The girls worked on making fresh tortillas and started cutting up the vegetables as Mirisa cut up the slab of beef putting it into pan so it would brown slowly. The birthday cake was sitting in the middle of the table. Mirisa looked at it hoping it would not fall over. Maggie set the table as they put all their presents on the table in the great room. They had made and hung signs over the fireplace and paper chains to decorate the room.
Mirisa handed Lizzie the platter and they brushed the flat metal outside grill with lard laying the tortillas over it. Lizzie was standing on a stool with the fork in her hand. She flipped them over every few minutes until they had a golden color. Mirisa placed them on the platter as the girls ran to their room to get dressed. When they came downstairs they had on dresses with pinafores. The grandfather clock started to strike the hour and they all looked at it then stood in front of the door. Meeks had promised them that he would have James home at seven o’clock. When the door opened they were all standing perfectly upright. Cassie broke ranks when she saw her father and wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him.
“Surprise daddy.”
“How’s my little turtle?”
“I’m not a turtle. I’m your favorite girl.”
“So you are.”
“We are having a party for you.”
“I am so surprised.” James put her down and kissed each of the girls thanking them for the great surprise. James and Meeks headed up to clean up and change clothes. When they came back down everyone was either in the great room or the kitchen. Mirisa let the girls handle calling everyone for dinner. After dinner, they made James sit down as Mirisa and Meeks cleaned off the table and finished the dishes. Cassie picked up a present and handed it to her father as she climbed up on his lap. He opened it to find a fob for his watch. It was crafted in gold with the image of Cassie on one side and her date of birth on the other.
“Did you make this?”
“No but I had to sit still so Meeks could draw me.”
“Thank you pumpkin.”
Cassie kissed him all over and slid off the couch as Lizzie handed him a present. He opened it to find a small medical book that was signed by Dr. Eppes and inscribed to James. He went through it and wondered how long they had planned this surprise. He hugged Lizzie and told her she was the sweetest angel to ever come from heaven. They loved James because if he was close enough he would always whisper to them. Lizzie slipped off the couch and crawled up in Garnett’s lap and leaned back against him.
Sara handed him a package that he opened as he watched her eyes. She made you blink at her identical looks to her mother but she was Meeks from the top of her head to her toes. Inside was a new recipe book. He opened it to find a drawing of the four girls in aprons and holding spoons. It made him laugh as he turned the pages and found recipe after recipe of the children’s favorite meals. Every once in a while there would be a set of little lips or hearts. At the very end they wished him a happy birthday and all of them left their lip prints, their names and the date. “Sarabean, I think this is the best cookbook ever written.”
“We left room at the back in case we find a new favorite recipe.” She turned back to the front and showed him the recipes for the birthday dinner. Sara wrapped her arms around him and wished him happy birthday.
Mirisa watched him quietly because she knew the reason none of them celebrated was because they didn’t like showing their emotions. Maggie walked over and handed him a package. He opened the box to find a beautiful telescope. It was black with brass trim. Etched in the trim was his name.
“Maggie, I believe you and I need to pick a night to play with the stars. Thank you sweetheart.”
Maggie hugged him and whispered in his ear as he laughed. They served the birthday cake and played board games until Mirisa told them to get ready for bed. When they all came down in nightgowns and ribbons in their hair, they grabbed James hands and Maggie picked up the telescope pulling him up to the flower hill. Everyone followed them as James laid on his back and focused in the telescope. It was so powerful. The girls all laid down with him and as he passed it from one to the other he explained the stars. Matthew and Jonathan sat down cross legged next to Maggie.
“Alright point with your left hand. The girls all pointed. Right on the horizon is Neptune.” They all looked through the telescope. “Then pointing right you have Saturn and above that Mars.” If you look right there you see Draco.”
“He’s the dragon right?”
“Yep he is the dragon.”
“Is that the door to the other world?”
“That’s what they say darling.”
“Will you go there with me?”
“I will go anywhere in the world you want to go.”
After they got the girls to bed, Garnett broke out the cards and they played for hours. Mirisa was up on her knees leaning across the table to put down a card when James grabbed her arm bringing her closer as he kissed her. The rest of the cards fell out of her hand as Garnett sat back smiling. Meeks ran his hand up the back of her leg as she sat back and leaned up against him. She gathered up her cards and put her finger in her mouth. James put his cigar in his mouth and anted. Mirisa got back up on her knees and anted. Meeks ran his hand up her leg causing her to turn and look at him. She turned and sat on the coffee table facing her husband.
“Darling you are sitting on the cards.”
She looked down smiling putting her hands on the table standing up. She was weaving just slightly as she tried not to lose her balance on the coins. Mirisa slowly methodically unbuttoned her shirt without breaking eye contact. She held it out with one hand dropping it on the table. She unbuttoned her jeans and bent over taking off one leg then the other as she dropped them on the floor. Mirisa was wearing green stockings with matching undergarments. James could see the top of the dragon over her birth mark and smiled. Meeks ran his hand up the inside of her leg as she stepped down from the table and sat facing him. Meeks untied her ribbon allow her hair to fall over her shoulders as she said things that would entice a man to forget where he was.
“Alright James, I think it is time that we end your birthday the right way.”
Garnett stood as Mirisa looked up at him. She stood and walked across the table moving the money aside before she reached James. She kissed him as his hands wrapped around her hips bringing her closer. Mirisa knew that he was so close to the breaking point but she didn’t stop as his breathing became obvious. James stood and brought Mirisa’s hands in front holding them together.
“At this moment I would give everything I own to take you right here on the table.” James kissed her and walked over grabbing his holster and hat. Mirisa watched him as he walked back over and pulled her chin up kissing her softly.
“James.”
“I think Miss Minnie taught you how to make potions because your ability to drive me crazy is irrational.”
“James.”
“What Mirisa?”
“Have a very happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
“James.” He looked into her dark green eyes and smiled. She leaned into him and whispered in his ear.
“In a heartbeat.” James kissed her then headed out the door with Dominic and Garnett.
Mirisa turned to her husband who laughed. She slowly pushed him over until they were on the floor. He peeled a queen of hearts off of her stomach and told her that he thought she would have made a great floor girl and she told him that he was right. Meeks ran his hand up her leg as he bit her ear. She wanted to consume him as she became entangled in his body until he finally pinned her down taking her to that so sweet plateau as she surrendered to his lips.
Mirisa was sitting on the floor of the children’s room going through the books as Maggie put them on the shelves.
“Why aren’t you out with the boys this morning?”
“They are taking a group of men fishing down at the east bend of the river and will probably camp out.”
“Do you want you
r father to take you down and camp with you?”
“No. I would much rather spend the day with you. I really don’t get to spend time alone with you.”
“I can’t believe you will be ten years old soon.”
“Mother.” Mirisa looked up at Maggie. “What are we going to do about school?”
“There is a school close to Denver but it would be a long trip for you to take every day and your father said they are building a new church and school house at the cross roads which is only ten minutes from our place. Would you like to go look at it?”
“Is daddy coming with us?”
“I’m sure he would love to ride with us. Why don’t you go ask him?”
Maggie put the stack of books on the shelf and headed down to his silver room where he was working on the butt of a new knife for Jonathan. She sat down and watched as he worked.
“How do you decide what to put on something?”
“Well, sometimes people ask for certain things like scrollwork or animals, sometimes they want to remember the countryside or an adventure.”
“Is this for his birthday?”
“Yes.”
“And how did you know that the eagle was his totem?”
“He has many of the traits of the eagle. Guardianship, control, freedom, skill and focus. I believe he was brought into our family to keep you safe.”
“Can you help me make a sheaf for the knife?”
“If you look over in the box in the corner you will find some of the tanned hides. Go through them until you find a piece you like.” Maggie pulled out the small pieces until she found one that was so rich in color and held it up. “What is this hide?”
“It is elk but I used oak bark to tan it. It is rugged so it will work well with holding a knife.”
“Will you teach me how to treat hides?”
Meeks put down his tools and took off his apron hanging it on the wall. “It’s pretty dirty work.”
“I don’t mind. Mother sent me down to see if you will go riding with us.”
“Where are the girls?”
“They are helping James build a new chicken coop. He said the last one was worn out from the winters and he thinks they are too vulnerable to the wildlife.”
“Let me clean up. Can you go tell James were going out for a while?”
“I will.” Maggie ran down to the barn where Sara was hammering a nail in the new frame that James was building. Cassie and Lizzie were sitting on a log playing with the chickens that were loose.
“Maggie, are you here to help?”
“No, daddy told me to tell you that you are in charge of the girls because we are going for a ride.”
“Alright. Girls I am in charge.” They all clapped as Maggie headed into the barn and asked William if he would saddle their horses. She liked the new stableman that her father had hired. He was younger and said he came west to work in the silver mines but didn’t like the work.
Meeks walked down with Mirisa as Maggie was bringing the horses out of the barn. William tipped his hat and asked Meeks if he could help with the chicken coop since the chores were finished. James told them to have a good ride as he mounted waiting for Mirisa to finish instructing the girls on minding James.
They rode to the crossroads where they were constructing a new church with an attached school room. They walked around the building until they found the preacher who was talking to a worker about the plans. Meeks introduced himself and asked him about the building. Mirisa watched as they walked around talking about the construction and need for the church due to the number of smaller ranches in the area.
They headed south stopping several times to talk to new ranchers. It was a beautiful day to ride with just a slight breeze. They dismounted next to the lower stream and Maggie helped her father build a small fire. He walked over to his horse and pulled out his rifle.
“Maggie.”
She walked over as he walked out into the field. Meeks turned around and waited for her to catch up as Mirisa pulled her rifle and took a handful of bullets out of her saddlebag. Meeks put the rifle in Maggie’s hand and set it against her shoulder. He explained how to hold it and how to stand before she pulled the trigger. Mirisa stepped back as she started to close one eye and Meeks told her to keep her arm steady as she fired. He was standing close enough when the gun kicked that he caught her before she fell. Mirisa walked over and handed her rifle to Meeks. Maggie handed her Meeks gun as he put Mirisa’s gun in her hands. She seated her feet and pulled the trigger hitting a tree about seventy-five yards in front of them.
“I like Mom’s gun a lot better.”
“That’s because it is smaller.” He showed her how to load the gun, carry it and to never lean it against anything if it is loaded. Meeks took some small sticks and walked out to a fallen tree putting them between the bark so they were standing up. Mirisa put his rifle back in his scabbard and pulled out the bag of bread and cheese. Maggie was a far better shot than her mother and almost as good as her father.
They finally sat down and ate lunch before dousing the fire and heading home. A mile before the road they ran into a rancher who was working on his fencing. Maggie dismounted and walked up to the fence putting her hand through to pet a dog that was sitting next to his horse. The dog walked over to the fence and nudged her hand as she laughed.
“Pointer?”
“Yeah, he’s the best of last year’s litter. Lost my favorite dog a few months back when he tangled with a rattler. We had another litter about a month ago so we’ll probably be selling them soon.” The man lowered his hat so the sun didn’t blind him. “That gentleman down by the river was looking at them the other day. I think he’s in government or something but he said he would take all but one because it’s a lot smaller than the rest of them.”
“Dominic?”
“Yeah. Nice gentleman. I’m really pleased with the ranchers who live in this area and this year we haven’t had many problems excepting those outlaws that stole horses from Big Jim down at the bend. He wounded one before they started firing back. Heard from the Sheriff that they were killed.”
Meeks nodded but didn’t look at Maggie who was still talking to the dog. “Can we come over and look at the litter?”
“I reckon but you need to know only the runt is left.”
“That’s fine. What is a good time?”
“Well, just follow the road up to the barn and tell Lonnie to show you the litter.”
Maggie mounted her horse as the rancher walked over and opened the gate allowing them to ride down to the large barn. A young boy came out when they dismounted. He showed them the pen with five little puppies. Maggie climbed over the pen and sat down as they climbed all over her. Their teeth were still sharp and they couldn’t climb over each other fast enough to lick or bite.
“I think they taste the food on your hands.”
Maggie smiled as she picked one up and cuddle him as one of the other puppies pawed at her arm to get in her lap. The rancher finally came into the barn with the dog following him.
“Do you have dogs?”
“We lost our dog before we moved back.”
“They are very good hunting dogs and require little training.” He reached in the pen and pulled one of the pups up by the scruff of the neck holding him out. “You can see that this one is half the size of the others and he has very little marking and one blue eye.”
Meeks felt his leg bones and his stomach. “Other than his size, he seems to be sturdy. When will they be ready to take?”
“Well, the others are being picked up later this week so they can start training them for bird hunting. If you want the runt, you can take him now.”
“What do you want for him?”
“Nothing.”
Meeks reached in his pocket and handed him a ten dollar gold piece and turned to Maggie. “Think you can ride carrying him?”
Maggie stood up and reached for him. The puppy started licking her face as she stepped out of the pen. Mag
gie put her arms around her father and thanked him.
“You going to train him to hunt?”
“No, I think this one will just be a good house dog. If you know anyone who has good guard dogs for sale, please tell them to come see me.”
“Which ranch is yours?”
“The lodge on the river.”
“Beautiful home. Are you new here?”
“No, we’ve owned the home almost ten years but we have been back east for a while.”
“Well it is mighty fine to meet you both and hopefully you will come to our summer cookout. All the ranchers and some of the town folk come out for a day of eating and games.”
“We would love to come. Thank you.”
Maggie handed the puppy to her mother as she mounted her horse. Meeks unbuttoned her jacket and put the puppy against her buttoning it back up. They galloped home as the puppy barked at the wind that was hitting him in the face. James was putting away the tools as the girls were herding the chickens into the new coop. Meeks watched as they got them to the opening when they would turn and run under their legs or fly over their heads. He walked over picked up a chicken throwing it in the coop shutting the door.
“Cassie, take some chicken scrap and put it on the other side on the ground.” He scooped up two more and within a minute all the chickens were in their new home. “Why didn’t you just pick them up?”
“They bite and they’re bigger than me.”
Maggie came out of the barn carrying the puppy when Lizzie saw him and ran over as Maggie put him on the ground. Meeks laughed as they all abandoned him to see the new puppy.
Sara squatted down as the puppy laid at her feet and rolled over. “Is he ours?”
“Only if you promise to take care of him.”
“Can he sleep with us?”
“Talk to your mother since she’s the only person I know who allows dogs in the house.”
“We will have to train him to behave before he can sleep in the house.”
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