Tracie Peterson - [Land of the Lone Star 03] by Taming the Wind

Carissa’s gaze. “You could learn a lot from her.”
    “That’s the plan,” Carissa declared.
    This caused Tyler to pause, and Carissa could tell he wanted to know exactly what she meant by her statement. With a shrug and a hint of a smile, Carissa went back to where Juanita had started her sifting flour for the gravy. “I hope she’ll teach me to make those cookies. They look delicious.”
    She risked a quick glance at Tyler and saw that he looked momentarily confused. He didn’t let the expression linger, however.
    “Thanks again, Juanita.”
    And then he was gone and the room seemed suddenly large and empty. She missed his presence. Carissa frowned. She had never felt that way about Malcolm. Not in the time they were courting, and certainly not after they wed.
    “You don’t need so much,” Juanita said, interrupting her thoughts.
    Carissa looked down at the huge mound of flour. “Oh, sorry. I was daydreaming.”
    Juanita gave her an understanding smile. “Dreams are good . . . and sometimes they come true.”

9
    T hat night Ted and Marietta Terry came to supper at the Barnetts’. Carissa helped to put the last of the dinner on the table before taking Gloria in her arms. She was used to holding Gloria for meals, but it wouldn’t be all that long before the child could sit on her own.
    “I don’t know why Andy gets to go on the cattle drive and I got to stay here,” ten-year-old Marty declared as she took the seat opposite Carissa. “I can ride better than he does, and I can lasso, too.”
    “Girls don’t usually go on cattle drives,” Hannah declared. “At least not unless they absolutely have to.”
    “Well . . . I have to,” Marty said in protest. Her long blond braids, coupled with the pout on her face, made her appear years younger.
    Hannah shook her finger. “That’s not true, Miss Marty, and you know very well how I feel about you exaggerating things.”
    “Cattle drives are hard work,” William added. “And you aren’t going to have any of the nice things you have here at home.”
    “Besides, you’re too little to go on a cattle drive,” her brother declared. Andy plopped down in the seat beside his sister. “You couldn’t handle a stampede or calm the herd in a storm.”
    “I wish you weren’t going, either,” Hannah said, looking at her brother. “You know how I feel about this, Andy. It’s dangerous.”
    Will put his hand out to touch hers. “Remember we talked about this, and you agreed to stop fretting. Andy is nearly thirteen and that’s plenty old enough to drive cattle.”
    “He’s right,” Ted said, helping Marietta to a seat. “Boys that young go all the time. They’re hardy and better able to endure the trail. Why, when I was his age I could drive a herd of a hundred by myself.”
    “And walk on water when they came to river crossings,” Marietta added to everyone’s amusement.
    Ted grinned. “Well, pert near. As I recall there was a time when you thought that highly of me.”
    She smiled. “I still do, Teddy. I still do.”
    One by one the others came to the table, and as Carissa settled into her seat, she found Tyler helping her. “Here, I’ll hold Gloria.” He swung the little girl up into his arms before Carissa could say a word.
    She looked at him for a moment, seeing how pleased Gloria was at his attention. Tyler pretended to munch on the little girl’s neck and Gloria squealed.
    “She certainly seems to enjoy you, Tyler,” Marietta said.
    “She’s my special friend. Aren’t you?” he said, looking to Gloria.
    “Yes. Tyer is my fwend.” Gloria wrapped her arms around his neck and pretended to return the munching.
    Tyler laughed and sat down beside Carissa. “I’ll take her now.” Carissa held out her hands.
    He didn’t even pretend to heed her instruction. “She’s fine with me.” Gloria quickly sat down on his lap and ignored her mother.
    Carissa wasn’t sure what to say, especially since it seemed everyone was now