It's In His Heart (A Red River Valley Novel) Read Online Free PDF

went into practice. That kid worked like a dog putting himself through school.”
    “I’m glad he had you, Butch. Thanks for looking out for him and for helping him with tuition. He never forgot it.”
    “We’ll be here for you, too, Ella, as long as you need us.” Butch gave Coop one of those looks. The look that said, Do what I say or I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your natural-born life . “Right, Coop?”
    Coop tried to unclench his locked jaw. “Sure. We’ll manage. I guess.”
    A whimper drew his attention to the floor vent in front of the window. Atlas lay on his back, Winston doing his best to have his merry way with him. Atlas licked Winston’s wrinkled face. Well, if Coop and Atlas were both going to get screwed, at least one of them should enjoy it.

C hapte r F our

    Ella and the three Wells men drove into Red River, the gargantuan tires on Coop’s truck rattling her brain. Was he trying to hit every pothole in the county? Hells bells, she needed her own four-wheel drive.
    Still, she enjoyed the scenery as they tooled into the city limits. She’d arrived after dark, with only the moon to cast a glow over the sleepy little town where the sidewalks rolled up at a certain hour. This morning the white crest of Wheeler Peak towered overhead, dwarfing the rest of the mountain chain. Tourists ambled along the sidewalks, and the strips of businesses that lined the streets boasted red-barn or wood-siding facades, giving the town a historic feel. Nothing had changed since her only visit to Red River all those years ago. Not one thing. And that was part of the nostalgic charm of a small community woven so tight that it became a sanctuary of sorts.
    When they pulled up in front of the Red River Market, the town’s only grocery store, Ella bailed out of the backseat and considered walking back to the cabin. She clutched the truck bed with one hand, letting the fresh air settle her motion sickness.
    Butch climbed out of the front passenger seat. “You okay, Ella? You look a little green.”
    “I’m fine.” No way was she going to admit to getting carsick. She wasn’t about to give Coop the satisfaction of thinking she was that much of a wimp.
    “Coop, give your keys to Cal,” Butch said, easily commanding his boys.
    She envied their closeness. Even though Butch had been unlucky in love, he did a great job with his two sons. An amazing feat, considering he had pretty much raised them on his own. As a high school teacher, it wasn’t hard for Ella to spot the difference between the kids who had involved parents and those who didn’t.
    “Cal,” he directed, “you help Ella with her grocery bags. Load them in the truck when she’s done shopping. It’s cool enough for them to keep awhile in the truck.” He turned to Ella, and his tone melted to one of affection. “You take your time, Ella. When you’re done, you and Cal meet us across the street at the Gold Miner’s Café. Breakfast is on me, you hear?”
    “Yes, sir.” She smiled at him. Butch had a warmheartedness that her father never possessed. An affectionate side that always touched her. Just like Bradley. She glanced at Coop, who stewed with his hands in his pockets. Amazing how different Butch’s oldest son turned out. Cal got more of his father’s “happy” gene than his older brother.
    Her phone beeped.
    “Finally,” Cal sighed. “We’ve got reception again.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and fired off a text.
    “Thanks, Butch. We shouldn’t be long,” Ella said. She watched Butch and his brooding firstborn head across the street to the café. A Jeep puttered down the street, waving at the Wells men as it passed. Butch waved back, but Coop kept both hands hidden in his pockets. Faded Levi’s hung low on his narrow hips, and Ella pulled in her bottom lip, her eyes grazing over his nice bottom. A blue plaid flannel shirt covered a plain white T-shirt that stretched taut across his broad shoulders, the