It might be hard on the baby that would be coming before winter.

She proclaimed that she didn’t believe it, but Falcon had lost his first wife when she was bringing a baby, and he tended to panic.

Today, because it was the Lord’s Day, Wyatt had been persuaded to leave off the branding and come along for a visit with Win and Kevin at their home.

They had family dinners often enough, mostly at the RHR, but they hadn’t had one since Win’s baby had been born. Now, with Win up and around, Molly had convinced Wyatt to go straight to Kevin and Win’s after church. Today Win would get the meal started, but Molly would finish things up.

She was excited to see her new niece, and she wanted to tell everyone she had her own baby on the way. Wyatt knew, but she wanted to tell Kevin and, now that Andy worked at Kevin’s ranch, she could tell them both at the same time.

Kevin and Win were still staying close to home. But Falcon and Cheyenne had been at church. Molly had convinced them to come along for the noon meal. It hadn’t been hard.

They rode into the yard, and Molly caught herself shaking her head, as she did whenever she looked at the massive house.

Kevin met them at the door, the baby in his arms. Molly’s heart warmed until it tingled to see her brother holding his child so gently. She couldn’t wait until it was Wyatt’s turn.

As they dismounted, Andy came out of the ramrod’s house and helped Falcon and Wyatt stable the horses.

Molly beat Cheyenne by a pace and claimed a turn holding the baby.

Kevin laughed but gave little Dorothy up with good grace.

Win was moving around the kitchen. She had a roast on and potatoes stewing. She’d known Molly and Wyatt were coming because they’d finally figured out how to train the pigeons, and they now carried messages between the three families. It was a very convenient system.

Adding Cheyenne and Falcon was no problem. The roast was large, the potatoes were plentiful.

Molly was a while working because she wanted to make a fine dessert and her special garlic biscuits, but at last they were settled in to eat. Baby Dorothy was down for a nap, and they could all eat together, like they had a year ago.

“We’re done with the new room on my pa’s old place.” Cheyenne smiled. “It’s been nice being there. It’s brought back fond memories of my parents that I’d lost track of.”

Cheyenne looked sideways at Falcon. “It’s not big, even with the new room. Do you want a nicer house? We could build one. I’d make Wyatt help.”