The Winter's Trail

by Sharon Breeling

  All of David’s friends gave him a hard time on Thursday night when they were having cheeseburgers at Curley’s. Chet gave him some advice that made all the boys laugh but seriously wished him well. Chet knew the hard times the young men went through in the war and many times he offered a caring ear to listen to their issues. Most of the boys got married and started families, but David was different. He didn’t want to talk about what he saw and what he experienced in Viet Nam. He wanted to push them away and cope the best he could. He went into the service a nice boy with red hair and sparkling eyes and came out a brown-haired man with shadows in his eyes and a smile that hid how he felt. He jumped at loud noises and couldn’t hear as well as he could before. Chet worried about this one. But now, there was a girl. Chet caught a twinkle in his eyes now and then.

  Dave and Ruth spent the weekend driving around town and to the ranch. He showed her the market and took her to Curley’s for a burger. They went to the auction, to the fairgrounds, and even to the train station. She liked the streets named Boulder, Denver, and Golden. They walked some of them and looked at the cute houses. She stopped at a little white house on Boulder Street. It had a big front porch and was small and Victorian. The picket fence was cute and she told David that that house was her favorite. They went to the Paint Mines Canyon and took a walk. He asked Ruth if she liked the badlands-type chalk canyon, and when she nodded, he said there was an even more colorful one on his parent’s ranch. On Sunday, David and his mother picked Ruth up and took her to church with them. She looked very pretty with her red skirt and white blouse. Her ponytail had a green ribbon and looked very golden in the light of the stained-glass window. After church, she rode to the ranch with them for chicken dinner. Juaquin sang some songs on the porch while Ruth helped with the dishes. He promised her to take her for a ride the next time she came if she would bring some jeans.

  David started to write in his notebooks about this new someone in his life. He would go to the ranch and ride Rusty and write. The tone of his writing took a wonderful turn. He started to carry the notebooks and shorthand sharpened pencils in his shirt pockets all of the time. He didn’t want to miss a thing.

  The next few months, David and Ruth spent weekends together. They must have walked around the small town several times. It was only a mile long so there wasn’t much to see. One weekend, they drove to Limon and had lunch at the truck stop. Several times, they drove to Colorado Springs. They went to the zoo and walked all over Manitou Springs. They even drove to the top of Pikes Peak. David tried to convince Ruth he could see the tree that his parents sit under to watch the sunsets. At first, she thought she could see it but soon realized he was joking. David made Ruth laugh. A strange giggle that was unique to her. He could pick her out of a crowd by that giggle. He also made her blush. He would kiss her and she would turn red and smile for hours and sometimes, a sweet sigh escaped from her lips. When he was with Ruth, all the bad memories from his past left his head. And at night, he would lay in bed, look out at the stars, and softly hum to himself. He no longer shook till he cried at night. He never felt a need to talk to her about it, he just knew he felt good finally.

  Ruth liked David. During the week, she would think of him often and look forward to the weekends. The kids never got homework on Fridays because she just wanted to think of him. When he touched her, she would smile for hours and his kisses made her insides tingle. She didn’t think about love, but she was having the time of her life. Ruth had boyfriends in college and afterwards, but none kissed her like the kiss would protect her from the world. David grew a mustache while he was recovering from the bull ride injuries and he was so careful when he kissed her, so protective. His kisses were so tender that she never felt the mustache. She did think it was odd that his mustache was red and his hair was dark brown, but when his mom showed her his rodeo pictures, she saw his red hair and understood. It only made him more handsome to her.

  The very best part about spending time with David was her Sundays at church and then to the ranch. The gate had a huge tree carved up one side and the branches stretched across to the other side. The Ironwood Ranch was becoming her second home. She took her jeans and would learn to ride. Sometimes, Juaquin would go with them and they would ride the fences or go to work the cattle with David’s dad. And sometimes David and Ruth would ride in the canyon that ran through the property. It was more colorful than the Paint Mines, but the colors would change at different times of the day. They would be extra careful since David had the run in with the rattlesnake but sometimes, they would just sit in the prairie grass above the canyon and watch the sun on the formations. If they were on the ranch on Saturdays, they would ride down to the gate to get the mail. Out there, the mail was delivered by housewives. They would have the old family station wagon with a magnetic sign on the door that said “US Mail.” Most of them did this while their children were in school and some did it only in the summer and drove school busses the rest of the year. The woman who delivered at Ironwood Ranch was David’s friend’s mom. She still had kids in school, and David liked to go see her when he could. His friend didn’t make it back from Viet Nam and David liked to touch base with her. He was very proud to introduce the pretty, blonde girlfriend to her. Ruth loved the ranch. She was learning to cook from both David’s mom and Juaquin and was having fun in the enormous kitchen. Winter was coming and she was a little upset. She thought that would mean no trips to the ranch. But snow never stopped a rancher and they made it every weekend. Ruth learned how to make a Thanksgiving dinner and she learned how to prepare leftovers. Her idea was to burn them a little and feed them to the dogs. Juaquin would laugh at her antics. December arrived and Christmas was coming. Ruth had only known David for a few months and as she spent the cold nights in her little apartment, knitting a warm scarf for him, she came to realize she was falling in love with him. His kisses made her feel warm and safe and when she would touch his face and run her finger along the brim of his hat, she would hold her fist closed as if to capture and hold the memory there forever. She wanted to be with him forever. This small town captured her imagination and David captured her heart.

  David felt the same way about Ruth. He was planning a big Christmas surprise for her. Everyone at the ranch was in on it and this year was unusually festive. His dad went to the mountains by Elbert to cut some trees for decorations. One was the Christmas tree in the living room and one he chopped branches off, wired them into garlands, and draped them on the porch rail, the fireplace, and even the bench on top of the hill. The house smelled of freshly cut cedars and the tree was a majestic blue spruce. He even stung a few lights outside for Ruth.

  Ruth didn’t know if she wanted to ride in the winter. She was riding Rusty by then so David could ride on Old Dan. Dan stood taller than Rusty and was a rich velvety brown and was soft to the touch. The first big snow came at Halloween and the ranch was very pretty the next day. The sun was out and the snow sparkled. The pine trees looked festive and it was very cold. Ruth dressed warm and got on Rusty after Juaquin saddled him. To her surprise, the horse was very warm. She relaxed and rode with David to look at a spot on the fence that had so many tumbleweeds tangled in it that some wire broke. After it was fixed, they rode back to the house, the horses kicking up plumes of fine snow behind them. David stopped several times to just look at her and to bend way down to kiss her. His hazel eyes reflected the snow and Ruth could almost see herself reflected in them. She told him that winter riding was her favorite. She was hooked on the way it made her feel so alive and never missed a chance to go for a ride on Rusty.

  Christmas Eve came and they decided to stay at the ranch for the night. David’s mom and dad decorated the guest room for Ruth with evergreen boughs, shiny ornaments, candles, and piled lots of warm quilts on her featherbed. But the big surprise was yet to come. They opened gifts that night. Ruth got pots, pans, and wooden spoons. David gave her a pair of warm gloves to ride with. She gave David her handknitted scarf. She had stitched a tree that matc
hed the tree carved on the gate on it. David put it on and wore it all night. Ruth noticed a gift under the tree wrapped in red foil with a silver ribbon that had her name written on the tag. David said that was a special gift and she had to wait till the next day. Christmas morning, they had a wonderful breakfast and went out to go for a short ride. Three horses were saddled because David’s dad said he had to check on some cattle. David had his scarf on and made sure Ruth had her warm gloves on. Off they went to take a picture of the canyon in the snow. They didn’t want to be gone long because Juaquin and his mom were preparing a huge feast. On the way back, they rode to the tree on the hill. The day was clear and Pikes Peak was beautiful with the snowy peak against the clear blue sky. David stopped and helped Ruth off of Rusty and took her to the hand-carved bench. There were several festive quilts on the bench and a thermos of hot chocolate with cups and a small plate of cookies. Right in the middle was the red present addressed to Ruth. That was where David’s dad was going that morning. He even decorated the bench with evergreen. It made Ruth happy and she took pictures of the festive scene. They sat on a quilt on the bench and covered their laps with the other one. David took the cups and thermos out of the basket and poured them both a steamy cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate. They got out the plate of homemade shortbread cookies in the shape of trees and dipped them in their cups. The view was wonderful. When their cups were empty and packed away, David stood up and reached for the shiny red box. It was about six inches square and for a minute, Ruth thought it was the coffee mug she admired at the western wear store. Then David took the quilt off of her lap and put it on the soft snow in front of her. He got down on his knees and, with a choked-up voice, told her that he couldn’t imagine living life without her and that one time, his mother told him that a broken promise makes a broken heart. So, if she would be his wife, he would promise to love her till he died. Then he gave her the box. Ruth shook as she opened the box. Inside was a small ring box and David took it out for her. He opened the box and there was a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring. Ruth started to cry when he took the ring out, took off her glove, placed it on her finger, and asked her to marry him. The word yes squeaked out, but became louder and louder. She kissed and hugged the man who loved her and cried on his shoulder. They packed up the blankets and basket, got back on the handsome horses, and rode home where they were greeted with eggnog, hugs, and kisses. This was may be the best Christmas at Ironwood Ranch.

  The rest of the winter was a blur to both of them. Preparations for a wedding next summer were underway. They would have it at the ranch with a huge barbeque and a dance in the barn. David, Juaquin, and some of David’s friends started to fix up the barn. His dad made benches for the ceremony and dinner to take in the barn for the dance. They all went to Denver to visit Ruth’s mother who was in a wheelchair. There were arbors to build, flowers to plant, and a dress to buy. David would buy western slacks, a white snap shirt, and a string tie. He also bought a new black Stetson with a silver leaf and turquoise band to match his tie. His dad hired temporary ranch hands to help with the cattle and fences because, for some reason, there were a record number of calves born. At one time, there were seventeen hands staying in the bunkhouse and David’s mom had to hire another person to cook. The wedding was the weekend after the Fourth of July rodeo. Luckily, school was out and Ruth was freed up to finish up the planning. The ranching community, friends, teachers, and everyone in town was talking about the event. It was going to be an event unlike any other in Calhan.

  The day came and the sky was clear. It was cool out and that was perfect. Juaquin and some of the ranch hands built a big fire for the barbeque and all of the rest of the food was ready. Instead of a cake, there were pies. Peach was Ruth’s favorite and apple was David’s, but there were so many. It was like going to the county fair; everyone brought pies. Ruth drove to the ranch with her dress carefully laid out in the backseat. The gate had been decorated with flowers and ribbons that gently blew in the cool breeze. She was glad it wasn’t hot that day, she was so nervous that she was hot. The gate was open and she was greeted with a sign that said “Ruth and David.” The drive to the ranch had little stands of flowers and the whole porch was decorated with the vining hibiscus in purple and white that David’s mom grew. There were benches, flowers, and a huge arbor with a table and bible in the middle. Ruth started to cry when she saw Rusty wearing a wreath around his neck, but broke out in laughter when she saw he tried to eat it. She was careful to not see David before the wedding and parked her car at the back of the house. She placed her gown in the guest room and went into the kitchen. The wedding was in a few hours, she had to dress and put on her makeup. She would wear her hair in its usual ponytail but would wear flowers and ribbons on it. In the kitchen, she saw David’s parents. They were sitting at the big table that was full of sweet-smelling pies and seemed to be saying a prayer. They both grabbed her hands and asked for blessings on this happy couple and then they hugged her so hard she couldn’t breathe. They wanted to welcome her into the family by themselves before the ceremony.

  After her preparations, she stood at the door waiting for David. All of the guests had arrived and were seated. The pastor was under the arbor and both of David’s parents were standing there with him. There were no bridesmaids nor groomsmen. This was a simple ranch wedding and only the bridal couple stood in front of God and tied their lives together forever. David was at the bunkhouse. He arrived a half hour ago. Rusty was tied up at the bunkhouse and had managed to not eat the flowers on his neck. All eyes were on the bunkhouse including hers. The door opened and out came a very handsome cowboy with his hat in his hand. He stopped and looked towards the farmhouse then put his hat on and climbed onto Rusty’s saddle. He slowly rode to the arbor then got off and walked to the pastor. He was kissed by his parents and when they were seated, he turned to look at the house. Juaquin had learned the bridal march and played it on his guitar. Out came Ruth and she slowly walked to the arbor. Her dress was tea length and simple. She had flowers in her hair and a bouquet of pink roses and baby’s breath in her hand. Then David looked down and saw the sweetest thing, Ruth had a pair of white cowboy boots. She wanted to show David and his parents how much this way of life meant to her.

  After the ceremony, the barbeque started and a mariachi band started to play. They were some friends of Juaquin and were in town for the Fourth of July rodeo. It was their gift to the happy couple. The mood got very festive as they started to play for the guests. There would be a western band playing for the barn dance after dinner and it would be a day that everyone talked about for years.

  Ruth was renting a room from another teacher in town. She had no furniture at all so she moved in with David after a honeymoon in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She shopped a little for decorations and art for the house. They had been looking for a house to buy for a few months. David took her into the post office to change her address and introduced her to Barry, the postmaster. He had an earring in one ear and was single. He shared a very nice, large Victorian house with his mother till she passed away and he turned the garage into a workshop. Ruth liked him right away. He knew so much about the town and was so fun to talk to. She found out he was an inventor. He once converted his mother’s car so it ran on steam. He also collected comic books and the kids liked him because he knew everything about them. Mostly, he made Ruth laugh and showed her the comics he got.

  Barry also knew everyone in town and the houses that were going to get sold. Ruth found one on Boulder Street and would pass it every day on her way to school. Of all the houses in town, she loved that one the best. It was all white and had a large porch with rockers on it. There was a tiny yard with rosebushes and yellow flowers. On the corner was a bay window and she imagined her desk in that window. From the outside, she could see it had a fireplace. She wanted to knock on the door and ask to see the inside but was too shy. Every time she was at the post office, she would ask Barry what houses were for sale. He gave her all the dish about wha
t was wrong with each of them, but told her nothing was wrong with her dream house. Then one day, about three months after the wedding, she went to the post office for her mail and the dish about the houses. Barry first told her there was a very big one by the train tracks but it was too noisy, then he winked at her and said the white house on Boulder Street was going to be listed in a few weeks. She really should go knock on their door and make them an offer. Then he wrote the asking price on a piece of paper and handed it to her. Ruth hugged Barry and kissed his cheek. She invited him to dinner and then ran all the way home to tell David.