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

“Richard?” Ian called.
    â€œIan, good to see you.”
    â€œHow are ye?”
    â€œFair. I’m concerned for Grace.”
    Ian lowered his voice. “I know about the little one.”
    Richard smiled. “And I’m concerned about the baby. The doc thinks she may have been having twins and lost one.”
    â€œAye, I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve seen it with me dogs and livestock,” Ian said. “I’ll keep ye in me prayers.”
    Richard nodded.
    â€œI wanted to thank ye for the recommendation of Ben Greeley. He’s been quite helpful.”
    â€œHe’s a good man.”
    â€œI can’t stay long. I left Mrs. Sanders with the dogs and I can’t leave Conall to oversee the sheep yet. But since I was in the city I thought I should come and check on ye and the missus.”
    â€œThank you, I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to some of your lamb. When do you think you’ll be ready to trim your flock?”
    â€œIt’ll be a while. These new sheep are not as hardy as I’d like. I’ll soon get them fattened up and strong. Me ram should be coming soon and we’ll see how the first breeding season goes.”
    â€œFair enough. But know that I’ll be one of your first customers.”
    Ian smiled. “I’m certain we can work something out.”
    â€œIan, one more thing. I’m aware of Hope breaking your betrothal. And I’m aware of how much she’s been helping you. Please be careful and treat her right.”
    Ian shrugged. “I’ve asked her to accompany me to dinner and she’s turned me down twice. I don’t see a relationship developing between us.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear that. Thank you for stopping by,” Richard said as he extended his hand.
    Ian made it home by midafternoon. He watched the puppies nursing and squirming around Tara. She was a good mother and patient with her pups. Their eyes were not open yet, but would be soon.
    His thoughts turned to Conall, and he found him watching the sheep from the porch of the house. “Good boy, Conall. Ye want to run, don’t ye, boy?”
    Conall jumped up. Ian flicked his wrist and Conall jumped off the porch and hit the ground at a full run. He couldn’t blame the dog—he’d been stuck in the house for his recovery. Ian glanced up at the blue sky. No hint of rain. But he’d learned that rain storms come up without much notice in Florida.
    As he watched Conall run and frolic, his mind drifted back to Hope and the tears in her eyes. He hated the idea of causing her pain in any way, for any reason. His stomach twisted a notch. He should have submitted to his parents’ agreement with the Langs. Then again, would she have been happy marrying a lowly shepherd?
    Ian closed his eyes and tried to give his life, his future, back to God. The “if onlys” were going to drive him crazy. The Langs’ blue two-story Victorian house with white-and-blue trim came into his mind, speaking volumes about Mr. Lang’s success and social standing.
    He scanned his little cottage. There was no comparison. He couldn’t imagine Hope being happy here.
    * * *
    Hope couldn’t believe Ian had showed up at the Seaside when he did. She’d never been so embarrassed, and she could tell he knew she’d been crying about him. She could see it in his eyes, the compassion, the confusion, then the recognition of what she and Grace had been talking about.
    Hope groaned. She pulled the sheet out of the wringer and hung it on the line. She definitely liked office work a hundred times better than doing laundry. But she would do it because Grace needed her help. And she would do it without complaint. Laundry was nothing compared to taking care of the chamber pots. Hope groaned again.
    â€œSorry, Lord. I know I shouldn’t be complaining. I’m where I need to be.” Hope glanced around the yard to make certain she