A Rancher for Their Mom (Rodeo Heroes) by Leann Harris Read Free Book Online

New Year’s and explained that his working on Christmas meant he could buy her a nicer bicycle as a gift. What she wanted was her father sharing Christmas with his family.
    “I know the kids will be disappointed not to see their grandparents. They are growing so quickly that you won’t recognize them.”
    “I’m disappointed not to be able to see them, too, but this opportunity just showed up and we couldn’t turn it down.”
    Nothing had changed with her parents. Living with her in-laws had taught her to expect more, but then she had to realize she was talking to her mom.
    “You know, maybe you and the kids could come to Brazil and spend Christmas with us. It would be such a treat for them to be in the warm weather.”
    Instead of enduring the cold wind and weather in the Panhandle.
April heard her mother’s implication although no words were spoken.
    “I don’t know, Mom. Who would take care of the animals and ranch while we were gone?”
    The line remained quiet for several moments. Finally, her mother said, “Your dad and I have talked about it. Both your husband and his family are dead, and all you have are those precious children. We think you should consider selling the ranch and moving to the city. Without the burden of that place, you could have time for your children. Find a job you like or go back to school and get a degree. You can’t do all that ranch work by yourself.”
    Her mother’s words felt like a knife in her heart. Sure, there were problems, but she wasn’t going to sell her children’s inheritance no matter what. Vernon had bragged how big the ranch had been in the early 1900s, when the Landerses had a big family and relatives who lived close by. But slowly, the family members had died or moved away. Vernon and Grace had only had one son instead of the seven that Vernon’s parents had had. The Circle L Ranch might not be the size it once was, but she wasn’t going to sell or desert it. It was part of her heart.
    April knew her father wanted her to sell the ranch, but she’d thought she had her mother’s support. Apparently not. “Thanks for the input, Mom. I’ll think about it.”
    “I know you love that place, but face reality. It’s a mighty big job and there’s only you.”
    “I have help to plant this year.” The words were out before she thought.
    “Oh?”
    It was the truth even if Joel was only here for the week. “I know the kids will miss seeing you. You and Dad might want to call them before Dad leaves and explain your exciting news.”
    “We’ll try.”
    In other words, it won’t happen.
“I pray things will go smoothly with the move, Mom.”
    “We can talk with the kids over the computer and they can see our new house once we’re settled.”
    April’s heart broke. “They’ll love it.”
    “I know you’re disappointed, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”
    The familiar refrain rang hollow. “I know.”
    When she hung up, April’s mind raced over all the birthdays, holidays and graduations her father had missed. She didn’t want that for her children. She wanted her kids to have a connection with their home and good memories of growing up—memories like going to the rodeo every year and having a tall cowboy show them how to lasso a horse or a cow.
    Determination filled her heart. She wouldn’t fail her babies. “Thank you, Lord, for sending help to plant my field, but I’m going to need a long-range plan and a way to make this happen.”
    And did that long-range plan own cowboy boots?

Chapter Four
    T he following day, Joel finished planting the hay field well before 10:00 a.m. Next they tackled the chores around the barn. Finally, Joel roped Buckwheat and Sammie and tied them to the posts outside the barn.
    “What are we doing, Mr. Joel?” Wes asked.
    The screen door slammed and April and Cora appeared.
    “If you’re going to own a horse, you’re going to need to learn to groom him. Had your opa shown you how to do that?”
    “He did, but Todd might