Page 49 of The Ranger

Maida ran her finger along the edge of the worktable and tried not to fidget. “I know, but it’s too late now. They’ve already left.”

“It’s only too late because they left early,” Grandma Sadie pointed out. “If they had stayed a while longer, I’d have sent you a long. I might still.”

Maida’s eyes widened. “No!”

Her grandmother stopped what she was doing. “What do you mean no? I thought you liked a little adventure now and then.”

Maida drummed her fingers on the edge of the table to stop fidgeting, but it was hard. “What I mean is, we have guests, and they’re not from Nowhere like the Weavers. The Bergs are from a foreign country. Isn’t that adventure enough?”

Grandma Sadie came around the worktable and put her hands on Maida’s shoulders. “Sweetheart, I want you to see at least a little of the world. But if you’re not ready…”

“It’s not that I’m not ready, Grandma, it’s that I like it here and we have such interesting guests right now.”

“I understand. Now, let’s finish these biscuits. Our company will be here any moment.”

Maida smiled, relieved that she came away from the conversation unscathed. Heaven forbid her grandparents or parents find out she’d taken a shine to Mr. Markhel. He was just as interesting if not more so than the Bergs. He wasn’t royalty, he wasn’t even a rancher, but he fascinated her all the same. His physical appearance alone was enough to turn heads with his towering height, silver blonde hair and striking blue eyes.

It wasn’t long before she heard the rumble of a wagon pulling into the barnyard. “They’re here!” She ran to the front door—which she’d opened earlier so she could listen for them—and trotted onto the front porch. She waved at the Bergs then caught sight of the striking couple with them. And of course, there was Mr. Markhel.

One of the newcomers leapt out of the wagon, then helped the woman down. They were black, tall, exotic. She’d never seen such a beautiful couple.

Maida openly gawked, realized what she was doing, and snapped her mouth shut. She watched Mr. Markhel leap down from the wagon next. He was as tall as the newcomer whose wife had to be as tall as her father!

“Greetings!” Mr. Berg said happily. “I hope you don’t mind that we’ve brought some company with us.”

Grandma Sadie came onto the porch. “I don’t believe it!” She trotted down the steps. “Kwaku, Zara! What are you doing here?”

Kwaku held his arms wide. “Greetings, Sadie Cooke, wife of Harrison. It has been too long.”

To Maida’s surprised, her grandmother gave the tall man a big hug, then turned to the woman.

“Zara!” Grandma Sadie hugged her as well. “What are the two of you doing here?”

Kwaku bowed. “We have come to visit and to check on the young ones here.” He nodded at Vale and Makama. The former rolled his eyes while the latter grinned.

Maida giggled at their responses. “Hello,” she said in a small voice and gave a little wave. She hated being shy but couldn’t help it. Maybe Grandma was right. She should travel and meet some new people.

Kwaku, or whatever his name was, locked eyes with her. For a moment she felt as if he could see right through her, then the sensation was gone. “Greetings, little jewel. Are you not a sight?” He looked at Mr. Markhel and grinned.

Maida also looked, wondering what his reaction would be. But Mr. Markhel did nothing but fiddle with the harness of one of the horses.

“Is your mate at home?” Kwaku asked Grandma.

That caught Maida’s attention. Mate? What did he mean by that? Why didn’t he say husband?

“Come inside,” Grandma invited. “I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.” She motioned them to precede her into the house. They passed Maida, smiles on their faces, followed by the Bergs. Grandma came next leaving her outside with Mr. Markhel.

Maida went halfway down the porch steps “Hello again.”

He looked up, scanned the empty porch, then stepped away from the horses. “Hello.” He gave her a slight bow. “I should… unhitch the team.”

She came down the remaining steps. “I’ll help you.”

His eyes widened a fraction before flicking to the front door and back. “Very well.” He led the team toward the barn, the empty wagon rumbling along behind him.

She trotted to catch up. “How long are you in town?”

“I do not know.” He glanced her way then looked straight ahead as if nervous.