Page 4 of Mountain Refuge

Dani shot a look over her shoulder. “Who is Monster?”

“Their brute of a dog,” the chef answered. “Mean-looking, but very sweet. Usually, he’s waiting at the road for the…ah, there he is.” She opened the back door to let in the biggest, muddiest dog Dani had ever seen.

“Fitting name.”

The dog sat and tenderly took a cookie offered by Mrs. White. “Cupcake would be a more fitting name.” She grinned and patted the dog’s neck. “I see why he wasn’t here. He’s been in the creek. Monster loves the water. I hope you like dogs because he’s the third twin most of the time.”

“If she doesn’t—” Derrick said looking up, “then we can’t be friends.” He returned his attention to his homework.

“Good thing I like dogs, then.” She stifled a laugh and started chopping onions.

“Dad!”

She turned as the boys raced to their father and wrapped their arms around his waist. “Good afternoon.”

“Ladies.” He nodded and ruffled his sons’ hair. “Sorry, I didn’t join you for the snack, boys. I was neck deep in the ledger.”

“You hate the ledger,” Eric muttered. “It makes you grouchy.”

“Not all the time.” He shrugged Dani’s way. “Anyway, boys, I have something I’d like to discuss with you if you have the time.”

“Sure, Dad. We can take a break.” Eric said, then they returned to the table and closed their notebooks.

“Does he always treat them like little men?” She whispered to Mrs. White.

“When they’re not misbehaving. He has ever since their momma died two years ago. Horse-riding accident.”

Her blood rushed to her toes. “I’m supposed to learn how to ride tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry.” She clapped a flour-covered hand on Dani’s shoulder. “Accidents are rare.”

“What’s your idea, Dad?”

“This concerns the women, too. Mind if we include them in this discussion?”

Dani turned as the boys nodded. At the urging of Mrs. White, she sat next to Derrick on the bench seat of the small kitchen table.

“My ideas to bring in some funds until we have foals ready to sell will increase everyone’s workload.” Dylan reached for a cookie. “But, it should be heaps of fun, too.”

“Spill the beans.” Mrs. White planted fists on her rounded hips. “I don’t have all day.”

He laughed, then choked and reached for Derrick’s unfinished milk. After holding up a finger for them to wait, he took a few swallows, then cleared his throat. “Okay, Mrs. Impatient. I’m thinking about opening up the ranch to tours from the school, day camps, summer camps, and overnight guided camping. Horseback lessons, that sort of stuff.” He grinned.

Dani widened her eyes. “How does this affect me?” Her responsibility lay with the boys.

“I’m going to need the help of my sons. They’re avid riders and know these woods. The boys can be an inspiration to the other kids and can actually lead some of the lessons.”

Mrs. White sighed. “I’ll ask my niece to come help me clean those rooms in that empty bunkhouse. I reckon you plan on putting that to use.”

“For youth groups, yes.” He pushed to his feet. “I’m going to start on advertising. I’d like to have this up and running when school is out, and I need to tell the guys.”

“Good ideas, Dad. We’re going big-foot hunting in a while.” Eric opened his notebook. “It’ll be a big hit with the tours!”

Dylan glanced at Dani. “Big foot?”

“The boys’ idea.” She shrugged. “I’d like to get to know the woods around here anyway.”

“Good idea. Take Monster with you.” He patted the dog’s head and left the room.