The Widows Choice Read Online Free PDF Page B

headaches."
    The doctor looked to Charlie.  "What about your appetite?"
    "I mostly eat bread and vegetables.  Don't care much for meat." She knew it was absurd, owning a cattle ranch and all.  But after seeing calves grow up, she couldn't stomach eating them.
    The doctor frowned.  "Like it or not, I'd like for you to try a diet rich in red meat for the next few weeks."  He winked at her. "Try to follow my instructions this time, young lady."
    Charlie smiled and nodded.  "Yes, Doctor.  I'm sorry to have troubled you to come this far.  I am fine, just a bit under the weather.  I'm sure you have more urgent things to attend to."
    "Surprisingly it's been quiet of late.  It's not a bother at all.  As a matter of fact, I'm heading over to Winfrow's now.  Seems one of his hired men hurt his leg."
    Mary Ellen escorted the doctor out, promising to bring Charlie tea and the doctor's tonic.
    In the quiet of her room, she let out a breath.  This was not the time to be sick, to have the miserable headaches and dizziness.  She hadn't been eating enough, she knew better.  But with everything that happened, and all the work needing to be done, Charlie worried. 
    Worry led to lack of appetite which she paid for now.  For days she'd pretended to eat, moving the food around her plate, taking only a few nibbles to keep Mary Ellen and Joe from suspecting.  A stupid mistake, with so much to do, she felt foolish at becoming ill when she could have prevented it.
    With the arrival of the new men, things would be easier.  If they weren't sent by Winfrow, which she hoped wasn't so.  Perhaps there was a chance they and Joe would get everything done in time for summer and the ranch would be taken care of through the winter.
    It would be easier to sell it and move to town.  She wouldn't have any worries.  Sometimes she contemplated it for long moments.  Considered living in a small house with only her garden and self to worry about.  But she loved her home, the views of the mountains and the large expanse of unspoiled land.
    Charlie let out a sigh and closed her eyes.  No more worrying.  She'd do her best to eat better and maybe even plenty of meat.
    Rafe Preston's presence unsettled her, but she'd push that aside.  It wasn't as if she'd never seen a handsome man before.  Although if she were to be honest, never one as good looking as this man.  He was breathtakingly attractive, which in itself made her stomach tumble.
    Today she'd rest and tomorrow it would be a new start.  More time to herself since Joe had help, which meant she could get things done around the house and spend time in the garden.
    With a smile curving her lips, she allowed slumber to take over.

Chapter Five
    ––––––––
    A man could get accustomed to good food.  Rafe wiped his mouth and picked up his cup of coffee.  Ranch work was hard and steady, a constant stream of things to be accomplished. And while it was exhausting, Rafe enjoyed having full days and after a good meal relaxing until bedtime. 
    Each day Mary Ellen outdid herself, ensuring they ate their fill for two meals a day.  In the early afternoon, they'd eat leftover bread and whatever she sent out with Joe to sustain them until the evening meal.
    Although he saw Charlie on occasion, she was quite adept at avoiding both him and Jerrick.  Once again that day, she was absent during the meal and other than asking about her health the day before, he'd not found it easy to gather any other information about her.  For whatever reason, he hoped to see her every day when going to the house for breakfast and supper, but it was rare to even catch a glimpse.
    They made their way toward the stables, Jerrick walking alongside him.  "I don't know how they'll manage once we leave.  Joe needs to hire more help." They watched the wiry man, already heading to whatever chore needed to be done.  He rarely gave more than a couple instructions, trusting them to see to whatever work was