Free The Ranger Takes a Bride by Misty M. Beller Page A

assignment tomorrow, though." Anna's voice tightened.
    Edward slept in the main house? But, of course he would. Still, that would put him just down the hall from her. And what had Anna meant by an assignment? Could she ask? No. She was here to work, not learn more about that handsome cowboy. "We'll need to clean the bunkhouse, too, sí?"
    "No." Anna shook her head. "Monty runs a tight ship and makes the men clean up after themselves. Even makes them do laundry every week. I go in and do a thorough cleaning in the spring and fall, but otherwise I stay out of the bunkhouse." She shrugged. "I know it's hard to believe, but it stays neater than the big house at times."
    She leaned forward and tugged on Emmaline's braid. "Certainly cleaner than this one's bedroom."
    Emmaline touched a finger to her lips and spoke in a loud whisper, "Shhh. Clara's sleeping."
     
    ~ ~ ~
     
    It's a good thing Alejandra and Mama Sarita worked together for the evening meal, because they barely had all the food ready in time. It was the twelfth of December, Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe—the day to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. For the celebration, they'd prepared some of the traditional feast recipes.
    As she carried the tray of buñuelos, Alejandra inhaled the unique aroma of cinnamon and anise. Of all the smells that took her back to happier days in her childhood, this was her favorite. The simple balls of yeast dough were easy enough to make, then fry, and smother in sweet cinnamon sauce.
    The vaqueros probably hadn't tasted any in quite a while, and maybe never any as good as the recipe her madre passed down. She wasn't able to find any canned guava on Anna's shelves, so she used apples instead for the sauce. Hopefully, the taste would still be good.
    Regardless of the outcome of the buñuelo sauce, tonight they would celebrate.
    Men trickled into the dining room as she placed the platter on the table. Alejandra stepped back to examine the expanse of overflowing serving dishes and utensils. Were they missing anything? The whipped sour cream was there. Tortillas. Rice. Chicken marinating in its spicy tomato sauce. Tortas, another festival favorite. Everything seemed to be in place.
    "Come and sit now, mija," Mama Sarita whispered from behind. "The dinner is perfect."
    Alejandra obeyed as the rest of the group settled into chairs. Her gaze strayed toward the seat Edward had occupied yesterday, but it stood empty. Was he out with the herd still? Anna had said something about an "assignment," but hadn't she said that was tomorrow? His absence shouldn't create this pit of disappointment in her, should it?
    After Señor O'Brien spoke the prayer, the men scooped food onto their plates and dove into the fare with abandon. Alejandra could only stare as they devoured what had taken her and Mama Sarita all afternoon to make. Had they never eaten good food before? Or was this the way they always consumed their meals? Could they even taste the rich flavor of the cuaresmeño peppers in the sauce?
    Conversation was minimal as the sounds of fork against plate overtook everything else. The old man called Juan was the first to speak. "This feels like a fiesta, sí?" His dark eyes twinkled.
    Mama Sarita answered, "It's a celebration day, is it not? Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe."
    Juan formed the sign of the cross upon his chest. "Señora de Guadalupe. She is our country's symbol for everything that is good. I'm honored to live by the river called by her name."
    What? A river named for the Virgin Guadalupe? "What river, Señor?"
    Anna interjected an enthusiastic answer before Juan had a chance. "Oh, you have to see the Guadalupe River, Alejandra. There's a beautiful spot that borders our land to the northeast. If I could, I'd take you out there tomorrow. Or maybe we could ride in the buggy…" She looked to her husband as she spoke, and her voice trailed off when he shook his head vehemently.
    Turning a weak smile back to Alejandra, she continued. "Or