Chapter Six
Ella
Everyone seemed to be on edge with the exit of the Gentry brothers. I had no idea why. So, what if they left? “Momma, why’s everyone on pins and needles today?” I ran the dust cloth over the banister to shine it up.
She’d been on her way upstairs but stopped when I asked. Turning to me with concern in her eyes.
“Honey, don’t you understand? If these men don’t take on the ranch, then it’ll go to the state. The state won’t keep it the way it is. We’ll all lose our jobs. And in our case, our home. The only home we’ve had since before you kids were born.”
“Why is that?” The state wouldn’t shut the ranch down.
“How many state-run ranches have you heard of, Ella?” She rolled her eyes at me. “If the state keeps it as a working ranch, they’ll probably fill the place with pri
