Desert Rain by Elizabeth Lowell Page B

ranchesGarner Valley was
     famous for its carefully bred, expensive horses.
    A big yellow dog came trotting out from the barn and stood near Sand Dancer. The dog
     looked up, waving a thick tail in greeting. Linc lifted his right leg over the horses
     neck, slid down to the ground, and scratched the dogs ears affectionately.
    Hello, Freedom, he said, looking around. Did you lose Beth?
    Holly landed lightly beside Linc. She got a big lick from Freedom as soon as her feet hit
     the ground.
    Linc was still looking around for his younger sister.
    Beth will be glad to see you, he said. She missed you almost as much as I did.
    I missed her too. Of all the kids I baby-sat for, she was the only one I wanted to keep.
    Linc smiled rather grimly.
    Good thing you didnt let on, he said. Dad and my dear stepmother always made Beth feel
     like they would give her away to the first adult who came in the door.
    You wouldnt have let her go.
    I still wont, even though shes driving me nuts.
    Beth? Holly asked, surprised.
    Beth, Linc said.
    He sighed heavily, gave the dog a final pat, and turned to face her.
    Beth is at the age when all her friends stay in town, he explained. Shed rather be at our
     Palm Springs house than at the ranch.
    It must be lonely for her here. Dont you start in on me, he said in curt tones. Warily
     Holly looked at Linc. He grimaced.
    Sorry, he muttered. Beth and Mrs. Malley keep harping on how much nicer it is in Palm
     Springs. Um, Holly said. If you say so. I dont. They do. So send them off for a few weeks.
    Mrs. Malley cant keep Beth on a short enough leash, Linc said bluntly, and I cant afford
     to be away from the ranch for weeks on end.
    Beth used to love the ranch.
    That was before she discovered boys. Now all she can think about is painting her face and
     buying flashy clothes.
    Holly touched Lincs arm.
    Hey, she said, smiling gently. Its normal at fifteen.
    You werent like that.
    She shrugged and made a dismissing gesture with her hand.
    I was an awful tomboy, she said.
    Smiling, he didnt disagree.
    Is Beth doing well at school? Holly asked.
    Shes a straight-A student.
    Are her friends wild?
    Her girlfriends wear too much paint, he said, but theyre nice kids underneath all the crud.
    Then youre worrying over nothing.
    I sure as hell hope so.
    Linc rubbed his hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration that was becoming
     familiar to Holly. Then his mouth flattened into an unyielding line.
    Some days Beth reminds me so much of her mother it scares the hell out of me, he admitted.
     But Beth wont end up like that if I have to lock her in her room and eat the key.
    Holly winced. Before she could say anything, the back door of the house slammed and a girl
     nearly as tall as Holly came running toward them. She recognized Beth by the long,
     honey-colored braids that bounced behind her.
    Holly! Is it really you? Beth asked.
    It really is.
    Beth threw herself into Hollys arms and held on almost as fiercely as Linc had.
    I always told my brother youd come back, Beth said. Where did you come from? How did Linc
     find you? Why were you riding double? Are you back to stay? Did
    Laughing, Linc put his hand over Beths mouth.
    Slow down, Button, he said.
    Button!Beth muttered hotly beneath her brothers palm. Im nearlysixteen!
    Holly looked at Beths clean, shining face and felt like an ancient lump of mud.
    Ill flip you for the bathtub, she said to Linc.
    We could share, he said, only half-joking.
    Holly threw a startled glance at Beth.
    The younger girl looked surprised, then smug.
    You can use my bubble bath, Beth offered.
    Smiling, Holly shook her head.
    Spoilsport, Linc said.
    Me? Holly asked, despite the red staining her cheeks. I seem to remember a certain male of
     my acquaintance who couldnt stop saying no when I
    Use the master bath, Linc interrupted quickly. Beth and I will take care of Sand Dancer.
    Huh? Beth said. But I want to talk to Holly.
    Later, he said. Right now you can tell me all