Rachel's Cowboy by Judy Christenberry

asked with a frown.
    “We’re a long way from nowhere. What if someone broke in? Even if you managed to call the police, it might be half an hour before they could get here. Or what if you were out riding and a pack of coyotes came after you and your horse? Or you ran across a big rattler?”
    Rachel shuddered. “But surely those things don’t happen very often!”
    “No, but when they do, it’s too late to learn. You’ll notice all our men carry rifles on their saddles.”
    “Oh.”
    “Don’t worry, child, they seldom have to use them.” While she talked, Madge was taking out her knitting. “If you don’t mind clearing the table, I’ll do the dishes later.”
    “I’ll do them, Madge. You’ve done enough work forme lately.” She began stacking dishes, taking them to the sink and running dishwater.
    “You can put them in the dishwasher, dear,” Madge pointed out.
    “I know, but there are so few, I’ll just wash them. Besides, there’s something satisfying about doing dishes.”
    The two women exchanged a smile.
    After she’d finished, Rachel told Madge she was going to lie down for a little while. She had no intention of going to sleep, but when she finally stirred, the clock read four-fifteen.
    She hurried to the kitchen. “Madge, I’m so sorry. I fell asleep. Can I help you with dinner?”
    “Oh, no, dear. I have another casserole in the oven.”
    “I’ve got to learn those casserole recipes. They always taste good.”
    “Thank you, dear.” Madge smiled at her. “It’s just a matter of following a recipe, and you can already do that.”
    “Maybe. Well, if you don’t need me to help, I think I’ll send some e-mails to my sisters. J.D. said I could use the computer.”
    “I’m sure he did. He certainly doesn’t want to do so.”
    “He said he didn’t mind if I input this information on his livestock,” Rachel said, pointing to a pile of papers.
    Madge laughed. “He’ll love you forever if you do all that work for him. It will far outweigh the riding lessons you’ll be getting.”
    “Oh, thank you, Madge. I was feeling bad about thefree riding lessons, but I’ll do his computer work in exchange. What a good idea.”
    Rachel sat down at the computer and soon became engrossed, first communicating with her sisters, then sorting through J.D.’s papers. She read through his files and began to find a pattern, moving quickly.
    When he came in for dinner, she had several questions for him.
    “Rachel, I didn’t mean you should begin at once,” he protested.
    “Oh, no, Madge gave me the idea that I could do your computer work in return for riding lessons. Is that okay with you?”
    She looked so pleased with the idea, J.D. couldn’t argue. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the arrangement, just that she was getting the short end of the bargain. The computer work could take forever.
    At least he thought so, until she showed him what she’d already done.
    “Did you spend all afternoon working? I didn’t intend for you to do that. You need to rest.”
    “I took a three-hour nap this afternoon, J.D. I don’t think I’m suffering too much.” She saved what she’d been working on and turned off the computer.
    “I’ll set the table, Madge,” she said as she crossed to the table. She knew the routine.
    “All right, dear.” Madge was checking the casserole. “I do believe this is done,” she said as she drew the dish out of the oven. “Rachel, would you put some hot pads on the table for me?”
    Rachel did as she asked.
    J.D. stood there, feeling out of place in his own kitchen. Rachel seemed right at home. It was a strange feeling. He’d dreamed that she would be in his house once more, but he hadn’t expected to feel left out.
    “Shall I fix the drinks?” he asked.
    Madge stared at him, surprised. “Well, that’d be nice, J.D. Pour some milk for Rachel. We’ve got to make sure her bones are strong if she’s going to start riding lessons.”
    He frowned. “Don’t scare