Some of this story is a result of suggestion that I was given by reviewers. I keep thinking I've written my last story, and then something else pops into my head. This story takes place sometime after Round Up. As always I appreciate your comments, and hope you enjoy this story as well.
Evan McFadden glared at his younger brother irritated. He knew that if anyone was going to tell Adam, he'd cut class, it would be Ford. He was sorry now that he'd teased him so often in the past. There was no way Ford would show him any mercy. He ran to catch up to him as they walked from the bus home.
"Hey, Ford . . ." Evan said.
"Well, brother, I see you've decided to spend some time with me." He sneered at Evan.
"Listen, I've just got to get in some extra practice for the rodeo. I just need a little more time. If you tell Adam, he'll never let me compete!"
"Why wouldn't I want to tell him? I'm just concerned about you neglecting your education."
"The hell you are! Listen, what do you want? I'll make it happen." Evan begged.
"I really hate morning chores." Ford grinned.
"Yeah, okay. You don't need to worry about them! I got it covered." Evan said. "So, you won't say anything?"
"As long as I get to sleep in." Ford said.
"No problem! Thanks man! Thanks!" Evan sighed in relief. "Don't worry about your chores! I got 'em covered!"
"You better." Ford said with a malicious grin.
***7***
"Alright, then. Settle down. I've got an announcement." Adam said as they all finished dinner.
"Oh, no. I feel like I'm about to get a whole bunch more chores." Guthrie groaned.
"No, nothing like that. A friend of Hannah's is coming to visit this weekend, and I want everyone on their best behavior. Make sure you keep your rooms and your language clean. We can't have her reporting back that Hannah was kidnapped by a bunch of savage yahoos." He grinned at her from across the table.
"Whole lot of nonsense about nothing." Hannah said rising and beginning to clear the table. "You boys just be yourselves. I'm not putting on a fancy show for anyone. I like you fine just the way you are."
"Whatever you do fellas," Crane said with a grin. "Please, don't be yourselves. Be nicer." They laughed and he moved to help with the dishes. "Who's this friend anyway?" He asked her.
"Oh, her name's Finley, and we met as freshman in college. She just graduated, and is taking a vacation before she starts work. I haven't seen her in two years at least. She's . . . well . . ." She hesitated. "She's a little bit wild. I'm sort of nervous about her coming here. I just hope she behaves herself." She grinned at Crane.
"I forgot you were in college. You didn't finish, though?" He asked.
"No. I ran out of money and decided to waitress for a little bit to save up. I just had about three semesters left."
"What was your major? I bet it wasn't agriculture!" He said laughing.
"No. English. I can't think of anything less useful to me now, than a degree in English." She laughed. "But I love to read and I thought maybe I would teach, like my grandmother did."
"You'd be a good teacher, Hannah." Guthrie said. "But some of those boys are pretty rowdy."
"Oh, I can handle rowdy boys!" She said turning to Guthrie with a grin. "They don't scare me!"
"Good thing!" Adam said rising and kissing her. "Well, we better get going, Brian. We shouldn't be gone long, honey." And grabbing his hat he and Brian walked out the door.
"Well, I guess I better get to that homework." Ford said. "I sure do hate geometry though." He looked at Evan.
"I guess I could help you." Evan said.
Crane turned surprised. "Well, I guess you're taking Adam's talk to heart already. If you boys get stuck, let me know." He turned back to the dishes. "That has to mean they love you Hannah. I've never known any McFadden to volunteer to take on more geometry!"
She smiled at him. "My money's on there being more to that story."