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"But what if she's beautiful and he decides we were a mistake?"
"If Lance took you, it was because he wanted you. And he ain't flighty like some men I know. No girl, he's roped, and hog tied you."
Trudy chuckled. "I hope so."
"I'm glad you got feelings for him. He needs a good woman. A woman that will work beside him. Out here, that's important." Helen assured her. "I know I keep saying that, but it's the truth. Ranchin' and farmin' are the too hardest jobs out in the west. Women have to do a lot too, plus havin' babies and cookin' and cleanin'."
Helen finished the last stitch, surveyed her work and laid it down once more. "It's done now. And you'll be taking it home with you."
"Will you have a quilting this Friday?"
"Oh sure, and you be sure and bring along your scissors, threads and any pieces of scrap material you got." Helen told her. "I'm gonna keep you so busy while Lance is gone, you won't have time to miss him."
"That will take some doing." Trudy laughed.
As they went into the kitchen Helen turned to look at her, "Now, how about this cooking, can you teach me to make a chicken fried steak?"
"Sure," Trudy looked around her kitchen saw the big iron skillet and smiled. "We'll need flour, egg and milk, and you can peel the potatoes for mashed potatoes and gravy." Trudy chuckled.
"Wish Marty would be here to enjoy it, but I suppose Chico, and Michael can tell him all about it."
Trudy showed her how to prepare the meat and got the stove heated up. When the potatoes were almost done, Trudy showed her how to put the steak in the hot bacon grease. She took some homemade canned beans out of her pantry and then got a bowl for biscuits. In an hour they had a meal fit for a king and Chico and Marty were anxious to dive right into it.
"I never tasted better speckled gravy than this," Michael bragged.
"Your Ma made it," Trudy blurted.
Helen beamed, as Trudy had taught her how to make it so smooth and what to season with.
When her and Chico got ready to leave Helen grabbed her and hugged her. "Honey, your gonna make Lance a fine wife, I can see that now. Thanks for all you taught me today, I'll remember it."
"Don't worry, we'll practice a couple times a weak if you like. We'll have you rolling out the best of meals when he comes home."
Helen chuckled. "See you Friday then."
They waved them goodbye.
"You like her don't you Ma?" Michael asked.
"Sure do, son. Why, did you see the calluses on that gal's hands. That woman knows how to work. She'll be good for Lance, in more ways than one."
"You think I'll ever get married Ma?"
Helen turned to look at her son, a sad smile spreading across her face. "Well now, I know you been sparkin' that Sally Hodge girl for some time. I figure it won't be long you'll be asking her to the dances and then askin' her to marry."
"I just kissed her on the cheek, Ma."
"I know that son. That's the first step. It'll come, she's a fine young girl."
"You know Uncle Avery is about to ask Mary Jones to marry. And Bob, he's got his eye on that Wilma Caruthers. And Jesse, all the girls like Jesse, since he plays the fiddle at all the dances."
"I know, he's got musical talent." His mother affirmed.
"Does it upset you Ma?"
"Nah, I want some girls around here. It'll make Christmas that much nicer. And I'll be glad to rock my grandbabies too."
Michael leaned to kiss his Ma's cheek. "I love you Ma."
