Winds of Wyoming (A Kate Neilson Novel) by Rebecca Carey Lyles Read Free Book Online Page A

corner, a life-size log bear with a chiseled smile dangled a sad-eyed wooden fish from an outstretched paw. In the other corner, overstuffed leather chairs and a loveseat faced a rock fireplace. She was scrutinizing the huge animal head above the fireplace when a side door opened and a petite, middle-aged woman stepped into the room.
    The woman smiled. “That’s Mangy. He’s our mascot.”
    “But, what is it? An elk?”
    “No, it’s a moose. Our son bagged it when he was a teenager.”
    “I’ve never seen a moose before. He’s, uhm …”
    She laughed. “Homely? Is that the word you’re looking for?”
    Kate grinned. “Kind of ugly, kind of cute.”
    “That says it. You should see their calves—really funny-looking little guys. All legs.”
    She extended her hand. “I’m Laura Duncan. Are you by any chance Kate Neilson?”
    “Yes, I am.” Kate shook her hand.
    “Welcome to the Whispering Pines. Did you have a good trip?”
    Until Copperville. “This was my first time to travel across the country. The further west I drove, the more I enjoyed the scenery, especially Colorado and Wyoming.”
    “You timed it right. We’ve had several years of drought, but last winter both states received lots of snow, so the wildflowers are gorgeous this spring.” She led Kate through the side door and a hallway to a living room.
    “You have a nice home. I love the wood floors.” They were a lighter color and didn’t creak as much as the Highway Haven floors.
    “Thank you.” A wistful look crossed Laura’s face. “Dan and I built this place ourselves when we bought the ranch almost thirty-five years ago.” She directed Kate toward the dining room. “Care for some cookies and a glass of lemonade?”
    “Sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
    “Have a chair and help yourself to a cookie. I’ll get you a glass and a napkin. Cyrus, say hello to Kate Neilson from Pittsburgh. Kate, that’s Cyrus Moore. We’re in the middle of making a supply list.”
    Kate hadn’t seen the man hunkered in the dark corner. She moved her sunglasses to the top of her head. “Hi, Cyrus. Sorry to interrupt your meeting.”
    He stood to shake her hand. “No problem.”
    He was short, wiry and weathered, with a voice that reminded her of driving over gravel and cattle guards. She felt calluses in his firm grip.
    He motioned to Laura, who was pouring lemonade for Kate. “We barely got going after the last interruption.”
    Laura shook her head. “It’s been quite an afternoon.” She set the pitcher down. “In all the craziness lately, I’m not sure I told you about Kate joining our staff.”
    “No, ma’am.”
    “Please sit down, both of you.” She moved the cookie platter in front of Kate and took a seat. “Kate just earned a marketing degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She’ll do her internship with us this summer and possibly become a year-round employee. My plan is for her to learn the ropes of running a guest ranch—everything we can teach her about our operation, with an emphasis on marketing, which should enable her to fulfill her internship requirements plus give us an extra hand when we’re busy.
    “As Kate and I have discussed …” She turned to Kate. “After Labor Day, we’ll talk about whether or not the WP is the best place for you to continue your career.”
    “Sounds fair.” Kate bit into a cookie, praying her stomach was ready for food.
    Cyrus looked from Laura to Kate and back again, one eyebrow cocked.
    Laura continued. “Cyrus has been with us for twenty-three years. He knows the Whispering Pines inside and out. Though he builds great fences and can fix the plumbing and groom the horses, during the summer months, we use his culinary talents in the dining hall. You’ll eat there as part of your compensation.”
    “I appreciate that. Thank you.” Maybe she could survive without cash after all, at least for a couple weeks.
    “We’re still contemplating how to divide the workload this first summer