AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Geez,” Barrel said. “We heard it was a heart attack.”
“Two of them.” Logan explained what Sam told him. “Margie is staying with Amanda.”
Barrel gave a slow nod. “Word got to the guests after they returned from the ranch rodeo. Made for a somber dinner. Most went right back to their cabins afterward.”
“Understandable. It’ll hang over everyone for a while.” Logan closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the fire seep into his tired bones.
Sam drank her first cup of coffee of the day, staring out of the cabin’s front window. She’d made the decision to wait on calling Amanda until Margie returned from the Swansons. She wanted to connect with her friend, though she wasn’t inclined to drive over, not with her in-laws there.
Seeing the ranch hands and guests leave the lodge after breakfast, she grabbed her hat and gloves. A solid day of work would help move thoughts of Mark to the back of her mind. At least, she hoped it would.
She was thankful for another beautiful Wyoming day. Checking the list of activities, a small smile broke across her face. Gage planned a trip to the lake for kayaking and another of his nature talks. She loved both. Getting away for a few hours sounded perfect.
Margie returned as Sam walked toward the barn. Changing direction, she met her on the front steps of the lodge.
“How’s she doing?”
Margie sighed. “As you’d expect. Didn’t sleep and won’t eat. Her in-laws arrived about four this morning. The family has a lot of decisions to make.”
“Such as what to do with the ranch?”
“That’s one of many.”
She looked Margie over, seeing lines of weariness around her eyes and mouth. “You look beat, and I’ve got to get to my chores.” She turned to leave.
“Sam? Give Amanda a call later today. I don’t think she has many friends around here.”
“I’ll do that.”
Jake stopped Sam on the way to the barn. “Are you still up for a trip to the lake?”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Good. Barrel and two other hands have loaded the kayaks. They’ve already left for the lake. A few more guests signed up to go, so we’ll need a total of fifteen horses. Brady has started tacking them up.”
“I’ll help the kid out. Anything else?”
“I’d appreciate it if you could get the lunches from Beth and pack them. Drinks, too.”
“I’m on it, Jake. See you when we get back.”
Chapter Twelve
Logan watched Miguel Hobson through the truck’s front window. Quinn had sent him to pick up the ranch’s order at the feed store. Arriving at the counter, the clerk had been speaking to a man applying for a job.
“Be right with you, Logan.”
“No hurry, Ed. Take your time.”
Ed turned back to the applicant. “Well, Miguel. I’ll give this to our manager. He’ll call you if he’s interested.” Ed lifted the form. “How do you pronounce your last name?”
“Hobson, just like it’s spelled.”
Hearing the last name, Logan had raised a hand. “Hey, Ed. I have to pick up something else. I’ll be back in a few.”
“Sure thing, Logan. I’m here till closing.”
Logan had rushed to his truck, where he now sat, waiting for Miguel to get into one of the other vehicles.
