A Cowboy for Christmas Read Online Free PDF

Lou, you take over running things while I’m gone, and all of you keep a close eye on Jack,” he instructed.
    “We will,” Lou said, giving Dan a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
    “I’ll get back here with Penny as fast as I can.”
    “Good luck to you,” Lou said.
    “Thanks. I think I may need it.”
    “That you might,” he agreed. “As a little girl, Penny was as headstrong as her father. I can just imagine what kind of woman she’s grown into after living in the city all this time.”
    Fred put in, “I wonder why Jack even wants to see her again. She hasn’t been back in all these years.”
    “The ranch will be hers when he dies,” Lou pointed out, “so she’d better come back and show her father some respect.” He looked to Dan. “I’ll ride with you into town and bring your horse back. You’re going to be gone a spell.”
    “I know.” Dan was grim. “There’s no fast way to do this, but if I can get out of Sagebrush tomorrow, hopefully I can have her back here beforeChristmas. I have to bring her home before anything happens to Jack.”
    Lou could tell Dan was determined not to fail. “If anyone can bring Penny back in time, it’ll be you. You’ve never let Jack down yet, and you won’t this time, either. Come on, let’s get you into town.”
    Fifteen days later
    Penny was excited as she pulled another gown out of her wardrobe to show her friend. “Since you don’t like the pink dress, what about this one, Amanda?”
    Amanda smiled as Penny held up the turquoise dress. “That’s definitely the one! Try it on and let me see.”
    “All right, but you’ll have to help.”
    Penny presented her back to her friend and waited while Amanda unfastened the buttons. That done, Penny quickly took it off and slipped into the modestly cut, turquoise gown before turning around to pose.
    “Well, what do you think?
    Amanda nodded in delight. “I was right. It’s perfect! Richard will be so impressed.”
    “Good. I do want to look my best tonight.”
    “You will,” Amanda said. “Everybody who’s anybody will be there.” She paused. “Penny . . .”
    Amanda’s tone was so serious all of a sudden that Penny glanced over at her questioningly. “What?”
    “Do you love him?”
    Penny was quiet for a moment as she thought of the handsome, debonair Richard Williams. “I really haven’t gotten to know him that well yet,” she answered.
    “How could you not love him? He’s handsome and he’s rich! What more does a man need to win your heart?”
    “It sounds to me like you’re in love with him!” she countered, laughing.
    “It would be unrequited.” Amanda sighed dramatically.
    “I like Richard. He’s always been a gentleman with me, and I will admit he is good-looking.”
    “Very,” she agreed, thinking how the tall, blond banker set female hearts fluttering all over town—her own especially.
    “I’m just not ready to think about marrying anyone yet, no matter what Aunt Matilda says. After what happened between my mother and my father, I don’t know if I’ll ever get married.”
    “Penny!” She was shocked by her friend’s honesty. “You were definitely not meant to be an old maid!”
    “And what’s wrong with being an old maid?” Penny grinned at her impishly. “I think it would be rather liberating to be free to do whatever you wanted to do, whenever you wanted to do it.”
    Amanda couldn’t help laughing. “I’ve always known you were a wild one. Society doesn’t respect a woman without a suitable husband.”
    Penny gave her a mischievous look. “Do we really care what society thinks?”
    “Well, I know that society thinks we should show up on time at the ball tonight. I’d better go get ready myself. I’ll see you later.”
    “Yes, you will,” Penny said as her friend left the room.
    Amanda stopped by the parlor on her way out. “It was lovely to see you again, Aunt Matilda.”
    The older woman smiled, glad that Penny’s friend liked her enough to call