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Freed fro influence, Lauren Prescott had turned out to be a pleasant surprise She was sed wit Beau, who’d had hter, found hi her

“Will you be staying long?” he asked as they strolled across the yard toward the barn

“That depends” She sidestepped around sos “I have a brand-new business and accounting degree from the University of Maryland, and I’m anxious to put it to use The trouble is, the places where I’ve applied all want experience”

“Can’t the congresss?”

“Oh, please!” She shot hilance “It’s not that he hasn’t offered But I want to irl It was my idea to come here and work in the ranch’sto put on my résumé”

“I’ that was fine with your father”

“Oh, Daddy was glad to have me come But now that I’m here, he wants to put hest bidder”

“Since slavery was outlawed after the Civil War, I take it you’re talking about an advantageous e Yes?”

She tossed her coppery hair “Yes—advantageous for hiht—and pushed you into taking ot two rich, handsoht even help hiavel! Who wants to start the bidding?”

Beau studied the stubborn set of her jaw What she was suggesting was outrageous But Garn Prescott was ahis own daughter?

He h “Lauren Prescott, you’re terrible!”

“No, just honest”

He steered her toward the barn where the mares and foals were kept “For what it’s worth, I think you’re safe here Will’s alh to be your father, and I’m not t

hat far behind As for being rich, our wealth is in the land, not in the bank Liketo hang on to e’ve got” He paused as a sudden thought struck him “But I do have a proposition for you, if you’ll hear me out”

“A proposition?” She threw hi!”