The Cowboy's Christmas Proposal

Now he turned out the light and climbed into his bed. He settled down under the covers and closed his eyes.

Again the next morning, Penny was waiting for him when he reached the corral.

He hadn’t slept well last night and was in a tetchy mood this morning. He looked at her, afraid his tiredness might be reflected on his face. “Are you wanting to start earlier than seven, ma’am?”

Penny stared at him, blinking her big blue eyes. “No, I just didn’t want to be late.”

“I can stand to wait a minute or two. Quit worrying about it.”

“Okay. Are you okay, Mr. Larson?”

“I’m fine.” Jake answered, angry at himself for losing his cool with her. She was his boss, even though she was only a young woman.

“Then let me know when you’re ready.”

“Did you bring your lunch with you today?”

“Yes. Did you want something?” Penny stared at him with her big blue eyes, determined not to be intimidated by him.

“I wouldn’t turn down an apple if you’ve got an extra one.”

“I’ll ride up to the house and get an extra one.”

He opened his mouth to protest, but she was already on her way. Maybe that was best. He’d get his horse saddled without her staring at him.

She was on her way back when he rode out of the corral to meet her. She handed over a big, red apple to him. “I’ll let you carry it in your own saddlebag.”

CHAPTER THREE

OKAY, so maybe he’d asked for her response. He swung down from his saddle and stowed the apple in his saddlebag. Then he mounted again. “Ready?”

“Yes,” she said, not bothering to look his way.

He started out in the opposite direction of their ride yesterday. After a few minutes, when they were well away from the barn, he said, “I thought you might want to know that your father had doubts about several of the men riding for him.”

“He did?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“Yeah, but every time he talked to Gerald about them, he told him he was wrong.”

“And Gerald convinced him?”

“Not entirely, but your father didn’t want to go against Gerald without proof. He was keeping watch, intending to let them go as soon as he caught them red-handed in slacking off, or doing anything they shouldn’t be doing. He hadn’t come to the conclusion that Gerald was the main problem, but he was making his way there.” After a moment of silence, he added, “I thought it might make you feel better to know that.”

Penny was silent for a moment as she took in Jake’s words. It had been kind of him to tell her about her father’s concerns and it did make her feel better. When she spoke her voice was shaking slightly. “Thank you. Are you going to do anything about the ones he didn’t trust?”

“Not unless I catch them red-handed, like your dad intended. They could change their ways. It certainly alarmed some of them that your dad had kept a journal.”

“How could you tell?”

“By the fear on their faces when I told them.”

“Then I doubt you’ll be able to return the books, as you promised.”

“Don’t worry, I locked them in a box and hid it. It will be obvious if anyone tries looking for them.”

She didn’t look pleased with his security measures. “Let me know if they destroy them!”

“Penny, I’m sure no one will try.”

She nudged her horse ahead of him, indicating she didn’t want to chat about the journals any longer.

He let her lead for the next hour until he had some questions about the use of a pasture they were passing, but Penny didn’t have the answer.

Jake didn’t push her. He felt sure he’d find the answer in the journals. “Isn’t it about time you ate your lunch?”

She looked up in surprise. “I suppose so. Is that a problem?”

“Not for me. I’m looking for an excuse to bite into that apple, but I didn’t want to admit my weakness. But you don’t seem in a hurry to eat today, even though it’s after twelve.”

“I didn’t realize the time. It’s flown by quickly.”

“So are you ready to eat?”

“Yes, of course.” She took out her lunch. “The sandwich I have is rather large. Would you like some of it?”

He looked at her, as if trying to determine her motive.

“I’m not trying to bribe you or gain some advantage. I’m just offering to share my sandwich.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I’d like part of your sandwich if you’re sure you can spare it.”

She managed to separate about half her sandwich and hand it to him. He finished his share before she was half through.

“Thanks, that was good.”

“I’ll have Harriet make two sandwiches for tomorrow, if you’d like?”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

“She won’t mind. I don’t think she has enough to do actually. When I left she was making pies for your dinner this evening.”

“Pies? What kind?”

“Apple.”

“I can’t wait.”

She studied him more closely. “You like sweets?”