Handpicked Husband. Winnie Griggs

      “Besides, our visitors are eager to get settled in town, and we wouldn’t want to send Grandfather Madison’s friends off without our help, would we?”

      “No, ma’am.” He turned back to the men. “If you like, you can go frogging with me and Ira tonight.”

      Pride shimmered through Reggie. That was her boy—quick to get over his disappointment and generously willing to include the troublemakers in his fun.

      “Frogging?” The question came from Mr. Fulton.

      “Yes, sir,” Jack said with a nod. Then, apparently realizing an explanation was in order, “You know, hunting bullfrogs. If we catch enough, Mrs. Peavy promised to fry up some frog legs for lunch tomorrow.”

      Reggie didn’t bother to hide her grin at the sight of the dandy’s horrified expression.

      “Sounds like fun.” The young Mr. Dawson was obviously not as squeamish. “I’ve never hunted frogs before.”

      “Don’t worry. Me and Ira’ll teach you,” Jack promised.

      Reggie gave Jack’s shoulders a light squeeze then stepped back and dropped her hands. “You go along and help Ira put away the fishing gear. Then see if Mrs. Peavy needs any kindling brought in.”

      She turned to the others. “I’m afraid we live a pretty simple life out here. Not much to offer you in the way of fancy amenities, and everyone pitches in to help with the chores. There’s a place around back where you can feed and tend to your horses. Then you can get washed up down by the lake if you’ve a mind to.”

      “I’ll take care of the horses and the buggy,” Mr. Parker volunteered.

      Adam straightened. “Thanks, but I’ll take care of Trib myself.”

      “Come along then,” Ira instructed. “Jack and I’ll show you where we keep the feed.”

      Reggie watched them disappear around the corner, then turned to her two remaining guests. “You’ll find some buckets on the other side of the porch. I’d appreciate it if you’d each grab one and go down to the lake to fetch some fresh water. We’ll be needing it to clean the dishes and the like later.”

      “Yes, ma’am.” Chance immediately stood and reached for his still-damp boot.

      Mr. Fulton didn’t respond right away, but at her unblinking stare, he finally gave a short, mocking bow and turned to grab the bucket.

      As the two headed down the trail, Reggie found herself alone for the first time since the men had swooped into her life like hounds on the scent of game.

      Feeling suddenly tired beyond reckoning, she sagged down on the porch step and put her chin on her knees.

      It wasn’t fair! The pieces of her life had just started to fall into place. With Lemuel’s passing, God rest his soul, she was independent, answerable to no one for the first time in her twenty-three years. Her grandfather had known how restricted she felt living in her brother-in-law’s household, and how she’d only stayed there to be close to Jack.

      Now, to have that sweet, newfound freedom snatched away before she’d had time to truly savor it was more than cruel. It was downright spiteful.

      Grandfather, why did you do this to me?