Rain Dance Read Online Free

don’t actually eat that, do you?”
    Typical, Sam thought. Jake bit his tongue to keep from saying something rude to Gram, but he didn’t mind staring at her as if she were nuts.
    â€œIt’s good,” Sam said. “Aunt Sue was just introducing me to it before I left San Francisco.” She considered Jake’s grimace. “Actually, Jake, I bet you’d like unagi .”
    â€œYeah, I just bet,” Jake said. He ate a matchstick-sized piece of cheese before curiosity got the better of him. “Okay, what is it?”
    â€œEel,” Sam said, then laughed along with everyone else when Jake recoiled. “So buckaroos don’t eat sushi?”
    â€œNot this one,” he said. He shook his head more than the statement required, maybe trying to dispel the image of bite-sized eel.
    â€œRest assured, we’ll have no eel on the trail, Jake,” said Gram.
    â€œThat’s good news,” Dad said.
    Sam glanced around the kitchen. It looked as it had this time last year when she’d just arrived from San Francisco. Back then, she’d barely noticed the white plastered walls and oak beams because of the cardboard boxes stacked against one wall. Then, she’d wondered what was inside. Now she knew they were packed with the foodstuffs and utensils Gramwould need for the cattle drive.
    Remembering how Gram had gone ahead of the cattle and riders every day to pitch tents and start the evening meal made Sam long for another week of lowing cows, doe-eyed calves, and endless days in the saddle. She could almost smell the bacon frying over Gram’s morning campfires.
    â€œSo, are you going on the drive or staying home?” Jen asked suddenly.
    The question jerked Sam’s mind back into the kitchen. Jen didn’t look pushy, but Sam knew her best friend wanted her to go so they could ride together.
    â€œI still haven’t exactly made up my mind,” Sam admitted.
    Jen sighed, but behind her brightly polished glasses, her eyes were filled with understanding.
    Jake had just stabbed a piece of ham in his salad. His fork paused halfway to his mouth and he glanced at Dad.
    â€œWe’re leaving tomorrow at four in the morning,” he said.
    â€œSo are we,” Dad said. “Sam’s still figurin’ out if that buckskin needs help foaling.”
    Jake gave a sympathetic nod. At least on horses, Jake and Sam agreed. He knew how excited she was about the coming foal.
    â€œIt is a tough decision,” Brynna said.
    She flashed a sympathetic smile that Sam foundreally irritating.
    â€œIt wouldn’t have to be,” Sam said. She made sure her voice wasn’t defiant, but it didn’t keep everyone at the table from looking at her.
    â€œI know,” Brynna said. “But I’m excited about going too, Sam, and I can’t take any more vacation time yet. I took the week for our honeymoon, and I want to take time when the HARP girls are here.”
    Brynna gave a small shrug, but it was clear to Sam that there was no way she would change her mind.
    â€œPresents!” Gram said suddenly. “Let’s go into the living room to open your gifts, dear, and we can have pie afterward.”
    The stack of brightly wrapped presents was enough to distract Sam from her dilemma.
    Gram loved shopping for clothes and she’d obviously gone back to buy the outfit Sam had spotted at Crane Crossing Mall a few weeks ago. Sam had no idea when she’d wear the short white skirt, matching sandals, and emerald green blouse, but who cared?
    â€œWow! You remembered! Thanks, Gram!” Sam bounced off the couch and gave Gram a hug before going on to the next present.
    Brynna sat on the edge of her chair as Sam dug through the tissue paper–filled gift bag, then pulled out a red leather book with blank pages.
    For a moment, Sam didn’t know what to say. The book was beautiful, but what was she supposed to dowith it?
    â€œYou’re