had raised as many questions as it had answered. If her father had been dead for all these years, then why was she just now hearing about her inheritance?
And it was even stranger that Drum Mosley was involved. The man had a reputation as a penny-pincher. Mitch couldn’t picture him voluntarily giving away any of his holdings. Then again, he vaguely remembered hearing that Drum had taken to his sickbed recently. Perhaps the rancher was getting his affairs in order.
Whatever the case, it was none of his business. As soon as he could get her to Turnabout, his involvement in her affairs would be over.
He picked up the water bucket and headed back to the cabin, ignoring the little voice inside him that whispered his involvement in Miss Feagan’s affairs was actually just beginning.
When Mitch returned to the cabin, the dishes had been cleaned and put away, and the checkerboard set up for another game.
“I see you’ve been busy,” he said with what he considered commendable restraint. He should have known she wouldn’t take it easy.
She waved toward the game board. “Didn’t want anything standing in the way of my getting my revenge.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather turn in? I wouldn’t want you to suffer yet a third defeat.”
“That does it. Sit yourself down and prepare to eat those words.”
And to his surprise, she actually won.
Mitch found himself smiling as she crowed about her victory. Then he started collecting the checkers. “I believe I’d better quit while I’m ahead. And dusk settled in while we weren’t looking, so it’s time to call it a night. It’s been a long day and we both could use some rest.”
She grimaced. “All I’ve done today is rest.”
But since she followed that statement with a broad yawn, he had no compunction in insisting. “Is there anything you need before you retire?” he asked as he stood.
Miss Feagan shook her head. “I’ll be fine, thank you. Good night.” She crossed the room then paused and eyed him suspiciously. “You do remember you promised not to sleep outside, don’t you?”
He’d hoped she wouldn’t bring that up again. But maybe it was best that she knew his plans so she could speak honestly if questions came up later. “What I promised was to sleep under this roof. I’m going to drag the mattress from the other bed out to the porch. It’s a nice night and I’ll be quite comfortable.” He raised a hand to stop the protest already forming on her lips. “My mind is made up.”
She crossed her arms, glaring at him, frustration etched on her face. “It just doesn’t seem right.”
“Still, the decision is mine so you’ll just have to accept it.”
She glared a moment longer, then lifted her hands in surrender. “Have it your way.”
As she turned to her room, he called out, “Take Rufus with you.”
Just before she closed her door, Mitch thought he heard her mutter something that contained the phrase “more stubborn than Jubal.”
He grinned as he wrestled the unwieldy mattress out the front door. She certainly wasn’t bashful about speaking her mind. But at least she was smart enough to know when arguments were useless.
His smile faded as he stretched out on the mattress and stared out at the stars. If he was being entirely honest with himself, despite his desire for solitude, he hadn’t really minded her presence here today. Which was troubling.
Because he had to hold himself apart. He couldn’t risk hurting someone else the way he’d hurt Gretchen.
Chapter Five
As Ivy settled into bed, she marveled at how the day had turned out to be so different from what she’d imagined when she woke this morning. She’d been worried about Jubal’s hoof and whether or not she’d be able to stretch her provisions if they were delayed much longer. And now, here she was, a roof over her head and a warm, dry bed to sleep in, plenty of provisions to carry her through and a proper place to let Jubal rest and heal.
And befriending Mr. Parker was an unexpected blessing for sure. Even though he was something of a stiff-necked gent at times, his concern for both her physical well-being and her reputation was touching. She no longer found his size intimidating—rather it was comforting to know that so much strength was tempered by restraint and kindness.
And as much as she considered herself independent, knowing there would be someone in Turnabout she could turn to if the need arose was also very comforting.
Lord, despite these unexpected delays, You’ve sure been kind to me. Of all the folks who could have happened across me out here, You sent the most honorable man I’ve ever met. Thank You for that grace.
Amen.
* * *
By the time Ivy rose the next morning she could hear Mr. Parker moving around in the kitchen. The smell of coffee brewing had her rushing through her morning ablutions to join him.
When she opened the door, he looked up with a smile. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”
“Smells mighty good.”
He shrugged. “It’s nothing fancy—just hardtack biscuits and strawberry preserves. But I softened the biscuits in the skillet with a little bacon grease.”
“Apologies not necessary—it sounds like just the thing.”
He gave her a searching look. “How are you feeling today?”
“Much more myself, thanks.” She refused to let him mollycoddle her today. “The smell of coffee was sure nice to wake up to.”
“It’s ready if you want to help yourself. The cups are on that shelf next to the window.”
She crossed the room and reached for the cups. “Want me to pour you some, too?”
He nodded as he set the dish of warm biscuits on the table. “Thank you.”
Ivy carefully carried the nearly full cups to the table and took her seat. He seemed cheerful and rested today—maybe sleeping on the porch hadn’t bothered him as much as she’d feared. “I hope the mosquitoes didn’t pester you too much last night.”
“I managed to sleep through it.”
His dry tone made her wonder if he was downplaying the amount of aggravation he’d experienced.
After they said the blessing, she slathered some jelly on her biscuit. “I should be up to that four-hour ride to Turnabout today.”
He gave no outward reaction, but she could tell he had reservations. Not surprising—did the man ever do anything spontaneously? But she would’ve thought he’d be glad to get rid of her by now.
Mr. Parker took a sip of coffee before responding. “I checked on Jubal when I got the wood for the stove this morning. He needs at least
