Page 32 of Cherry Tree Ranch

Chapter Fifteen

“Hello?” I call out. It’s ridiculous to think someone’s in here, but I try again, more for my own sanity than anything else. “Hello? Is anyone here?”

There’s only silence. And I realize, now I’m inside, I’m not so afraid. Something about the barn feels sad, but kind. The door slams closed again and I flip the latch to keep it from banging. I hold the lantern out as far as possible but can only see a couple of feet in front of me. The shiny lacquered wood of the desk is brilliant under the light.

I sort through the desk and find a letter that draws me in. It’s dated before the newspaper article I read.

June 13, 1923

Daisy,

I wish you were here with me. I need someone to talk to. Some of the other girls are great friends, but nothing like you, sis. The thing is, I’m pregnant.

No one knows yet, except the dad. He’s the one I’ve been writing you about who’s on the circuit too. I’m going to take a break from riding broncs for now, but I’m going to travel on with the group. We may come home to get married. I cannot wait for you and Mama to meet him.

I hope you try out to ride next spring. We would have so much fun travelling the country and riding together. None of the rough stock are any worse than those wild horses Papa put us on, and you’ve always been a better rider than me.

Daisy, I’m terrified to have a baby.

Love ya, sis!

Dot

I find another letter.

June 19, 1923

Dottie,

I’m so happy for you! I think I will try out to ride broncs next year. I miss having you here. The new shepherd who’s taken over for Papa is nice. He’s about your age, but unlike you he’s quiet and keeps to himself.

I don’t mean to worry you, but there’s word around town the grazing wars are starting up again. Please don’t feel lonely. Me and Mama are always thinking of you. I cannot wait to meet your baby and be an aunt!

Love,

Daisy

These women were fearless. Dottie would have ridden shortly after having her baby. I can only imagine the grit that would take. I wonder if the shepherd Daisy is writing about is the same one who kept the photo of her in the sheep wagon.

I google grazing wars, Pinto Valley Colorado on my phone. It populates more information than I can possibly read, but the headings are enough to get the gist. It was a brutal time with a lot of bloodshed when competition for range land and water between sheep and cattle ranchers turned violent. I click my screen off, disgusted by the brutality.

I find an envelope tied in lavender ribbon. Inside is a letter dated a year later, shortly after their newspaper article.

June 2, 1924

Dear Mama,

Dot and I are doing well and having fun. Riding the train across the country is thrilling. We’ve seen places I never imagined existed. But nothing so far as beautiful as the ranch. I understand now why Grammy and Poppy wanted to settle there.

Dot and I have met women who attend universities and have very important jobs. The vote was only the beginning, Mama. I’m going to travel the world and attend college when we’re done rodeoing.

Neither of us have been hurt riding. I land on my feet most of the time. They sure do love watching us ladies. How are you doing? How is Joaquin?

With love,

Daisy

Joaquin. The name feels comfortable on my tongue as I whisper it aloud, almost familiar, but I can’t place that I know anybody who shares it. Is that who J was? Did he give Daisy the bronze horse inscribed with Te amo?