Free Buy a Cowboy by Cleo Kelly

we have are. I will have a list of things we need when you go to town later, groceries and stuff. I’ll work fast, Baya. I just want the house in order before school starts.”
    He shifted his weight uneasily , and his voice was hesitant. “Things really shouldn’t wait, but what do I know about the needs of a home. I’ll see what I can find in town. We’ll talk when I get home this evening. Maybe if I help you in the evenings we can get everything done before the cold hits.”

5
    Bonnie had stopped painting several times to go to the windows at the head of the hallway.
    They should have been home by now.
    The uneasiness inside was a direct result of the intensity of Baya’s request for a discussion. Facing this future she had jumped into made her nervous, and sticking to things she was familiar with kept the questions and uncertainties at bay.
    She was intent on finishing trim around the light fixtures and corners and making sure everything was evenly coated, when engine noises invaded her quiet.
    It was not the sound of Baya’s truck. Visitors?
    She carried the paint supplies to the bathroom and began washing brushes, then took them to the back porch to dry.
    A silver and blue tractor was making its way down the hill. The engine sound proclaimed its outrage at traveling in first gear. The tractor eased up the incline past the bunkhouse.
    Baya’s battered red truck swept around it and parked at the front driveway. He stepped down from the truck.
    Daniel and Hope scrambled out behind him.
    Bonnie blinked and looked back at the tractor.
    Faith was sitting behind the wheel.
    Baya ran toward the tractor and swung up beside her.
    Bonnie’s heart seized. When it began beating properly again it threatened to tear her chest apart. She dropped the brushes in the roller pan and raced to the tractor with a warrior’s charge. “What are you doing?” Her voice came out as a wheezy rasp. “Why is she driving this? Are you crazy?”
    Baya looked down, his face shiny with sweat and astonishment. “We had to get it home. Bought it at an unbelievable price. I didn’t trust the man to keep it after the sale so I brought it home.”
    “You had a ten-year-old child drive that thing?” Her voice rose in anger, and Daniel and Hope moved away from her. “You had my ten-year-old child drive that! Are you crazy?”
    Baya yanked the tractor out of gear, pulling the emergency brake with an angry jerk.
    Faith slipped back against the wheel well.
    He leaped down and strode toward Bonnie with long steps. “And who else was going to do it? You’ve shown no interest in this project that will keep a roof over our head, food in our stomachs, and clothes on our backs. You want to tidy and fancy a house that has been around for decades. It will be here tomorrow, this winter and next year, as well. I’ve told you the ranch is what will assure us staying afloat, but you’re too pigheaded to listen.
    “Winter comes early here, woman! In less than a month, the upper meadows will have snow on them. The cattle have to be brought down and the hay mowed while it’s still possible. If you aren’t going to help, then we will use what we have. Fortunately, this one shows great interest in our ranch and knows how to work!”
    Bonnie’s mouth dropped open and she stared first at Faith, and then at Baya. “Don’t you ever put her in danger like that again!” Her voice was icy with anger. Then her eyes widened. “And don’t you ever talk to me that way, either.”
    “I’ll talk to you anyway that is warranted. Who do you think you are? This isn’t sunny Florida, lady. I’m not your hired hand, so don’t come the high and mighty over me. I am a working partner.
    “This ranch is my livelihood, as well as yours. I’ve brought years of knowledge and know-how to this valley. I can make it work, but I had better start getting some cooperation from you. How do you expect this ranch to succeed?” He moved closer, his eyes narrowed and glittering