Sea Of Grass by Kate Sweeney Read Free Book Online Page A

wire.”
    Jack did as she asked. Tess looked at Jed, who nodded and knelt beside the boy. “She looks small, but if she gets ornery, she may jump,” he offered his assistance. Jack nodded and began stroking the calf’s ear.
    His mother stood there looking nervous. Tess looked up and smiled. “I could use a little help.”
    Mrs. Redmond blinked. “I don’t think I’d be very good at this.”  
    Tess gave her a frowning grin. “I’m not asking you to marry it, just hand me the stuff when I ask for it.”
    Tess laughed but quickly recovered when she saw the glare from Jed. “Sorry.”
    Mrs. Redmond narrowed her eyes in anger. “That’s quite all right. I’m not the marrying kind anyway,” she added dryly, and Tess laughed.
    She knelt next to Tess and watched as Tess used the wire cutter to free the bleeding leg from the barbed wire. She handed her the antiseptic and poured it on the injured leg, causing the calf to let out another mournful grunt.
    “Easy now,” Tess cajoled as she took the rolled gauze from Mrs. Redmond, who surprisingly did not pass out.
    “You’re doing fine, Jack. Keep it up,” Tess said, not looking up as she tied off the bandage. She then sat back on her heels admiring her handiwork.
    “There, that ought to do it.” She stood and stretched her back.
    “Ya still got it, Tess,” Jed said with a wink.
    “It’s been a while. I’m glad I didn’t cause further damage,” Tess said, rubbing the back of her leg.
    “Are you all right?” Jed asked with a devilish grin. “Something achin ’ ya?”
    Tess sneered in his direction but ignored him. Instead, she offered her hand to Mrs. Redmond, who took it and stood, as well.
    Jack still sat there cradling the calf’s head in his lap. He looked up at Tess. “Maybe I should stay with her for a little while. She probably misses her mom.”
    Jed grinned and ruffled his hair.
    Tess nodded. “I think that would be a good idea. I think she likes you. You have a gift, Jack. Usually, calves don’t like to be touched like that.”
    Jack looked down at the calf and stroked its head. “I think she needs me,” he said almost to himself.
    All three adults stood there watching as Jack took care of the injured animal. It was a touching scene for Tess, who felt the tears stinging her eyes, and as she looked at her father, she could see the old gray eyes watering. Mrs. Redmond sniffed.
    “Okay, let Jack take care of…well, you’d better name her now, son,” Jed said with a chuckle.
    “What should I name her?” he asked and looked up.
    Tess took off her hat and scratched the unruly blond hair. “Well, I found her in a clover patch…”
    “Clover,” Jack exclaimed, and the calf moaned as if angry that Jack stopped rubbing her head.
    Mrs. Redmond shook her head. “Okay, Jack. Dinner will be ready in one hour. Make sure you wash your hands,” she added with a grimace and walked out of the stable.
    Tess and Jed watched the retreating figure. “It’s a good thing she can cook,” Tess mumbled out of the corner of her mouth.
    “I guess we’ll find out,” Jed said.

    By five o’clock on the dot, Stan, Luke, and Chuck came lumbering into the huge kitchen. Maria and Mrs. Redmond were manning the stove as the men sat in their usual places. Stan and Luke eyed the new cook.
    Tess stood in the doorway and saw the look. She instantly bristled but said nothing. A few mumbles and chuckles ensued, and Tess cleared her throat and walked into the kitchen.
    The chuckling stopped.
    “Boys, this is Mrs. Redmond. She’ll be taking over for Maria until the fall. You will respect her as you respect Maria,” she said, looking at the culprits, who buried their heads in their coffee.
    Mrs. Redmond whirled around and gave Tess a stern look but said nothing. Maria caught the look and continued with dinner.
    “Have a good meal,” Tess said, then walked out.
    Mrs. Redmond watched the door swinging. “Maria, I’ll be back in a minute.” She dried her hands on