Angel Moore - The Rightful Heir

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 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?

“I reckon the two of you will have to run the paper together until the judge comes to town.”

“Run it together?” Mary Lou’s protest was incredulous.

“I have no intention of sharing my inheritance with a perfect stranger.” Jared wouldn’t give up the last claim he had to a family connection.

“It’s not your inheritance.” Mary Lou took a step toward him. “It’s mine. You may be blood kin, but

I was the only family Jacob Ivy had for the last eight years.”

The sheriff opened the door. “The two of you can argue all you want. I won’t dispossess either of you. The judge should be through town between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn to work together until then.”

“He can’t stay here!” Mary Lou was indignant.

“Sheriff, you have the authority to evict her.” Jared made another attempt to settle the matter today.

“I do, but I won’t be the one to throw an orphaned girl into the street without the judge’s say-so.” He tipped his hat to Mary Lou. “Good day to you both.”

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 doesn’t 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 God’s goodness to her. Find her at www.angelmoorebooks.com.

The Rightful Heir

Angel Moore

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

—Proverbs 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

Cover

Back Cover Text 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 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?

Introduction “I reckon the two of you will have to run the paper together until the judge comes to town.” “Run it together?” Mary Lou’s protest was incredulous. “I have no intention of sharing my inheritance with a perfect stranger.” Jared wouldn’t give up the last claim he had to a family connection. “It’s not your inheritance.” Mary Lou took a step toward him. “It’s mine. You may be blood kin, but I was the only family Jacob Ivy had for the last eight years.” The sheriff opened the door. “The two of you can argue all you want. I won’t dispossess either of you. The judge should be through town between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Learn to work together until then.” “He can’t stay here!” Mary Lou was indignant. “Sheriff, you have the authority to evict her.” Jared made another attempt to settle the matter today. “I do, but I won’t be the one to throw an orphaned girl into the street without the judge’s say-so.” He tipped his hat to Mary Lou. “Good day to you both.” And he was gone.

About the Author ANGEL MOORE fell in love with romance in elementary school when she read the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Who doesn’t 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 God’s goodness to her. Find her at www.angelmoorebooks.com .

Title Page The Rightful Heir Angel Moore www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. —Proverbs 13:22

Dedication 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.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Pine Haven, Texas

October, 1881

“I’ll be right with you.” 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. “I’m looking for the owner.”