Free The Shepherd's Betrothal by Lynn A. Coleman Page A

message over to your place.”
    â€œThank ye, Mr. Greeley.”
    â€œI’ve been looking into the clerical error you found on the bill of sale and we can’t seem to track down where it happened. But I’ve petitioned the court to make the proper changes. The new paperwork should be ready in a day or two.”
    â€œAgain, thank ye, Mr. Greeley. I’ve been tied down to the ranch for the past week because Conall was attacked by a bobcat and Tara just gave birth.”
    Ben smiled. “You wouldn’t be interested in selling one of those pups, would you? My children would love a puppy and yours are so obedient.”
    Ian chuckled. “We might be able to barter on that. I sold them for fifty pounds sterling in Ireland, that’s two hundred and fifty American.”
    Ben’s eyes widened and he whistled. “That’s a bit much for a childhood pet.”
    â€œI understand.” Ian smiled. “I also won’t sell them to anyone who doesn’t have a large enough property for them to run. They are working dogs and need to exercise, or they would not be happy.”
    â€œAh, we have a fairly good-size courtyard but probably not large enough for your dogs.”
    â€œWhat do I do about this?” Ian pointed to the summons.
    â€œNothing at the moment. I’m going to speak with the judge personally and see if I can get the case dropped before a court hearing.”
    â€œI will wait to hear from ye. Good day, Mr. Greeley.”
    â€œGood day, Mr. McGrae.”
    Ian left the attorney’s office and headed for the Seaside Inn. He wanted to check on the Armans and see how they were doing. Not to mention the possibility of running into Hope. He came up to the kitchen door and knocked. Inside he saw Grace and Hope in an embrace. Hope wiped her eyes. She’d been crying. He suddenly wanted to wrap her in his arms, offer her some protection against whatever was bothering her. She glanced over at him and gave a halfhearted smile.
    Ian’s pulse raced. Awareness solidified in the core of his being as he realized he’d been the topic of her discomfort. He smiled back at Hope, then pulled his attention toward Grace. “Hi, I came to see how ye are feeling?”
    â€œBetter, thank you. And how is Conall?”
    â€œFine. Hope’s talent with the needle helped and he is his old self again.”
    â€œHope’s been telling me all about Tara’s puppies. I think you’ll find there will be a long list of folks who might like one.”
    Ian chuckled. “Not once they hear the price I used to get for them in Ireland.”
    â€œOh?” Grace asked.
    He briefed Grace and Hope on the cost and exchange rate, and they had the same response as others. There was no sense letting folks think he would be giving his puppies away at no cost. It would be like giving away a steer. His dogs were income and investments.
    Hope’s smile faded. “I guess I shouldn’t get too attached to Clare, then.”
    Ian smiled. “I’m afraid not, darlin’. Being female, she can produce more puppies once she’s old enough.” As much as he’d love to give Clare to Hope as a gift of appreciation, it simply was not good business.
    â€œThey are exceptional dogs,” Grace admitted with a smile and grabbed her cup of tea. Hope did the same.
    Feeling very much the intruder, Ian asked, “Where might I find Mr. Arman?”
    â€œIn the barn.”
    â€œThank ye. Good day, Miss Lang, Mrs. Arman. I’ll keep praying for ye and the little one.”
    Grace’s eyes widened. “You know?”
    â€œSorry,” Hope apologized. “Ian came by the first night and I told him then.”
    â€œOh, sorry. We’re not announcing until we know for certain the baby is all right.”
    â€œMum’s the word then, Mrs. Arman.” Ian winked and slipped out of the kitchen. He headed to the barn and found Richard working.