Taming the Texas Rancher. Rhonda Gibson

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      Hannah’s soft laughter took him by surprise. “No, I can tell you have work to do. My pa used to get that same look on his face when he had chores that needed doing but didn’t want to disappoint Ma. Trust me, I’ll be fine eating from the supplies, and so will you.” She turned on the seat and rummaged through the boxes.

      Daniel grinned and clicked his tongue to get the horse started again. “I take it your pa was a rancher.”

      * * *

      They hadn’t talked about her family in their letters and Hannah dreaded the questions she knew were now coming. She turned back around and sat down on the seat. Their fingers brushed when she handed him a green apple. “More like a farmer. He doesn’t hold as much land or livestock as you do.”

      The apple crunched as Daniel bit into it. The scent of green sweetness drifted to her. She took a much smaller bite of her own fruit and chewed.

      Daniel swallowed and then asked, “Where is his spread?”

      “Missouri.” She took another bite to avoid adding to her answer.

      Daniel nodded, as if he understood she didn’t want to talk about her family. “I hear that is beautiful country.”

      “Pa says Missouri is the closest he can imagine that heaven will look like. The trees are tall, and in the summer the grass is deep green and the sky royal blue, with fluffy white clouds. But my favorite time of the year is autumn. The leaves turn colors and it’s like God got out His paintbrush and began to work.” Hannah turned and found Daniel studying her face. She felt heat enter her cheeks and looked away.