Chapter Sixty-Three Six Weeks Later

Saturday afternoon’s ride back to the S&R has a different type of discussion.  Joan tells Tyler she needs to be away for a couple of days so she, Carla, Maggie and Jessica can begin setting their wedding plans.

“So when do you need to be away?” 

“I’m not sure yet, I guess when Maggie and Jess can get together with Carla and me.  I think the best plan would be for Carla and me to meet with them in town in the evenings.  This way Carla’s ladies can meet with us as well.”

“Just let me know when you’re going.  Now that our home is completed I will probably have to stay here all weekend in the future.  I need to keep a watch over everything especially when we move some more of the herd up here.  Besides, I have two green young cowboys who are going to need some taking care of.”

“You don’t mind do you?  It’s been wonderful having so much time together even though both of us have been working so hard,” says Joan.

Chapter Sixty-Two Sunday Afternoon

Late Sunday afternoon the six riders of the Circle J come to the house.  Scott is standing on the front porch talking with Tyler and Mike.  As they approach each one of them moves their horse so they form a single line near the stairs.

Doug speaks for the group, “Well, Scott, have you made any decisions?”

“Yes, Tyler and I talked it over yesterday, all of you are hired.  Gentlemen, meet Mike, he’s been with me close to six years now.”  Each man nods toward Mike.

“Doug, Shannon, James and Sam the four of you will be working for me.  Dave and Gus will work for Tyler.  Why don’t you boys unsaddle your horses and place them in the corral.  The ladies are inside preparing dinner.”

Facial expressions show the men are happy to still have a job.  However Doug is disappointed he is separated from Dave and Gus.  Scott Reynolds has a good reputation in the territory but no one knows what it will be like working for Tyler.

We're Back from Israel

Linda and I returned from Israel this past week.  We were there for eight weeks and if you wish to look at her postings and pictures of the trip log onto www.avisiblevoice.blogspot.com.  We had a wonderful time.

Chapter Sixty-One Sunday Morning

“Scott only wants to buy half of the land.  If we settle on this I will buy the remaining half and the herd.  Our offer to you is $6,508.00.”

“That’s absurd; I can get ten thousand anytime.”

“Matt, let’s be realistic, you haven’t had an offer when the house was standing.  Do you really think you will get a buyer with the house in ruins?”

“Will you give me a little more that what you offered?”

“Like how much more?”