Love Inspired Historical June 2014 Bundle: Lone Star Heiress\The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart\The Gentleman's Bride Search\Family on the Range (9 page)

So she was more focused on her father than on the legacy he'd left her. The way her mind worked never ceased to surprise him.

“I appreciate all you've done to help me,” she continued, “but I don't want you to feel like you have to keep going out of your way on my behalf. There's no need for you to go out to Mr. Mosley's ranch tomorrow if you want to head back to the cabin and finish your vacation.”

Was she tired of his company? He found himself strangely reluctant to step away. “You don't think I'm going to come this far and not be there when the end plays out, do you?”

“Well, if you're sure it's something you
want
to do...”

“It is.”

A yawn escaped her as they arrived at the hotel. She gave him a sheepish look. “I'm sorry. I—”

“No need to apologize. You've had an eventful day. A good night's sleep will do you a world of good.” He escorted her just inside the lobby. “I'll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks again for taking care of Rufus.”

“All I did was pen him up in my yard.”

She rolled her eyes at him, then turned serious. With a vulnerable smile that tugged at all his protective instincts, she placed a hand on his sleeve. “In case I haven't said it enough, I'm truly grateful for everything you've done for me these past few days. And I don't just mean tending to my injury.” She waved her free hand. “I didn't realize just how unprepared I was. You've made this whole situation unbelievably easier for me.”

Then, as if embarrassed by her own seriousness, she dropped her hand and gave him a tongue-in-cheek smile. “I guess there are some benefits to your being such a fusspot, after all.”

And with that she turned and moved quickly to the stairs.

Mitch walked the three blocks to his house down quiet, dusk-shadowed streets, a smile tugging at his lips. He still wasn't sure what to make of this teasing affection she treated him with. No one had dared do that since he and his sisters were in the schoolroom.

Then he sobered. They'd managed to avoid any sort of gossip, salacious or otherwise. But the real test would come tomorrow, once word of his return and the new visitor to town got around.

He turned into his yard, bending down to absently scratch an enthusiastic Rufus behind the ears.

Would they really be able to pull this off and remain unscathed by gossip?

And if not, what would he do about it?

* * *

Ivy settled into bed, exhausted.

Last night she'd been at the cabin, with Mitch out on the porch. He was so thoughtful, so uncomplaining.

Of course, he probably would have done the same for any female in her situation. Still, it had made her feel special. Which could be dangerous, given that she'd be returning to Nettles Gap soon.

She rolled over, wondering what tomorrow would bring. Hard to believe her father had been a landowner all those years ago, but if Mr. Mosley had been willing to acknowledge it then it must be true. Were her money woes truly over?

She stared at the ceiling. Better not to count on that just yet, though. If Mr. Barr was right, Mr. Mosley's nephew didn't know about her or her claim yet. The poor man had just lost his uncle—how would he react to her claim?

Whatever happened, she was glad she'd be facing it with Mitch at her side.

Chapter Nine

T
he next morning Drum's funeral was held on the ranch at the Mosley family cemetery. Once it was over and the attendees had offered their condolences to Carter, folks began drifting back to their carriages and wagons, leaving the gravediggers to complete their job.

Adam and Reggie were among the last to speak to Carter, and afterward Adam gave Mitch a subtle signal that they should proceed to Carter's house. Then Adam handed Reggie up into their carriage to send her back to town on her own before climbing into the carriage Mitch had rented from the livery.

Mitch eased the carriage into the procession slowly exiting the cemetery, but rather than turning onto the road to town, he followed Adam's directions and took the fork that led to the ranch house.

Ivy looked around. “How big is this place?”

“Around fifteen hundred acres, I believe,” Adam said.

“Mercy me! I can't believe my pa owned part of this.”

Mitch wondered if it had sunk in yet that soon, she would, too.

When they pulled up in front of the house, Carter was waiting on them. “You said we needed to talk about the estate,” he said distractedly. “Can we make this quick?”

Adam took the lead. “We'll do our best. But first, let me offer my condolences once again on the loss of your uncle.”

Carter nodded acceptance. “Thank you.”

“I believe you already know Mitchell Parker.”

Carter gave a short nod. “The schoolteacher, right?”

Mitch returned his nod, not sure he liked the man's impatient tone. “That's correct.” He drew Ivy forward. “And this is Miss Ivy Feagan.”

Carter touched the brim of his hat in acknowledgment. “Miss Feagan,” he said, looking slightly puzzled.

It was clear to Mitch that Carter didn't recognize Ivy's last name, which meant Carter didn't know about Drum's plans. How would he react when he heard the story?

Carter had already turned back to Adam. “I assume you need to talk to me about Drum's estate.” He gave Adam a puzzled look. “Though I'm not sure why. I've seen Drum's will and it looks pretty straightforward to me.”

Adam indicated the folder of papers he held. “There's been a change. Drum called me out here a little over a week ago and asked me to revise his will.”

That definitely sharpened Carter's attention. “Revise it how?”

“For one, he named me executor.” Adam nodded toward the house. “It might be best if we go inside to discuss this.”

Carter nodded, then paused. “Not to be rude, but why are these two with you?”

Mitch stiffened and touched Ivy's arm protectively.

But Adam's expression never changed. “Miss Feagan is here at my invitation because this affects her, too. And Mitch is here as her friend and adviser.”

Her friend and adviser—Mitch liked that.

Carter's frown deepened and he gave Ivy a speculative look. But a moment later he turned without comment and led them into the house. They walked through a short hallway and entered a room that appeared to be an office.

Drum's nephew took a seat behind the desk and waved them to the other chairs. Mitch seated Ivy, and he and Adam sat on either side of her.

“So, let's get to it,” Carter said. “What are the terms of this new will?”

Adam folded his hands over the file in his lap. “First, I need to give you some history. Have you heard of Robert Feagan?” When Carter shook his head, Adam gave a quick rundown of the partnership agreement, Drum's actions after Mr. Feagan's death and his recent crisis of conscience.

Mitch watched Carter, noting his deepening displeasure. Apparently Carter was getting an idea of where the conversation was headed.

When Adam finished his story, he pulled a paper from the file. “Drum amended his will to indicate that if Robert Feagan's child had survived, and could prove her paternity, she was entitled to a portion of the estate.”

Carter's posture was fence-post stiff. “If all this were true, Uncle Drum would have told me.”

“Your uncle didn't want to say anything to you until he learned whether the heir was still alive.” Adam's tone and expression remained businesslike. “I assure you, there is no subterfuge here—he did amend his will. He also instructed me to tell you that you would find his copy of the will folded in the pages of his Bible.”

Carter made no move to verify the presence of that copy. “Uncle Drum is barely in the ground and already someone is trying to stake a claim on this place.”

“I'm truly sorry for your loss,” Ivy said softly. “And I agree the timing ain't the best. But, and I mean no disrespect by this, the timing is your uncle's, since he only recently contacted me.”

How did she manage to sound so understanding, Mitch wondered, when faced with blatant hostility?

Carter stared at her a moment without responding, then turned back to Adam. “What if I wanted to contest the will?” he asked.

Mitch stiffened at this hint that Drum's nephew would attempt to keep Ivy's portion of the estate from her.

Adam, however, merely pulled out another document. “That's your right, of course. But Drum gave me his copy of the partnership agreement between himself and Robert Feagan. So, whether he added Miss Feagan to his will or not, she has a legitimate claim on the estate.”

Carter's jaw tightened and his brow drew down, narrowing his eyes. “I've heard Uncle Drum talk about the early years of the ranch. That agreement, if it's legitimate, was drawn up when this place was barely more than rock-strewn dirt and scrub, and the herd that ran here could be contained in a small pen.”

“Be that as it may, Miss Feagan still has a rightful claim.”

“Rightful.” Carter looked as if he wanted to spit the words. “There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears poured into this place over the past twenty-one years, and Robert Feagan—” he cast a quick, hostile look Ivy's way “—not to mention his heirs, had no part in any of it. To my way of thinking there's nothing
rightful
about her claim.”

Before he or Adam could respond, Ivy leaned forward. “Mr. Mosley, I understand why you would feel that way,” she said, her tone surprisingly polite, “and I sure don't expect you to split this place down the middle. I'm willing to talk about a more reasonable arrangement.”

Her words didn't seem to appease the man. He glared at her a moment, then turned back to Adam without responding. Mitch felt Ivy stiffen and he didn't blame her.

“How do we even know she is who she says she is?” Carter demanded. “After all, from what you've told me, this Robert Feagan didn't expect his daughter to live.”

Mitch couldn't hold his peace any longer. “Because she's not a liar,” he said. “And because your uncle would never have sent that letter if he hadn't believed there was a chance she was still alive.”

Ivy gave his arm a quick touch, then turned back to Carter. “I brought a letter from the midwife who delivered me, and I also brought my mother's family Bible.”

The man made a sharp, dismissive gesture. “Folks can be bribed to write whatever they're told to, and that Bible could have been acquired another way.” He leaned back in his chair. “Seems to me we really don't have much more than her word to go on.”

“I didn't bribe anyone,” Ivy said indignantly. “And that Bible came straight from my ma—Nana Dovie said so and she's as honest as a baby's cry.”

Again Carter ignored her. “You're the lawyer, Mr. Barr. What options do I have to fight this?” He narrowed his eyes. “Or maybe I shouldn't ask you since you're obviously on her side.”

Adam remained unruffled. “I have no problem answering objectively. As I said, your uncle named me executor of the estate, and my only interest is to see that his wishes are carried out. If you want to fight Miss Feagan's claim, then you'll need to take her to court and let a judge decide the case.”

Carter nodded decisively. “Then that's what I'll do. We can both take our chances with the judge.”

Adam put the papers back in the folder. “That's your right, of course. I'll write to the circuit judge and let him know we have a case for him the next time he comes through.”

He met Carter's gaze evenly. “Of course, right now, the will states Robert Feagan's heir gets half the
original
estate, which was five hundred acres. Your uncle tripled that since his partner's death. If you take this to court, you run the risk of having the judge divide the whole thing right down the middle.”

The man blinked uncertainly, but then lifted his jaw. “I'll take my chances.”

Ivy rubbed her chin. “How long will all this take?”

Adam turned to her. “I believe Judge Andrews is due back through here in about three weeks.”

“Three weeks!” Ivy plopped back in dismay. “I didn't plan on sticking around that long.”

Carter shrugged. “Suit yourself. You can always go back where you came from and drop this whole matter.”

Mitch had had enough of the man's rudeness. “She's staying. And we'll see what the judge has to say when he looks over the proof she brought with her, and learns how your uncle cheated her out of her inheritance for twenty-one years.”

Carter narrowed his gaze. “Tell me again what your role is in all of this, schoolteacher. Are you maybe looking to snag a rich wife?”

Mitch surged to his feet, ready to defend both his and Ivy's honor. But Adam stood as well and placed a hand on his shoulder, holding Mitch's gaze for a long moment, bringing him back to his senses.

When his friend finally turned to Carter, Mitch cast a quick glance Ivy's way and saw her puzzled expression.

Before he could do more than offer her a tight smile, Adam was speaking again.

“I understand this has come as a shock to you,” his friend said with his unblinking gaze now focused on Carter, “especially on top of your uncle's passing, but there's no need to toss around insults.”

Mitch said a silent amen to that. “I think it's time for us to take our leave.” He had to get out of here.

“I agree.” Adam looked at Carter levelly. “Think over all I've told you and look over your uncle's will for yourself. Then decide if you really want to pursue this course of action. In the meantime, I'll contact Judge Andrews.”

“I don't need to think about it.”

Mitch held himself very still. The fact that he'd nearly lost his temper a moment ago had shaken him to the core. He'd thought he'd come a long way in getting that beast inside him under control—apparently it still had the capability to slip its chains when provoked.

He couldn't let that happen again.

Not ever again.

* * *

A few minutes later, Ivy leaned back against the seat of the carriage, trying to gather her thoughts while Mitch drove and Mr. Barr sat behind them. She'd been shocked by the accusation Mr. Mosley had flung at Mitch, and equally surprised by the vehemence of Mitch's reaction. The last thing she'd wanted was to bring trouble to this man who'd shown her such kindness.

Perhaps she should do as Carter wanted and just drop the whole thing. Not much good ever came from getting something for nothing, anyway.

Then again, there was still the matter of how Nana Dovie would pay her debts. And it sure would be nice to have a milk cow again.

She took a deep breath. Here she went again, trying to figure things out on her own. That wasn't the way to tackle this at all. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.

Dear Lord Jesus, I sure am all discombobulated by this. It seems wrong to come all this way and then not see the matter through, especially when this whole out-of-the-blue windfall seemed to be the answer to our prayers. But I sure don't want to put material things above friendship, or above Nana Dovie's welfare.

And another thing to consider is that I don't have the money to stay in that fancy hotel for three weeks—I barely have enough to stay three nights.

So please, help me figure out what I should do.

She kept her eyes closed a few moments longer, letting her thoughts settle.

It was several minutes before she realized a heavy silence had fallen. This wouldn't do. She turned to Mitch. “Thank you again for accompanying me today and for speaking up on my behalf. I'm sorry if it caused you any discomfort.”

Mitch nodded without taking his gaze from the road. “No need to apologize. I'm just sorry you were subjected to that.”

His voice was tight, controlled. Was he still upset over the man's accusation? Of course it was ridiculous to think he might be interested in
marrying
her, whether for money or not. Surely Mitch didn't think anyone would take that accusation seriously?

Though the idea of marriage to the man beside her wasn't something she'd look amiss on. Assuming he was interested, which he obviously wasn't.

Quickly squashing that line of thought, she decided to steer the conversation onto a safer track. “Mr. Mosley's reaction isn't hard to understand. He just lost his uncle and now a stranger comes along and stakes a claim on a place he's been led to believe is rightfully his. And I think it hurt his feelings that his uncle confided in Mr. Barr and not him.”

“Feelings! You're being too kind.”

She gave Mitch a reproving look. “There's no such thing as being
too
kind. And all I meant was that I don't suppose anybody could rightly blame him for not taking the news well.”

Mitch made a noise that was neither agreement nor disagreement. “Adam, how good are Carter's chances of winning his challenge in court?”

Mr. Barr rubbed his chin. “Unless he can throw serious doubt on Miss Feagan's status as Robert Feagan's daughter, her claim should stand. The fact that I have in writing that Drum himself admitted to not having followed up at the time of his partner's demise will work in her favor.”