White Water by Linda I. Shands Page B

big stock trailer was on loan to another rancher who was taking an entire herd of cattle to auction. It would take two of the smaller trailers to transport six horses to the trailhead. Kara had actually ridden Dakota that distance last winter, but that was an emergency, and she wasn’t eager to do it again. Instead, she and Greg and Colin would ride into the valley from Pine Creek Meadow. It wasn’t an easy ride, but at least it was a trail .
    â€œI’ll get out there as soon as I’m finished,” she promised as Dad opened the door.
    He hesitated. “The boys will handle it. You see to your brother and help Anne. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to go.”
    Kara nearly dropped her fork. “What about Lily?”
    â€œWe’ll handle it.” He was gone before she could say anything else.
    Kara sat there, stunned. She’d always helped with the horses, whether she was riding in or not. And Dad had just heard both Anne and Ryan say they were ready to go. No way did they need her help. “Anne?”
    The cook was staring out the kitchen window, watching Dad walk to the barn. Kara jumped up and stood behind her. “Anne!” Kara knew her voice had risen about six octaves, but right now she didn’t care. This time her eyes were dry; she was too scared and angry to cry.
    â€œHe is troubled.” Anne turned from the window and put her arm around Wakara’s shoulders.
    â€œWhy! What have I done?” She couldn’t keep the fear and disappointment out of her voice. She felt like everyone was betraying her—even her own father—and that hurt so badly she could hardly stand it.
    The woman led her to a chair, then sat beside her. Kara could tell she was uncomfortable, but if Anne knew what was going on . . .
    â€œIt is not what you have done that troubles him, but what could be.”
    Kara shook her head. “I don’t get it.”
    Anne sighed and reached for Kara’s hand. “In some cultures, a father sees a young man’s feelings for his daughter and locks her away until the bride price has been paid.”
    Kara scowled. “What’s that got to do with me?”
    â€œIn this culture, fifteen is young to be a bride. Your father does not realize it, but he is locking you away.”
    â€œLocking me away?” She shook her head. “I don’t get it. I’m not even dating anyone. The only boys I ever see are Greg and Colin.”
    Anne said nothing, just squeezed her hand, and suddenly Kara understood.
    â€œColin?” She felt like her face was on fire. “But he’s never . . . I mean I like him, but we’ve never even gone on a real date.”
    Anne smiled. “It is in the way he looks at you. Your father sees.”
    â€œAnd he’s trying to keep me away from him.” Kara felt a chill of anger. “That’s not fair. Colin hasn’t done anything wrong—he wouldn’t, and neither would I. I thought Dad trusted me.”
    â€œA father’s love is not always rational.”
    Kara looked up at her, astonished. “You mean he’s punishing me because he loves me? Right!” She took a deep breath . Get a grip, Wako, it’s not Anne’s fault . Her throat grew tight, and she made herself choke back the tears. “That’s just great; now what do I do? I wish Mom were here!”
    The words were out before she knew she’d said them, but she realized they were true. If Mom were here, Dad wouldn’t be acting like this.
    â€œYes.”
    Anne’s voice was so soft Kara almost missed it. Then she blushed. “Oh, Anne, I’m sorry. Thank you for telling me. I was beginning to think Dad hated me, but I’m not sure this is any better.”
    â€œShall I talk to him?”
    Kara shook her head. “No. I guess I’d better do it. If he’ll give me a chance.”
    The door slammed and Ryan rushed into the room, panting