The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore Page A

we?”
    He nodded. “After you.” With his free hand, he opened the hotel door for her to precede him.
    She went to the registration desk. “Mr. Warren. How are you this morning?”
    â€œWell, Miss Ellison. Very well, indeed.” The man caught sight of Jared behind Mary Lou. “And you, Mr. Ivy?”
    â€œI’m fine, sir. Thank you.”
    â€œLearning to work with our Miss Ellison, are you?” Mr. Warren spoke to him but he smiled at Mary Lou. Why had she suddenly become Mary Lou and not Miss Ellison in Jared’s mind? Was the stubborn way she defended her stance at every turn endearing her to him?
    â€œWe are sorting through the details as we go along.” He cut a glance at Mary Lou.
    She reached for some of the newspapers he carried. “He’s learning the business.” She didn’t smirk but he thought she wanted to. She placed the papers on the corner of the desk. “I’d love to interview Jasmine about the wedding.”
    Mr. Warren’s chest puffed out a bit. “Two weeks from Saturday I’ll have all my girls settled. Then me and Mrs. Beverly will be happy while we wait for some more grands. Maybe someone will want to take over the hotel for me in the future.”
    Mary Lou smiled. “You haven’t even had time to spoil your newest grandson yet.” She looked at Jared. “Mr. Warren has three daughters. Two married and one betrothed.” She turned back to Mr. Warren. “I met Tuck after church last Sunday. Daisy and Tucker are so proud. And I think baby Rose is still a bit jealous.”
    Mr. Warren laughed. “That little girl hasn’t slowed down since she learned to walk a few weeks ago. I think she thought the new babe would be a playmate, not someone who took her momma’s time and attention.”
    If Jared was going to fit into the community of Pine Haven, he needed to build relationships with the people he was meeting. “Congratulations on your new family member, sir.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Ivy.”
    â€œJared, please. I trust the Record posted a nice birth announcement on his arrival.”
    He felt Mary Lou stiffen beside him. “We certainly did. Just like we do for all the new babies in Pine Haven. The Record plays a big role in celebrating the good things that happen in our town.”
    A door opened from the side of the lobby and a woman dressed like a ranch hand came into the room. She was striking in her beauty and wore the clothes like she was made for them. In the years he’d worked on a ranch, Jared had never encountered a lady rancher.
    She joined Mr. Warren behind the desk and kissed his cheek. “Hello, Papa.” She was tall and graceful. “Good morning, Mary Lou.”
    â€œJasmine, I’d like you to meet Jared Ivy. Mr. Ivy will be working with me at the paper for the next month or so.” He wanted to smile at the way Mary Lou had insinuated their time working together would end with his departure, without actually saying he would be leaving. Their time at the paper together would end. But he wouldn’t be the one going anywhere. “This is Jasmine Warren. She’s Mr. Warren’s daughter and will soon be married to Doc Willis.”
    â€œIt’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma’am.” He dipped his head in deference to the lady.
    Mary Lou continued. “Jasmine, I’d love to interview you for the paper. Your wedding is big news.”
    Jasmine Warren smiled. “If you really think there’s something to write about, I’ll be glad to share with you. Maybe we could have lunch one day soon before the wedding.”
    Jared answered for both of them. “We’d be most agreeable with that. You just name the day.”
    Miss Warren’s face creased. “Will you be joining us, Mr. Ivy?”
    â€œNo, he won’t.” Mary Lou answered on top of his “Yes.”
    Mary Lou tilted her head to one side