Read [Desert Roses 03] - Beneath A Harvest Sky for Free Online

wearing a tan linen suit and straw hat stood beside a woman of forty-something. The woman was fussing with one of the children, a teenage girl who seemed to be having trouble with her hair ribbon.
    “Good afternoon. I’m Rainy Gordon. Are you the Van Patten family?”
    The man nodded. “I am Mr. Van Patten. This is my wife and our three children, Gloria, Thomas, and Richard.”
    Rainy smiled and shook their hands. Immediately the boys, who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, flooded her with attention.
    “Are you the one who will lead our tour?” Thomas asked.
    “Will we get to sit beside you in the car?” Richard threw in.
    Rainy was used to the flirtatious nature of young men. She smiled. “I am indeed your courier. I will guide you over the next five days.”
    “Will there be any other families joining our tour?” Mrs. Van Patten questioned.
    “No, but there will be one more Detour employee aside from the driver. Mr. Hartford is training to drive for the company, so he’ll be observing us and learning the routine. My brother, Sonny Gordon, will be our driver. He’s very knowledgeable about the area, so feel free to ask either of us any questions you might have.
    “Now, if you’ll follow me, we’ll be on our way. Your luggage has already been arranged for,” she said as she noted Mrs. Van Patten looking behind them as they moved toward the door. “You will find it’s already been loaded, in fact. The company strives to make this a most memorable and pleasant time for its guests.
    Part of that goal requires that we offer you the finest service available. Do not hesitate to tell us how we might make your journey more pleasant.”
    “My journey would be more pleasant if you sat by me in the car,” Richard said, his dark eyes intense with interest.
    Rainy laughed. “I’m sorry, but I have to sit up front with my brother. We can’t very well lead from the back of the touring car.” It was the only explanation she’d offer him, in spite of his hangdog expression.
    Gloria took one look at Sonny and seemed to perk up. Then she noted Duncan and for a moment she seemed to weigh each candidate before returning her attention to Sonny. Rainy knew his rugged outfit was appealing to wealthy easterners. She wasn’t sure where this family hailed from, but it was clear they were more city than country, and the cowboy attire was a novelty all its own.
    “Is that our driver?” Gloria questioned Rainy as she pushed her brother aside.
    “Yes. I’d like to introduce you all to Sonny Gordon. Sonny is my twin brother and the driver for our expedition.” Rainy turned and reached out to touch Duncan’s arm. “And this is Duncan Hartford. He’s training to drive for the company, as I mentioned earlier.” She turned back to Sonny and Duncan. “These are the Van Pattens. Mr. and Mrs. Van Patten and their children, Gloria, Thomas, and Richard.”
    Pleasantries were exchanged; then Rainy directed everyone to seats inside the touring car. Set up to hold as many as twelve, the car had more than enough room for the family to spread out and enjoy themselves. Six swiveling chairs allowed the dudes a full range of motion, while two additional bench seats were available for those who preferred a more fixed position.
    The boys, disappointed to find they couldn’t sit with Rainy, headed for the very back of the car while Gloria secured the swivel seat behind Sonny and beamed with pleasure when Duncan took the seat behind Rainy.
    Although it was nearly April, snow could still pose a problem in the mountains. Generally the Detour trip to the Grand Canyon wasn’t offered this early in the year for that very reason, and because of this the regular trip had to be altered slightly. They wouldn’t be able to go high into the Sandia Mountains, but they would try to make up for it with a visit to a little native town called Placitas, which was hidden near the base of the Sandias.
    Rainy began her speech about the trip and what