The Rightful Heir (4 page)

“I am not. I distinctly remember your involvement in every one of those scenarios.”

Now he did laugh. “I'll concede that point on one condition.”

She retrieved the paper and added it to the others. Hands on hips, she asked, “What makes you think I'll accept any conditions you have to offer?”

“I think this one will be in both our interests.”

“I'm listening.”

“I propose that you stop resisting my presence so fiercely. Perhaps that's the reason for your mishaps.” He lowered his head and leaned toward her. “Because I'm not going anywhere.” Blue eyes sparkled beneath heavy lashes. Gorgeous eyes that could pull an unsuspecting lady into their depths. She knew the truth about men, though. They might be handsome and strong, but none ever stayed when it mattered. Even if they wanted to, death could take them.

His face was open, not hiding anything. Determination oozed from him. Determination that threatened her livelihood.

Mary Lou straightened to her full height and squared her shoulders. She surprised herself when she dared to lean closer to him. There was only room for breath between them. “Nor am I.”

Andrew opened the front door and stared at both of them as they jumped apart. Why did she feel guilty? She'd only been making her point to Jared. There was no reason to blush with embarrassment, but she felt the heat in her cheeks just the same.

“Good morning, Andrew.” Jared greeted the apprentice with a completely normal tone.

“Mr. Ivy.” Andrew looked at her then. “Miss Ellison. Are you okay?” He looked back at Jared. Mary Lou almost laughed at the idea that Andrew thought he might need to protect her from Jared Ivy when she was the one who had advanced on him.

“I'm fine, Andrew.”

The young man didn't seem convinced. “Are you sure? I can stay here today instead of working my other jobs, if you need me to.” He never took his eyes off Jared, who'd turned to pull down more newspapers.

“Miss Ellison is under no threat from me, Andrew. You merely caught us drawing the battle lines for how we'll be working together until the judge comes to Pine Haven.” He turned to Mary Lou. “And when I say ‘working together,' I mean working in the same building. I'm not convinced we'll be able to manage to accomplish anything together.”

So he felt it, too. There was a constant tension in the air between them. Try as they might, there was no removing the sense of an impending storm. The air was charged like a hot summer day with low, dark clouds rolling in on the horizon. Rumbles of thunder warned of the coming chaos. How would she survive two months in the same office with a man who wanted to take her business?

God, I need Your help. This man has me at my wits' end. Two months on tenterhooks is more than I can manage on my own.

* * *

Jared put the last paper on the stack. He'd been watching Mary Lou's reactions since she'd come into the office. Sure, she thought he was disinterested, but he wanted to see her true actions without his influence. Stepping up to him and daring him to take the
Pine Haven Record
from her showed spunk. No wonder Grump had liked her. Under different circumstances he'd like her, too.

Mary Lou was open. Honest. Spoke her mind.

His mother had shown none of those characteristics. How he hated that with her deathbed confessions she'd rubbed out all the memories he'd cherished. Times when she'd comforted him as a boy and told him she'd always protect him. Never once had she told him how Grump wanted to be in his life, too. She'd kept him away from his only connection to his father. He'd tried to forgive her before she died. Had promised her he had. But the bile in his throat over the lost opportunities evidenced his need to keep praying until the forgiveness he knew in his mind must be given, took root in his heart.

“If you're sure, Miss Ellison?” At her nod, Andrew pulled a stack of newspapers from the table and headed for the door. “Then I'll be back for the rest in an hour.” The wind caught the door and it slammed shut behind him.

Mary Lou put on her coat and picked up another, somewhat smaller, stack of papers. “There won't be anything else to do until after lunch.” She headed for the door.

Jared grabbed his coat from the tree by the door and shrugged into it as he followed her into the brisk morning air. “Wait.”

She shook her head and said over her shoulder, “Don't have time to wait.”

He trotted a couple of paces and caught up to her. “Where are you going with these?” He reached for the papers in her arms, but she pulled back. He put a hand on her arm, giving her no choice but to stop.

“Really, Mr. Ivy, I must insist you not hinder me in my work.”

“Our work.” At her sigh he added, “Until the judge decides, it is indeed
our
work.” He reached for the papers again. “At least allow me to be a gentleman and carry them for you. You can show me where you sell them. I need to learn as much as I can as quickly as possible.”

Mary Lou's shoulders sagged just a bit and she handed over her bundle. “I guess it won't hurt to let you meet the people who allow us to sell the newspaper in their establishments.” She took off at a brisk pace. “But you mustn't slow me down.”

He chuckled and followed her. Yes, she was someone he'd like to know. If only they weren't at odds over the only thing either of them wanted. The
Pine Haven Record
.

Chapter Four

M
ary Lou drew on all her patience and pushed open the door to the general store. With Mr. Croft having been in the middle of the shooting scene on Saturday, Mrs. Liza Croft was bound to be inquisitive today. There was no way to explain Jared Ivy. Mary Lou would just have to make the best of the situation.

She relaxed when Mr. Croft greeted her. “Mary Lou, how are you today?”

“Well, Mr. Croft. Thank you for asking.”

Jared pulled off his hat and put it into the hand under the stack of papers he carried. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Croft. I'm Jared Ivy.”

The two shook hands. “I heard you'd come to town. Sorry about your grandfather. He'd have loved to see you again.”

Jared dropped his gaze to the floor for a quick moment before he responded. “Thank you. I'd have loved an opportunity to spend time with him, too.”

“So—” Mr. Croft scratched the crown of his balding head “—what's in the paper this week?” He took a copy from the stack Jared held.

“There's a fine piece about the—”

Mary Lou interrupted Jared's attempt to answer. She wouldn't be pushed aside as if she wasn't the owner of the paper. “I've written about the contested ownership of my paper and about the harvest celebration.”

Liza Croft came through the doors that led to the stock room. “I hope you wrote about the lost business the shop owners suffer when the town closes down for a celebration like that.” Her tone was snooty, as usual. Mary Lou chose to ignore her, but Jared didn't.

“I would imagine an event that drew everyone from the surrounding area into town would bring extra business to your store.” Mary Lou caught sight of the muscle in his jaw as it worked to contain a smile.

“You'll never convince my wife that money is made when the hours of the store are shortened.” Mr. Croft stepped behind the counter.

Jared was apparently not a man to be put off easily. “But if more people patronize your establishment before the celebration starts, the volume of sales in a shorter time frame is bound to increase profits. Even if the store closes early.”

Mrs. Croft shifted from one foot to another and spoke to Mary Lou. “Well, I see your new business partner has a good head on his shoulders.” Mary Lou tried to ignore her ire when Mrs. Croft looked down her nose at her. “You could use someone like that at the paper. Things have gone a bit soft in recent years.”

“Mrs. Croft, I—”

This time Jared interrupted her. “I'm certain you didn't mean to imply that my grandfather didn't run a serious newspaper.”

“Of course not. But Mary Lou here doesn't have the strong sense for real news that Mr. Ivy did.”

Mary Lou's blood began to boil. How dare the woman speak to her like that?

“From what I've seen since I arrived in Pine Haven, Miss Ellison knows a good story when she sees it. She's also very careful to only print the truth.”

Mr. Croft chuckled. “I'd say from what she wrote here—” he punched a line on the paper he'd placed on the counter “—she didn't hold back on this story about you coming to town.”

Jared laughed along with the man's joke. Mary Lou had been surprised when he'd jumped to her defense. And more than a bit pleased. She shook her head. He was only defending the paper's reputation. She wouldn't let him win her over with kind words meant to protect his own interests.

Not for the first time, she decided to ignore Mrs. Croft. “Mr. Croft, will you please put the money for the papers on my account? We're in a bit of a hurry today. I've got to introduce Mr. Ivy to several people.”

“Sure thing.” Mr. Croft lifted a hand in dismissal. “Good to meet you, Mr. Ivy.”

When they were on the sidewalk outside the store again, Mary Lou headed for the hotel.

“Wait just a minute.” Jared stopped walking.

She turned. “What is it? Can't we talk as we go? There's a lot to do today.”

He shook his head. “I need to ask you something.”

“What?” Still smarting from Mrs. Croft's accusations, she didn't want to waste any more time on trivialities. She could ignore the insults and bite her tongue at the time, but the accusations always stung. She had to get to work on the next edition. She'd make certain there was something so newsworthy that not even Liza Croft could refute it.

“You asked Mr. Croft to credit your account with the proceeds from the sale of the papers.”

“Instead of paying me for all of the papers when I drop them off, he credits my account for the ones he sells. It's an arrangement he prefers.” Why did he stop her for this? “It makes no difference in the end. The money comes by week's end.”

He'd put his hat back on when they'd stepped outside, yet his blue eyes didn't dim in the shade of the brim. “But all the money isn't yours.”

“Oh. Is that what has your back up? You think I'm going to control the money and you won't have any?”

“I'm not accusing you of anything.”

She pivoted on one foot to angle away from him a bit. “Really?”

“I'm saying that things have to change now. You can't just carry on as if I'm not here.”

“Believe me, Mr. Ivy, this is nothing like the way my day would be going if you weren't here.”

He didn't flinch at her biting attitude. In fact, he lowered his tone and spoke with more deliberation. “You get my point.”

She sighed. “I do.” She turned back toward the general store, but he reached out a hand and caught her by the elbow.

“Don't do it now. Mrs. Croft will never let it rest if she thinks I sent you back in to change things.”

He was right. The woman would never let go of a tidbit like that. Mary Lou nodded. “Okay. Let's go to the hotel next. They pay in cash. We'll accept it and divide the profits when we get back to the office, taking the amount that usually comes in from the general store into account.”

Jared smiled at her. “That wasn't so hard, was it?”

“What?” This man had her flummoxed. He'd defended her when he didn't have to and protected her when she hadn't considered the consequences of a quick reaction. Why would he do that?

“It wasn't so difficult to discuss an aspect of the business and come to a mutual agreement.”

“Hmm...no. It wasn't.”

“Do you think we can handle the other areas of the paper like that?”

So the motive for his actions came out. Much quicker than she'd expected.

“That's why you defended my reputation to Mrs. Croft. And the reputation of the paper. And now you're offering an olive branch, but with a goal of increasing your foothold in the business. You're a slick one, Mr. Ivy.” She stood straight. “I'll have my eye on you.”

* * *

Why did Mary Lou think he was trying to manipulate her? Had no one ever taken up for her? Surely, Grump wouldn't let someone accuse his staff of shoddy work or speak ill of someone he cared for.

Jared took a few quick steps to catch her as she crossed the street and headed for the Pine Haven Hotel on the corner. “Slow down, Mary Lou.”

She stopped abruptly in front of him and spoke over her shoulder. “You'll have to keep up, Mr. Ivy. The newspaper business doesn't wait for anyone.” She set off again at the same pace.

He didn't move. She'd accused him of manipulating her. He wouldn't let that accusation stand. She would realize soon enough that he wasn't following her. After all, he had the newspapers.

Mary Lou mounted the steps to the hotel entrance and reached for the door. He watched as she turned toward him and dropped her hand. She clasped both hands together and waited.

Jared approached at a measured gait.

“Join me for a moment?” He indicated the rockers on the porch in front of the hotel.

“We really don't have time.” When she moved toward the door again, he dropped into one of the chairs and set it into motion.

“I have all the time in the world.” He knew time was important, but moving forward in agreement was more important. “We'll waste more time in the long run if we don't clear the air about some things now.”

Reluctance and resolve warred on her face until she sat on the edge of the chair beside him. “What?”

“I am not a manipulator.”

“No?”

“No. I am straightforward.” At her raised eyebrows he added, “And diplomatic.”

“Ah...diplomacy. So that is what you call it when you try to coerce me into doing things your way.”

“I didn't try to coerce you. I merely pointed out that you would have to make some changes to accommodate our joint venture.”

“Joint venture? This venture, or whatever you choose to call it, isn't joint.”

“We are in the midst of a circumstance beyond our control. We can do our best to make it work or argue and struggle until the judge comes to town. I am not a man given to conflict. I'd prefer to come to an arrangement that is beneficial to both of us. The time will be unbearable if we don't.”

“Then why didn't you just say that in the beginning.” He could see her resistance fading.

“I think I did.” He took a risk and said, “You may have overreacted.”

She hung her head. Every ounce of her was full of conviction and strength. He didn't like that his words had caused that to ebb. Then, just as quickly, she raised her head and met his gaze. “I can see how you might think that. Let's finish distributing the papers this morning. When we get back to the office, we can lay out some ground rules while we have our lunch. Then there will be no time lost.” She stood. “Shall 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?”

“Well, Miss Ellison. Very well, indeed.” The man caught sight of Jared behind Mary Lou. “And you, Mr. Ivy?”

“I'm fine, sir. Thank you.”

“Learning 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?

“We 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.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ivy.”

“Jared, 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.”

“Jasmine, 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.”

“It'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?”

“No, he won't.” Mary Lou answered on top of his “Yes.”

Mary Lou tilted her head to one side and spoke to Miss Warren. “Mr. Ivy has brought a claim of ownership against me for the newspaper.”

Mr. Warren didn't seem to like the sound of that. “Is that so?”

“Jacob Ivy was my grandfather. He left me the paper in his will.”

Mr. Warren's expression widened as he took in the announcement. “I see.”

Miss Warren said, “Then I'll be happy to meet you both on Wednesday at noon. Naomi will be serving her famous chicken and dumplings in the restaurant that day.” She lifted the papers Mary Lou had placed on the desk.