by Sioux Dallas
Ginger knew from experience that it would be useless to argue with Juanita or to try to get around her. She sat down and allowed the sisters to place scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, sausage gravy and biscuits in front of her. The ever brewing coffee was always welcome.
Out in the barn yard she welcomed the men and approved of the way they were taking care of their mounts. All of the horses were groomed, fed and watered before being turned into the pasture. The horses kicked up their heels and ran around like children who had been let out of school.
She felt so good to see that the barn was clean and smelling good. The horses in the barn were calling a greeting to her knowing she usually carried either apples or carrots for them.
Walking through the barn she heard a pleasant sound. A jivy baritone voice was singing away behind the barn. Ginger walked quietly and peeped through the open back door. She grinned to see a cowboy singing while he gave his horse a bath and keeping time with some rhythmic steps.
Stepping quietly a little farther out she was pleasantly surprised to discover Jack singing and swaying his hips while he took care of his mount. She listened carefully and smiled because she remembered Grandfather singing this very song.
“He always sings raggy music to the cattle as he swings back and forward in the saddle on a horse that is syncopated gaited and there’s such a funny meter to the roar of his repeater. How they run when they hear that cowboy’s gun because the Western folks all know he’s a high faluting, shooting son of a gun from Montana, Ragtime Cowboy Joe.” He bellowed this last out and hugged his horse.
Ginger laughed. “I wasn’t aware that we had a singing cowboy on this ranch and a good one at that. Uh -- isn’t Ragtime Joe from Arizona though and not Montana?”
“Yeah. That’s the way the song goes, but we’re in Montana and I like it.”
“Have you had breakfast?”
“No. And I’m starved for good food. My horse needed the attention first though because he’s been so good and careful of me. He deserves a bath, good food and water and then being allowed to run free and happy in the pasture.”
“Jack, you’re an angel. All of my men know to take good care of their animals or the animals won’t be there when they’re needed. I’ve never heard any of them singing to their horse and dancing for him.” She laughed delighted. “I highly approve. I often sing to quiet a nervous horse though but not to entertain him. Good. I can see your horse closing his eyes and loving the attention. Turn him in the pasture and come in for a breakfast. I need to hear how the drive went and if everyone’s okay.”
She turned to leave and turned back. “Jack, I meant that -- you’re an angel and I’m so happy you’re our angel.”
He smiled and walked out beside her. “Angels come in many forms. God has use of many people, and even animals.”
She nodded and left him to walk on to the house while she went to check on the other men and hear about the drive.
Ginger grinned when Juan can stumbling toward her with bowed legs that were obviously tired. “My friend, I can tell you’ve been in the saddle a long time because your legs have stayed bent to the shape of the horse’s back. How are you?”
“I’m fine boss, just tired. We had a good drive and, as far as I know, we didn’t lose any cattle. You’ll be pleased to see the number of calves. I’ll send two or three men back in a couple of days to check and be sure none were left behind. I heard cougar yelling one night. I’d hate for an ornery cow, that hid giving birth, to get caught up there without the protection of the herd. With this many, it’s difficult to count with them milling around. I honestly don’t think we lost any, but I like to make sure. I’d hate to think of any being left up there alone during the snow and heavy winds with no grass to eat and the water frozen and no friends.”
Ginger shuddered. “That’s why I value you so much, at least one reason. You’re so caring and careful to do your very best. I’m so thankful for you and all the other men.”
Ginger looked up at the cotton candy clouds and drew in a deep breath of the clean, clear air. She went back to the house to help the women in the kitchen. Sitting at a table, near a window, peeling potatoes, she enjoyed the beams of the lemony bright sun.
By now the men, who were being fed, had finished and gone. Ginger helped the women prepare for a nourishing, filling dinner. Lunch would be sandwiches, fruit and cake.
Aretha came into the kitchen to say goodbye. She had her car packed and ready to go. “I can’t understand myself. I feel as if I’m leaving a dear relative and am kind of sad.”
“Don’t be sad. We’ll always be here for you. Just be careful how you contact us. Sheriff Mercer will take good care of you. His wife, Belinda, is a darling person and will love you and mother you. Take it and be good to her in return. Poison isn’t very far away.”
“I hope to have time to do some sightseeing. Is Poison the capital of Montana?”
“No. Helena is the capital and I’ll make sure somehow that you get a chance to visit there. Poison is the seat of this county.” Juanita told her and then gave her a hug.
“I’m more grateful than I can express for your kindness and caring. I’ve become very fond of all of you and wish I could have met you under different circumstances.” Aretha picked up a small bag and her purse and walked out of the house.
Ginger followed her out to the car to say a last farewell and to encourage Aretha to keep in touch. “Let Sheriff Mercer make the call and then give the phone to you. That way no one will guess you’re there and making calls.”
Aretha waved and backed around in the yard before turning to drive down the long driveway. Ginger watched until her car was out of sight. Lord, watch over Aretha and all of us. Help us to keep strong and use wisdom in dealing with whomever is causing problems.
The cattle rustling increased, partly because everyone knew it was getting close to the time that ranchers brought their cattle down to safety and to sell a majority of them. Ginger was relieved that she had no trouble there because she had a lot of men now taking guard duty.
Ginger was sad and angry to hear of the troubles of her friends. Chuck and Amy Davidson, of the Rocking D, not only was hit twice by the rustlers, but had some hands shot. Chuck himself was shot in a thigh and was laid up for a long time.
Lisa and David were harassed by men riding around their house shooting guns in the air. Thankfully no human was hurt, but a beloved guard dog was killed, Barry and Glenda Morton, of the Rocking M, had a barn set on fire and some harassing phone calls telling them to stop trying to catch the rustlers or they would lose their lives.
A couple of the Amish farmers reported that their families were harassed when they drove out in the buggy. Their children were frightened.
Ginger was walking from the barn to the house one morning and was surprised to see an unfamiliar car pull up. A woman got out, obviously pregnant, and rushed toward Ginger with arms outstretched as if she wanted a hug.
Ginger recognized a buddy that she was very close to in college, but had not seen her in two years. “Soleil! What a wonderful surprise. You’re obviously married and having a baby. Come inside and tell me all about it.”
The two women walked into the house with arms around each other. Ginger proudly introduced her to Juanita and the two sisters.
“Oh, Juanita, I’m so happy to meet you at last. This wah-hoo bragged on you the whole time we were in college. She felt so blessed to have you in her family.”
Juanita was embarrassed and stunned to hear all the good things Ginger had said about her to the students. She felt very blessed indeed. She hurried to fix a delicious lunch for them.
“Ginger, I’m sorry, but I need to rush to the bathroom.” Soliel lamented.
“What time I’m not being kicked inside, I’m having to rush to the bathroom as if I’d swallowed a spring.” She rushed into the half bath outside the kitchen and came back after washing her face and hands. “Oh, what a relief. If I didn’t still get so nauseated when I
least expect it, I would love being pregnant.”
“I thought you were supposed to be over the nausea by now.” Ginger was sympathetic.
“This baby didn’t get the memo. His kicking causes nausea. He’s going to kick the butts of those rustlers when he gets here. I have two months to go and I sure am ready for this to be over.”
Ginger was laughing. “You said he. Have you learned the gender of your child?”
“Not really. We want to be surprised, but it’s got to be a boy since the baby is so active and won’t let me sleep comfortably or go anywhere too far from a bathroom.”
“How did Yancy feel about being a father? You’re both so young yet, but I guess it’s better to have the babies while you’re young. I’ve heard that older parents have more patience, but I don’t know.”
Soleil (so - lay) Grey Wolfe Gilliam was the grand-daughter of Daniel Grey Wolfe. Her mother was white and her father was half white-half Indian. She had married Major Yancy Gilliam of the Special Forces in the Army. He had been gone on duty more than he had been at home, but Soleil loved him so much she was willing to wait until he could be discharged. Six more months, with all going well, Yancy would be promoted to Colonel and then would retire.
The two young women had a great visit and for a short while Ginger didn’t think of the troubles. She learned that Soleil was in town to visit her in-laws. Yancy’s father had a stroke and he wanted her to check on his father for him. She had come yesterday and spent the night with them.
She hated to leave but needed to be back at home near her doctor.
“Soleil, it’s a long trip and it’s already five o’clock. Please stay with me tonight and get an early start tomorrow.”
“I don’t know, Ginger. My folks expect me home tonight. It is late and I would be driving in the dark later. Let me call them and tell them what I’m going to do so they won’t worry. I hope you have a room near a bathroom.”
Ginger felt she had not laughed so much in one afternoon in a long time. Juanita gave them a delicious dinner before the two young women walked out to see the horses. Ginger loaned Soleil a caftan to wear to bed and told her she was just across the hall in case she needed anything during the night.
The morning brought bright sun and Soleil barfing her insides out. Ginger felt so sorry for her and was glad it wasn’t her. Soleil could not drink coffee or anything with caffeine in it. She finally was able to eat a scrambled egg and dry toast with a small glass of orange juice. Juanita hovered over her wanting so badly to help.
Ginger hated to see her friend leave and made her promise to keep in touch by e mail and telephone. She watched the car leave feeling happy to have seen Soleil again and sad to see her go.
While Ginger was standing there, James drove up and got out of his truck grinning broadly as he lifted her up and swung her around.
“Crazy man. Why are so you happy?”
“My parents are visiting Aunt Blossom, my father’s sister, and will be there most of the day. Auntie invited them for lunch and a visit. I wanted to come see you.”
“Great. I’m always glad to see a good friend.” She told him of Soleil’s visit. “How are your plans coming?”
He looked puzzled. “My plans? What kind of plans?”
“Your wedding plans. I haven’t heard anything about dates or ideas of any kind.”
His mouth dropped open. “My wedding ! Do you have a fever?” He put his hand on her forehead. “No, you feel okay so maybe you can tell me. Who am I supposed to be marrying and why, when, where. Fill me in.”
Now Ginger was shocked. “Did I speak out of turn or are you intending to keep it a secret?”
“Explain yourself, girl, before I explode. What are you talking about?”
She began to sputter. “Well, Victoria told me that the two of you would be married soon and I just assumed ---” She stopped.
James just stood looking shell-shocked. He finally got red in the face and gritted his teeth. “Ginger, marriage is all in Vicki’s head. She hopes to marry someone, but it won’t be me. She did mention us getting married, but I thought she’d given the idea up when she found out I would never leave the ranch and would take care of my parents as long as they needed me. The man who marries her will be pulled around by his nose and will have to do what she and her parents say to keep peace. Wheeee! Thankfully, it won’t be me.” He yelled.
Ginger was embarrassed to admit to herself that this pleased her. But why? James meant nothing other than a good friend.
“Come on in the house, James. The nights are beginning to get cooler. I’ve been drinking hot chocolate lately.”
“Sure. I came to talk to you about something. When we get in there, with Juanita’s permission,” he chuckled, “I’ll make us some chili-cheese popcorn.”
“What in the world? I’ve never heard of chili-cheese popcorn.”
“A buddy of mine in service taught me and I’ve learned to love it.”
They had a great time for about two hours making chili-cheese popcorn and sharing with the three women in the house. Juanita demanded the recipe and James promised it to her.
James and Ginger sat in the living room in discussion about the future.
“Ginger, you’ve done a remarkable job so far with this huge ranch and all the responsibilities. Everyone in town is remarking about your abilities and admiring you. Have you given any thought to a couple of years down the road?”
“Funny you should bring that up now. Yes, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future and intending to talk to Frank and Hank about it.”
“Care to share with me?”
“I don’t know if it can be done and I’m half afraid to mention it to Hank. I can already hear him bellowing.”
“I’m intrigued. What are those earth-shattering plans?”
“I’m thinking of selling all the cattle because the rustlers have made it difficult to work a cattle ranch without twice the hands that I can’t afford to keep. I’m thinking of keeping the horses and a few cattle for show and opening a guest ranch.”
“A dude ranch!”
“Call it what you will. We could have a three week program with a week free for rest and recuperation and then another three weeks. We could offer riding lessons and horses to ride, a small cattle drive, songs and stories around a campfire and a hoe-down at the end.”
“Sounds good, but you need more than that.”
“There’s skiing for winter guests and trips around to historical places. Yellowstone National park would be one good trip and through the Indian Reservation at St. Ignatius for another and ---”
“Whoa. You need to talk to the Indian Council and get permission to bring a group of sightseers on their property. Boy. I can hear Hank now and I’m not sure Frank would be so happy with the idea.”
“One never knows until one tries.” She tossed her head and walked away.
“You want to do what!?” Hank roared. “Your Grandfather and your parents are probably spinning in their graves. They welcomed visitors, but dudes ---” He said this as if he were tasting something unpleasant.
Frank sat as if he were hypnotized. Finally he gulped and sat up straight. “I agree with Hank. Your ancestors would not be happy at all.”
“My ancestors are not having to face today’s financial situation or the cattle rustlers and mustang thieves and ----” Ginger was nearly crying.
Hank and Frank looked at each other in astonishment. No one said a word. All three sat in silence for several minutes. Finally Hank took a deep breath and struggled to stand.
“Here, let me help you,” Ginger jumped up to place her hands on his arm and back.
“I can help myself,” he said through clinched teeth. “Go home and let me have time to think this over. I objected on general principals, but now ---”
Frank and Ginger quietly walked out and shut the door softly behind them.
Chapter Thirteen
Checking through her mail, Ginger was surprised to see the return addr
ess.
On one envelope; St. Ignatius High School. She had graduated from St. Ignatius and had warm, lovely memories of her school days. Mystified as to why they were contacting her, she hurriedly slit open the envelope.
The letter was from Maryann Adams, chairman of the reunion committee.
“We are having a ten year reunion for St. Ignatius. I know you are much younger than this group; you’ve only been out about six years. We need a donation for supplies, but I really am contacting you to help us out. I’m hoping you’ll help us locate students who’ve fallen through a crack. We can’t locate one student whom we know wanted to date you in spite of the age difference. I’m hoping you know where we can locate Brandon Harrison. He was an honor roll student but very shy and kept to himself. I guess some cruel boys called him a nerd. I understand he was living with an uncle who had a ranch near you at that time. We sure would appreciate it if you can tell us how to locate him. We have a list of about nine people that we can’t locate. I’m hoping you, and some of your friends, will know something about them. Please contact me as soon as possible. Maryann”
Ginger hurried to get her high school yearbooks. She finally found them in a box in a storage building back of the house. She poured herself a glass of milk and grabbed a piece of chocolate cake with thick fudge icing that Juanita had just baked. She took these, with the yearbooks into the living room and settled in her Grandfather’s favorite lounge chair. She placed the milk and saucer on a table beside the chair and turned on the floor lamp.
She reached for her freshman yearbook because it would have the pictures of the older students. She looked in the seniors for Brandon Harrison and quickly found him. She read with interest that he had been an honor roll student, had won Science awards and had been in several clubs. Then she looked carefully at his picture.