A Lady's Choice Read Online Free Page A

her.”
    Ellen’s words brought him back to reality, and he laughed. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Was it that obvious? I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t shake the feeling she’s different from anyone I’ve ever known.”
    â€œI’ve known her mama since we were girls, and I knew her father too. He died a few years back. I never expected Julia to come back here to live. She never visited much after she left.” Ellen put her hand over her lips to stifle a yawn. “But I guess it’s none of my business. So I think I’ll just git myself to bed.”
    Ellen patted Alex’s hand resting on her shoulder and turned to reenter the house, but he reached out and stopped her. “Ellen, it’s so good to be home for the summer. To be here with you.”
    â€œI’m right glad to have you home.”
    His arm tightened around her shoulder, and he pulled her closer. “But I’m not going to stay, and that’s bothering me. I don’t feel right about leaving you to take care of the farm when I join Mr. Buckley’s law firm in Memphis. On the other hand, I’ll be making more money than we’ve ever made on the farm, and I can take care of you better. But I worry about you here alone. I wish you’d come to Memphis with me.”
    Ellen reached out and patted his arm. “We’ve talked about this before, and you know my answer’s always gonna be the same. This is my home. I could never leave it. You weren’t meant to stay here forever. God gave you a love of the law, and you’re going to make a great lawyer. I’m so proud of you.”
    â€œI worried about you all the time I was in school, but I kept thinking that it would all be worth it when I graduated. Now that I have a job, we can get a house in Memphis and be together again. You won’t be alone here on the farm.”
    A laugh rumbled in her throat. “Alone? I ain’t seen a day yet that I was alone. Ever since you brought Augie home after his pa left him, I’ve had him under my feet. I have to admit, though, I’ve loved every minute of it. He ain’t going nowhere, and neither am I.”
    â€œI do feel better knowing he’s here. What if he decides to get married and move out? What then?”
    â€œMarried? I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. That boy can’t even talk to a girl without swallowing his tongue. But if it does, it’ll be fine. The important thing to remember, Alex, is that we have to do what God wants. Right now He’s put you on a path to work at a law firm in Memphis and me on one to stay right here. If we trust Him, then things will work out for the best.”
    He exhaled a slow breath before he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Ellen. You have a way of making me see things clearer. No matter where I go or where I work, I promise I’ll always take care of you. I love you.”
    â€œI love you too. Now I’m goin’ to bed. You have sweet dreams.”
    â€œGood night.”
    Alex waited until Ellen had disappeared into the house before he turned and stared into the night. The moonlight danced across the young cotton plants that lined the straight rows of the field next to the house. Thank goodness for Augie and the tenant farmers who lived on their land. He could trust them to keep the farm going, but Ellen was his responsibility. She was more than his sister. She was his compass and had steered him in the right direction all his life. With the money he’d be making, he finally had the opportunity to repay her for all she’d done for him.
    His heart stilled, and the old resolve flowed into his heart. He intended to work hard and show Mr. Buckley he was a good candidate for partner in the firm. If he achieved that, he would be able to take care of Ellen for the rest of her life.

    Sarah didn’t think