A Texas Ranger's Family by Mae Nunn

Author:Mae Nunn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2009-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Suppertime was a cross between a rodeo and a picnic.

Erin counted a dozen pair of weather-worn cowboy boots lined up in a mud rack just inside the front door of the expansive family home. Most of the stocking-footed guests were decked out in Western wear and all of them had brought covered platters or casserole dishes to contribute to the evening meal.

The Torres family arrived first. The boys Daniel had mentioned were much older than expected. All college-educated, the three had come back to work the Double-S after graduation. The naturalized Americans truly were the Stablers’ extended family.

Jake’s wife and four girls poured through the door, next. They grabbed Dana and swept her out to the bunkhouse away from the adults. Erin connected with Becky from their first hug. Even if it was just a wives’ tale that men married women like their mamas, it certainly applied to Daniel’s brother. He’d found a no-nonsense lady who could give as good as she got from LaVerne, deal with migrant workers in their native language and still wrangle a houseful of kids known for bringing piglets and baby skunks inside for a visit.

Supper was a mouthwatering assortment of roasted meats, fresh vegetables and home-baked breads. Afterward Erin sipped iced tea and visited with the other women as they washed, dried and put away the many place settings of Fiesta pottery.

“LaVerne, after raising boys, was it hard for you to adjust to all these granddaughters?” Erin asked.

“I still haven’t adjusted,” she grumbled. “Jake’s girls would rather inoculate calves than learn to bake biscuits. And since operating the microwave is about as technical as I get, Dana and I don’t have much common ground, which I’m sure you’ve already noticed.”

LaVerne turned an affectionate gaze to the dark-eyed Mexican woman at her side. “I’m just glad I spoke enough Spanish to be close to Elena’s boys as they were comin’ up. Why, Miguel is like one of my own.”

“Si, and we considered giving our oldest to you legally during his last year of high school.” Elena turned to Erin. “That boy only survives today by the grace of Senora Stabler. When Isadore was ready to lock Miguel in a horse trailer and throw away the key, la Senora intervened.”

LaVerne swatted away the accolade with her damp dish towel. “I merely pointed out to Miguel how fortunate he was to have a father when my sons were without one at his age.”

“Honestamente?” There was disbelief in Elena’s voice. “All you did was encourage my Miguel to appreciate his papa?”

“Well, that and twenty dollars for each passing grade on his report card.” LaVerne rubbed her thumb and forefinger together indicating money had changed hands. “It got the desired results.”

“Yo lo supe! I knew it,” Elena cried. “That boy always had more money than the other two. No wonder he could afford a car for graduation.”

“Cash didn’t work with Oscar and Alano. They responded better to boots and riding tack.” LaVerne held her palms outward in defense. “Besides, it’s a little late to hold spoiling your kids against me, now.

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