Page 133 of The Ranger
Maida giggled as Mrs. Dunnigan waddled toward Markhel.
“Face it, Major,” Grandma said. “You’ve got our help whether you want it or not. Besides, this ain’t our first barn dance, so we know exactly what to do. Go in the house and relax if you want.”
“Oh, I don’t know, Grandma,” Wilfred said. “I suppose the younguns can help a little. Not that we need any.” He smiled and winked at Maida.
She smiled back. They were giving her father a hard time. She shouldn’t enjoy this so much, but part of her was so angry with him, she couldn’t help it. Speaking of help…
“I’ll pitch in,” she volunteered. Before her father could stop her, she was off like a shot toward the barn. Let him get mad. She wanted to spend as much time with Markhel as she could. She began to feel uncomfortable when she wasn’t near him, and she didn’t like that feeling. Pa would never understand. No one would. Except perhaps, Markhel.
* * *
Markhel watched Grandma approach.She had a determined look, and knew she was up to something. Colin had taken his advice and gone to town and fetched some of the town’s special residents.
He glanced at Maida, she was still angry, he could feel it, and confused. His heart reached out to hers and spoke a few minutes ago, and he had to wonder. Had she heard it, or simply had a feeling or impression? When two inner hearts began to communicate, it could take a few tries before a full connection formed.
“Colin fetched you,” he stated.
“Yes, and a good thing too.”
Before she could say more, Harrison re-joined them. “Grandma, what do you think you’re doing? I just took a good look at the barn and there’s too much heavy lifting that needs to be done. We’ll take care of this. Besides, Major and I were having a discussion with Markhel.” He shot him a dagger of a glare then smiled at Grandma.
“I can only imagine what that was about,” she said dryly.
Harrison glared at Markhel again.
Doc joined them along with Irene. “Well, what should we do first?” Irene shoved Markhel out of the way and headed for the barn.
Harrison’s eyes widened, either at the fact she pushed him, or he thought she was being rude. He trotted after her. “Irene, wait!”
Maida made to join them, but Doc intercepted her. “Not you young lady. You need to help your mother with dinner. Go into the house with your Grandma Sadie.”
“But Doc Waller, I want to help.” She turned to Markhel. “Don’t make me go.”
He smiled. It was becoming hard for her to be apart from him, just as it was getting hard to be separated from her. “Go. We will see you at dinner.”
“But…”
He took her by the shoulders and gently turned her around. “I will be with you soon.”
She glanced at Harrison and Irene who’d reached the barn doors. “Are you sure?”
“I am, little one. Now go.”
She did, dragging her feet, and headed for the house.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Doc smiled at him. “So, up to tossing a few bales of hay around with me?”
Markhel gave him a sly smile. “You should not toss anything.”
“On that we agree,” Harrison called. “Really Doc…”
He never got to finish. A bale of hay came flying out the barn doors and landed at their feet.
Harrison jumped back. “What the devil… Irene?”
She stood, slapping her hands together, then picked up another bale.
Harrison’s jaw dropped.