Charlotte's Challenge by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Several days later, Charlotte wore her overalls. After breakfast they were riding to check on cattle and fences. She was worried about whether or not she should let the children out of the house. Her instinct was to pull them into her arms and protect them.

That wasn’t possible. They couldn’t live like prisoners. Besides, there were chores that had to be done.

Moose set down his coffee cup. “Miz Dunn, I can check on things on my lonesome. No need for you or the children to go.”

Davie reached for another biscuit. “Papa said I’m the man of the family and I have to take care of things. Besides, the ranch is supposed to come to me one day—if we don’t lose it.”

How it hurt to hear her son say that. Somehow, they had to hold on to this ranch. They owed Ike that much plus it belonged to Davie’s future.

Charlotte looked at each person around the table. “I simply can’t cower here afraid to leave the house any longer. If Bret would stay here,” she glared at him, “then I could let Susie and Jimmy stay home.”

Susie shook her head. “Mama, I need to go help. You said we were a team. We have to defend our home.”

Jimmy spoke around a mouthful of ham. “Me, too. We’re ranchers and we hafta check on cattle and fences.”

Bret met her gaze. “You heard Doctor Ross say I can ride now. I really want to learn about ranching. Besides, time I earned my keep.”

She sighed and capitulated. “All right. Davie and Susie packed up our lunch. Supper is cooking slowly in the oven. Everyone carry his plate and cup to the dishpan. Then we can go check cattle.”

“Yay, I wanna ride by Moose.” Jimmy dashed to be first for the sink and lost his fork and knife on the way.

Susie almost tripped on the cutlery but kept her wits about her and stepped over them.

Davie stumbled on Jimmy when the younger boy bent to the floor to recover his knife and fork. Jimmy’s plate went scooting across the floor.

“Children, stop.” The three youngsters froze. “Jimmy get your things into the sink and be careful.” When Jimmy had done his chore and stepped away, she motioned the other two to do the same. Charlotte hoped this wasn’t an indication of how the day would go.

Once the horses were saddled and they were ready to ride, she felt more composed. “Remember, children, you are to pay close attention to instructions. Stay with me unless I say otherwise. Do you understand?”

All three answered they did as the group rode toward where the herd was grazing. Both dogs dashed around as happy as they could be. The sunlight, bright blue sky, and light breeze brightened her outlook. Riding with her family and new ranch hands further raised her mood. The rain several days ago had resulted in greener grass and the appearance of additional wildflowers.

Bret dropped back to speak with her. “Are we still on your land?”

“Yes, our ranch extends to that peak you see in the distance.

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