The Rightful Heir

“Do you think we can handle the other areas of the paper like that?”

So the motive for his actions came out. Much quicker than she’d expected.

“That’s why you defended my reputation to Mrs. Croft. And the reputation of the paper. And now you’re offering an olive branch, but with a goal of increasing your foothold in the business. You’re a slick one, Mr. Ivy.” She stood straight. “I’ll have my eye on you.”

* * *

Why did Mary Lou think he was trying to manipulate her? Had no one ever taken up for her? Surely, Grump wouldn’t let someone accuse his staff of shoddy work or speak ill of someone he cared for.

Jared took a few quick steps to catch her as she crossed the street and headed for the Pine Haven Hotel on the corner. “Slow down, Mary Lou.”

She stopped abruptly in front of him and spoke over her shoulder. “You’ll have to keep up, Mr. Ivy. The newspaper business doesn’t wait for anyone.” She set off again at the same pace.

He didn’t move. She’d accused him of manipulating her. He wouldn’t let that accusation stand. She would realize soon enough that he wasn’t following her. After all, he had the newspapers.

Mary Lou mounted the steps to the hotel entrance and reached for the door. He watched as she turned toward him and dropped her hand. She clasped both hands together and waited.

Jared approached at a measured gait.

“Join me for a moment?” He indicated the rockers on the porch in front of the hotel.

“We really don’t have time.” When she moved toward the door again, he dropped into one of the chairs and set it into motion.

“I have all the time in the world.” He knew time was important, but moving forward in agreement was more important. “We’ll waste more time in the long run if we don’t clear the air about some things now.”

Reluctance and resolve warred on her face until she sat on the edge of the chair beside him. “What?”

“I am not a manipulator.”

“No?”

“No. I am straightforward.” At her raised eyebrows he added, “And diplomatic.”

“Ah...diplomacy. So that is what you call it when you try to coerce me into doing things your way.”

“I didn’t try to coerce you. I merely pointed out that you would have to make some changes to accommodate our joint venture.”

“Joint venture? This venture, or whatever you choose to call it, isn’t joint.”

“We are in the midst of a circumstance beyond our control. We can do our best to make it work or argue and struggle until the judge comes to town. I am not a man given to conflict. I’d prefer to come to an arrangement that is beneficial to both of us. The time will be unbearable if we don’t.”

“Then why didn’t you just say that in the beginning.” He could see her resistance fading.

“I think I did.” He took a risk and said, “You may have overreacted.”

She hung her head. Every ounce of her was full of conviction and strength. He didn’t like that his words had caused that to ebb. Then, just as quickly, she raised her head and met his gaze. “I can see how you might think that. Let’s finish distributing the papers this morning. When we get back to the office, we can lay out some ground rules while we have our lunch. Then there will be no time lost.” She stood. “Shall we?”

He nodded. “After you.” With his free hand, he opened the hotel door for her to precede him.

She went to the registration desk. “Mr. Warren. How are you this morning?”

“Well, Miss Ellison. Very well, indeed.” The man caught sight of Jared behind Mary Lou. “And you, Mr. Ivy?”

“I’m fine, sir. Thank you.”

“Learning to work with our Miss Ellison, are you?” Mr. Warren spoke to him but he smiled at Mary Lou. Why had she suddenly become Mary Lou and not Miss Ellison in Jared’s mind? Was the stubborn way she defended her stance at every turn endearing her to him?

“We are sorting through the details as we go along.” He cut a glance at Mary Lou.

She reached for some of the newspapers he carried. “He’s learning the business.” She didn’t smirk but he thought she wanted to. She placed the papers on the corner of the desk. “I’d love to interview Jasmine about the wedding.”

Mr. Warren’s chest puffed out a bit. “Two weeks from Saturday I’ll have all my girls settled. Then me and Mrs. Beverly will be happy while we wait for some more grands. Maybe someone will want to take over the hotel for me in the future.”

Mary Lou smiled. “You haven’t even had time to spoil your newest grandson yet.” She looked at Jared. “Mr. Warren has three daughters. Two married and one betrothed.” She turned back to Mr. Warren. “I met Tuck after church last Sunday. Daisy and Tucker are so proud. And I think baby Rose is still a bit jealous.”

Mr. Warren laughed. “That little girl hasn’t slowed down since she learned to walk a few weeks ago. I think she thought the new babe would be a playmate, not someone who took her momma’s time and attention.”

If Jared was going to fit into the community of Pine Haven, he needed to build relationships with the people he was meeting. “Congratulations on your new family member, sir.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ivy.”

“Jared, please. I trust the Record posted a nice birth announcement on his arrival.”

He felt Mary Lou stiffen beside him. “We certainly did. Just like we do for all the new babies in Pine Haven. The Record plays a big role in celebrating the good things that happen in our town.”

A door opened from the side of the lobby and a woman dressed like a ranch hand came into the room. She was striking in her beauty and wore the clothes like she was made for them. In the years he’d worked on a ranch, Jared had never encountered a lady rancher.

She joined Mr. Warren behind the desk and kissed his cheek. “Hello, Papa.” She was tall and graceful. “Good morning, Mary Lou.”

“Jasmine, I’d like you to meet Jared Ivy. Mr. Ivy will be working with me at the paper for the next month or so.” He wanted to smile at the way Mary Lou had insinuated their time working together would end with his departure, without actually saying he would be leaving. Their time at the paper together would end. But he wouldn’t be the one going anywhere. “This is Jasmine Warren. She’s Mr. Warren’s daughter and will soon be married to Doc Willis.”

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma’am.” He dipped his head in deference to the lady.

Mary Lou continued. “Jasmine, I’d love to interview you for the paper. Your wedding is big news.”

Jasmine Warren smiled. “If you really think there’s something to write about, I’ll be glad to share with you. Maybe we could have lunch one day soon before the wedding.”

Jared answered for both of them. “We’d be most agreeable with that. You just name the day.”

Miss Warren’s face creased. “Will you be joining us, Mr. Ivy?”

“No, he won’t.” Mary Lou answered on top of his “Yes.”

Mary Lou tilted her head to one side and spoke to Miss Warren. “Mr. Ivy has brought a claim of ownership against me for the newspaper.”

Mr. Warren didn’t seem to like the sound of that. “Is that so?”

“Jacob Ivy was my grandfather. He left me the paper in his will.”