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He looked at her for a long second, then scooped her off the ground and into his arive you the chance to leave me”

Despite the possessive ring in his voice, it wasn’t the answer she wanted She kneithout being told in so many words, that he didn’t want to need her There was a part of him that didn’t want to love her That’s why he allowed her to occupy only a small space in his life and not the whole of it But she wasn’t going to let it continue, even if itor a shrew

Spring ice as busy that year The ood calf crop That and the continuing booin the construction of the house on the knoll In addition to the branding crews, he hired s and ordered lumber from thewater, and a crew of carpenters was hired

The house began to take shape right before Lorna’s eyes It was going to be nificent than she had dreamed it would be Benteen consulted her on just about every detail She was too excited by all their plans and the sight of thestructure to notice that he failed to keep her abreast of happenings elsewhere on the ranch There all coverings to be chosen, furniture to be picked out, and draperies to be selected, carpets for the floors, and fixtures in the house All of it had to be ordered and shipped in viatrain, steaon If they were lucky, it would arrive when the house was finished

When Jessie Truhorns froht of the two-story structure towering up froave him quite a start

Fat Frank Fitzsi the container and squeezed his pudgy hand through the opening to take out two pieces of peppermint sticks There was a twinkle in his eye as he turned to Lorna

“It sure is a shaood little boys in ive this candy to,” he declared, and deliberately ignored the two boys that, a second ago, had been pushing at each other

“I’ood,” Webb piped up immediately

Little Arthur stuck a finger in his mouth and blinked at the fat man ide-eyed innocence “Dood,” he affirm

ed, despite the finger in his mouth

“Well…” The proprietor hesitated for a uess you have been pretty good” He was too fat to bend over, so he leaned doard and gave a piece of candy to each of them

“What do you say to Mr Fitzsimmons?” Lorna prompted

“Thank you” Webb had to take the stick out of his mouth to respond

Little Arthur didn’t think it was necessary “T’ank oo”

“You’re welcome” The fat man beamed and helped himself to a stick of peppermint before he covered the jar “I’ one” He patted his stohed