Once in a Blue Moon by Diane Darcy

Author:Diane Darcy [Darcy, Diane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, Western, Family, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Time Travel, Humor, wild west, back in time
Publisher: Diane Darcy
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Richard stood at the end of the line of men, used to his position as ‘new guy’. With his fingertips, he wiped sweat off his brow and brushed the moisture onto his jeans. The day was shaping up to be another hot one.

He was glad it was payday. He needed the money. His family hadn’t had one cent to spend in the month they’d been there. He wasn’t sure how much he’d get since the widow had provided necessities for his family, but any amount would be welcome.

John, the foreman, looked up from his position under the big willow tree where a table and chair had been set up in front of the ranch house. He paid each man in turn, marking a notation in a ledger, then angling the book around for every man to sign.

Richard envied him the shade.

“Next.”

Willie, James, Merrill, Tex, David, and the others moved forward, and Richard followed.

Willie turned to Richard. “What ya gonna to do with your money?”

Merrill interrupted. “I’m getting something to drink.”

“I’m going to see Stella,” James rubbed his hands together.

David, who usually didn’t say much, spoke up. “I’m saving it.”

Willie scowled. “You always save it.”

Tex gave Willie a slow grin. “Well at least he don’t waste it all on no girls.”

Merrill crossed his arms. “What about me? I’m not spending money on girls, either.”

Willie lifted his chin. “Not anymore anyway. But there was a time--”

Merrill’s fists clenched. “Shut your trap before I shut it for you.” He turned around, facing forward.

Willie hit James in the shoulder and pointed at Merrill’s back and they both tried unsuccessfully to stifle laughter.

Merrill turned to glare and looked ready to explode. “Next.”

The line moved up and it was Frank’s turn.

Nathan, already paid, stepped back in line to stand between Merrill and the two younger boys as if nothing were happening. “I don’t know what happens to my money. I turn it over to Amanda, and I never see it again.”

Joe nodded from his place next to the table. “I know what you mean. Sarah’s set on having new shoes for the kids.”

Merrill’s gaze turned triumphant and he lifted a finger. “See, that’s what I’m talkin’ about. I don’t have to turn my money over to no girl.”

Frank chuckled. “Don’t see me complaining. What about you, Richard?”

Richard shrugged and held back a grin. “No complaints.”

Merrill made a sound of disgust. “Yer all idiots. I’m glad I don’t have no petticoat telling me what to do.”

Richard realized Merrill would change places with any of them in a heartbeat and felt a little sorry for him. He was obviously still very bitter about his girlfriend leaving him to marry some other guy.

Tex, always the peacemaker, clapped Merrill on the shoulder. “I’m with Merrill. Women are nothin’ but trouble.” Tex probably meant it. His wife had left and, according to him, good riddance.

Actually, there were a few confirmed bachelors in the group. John, the foreman, smart and wily, always kept the men in line and acted like he’d be at the ranch forever.

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