Page 55 of The Ranger

He caught both horses with ease, tied the ropes around their necks then led them from the corral.

Maida closed the gate and followed them to the barn, where he was already fetching their harnesses.

“Maida…”

She closed her eyes. Of all people, it had to be Pa. She turned to him as he entered the barn. “Hi Pa. I’m helping Mr. Markhel with the horses.”

“I see that, but does he need your help?”

Mr. Markhel gave him a nod of greeting. “Her offer is appreciated.”

“She shouldn’t have made it.”

Maida stared at her father. What did that mean? “But I want to help.”

Pa studied her a moment. “We’ll both help.” He took one of the horses from Mr. Markhel and led it to the wagon in the barnyard.

She followed. “Pa, don’t be rude.” She looked over her shoulder and hoped Mr. Markhel didn’t hear her.

“I’m not being rude, darlin’. I’m looking out for you.”

“Why, because I’m clumsy? Are you afraid I’ll drop something on the man’s foot?”

“Not at all, but you must understand, it’s not proper to be out here alone with a man, especially not in a barn.”

They reached the wagon, and she watched him expertly back the horse into position. “But you can see from the parlor window.”

“Everyone did, including your grandfather. Who do you think sent me out here?”

She fingered the edge of her apron. She’d forgotten to take it off before she left the kitchen. “I think Grandpa Harrison is being silly.”

“He’s being practical.”

Before she could say a word, Mr. Markhel brought the other horse. She stood back as the two men hitched up the team with ease, and she wondered if Mr. Markhel had been taking his time earlier when un-hitching them.

“Was anything more said about the dance?” she asked.

“Yes, you’ve been volunteered for the decorating committee.” Pa faced her and patted the horse’s neck. “Makama thought you’d like to help her. She was kind enough to lead the group.”

She tried not to watch Mr. Markhel with her father standing next to her, but that was easier said than done. He’d taken his jacket off and was dressed in a pair of brown trousers, a white shirt and brown and gold waistcoat. His shoulders were the broadest she’d ever seen, and her heart fluttered when he glanced her way.

She took a deep breath as a tiny piece of her heart rebelled and urged her to head around the horses to be closer to the big man. She did and thank goodness Pa didn’t seem to notice. “Are you going to help with the dance?”

He looked down at her. “Yes. It would be my pleasure.”

She smiled in relief. “I’m happy to hear it.” Her eyes flicked to Pa. He was giving her a disapproving look, his mouth slightly crooked. A sure sign he was about to say something. She’d better say something first. “It will be fun to be on a committee. It always is.”

“I have not had the pleasure.” He gave her a slight bow.

She saw Pa watching them out the corner of one eye. “What committee are you on, Pa?”

“I’ll be helping clear and clean the barn. Mr. Markhel would come in handy for that task.”

He turned to Pa. “I am happy to help.”

“Good, you’re tall and strong, and with you we’ll get the work done in no time.”

“Will Kwaku help?” she asked.