Page 132 of The Ranger
“Mama already told me. And if Markhel and I decide we…” She glanced at him. “Understand each other, then we’ll deal with what comes next.”
A hint of a smile curved Markhel’s lips, and he gave her a tiny nod.
She smiled back, unable to help it.
“Oh for the love of…” Grandpa ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure what’s right or wrong at this point.”
“Harrison, darling,” Grandma Sadie said. “Give the man a chance.”
Markhel looked at Maida with a tender smile. “Your family loves you very much, little one. That is why they fight me.”
“At least he understands that,” Pa quipped.
“Pa, don’t be rude,” Maida scolded.
Before anyone could say anything more, Uncle Colin rode into the barnyard followed by a wagon.
“It’s the Wallers,” Pa said. “What are they doing here?”
Grandpa scratched his head and started for them. “And they have Wilfred and Irene with them.”
Maida sighed. Her grandfather was making a hasty retreat by heading for the wagon.
Pa looked at her, then Markhel. “This discussion is not over.” He took Maida by the arm and steered her toward the wagon coming into the barnyard.
She looked at Markhel over one shoulder and shrugged.
He gave her a single nod.It’s all right, go with them…
She gasped. She heard him! Or thought she did. But his mouth didn’t move!
Halfway to the wagon, Pa brought them to a stop. “We’ll talk about our other business later. I know you’re angry with your grandfather and me. But we’re having a hard time…”
“Accepting him? Why? Because he’s different? Of course, he is. He’s not from Clear Creek, and he’s not like you or Grandpa or anyone else in town. Buteveryonelikes him. You liked him until he took an interest in me.”
He couldn’t say anything to that, and she knew it. “Come along.” Pa started for the wagon again.
She noticed Markhel didn’t move and instead watched as Wilfred brought the team to a halt, set the brake, then gingerly climbed down.
Pa let her go and went to help the rest of them disembark. They were old after all, and she wondered how they managed to get into a wagon to begin with. The Wallers’ buggy would have been easier to ride in.
“We’ve come to the rescue!” Grandma Waller announced.
“Rescue?” Grandpa Harrison’s face twisted in confusion. He glanced at Markhel and back. “Rescue who?”
“You of course,” she said. “We’ve come to help clean the barn.”
Pa let go a nervous chuckle. “Grandma Waller, you don’t need to be doing that sort of work. You’re liable to throw your back out. We’ve got hay to move, lots of sweeping and cleaning to do…”
“We’re up for it,” Doc said with a smile. “We don’t mean to barge in on you like this, but when Colin told us you wanted the work done as soon as possible, we thought we’d pitch in.” He looked toward the barn. “I see Markhel’s here to help too. Splendid.” He rubbed his hands together, then headed for him.
“Doc,” Grandpa Harrison called. “You don’t have to. And he isnothere to clean the barn. In fact, he wasjustleaving.” He trotted after the old man.
Pa helped Irene out of the wagon. “Well don’t just stand there,” she snapped. “You got a wheelbarrow? Do the stalls need cleaning?”
“The stalls?” Pa laughed. “Irene, I’m not going to let you clean stalls. Why don’t you help Honoria with dinner if you want to lend a hand.”
“Cook? That’s for sissies.” She gave him a dismissive wave and marched across the barnyard.