The Lonesome Rancher Read Online Free

sigh. “I talk to Louisa every day. She doesn’t have a problem waiting another week until we recess.” There was a pause. “Of course, if there were someone to replace me here at the capitol, I could retire and be home full-time.”
    Clay had hinted about Sloan taking his senate seat since college. “Well, you’re going to have to look elsewhere, because I’m happy right here.” His father already knew that. Sloan had been involved in breeding free range cattle for the past five years, and that suited him totally.
    “Think about how much more you could do if you came to Washington. You could promote your projects. Maybe find some funding for research on drought tolerant grasses.”
    Wouldn’t the cattle industry love that, especially when he was promoting hormone free beef, Sloan thought. It was times like this, he felt he was letting his father down. “Sorry, Dad. Have you thought about Alisa taking your place?”
    “Son, your sister’s only been out of college a few years.” There was a pause. “Of course, she’s been pretty vocal on some issues. And there is the fact she is a natural born charmer.”
    And even though Clay had never made him feel different, Sloan was aware he wasn’t a true Merrick, not by blood.
    Clay had accepted and loved the eight-year-old boy when he married Louisa, then adopted him a year later. And Sloan adored his younger half sister. “Alisa would be the best choice to carry on the family legacy.”
    “Or…you can find the perfect woman and make me a grandfather. And I can start preparing my grandchild.”
    Sloan heard the humor in Clay’s voice, but something told him the older man was serious. Suddenly Jade Hamilton came to mind. “I’d really have to rush things along.”
    “I’m sure your mother would be willing to help you find someone.”
    Had that been the reason Louisa was so eager to have Jade here? Well, darn. Was his mother playing matchmaker?
    He shook off the thought. “Are you at least coming home to meet Mother’s new nurse?”
    “I’m sure you hired a competent person.” Commotion came over the line and his father said, “Look, Sloan, I’ve got to go. They need me back in the chamber.”
    As soon as Sloan hung up, the phone from the barn rang. “Yeah, Bud. What do you need?”
    “An extra pair of hands. Polly is having trouble with her foal. The vet is on his way, but it looks to be an hour or so before he gets here.”
    “I’ll be right down.” Sloan came around the desk and was headed out when he saw Jade Hamilton coming down the staircase.
    “Mr. Merrick, may I talk with you? It’s about your mother’s schedule.”
    “It’ll have to be later.” He hurried down the hall, past the dining room and through the kitchen. He grabbed his hat off the peg at the back door and turned around.
    “This is important.”
    “Do you think I don’t know that? But this ranch ismy responsibility, too. Right now there are other pressing matters I need to look into.” He paused. Maybe he should show her what life was like out here. “Unless you want to help.”
    She looked up at him with those big green eyes. “At what?”
    He had trouble turning away, but knew he’d better. “Come on.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “I have a foal to deliver.”
    “You’re kidding. You want my help.”
    “You are a nurse, aren’t you?” He walked at a fast pace but she managed to keep up as he hurried down the road to the barn. “Polly is having some trouble. No vet around to help, so you’re all I got.”
    Before Jade could say any more, he nudged her inside the large structure. The place smelled of horses and fresh straw, but everything was neat and orderly, the way he liked things. They continued down a wide center aisle, past several stalls until they reached the large birthing pen in the corner.
    His mare was already down in fresh straw, and her breathing was labored. “Hey, Bud. Has there been any change?”
    The foreman shook his head.