Beverly Jenkins Read Online Free PDF Page A

frantically searching for a tale that might make his mother lower her guns. “There was no one in Mexico I felt drawn to.”
    “Probably because they had their clothes on,” Logan drawled, raising his wineglass.
    “You’re not being helpful, Logan,” Mariah quietly pointed out.
    “I’m not supposed to be, darling. I’m his brother.”
    Alanza’s gaze never wavered, so ignoring Logan’s attempt at humor, Drew plowed ahead. “I’ve an invitation to Consuela Anderson’s birthday ball next week. Hoping to meet someone there.”
    It was a lame response at best and everyone knew it. But eligible young women from the old Spanish families always attended Consuela’s annual ball, so at least that part of the response held water.
    “You will give Consuela my regards?”
    “Yes, Mama.”
    And with that the interrogation ended. He drew in a silent breath of relief but knew his excuses wouldn’t be tolerated much longer. She’d been after him to marry for months now. Due to the ever-changing decisions of the California Land Commission, created after the United States war with Mexico, it had become necessary for the old Spanish families to prove in an American court that they indeed owned their land. Because the Yates bloodline was both American and Spanish their claim to the thousands of acres that made up the Destiny Ranch wasn’t at immediate risk, but just in case, the easiest way to legally insure the land stayed in the family was to marry and produce an heir. Although Logan held title to the portion of the ranch once owned by their father, Abraham, only Drew’s name was on the land deeded to Alanza’s ancestors by Spain.
    After the meal, Drew and his brother grabbed coats and walked out into the chilly air to enjoy a cheroot, while Mariah and Alanza remained inside to talk.
    “Thanks for the support back there,” Drew quipped as they took seats at the small table on the expansive patio. “I can always count on you to give me a swift boot in the ribs when I’m down.”
    “Like I said, just doing my part.”
    “Good thing Noah’s not here. A man can only take so much brotherly support.”
    Noah was their youngest sibling and captain of a four-masted ship christened the Alanza . Last they’d heard he was sailing in the Orient.
    Logan asked, “Do you really think you’ll find a candidate at Consuela’s party?”
    “No. I was just hoping to fend off our lovely and persistent mama.”
    “That’s what I thought.”
    Drew had no idea where to search next. “Logan, I’ve met women from here to Mexico and back, and not a one was anyone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. What’s left, back east? Spain?”
    Logan shrugged. “Your search is the least of my problems. Try sitting around waiting for your first child to be born.”
    “What’s it like?”
    “Frightening. Frustrating. Maddening. Did I say frightening?”
    “Why frightening?”
    “Because I worry if Mariah and the baby are going to be all right.”
    Drew knew the concerns were valid. Many women died in the birthing bed, as did their infants. “Is Mariah worried?”
    “Of course not. She assures me everything will be fine, but what if they aren’t? I’ll lose my mind if anything happens to her, Drew.”
    Logan and Mariah married after knowing each other for only a short time, and as far as Drew was concerned it was the most raucous courtship he’d ever had the pleasure to witness. It went without saying that Mariah had his big brother’s heart and that Logan loved the ground she walked on. He doubted he’d find a love match but wanted someone as intelligent and fearless in life as his mother; but all the women he’d been introduced to seemed afraid of their own shadows, or were more enamored with his wealth than with him as a man.
    “So, you’re really ready to cut loose all your women?” Logan asked, bringing their talk back to Drew’s quest.
    “I am.” Although his tone wasn’t as firm as he’d wanted.
    Logan shook