Free The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan

Earl said as he placed the harnesses back on the proper hooks.
    “He came to the newspaper office to place an ad and tried to get a bit too familiar.” Juliana touched the top button of her blouse. “Don’t worry about me, though. I’m stronger than I look, and I can take care of myself.” Her smile went straight to Josh’s heart. “But thanks for protecting me.”
    Protecting her was something Josh felt compelled to do. He took her arm and felt a slight tremble. He guided her to the door and out onto the boardwalk. She may think she was strong, but she was really no match for Wes. He could overpower her in an instant.
    They paused outside, and Juliana looked up at him. “Will you be coming back soon?” she asked.
    His heart thumped hard, and suddenly he had trouble breathing when he caught the gaze of her beautiful eyes. He swallowed hard, hearing himself answer, “In a few weeks, but I wanted to go ahead and be prepared to dip my sheep. Have you ever been near a herd of sheep?” Josh saw her eyebrow shoot upwards. Could she tell he was flustered?
    “No, I haven’t. Are they as docile as I’ve heard?”
    “They are indeed. Say, why don’t you ride out to the camp and see them firsthand? I’m near Yogo Creek. You might even decide to write something about them for the newspaper.” Josh saw her look of concentration, as though pondering whether his suggestion was a good idea.
    “I suppose I could. I would love to learn more about what it is you do. Maybe there’s a story about sheep that needs writing.”
    “How about some Saturday afternoon? I can write down the directions for you.”
    “That would be perfect.” Juliana smiled at him as he continued to look at her. “I need to be getting back to the paper. We do have a deadline.”
    “And I don’t want to keep you from it. Good seeing you, Juliana.”
    Josh watched her leave, wishing he had more time with her.
    Earl appeared, breaking up his reverie. “Are you about ready to load up?”
    “Yes, I am. And I need one other thing—a wooden stamp for my sheep brand.”
    “Okay, you’ve got it. What do you want it to say?”
    “‘J’ for ‘Jewel.’”
    “Now that’s strange.” Earl scratched his head.
    “I’ll have to tell you about it sometime.”

10
    Juliana sighed, rubbed the back of her neck, and stuck her pencil into her chignon as she read what she’d written.
    The Lewistown Ladies Social Club met on Tuesday to discuss their latest project for spring. Helen Brown, president of the prestigious club of community leaders, challenged the members with plans for a small school to benefit the children of the miners at the outskirts of town. Education should be an emphasis to benefit the children who otherwise could not attend school. There was open discussion on how to obtain books and needed supplies and construct a small building. Another major concern was obtaining a teacher.
    After much debate on the project needs and how to garner support, the club concluded enthusiastically to pursue this objective with the best intentions to help educate the children. As always, the members pride themselves on meeting the needs of the surrounding community. The ladies adjourned and enjoyed light refreshments. They were excited about the new project and about discussing fresh ways to implement their ideas.
    Also present at the meeting were Margaret, Louise, and Natalie Spencer; Esther White; and Cynthia Hood. If you would like to contribute or donate your time for this cause, please contact Helen Brown.
    Not bad , she thought. Glancing up at the clock, she was surprised to discover it was nearly five o’clock. She would just have time to turn her article over to Albert for tomorrow’s run and freshen up for her dinner with Mark. She would have to ask Marion why she hadn’t attended the meeting today.
    It had been a busy day, but it kept her mind off her loneliness and her dear mother.
    Her mind wandered back to the chance meeting with Josh at the