Wrangling the Cowboy's Heart Read Online Free Page B

distinct scrawl covered the page, and below that was a note from Drake Neubauer proving this was indeed Keith McCauley’s handwriting and that this was a legal and binding document. “I can see why Dad wanted us to read this after the funeral. I’m sure if I heard it before, I would have had a hard time concentrating on the service.”
    Not that Finn’s presence had made it easier.
    â€œWhat do you suppose the ranch is worth?” Lauren asked.
    â€œEnough to help us out in our own ventures, I would guess,” Jodie said. “Might be something you’d want to look into before you decide you can’t do this.”
    â€œAnd you?”
    Jodie shrugged. “Money’s never been that important to me.”
    Lauren looked as if she was about to say something more when their waitress brought a bowl of soup and a salad for Lauren, pizza and onion rings for Jodie.
    â€œThat is the most unhealthy combination of foods I can imagine,” Lauren sniffed as the waitress left.
    â€œIt feeds my soul as well as my stomach,” Jodie said, grabbing the bottle of ketchup to douse her onion rings. “Comfort food.”
    â€œI guess we could both use some of that.” Lauren gave her a rueful smile, then bowed her head.
    With a guilty start Jodie realized her sister was praying a silent blessing over her food. Belatedly she followed suit.
    Forgive me, Lord , she prayed. I haven’t talked a lot to You lately. I’m sorry. I haven’t felt as if I have the right. My life’s been a mess, so I guess I could use some help there. Regret and remorse rose up again as the memories surfaced. But she caught herself in time. The past was done, even though the pain and repercussions lingered.
    She finished her prayer with a thank-you for her food.
    â€œSo tell me about this music gig you’ll be doing?” Lauren asked. “Any future in it?”
    Trust her to cut to the chase. Ever the older sister, Lauren had always been after Jodie to find something that gave her a career.
    â€œIt’s not a huge job and there’s no guarantee,” Jodie said. “But if it goes well, there’s a good chance that the band will open for this new breakout group. We might be touring with them.”
    â€œ Might be.”
    Jodie waved off Lauren’s comment. “Everything in this business is hearsay or odds. Besides, I’ll find work waitressing if I need to fill in any gaps.”
    â€œAnd what about your composing? Would you be able to keep doing that?”
    â€œI don’t know if I’d have the time,” Jodie said, feeling a vague pang. “If this gig doesn’t happen, I’ll work enough to save up for a trip to Thailand. Maybe write some music there.”
    â€œRunning again?”
    Jodie felt a flare of indignation at the censure in her sister’s voice. “It’s called traveling. Expanding your horizons. You should try it sometime instead of tying yourself to your job.”
    â€œMy job gives me security. Something you don’t seem to have. Besides, I don’t know how you can afford all these trips.”
    â€œSimple. No obligations. Nothing pinning me down. Free as a bird.” Jodie waved her hand as if underlining her mantra. “Driving an old car and taking in tips help.”
    â€œYou’ll never settle down, living the life you do. You’ll never find anyone.”
    â€œDon’t need anyone. Not after Lane.”
    â€œLane was a mistake. I don’t think the two of you were suited to each other.”
    Though she knew Lauren was right, her sister’s comment struck at Jodie’s latent insecurities. It had taken her almost a year to get past the anger and pain she felt when her former fiancé had broken up with her.
    He had asked for his ring back after he saw a stranger flirting with Jodie while she worked her second job, playing piano at a bar.
    Lane had always wanted her to quit that job.