Rusty grabbed Spirit’s reigns and led him toward home at a gallop. A moment later, Jonathon was reaching for Alexandria and settling her into the saddle in front of him. A few more shots landed in the stream around them, but none came as close as the one that had almost claimed Alexandria. Jonathon slowed Raven as they passed through the hole in the fence and reined him in beside Rusty.
“Glad you made it. Whoever took those cattle intend to keep them” Rusty said to Jonathon.
“No joke,” Jonathon responded. “You okay?” Jonathon asked Alexandria. “You’re not having a very good day.”
“Hadn’t noticed,” she returned.
“What else has happened?” Rusty asked and Jonathon shared her morning experience with him.
“Be careful. I don’t want to lose another boss,” Rusty cautioned her. Not trusting her voice, Alexandria nodded; she was starting to shake uncontrollably. It was a mild day and she hadn’t bothered with her coat, that combined with shock were taking their toll.
“Have you got a blanket I can borrow?” Jonathon asked Rusty.
“Sure. I’ve got to go to the bunk house I’ll get another.”
“Thanks,” Jonathon said as he took the blanket and wrapped Alexandria in it. “Let’s get you home,” Jonathon suggested as he tied Spirit’s reigns to Raven’s saddle.
“I can ride,” she argued.
“And freeze to death? I think not,” he argued. Alexandria at first tried holding herself erect, but soon gave up and leaned against Jonathon. “Are you sure you’re okay? Getting shot at is a pretty traumatic experience.”
“Shaken, sore, and cold, but I’m fine.”
“Do you ever admit when you’re not?” he teased her.
“Not if I can help it,” she confessed.
Chapter Ten
“What on earth happened now?” Anna demanded as she watched her sister dismount and climb the porch steps.
“Rustlers stole our cattle and then shot at us when we tried to retrieve them,” Alexandria watched her sister frown.
“Alexandria, are you sure trying to run this ranch by yourself is such a good idea?” Anna demanded.
“I’m not giving up, Anna,” Alexandria’s chin was raised and her jaw firm; she was not a quitter. Alexandria dismissed the topic and moved inside to change from her wet clothing. She was soon redressed and joining the others in the kitchen. Jonathon sat at the table, Anna across from him.
“I think I will be glad for the end of this day,” Alexandria predicted as she eased into a chair. She was feeling rather stiff at the moment.
“I’ll get you coffee,” Anna jumped up to see after her sister.
“Thanks, Anna,” Alexandria offered her sister a smile.
“I sent Sparky for the sheriff. I’m more concerned that these thieves shot at you than I am the missing cattle.” Jonathon looked grim as he took a drink of his own coffee.
“I want my cattle back,” Alexandria grumbled.
“Well, right now, you are all to eat,” Millie said firmly as she placed the last dish on the table.
“Thanks, Millie; join us and don’t bother arguing. I think it’s clear that we don’t stand on formality around here,” Alexandria insisted.
“Thank you,” the woman seated herself.
Conversation remained fairly light over dinner despite, or perhaps because of, the day’s traumatic events. None of them were anxious to dwell on their issues.
“I want another cookie,” Lilly announced after dinner as the table was being cleared.
“Two is enough,” Alexandria argued.
“I want another!” Lilly’s lower lip thrust out.
“Lillian Marie, when I say no, it means no,” Alexandria countered. Lilly looked ready to argue further, but stopped short and cut her eyes in Jonathon’s direction; she seemed to think better of it at the last moment. She scooted from her seat and went to climb into Jonathon lap instead.
“She’s a spitfire isn’t she?” Jonathon eyes lit with mischief.
“She is,” Alexandria acknowledged.
“Are you sure she isn’t yours?”
Alexandria, her hands on her hips, turned to glare at Jonathon.
“I think it’s time for me to go; the sheriff should be here soon,” he announced as he stood and placed Lilly on her feet.
“Good night ladies; see you in the morning, Alexandria,” Jonathon claimed his hat and let himself out.
“You know, don’t you, that he wouldn’t aggravate you if it didn’t get a response from you?” Millie asked.
Alexandria shook her head and turned back to the dishes. “He is so frustrating! Helpful and nice one minute and aggravating the next,” she said as she plunged her hands into the soapy water.
“Most men are, dear, most men are,” Millie chuckled.
***
Alexandria moaned in misery as she rolled from the bed the next morning. Her shoulder hurt so bad that she wanted nothing