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119 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

“Dear Rosemarie,” I began. “I am planning another trip to Rancho Seco, as soon as the

weather allows me to get away. I will be looking forward to seeing you and I would like to buy

more mares. You and your father will be responsible for helping me raise some of the finest

horses in this part of the United States. I have recently contracted with some big ranches and I

will be able to sell as many as fifty green broke horse colts per year. I also have many

interested customers for young mares. I think of our last visit often and you are always on my

mind. I wish I could convince you to live the rest of your life with me here on Tamale Ridge.

We could raise many beautiful colts and children here. They could play all day in the warm

New Mexico sun. I have never said this to another human being but I want you to know that I

mean it with all sincerity. Rosemarie, I love you and I want you to come back with me this time.

We will be married.”

This was not the first letter like this that I had written. I sometimes felt like I was practicing

my letter writing. Although I meant every word, I just couldn’t bring myself to send them. I

would crumple them up and burn them in the fireplace.

Things were going well here. Gilberto and Claudia were now moved into the new cabin and

they were both very proud of their new home. Gilberto chattered all day, as they worked the

young horses, about the young one coming and all the plans in the making.

“The bebe, He no here yet and Gilberto got heem job, tech it everthink. Bebe, he no cam yet

and he already smart.” Juan said.

“That is the way expecting fathers are”. I told Juan.

Juan was the same. He made bread and cooked sometimes, to go along with what Claudia

cooked. There was not ever a shortage of something to eat around here.

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