Montana Hearts by Charlotte Carter Read Free Book Online

Sarah said. “Beth told me there was no other way to reach you. I was under the impression you had grounded her.”
    Anger built in Kurt’s chest. He forced himself to stayin control as the two pickup trucks roared up to the barn and four hands from neighboring ranches piled out of the vehicles.
    â€œBoth of you, stay right where you are,” he said.
    â€œEspecially you, Beth.”
    He reined his horse toward the arriving men. Still agitated, the gelding danced around, and Kurt had to reassert control over the animal.
    â€œSorry, fellows. A false alarm. But thanks for coming.”
    Larry Hicks from the Skyline Ranch thumbed his hat farther back on his head. “You sure everything is okay?”
    No, everything was not okay. “A little misunderstanding. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
    â€œNo problem. Boys were lookin’ for a little excitement anyway. They got the summer doldrums.” Larry grinned at his buddies.
    â€œCould you call the dispatcher in town, ask ’em to call off the volunteer fire truck?” Kurt asked.
    â€œWill do.” Larry resettled his hat and all the men climbed back into their trucks.
    Kurt dismounted and walked his horse to the back of the house where Beth and Sarah were waiting for him.
    Before Kurt had a chance to say a single word, Beth laid into him.
    â€œDaddy, this is so wrong. I knew you didn’t really mean I was grounded. That was only for Nana’s benefit so she’d get off my back. And Beth wouldn’t believe me, so I—”
    â€œYou’re not only grounded, Beth, you’re going to dochores all day. Starting with cooling off Pepper.” He patted the horse’s sweaty neck. “And giving him a good rubdown. Cleaning out the stalls comes next.”
    â€œDad…dy!” she wailed. “You can’t mean—”
    â€œI do. Every word.” He handed her Pepper’s reins.
    â€œNow get busy, young lady. When the stalls are clean, come tell me, and I’ll think of something else for you to do. We’ve let a lot of things go around the place this past year.” Including him letting his daughter slide by when he should have been paying more attention to Beth and less to his own feelings of guilt and grief. That was going to change.
    The daggers Beth glared at him had sharp points, and they hurt at some deep level he hadn’t felt in a long time.
    She yanked on the reins and walked Pepper to the barn, her ponytail swinging like the swishing tail of a raging bull.
    â€œI love you, angel,” he said under his breath, and exhaled a weary sigh.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Sarah said. “I didn’t know that the gong would bring the entire county out here to see what was wrong.”
    â€œYep. That’s what it was meant to do.” He plucked his cell phone from the holster on his belt. “Of course, nowadays using one of these is a lot more efficient.”
    Her eyes widened and pink colored her cheeks. “I asked about you having a cell. She said where you were was a dead zone.”
    Taking off his hat, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and sat down on the top porch step. Rudy joinedhim, sitting on his haunches, his ears alert, his eyes curious.
    â€œThere’re a couple of dead zones,” Kurt said. “But three years ago the cell company put up three towers, one on my property and the other two nearby. My cell works most everywhere on the ranch. I should’ve thought to give you the number.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea.” She eased herself down to a step one below his. “I don’t think Beth meant any harm. I think she’s troubled.”
    Gazing off into the distance, he idly petted the dog. “Yeah, I get that. And I haven’t been much of a father lately.”
    â€œIt’s never too late. I suspect that’s why she’s acting out. She wants you to pay attention to her even if it means she’s getting