Free The Rancher's Prospect by Callie Endicott Page A

suggesting what sort of clothing she should wear.
    â€œJust leave the nonoffice items near the door,” he said. “I’ll get them out of your way later.”
    â€œIf that’s what Walt wants me to do.”
    Seething with anger, Josh left. At least he was going to get the office and accounts computerized, but he wasn’t sure if he’d won or lost the latest skirmish. He didn’t even know if winning and losing was the point. If he won, then his grandfather lost. But if things didn’t get into shape soon, his reputation would suffer, and the ranch might be hard to keep going.
    Josh’s trust fund was generous, but he’d quietly used some of it to pay his grandparents’ medical bills not covered by insurance. There was also the question of gift taxes on the Boxing N, which he fully expected to pay instead of his grandfather. The remaining principal, while substantial, couldn’t support a failing proposition forever.
    * * *
    L AUREN MOVED FROM one patient to another as quickly as possible. If she wasn’t careful, she’d end up behind schedule, and that wasn’t fair to Tara—her sister was cutting her first day at the Boxing N short so they could spend the afternoon together. They had planned to do it the previous Friday, but the other physician’s assistant had called, asking her to trade shifts because his wife was ill.
    Her nerves were on edge for fear that Carl might stop by again. It was ironic, because she’d enjoyed her date with him even more than the first ones. After dinner, they’d walked along the river while the sun dropped low in the sky and cast a rosy light over the landscape.
    When she’d described the setting to Tara, her sister had made a dry comment about Carl devising the ideal romantic moment, only to quickly apologize. They hadn’t discussed men that much, but Lauren suspected that neither of them had a stellar record.
    â€œI heard that you and Sheriff Stanfield went out this weekend,” Ethel Carter commented as Lauren took her blood pressure.
    The nurse had taken it earlier, but the first check was always high. Mrs. Carter got stressed when she walked into the clinic, a case of white-coat syndrome, as it was called. Some medical professionals discounted the condition, but Lauren was a believer.
    â€œWhere did you hear that?” she asked, trying to sound casual.
    â€œVirginia was at the senior center exercise group this morning. Her daughter lives in Windy Bluffs and saw you at the Mexican restaurant. It’s nice that you’re still going out together.”
    Great. Gossip was the last thing Lauren needed. Emily had warned her when she’d moved to Schuyler that it was the most popular form of entertainment in town.
    â€œWe’re friends,” Lauren said as though it didn’t matter very much. It was true. She and Carl were friends. “Are you taking your blood pressure medicine every day?”
    â€œWhenever I remember.”
    â€œIt’s important to be consistent, okay? We can talk about ways to make that easier at your next appointment.”
    â€œOf course, dear. Did you and the sheriff have a nice evening together?”
    â€œLa Bonita is a terrific restaurant, and their fresh salsa is fantastic. I’m going to take my sister there soon.”
    Ethel looked disappointed and might have tried probing further, but Lauren patted her shoulder and handed over several prescription refills.
    â€œKeep up the exercise,” she instructed. “It’s obviously doing you good.”
    Ethel’s face creased into a smile. “I only started because you kept urging me to try. I do feel better. The arthritis doesn’t hurt as much, and I have more energy.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful.”
    Lauren went on to her next patient, hoping she wouldn’t have to field more questions about her and Carl Stanfield. It could get really old, really fast.
    * * *
    T ARA SPENT