Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Thank you,” I mumbled.
“Just returning the favor.”
I hummed and burrowed deeper into the pillow, the liniment and heat doing their job.
He turned off the light, and I felt the soft brush of his mouth over my head.
“Sleep now, beautiful Lady.”
I must have dreamed that part.
The next morning, I still felt some soreness, and I traced the bruise on my tailbone and hip with a sigh. I wasn’t going to object to the ATV today.
The kitchen was empty, and I grabbed a cup of coffee then headed to the barn. I found Luke with two other men, and he stopped what he was doing as I approached.
“Sammy,” he greeted me. “How are you this morning?”
“Good.”
He lifted an eyebrow, and I smiled. “Better.”
“Okay. This morning, you’re going with Callie. She’s helping feed the animals that stay close to home, plus some other chores. We’re herding some cows, and after lunch, you can be part of the next move. We’ll be using the ATVs for that.”
“I can probably ride.”
He met my eyes. “Not today.”
“But—”
“Not today.” His voice brooked no argument.
“Fine.”
“Go to the cookhouse and get some breakfast. Callie will tell you what she needs doing.” He turned, effectively dismissing me.
At the cookhouse, I met a couple other hands who were just leaving, grinning as they tipped their hats and said hello.
“Ma’am.”
I had to smile. Obviously, word had gotten around.
I ate a couple of Callie’s breakfast burritos, the tortillas stuffed with sausage, egg, cheese, plus peppers and onions. Her homemade salsa was delicious. She grinned as I finished my second.
“On the menu,” she assured me.
“Perfect.”
I spent the morning feeding and spending time with the animals. I played with the goats and a couple of sheep that were there. Helped gather eggs. Visited the stable and fed Dusty a carrot plus a sugar cube I had snuck. In the barn, I watched as the dairy cows were milked. Cooed and cuddled some kittens in the stable while the momma cat watched me. I was pleased to see the warm, snug space that was made for the family. Callie assured me all animals at River Rock were well treated. There was an entire stall with beds, food, blankets, and lots of straw. They were happy and safe.
Then I helped her make lunch. Today, she was grilling burgers and sausages. She had a variety of salads, and I could smell the rich aroma of baked beans. I chopped veggies, sliced buns and cheese, and set out all the condiments. I captured most of it on film, already knowing the direction I would go with the program.
“Lunch is eleven to one. The later you come, the slimmer the pickings.” She smirked. “Unless you’re Luke. I always save him some since he is usually the last in. The man would never eat, otherwise.”
I nodded, not surprised.
“The hands help themselves. They stack their dirty plates, glasses, and utensils into the dishwasher racks when they’re done. I cook. I’m not their maid.”
She had two chocolate cakes already made, and I cut them into slices and watched as the men and women trailed in, filling their plates, and enjoyed a break. Some came, grabbed food, and wrapped it to go, heading back to whatever they were doing. Some sat and ate, and I chatted with them, learning about what they did and how long they had been on the ranch. No one lingered, but they all ate well, were polite and friendly, and had one thing in common.
Luke had a dozen employees. The number varied depending on the season, but right now, it was fully staffed. They loved working on the ranch. Their respect for Luke and Rachel was obvious and their loyalty strong. Many of them were excited about the new aspect, a few holding back their opinion, but all were ready to accept new responsibilities.
Tim and John finished their lunch, and Tim came over. “Meet at the stable in ten?”
I was disappointed I hadn’t seen Luke, but I knew he was a busy man. “Sure.”
I ran back to the house and applied some more sun block and grabbed my hat, hurrying to the stable. I was taken aback, seeing the horses saddled and waiting.
“Ah, I thought we were taking the ATV?”
Tim frowned. “Luke never said anything. I can go get one if you prefer.”
I squared my shoulders. They obviously hadn’t spoken to Luke since this morning. “Nope, I’m good.”
“I got you a mounting block.”
“Thanks.”
He held the reins as I scrambled up into the saddle. The mounting block helped, but I preferred it when Luke lifted me into the saddle. I held in my wince as my butt met the saddle, and Dusty moved forward. I was going to need that liniment again tonight.
We trotted toward the back of the ranch, and for the next while, I helped as they mended a couple of fences, trimmed some bushes that were growing over, and found a few cattle that had wandered away from the herd. John left with the cattle to guide them back to the herd, and I helped Tim with the final repair. He was a nice guy, with a great sense of humor. He told me some amusing stories that made me laugh, and he liked to talk about his mom and girlfriend.