Free Mail Order Bride - Westward Secrets: A Clean Cowboy Romance Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 13) by Linda Bridey Page B

the buggy and lifted the kids into the back.  As he jumped into the buggy and took up the reins, Gina caught the scent of the soap he used.  It was masculine and smelled heavenly.
    “What is that scent?” she said.
    “You like that, huh?  I’ll keep that in mind.  I made it.  I like to experiment with making different kinds of soap,” Rick said.
    “You are an unusual man.  You have all of these different animals, you use a ferret in both lines of work, and you make your own soap,” Gina remarked.
    “Is this a bad thing?”
    Gina laughed.  “Not at all.”
    Chloe leaned up close to Rick and sniffed him.  “Mmm.  You do smell good.”
    “Thank you.  I’m glad you approve,” Rick said.
    Chloe giggled and sat back again.  The remainder of the ride back to the Dwyers’ was spent talking about Rick’s pets.  Gina had such a good time that she was sorry when they arrived.  She and the children thanked Rick for a good time and watched him drive away again.
     

Chapter Seven
     
                  Arriving at the sheriff’s office, Rick discovered that there had been a disturbance at the home of John and Pricilla Samuels, an elderly couple in Dawson.  Pricilla was disliked by many people but Rick didn’t mind her.  Jack, her grandnephew, wasn’t particularly fond of her, either.
                  “What happened?” Rick asked him.
                  “That cat again.  What else?” Jack said as he sat a cup of coffee in front of Rick.
                  Rick took a sip and nodded his approval of the brew.  “Did it happen overnight?”
                  “No.  It happened this morning after Aunt Pricilla went to the store and Uncle John went to work at the mill,” Jack said.
                  “Hmm.  Is anyone home over there now?” Rick asked.
                  “Yeah.  I told her I couldn’t leave at the moment because I was busy and no one else was around,” Jack said.
                  “You don’t look busy,” Rick said with a smile.
                  “I’m goin’ on patrol as soon as you get back, so go ahead and get her off my back.  Please?”
                  “All right.  I’ll go settle her ruffled feathers,” Rick said.
                  “Thanks,” Jack said.
                  Rick got up again and put on his coat.  Curtis popped up from his pocket and looked around.  “You get back in there.  We’ve got work to do.”
                  Jack gave Rick a questioning look.  “What’s he gonna do over there?”
                  “Cat repellent,” Rick said.
                  “I don’t know what you mean by that, but don’t let Aunt Pricilla see him or she’ll have a heart attack.  She hates animals except horses.”
                  “Duly noted,” Rick said and left the office.
     
                  “Well, hello, Rick,” Pricilla said pleasantly.  “Please come in.  How can I help you?”
              “It’s me that wants to help you.  I was sorry to hear you’re having cat problems again,” Rick said.
                  Pricilla’s chin wobbled and Rick put a comforting arm around her.  “I couldn’t believe it when I came home from Elliot’s found that it had destroyed my rosebush again.  I know it’s late in the season, but still…”
                  “It’s a shame, Pricilla.  Do you mind if I take a look around?” Rick asked in a kindly manner.
                  “Certainly, if you think it’ll help,” Pricilla said.
                  “I’m going to ask you to stay in the house for a little so I’m not interrupted.  Is that ok?  Give me fifteen minutes,” Rick said.
                  “Oh.  All right,” Pricilla agreed.  She liked Rick.  He was always respectful and