Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone Read Online Free

look like Andy from the ranch and the guy that was in the fight?” asked Amanda.
    â€œEveryone here looks the same to me in cowboy hats and jeans,” replied Leah. “Now, where can I buy some of those chill cowboy boots everyone is wearing?”

Chapter 5
    â€œMom, Leah wants to buy some cowboy boots. Can we take her shopping today?” asked Amanda the next morning.
    â€œSure, that would be fun. We can stop at the Cowboy Boot Warehouse on MacLeod Trail and then head out to your uncle’s farm. They’re expecting us for lunch.”
    Amanda gave Leah’s arm a squeeze. “You’ll get to meet my farm cousins.”
    â€œHow many do you have?”
    â€œTen.” Amanda held up all her fingers.
    â€œAll in the same family?” Leah’s eyes grew larger.
    â€œOh yes. Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Marjorie had one kid a year, except one year they had a set of twins. Uncle Jimmy said instead of hiring extra help on the farm, he produced his own.” Amanda giggled. “Uncle Jimmy is a funny guy. You’ll see.”
    â€œI have only two cousins and I never see them.”
    â€œWell, you can share some of mine then.” Amanda grabbed Leah’s hand as they headed towards the SUV.
    * * *
    The warm smell of leather greeted the girls when they entered the Cowboy Boot Warehouse .
    Leah looked around in amazement. “I…I wouldn’t know where to start.”
    Shelves full of boots of all colours and styles lined the walls and filled the centre of the store. Boots even hung from the ceiling.
    â€œLet’s start with your size.” Amanda’s mom led them to the correct area of the store. “You girls start trying on boots while I look at some in my size.”
    Amanda had fun picking out boots for Leah to try on. Soon a mound of boots surrounded them. They giggled as they surveyed the assortment. Just then a young man appeared around a corner.
    â€œMay I help you?” He looked surprised. “Oh—hello again.”
    â€œHi Dan!” said both girls at once when they recognized the boy from the Indian Village.
    â€œDo you work here?” asked Amanda.
    â€œYes, this is my part-time job. I’m saving up to go to university when I graduate from grade twelve next year.”
    He looked at the boots scattered about. “Are you planning to buy all of these?”
    Leah blushed. “I just can’t decide. They’re all so rad.”
    Dan picked up a pink, pointy-toed boot stitched with swirls of flowers and a white top embroidered with pink flowers. “Try these on, Leah.”
    Leah pulled them on over her skinny jeans.
    â€œWalk over to the mirror and have a look.”
    Leah viewed herself in the long mirror.
    â€œYou sure rock those boots, Leah,” exclaimed Amanda.
    â€œHow do they feel? It’s important that they’re comfortable,” said Dan.
    â€œThey feel like they were made just for me.” Leah beamed. “I don’t want to take them off. My mates in England are going to be ever so jealous.”
    â€œGreat! What about you, Amanda?” He chose a red pair embroidered with small white flowers with stars as centres. “I think these would suit you just fine.”
    â€œHave you found anything you like?” Mrs. Ross arrived holding a dark brown pair of boots decorated with blue birds and red roses.
    â€œDan helped us pick out the best in the store.”
    â€œYou are a fine salesperson, Dan. Where do I pay for all of these?”
    â€œHe sure is a good salesperson.” A man in a black cowboy hat slapped Dan on the back.
    Dan jumped. “Uncle Ed, stop doing that. You scared me out of my wits.” He grinned at the man. “I’d like to introduce you to my new friends, Amanda and her friend Leah who is visiting from England. This, I assume, is your mother, Amanda?”
    â€œOh, yes. Sorry. Mom this is Dan Crow Feather. Dan this is my mom.”
    â€œNice to meet