Hi All
Things at work had been crazy and top of that my system crashes :(, what more could be worse. But all things back to normal and I am back on track with novels.
Hope you will enjoy reading this as you have liked my previous chapters :P
Enjoy ^_^
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McGrover Ranch
Rachael had slept restlessly the night and it was visible on her face when she came down for breakfast. One look and Barbara couldn’t control and said “Looks like someone kept you up all night dear.”
Looking up from her cup of second black coffee Rachael said “Now what do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. So are you going to check on the farm hands today or work-in?” Barbaba changed the subject filing the papers on the kitchen table overseeing the breakfast Donna was cooking for all.
“Nah, I need to get out and check the perimeter. After yesterday’s drama by O’Cauly we need to make sure the herd is safe. Donna can you pack me sandwiches for the ride please.” Saying she walked up the stairs to get ready for the long day ahead.
An hour later, Rachael walked out the house to find Chris talking to Joshua. Not having the courage or patience to face him, she walked in the opposite direction taking a long way to the stable to saddle her horse. She informed Ike who had been watering the horses in the stable, where she would be in case they look for her and that she will not be back till noon. She rode off towards the north pastures to ensure the fence was up and the stream directed towards the water source she had informed to be built so that water would be available the year round. The ride was refreshing and by the time she reached north perimeter, and all her worries seemed far away from her mind. She jumped down her horse and tied the reins to fence. She walked along the fence inspecting the work completed by Hank and Jeb. They had done good job. The water from the stream was also neatly channeled to the small lake she instructed to be built. The herd of cows was lazing under the trees; she counted to ensure the count was same as yesterday.
Washing her face in the cool water of the stream she sat down under a tree and ate her sandwich, just content to be home. She was thinking deep and didn’t hear the sound of hoofs coming towards her until it was too late. Chris jumped of his horse and sat next to her “Howdy, so do you have another sandwich in there for me.” He said smiling at her.
She felt sixteen all over again, not knowing what to say or act. She pulled a sandwich and gave it to Chris. He took it tipping his stetson and munching the slice away. They sat in silence for long time. Not able to bear the silence Rachael said “What are you doing here Mr. McGrover?”
He sat up straight opposite her and gave his hand for shake saying “Let’s call truce and get reacquainted again. It was very presumptuous of me to like you reminded me yesterday.”
She looked at his hand and in his eyes, which was a big mistake, before she made a fool of herself again; she stood up and walked to her horse. Chris was right behind her, “Ms. Burns, hear me out.”
“Mr. McGrover..”
“Chris please!” he said smiling down at her.
“Alright Chris, there is nothing to say. I bought this ranch from your father fair and square. If you don’t believe me then you can talk to your brother Sean. He was present when John handed me the papers.”
“I know, Joshua told me the same. I came here because I want to offer my help in building up this ranch from the brink it has gone to. If I had been here, maybe he wouldn’t had to sell it. I believe I am partly responsible for its neglect.”
