She crossed her hands behind her back, and it didn’t take Jericho but a second to realize why. Because they were shaking.

The raging storm in his chest dwindled to a soft patter. She was nervous. But she was more courageous than any other woman he’d met, working hard to earn the money and going after her dream. Not many women would have the guts to do it. And not many men would give a woman a chance to buy land.

If Ivy wanted the land and Steele was willing to sell it to her, then who was he to stand in the way?

He almost moved out of the shadows but then stopped himself. He needed the land. Or at least needed to project the image that he was planning to buy it. The truth was, once he caught Rodney James, he was returning to Chicago for another assignment, and he intended to sell or lease the land at that point.

But, of course, he couldn’t tell Ivy that. He couldn’t tell anyone.

Steele released a long sigh. “I know you’ve been saving to purchase the parcel. But I had another buyer come in and give me a better offer.”

Ivy twisted her fingers together to stop the shaking. “Didn’t know anyone else was interested.”

Jericho was surprised at how calm her voice remained.

“I didn’t either.”

Ivy was silent for several heartbeats. “I’ll match the offer.”

Steele picked up a pen, completely ignoring the bag of coins. “As willing as I’ve been to consider this deal without saying anything to your brothers, I’ve been up-front with you about my hesitations.”

“I know, but—”

“As a woman, you’ll soon be married and will have your home and children to take care of. You won’t have time for ranching.”

Jericho’s gut pinched. Soon be married? Was Ivy already serious about someone? She hadn’t mentioned a fellow. Neither had anyone else. Then again, she wouldn’t have invited the barber to come calling on her tonight if she was engaged, would she?

“My sister-in-law Savannah has a baby and owns the Double L now.” Ivy’s tone contained a note of desperation.

“She’s also got a husband and a ranch manager.”

“I don’t see what that’s got to do with anything.”

“It has to do with the fact that once you get married, your husband will have his own occupation and won’t want to be saddled with your ranch.”

“He won’t be. I’ll run it myself.”

With each passing second, Jericho’s muscles tightened with the need to rise to Ivy’s defense. Ivy was as skilled a rancher as any he’d ever met. In fact, she knew more than most about the operations of a ranch. She deserved a chance at making her own way as much as any fellow.