Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  Kat savored the spicy pork of a tamale before sampling the beans and fragrant rice. Before long, the plates were empty and people moved to the living area to make plans.

  “I am just grateful to all of you for your offer to help us out.” Kat started. “There isn’t much that will need to be moved. I don’t have a lot of furniture or belongings, not even enough to warrant a wagon really.”

  “How much stock do you plan on moving?” Willie and Jacob looked at her expectantly.

  “Only some horses. I’m leaving the cattle here for Matt and Angel. Once Rick and Matt get back home, there might be more cattle to move too but I’m just taking my brood mares for now.”

  “How many are you looking at?” James asked.

  Kat looked at Angel asking an unspoken question. After a barely discernible nod, Kat answered, “I’ll be taking eight mares and 3 fillies. I’ll leave the geldings here for Angel to keep or sell depending on what she and Matt decide. Coal is still at Rick’s and for now we will leave him there until we see how the Brangus breeding goes.”

  “Why don’t you girls gather up the things you want to send to the other house and I will take it with me to get everything ready for you.” Consuela volunteered. “The girls should be home this evening.”

  Willie nodded. “And I’ll head over to the other place myself and make sure things are ready for the horses. Adam is with the men but surely I can figure out some temporary space.”

  “I’ll need barn space for three mares and a large area up close, to hold the mares with foals.” Kat requested.

  “I’ll make sure everything is ready.” Willie assured her.

  “We will head out shortly. There isn’t much in here that I’m taking so I won’t be long packing.”

  “I’ll go saddle the horses.” James said quietly as he ducked out.

  Kat went down the short hallway to her bedroom then turned in a small circle; lost in a moment of sadness. She and Angel had built this place with their bare hands. They scavenged and bought wood a little at a time making their home larger as they went. The original shack would have fit inside one room.

  “Would you like any help?” Angel asked quietly from the doorway.

  Kat folded a worn quilt and took the two shirts and pants she owned from the peg on the wall. After folding them and setting them on the quilt, she looked up; tears in her eyes. “I never cry. This is got to be caused by this baby.” She indicated her still flat tummy.

  “What?” Angel screamed. “Where? When? Why am I just hearing about it?”

  “I didn’t even know. I’m still not sure myself.” Kat told her. “James told me he suspected it when I was sick right before the wedding.”

  “So that’s where you went. I wondered.”

  “I promise to be here though when your baby comes. I won’t be far away and we can visit each other whenever we want. Plus, I’ll be over in a few weeks to pick up the little black pup of Belle’s. Voodoo should be old enough to wean by then. I’m leaving Belle and Wolfe here, they’ll be happier I think.”

  “I may be over there a lot; I have lots of questions about these cattle.” Angel warned.

  “And you’ll always be welcome.” Kat hugged her sister tight then turned and picked up her small stack and headed for the kitchen. “We better head out.”

  “If I find anything that I think you might want, I’ll bring it out.” Angel promised as she followed behind.

  “Well, I think this is about all of it.” Kat announced as she set her armload on the countertop. “We’d best get moving.”

  She stepped out onto the porch and looked out across the fields before striding purposely towards the barn. “Angel, I’m leaving your mare too. She’s yours and even if I needed the stock, I wouldn’t take her from you. I’ll be back in about a month to pick up the two in here that are ready to foal. Moving them wouldn’t be good right now.”

  She grabbed some lead ropes and went out into the corral. “As long as the mare comes with us, the foal will follow along. After I catch them, lead them out and tie them to the fence until we are ready to leave. Each one of you can take one horse, and I’ll take the three two year olds.”

  Kat made quick work of catching the horses and before long; everyone was mounted with at least one horse in tow. Just as she said, the foals followed right along behind their dams, docile as could be.

  The short ride to Dark Magic Ranch was uneventful and they pulled up their horses near the barn, dismounted and waited for further direction.

  Aunt Josephine’s carriage was next to the barn so the girls had made it along with Frances and Emily. Willie emerged from the barn. “The three stalls you asked for are ready and I emptied this corral for the rest, at least for now. You all can rearrange later.” He offered.

  “Thank you Willie. I appreciate all your help. James; you, Jacob, and Angel can take your mares into the barn, they are closest to delivering. The rest of you, let’s turn them out in here.” Kat pushed the gate open before unclipping the leads from her three two-year-old fillies. They kicked up their heels as they wheeled away and ran the confines of the corral.

  Kat checked water levels and to make sure fresh hay was available before she headed inside the barn to check on her mares. “Looks like they made the trip just fine.” She announced as she ran her hand over the last horse. “Thank you all for your help. Let’s rub down our horses and see if foods ready.”

  Kat loosened the cinch and swung the saddle off Dusty before James came up and took it from her. “Let me get this. Enjoy the help while you can.” He grinned when she started to argue.

  Kat opened a small single paddock and released the stallion; the rest of the horses stood, tied to hitching posts with troughs full of water located beneath them. Most everyone would be leaving after dinner, heading back to their respective homes.

  Angel might stay the night and head home in the morning but Kat wasn’t sure. Simmons and Cook were settled in at the ranch and Anna and Jacob offered to stay with Angel until Matt came back. James was going to move into the bunkhouse with Adam, and once Frank made it back, he would be staying out at Gold Dust Ranch.

  Inside the house, Kat stopped to wash up in the washroom while she inhaled the delicious scents of enchiladas and sopapillas. At this rate, she’d have to be careful that her belly didn’t outgrow the baby.

  “Smells great!” She announced. “Now I know why Rick is always raving about eating at home.”

  “It’s a good thing Cook and Simmons moved to my place. Otherwise, Matt might starve from my cooking.” Angel laughed as she joined the room.

  “Mama Kat!” Ali entered the kitchen at a gallop, throwing herself into Kat’s arms. “I’m glad you came to live with us.”

  Kat kissed her on top of her head before setting her on the floor. “I’m glad too. Maybe tomorrow we’ll have time to check out the horses and see what we can find for you girls to ride.”

  “That will be fun.” Morgan agreed from the doorway. “Papa was always too busy to take us riding. He said he wanted us to learn but something always happened before we could get started. How did you teach Angel when you were so busy?”

  “I learned from necessity.” Angel said. “Kat showed me the basics and put me up on an experienced horse and I went to work. I fell off once or twice but Kat used to say I was a natural. Maybe you girls are too.”

  “Maybe after dinner we could go see what we have to pick from. As long as we stay close, it should be ok.” Kat said thoughtfully.

  “How long have you been here?” Josephine asked as she entered the kitchen. “The girls just got done putting their things away and I put your things in Rick’s bedroom on the bed.”

  “We just got here. Willie made some room for my horses and we’re going to hope that we didn’t step on Adam’s toes. There was an empty single paddock that I put GoldDust in and I guess there were three empty stalls that we used for my mares.”

  “I think Daddy had Adam move some of our horses around before he lef
t so there would be room for you. Adam won’t be mad. He loves your horses anyway and will be happy to work with them.” Morgan piped up.

  “Let’s eat everyone.” Consuela announced. “James, are you hungry? I made some extra spicy just like you asked.”

  “I’m always hungry. Let me at ‘em.” He grinned, grabbing up a fork.

  Soon everyone shuffled in and took a spot at the oversized oak table. After filling the plates and emptying them again, talk centered around working the two ranches and taking care of inhabitants and stock.

  “I have the girls, Consuela and James to help me until Rick and Adam get back. I think we will be fine, don’t you James?” Kat offered.

  “I will have Cook and Simmons.” Angel said. “If I can get some temporary help from Willie, I think I will be fine til Matt and Frank makes it home.”

  “Don’t forget me and Patrick.” Lilly spoke up. “We will already be in your bunkhouse so...”

  “Bunkhouse! I beg to differ.” Angel glared at Lilly in mock ferocity. “You will stay in the house just like friends do. As long as you need a place to stay, you better plan on staying with me.”

  “Anna and I can come out and help on the weekends too if you need us.” Jacob volunteered. “Anna won’t have to teach and my practice will be closed those two days. We can even bring Frances along if she wants to come.”

  “I dearly love visiting.” Frances smiled then blushed. “Or if you’re busy, maybe Willie can bring me.”

  “I think it’s settled; sounds like you all have it figured out. I gave Emily a room upstairs for now if that’s ok but since Frances and Anna are moving to Ruby’s place, I better get headed back to help them.” Josephine stood to make her goodbyes.

  Kat hugged her aunt tightly. “Thank you again so very much for everything you did for us and for all your help. We appreciate it more than you know.”

  Angel moved in with a hug of her own. “Come see us anytime.” She added.

  “You all can stop in and see me too.” Josephine reminded them. “Once it gets close to time for the baby, send for me. I can stay and help for a bit.”

  “We will.” Angel and Kat both agreed as they hugged Frances in turn. “Safe trip and see you both again soon.”

  “Since I will have Lilly for company, you and Anna might as well start back too Jacob.” Angel winked at Anna. “That way Anna can have some say on her new accommodations.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Jacob stood. “I’ll go see to the horses.”

  “I’ll help you out.” James offered as he followed him out the door.

  “Willie, if you want to grab a bunk in the bunkhouse; I think we can head back the ranch tomorrow. I’m a little tired from all the activity.” Angel smothered a yawn.

  “Right this way Miss Angel.” Consuela rose from her chair. “There is a spare room here that should be comfortable for you.”

  “Whew. What do you all think?” Kat asked Morgan, Ali, and Emily. “Sure is noisy with so many people around.”

  “I like it noisy.” Ali announced. “It’s too quiet and stuffy with just us and Consuela here. Now that you’re here, maybe Daddy will laugh again too.”

  “I think we will all make each other laugh!” Kat agreed as she tickled Ali.

  “I’m just glad everyone seems happy.” Morgan said quietly. “And I’m glad you came, Kat.”

  Kat pulled her stepdaughter close and kissed her on top of the head. “I’m glad I came too Morgan. Now what do you say about giving me a tour of the barn and paddocks?”

  ~XXXVI~

  Kat sighed as she looked at the calendar. “When are they coming back?” She whispered. “I can’t believe how much I miss him.”

  “It will be sooner than you think.” Consuela said as she threw open the curtains. “He will be wanting to see how big you have grown with his babies.”

  “Babies?” Kat questioned, looking at her expanding waistline. “Oh no.”

  “Oh yes Senora Kat. I am sure it is two that you carry; look how your belly grows already.”

  “This belly keeps getting in the way of my work.” Kat pouted. “I can only imagine how much trouble there will be with two of them always into mischief.”

  Consuela hid a smile. “But they will have big sisters to help corral them too. It will be fine, just wait and see.”

  I’m going to take the girls and visit Angel today and bring home the puppy. Maybe Voodoo will give us all something to laugh and smile about.”

  Kat grabbed one of Rick’s shirts that she had taken to wearing once she could no longer button her own and pulled it on over her denims. She had given up trying to get those buttoned too but at least her belly held them up while the shirt kept her from embarrassment. “I can almost see where a dress might be easier.” She grumbled under her breath.

  In the kitchen, she grabbed a warm, fluffy cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee then made her way to the barn. First checking on her mares, she then moved on to Dusty’s stall. “What do you think about going for a ride Big Boy?” She gave him a nibble of her breakfast then grabbed the lead ropes for the girl’s horses.

  After tying Pixie and Genie to their stall doors, Kat quickly brushed them down, checked their shoes, smoothed out the blanket, and waited while James set his pitchfork aside and put the saddles into place. Once they were ready, she took them outside and returned for GoldDust.

  Tying him to his stall door, she brushed him and put the blanket on his back, turned around, and waited for James again. He strode up and placed her saddle in the middle of the blanket. “Better get used to this...at least for a while.” He grinned, before going back to mucking stalls.

  Kat tightened the cinch, lowered the stirrups, and checked the hooves, then led GoldDust outside to a separate post. He was normally docile as a lamb but with the way he was feeling so left out, she’d rather not encourage possible bad behavior.

  The girls came running out of the house but slowed to a walk as they approached the waiting horses. Kat was impressed by how much they had learned in the short time she had been here. Morgan and Ali were naturals when it came to riding and they didn’t even hesitate anymore when she asked them to muck stalls.

  “You two ready to test your skills on a little longer ride? I thought we could go visit Angel plus, I have a bit of a surprise too.”

  “A surprise!” Ali repeated excited. “What is it?”

  “It wouldn’t be a surprise if she told us, Dork.” Morgan nudged her little sister with a laugh. “Let’s get our horses ready and go find out.”

  “Don’t worry about checking their feet til we get back. James and I already took care of them before we brought them out. When we get home though, you need to make sure to take good care of your mounts.”

  Kat gave Ali a leg up and handed her the reins then did the same for Morgan before mounting up herself. “Let’s go.” She nudged Dusty and the girls followed along.

  Keeping the pace slow and easy, it took twice as long to get to the old place as it would normally but Kat was pleased with the girls growing skills. As they drew closer, Kat could make out Lilly and Angel on horseback in a nearby field. She waved her hat in the air and once she was sure they saw her, they continued to the barn.

  Dismounting, Kat helped Ali down and smiled when Morgan figured out her own way. “Let’s loosen the cinch and walk em a bit then tie them here where they can reach the water.”

  “I’ll take Dusty too if you’d like. That way you can talk.” Morgan offered as she nodded towards the dust from Angel and Lilly’s approach.

  “Thank you, I really appreciate that Morgan. Just don’t let him get too lippy with Genie.”

  “We’ll be fine. I’ve been practicing just like you showed us.”

  “It’s about time you showed up here!” Angel rode up, looking tired, uncomfortable, and hot. “Where have ya been keeping yourself?”

  “Well, I’ve got two new foals and have been trying to keep up with the training on the two year olds. We’ve been having rid
ing lessons every day and other lessons on taking care of the stock, the rest of the time. I had planned to be here way before this but been so busy I’m not even sure what day it is anymore.”

  “We’ve missed you.” Angel swung down heavily and grabbed her sister in a dusty hug. “Let’s go sit in the shade and talk a bit.”

  “I’ll take care of Star and be up shortly.” Lilly said, taking the reins and leading the horse away.

  “How’s it been going? You haven’t sent smoke signals or Simmons to request help.” Kat grinned as they took a seat on the porch. “I bet you’re figuring it out just like I said you would.”