Free The Lonely Cowboy (Trace Atkins Family) by Susan Leigh Carlton Page B

Bartlett.  He pointed to a place on his left shoulder and said it was right here.  It still hurts  a little when it rains.”
    “Wow,” said Thomas.
    “Boys, get your things together, we’ve got to be going now.”  Turning to Trace, she said, “Thank you Mr. Atkins.  I really appreciate your telling me about Gettysburg.”
    “You’re welcome, Mrs. Bartlett.  Mrs. Bartlett,” he said nervously,  “Would it be all right if I called on you?”
    “I’d like that Mr. Atkins.  I think I’d like that very much.”  She gave him directions to her ranch
    * * *
    Thank you, Preacher for introducing me to Mr. Atkins.  He seems to be a very nice man.”
    The preacher beamed.  “Sarah, there’s not a finer man in the state of Texas.  He’s had a hard time since his Clara died.  She held on until he got back from the war.  A few months after he got home, she died one evening.  She was just plumb wore out.  She was never really strong but she held things together and kept their place going.  When he got home, she had nothing left to give.”
    “Did they have children?” she asked.
    “No, they were never blessed with children.  I’m glad you liked him, Sarah.  He needs someone just like you.  Your boys need a papa and he’d make a mighty fine one.”
    “Well thank you again, Preacher.”  She turned and headed for their buckboard.
    * * *
    Back home, Trace took care of his horse
    Two weeks later, on Saturday evening, he called on Sarah Bartlett.  She lived in the same ranch house she had shared with her late husband.  As he rode under the arches marking the entrance to her property, his first thought was, “Boy, you are out of your element here.”  He could see cattle grazing off on both sides of the lane approaching the ranch house.  The water was too precious to be wasted on such things as decorative shrubs, however he did see a small rose garden that showed lots of loving care.  A dog came out barking at the stranger that dared encroach on his property. One of the boys came to see what was disturbing the dog and saw the cloud of dust signaling the approach of someone. 
    “Rider coming, Mama,”  he cried out. Sarah came to the porch and looked toward the drive.  “That’s Mr. Atkins.  Go see if he needs any help seeing to his horse.” 
    “Yes ma’am,”  Thomas said. “Come on Josh.”  They hurried out to the barn showed Trace the location of the water trough.  He tied the big roan to the hitching post where he could reach the trough.
    “Would you like for us to give him some oats, sir?”
    “I don’t think that is necessary, right now.  Thank you boys.”
    Thomas brought  a curry brush and brushed the horse down.  Trace could see the boys were comfortable around horses.  He stayed with them
     
    “You have  a nice home, Mrs Bartlett,” Trace said.  “Since I was burned out, I’ve been bunking in the barn.  It’s pretty comfortable in there.
    “After they burned me out the other night, I ‘m  bunking in the barn.”
    “I would have no problem with you staying with  us,  We certainly have the room.” 
    “I couldn’t do that.  They would say I ‘m not living there and take it over.” 
    “What are you going to do with the ranch, Trace?’
    “I don’t know, but Clara is there and I’m not letting Clayton have it.  I’ll start rebuilding the cabin.”
    “Is there anything we can do to help?  I can spare a couple of hands to help do that.”
    “I’d appreciate that.  I’ll get the lumber and stuff ordered and let you know.  I’ve thought some about building with stone this time.  I’ve certainly got plenty of that.”
    “Whatever you decide, I’m sure the people at the church will help too.”
    “Thank you.  I appreciate it.  I reckon I better head back.  I’ve got to feed and water the livestock.  I would like to call on you again, Mrs Bartlett.
    “I would be disappointed if you didn’t, but on one condition only.  You must