Free Bran (Prairie Grooms, Book Six) by Kit Morgan

court, Apple Sayer? And if he did, where would it lead? Of course, he knew where it should lead, but did he really want to go there? Was he ready for marriage? Perhaps if he spent a little more time with the lass, he'd be able to figure out if getting married was what he really wanted to do. But shouldn't he figure that out before he started spending time with her? After all, didn't women get it into their heads that if a man spent any time with them, it meant they were interested in getting married?
    “I've got to figure out what to do, Grady,” he told his horse. “And I'd better figure it out fast.” He reined in the animal and looked at the ranch spread out before him. “Now there’s a bonny site,” he whispered to himself. He sat and stared at the Cooke’s spread a moment before he urged Grady to start walking again. He’d have plenty of time to think about marriage, he didn't have to dwell on it today. After all, he was there to apologize for his actions and then forgive the Sayer girl for locking him in the safe. He wasn't there to propose.
    Bran reached the barnyard, dismounted, and led Grady to the front of the house and a hitching post. He tethered the horse then stepped onto the front porch and knocked on the door. Belle Cooke answered. “Deputy O'Hare, what brings you out here? I'm sorry, but the men are out tending the stock.”
    “That's all right, Mrs. Cooke, I'm not here to see your husband or Harrison. I've come to see Miss Sayer.”
    “Ohhh,” she said with a raised brow. “I see, won't you come in?”
    “Thank you,” he said as she stepped aside and swung the door wide. He stepped into the foyer and looked around. He'd never been inside the Cookes’ ranch house before and didn't expect it to be quite so… grand.
    “That's right, you've never been here before have you?” Belle asked as he openly gawked.
    “No, Mrs. Cooke, I haven't. You’ve a mighty nice place here.”
    “Yes, well, Sadie's father had a lot to do with it. He's a very generous man, Horatio Jones.”
    “So I've heard. Might I see Apple… er… Miss Sayer?”
    Belle smiled. “I think it's all right if you call her Apple.”
    Bran took off his hat and twisted it nervously. He should have referred to her as Miss Sayer all along. Now the woman probably thought he was there to court the girl, just like Mary Mulligan suggested.
    “Deputy O'Hare,” a voice called from down the hall. He turned to see Sadie Cooke coming toward him. “What brings you here?”
    “He's here to see Apple,” said Belle with a wink.
    Sadie grinned. “Really? Well then, let me go fetch her for you.”
    Bran wanted to groan but didn't dare. The women might think it rude and that he didn't want to see Apple. Of course, with the way these two are acting, maybe he shouldn't see Apple!
    Sadie hurried up the stairs and disappeared. Within moments, Apple appeared on the landing and stared down at him. He wasn't sure if the look on her face was one of surprise, or dread. He supposed he was about to find out.
    She’d started down the staircase. “Deputy O'Hare, what a… pleasure.”
    Bran continued to twist his hat, caught himself, and stopped. “Miss Sayer, I'd like to speak with you for a moment if I may.” His eyes darted between Belle and Sadie, who both had wide smiles on their faces. “Is there some place we can talk?”
    Apple looked from Bran, to the women, and back. “The parlor will do.” She motioned to the parlor off to their right.
    “I’ll make us some tea,” Sadie called after them.
    “Deputy O'Hare, would you like some cookies or perhaps something more substantial to eat?” asked Belle.
    “Cookies and tea will suit fine, ma'am, thank you,” he told her and then turned and watched as Apple preceded him into the parlor and sat in a chair. He could either find another chair, which of course was across the room from her, or plant himself on the settee next to her. He could then speak with her without having to call across the