Page 130 of The Ranger

“Yes, but we’re old and still look it,” Doc said. “Problem is, our outside appearance is beginning to align with the inside. Kwaku said we won’t look like we did in our twenties, but what happened to us might take twenty years off our appearance.”

Colin rubbed his temples with his fingers. “I don’t want to have to think about it.”

“Now you know how Major and Harrison feel,” Grandma said. “You don’t want to see us leave.”

Colin looked into her eyes and nodded. “No, Grandma, I don’t. None of us do.” He grabbed her into a hug. “We’ll miss you too much.”

She patted him on the back. “Then consider Kwaku’s offer. Drink some of that swill Irene tampered with. Live a little longer and enjoy your children, and their children.” She looked at him. “You do know that Muiraran females don’t start having babies until they’re at least a hundred years old?”

He nodded and wiped away a tear. This subject always made him emotional. “Yes, I know. Belle and I both do.”

“You have other grandchildren in your lives,” Irene pointed out.

“Yes, but… oh, I don’t know what to do.” He ran a hand through his hair. At seventy his hair was going white and there were more lines around his eyes, but he was still considered a handsome man, Belle a handsome woman. But the fact was, if they didn’t take Kwaku’s elixir, they only had so much time left on this earth, and only so much time left with their sons who’d married Muirarans.

“We must concentrate on helping Markhel and Maida,” he said. “Not mine and Belle’s decision.”

“Right enough,” Doc said. “But time is running out, Colin. Who knows how much longer we’ll be able to stay, and you and Belle will have to decide what you’re going to do.”

He took a deep breath, put on his hat, then nodded at the door. “I agree. Now let’s go.”

26

“Your father does not look happy,” Markhel said.

Maida shaded her eyes from the late afternoon sun as Pa and Grandpa Harrison along with Logan, their foreman, rode into the barnyard. Colin came by earlier, spoke to Markhel, then left for town without a word. She hoped everything was all right.

Pa spotted her, kicked his horse into a trot and headed their way. His jaw looked tight, and his mouth was pressed into a firm line. “Oh dear, he does look angry.”

Markhel sidestepped, putting her partly behind him.

“Maida,” Pa called. “Come here.”

She gulped. “Yes, Pa.” She gave Markhel an apologetic shrug, then went to her father. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

“Go to the house.”

Now she knew something was wrong. “Why?”

“Just go to the house.”

She glanced at Markhel. “And if I don’t?”

His eyes widened. “You heard me, young lady.”

She let out a frustrated huff but did what he said. “I had a nice time today, Pa. Don’t ruin it.” She stomped off glancing back only once.

Grandpa Harrison dismounted, gave her a stern look, and headed for the barn. She watched him a moment then ran into the house. “Mama! Grandma!” She found them in the kitchen. “Pa and Grandpa both looked mad as rattlers. They’re going to talk to Markhel.”

“I was afraid of this.” Grandma Sadie threw the dishrag she was using onto the counter.

Mama shook her head. She was layering sliced potatoes into a pan at the worktable. “They changed their minds.”

Maida blanched. “What?”

“I’ll go talk to them.” Grandma Sadie headed for the hall.

She turned to her mother. “Pa said Markhel could court me. He can’t change his mind.”