Emma easily recalled the camaraderie of ranch wives that took place in this kitchen. “I would too.”
They continued to pore over the recipes, and when it was time for lunch, Lucille never said a word but instead readied the meal on her own. Emma was so absorbed in reading recipes to Rosie and telling her any story or thoughts that came to mind regarding them that when Lucille called them to come to the dining room, Emma wasn’t sure why she wanted them there.
Seeing the table set with a variety of things to eat, Emma gave a glance at the large grandfather clock. “Goodness, I didn’t realize it was lunchtime already.”
“You girls were having such a good time. I loved hearing the stories you told, Emma. It brought back so many memories.”
“I was surprised to remember so much.” Emma took a seat at the table beside Rosie.
“Smells mighty good in here,” Emma’s father declared as he bounded in from the kitchen. “I see someone’s been going over recipes.”
“Hello, Papa,” Emma said as he came to give her a hug. “Rosie and I are going to be baking for the church sale, and I wanted to get some of Mama’s old recipes.”
“Well, I just got back from helping bring in some of the herd. I suppose Lucille told you we’re going to start branding on the twenty-fourth? We’ve been riding over half the state bringing in our cattle. Thankfully, Lucille thought to fence off big pastures last year. We can gradually work the cattle down and separate them out to get our counts and see what’s what.”
“We’re going to come help,” Rosie piped up. “And stay here at the ranch.”
A big smile spread across the man’s face. “Well, that’s just fine. I’m happy to have you both. We’ll get Rosie ropin’, and Emma can brand.”
Emma laughed. “I’ve done it before. I remember you making me do it a few years in a row. You said I needed to know every aspect of ranching as I might one day need to help my husband.”
Her father nodded. “It didn’t hurt you any, did it?”
“No. I didn’t like the smell of burnt hair and flesh, but I could do it again if I had to.”
“I don’t want to learn to brand,” Rosie said in a most serious tone. “I don’t want to hurt the babies.”
“Then you don’t have to, Rosie girl.” Emma’s father tucked a napkin into the neck of his shirt. “It’ll be nice just to have a few pretty gals here. Makes the fellas work harder when they know the ladies are watching.”
Colton knocked at Emma’s front door and waited for her to answer. When no one came after several minutes, he knocked again. Still nothing.
He heard noises coming from the backyard and made his way around the house. The chickens were contentedly pecking the ground in their pen, and Gary Price was busy putting something together not far from the backside of the house.
“Mr. Price, how are you, sir?” Colton asked as the man noticed him and straightened.
“Mr. Benton. I’m doing good. Busy as a beaver, but good.”
“I knocked on the front door, but no one came.”
“Emma and Rosie went to the ranch, and Mrs. Olson is shopping. What can I do for you?”
“Emma and Rosie went alone? There wasn’t a man to drive them or keep watch?”
Gary chuckled. “Emma can manage for herself. She has a brand-new rifle and knows how to use it. If anyone or thing causes her grief, she’ll be able to fend for herself and Rosie. Besides, the soldiers are out that way on some sort of maneuvers. It was in the newspaper.”
Colton didn’t like the idea of them being miles from the city on their own. There were still occasional conflicts with Indians. If he and Emma were on speaking terms, he might have explained his feelings on the matter.
Gary started sawing a piece of lumber. He clearly wasn’t concerned about the ladies, and Colton did his best to let go of his fears.
“Looks like you’re busy building again.” Colton couldn’t help but wonder about the situation.
“Putting together a summer kitchen. The gals plan to do a lot of baking for the church sale, and Emma didn’t wantto heat up the house. I’m building them a place to take care of business out here.”
“If I weren’t heading to a meeting, I’d offer to help. Maybe if you’re still at it this afternoon, I can lend you a hand.”
“I’ll still be at it. You come on back, and I’ll put you to work.” Gary finished sawing and straightened. “If you’ll pardon me for now, though, I’ve got to get back to it.”
Colton nodded. “I’ll see you later.”
