Emmy's Equal Read Online Free PDF Page B

well, but you know what they say, ‘If you stuff a cold, then you’re going to have to feed a fever later.’” He aimed his brightest smile at Greta. “We don’t want old Cuddy coming down with a fever, do we? I think he needs to rest his frail constitution so he’ll fully recover.”
    Greta clutched the sash at her waist. “Gracious, you may be right. I never once thought...”
    Diego patted her hand. “Your intentions were admirable, and I applaud them. Besides, just because Cuddy can’t enjoy the fruit of your efforts is no reason they should go to waste.” Ignoring Cuddy’s glare, his fingers hovered above a plump, meat-stuffed triangle. “May I?”
    “By all means, Diego. Help yourself.”
    Cuddy spun around and snatched the roast beef sandwich before it reached Diego’s mouth. “I’ll take that off your hands, thank you.”
    Greta scowled. “Cuddy!”
    “I’m feeling better, sis. Honest. Diego’s company perked me right up.”
    “Well, if you’re sure...”
    “Positive,” he said, with a smirk in Diego’s direction.
    Before Diego could react, John Rawson rounded the house on horseback with two rugged ranch hands on his heels. The aging
ranchero
sat his horse like a much younger man, with the vigor and authority befitting the owner of a spread like the Twisted-R Ranch. Diego held much respect for the big man and his principles. He’d taken Diego to his heart as a beloved son. In return, Diego loved him like a father.
    “Ho! What good fortune to have caught you here together. Now I won’t need to waste half the day tracking Cuddy.”
    Smiling, Diego crossed to the rail. “How may we be of service, sir?”
    Still seated, Cuddy snorted. “Speak for yourself, I’m not well, remember.”
    Mr. Rawson frowned slightly at Cuddy then addressed Diego. “I suppose you’ve heard we have guests on the way?”
    Diego nodded.
    “We have a week to spruce the place up. I’ll need you boys to help.” He leaned to see around Diego. “That means you, too, mister.”
    Cuddy groaned, but his father ignored him.
    “We’ve gone long enough giving this ranch a lick and a promise. I won’t have it going to seed. Just a little effort on our parts and we’ll have the place looking natty again. Inside and out.”
    Diego bit back a smile. Under Mr. Rawson’s command, the staff of the Twisted-R kept the house and grounds in immaculate condition.
    The gentleman’s wife slipped out of the door behind Greta and slid one arm around her daughter’s waist. “Focus your energy on the outside, John. Greta and I will take care of the inside.”
    “Fine, fine,” he blustered. “Greta, help Mother and Rosita make preparations in the house. You’ll need to wash and air out the bed linens and tablecloths and pull out the best silverware.”
    “I’ll see to it, dear. Did they say how long they’ll be staying?”
    “No, but I expect it will be several weeks. We’ll prepare for an extended visit. Have Rosita bring in her sisters to help with the cooking.”
    Mrs. Rawson stepped over and leaned on the rail. “Relax, John. I have everything under control.”
    “Forgive my exuberance, family, but Willem Dane is a very old friend. The last time we broke bread together was around my father’s table in Ripponden. You remember, Katherine, the year before we left England.”
    She nodded. “I remember Willem well. He seemed like a wonderful man.”
    “Of course, I’ve seen him a few times since, and we’ve exchanged letters. Now I’d like to give him a hearty South Texas welcome.”
    Mrs. Rawson smiled sweetly. “And so we shall. I’m anxious to meet his family.” She addressed Greta over her shoulder. “We’ll put Mr. and Mrs. Dane in the north corner, Mrs. Bloom directly across the hall. Air out the room that faces east for young Emily. She can withstand the morning heat better than her elders.”
    Cuddy perked up from where he lounged in the rocker, interested in the conversation for the first time. “Good