City Girl Read Free Page A

wedding she would never forget.”
    Virginia’s eyes rolled. “She’s sure to have that, and if it will keep peace in the family, then it’s worth it.”
    Liberty didn’t comment but was well aware of the story. Liberty also knew that at times Dakota found his mother rather stubborn on issues she felt were important. Virginia Rawlings was not as worried about St. Louis’ opinion as Darvi’s mother seemed to be, but when it came to spiritual truths, she was almost stiff with fear and pride. Mr. Rawlings had been more open, and the discussions with his sons had given them great hope, but Virginia still seemed to be digging her heels in on the subject. So much so, in fact, that Dakota had told Cash and Slater, If it wasn’t for Mother’s hesitance, I think Father would have come to Christ by now. He won’t have anyone to blame if he waits too long, but I do think Mother is holding him back.
    â€œIs there anything I can do to help?” Liberty asked, even as she prayed for Slater’s parents.
    â€œI can’t think of anything just now. Be sure you get your dress to Winnie so she can press it for you.”
    â€œShe came for it yesterday.”
    â€œOh, that’s right. I saw it in the back hallway. It’s beautiful, by the way.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Virginia sighed. “I’ve got so many lists in my head, I can’t keep track.”
    One of the staff came to the door just then with a question for the lady of the house. Virginia stood as she answered, moving toward the doorway, but then remembered her daughter-in-law.
    â€œOh, Libby, how rude of me to leave like this, but the truth is, I’m going to be so busy today. Are you going to feel terribly neglected, dear?”
    â€œNot at all, Mrs. Rawlings. Slater and his grandmother have plans this afternoon to show me where she used to live. Darvi and I will see you at dinner tonight,” Liberty reminded her. “Your sons are going out on their own.”
    â€œI’d forgotten about that,” she said with a laugh. “Look out, St. Louis!”

    â€œDo you remember the time you tried to hide from Father in a stall full of hay?” Dakota asked Slater that evening.
    The three Rawlings brothers were in a small St. Louis dining establishment. Their table was quiet, as was the rest of the place, and the smells coming from the kitchen told them their father’s recommendation had been a good one.
    â€œHow could I forget?” said the youngest brother, shaking his head at the memory. “I still have the scars from that pitchfork I never saw coming.”
    â€œI came into the house and thought you were dead,” Cash added. “All because Dak stood in the hallway and howled all the way through the doctor’s examination of you.”
    Dakota shook his head and smiled. “I hated the pain of one of Father’s spankings, and I thought a pitchfork in the seat must have been a hundred times worse.”
    â€œAt least I didn’t get both,” Slater added.
    â€œHe wouldn’t have done that,” Cash added with confidence. “I heard him and Mother in the kitchen later. He was too shaken up about the blood all over your pants.”
    Cash suddenly looked at Slater. “What had you done?”
    â€œRidden Father’s horse after I’d been told not to. I thought Father had gone to town, but when I came past the pond, I saw him headed into the barn. He came out a second later shouting my name, and I knew I’d been caught. He wasn’t even looking for me in that stall, he said later, but he decided to fork some hay into one of the stalls before he turned the ranch upside down to find me.”
    â€œFather’s probably hoping you have a son that gives you twice the trouble.”
    â€œMe?” Slater looked to Dakota in amazement. “I was easy compared to you, especially after you’d decided to join the Rangers. Why,