Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical) Read Online Free PDF Page A

another delaying tactic?
    But all he saw was puzzlement and suspicion. Did she truly not know what was going on?
    “Are you telling me you never received your grandfather’s letter?”
    “I’m afraid not.”
    Either she was a very good actress or she had no idea what she was about to face. It appeared he owed the lady an apology for the unflattering thoughts he’d entertained about her these past few hours.
    Then the full import of the situation hit him, and Adam swallowed several choice oaths. He’d have to explain the judge’s Machiavellian scheme to her. That wasn’t supposed to be part of his duties.
    But this wasn’t her fault, either. “Then please forgive our intrusion. It’s unfortunate you didn’t receive proper warning of either our arrival or our purpose.”
    Not sure what else to do, he reached into his pocket and retrieved the missive Judge Madison had entrusted to him. “Your grandfather asked me to give you this before we began serious discussions, so perhaps it would be best for us to start there. Then I can explain things to you in more detail.”
    She took the paper from him, a crease marring her forehead.
    Adam rubbed the back of his neck. This didn’t feel right. How much had the judge put in the second letter? Would it make any sense to her if she hadn’t read the first? Maybe he should explain—
    Everett cleared his throat. “While Miss Nash is reading the letter and Mr. Barr is making his explanations, perhaps the rest of us could take a look around. A walk would be welcome after that long ride.”
    Adam wondered cynically if Everett’s offer came from a gentlemanly urge to give her some privacy to absorb the news, or a cowardly urge to distance himself from her reaction to it.
    Whatever the man’s motives, he was immediately joined by the other two.
    “Good idea,” Chance agreed hastily.
    “My legs could do with a bit of stretching, too,” Mitchell added.
    Their eagerness to exit the area was so obvious, Adam wasn’t surprised to see Miss Nash’s brow raise.
    * * *
     
    Uh-oh. Her visitors suddenly seemed like critters fleeing a brushfire. Reggie figured that meant only one thing.
    They knew she wouldn’t like whatever she was about to learn from her grandfather’s letter.
    “Of course,” she answered smoothly. She actually welcomed the chance to read the letter in private since she wasn’t known for having a poker face. “Mrs. Peavy, why don’t you escort them on a little tour of the area. I believe the south end of the lake would offer the best view.”
    Not to mention keep them away from Jack. “Oh, and I think Buck would enjoy the walk as well.”
    Reggie did her best to ignore the knowing look on Adam’s face. If only he wasn’t so perceptive. How could he have seen through her disguise so quickly? She was certain none of the others had. It would be better all the way around if he went along on that little walk.
    But as Mrs. Peavy and the other three men headed away from the porch, Reggie stared at his I’m-not-budging demeanor and knew it would be wasted breath to even suggest he leave.
    She sat on the porch swing, feeling his gaze on her. She couldn’t help but remember that little jolt of connection she’d felt when she realized he recognized her.
    Forcing that thought aside, she opened the letter. Scanning quickly over the greeting, she searched for the promised explanation. Her gaze paused at the third paragraph.

Your desire to adopt Jack came as no surprise. However, though you have been like a mother to him since his infancy, we both know the bonds that unite you are those of affection, not blood. I am, in truth, the only blood relation Jack has left.

    Reggie flinched. Regardless of what others thought, she was closer to Jack than anyone else—he was truly the child of her heart. She’d thought her grandfather understood.

I do not want Jack to grow up without a man in his life. It is important for a boy to have someone to teach him the proper