Chapter Sixty-Five Back at the Ranch

As the three ladies arrive back at the ranch, Scott exits the front door.  He smiles seeing the three have come home safe and sound and they seem to be a little jubilant. 

“Well, how did it go?”

Carla replies with a smirk on her face, “Everything is all worked out, even what you and Tyler will wear.”

“I suppose we don’t even have a say in that either, right.”

Joan starts laughing, “Of course you do, we just came up with suggestions.”

“Oh, for a minute there I thought this might be a project run only by ladies.”

“Let us dismount and we’ll tell you all about it.”

“Let me help you with the horses.”

“Dad, do me a favor, I have asked Little Dove to stay overnight but she wants to head back now.”

“Little Dove, if you insist on leaving now that is your choice.  However, I would like to you stay as our guest, we feel you are a member of this family, stay at least another night, then you can get a fresh start in the morning.

“I am not being a burden?”

“If you are, I’ll be glad to put you to work this afternoon.”

Little Dove busts out laughing at what, Scott, just said.  “Okay, that’s a deal.”

“Spoken just like a white woman.”  Little Dove smiles.

Chapter Sixty-Four Wedding Plans

As the three ladies head into Silver Lake, apprehension starts to creep into Little Dove’s mind.  She has never done anything like this before; besides she is the only Indian amongst these other ladies.

Joan senses Little Dove’s mood because she is very quiet as they ride.  “Are you worried about being here with us?”

Little Dove looks surprised that Joan has picked up on her mood.  “Yes,” she says.  “I don’t feel like I fit in.”

“I guess it would be hard for me to sit with your maidens if you asked me to.  I would be glad to do it but I think I would be feeling just like you do now.”

Little Dove looks at her and smiles.  “I guess you’re right about that.  I didn’t think of it that way.”

“When we experience something new we tend not to look at the whole picture.  When we meet I want you to sit alongside of me.  Maybe that will make you feel a little better.”

“I’d like that, thank you.”

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?”

Taking a long trip

A notice for anyone who reads from this blog, I am heading for Israel this week with my wife for two months. 

I will begin posting excerpts for the final chapters beginning mid-March.

I hope you as readers enjoyed what you read.