THE BRONC PEELER 24

all that day bill stewed over what he was going to say to her when she got back in from rideing and checking the cattle. his leg was much better but he still couldnt ride . but kate had stepped into the void and was makeing a lot of horse tracks. deep down bill was proud of her. jim went about the ranch chores and the cooking while bill stayed propped up on the porch. late in the afternoon she came back, her horse jogging along like it was sunday . she rode past the house without a sideways glance and rode on to the barn. " still mad, man did i screw up." bill said to himself. jim stepped out on the porch a long handled ladel in hand and a apron tied around his waist made from a empty flour sack. "pard if i was you and wanted to salvage something i would take my hat in hand and go beg my pardons. i know your pride will get in the way but get used to it. your looking at a life time of doing it." jim went back in the house. bill heaved him self up out of the chair and grabbing a stick he used for walking started hobbling toward the barn where kate was unsaddling her horse. as he stumped up close she turned at the sound of the walking stick thumping in the soil as he hobbled up. " kate, i didnt mean to make you mad this morning. i never proposed to a woman before. i hope we can move past that. if i need to il get down on one knee to propose your happiness is the one thing in my life thats important right now." bill started out his apology. kate turned to bill and looked him right square in the face." you couldnt get down on one knee if you tried and besides that if you did how you gonna get back up? ive had all day to think on this, looking at cows and covering a lot of country. i understand the man you are. ill overlook what you said too. after supper tonite lets all three set down, and set a date and place and yes ill marry you. but i want you well enough to stand up next to me without that walking stick. and i got to get a dress made. i dont think getting married in britches is a social grace."kate leaned over and kissed bill. a long hard kiss. when she backed away he stood transfixed " thats a preview of whats to come over a life time together. let meturn this horse loose and lets go see what jim has on the stove." when she came back from turning her horse loose kate hung her bridle on a nail by where her saddle sat then turning she laced her arm through bills as they started to the house. : and while we are laying down ground rules, no more owl headed broncs! if we happen to have a kid or two i dont want them ending up fatherless." bill hobbled along and looked at her" just so you know, this peeler is through with bad horses. and yes i dont want my kids growing up with their mom being a better hand than their dad." they both started laughing as they neared the house. jim steped out the door and saluted them with the ladel" well ime glad you two got that settled. supper is ready."