“I see dust,” Jason called from his perch on the top rail of the corral.
Roy came walking out the barn door wiping his hands on a cloth. He had been oiling tack.
“We’ve got time to wash up a bit before they get here.” Jarvis said as he passed Roy and headed for the pump by the house.
“I see dust,” Jason called from his perch on the top rail of the corral.
Roy came walking out the barn door wiping his hands on a cloth. He had been oiling tack.
“We’ve got time to wash up a bit before they get here.” Jarvis said as he passed Roy and headed for the pump by the house.
“I’ll beat you!” Jason dropped to the ground and started running. Jarvis joined in the race. They laughed and splashed water as they washed the dust and oil off.
“You’re in a good mood, considering your sister is coming home,” Roy remarked.
“What can I say, she is my sister,” Jason grinned.
All three of them stood by the gate to the house, hands and faces clean, the water from their splashing drying rapidly in the sun, when the buggy drew up.
“Jason!” Livonia screamed jumping from the still moving buggy into her brother’s arms. “It’s been forever,” she exclaimed hugging him.
“You dear boys! You came, too,” she moved from Jason to Jarvis.
“We knew you’d be mad if we weren’t here.” Jarvis set her back on the ground.
“You’re right about that,” her girlish laughter filled the air.
“Do you know how dangerous it was to jump from the moving buggy?” Roy hugged her, then stood looking at her waiting for her answer.
“I didn’t get hurt, did I?” she asked saucily.
“It’s good to have you back,” Roy tugged a curl and winked.
“Do you mean it?” Livonia had turned back to her brother but at Roy’s words she looked over her shoulder at him.
“Of course I don’t,” Roy shook his head. They laughed knowing he really was glad to have her back.
Joann came riding off the hill but paused when she saw the buggy. She drew back into the trees to watch. She saw the girl pass from one boy to the other and had to smile. So Livonia Boast was home. Last night Jason had told her she would be home and that he was the same age as her sister Bess.
She watched Jarvis help Mrs. Boast from the buggy and then walk with her to the house where Mr. Boast met them. Jarvis left the family alone and returned to unload the luggage.
Joann continued down to the barn and dismounted. She led the horse into a stall and began untacking. Her orders for the day had been to ride up and check on the herd. Most of the others had been assigned to fixing fence.
As she finished brushing the black horse who had become her favorite, Roy and Jarvis walked into the barn.
“You know she’ll be wanting to go on a ride this evening or first thing in the morning,” Jarvis was saying.
“And guess who will be taking her?” Joann saw Roy smile.
“I don’t think that I can. I might have other things to do,” Jarvis teased
“Oh hello, Joann,” Jarvis saw the girl.
“Hello,” Joann stepped from the stall. Roy glowered and stepped away.
“How’s Blackie?” Jarvis asked of the horse.
“Ready for a rest. I rode him hard coming back,” Joann patted the horse’s head.
“Was something wrong?” Roy’s voice was cold.
“No, Mr. Miller, the herd was fine. I rode through it and nothing seemed to be amiss. I just wanted to run. It’s thrilling!” It was a good thing that that part of the barn was dark. Jarvis could not see the look in Joann’s eyes as she spoke to his brother. He might have guessed something had he seen it.
“Thank you. You’re free for the rest of the day,” Roy walked out of the barn.
“Unfriendly man,” Jarvis chuckled.
“Give him time,” Joann smiled sweetly. “I told Ma I would help her with some things today if I could, so I will leave you brothers to your work and I’ll be on my way,” she continued.
“Tell everyone hi from me and I’ll try and get over there in a few days,’ Jarvis replied and walked after his brother.
“What has you so cold?” Jarvis asked upon finding Roy.
“Nothing. Help me finish this tack, then we’ll maybe have sometime to work on Rusty,” Roy handed Jarvis a bridle. Rusty was a 3-year-old colt the boys had been breaking. Things had been a little busy so it had been a few days since they had last worked him.
“Something’s eating you about that girl being here and someday I’ll find it out,” Jarvis grinned.
Roy said nothing and worked away at the saddle he was oiling.