Texas Ranch Justice. Karen Whiddon

now, Mom?” he asked, by way of greeting.

      “It’s not Mom, it’s Amber,” his sister replied. “Did you really just sic Mom on Scarlett?”

      “I wouldn’t put it quite that way. If Scarlett’s planning to be around awhile, which she said she is, she needs to get to know everyone.” His answer, while true, sounded weak, even to him.

      Amber snorted. “You have a point, but maybe you should have let it happen a bit more gradually instead of having Mom go at her full strength.”

      Ahead, he could see the group of ranch hands, loading cattle into chutes in preparation for the work they had to do.

      “Look, Scarlett’s a grown woman. I’m sure she can handle anything Mom throws at her. Now, unless there’s anything else you need, I’ve got to get to work.”

      “Nope, I’m done. But a word of warning, big brother. Don’t be surprised if this backfires on you.” She ended the call before he could ask her what she meant.