While Travis ate, he chatted with the boy. His lively conversation revealed that he was quite different than his older brother.
“Brother Whitworth,” Michael Paul began slowly. “I—I sure enjoy your singing.”
“Thanks,” Travis said. “Do you like music?”
“Yes, sir. My aunt Jenny is going to give me piano lessons. When I’m by myself, I sing too.”
Travis ruffled the boy’s hair. “Perhaps we need to sing together. What do you say to working on some hymns with me?”
Michael Paul reddened slightly, but he did manage a smile. “I don’t think I’m nearly as good as you.”
“All the good Lord wants is a joyful noise.”
“I can do that.”
Travis placed the fork and empty plate back into the basket. “Do you have any chores right now?”
The young boy shook his head.
“Well, why don’t you stay and visit a while longer? Talking would sure make the time go by faster, especially with a young lad who likes my singing.”
“I have to ask my mother, but I ’spect it will be just fine.”
“Would you tell her and Miss Juanita that I appreciated this fine food?”
Michael Paul nodded and disappeared with the empty basket and pitcher, and Travis resumed his position on the roof. Now he’s a good boy. Real pleasant and talkative. I hope Mrs. Kahler allows him to spend some time with me. He may be the first one of the Kahler family that I can call a friend.
“Brother Whitworth.” Michael Paul cupped his hand around his mouth. “Mama says I can talk to you until Lydia Anne wakes up from her nap. Then I have to play with her.”
“Good. Why don’t you tell me the things you like to do best?” Travis said.
In between hammerings, Travis listened to Michael Paul talk about the ranch, school, his uncles, grandparents, and favorite songs, but he said nothing about his mother or older brother.
Once Travis completed all the repair work and the foreman gave his approval, Michael Paul helped Travis gather up the tools and pieces of wood. Together they placed them in a storage shed. Lydia Anne hadn’t wakened from her nap, so Travis seized the opportunity not only to thank the boy, but also to praise him for his assistance.
“I couldn’t have gotten this work done so fast if you hadn’t been here,” Travis said. “I thought it would take me two days.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes, you did. You talked to me and kept me interested, and the roof nearly repaired itself. Before I go, I need to tell your mother the roof is fixed and the foreman approved it. Shall we tell her together?”
Michael Paul nodded. The sound of arguing from inside the house caused the boy to stiffen. Travis heard the voices and recognized Zack and Mrs. Kahler.
“I should hurry on back to town. I reckon having Thomas look at the roof is enough. If your mother has any questions or needs more work done, she can contact me at the parsonage,” Travis said. “Would you give her my best?”
“Yes, sir.” Michael Paul’s gaze swung toward the house.
The voices rose louder. This family was not headed for disaster. It was already there.
Chapter 7
Bonnie handed Thomas a steaming mug of coffee before he gave her the morning report. The foals born last spring were doing well. Cattle prices were up. A nearby rancher had offered her a good price to sire a couple of his mares.
Thomas’s gaze kept drifting toward the kitchen. She nearly giggled.
“Those biscuits sure smell extra good,” he said. “Cookie burned ours this morning.”
She figured it was Juanita and not her cooking that attracted Thomas. “Juanita, please get this man another plateful of breakfast. Can’t send a man to work without a full stomach. If there’s any custard pie left from last night, he might like a piece to go with it.”
“Thanks.” He took a gulp of coffee. “The cattle are looking good. We’ll get a fair price at the stockyards this year.”
She’d thought it might be good to send Zack to Fort Worth with the drive, providing he started listening to her. But now wasn’t the time to mention it to Thomas. “I want to take a look at the ranch today—see what I’ve been ignoring. Do you have time to ride with me?” she said. “And sometime soon, I want to know how many head of cattle and horses we have.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll have Wildflower saddled after the young’uns are gone to school.” He rubbed his jaw. “Somebody shot the thievin’ coyote that kept