The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore

they should share it? No. That would never do. The Record was hers. She would fight for it.
    â€œSeems to me two adults with similar goals might be well suited to one another.” Jasmine pressed her elbow into Doc Willis’s side as he spoke.
    Jared put up both hands. “Hold on there, Doc. If you’re suggesting we join forces for the paper, I’ll have to agree with Miss Ellison. And believe me, we don’t agree on much.”
    â€œNot just the paper. I’m saying why not consider joining your lives? Miss Ellison is as fine a woman as you’ll meet in Pine Haven. You came here alone. Why not think of the possibilities if you aren’t against one another?”
    â€œEvan, you’re starting to sound like Papa when he tried to convince you and me to court.” Jasmine was clearly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation.
    â€œLook how well that turned out, my dear.”
    Mary Lou couldn’t have been happier to hear what Jared said next.
    â€œThank you for your observations, Doc, but Mary Lou and I aren’t searching for life partners. We’re here for a story about you and Miss Warren.”
    Mary Lou seized the opportunity to change the subject. “Jasmine, I want to do a story about the wedding. Not just the facts of the event, but I want to include a personal touch about how it felt for you to move to Pine Haven and find your true love.”
    Naomi came back with the other plates and served the men. “Can I get you anything else?”
    Jasmine thanked her. “Naomi, it smells delicious. You’ve outdone yourself again.”
    â€œThank you, ma’am. You folks enjoy your lunch.” She took a step away from the table. “But save some room for the chocolate cake Mrs. Beverly baked this morning.” Then she left them to the meal.
    Jared took a bite of the dumplings and hummed his approval.
    Jasmine laughed. “I told you they were famous.” The crowded room bore witness to Naomi’s cooking skills.
    â€œThis might be the story for the paper.” Jared took a biscuit from the platter. “I’d love to do an article on how Naomi came to be in Pine Haven.”
    â€œI wrote that story six months ago.” The arch of his brow was minute, but she saw it. He knew she was challenging him. Jared silently signaled his acceptance before he bit into the biscuit.
    Mary Lou asked Jasmine, “Will your house be finished before the wedding?”
    â€œWe think so. The men are working feverishly.”
    â€œSo the men on the ranch are building your home?” Jared seemed surprised.
    â€œSome of the workers are ranch hands. We hired a few men who help Mr. Thomas at the lumber mill, too.” Doc Willis grinned at his betrothed. “We needed to hire the extra men to get the work done.” He asked Jared, “Why would that matter to the story?”
    â€œYour families are two of the most influential in Pine Haven. I’m looking at how your union will affect the business opportunities in town. A lot of people rely on your families for their livelihood.”
    Mary Lou thought her heart might stop beating. Was Jared suggesting their marriage was a business arrangement?
    Doc Willis put his fork down. “What exactly are you asking?”
    The serious tone caused Mary Lou to interject, hoping to calm what she saw as a brewing storm. “Let’s talk about the ceremony. Have you decided to hold the reception at the ranch or the hotel?”
    Jared wasn’t deterred. “I’m thinking the two families working together could have a great impact on the local economy. It could be a good thing for Pine Haven. And as owner of the Record , I feel it’s my duty to keep the community informed of anything that could make their lives better—or worse. That’s the kind of story readers want in a local paper.”
    Doc Willis leaned back in his chair. “You think our marriage will impact the