The Fourth of July was a major holiday in Colorado, Heather had learned, and the day would be filled with picnicking and baseball games and fireworks, to be followed that evening by a dance and late supper. This year’s celebration would also include speeches by the two senatorial candidates.

The entire community seemed to be present, Heather decided when they arrived at the meadow on the edge of town—ranchers, cowboys, sheep farmers, miners, and all their families. She deposited her pies on a long table already groaning with food, then remained at Sloan’s side, holding Janna, as he mingled with the crowd. She was pleased to recognize so many faces, and more pleased by the number of people who greeted her warmly.

After several athletic events ended, including sack races and ballgames, the picnickers gorged themselves on lemonade and fried chicken and apple pie. For the meal, Heather and Sloan shared a blanket with Jake and Caitlin, while Harvey and Sarah Baxter sat beside them, along with the schoolteacher, Vernon Whitfield. There was much laughter and friendly banter among the families. Afterward the older children took themselves off for more games, while the babies napped and the adults lazed on blankets during the worst heat of the day.

An hour or so later Sloan excused himself to talk to some of the other ranchers, and Vernon moved over to join Heather.

“A few weeks ago you asked me about possibilities for employment,” Vernon began, “and I’ve thought of an idea that would benefit us both. You know that since school let out, I’ve been reporting on the political races for the Rocky News?”

“I know. I’ve read your articles,” Heather said warmly. “They’re quite lively and informative.”

“Well, there’s more work than one person can handle. I hoped you might consider helping me part-time—editing my articles, primarily, but upon occasion, writing up my notes into articles of your own. The salary wouldn’t be lucrative, but the hours are flexible and you wouldn’t have to leave your ranch. And you might find the intellectual challenge stimulating as well as rewarding.”

“I would enjoy it immensely,” Heather replied. “As long as it wouldn’t interfere with my caring for Janna, it could prove the perfect job.”

“Well, then, what do you say I call on you tomorrow and we can go over your duties?”

She smiled at Vernon with warmth and gratitude. She would indeed enjoy the challenge of editing and writing. Certainly she possessed the necessary skills, having been exposed to her father’s journalistic world practically since birth. Moreover, Heather reflected silently, with a salary, no matter how meager, she would no longer be so totally dependent on Sloan, and she could even begin repaying some of the debt she owed him.