized he'd been the topic of her discomfort. He smiled back at Hope, then pulled his attention toward Grace. “Hi, I came to see how ye are feeling?”

“Better, thank you. And how is Conall?”

“Fine. Hope's talent with the needle helped and he is his old self again.”

“Hope's been telling me all about Tara's puppies. I think you'll find there will be a long list of folks who might like one.”

Ian chuckled. “Not once they hear the price I used to get for them in Ireland.”

“Oh?” Grace asked.

He briefed Grace and Hope on the cost and exchange rate, and they had the same response as others. There was no sense letting folks think he would be giving his puppies away at no cost. It would be like giving away a steer. His dogs were income and investments.

Hope's smile faded. “I guess I shouldn't get too attached to Clare, then.”

Ian smiled. “I'm afraid not, darlin'. Being female, she can produce more puppies once she's old enough.” As much as he'd love to give Clare to Hope as a gift of appreciation, it simply was not good business.

“They are exceptional dogs,” Grace admitted with a smile and grabbed her cup of tea. Hope did the same.

Feeling very much the intruder, Ian asked, “Where might I find Mr. Arman?”

“In the barn.”

“Thank ye. Good day, Miss Lang, Mrs. Arman. I'll keep praying for ye and the little one.”

Grace's eyes widened. “You know?”

“Sorry,” Hope apologized. “Ian came by the first night and I told him then.”

“Oh, sorry. We're not announcing until we know for certain the baby is all right.”

“Mum's the word then, Mrs. Arman.” Ian winked and slipped out of the kitchen. He headed to the barn and found Richard working. “Richard?” Ian called.

“Ian, good to see you.”

“How are ye?”

“Fair. I'm concerned for Grace.”

Ian lowered his voice. “I know about the little one.”

Richard smiled. “And I'm concerned about the baby. The doc thinks she may have been having twins and lost one.”

“Aye, I'm sorry to hear that. I've seen it with me dogs and livestock,” Ian said. “I'll keep ye in me prayers.”

Richard nodded.

“I wanted to thank ye for the recommendation of Ben Greeley. He's been quite helpful.”

“He's a good man.”

“I can't stay long. I left Mrs. Sanders with the dogs and I can't leave Conall to oversee the sheep yet. But since I was in the city I thought I should come and check on ye and the missus.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to some of your lamb. When do you think you'll be ready to trim your flock?”

“It'll be a while. These new sheep are not as hardy as I'd like. I'll soon get them fattened up and strong. Me ram should be coming soon and we'll see how the first breeding season goes.”

“Fair enough. But know that I'll be one of your first customers.”

Ian smiled. “I'm certain we can work something out.”

“Ian, one more thing. I'm aware of Hope breaking your betrothal. And I'm aware of how much she's been helping you. Please be careful and treat her right.”

Ian shrugged. “I've asked her to accompany me to dinner and she's turned me down twice. I don't see a relationship developing between us.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for stopping by,” Richard said as he extended his hand.

Ian made it home by midafternoon. He watched the puppies nursing and squirming around Tara. She was a good mother and patient with her pups. Their eyes were not open yet, but would be soon.

His thoughts turned to Conall, and he found him watching the sheep from the porch of the house. “Good boy, Conall. Ye want to run, don't ye, boy?”

Conall jumped up. Ian flicked his wrist and Conall jumped off the porch and hit the ground at a full run. He couldn't blame the dog—he'd been stuck in the house for his recovery. Ian glanced up at the blue sky. No hint of rain. But he'd learned that rain storms come up without much notice in Florida.

As he watched Conall run and frolic, his mind drifted back to Hope and the tears in her eyes. He hated the idea of causing her pain in any way, for any reason. His stomach twisted a notch. He should have submitted to his parents' agreement with the Langs. Then again, would she have been happy marrying a lowly shepherd?

Ian closed his eyes and tried to give his life, his future, back to God. The “if onlys” were going to drive him crazy. The Langs' blue two-story Victorian house with white-and-blue trim came into his mind, speaking volumes about Mr. Lang's success and social standing.

He scanned his little cottage. There was no comparison. He couldn't imagine Hope being happy here.

* * *

Hope couldn't believe Ian had showed up at the Seaside when he did. She'd never been so embarrassed, and she could tell he knew she'd been crying about him. She could see it in his eyes, the compassion, the confusion, then the recognition of what she and Grace had been talking about.

Hope groaned. She pulled the sheet out of the wringer and hung it on the line. She definitely liked office work a hundred times better than doing laundry. But she would do it because Grace needed her help. And she would do it without complaint. Laundry was nothing compared to taking care of the chamber pots. Hope groaned again.

“Sorry, Lord. I know I shouldn't be complaining. I'm where I need to be.” Hope glanced around the yard to make certain she wasn't being overheard. “Father, direct Ian and me about the kind of relationship we should have. We are attracted to each other, but I want more, so much more than simple attraction.”

Hope finished hanging the laundry then set out for her own house. Her household chores were being neglected, and while the sheets and towels were drying at the Seaside she could get some of her chores at home done.

“Afternoon, Mother,” Hope said as she entered the kitchen through the back door. “What smells so good?” Hope sniffed the air. “Don't tell me, corned beef and cabbage?”

“Aye, that it is, dear. I made some extra for Mr. McGrae. Are ye going to see him this evening?”

“No, ma'am. He came to town today. I'll stop by tomorrow.” Hope lifted the lid of the pot and sniffed.

“Are ye done at the inn?”

“I have the laundry to finish. Everything is drying on the lines but I'll need to fold and iron some of the items before I can call it a day.”

“Aye, I know the process.”

“Mum!” Gabe hollered as he came in through the back door and reached into the cookie jar. “Are you cooking corned beef and cabbage?”

“Aye, I made a large pot so we can share with Mr. McGrae. Are ye going to see him tonight?”

Gabe sat down and munched on a cookie. “Wasn't planning on it but I'd be happy to bring him some. I was speaking with him about investments and— I don't know why, but I was surprised at how good he is with finances. Do you know what his dogs sold for in Ireland?”