***
“I don’t care what you say,” a petite black-haired woman spoke to a tall, auburn-haired lady at a table close to the kitchen. “Girls are the worst bullies.”
Rainy was having a terrible time keeping up with Lucas as he tugged her further into the house, pointing and commenting at everything.
“That doesn’t make any sense Michi,” the other woman said as Rainy was dragged to an oversized cookie jar. “Girls are sweet and kind, boys are the bullies.”
“No, they aren’t.” The woman called Michi snapped back. “Think about it. Sure boys are physical and more prone to pop someone on the nose, but when a girl starts getting her own way she’ll never stop until someone stops her.”
“You realize that sentence makes no sense.”
“Philomena Haven, you mark my words. Girls are the worst kind of bullies. It’s like they are torn between sweet and rotten.”
“Michelle Ballard, you’ve lost your mind. My daughter is wonderful.”
“I’m not talking about your daughter. I’m just saying that girls who get their way too often end up being mean. You know, spoiled little rich girl syndrome.”
“After all you’ve been through I don’t know how you can say that. Kade lets you have your way all the time.” The taller woman, who appeared to be in her early thirties, brushed her hair over one shoulder.
“Yes, but he also isn’t afraid to tell me when I’m pushing things too far.” Michelle toyed with the cup in her hand. “He helps me find balance.”
“I can’t argue that,” Philomena replied. “I feel the same way about Chase. Oh hello, little man.”
“I’m so sorry,” Rainy rushed to the table a cookie in her hand. “I was getting him a cookie and looked away for a second, and he was gone.”
“He’s fine,” the pretty woman spoke. “I’m Phil and this is Michelle. Who’s your handsome date here?”
“I’m Lucas,” the boy replied before Rainy could, making her smile. “Are there any boys here to play with?”
“There sure are,” Phil replied. “And I have a little girl who is only a little younger than you. Maybe tomorrow you can meet them.”
“Can I Mommy, p’ease?” Lucas turned brown eyes on Rainy, melting her heart all over again.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to be a bother.”
“No bother,” Michelle said. “I’ll bring Kadence over for breakfast tomorrow, and you two can meet then.” The petite woman addressed Lucas then flicked a smile at Rainy. “First though, little buckaroos like you need a snack and a good night’s sleep.”
“Will I get to see the horsies?” the boy looked from his mother to the other two women.
“You sure will, and we just got some ponies in, so you can go for a ride too.” Phil looked up smiling at Rainy, “if that’s alright with you?”
“It would make me very happy. All he’s talked about this whole week is seeing the horses.”
“Well you came to the right place then,” Michelle smiled. “Phil here is the owner of the Broken J and her husband is the chief wrangler. They’ll fix you up perfectly, and if you don’t like that, you can ride in the wagon my husband runs. You probably met Kade outside.”
“That big cowboy is your husband?” Rainy looked down at the smaller woman who was barely as tall as her own five foot two inches.
“Yep, Kade Ballard. He runs the cattle here on the ranch and does a load of other things too. He’s Phil’s cousin.”
Rainy gaped, amazed at the connections she was making, as she handed Lucas his cookie. “I’m pleased to meet both of you,” she finally said. “I’m looking forward to a nice relaxed stay on the ranch.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast,” Michelle Ballard stood to her feet along with her friend. “We’d better go relieve the baby sitter.” Together the women waved then headed out of the room
“Come on pumpkin, I’ll get you some milk.” Rainy gazed around her at the spacious dining area as she reached for Lucas’s hand.
“Can I help you with anything,” an older woman asked stepping out of the kitchen with a grin.
“I’m sorry,” Rainy shook her head. "Lucas came belting in here so fast that I haven’t even checked in.”
“You just get what you need, and we’ll sort it all out later. I’m Mrs. Wade, and I’m the chief cook and bottle washer at this place. If you need anything just let me know.”
“Rainy! Where in the world did you get off to? You left me and Anne to deal with getting checked in and your father is parking the car.”
“Sorry Mom,” Rainy cringed, sounding like a school girl all over again. “Lucas is pretty excited.” By the time she had turned back around, Mrs. Wade had pulled a glass of ice-cold milk for Lucas, sitting him at a table with a cookie in both hands.
“Dining area is open until eleven,” the older woman grinned. “Coffee, tea, milk, and ice-tea are available at all times at no additional charge. Soda’s and other beverages need to be billed to your room.”
Rainy felt her shoulders relax at the woman’s words. She wasn’t going to be adding anything extra to her parents’ bill. She already felt guilty for them paying for the trip even if it was a graduation present for her. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Wade grinned, patting Lucas on the cheek. “I was a young mother once too,” she said, her dark eyes sparkling. “Don’t you fuss. You’ll have a wonderful time here at the Broken J.”
Before Rainy could thank her again, the woman had hustled back into the kitchen checking over everything as they prepared to close up shop.
“Did I hear someone say coffee?” Owen walked into the room, rotating weary shoulders. “I wouldn’t mind a cup.”
“I’ll get it dear,” Mrs. Smythe said. “After all you did all the driving. Where’s Anne?”
“She was right behind me a second ago.” Owen turned around looking for the missing girl.
“Well, never mind, she’s a big girl and can look after herself. You have
