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146 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano

Billy got his breath back. When Billy stood up and got on his feet, he took a swing at big Jim.

The big mans’ fist put Billy down and out for good.

The cries coming from the bedroom, told that Claudia was not having an easy time of

bringing the child into the world. It was a good thing Molly was staying with her these last two

days. Joe came over nearly every day to check on the soon to be mother but always rode home

to take care of the livestock and do his work at his place.

“Sounds like the baby is wantin’ to come and meet his Papa.”

Said Big Jim.

“Thees sounds make Juan crayssie!” stated Juan.

Gilberto sat in his chair, hands clasped, head down and praying.

“I hope he come soon, thees bebe.” Said Juan. “We going to drink all the coffee.”

“What you gonna name him Gil?” asked Big Jim.

“I don’t know, I’ll think of something when I see him or her”. Said Gilberto.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

Rosemarie rode out early to work with her colts. They were all doing well and she was proud

of her accomplishments with them. She didn’t consider herself in the same class with some of

the men that had worked for her father in past years but she was getting through to these colts.

When she would run into a problem with one of them, she would contemplate every possible

reason for the problem and how to get past it.

Ramon was acting more like a man every day. She was proud of her brother for taking charge of

the rancho.

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