The Rightful Heir
An Unexpected PartnershipArriving in Texas, cowboy Jared Ivy discovers the grandfather he hardly remembers has passed away…and an unknown woman has claimed ownership of his family's newspaper. Jared has the will that proves he's the owner—but the sheriff refuses to enforce it. Instead, Jared must work with Mary Lou Ellison until a judge comes to town and rules in favor of the rightful heir.Intrepid reporter Mary Lou has already lost her father figure. And she won't lose the Pine Haven Record—the legacy he left her—without a fight. But when she and Jared stop sparring long enough to investigate a story together, they become a force to be reckoned with. Will they let their battle over the Record get in the way of something even more newsworthy: true love?
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An Unexpected Partnership
Arriving in Texas, cowboy Jared Ivy discovers the grandfather he hardly remembers has passed away...and an unknown woman has claimed ownership of his familyâs newspaper. Jared has the will that proves heâs the ownerâbut the sheriff refuses to enforce it. Instead, Jared must work with Mary Lou Ellison until a judge comes to town and rules in favor of the rightful heir.
Intrepid reporter Mary Lou has already lost her father figure. And she wonât lose the Pine Haven Recordâthe legacy he left herâwithout a fight. But when she and Jared stop sparring long enough to investigate a story together, they become a force to be reckoned with. Will they let their battle over the Record get in the way of something even more newsworthy: true love?
âI reckon the two of you will have to run the paper together until the judge comes to town.â
âRun it together?â Mary Louâs protest was incredulous.
âI have no intention of sharing my inheritance with a perfect stranger.â Jared wouldnât give up the last claim he had to a family connection.
âItâs not your inheritance.â Mary Lou took a step toward him. âItâs mine. You may be blood kin, but
I was the only family Jacob Ivy had for the last eight years.â
The sheriff opened the door. âThe two of you can argue all you want. I wonât dispossess either of you. The judge should be through town between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn to work together until then.â
âHe canât stay here!â Mary Lou was indignant.
âSheriff, you have the authority to evict her.â Jared made another attempt to settle the matter today.
âI do, but I wonât be the one to throw an orphaned girl into the street without the judgeâs say-so.â He tipped his hat to Mary Lou. âGood day to you both.â
And he was gone.
ANGEL MOORE fell in love with romance in elementary school when she read the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Who doesnât want to escape to a happily-ever-after world? Married to her best friend, she has two wonderful sons, a lovely daughter-in-law and three grandkids. She loves sharing her faith and the hope she knows is real because of Godâs goodness to her. Find her at www.angelmoorebooks.com.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrenâs children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
âProverbs 13:22
In loving memory of Ashley Bailey
The light and joy of a niece who celebrated everyone is sorely missed.
To my editor, Dina Davis, for her support and expertise.
To Belle Calhoune, my fellow Love Inspired author and accountability partner, for the encouragement and laughs along the way.
To the readers, who join me for the story.
To Austin, for his continued sacrifice and wisdom.
To my sweet Maria, Melody, Asher and Judah. God has blessed me beyond measure.
Having these wonderful people in my life motivates me every day.
To Bob, my best friend.
And to God, for His mercy and constant help.
Contents
Pine Haven, Texas
October, 1881
âIâll be right with you.â Mary Lou Ellison was on her knees behind the press. A gust of wind from the opening door had caught her story notes and floated them under the edge of the beast of a machine.
A deep voice refused to wait. âIâm looking for the owner.â
Mary Lou caught the edge of the paper and pulled it free. The notes on the harvest celebration were the most interesting sheâd had in weeks. She wouldnât disappoint the townsfolk by not covering the festivities for the next edition of the Pine Haven Record.
She stood straight and looked at the intruder across the top of the press. âIâm the owner.â
As expected, the manâs eyes opened wide in apparent disbelief. The raised brows and confused expression were normal to her now. No one entering the office for the first time expected a woman to own a newspaper. Much less a young woman. At twenty-two, she was considered young by businessmen and old by most any man in search of a wife. Not that she wanted a husband. She could take care of herself.
âThatâs not possible.â The handsome face rejected her claim. If she werenât a journalist, she would scold herself for noticing his strong jaw, thick hair and cautious blue eyes. Since details were her business, she allowed herself to take in the cowboyâs lean build. Strong arms were encased in a suede coat. A leather vest covered his chest over a shirt of gray. Boots showing signs of hard work shifted on her floor. A Stetson swung in his hands.
âIt is possible.â She put the notes on her desk and placed the magnifying glass on top of them. The wind wouldnât send her on another merry chase. âAnd itâs true. Has been for the last two months.â She blew the hair out of her eyes and asked, âWhat can I do for you?â
