by Nan O'Berry
“I’d like that.”
Max pushed his chair back and rose from the table. He grasped the back of the chair and eased it from the table allowing her to stand.
“Thank you.” She placed her knife and fork on the plate. “Should we take them to the kitchen?”
“No. Let Melinda take care of that. Come on.” His hand resting comfortably at her back, Max led her outside to the cool breeze that pushed the heat away from the house, under the overhang of the porch.
Callie walked to the edge of the porch and placed a hand on the stout column that was once a pine tree. “My, it’s beautiful.”
“That it is. I don’t think I could imagine myself living anywhere else,” Max answered.
“The other day, you said you came here as a child. How old were you?”
“Oh, I think I was about twelve. Augustus was eight and Miss Mel, she was no more than a year old.”
“That must have been an undertaking.”
Max moved to the other side of the stout post and leaned his shoulder against the wood. “It was the best of times. I worked side by side with my dad, helping to put this house together. I couldn’t do a lot of the heavy lifting, but Pa hired some of the hands from the nearby ranches to do the heavy beams.”
“He picked the right spot for this house.”
Max nodded. “He walked around and around, noting the sunrise and sunset for nearly two weeks before he placed the cornerstones.” He pushed away from the post. “Come with me.” He held out a hand.
Callie looked at the open palm.
“Come, I want to show you something. The other day, you saw the night in the farm yard. I want to show you my father’s favorite place.”
With a smile, she placed her hand in his. The warmth of contact was now becoming familiar. Yet, it didn’t stop the heat from swirling to her cheeks.
Max led her off the porch and down a path that moved away from the main structure and led down toward the west.
There wasn’t much conversation as they moved along the tall stately pines that shaded their path. It widened to a small opened area that over looked the valley below. To the west, the tall mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada Range loomed. Each cragged peak bathed in a golden glow of the setting sun.
“Oh, Max,” Callie whispered in wonder.
“Come over here and sit.” He led her to a long flat stone that seemed to be placed at the center of the opening just for watching the evening begin. Using his hand, Max brushed off the dirt and pine needles.
Callie took her seat while Max joined her.
They didn’t speak. They didn’t have to. The beauty of the moment was too much for words.
The blue of the sky grew milky and filled in with an orange hue as the sun settled between two peaks. A long low set of clouds moved up and seemed to cover the bottom edge as the disk sank lower and lower until only one bright beam snaked out across the meadow floor and flashed bright in their faces.
“Oh,” she gasped in delight.
The beam wavered for a breath then moved upwards as if trying to grasp the edge of the sky before slipping out of sight. The twilight filled in. One by one the stars began to emerge in the dark velvet of the night sky.
“That is amazing,” she remarked.
“Yes, it is. I’m so lucky that I get to see this every night. My father called this his thinking place. He’d come out here each evening and wait for the sun to give its last breath before the night closed in.”
“It is just beautiful,” she agreed. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
Max reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You and my mother are the only two I’ve shared this with. Augustus doesn’t have time. He’s so busy and Melinda…” He gave his head a shake. “She hasn’t quite learned the concept of sitting quietly and enjoying the beauty.”
“Do you come out here to think?”
Max nodded. “The quiet helps me get my thoughts together. Sometimes, if I’m quiet enough, I can almost hear my father speak.”
Callie glanced over and saw the seriousness in his eyes. “I am honored, Max, truly, honored that you would share this with me.” She watched as the shadows cast a contour to his face, his strong jaw, the length of his chin all spoke to a good strong character. He made her feel safe.
His head turned back to the scene below.
She let out a deep sigh. A bit of her heart yearned that somehow Max could have been the one to have written to her. Unfortunately, it was Seth.
Callie lifted her face. Her eyes concentrated on the horizon and the developing night. Something brushed her hand. She glanced down at the surface of the rock and found Max’s hand beside hers. Her heart skipped a beat. Could she? Should she? She pressed her hand against the hard surface of the stone and her fingers spread out, touching his. There was a hitch in Max’s breathing. She didn’t move. His hand inched forward. His fingers lay over hers. A thrill of excitement coursed through her. No longer aware of time, Callie sat content with Max’s hand on hers.
“Hey, Max!” Augustus voice echoed through the tree line.
The spell, whatever it was, had been broken.
Max suddenly stood up.
Callie jerked her hand away so quickly, that if she hadn’t braced her body, surely, she would have toppled over.
“Here. I’m here, Gus.” Max moved away toward the edge of the hillside and folded his arms over his chest.
Callie managed to push herself upright as Max’s younger brother came busting through the path.
“Ah, there you are,” Augustus remarked.
“Yes, I’m right here.” Max seemed to be making a point.
The moment turned awkward as Callie caught Augustus glance moving from her to his brother then back again. He lifted a hand and brushed back the lock of hair that fell over his forehead before speaking, “Ah, the guys want to get a team together and play a round of horseshoes.”
“Oh, yes, yes.” Max put his hands deep in his pockets. “Sounds great to me.” He shifted his gaze to Callie. “Thank you, Callie. I enjoyed the sunset. Are you ready to go back?”
She nodded. Pushing to stand, she moved toward Augustus.
He gave her a strange inquiring look but said nothing, merely held out his arm for her to take. “Allow me to lead you back,” he mumbled and sent his brother a daggered glance.
Callie knew this look must have made Max uncomfortable. “Thank you, Augustus,” she said and placed her hand on his arm. She shifted her shoulders back and stood tall before she turned to glance at Max. “I enjoyed our conversation, thank you.”
“Of course.” Max nodded.
Callie noted that his hands were thrust deep into the pocket of his trousers and he refused to look up, almost as if he didn’t trust himself.
Head held high, Callie allowed Augustus to lead her back to the barnyard.
* * *
The clang of horseshoes rang across the yard. Callie, Melinda, and Bethany sat on the porch and watched as the two teams battled against one another.
The men had placed lanterns around the area to illuminate the two spikes set in the ground and surrounded by loose sand.
“You’re up now, Augustus,” one of the cowboys called out.
The younger Barringer stepped forward and brought the iron shoe up to line the open end toward the iron post across the way. He took a step back and let the shoe fly. It missed and landed with a dull throb next to the post. Laughter ensued. “Your turn, brother,” he called out.
Callie’s eyes seemed to naturally focus on Max.
He seemed to stand above the others as he stepped forward. He swung the heavy metal shoe forward. The muscles beneath his shirt strained the fabric as he took aim at the other post.
Unconsciously, she held her breath. This time, a metal clang was heard as the shoe landed on the spike and circled around before coming to a rest on the bottom of the post. Elated, she could not stop the rush of air that burst through her lips. “My, that was a good throw.”<
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“Max is an expert at this game,” Bethany replied.
“I don’t see why this is just a man’s game,” Melinda groused.
Callie grinned as she looked down at the young girl sitting on the edge of the porch.
“Don’t let it bother you,” her mother murmured. “There are things you can do, they cannot.”
“Name one,” Melinda challenged.
Bethany chuckled. “Men can’t quilt and they wouldn’t be caught dead doing laundry.”
“Those are chores.”
“Melinda, what if I asked you to help me do something neither Max nor Augustus would want to do,” Callie began. “Would you help me?”
Melinda’s head swiveled in her direction. Her face contorted in confusion. “Sure, but I can’t imagine what that would be.”
“Max showed me the valley to the west of your house, I would love to explore it, but I have a feeling walking would not be the way to go.”
“No, it wouldn’t. You’d need to ride.”
Callie nodded. “That’s what I thought.”
The tight muscles on Melinda’s face relaxed as the idea dawned on her what Callie was about to ask. “You want to learn how to ride?”
“Yes, is it hard?”
“No, it’s not hard at all. Not at all. You could learn in just a few days.”
Callie rocked slowly back. “I am so glad you think so. I think, if I am going to adapt to this new country, I should learn to ride.” She shifted her gaze to the young girl. “So, you will help me?”
“I’d love to.” Melinda grinned.
“I think I shall need a very gentle horse.”
“I know just the perfect one.” Melinda glanced at her mother in order to seek approval. “Princess?”
Her mother nodded. “Definitely a good choice,” Bethany agreed. “Princess wouldn’t hurt a fly. Melinda learned to ride on her. She’s the one I choose if I’m going out for a ride.”
“Then Princess it is.”Melinda smiled again.
Bethany leaned forward. “Callie, did you bring a riding habit with you?”
Callie shook her head. “It hadn’t dawned on me that I would need something to wear riding a horse.” She glanced at Melinda. “I don’t suppose I could use a pair of trousers like my friend?”
Bethany drew a deep breath. “No, I think that too many people would talk.”
“Oh.”
They grew silent.
Callie was sure all was lost when Bethany piped up, “You know, I think I have something that might work. It’s a bit dated, but it will do. I’ll pull it out and we’ll look at it tomorrow.”
“I’d like that. But please, let’s not tell Max or Augustus. I don’t want them laughing at me,” Callie admitted. “It will be our secret. Okay,Melinda?”
“If you say so.” Melinda gave her a broad innocent smile.
Callie spotted her humor filled look. “Oh, I think I’m in trouble,” she whispered.
Chapter 9
“Do you think I look silly?” Callie asked as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Bethany took the straight pins from her mouth to reply. “No, dear, you look just right.” With a grunt, Max’s mother rose from her kneeling position on the floor. “Now, granted, I was never as wispy as you are. By the time, I came out here, I’d already given birth to two boys.”
Callie glanced down at the belt wrapped around her waist. “This will help.”
“Yes. I will take another seam along the side tonight. But, the leather belt will do for today.” Bethany put her scissors and pin cushion back into her sewing basket. “I don’t have any boots, but your high tops will be sufficient. The one thing you will need,” her voice trailed off as she turned toward the entrance to her room. “Is a hat.” She walked over to the hat tree and plucked up a straw hat. Gently, Bethany held it out to her.
Taking slow steps forward, Callie reached for the large brim hat.
“Can’t have your nose getting pink.” Bethany grinned.
Lifting the hat, Callie placed it on her head and drew the two leather straps to her throat. “Do I look like a real cowgirl?”
Bethany chuckled. “You do.”
Callie couldn’t contain her excitement. Reaching out, she grasped Bethany shoulders and gave her a hug.
To her surprise, Bethany returned the affection. “Go, have fun. I know Melinda has been waiting on you.”
Her heart light, Callie hurried out the door and down the steps. The split skirt gave her a burst of freedom that she’d never experienced before. Opening the front door, she elongated her steps and moved to open doors of the barn.
Pausing at the opening, she could see a beautiful dark horse tethered between two posts. Melinda stood on the right brushing her hide till it took on a shine
“Hello.”
The horse lifted its head and gave a nicker of greeting.
Melinda paused and a smile drew across her face. “You look like you fit right in.”
The remark gave Callie the confidence she lacked.“Thanks. Your mom is a wizard when it comes to needle and thread.”
Melinda walked forward and slid under the horse’s neck to place the brushes in the bucket. “Come say hello to Princess.”
Callie moved toward the animal and reached out to touch her nose. The skin below her fingers felt like velvet. The horse pressed her face against her hand and blew out. The warm breath moved across her skin and she relaxed.
“She likes you,” Melinda informed her.
“That’s a good thing?”
“A very good thing. Horses can size you up with a look and a sniff. You saw that she breathed out but didn’t pull her face away. You pose no danger to her. She is comfortable with you.”
“That’s very good to know.” Callie smiled. “I’m glad you like me, Princess. I hope we can be friends.”
“Here.”
Callie glanced to Melinda who held out her hand. Curious, she reached out and the young girl dropped a cube of sugar into her palm.
“Hold your hands wide, fingers down so that the cube sits lightly on your flat palm.”
Doing as instructed, Callie placed the sweet in the middle of her hand and stretched her fingers down.
“Now, offer it to Princess.”
She brought her hand around and before she could blink, the horse stretched its head and she could feel the nimble flurry of the animal’s lips against her skin. In the blink of an eye, the treat disappeared. “I see the way to your good graces is a treat.”
The animal seemingly understood and shook her head up and down.
“Come on.” Melinda laughed. “She’ll be looking all day for those. Let’s teach you how to saddle a horse.”
With Melinda’s help and a bit of instruction, Callie soon learned how to put the blanket on and smooth out the wrinkles before placing the saddle on the horse’s back. Melinda leaned beneath Princess’s belly and brought up the strap. Weaving the leather loop on the girth took a while to grasp. Callie’s dogged determination along with Princess’ patience paid off and within an hour the bridle was on and she led her out to where Melinda had her pony waiting.
“Always mount from the left,” she instructed.
Callie grasped the leather stirrup and lifted her leg high. “Oh my gracious,” she gasped and reached for the saddle horn and the back of the saddle.
Feeling her weight, Princess shifted a step to the left making Callie take a bounce step. Her foot lost its hold and she made a clumsy step, nearly falling.
“Try it again,” Melinda urged her.
Callie took a deep breath. Her determination grew as she stepped forward and placed her foot in the stirrup. Hands on the front and the back, she visualized herself stepping up.
“Push with your right leg like you’re going to climb two stairs at one time,” Melinda encouraged.
Callie pushed up.
“Throw your leg over the saddle.”
Callie did and hit the seat with a jarring thump.<
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Princess dropped her rear end and took a quick step forward.
Callie gasped and grabbed the pommel with both hands.
“Whoa, girl,” Melinda crooned and ran a hand down the horses nose to steady her.
“Not very graceful,” Callie murmured as she adjusted herself into the seat.
“You’ll learn,” Melinda encouraged. Throwing the leather reins over Princess’s head, she walked back to where Callie sat on the saddle. “Now, hold the reins in one hand, like this.” She showed her how to place her fingers through the leather by using her middle finger and the other part between her index finger then drew the excess across her palm to lay along her leg. “Princess will neck rein. You pull across her neck to the left and she’ll turn that way.”
“And if I pull to the right, she’ll turn right.”
Melinda nodded. “Sit forward, back straight and balance yourself with your legs.”
“I remember that.” Callie nodded.
“Good. Now wait for me to mount.” Melinda strode to her mount and swung easily on board. “You’ll be doing that in less than a week,” she told her.
Callie raised a brow. “I doubt it, but I’ll try and believe you.”
Melinda grinned. “We’re going to ride up and down the wide trail leading to the ranch today. You’re going to learn to sit, walk, halt, turn and trot.”
“That sounds like a lot.”
“You’ll enjoy it.”
Melinda was right. Callie did enjoy it. The two of them spent the morning riding back and forth on the mile long trail. With each step, her confidence grew. As the sun rose overheard, she was almost disappointed to hear Melinda call a halt to their lessons. “I wish we didn’t have to stop.”
Melinda glanced over at her. “I know, but Momma has something for me to do and this is the first time you’ve been on a horse in years. Riding is fine right now, but you’ve got muscles that need to relearn how it’s done. Trust me, when I say that tomorrow, you’ll regret it if we don’t stop now.”
“Oh…” Callie looked over at the wise young girl. “I hadn’t thought about it. I guess, Princess will want to eat some grass and talk to her lady friends.”