No One But You by Leigh Greenwood Read Free Book Online Page B

looked at the spoon like it was a rattlesnake.
    Rose pressed it into his hand. “I haven’t been able to figure out how to keep Zac and Tyler from stealing sweets,” she said. “Zac has mastered the art of putting a whole cookie in his mouth and still being able to talk. I tell him he’s got pouches in his cheeks like a squirrel.”
    Sarah couldn’t imagine having a child behave like that. She had done exactly what she was told as a child. On the few occasions she hadn’t, the punishment had been quick and harsh. Her own children had never required punishment. Jared wasn’t able to get in trouble, and Ellen never thought of anything except helping take care of her brother and helping with the ranch in any way she was able.
    â€œIt’s time to think about fixing supper,” Rose said. “I wonder where the boys are.”
    â€œI’ll be glad to help,” Sarah offered.
    â€œYou’re company.”
    â€œCompany that wasn’t invited. I insist on helping.”
    â€œI’m not sure I could get anything done with that many people in the kitchen.”
    â€œLet Zac and Tyler have the day off.”
    â€œIf I did that, they’d be wanting a day off all the time. You don’t know what it’s like having to deal with six Randolph men. You can’t give them an inch.”
    Sarah didn’t know quite how to take Rose’s remarks. She doubted Rose was one to suffer mistreatment. Besides, she’d made her complaints with humor instead of rancor.
    A commotion caught her attention, and she turned just in time to see a handsome but disheveled urchin burst into the kitchen. “I smell doughnuts,” he announced. His gaze swept the room looking for the source of the tantalizing aroma.
    â€œRose said she was never making doughnuts again after you stole so many last time.” This from a tall, skinny boy who entered on the first one’s heels.
    â€œI smell them,” the boy said. “I know they’re here.”
    â€œThey’re in this tin,” Jared announced, much to Sarah’s surprise. “Rose said I’m to whack you with this spoon if you try to steal one.”
    The boy turned his full attention on Jared. “I don’t know who the hell you are, but get ready to die.”

Four
    Rose took the boy by the ear. “This impudent rascal is Zac,” she said to Jared. “Pay no attention to him. His bark is worse than his bite.”
    â€œI don’t bark and I don’t bite,” Zac announced as he wiggled free. “I just shoot people.”
    â€œGo get the wood,” Rose said, pointing to a box in the corner, “or I’ll give your doughnuts to Monty.”
    â€œYou can’t,” Zac protested. “He’d eat ’em.”
    â€œThen you’d better hurry with that wood. The sooner I fix supper, the sooner you’ll get your doughnuts. The tall one who’s going for water is Tyler,” Rose said to Sarah. The boys had left as quickly as they’d entered. “You’ve probably heard the only words he’ll speak all evening.”
    Sarah had never been allowed to run outside much less inside the house. She’d had to keep her voice low and speak only when addressed. She had no idea what her mother would have done with a boy like Zac. Her father would have broken an endless string of sticks on his back until he’d broken his spirit. It was clear no one had broken Zac’s, though he obeyed Rose without question.
    â€œI really would like to help,” Sarah said.
    â€œOkay,” Rose said, relenting. “I’ll tell you what I’m planning to fix, and we can divide the dishes between us.”
    The next hour was unlike anything Sarah had ever experienced. It was soon obvious that Rose knew what every person in the kitchen was doing even though she never seemed to take her eyes off her own work. She kept Zac and Tyler busy fetching and