The Ranch She Left Behind by Kathleen O`Brien

under her intensely green eyes, and she was even thinner than usual, her personal giveaway that something was wrong.
    Penny knew the marriage to Dallas was still strong, still joyous, so it wasn’t that.
    “Has there been any word from Bonnie and Mitch? Do you think they’ll come back for the wedding?”
    The disappearance of Dallas’s brother, Mitch, who had run off with Rowena’s friend and employee Bonnie O’Mara, on the day of Rowena’s wedding, was another mystery no one could solve.
    Everyone knew Bonnie was running from something, but no one knew what.
    Perhaps that was weighing on Rowena’s heart. Dallas must be suffering, wondering if his brother was all right, wondering when he’d see him again. And Rowena had grown deeply fond of Bonnie in the short time she’d known her.
    “They send postcards now and then, just to let us know they’re okay. But they never say where they are. And no talk of settling down. Certainly no talk of coming home.” Rowena smiled. “But the cards are full of Mitch’s ridiculous jokes and puns, so apparently life on the road is suiting him.”
    Okay, good. Worry about the nomadic couple wasn’t the problem, either.
    Getting the dude ranch up and running must be too much for her. This first year was critical—and there were so many decisions to be made. Though the fall season was clearly off to a successful start, they were simultaneously deep into planning for the winter season, which began on January 2.
    In addition to getting the new cottages finished, they were hiring staff, arranging for ski instructors and sleigh rides and snowmobiles…and sorting out all the insurance and budget issues that came along with winter activities.
    Penny felt a pang of guilt. Did she really have the right to insist on striking out alone at a time like this? Her Risk-it List of dancing and tattoos seemed frivolous compared to the possibility that Rowena was making herself ill with all the work. Shouldn’t Penny just saddle up and ride her responsibilities, as their father used to say? She was a full partner—was it right of her not to shoulder a full share of the burden?
    “Ro, you look awfully tired. Are you feeling all right? Is running the ranch getting to be too much?”
    Rowena squeezed her hand and smiled. “I’m fine. Now that Bree has set a date, and Gray can relax, I’ll be great.” She put her lower lip between her teeth thoughtfully, her eyes regaining their mischievous sparkle. “Although…if I played the martyr card, would it get you to agree to move back home?”
    “Ro.” Bree smacked her sister’s arm. “You promised. Leave her alone.”
    Rowena laughed, unabashed. “It was worth a try.”
    She stood, indicating that she was through discussing her health. “How about if I show you around the new wing?”
    Typical of Rowena, putting on a strong face the minute she was questioned. She’d never liked to admit weakness, and though she’d mellowed in many ways, she still didn’t enjoy pity.
    Penny decided to let it go, though she made a mental note to ask Bree about it privately. “You bet,” she said cheerfully, standing. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve done!”
    By the time the tour was over, and they returned, chattering happily, to the dining room, a feast of sandwiches and salads had been beautifully displayed on the sideboard. Penny was suddenly ravenous, her mouth watering and her stomach rumbling.
    Each of them filled a plate, then sat down to dig in.
    After a minute or two devoted to ecstatic appreciation, Rowena spoke. Her voice was full of mischief.
    “So…aren’t you ever going to tell us about Mr. Dreamy?”
    Penny stirred her salad and didn’t make eye contact. She was glad to hear Ro sound very much her old, incorrigible self. But she hadn’t wanted to open this discussion today.
    “Nothing to say, really. It’s almost as if no one’s over there. He’s gone a lot, working. His daughter goes to Millicent Starling’s day camp, I