Brazen Read Free Page A

Have you proposed to her yet?"
    "No," Michael answered quickly. He found Karen an
attractive woman, but their relationship hadn't progressed that far. He wasn't sure it ever would.
    "Are you planning to see Karen again before we set
sail?" Nick asked.
    "Yes, I'm meeting her later tonight."

    "I don't think she's happy that you're leaving."
    "She hasn't said anything-"
    "From what I know about Karen, I'm sure she would
prefer you to stay right here in Philadelphia with her."
Nick knew how spoiled the rich, beautiful blond debutante was, and he had cautioned his cousin about getting
too involved with her. Karen had a reputation for being
a very controlling young woman.
    "What about all your women?" Michael countered. "Do
they know you're leaving?"
    Nick was one of the most sought-after bachelors in
town. Many a mother had set her sights on him as potential husband material for her marriageable-age daughter.
He had money and the Paden dark good looks, but he
didn't see the logic in settling for just one woman, when
he could have them all.
    Nick chuckled at his cousin's question. "They know. In
fact, I was wondering who was going to show up to see
us off."
    "Why don't you hire several carriages to transport all
your admirers down to the station?"
    All three men laughed good-naturedly.
    A knock came at the study door, and the Padens' butler, Jonathan, came in.
    "This telegram just arrived for Michael, sir," Jonathan
announced.
    Michael smiled as he took the telegram. He was certain
it was from his parents, wishing him well on his trip. He
tore open the envelope and quickly read the message.
    Nick watched him as he read, and he noticed how se rious Michael's expression became. "What's wrong?"

    Michael looked up at him, his eyes dark with worry.
Any thought of going to Europe had been instantly banished from his mind.
    "I have to go home." There was no uncertainty in his
voice.
    "Why?"
    "My father's been injured."
    "What happened?" James asked worriedly.
    "I don't know the details. Mother didn't say. She only
said he's been paralyzed." Michael frowned, trying to
imagine his strong, vibrant father crippled.
    "What? Paralyzed?" James was shocked. "You've got to
get back home at once."
    "And I'll go with you," Nick offered, ready to help Michael in any way he could.
    "But the trip to Europe-I can't ask you to give it up. I
know how much you've been looking forward to going."
    "You didn't ask me to give up the trip. I just offered.
Besides, that's what family is for. I'm going to Texas with
you. You might need me."
    Michael smiled in appreciation of his cousin's support.
"I'll check at the train depot right away and see how soon
we can depart."
    "How long will it take us to get there?"
    "Depending on connections, it could take a week,
maybe longer, to reach Hard Luck."
    "Then we'd better get going."
    "Do you need any money?" James offered.

    "No, Uncle James, but thanks."
    "Is there anything your Aunt Sarah and I can do to
help?"
    Michael looked up at him. "Just pray."

     

The Bar T Ranch
    "Race you back to the house!" Casey called out as she
put her heels to her mount's sides.
    Her horse bolted into action. They galloped off, leaving
Pete Stuart, the foreman on the Bar T, standing in a cloud
of dust.
    "You're on!" Pete hollered. He swung up into his saddle
and charged after her.
    Casey was smiling as she leaned low over Raven's neck,
moving as one with the animal. She enjoyed the feel of
the wind in her face and the sense that they were almost
flying. Pete had been bragging about how fast his new
horse Lightning was, and she was determined to show
him Raven was still the best on the Bar T.
    They tore across the countryside, Pete and Lightning trailing slightly behind. As the ranch came into view,
Casey could tell he was gaining on her, but she wasn't
about to give up. She urged Raven on, and they raced up
to the stable in a cloud of dust, victorious.

    Some of the ranch hands saw them coming