re really getting too old to do the tougher jobs around the ranch. The

g how the purchase went. "And that Luke, he's quit

had done nothing. But who knew? Maybe his charismatic p

didn't dare to place all her hopes on Luke yet, but the way things were going, she might be able to keep her p

g their tails around without a care in the world, but no sign of the workers. It was strange that t

named Alice, was missing its share of straw. How could John

whether Luke had somehow kidnapped her workers. She had expected Diego and Johnny to start working in the fields by now, or at least to ride to the far fence for some re

you so much for this much-needed break. We were starting to go crazy! Not that we don't enjoy the wo

you guys?"

sis min

ny's voice came t

dded. "So you're sure you don

y. It was true, they had been working overtime lately thanks to Ter

n a cheerful voice, "you deserve to

after ending the call. Who t

new she would want everything to be perfect to impress her

tor. It was going to be a long afternoon. The longer she worke

dinner time, she made an excuse, saying t

nished working on the tractor. It took until dusk, and H

r work gloves and hurried to the kitchen. She was s

towering turkey and cheese s

d as he had been the night they

laining to do," Hallie

e seen it coming he's a teenager with too much time on his hands. The really great thing

allie said, "And what were

as he leaned back with his hips against the counter. "

ut of here after the

't, because

't nee

arents to think we're h

d as loudly as before. "And you are free to leave

boyfriend then?" he asked w

hink you're helpful and responsible, and then you just take off with the ranch ha

ally means a lot to you, doesn't it

understand that I'm an adult, and that I can run the

ily you've got, I'll give y

of her sandwich. "If you don't want to be my fake boyfriend

t. I was just a little angry for being used as a fake boyfriend. But I can understand

ddenly you're all forgiving and gene

nteering to help you out," he

take a day off even though they're usually good workers

personality," Luke said, "I'm just good

to how she got into this

?" he

I first saw you, I wanted to play a prank on my parents. You were dead drunk, and I thought

left after this confession. She was angry enoug