Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
“I have a question!”
“Why can’t we—”
“When is—”
There was chaos for a few minutes, as everyone tried to ask questions at once. Some of the answers were right in the packets they’d received, but most of them hadn’t even looked. After flipping through the pages and brochures, Carter had a question and he pitched his voice to cut across the others.
“Will we be staying in the bunkhouses for the first week?”
Bunkhouses? What fresh hell was this? Did that mean they would be sleeping in a group? The large brunch sat heavily in her stomach, and she wished she hadn’t eaten so much.
“Good question. Next week when you’re back with your partners, each couple will have your own cabin, but for now… yes, most will be staying in the bunkhouses. We have one for men and one for the ladies,” Ma explained.
Obviously that caused another commotion, and their host stopped and waited. When they showed no signs of quieting after a full minute, she clapped her hands loudly. “Thank you,” she said, as they finally stopped talking. “I understand this is a surprise, but I think you’ll find it’s a fun way to get to know each other. And our bunkhouses aren’t exactly rustic. You’ll be quite comfortable.”
“Are they?” she whispered to Carter.
He hesitated and then shook his head. “They were … rough when I was here, but that was a long time ago. I’m sure they’ve been renovated.”
She let out a long sigh.
But standing in the doorway of the ladies’ bunkhouse, she had to admit Ma had told the truth. There was nothing rustic or ‘rough’ about the building. She was also pleasantly surprised to have her own little cubicle with a cozy twin bed.
Ma led them through the building to a large sitting area with comfortable couches and a huge television. “Consider it a weeklong slumber party,” she suggested, as she stood in the center and pointed out the popcorn maker, and the fridge with snacks and drinks.
Allegra had never been to a slumber party, not really, and the idea was oddly appealing, though it would depend on whether the cluster of women got along. So far, she hadn’t really talked to any of them. Most seemed just as confused as she was.
“The bathroom is through there.” Their host pointed to the obvious door. “Shower stalls, toilet stalls, and a four-person sauna if you want to catch some steam after work. I highly recommend that.”
“About the work thing…” someone called out. “We’re um, not really going to be doing cowboy—uh, cowgirl stuff, are we? Like real ranch work?”
Ma motioned for them to all move in and sit. “The life of a cowboy is rough. They work from sunup to sundown most of the year, and it’s exhausting. So, in that respect… no, you won’t be doing that.”
A relieved murmur swept the group. “What we aim to do is give you a slice of that life. You’ll get the experiences and you’ll learn a lot, but there will be plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and most importantly… bonding with your significant other.”
Allegra felt the tension in her middle loosen. That sounded a lot better than what she’d been picturing, and apparently, she wasn’t alone. “What if we don’t know anything about ranch stuff though?” she couldn’t help asking.
Ma smiled at her, and it seemed maybe a little more personal than the professional smile she’d been giving the others. “Don’t you worry about that, Allegra. We know that most of our guests have never actually been on a working ranch. You’ll learn as you go. We team each couple up with an experienced cowboy who can show you the ropes.”
Allegra nodded, right before the older woman added, “Although in your case, I expect Carter will be able to teach you anything you need to know. He was one of our best hands when he was here.”
The other guests all turned to look at Allegra, and she felt suddenly like she was on a stage. She wasn’t really sure how to reply to that, so she just said, “Thank you,” and waited for them to move on. Since there were plenty more questions, the attention left her pretty quickly.
The rest of the day flew by, with tours of the ranch, unpacking, and getting to know the other couples they’d be with. New guests arrived throughout the day and by dinner time, everyone was present and accounted for.
The food was served outside, and the smell of barbecued meat had her stomach growling long before they made their way over. The late afternoon sun slowly sank behind the trees, as they filled their plates and wandered around chatting with each other. When the stars came out, Pa and some of the cowboys started a fire in a large ring of rocks.
Carter picked one of the logs that made up the fire’s rustic seats, and she settled down next to him. Her head rested against his shoulder as she sipped a glass of wine. “This is nice,” she admitted.