She had to go to the bank to make the monthly deposits. She had to pay the loans for building and expanding the ranch. She needed to ride out on the n...rthern trail where one of the boarders had reported a tree down across the trail. Work had to be done. Laying the cat to rest had to wait.Kyle joined Ramie on the way back to the ranch house for dinner and took her hand. They walked quietly. Aubrey met them at the door with a kiss. After they’d scrubbed up they each cuddled a baby and then sat. We went back to paying attention. After a good sermon, the service was over. We all stood. Missus Madison said, “I’ve asked Jar to come for supper. I know time will be tight but I want to get to know her and she and Jam will be gone for a week. I don’t want to wait.”Jam said, “I’ll be very glad to bring her home for supper. I’ve eaten three meals with her. She has excellent table manners and makes an intelligent dinner partner.”I hugged Jam’s parents and Jam and I left for the Anderson’s house.. "Hello?" How are you?" Okay, I guess," I said glumly."Do you have the weekend off?" Mmm-hmm." Will you spend it with me? I'd like to show you a couple of things." Where are we going?" Pack for a short road trip." Am I sleeping overnight?"He laughed and said, "I sure hope so. I didn't get near enough of you last night." Why did you leave?" I asked softly, the sadness evident in my voice."Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I've got a business to run." Okay," I replied, relieved it. He was a dark gray with patches of white, stood about 34 inches at his shoulders and weighed every bit of 160 pounds. I'd never seen a dog so big and in such great shape. "Daddy I can't take him really." I protested, "It's to much, I know Danes are a really really expensive breed. You'll have to take him back!" The big boy barked and started wagging his tail when I spoke and daddy took that as a sign, interjecting. "See he likes you already! Just let him stay a few days and see how you.