Tracie Peterson - [Land of the Lone Star 03] by Taming the Wind Page A

announced that Hannah’s nearly thirteen-year-old brother, Andy, would accompany them on the trail.
    “Most drovers aren’t much older,” William declared. “It’s a hard business for an old man, but the young seem to thrive.”
    “Speak for yourself, Will,” Ted stated. “I think old is just a state of mind.”
    “You may think otherwise after a week in the saddle,” Marietta Terry said with a laugh.
    William smiled and continued. “There will be no favoritism, if you’re worried about that. But neither will I tolerate abuse of Andy for the sake of getting back at me. The same is true for any man. You’ll earn your keep out there and if you do your best—you’ll earn my respect, as well.”
    The meeting continued another half an hour or so until Hannah finally rose and put a stop to it. “It’s nearly noon. We need to feed these boys,” she told her husband.
    There was a hearty round of approval for that comment, and Hannah smiled. “I think you boys will be pleased. Juanita has been cooking ribs all morning over the spit, so you’re in for a real treat. She has a special sauce that will make you sit up and beg for more.”
    Tyler moaned. “She’s got that right. Won’t be able to put ’em down, and afterward we won’t be able to stand ’cause our bellies will be draggin’ the ground.”
    The men laughed and got to their feet as the ladies rose. Hannah motioned to the men. “We have tables and benches set up outside for everyone. Make your way around back, and we’ll eat as soon as grace is said.”
    She didn’t have to instruct them twice. The men—especially the younger ones—hurried from the room as if their pants were on fire. Carissa marveled at the way they all but climbed over each other to empty the room.
    “Guess they’re hungry,” Tyler said, coming alongside her.
    She looked into his eyes and nodded. “I guess so.”
    “How about you?”
    Carissa put her hand to her waist. “I am hungry. In fact, I’m really looking forward to the special ribs.”
    He laughed. “And well you should be. Juanita has many talents, but cooking is probably right there at the top.”
    “Maybe she can teach me a thing or two,” Carissa replied.
    Tyler took hold of her elbow. The move surprised her, but she didn’t pull away. He guided her through the house and out the back door to avoid the rush of men out the front of the house. Carissa had smelled the aroma of the meat cooking all morning, but here the scent was even stronger.
    She was surprised to see that Marty already had the little ones settled at a very small table off a ways from the activity. They were sitting quite well-behaved, in fact. Carissa could only wonder at how she’d bribed them. Daniel sat directly beside Marty completely captivated with something in her hands. William and Hannah’s two-year-old son, Robert, seemed anxious to dig into the food on his plate, but kept his place. And to Carissa’s surprise, Gloria had a napkin tied around her neck and had her hands folded in her lap. She made quite the angelic picture, but Carissa knew just what an energetic little spirit she could be.
    Ted Terry blessed the food, and it wasn’t long before everyone was eating their fill. The food had quieted the chatter considerably, but as the minutes passed and hunger abated, the conversation gradually picked back up.
    Mrs. Terry sat at Carissa’s left and pointed to an entire table of desserts. “See, you definitely needn’t worry about that cake or pie you didn’t bring.” She grinned at Carissa. “If it’s one thing we women know how to do right in this area—it’s dessert.”
    “Maybe you can share some of your recipes with me sometime,” Carissa replied. “I started learning to cook while in Corpus Christi. Growing up, we always had someone else to do that chore, but I actually find I rather enjoy it.”
    “I do, too. We have a wonderful woman who works for us—Teresa is her name. She can cook up a storm, but from