Wyoming Lawman Read Online Free Page A

lifted the ribbon from his hand. As the silk slid across her palm, she thought of braiding Sarah’s hair and telling the deputy to buy his daughter something pretty. Had he bought ribbons for Sarah, too? She hoped so.
    Tobias gripped her hand. “We came to Cheyenne for a fresh start. If a man’s interested in you—”
    â€œPapa!”
    â€œI’m serious, Pearl.” He pushed to his feet, crossed to a mirror etched with leaves and faced her. “If your mother were alive, she’d know what to say. I’m not much good atwoman talk, but I know one thing for certain.” He paused, daring her to ask and forcing her to listen.
    â€œWhat’s that?” she finally said.
    â€œA man sends a gift to a woman for just one reason.”
    â€œHe had one.” She nudged the card with her finger. “He’s saying thank-you.”
    Her father harrumphed.
    Pearl wanted to fire back a retort, but she couldn’t look her father in the eye. Deep down, she wanted to believe him. How would it feel to be properly courted? Blinking, she flashed back to Denver. Two days ago she’d caught the bouquet at her best friend’s wedding. She’d imagined—just for an instant—wearing a fancy dress and saying “I do” to a faceless man. That man wasn’t faceless now. He had green eyes.
    Pearl placed the cobalt ribbon on top of the others. “I’m a daydreaming fool.”
    â€œNo, you’re not,” her father insisted.
    Could he be right? Did she have a chance at love? Looking at the ribbons, she thought of all the things the gift could mean. Hair ribbons could be casual or personal, practical or romantic. She thought of the card and how he’d signed it. “Deputy Matt” echoed “Miss Pearl,” a sign that he’d understood her need for discretion and accepted it. She thought of the purpose in his eyes as he’d said goodbye. Were the ribbons more than a thank-you? Was he asking the first sweet question between a man and woman?
    What if…
    She didn’t know, but she wanted to find out. Never mind the fear chilling her feet. Never mind the threat of humiliation. Matt Wiley had called her a woman of uncommon courage. Like her father said, she’d come to Cheyenne to start a new life for her son. Most important of all, she had faith in the God of second chances. She touched the cardwith her fingertip, then looked up at her father. “I suppose I should send a thank-you note.”
    â€œThat would be very fitting.”
    â€œIt’s just…” She shrugged.
    â€œJust what?” her father said gently.
    â€œIt’s hard to start over.”
    He lowered his chin as if she were Sarah’s age. “That’s true, but we worship a God who loves his children. I can’t explain what happened to you, Pearl. It was hurtful and ugly and I’ll never forgive myself—”
    â€œDon’t say that.” She didn’t blame her father for the violence she’d suffered. She blamed Franklin Dean for being evil.
    He held up one hand. “Let me finish.”
    She obeyed but only out of habit.
    â€œGod has a plan for your life,” he said. “It’s good, but you need the courage to walk that path. You can do it, Pearl. You’re brave and smart and as beautiful as your mother. Any man in Cheyenne would be blessed to have you for a wife.”
    She wanted to believe him, but her father saw her through rose-colored lenses. When he kissed her good-night, he still called her “princess.” Even so, she smiled at him. “Thank you, Papa.”
    â€œNow go write that note.”
    Her stomach twisted. “I don’t know—”
    â€œI do.” Tobias aimed his thumb at the secretary in the corner. “Get busy. We’ll ask the clerk to deliver it when we leave to see Carrie.”
    â€œIf you’re sure…”
    â€œI’m positive.” He gave