Read The Rancher Takes a Cook for Free Online Page B

Father—as if she could reach out and touch
Him. Thank you, Lord.
    * * *
    As the morning sky lightened into pinks and
oranges the next day, Anna furiously whipped hotcake batter. She’d
urged Aunt Lola to sleep late today, figuring the woman hadn’t had
a chance to do so in many years if she cooked for the men each
morning. The cowboys would show up any second ready to scarf down a
stack of hotcakes, and she only had one plate piled high for the
men. It was definitely more challenging to time the food right when
you were feeding eight hungry mouths instead of just Papa and
Edward. She’d get better at this, though. That was for sure.
    While the last skillet of hotcakes finished
sizzling on the stovetop, Anna carried a plate piled with bacon and
a large pot of coffee into the dining hall. Mr. O’Brien greeted her
from the doorway, his brown hair slicked down and his moustache
still damp. “G’morning, Miss Stewart. It smells better than a candy
store in here.” The resident twinkle in his eye reminded her of
Papa. “The rest of the cowboys should be back from the cattle drive
any day now, if they didn’t get held up anywhere, so I guess I’d
better eat my fill now while I can still get some.”
    Anna’s head jerked up from the coffee she
poured. “The rest of the cowboys, sir?”
    “Yep, my son, Jacob, and ten other cowboys
are on the cattle drive, taking our stock to market in Kansas.
That’s the closest market town with a railroad stop, so we get much
better money for ’em there. It took about a month to drive the cows
and make it back last year, and they’ve already been gone longer
than that on this trip. I’m sure Jacob has things well in hand,
though.” The fatherly pride on the man’s face sent a pang to Anna’s
heart. Her father used to look at her with that same
expression.
    Later that morning, Anna finished wiping
down the work counter in the kitchen and glanced around before
hanging her towel on a peg. The stove top glistened and the pans
were all hung on their hooks. She’d swept and scoured the floors in
both the kitchen and dining room until they shone. Possessiveness
warmed Anna’s insides. This was her kitchen now. Her own
domain to concoct tasty dishes and desserts that would make the
cowboys’ mouths water. She’d always loved the response when people
enjoyed her cooking, but it would be so much better now that she
was able to craft the delicious meals in her own kitchen.
    Anna let out a contented sigh and went in
search of Aunt Lola. The men had taken packed lunches with them for
the day, and supper preparations wouldn’t begin until early
afternoon. Maybe there was something else she could help with?
    Anna found her in Mr. O’Brien’s office
dusting the shelves and was rewarded with a warm smile. “And how
are things, my dear? Thank ye so much for my morning break today.
I’m afraid me old bones wouldn’t allow for much sleepin’ in, but I
spent a glorious morning with my Heavenly Father and that was the
best gift of all.”
    Anna returned her smile. “I’m glad you
enjoyed yourself. The kitchen is clean for now, so I’ve come to see
how I can help you in the house. Should I make the beds or sweep
anywhere?”
    “Nay, there’s nothing needs doing that can’t
wait a while. Why don’t you take some time for yourself and look
around a bit. A pretty young thing like you needs to get outside
and stretch your legs. Now get on with ya.” Aunt Lola made a
shooing motion with her hand.
    Anna bit the corner of her lip. “Are you
sure I can’t help you with anything?” She’d been hired to work, not
enjoy the sights.
    “If I let you do it all, there won’t be work
left for me, and me old bones will get lazy.” With that, the woman
turned back to the bookshelves and Anna had the distinct impression
she’d been dismissed.
    Despite her guilt over not helping with
housework, Anna was excited to explore the place. Edward had been
assigned barn chores that morning. Anna had not