Chapter Forty-Nine Carla's Family's Answer

Pedro pulls his horse to a stop and dismounts.  Holding the ends of the reins in his hands he gives his sister a hard hug.

“Easy there big brother, don’t break my back, now.”

“You can handle it, my sister,” he says laughing.  “Let me get my horse some water then we can talk.”

“Why don’t you unsaddle him and put him in the corral with the others.  Can’t you stay for awhile; I will make you something to eat.”

“Where are the others?  It is Saturday and I expected to see them here at the house.”

“On Saturdays, they work the herds in the morning.  They will be back shortly after the noon hour.  I usually plan a big meal mid-day on Saturday so you can join us if you want.  But first you must tell me what you came to tell Tyler.”

Teasing his sister, Pedro says, “Let me take care of the horse first then I will tell you.”  He watches Carla get all excited with anticipation.

Chapter Forty-Eight Back to the Ranch

By the time Carla and Tyler arrive at the S&R, it was nearly sunset and Joan was clearing off the dinner table.  She spots them as they ride near the house and head for the barn.  Running outside she yells, “How did it go?”

Carla speaks as she dismounts from her horse and replies, “It went well.  We will know by the end of the week if they have enough people for what Tyler needs.”

Tyler hollers over, “Let me take care of the horses then I will come inside to discuss what happened.”

“Carla come inside so I can put out some dinner for you.”

“Where is your father?”

“He finished dinner quickly; I think this lawsuit has him worried.  Why I don’t know but it seems to.  I believe he’s up in his office.”

“Joan, please help Tyler with the horses, I’ll go see your father and put out dinner for Tyler and me.  I don’t want to eat until he is done.”

Carla goes into the house and up the stairs to Scott’s office.  “We’re back, Scott.  Things went well, we should know for sure by the end of the week.  They liked him.

“Are you going to sit up here or come downstairs and join us?”

“I’ll be down.  I just realized today, that I’m not used to you being away.  I felt strange.”

“I understand, you’re too used to me being around and now you don’t want me to leave.”

“Why would I?  I want to marry you,” he says with a big smile.

Carla comes over to his chair and puts her arms around him and gives him a long warm kiss.   “Will that one hold you for awhile?”

“A short while,” he laughs.

Chapter Forty-Seven Carla's Relatives

Just around noon time Carla and Tyler arrive near the outskirts of Silver Lake where Mexican families own land and farm.  Carla sees her two brothers and their wives watching to see who is arriving.

She yells out to them, “Miguel, you have visitors.”

“What do I owe this honor to my dear sister?”

“I felt it is time I visit and now I bring with me someone who will provide you with some money you weren’t expecting.”

Carla and Tyler dismount, Miguel and Pedro his brother shake hands with Tyler.  Then they hug their sister very affectionately.  “Come we were just preparing to have the noon meal.  You must be hungry from your traveling.”

Carla forewarned Tyler that when he is offered something to eat he should at least try a little bit of what it is.  Otherwise the women will be insulted.

This is amazing!

Only released two and a half months ago, Gateway to Terror, has two five star reviews on Amazon and one five star review on Barnes and Noble.  Sales are doing well and I will need to order more books for the upcoming fairs Linda and I are scheulded to do this fall.  The Barnes and Noble reader said she wants more from me as a writer.

Chapter Forty-Five Virginia Returns

Virginia Peters’ trip takes three and a half weeks from the time she left Boston to the time she arrives in Salt Lake.  She’s worn the same clothes for the last three days and she is fit to be tied by her inconveniences.  When she steps off the stage at the relay station she looks around and doesn’t see Matt waiting for her.  She begins to get angry.

As Henry is helping the stagecoach driver with the luggage she asks him, “Where is Matt, he is supposed to be picking me up?”

“I haven’t seen Matt since the day you left to go east.”

“Damn him, how does he expect me to get to the ranch?  What kind of son is he?”

Henry goes on, “He could be having some kind of difficulty, Virginia.  I can arrange for someone to take you home.  It won’t cost much to get you a driver.”

“Cost much, where is that western hospitality I keep hearing?”

“Its called wages that must be paid and you should understand better than anyone else having ranch hands that need to get paid.”  Henry can’t stand her high and mighty attitude.

“Just get me home and I’ll pay for it.  Virginia doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“As soon as I get this coach on the way I will find someone to get you out of here.”  The sooner you leave the happier I will be.  What a bitch!