Free Mail Order Cowboy (Love Inspired Historical) by Laurie Kingery Page A

course, they were just growing wild by the road,” he added apologetically. “I don’t know what they are. But I didn’t see any roses…”
    Wiping her wet hands hurriedly on her apron, she came around the table and took them from him, beaming. “They’re beautiful, Nick! Thank you. That was so nice of you! Brown-eyed Susans, we call them. The only one I know who can keep roses alive around here is Mrs. Detwiler, and I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t share hers. I think she counts and names each one,” she added with a laugh. “Why don’t we take them inside and put them in some water? It’s almost dinnertime, and I’m ready for a break,” she added, rolling her eyes toward the pile of laundry that remained. “And I happen toknow Sarah made some lemonade with the last of the old sugar. She’s inside cooking.”
    He nodded his acceptance, happy that the flowers had pleased her. “Good. I have some news from town to tell both of you.”
    Milly looked curious, but led the way inside.
    Sarah looked up from the stove when they entered, and sent him an approving look as Milly reached for an empty Mason jar to use as a vase.
    â€œNow, what’s this news?” Milly said, gesturing for him to sit while Sarah poured lemonade into glasses.
    He told them about encountering Reverend Chadwick, Mr. Patterson and the livery store owner in the general store and about the conversation which had ensued.
    Milly’s eyes went wide. “They want to hold a barn raising? Here?”
    Sarah grinned. “Well, here is where one is needed,” she said wryly. “Everyone else around here who needs one has one. I think it’s wonderful news, Nick.”
    â€œBut Sarah, we don’t have any money to pay for the lumber and nails and so forth!” Milly pointed out, her voice rising. Worry furrowed her brow.
    â€œReverend Chadwick thought he might be able to persuade the lumber mill owner to donate the lumber for the roof and stalls, or give you a discount—”
    Milly interrupted. “There’s about as much chance of that as a summer blizzard in San Saba County.”
    â€œFailing that, he thought Mr. Dayton could be persuaded to extend credit until you could pay him back, or maybe the town could hold a fundraising party.” Nick was thinking of another option, too, that of offering hersome money to help from his own funds, but he knew she would balk at that. “We’re not taking charity,” Milly said in a tone of finality and with a stubborn jut to her chin. “Papa never would have considered it, and he always said never to go into debt. I’m afraid we’ll have to tell them we can’t accept this. Not ’til we can pay for it.”
    â€œBut Milly…” Sarah began, looking distressed.
    Milly Matthews was as proud as a duchess, Nick thought, but before he could say anything to try to persuade her, another voice spoke from the back hall.
    â€œYour pa never planned on leavin’ you two girls alone on this ranch like he did neither,” said a voice from the hallway, and all three looked up to see Josh standing there, leaning heavily on a cane, his face pale with the effort it had taken to walk from his bedroom.
    Milly sprang up, crying “Josh! What are you doing out of bed?” She rushed toward him, supporting him under the arm that wasn’t holding a cane.
    â€œI told him he could have dinner with us,” Sarah muttered, going to his side, too. “Josh, you promised you’d wait ’til Nick came home, or Milly and I could help you!”
    â€œGot tired a waitin’,” the old man said, as Nick gently pushed Sarah aside and began helping Josh to the nearest chair. “’Sides, I heard Miss Milly spoutin’ somethin’ that sounded suspiciously like false pride to me, and I thought I’d better come remind her ‘Pride goeth before a