Page 30 of Colorado Bride
“No.Those are beef cows not milk cows.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The different breed of cow determines what they do.The black-and-white cows like Bessie are Holsteins and the best for milk.The cows I raise for beef are called Herefords.They get bigger and produce more meat.”
She sat on the milking stool and started milking Bessie.It took her a few tries to get the hang of it again, but her hands seem to remember what to do even though it was many years since she’d actually milked a cow.Soon she even squirted some of the cats and kittens.
“Why do you have so many cats?”
“They’re feral…barn cats.”
“They certainly seem to reproduce regularly.That’s a lot of kittens.”
He chuckled.
“Yes, we always seem to have a new litter.”
“Why aren’t you over run with cats?”
“They get eaten by other critters mostly.Some run off, but most are gotten by coyotes, foxes, wolves or cougars.”
“Should I be worried for my safety?Do I need to carry a gun?And will you teach me how to use it?”A frisson of fear settled in the pit of her stomach.So many dangerous animals.If they eat cats, what about people?
“It’s not necessary, the men and I will protect you.”
She gave him a sidelong glance.“You don’t seem to be doing too good a job with the cats.”
Now he laughed loudly.
“You have quite the sense of humor.”
“I wasn’t kidding.”
He laughed even more.
Emily shook her head, unable to understand the man.What had she said that was so funny?
She heard him chuckle periodically and couldn’t for the life of her, understand what he found so funny except her questions.Well, to heck with him.The only way she’d learn was to ask questions and so she would.She would not let pride keep her in the dark.But the more he laughed the angrier she got.
“I wish you’d quit laughing,” she said finally.“There is nothing funny about being killed by one of your…beasts.”
He walked over to her, where she sat on the milk stool and put his hands on the back of her neck and began to massage the knot there.
How does he know my neck and shoulders ache?
“You’re right.I shouldn’t laugh.I should explain.For the most part, those animals are not dangerous to people.The only one that you need to be wary of is the cougar or mountain lion.And those don’t usually come near the buildings.”
He continued his ministrations on her shoulders.
“I’m sorry I laughed.Better?”
She nodded, though it would be another moment before she could get her voice to sound normal.
“Will you teach me how to use a gun?I really believe I need to know how.”
“If it’s to protect yourself from wild animals, you don’t need it, but there are snakes and they do come into the barn and chicken house.So I suppose you should know how to use one.I’ll start teaching you soon.”
“Thank you.”
