THE GILTER

CHAPTER EIGHT

A new house keeper was employed, Mrs. Rose and her fifteen year old daughter; Stella. She was a widow and she couldn’t leave her daughter with someone else, so moved in with her.

Stella was a sweet girl who looked adoringly at Josh since the first day she saw him. She followed him around ,at first Josh was frustrated but, with time he began to tolerate her.

Days flew into weeks and week into months, Cathie managed everything, she was surprised at how capable she was, she sometimes seek advice from Christopher and Herrick. The herds grew from hundreds to thousands, the work became more demanding but, everyone worked hard. Still everyone made sure they had time of their own.

Some months later, Christopher retired, he left the ranch with his wife and went to live with their son.

***

At the age of twenty four, Cathie got married to Herrick, they were tied together at a small church in town and a reception was held at the ranch.

‘Congratulations!’ Josh said hugging Cathie then Herrick.

‘Thanks bro.’ Herrick said smiling

‘Thanks bro.’ Cathie said too

Josh raised his brows at Cathie, she shrugged and laughed.

‘You are my bro by law now.’ she said ‘’Technically.’’

Herrick laughed, Josh joined him

‘’Josh!’’

They turned as they saw Stella making her way through the guest, she stood beside Josh, hooking her hand with his, she smiled at the couples.

‘’Congratulations, wish you all the best.’ Stella said breathlessly.

‘Thanks, Stella.’ Cathie smiled at her ‘I was wondering were you were when I saw Josh alone.’ she raised her brow

‘He ditched me!’ Stella said smirking at Josh

‘You should just get married.’ Herrick said ‘both of you together.’

‘Yes, we should.’ Stella said tugging at his hand

Josh looked down at her with horror ‘Marry you?’ he shrieked

Although Josh was only twenty one, he looked too manly, age had done good on him, he’s a very fine specimen.

Pretty stella, now seventeen smiled at him ‘I cant live without you.’ She said

‘I am in trouble!’ Josh whispered, shaking his head.

Herrick and Cathie busted into laughter , Josh narrowed his eyes at them ‘When are you leaving for your honeymoon?’ he asked

Herrick glanced at his wrist watch, ‘In one hour.’ He said

‘Great!’ Josh said excited ‘I will be free of you two for three months, bliss!’

‘You are going to miss us.’ Cathie said

‘Never.’ He said smiling down at Stella,’ I wont have the time to miss you, not with this wench here, I will be pretty occupied.’

They joked a little more before Josh and Stella left them, other guests came to say their facilitations. When it was time for the couples to go, they said their thanks and drove away for their honeymoon.