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Page 47

| Lightning came and wagged her tail as she looked up at Ashton. Ashton reached to pat her, then stiffened and rose to his full height again when he saw Stanford Sidwell dismount across the street. For a moment their eyes met and held. Then Stanford strode away, puffing on a cigar. |

| Sasha placed her hands on her hips. She glared up at Ashton. "Ashton York, you should not be keeping any secrets from me about our sheep station," she reminded him. "Do you forget so soon that I am your partner? I should be apprised of everything you have planned and do. Is that understood?" |

| "Aye, understood," Ashton said, his eyes twinkling. "Now, Spike, have you finished scolding me? Can we get on our way?" |

| He glanced across the street, searching for Stanford and sighing with relief when he was nowhere to be seen. It was apparent, Ashton thought, that he was not getting out of town any too soon. If he didn't have enough to worry about now that Stanford had discovered his whereabouts, it would be his luck if Superintendent Silas Howland also suddenly appeared from his past to wreak havoc in his life againjust as Ashton was beginning to hope that he was not only going to have the life he wanted, but also the woman of his heart. |

| "Ashton, forevermore dispense with that horrid nickname," Sasha said, sighing. As she stepped out onto the dirt street, she dodged horse droppings and broken bottles. "Heaven knows what I am going to be forced to endure on this venture. I most certainly do not need that name to contend with as well." |

| Ashton took her by an elbow and guided her |

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