asked as he forked another piece of ham to bring to his plate.
“Be patient. Take my time. Be kind and considerate.”
“She’s pretty.” Jericho spoke up, then laughed when Amelia’s brother came to sit with them. “A sight prettier than old Ace here.”
The gangly young boy took no offense. “I got more important things to worry about than my looks.”
“Like what?” Boone asked. “You planning a fishing trip?” They all knew how much Ace liked to fish.
“Nope. I spotted a mustang near Packsaddle Mountain. After I finish eating, I’m going to ride over and try to round him up.” He looked straight at Reno. “You’re the best bronc rider I know. Will you help me?”
“I wish I could, buddy,” he told Ace. “I’m leaving today. I’ll be gone for a few weeks. When I return, if you haven’t caught him, I’ll be glad to help you.”
Disappointment darkened Ace’s face. “Shucks.”
“I’ll help you, Ace,” Gentry said with a smile.
His offer brought a guffaw of disbelief from Jericho. “This ain’t no job for some dandy.” Jericho pointed his fork at Ace. “I’ll help you catch that pony, son.”
“Now, you listen to me – you ruffian.” Gentry gave Jericho the evil eye. “I will pit my skills against yours any day of the week.”
Jericho threw his biscuit on the table. “You’re on. Today. We’ll settle this thing once and for all.” He elbowed Boone. “You’re in charge, friend. Come up with a contest betwixt me and this English pansy waist. We’ll settle this matter once and for all!”
“Pansy waist? Do you even know what that means?” Gentry sat up straight to glare at his friend with an overly stern expression.
“Well…no – but it sounds right.” Jericho defended his insult. “You being all royal and rich and…snooty!”
“I am not snooty!” Gentry was doing his best to hide a smile. “I’ll have you know I’m not just a member of the aristocracy, I’m also a knight.” He hit the table. “With a sword!”
Reno grew amused at their banter. He knew Jericho was well aware that Gentry was as capable a cowboy as they come. He’d proven himself over and over. What was even more endearing was the fact that those two were closer than brothers – one of royal birth and the other the bastard son of a slave.
“A sword? For real?” Ace’s eyes were big as saucers.
“For real.” Gentry gave him a wink. “I’ll show it to you after all your chores are done for the day.”
“All right!” He beamed at the Englishman. “And you can help me with the mustang…if you want to.”
“It’ll be a pleasure, young man.”
Reno enjoyed the exchange, especially Gentry’s expression when he noticed Amelia was smiling. For some reason, he bet that smile was worth more to his friend than the crown jewels of Britain.
Taking a last sip of coffee, he rose to his feet. “As much as I hate to leave good company, I’ve got to hit the road.”
“You be careful,” Jericho cautioned him. “There’s a lot of unrest in the area. Domino said he heard in town that the Bailey place got burned out. Two people killed. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Looks like the Cavalry’s going to have to come in and put an end to this uprising.”
Reno felt an uneasiness in the pit of his stomach. “Yea, I worry about leaving the children unprotected.”
“Bring them here.” Ace spoke up. “There’s plenty of room.”
“I second that motion,” Gentry stood. “I’ll set up more beds in the bunkhouse.”
“Well, I’ll talk to them. Saul can be as stubborn as a mule.” He folded his napkin, picked up his dirty dishes, and handed them to a waiting Amelia. “I just wish they could find out who’s behind these raids.”
Boone shrugged. “You don’t think it’s Mangas and his bunch?”
“Ela says no, and I believe her.” Reno shook everyone’s hand. “I’d best hit the trail.”
Gentry pushed aside his hand to give him a manly hug. “I wish you luck on your mission. I know you’re worried about your brother.”
“I am.” Reno shook his hand. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you won’t take this?” Gentry reached into his pocket and brought out a small sack of gold coins.
“No. I’m good on money. I’ve saved the majority of my share from the ranch profits.”
“I don’t see how. You’ve spent a small fortune on the Stanton kids and Ela Blue.” Gentry’s tone was matter of fact – not judgmental. “Now, you’re setting off on a trip and there’s going to be expenses. I