Finnegan paused by the side of the church, near where the memorials honoring those who’d perished in the blizzards sat. “I’d like to buy your ranch property.”
“You would,” Arlen said flatly. Surely the man knew the place didn’t belong to Arlen.
“Indeed. I’ve been looking for the perfect stretch of land upon which to raise cattle, and after much searching, I’ve decided upon your acreage.”
The man seemed so sure of himself that Arlen had to fight back a smile. “Well, in that case, I regret to inform you that I am not the owner of the property in question.”
“Oh, but you will be soon, correct? At least that’s what I hear from some folks here in town.”
Arlen shouldn’t be surprised that people were already speculating upon his and Josie’s relationship, given that they’d appeared in church together and then had a long discussion with the pastor afterward, and especially since he was staying at the ranch. However, none of that was this fellow’s concern. “That remains undecided,” he said.
Finnegan’s grin stretched across his face. “Ah, so you’ve yet to win the lady’s heart. All in good time, then. I have faith in you, Thomas.”
Arlen tried to keep the annoyance he felt from his face. This man was presumptuous and a fool, and Arlen wouldn’t sell an old saddle to him, much less property that meant the world to Josie and her brother.
“So,” Finnegan continued. “Once the deed is done—pardon my pun—would you agree to sell the land to me? I might be willing to acquire it for more than a fair price.”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” Arlen said wryly.
“Good, good. You know where to find me when the time comes.”
The man went on about ranching and land he’d seen. He’d seemed sincere enough, but there was a feeling Arlen couldn’t shake.
Why, if he wanted the land so badly, did he approach Arlen and not George Cummings, who actually owned a portion of it?
It was all very odd, and Arlen resolved to keep his ears and eyes open. Nothing would hurt Josie or the land she loved so much. Not if Arlen could help it.
Chapter Ten
Josie reeled backwardupon hearing Arlen’s words, running right into one of the wooden crosses.
I’ll keep it in mind.
She’d come to town to visit Faith and to lay flowers on Vincent’s grave. It was something she did on occasion, but she’d been feeling a bit guilty for the uncharitable thoughts she’d had toward him just before she’d kissed Arlen. And as she went to leave the memorial grounds, she’d stumbled upon Arlen and this— thishorribleman discussing the ranch.
Herranch.
