The Cowboy's Christmas Proposal. Judy Christenberry

it’s after twelve.”

      “I didn’t realize the time. It’s flown by quickly.”

      “So are you ready to eat?”

      “Yes, of course.” She took out her lunch. “The sandwich I have is rather large. Would you like some of it?”

      He looked at her, as if trying to determine her motive.

      “I’m not trying to bribe you or gain some advantage. I’m just offering to share my sandwich.”

      He nodded. “Yeah, I’d like part of your sandwich if you’re sure you can spare it.”

      She managed to separate about half her sandwich and hand it to him. He finished his share before she was half through.

      “Thanks, that was good.”

      “I’ll have Harriet make two sandwiches for tomorrow, if you’d like?”

      “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

      “She won’t mind. I don’t think she has enough to do actually. When I left she was making pies for your dinner this evening.”

      “Pies? What kind?”

      “Apple.”

      “I can’t wait.”

      She studied him more closely. “You like sweets?”

      “Sure. Doesn’t everyone?”

      “Yes, I guess so.” He smiled a warm, genuine smile and Penny instantly reciprocated. The somber mood from before lifted between them. Penny was beginning to realize that there was a lot more to Jake Larson than just ranching.

      “How are the meals in the bunkhouse?”

      “Not bad. Cookie does a good job on regular stuff.”

      “Maybe Harriet’s baking will make the meals better.”

      “So Harriet’s working out fine for you?”

      “Yes, she’s a good cook. And she’s willing to do whatever I need her to do. I’m feeling guilty because she does everything around the house.”

      He grinned. “You’re putting in a full day, Penny. Let her do her job.”

      She glared at him. “I am.”

      They topped a hill and Jake discovered a source of water in the form of a pleasant lake. “Is this spring-fed?”

      “Yes. Even in the middle of the summer, it’s always ice cold.”

      “And does the water level change much?”

      “No, not at all.”

      “Hmm. Your dad must’ve relied on this water supply a lot.”

      “Yes, I think so.”

      Jake swung down from his saddle and stuck a hand in the water. “You’re right. It’s certainly icy today.”

      “It is winter, Jake. Everything’s cold.”

      “True. Want to dismount and eat our apples out of the wind?”

      “I’d rather keep going so we get back before dark. Part of the perimeter is hard going.”

      “Have it your way,” he said, swinging back up into the saddle. He reached back and took out the apple. “Okay, let’s go.”

      They both ate in silence and continued on their journey. They stopped only to feed their horses the cores of their fruit and stretch their legs before carrying on. Jake didn’t make an effort to linger. Penny had already made her feelings clear.

      The afternoon ride wasn’t easy, he’d admit. They seemed to climb mountains and then ride down them again. Jake didn’t have to worry about conversation since they rode single file.

      When they reached the barn, again just as daylight was fading, he told Penny that he wanted to spend the next day checking out what the cowboys were doing, but he’d rather she not mention that to any of them. He wanted his appearance to be a surprise.

      “Fine,” she replied and said nothing else until they reached the corral. No cowboys were in sight, but she simply said, “Tomorrow at seven?”

      After taking care of her horse and putting away her tack, she left the barn area without even saying good-night.

      Jake turned and stared at her retreating figure. Okay, so she was unhappy with him. So be it. They’d had a long day today, but she was the one who wanted to learn about ranching. He wasn’t going to make it easy for her just because she was a woman.

      He headed for the bunkhouse. Opening the door to his room, he knew at once someone had been in. It wasn’t Harriet because his laundry was still in the basket. He slowly closed the door and found his lock box under his bed. Turning the lock, he opened the box and found both journals still in place. He took them out, relocked the box and replaced it under his bed.

      Then he hid the journals inside his shirt, covered by his jacket, and went out into the main room. Once there, he noted several of the men watching him. He suspected those were the ones who had gone into his room.

      He mentally noted the names and pasted on a smile. “I hear we have pie tonight boys.”

      “Aw, boss,” Cookie complained, “I was keeping them pies a secret.”

      “Sorry, Cookie, I didn’t know.” He kept his gaze on the two men he suspected, noting they weren’t swayed by the idea of pie. Suddenly, neither was he.

      Penny dragged herself into the house that evening, feeling even worse than she had the day before.

      Harriet took one look at her and poured her a cup of coffee. “Shower or dinner first?”

      “I think I’ll just wash up in the bathroom down here. I’m not sure I could even climb the stairs.”

      “I should mention that your cousin, Sally is coming to dinner. She called for you earlier and she seemed a little down so I invited her. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

      Penny jumped to her feet and then groaned as her aching body protested. “Oh, Harriet, thank you, it’ll be so good to see her. I’ll go take a shower. Do you need any help?”

      “No, honey, I’m fine. I’ll have the table set before you get back down here.”

      Penny wasn’t as fast as she’d intended. The hot water held her captive, easing her strained muscles. But she finally dried off and slipped into clean clothes. Then she hurried downstairs.

      Sally was already there, but she jumped to her feet to hug her cousin.

      “I’m so glad you came. You’ve met Harriet?”

      “Yes, I have. She convinced me to come to taste her apple pie.”

      “She had to convince you?” Penny demanded.

      “No, not really. It was just a good excuse.”

      “Okay, I’ll forgive you. Harriet, is there anything we need to do to help you?”

      “No, just sit down. It’s all ready,” Harriet assured her, carrying dishes to the table. In no time, all three were enjoying Harriet’s good cooking.

      “So tell me, Penny, how’s the new manager working out?”

      “I don’t know yet,” Penny said, keeping her gaze on her plate.

      “What do you mean?” Sally asked.

      “Well, we’ve spent the last two days riding the perimeter of the property and he’s been asking me lots of questions. The thing is I don’t have too many answers.”

      “I thought he was supposed to be teaching you.”

      “I thought so, too, but I suppose