by Alex Harris
Chapter 13
“This is Summer. Buttercup is getting ready to foal. Can you let Dr. Peterson know? This is her first. We’d like to have him on hand just in case. Tell him, I’ll put supper on if he hurries.” Summer had called the vet to come out to help with the birthing. With a first-time mare, it was a good idea to have a professional out to assist. Anyway, Summer and Dr. Chris had a long time friendship, if he was out in the neighborhood, he’d drop by for a drink or sandwich. They met for dinner in town when neither had anything else pressing. Chalcey, knowing that Summer liked Chris, loved to tease her great grandmother about the vet.
“We have the names and phone numbers of the foursome and the stock broker. Tomorrow let’s start calling these alibis.” Fred and Oriole arrived at the ranch together having left her Jeep in town at the office. “Tonight, let’s just relax. Maybe I’ll even barbeque if Summer hasn’t planned anything special.”
“Fred, why not give up your place in town. Move out to the bunkhouse. You’re here more than in town. Marlowe loves it. Chalcey loves it. It’s nice to have a man around with the critters. You’d save money and contribute here. Plus, since we work together we can car pool. And with gas at $3.80 a gallon it makes sense.” Oriole had been talking around the idea for weeks and since he was a captive audience, she took the plunge.
“I’ve been thinking about it. You gotta promise not to mention this to Marlowe or anyone else. Okay? I just don’t want to screw up with Marlowe. I enjoy her company, doing things with her. I love Chalcey and hanging out with her. As for you, I could never ask for a better partner. I just don’t want to lose it all if any one of you wakes up tomorrow and sees I’m not perfect.”
“Look, we know you’re not perfect. I’ve been your partner for close to eight years. I’ve seen your ass when you got shot. I’ve seen you laugh and cry. I know you’ve got warts. Not real warts, but you know what kinda warts I mean. Chalcey doesn’t think in terms of warts, she loves you so much; you could never do anything to screw it up for her. Now, Marlowe is a different story. You really like her, she really likes you. Both of you want to take it slow so as not to screw up a good friendship. As your counselor, I say continue to take it slow, build the friendship based on mutual respect. At each point in the relationship, sit down and talk about the next step and whether you should take it. Be her best friend first, before you become her lover. Oh, my god, don’t tell me. No, no, no. I don’t want to hear about sex just yet. I’ll never be able to look you in the eye. Okay what I’m saying is move out to the bunkhouse. If it doesn’t work out, move back into town and we’ll keep Lady.” Oriole was laughing at her blundering recitation.
“Okay, let’s keep this quiet for now, Snoopy. Let me think about what to do. And just to clear the air, I do not cry.” They had arrived at the ranch, parked in the circle driveway and started up to the house. Fred was thinking about the emptiness in his life since Marvelle had passed on and the feelings of togetherness the Bear Ranch women exuded toward him. He wanted nothing more than to be connected once again.
The bunkhouse was actually a three bedroom house completely self contained with a great room the size of a ballroom. It was named a bunkhouse because during the summer, the ranch often played host to cowboys who worked neighboring ranches. Over the years it had served as a church, a war room for Fred and Oriole’s cases and as a halfway house for those in need.
Fred was ready to start the barbeque with Chalcey’s help. “Girl, you need to learn how to barbeque. I’m not always around and you can grab second place as the resident outdoor cook. Usually, this job falls to the man of the house. It is a long worn tradition in society. However, you are a perfect student for me to teach the art of barbeque, so hike on up here and we’ll work this out together.” Fred put his arm around the gangly teenager and showed her the important steps she needed to follow to become his protégé.
“Uncle Fred, I really like it when you treat me like an adult. I feel like a real part of the family instead of a kid. You’re always showing me something new and important. I wish you were here more. You could help me with Red for the parade, and you could teach me all about throwing a rope and just lots of stuff.” As she scraped the grill according to his directions, Chalcey prattled on without saying what was really in her heart, that Fred was a father, uncle, grandfather to her.
“Well, sweetie, that’s something to consider. That apartment in town is pretty lonesome, especially when I spend time out here with the family. It’s pretty complicated though, changes in everyone’s life, division of labor, finances. How do you propose we work all that stuff out?” Fred never had kids, so he treated Chalcey like he treated adults, seeking her counsel and valuing her contribution.
“Is it time to turn the steaks?” The protégé was watching and talking.
“Yes, little missy.”
“Why don’t we talk about moving out here over dinner and get input from Marlowe, Summer and Mom. Then we don’t have to solve all the problems by ourselves. We can let them help.” Chalcey’s wisdom reached far beyond her young years.
“Good idea. Grab that plate and I’ll turn this over. Let’s see how dinner inside is coming.”
Inside, Marlowe was making the salad, Oriole was doing the vegetables and Summer was setting the table with the good china and crystal. Dinner consisting of garden vegetables, salad, fresh bread and homemade jam, was waiting for the steaks.
“Summer, I was thinking it might be good timing for Fred to move out here to the bunkhouse. It is completely self-contained. He could come and go as he wants, join us when and if he wants. He sure could help us out with some of the work and maybe even pay a little in rent.” Oriole broke the promise Fred had asked for.
“Maybe, we should ask Marlowe how she feels about that. Marlowe?” Summer looked up from the table to her daughter.
“Fred and I have talked about that. It seems to make sense for all of us here, but I’m not sure he is ready for a bunch of controlling women.” Marlowe laughed.
“Why don’t we find out?” Summer suggested.
Fred and Chalcey opened the Arcadia doors and carried in the steaks.
“It’s about time, Fred. I was afraid you and Chalcey had eaten up everything out there.” Summer smiled at her great granddaughter and the man she considered a son.
“Summer, Fred was teaching me to barbeque. I’m the second in command for outdoor cooking.”
“Well, okay then. When Fred and Oriole are off on a case, you can cook. That will give me a break.” Summer hugged Chalcey.
“Come on, I want to see if Chalcey’s steaks taste different than Fred’s.” Oriole teased her partner and daughter.
“When is Doc Peterson coming to check on Buttercup?” Marlowe asked as she poured the wine for the adults.
“He’ll be here about 7:30, after he gets done with the Bar 7. I’ll just save him something to eat. He’ll probably be hungry.” Summer said and patted her loose hair back into place, a gesture that was not lost on Marlowe or Oriole. Daughter and granddaughter glanced at each other and suppressed a smile.
Dinner conversation covered the weather, the garden, the horse and finally the living arrangements.
“Fred, we were talking while you and Chalcey were working your fingers to the bone. What would you think about moving into the bunkhouse permanently? You are part of the family and have been even before Marvelle passed. We all like you here, even Chalcey. It would be a win--win situation.” Summer talked as the food was being passed.
“Ah, ah,” Fred stammered, “well, ah, I think I need to hear from Marlowe on that. Y’all know we’ve been dating, well not dating, but like seeing each other, well not seeing each other, we do that, but you know hanging out.” Fred’s suntanned face turned beet red.
“Fred,” Marlowe started as she laid down her fork and knife and took his hand, “we all have discussed it. They know how I feel about you, and based on the time we’ve spent together, I think I know how you feel about me. It seems to be
the natural thing to do. It could save money for all of us. Another hand around the ranch would help. Chalcey would benefit from having you around more. The only thing left is for you to make the decision. That is, without any pressure from any of us, of course.” Marlowe finished her oration, let go of his hand, and continued to eat as if this decision was nothing more than passing the peas.
“Uncle Fred, you could even help me with chores. Then that way I could barbeque more often and maybe even take over number one outdoor cook.” Chalcey chimed in.
“Here’s an idea, Fred.” Oriole began with a smile. “You could even keep the apartment in town for a month or so to see if you were comfortable with a bunch of strong-minded women and bad tempered critters.
“Mom! Our critters are not bad tempered.” Chalcey chided her mother.
“Chalcey’s right, Oriole. There’s not a bad one in the lot. Well, except Pierre, who is dumber than a box of rocks. But what can you expect from a goat for God’s sake.” Fred joined in the levity.
“So, everyone has added their two-bits. Looks like a foregone conclusion. All you have to do if pack up the rest of the stuff you really need and move in.” Oriole chuckled to herself as she watched Fred’s face soften to the idea of becoming a permanent fixture at Bear Ranch.
“Come on, let’s get this place cleaned up and get out to the barn to see to Buttercup. Dr. Peterson will be here any minute.” Summer rose and started clearing the table almost before the last bite went down. Marlowe and Oriole exchanged eye rolls.
Buttercup had been bred to an Arab Dapple Grey that matched her perfectly. She had been brought up to the barn earlier that day. The barn was built about 30 years back and designed by Ben Balow’s dad. A special loafing stall had been used for horses, goats, cattle, and Chalcey’s numerous cats, dogs and rabbits. The stall provided seclusion and a sense of safety for the soon-to-be mother. Water and electrical outlets were present to help with clean up, heat and extra lights. Dr. Peterson had used the loafing stall for animals other than Bear Ranch critters more than once. Fresh straw covered the concrete floor and the water trough was standing with clean water. Anticipation filled the air as Buttercup went into labor. Summer and Dr. Chris joined the mare while everyone else waited on the other side of the plexi-glass wall watching.
“Do we need to boil water?” Chalcey asked in all seriousness.
“No, honey, that’s only on television. See we have fresh water, Doc has his bag of tricks, Summer has some old towels. We’re set. Are you going to take some pictures of the birth?” Oriole put her arms around her daughter and kissed the top of her head.
“I have my new digital camera charged and ready. Are you sure it won’t disturb Buttercup?”
“She’ll be so busy pushing the foal out, she won’t even notice.” Marlowe said as she joined the others.
“Hey, just in time. Is Fred coming too?” Oriole kissed her grandmother on the check.
“He’s finishing up chores and will be right down.”
The vet helped Buttercup to lie down and Summer sat in the straw at her head. Both had gloved up to help if needed. Buttercup’s belly rippled with contractions. Her water broke and out poked the head of a gorgeous grey foal. Dr. Peterson called for Chalcey to come in and catch the foal so they would immediately bond.
“It’s so tiny, yet so big.” Exclaimed Chalcey, as tears fell in amazement.
“Its leg is bent. Summer come here and help Chalcey and me. I gotta reach in there and grab the leg. You and Chalcey hold the foal so it won’t come until I get the leg fixed.” Dr. Peterson reached inside found the problem leg and bent it so both legs could come forth.
Buttercup gave one more hard push and out came a little colt, as pretty as a picture and wet from head to hoof. Buttercup stood and began licking the colt as Summer and Chris began drying him with towels.
“I was so busy I forgot to take pictures.” Chalcey was almost in tears again, but this time from disappointment.
“It’s okay, Marlowe and I took pictures of all of it. We have video and digital. Since this colt will be yours, you need to start thinking about a name.”
“We should call him Pelo Conoso because he is gray.”
“Your Spanish class is paying off.”
“Well, looks like I missed everything. How’s she doing?” Fred asked as he joined the on lookers.
“Mama and colt are fine. There was a little concern during the entrance into this world, but Chris, Summer, and Chalcey helped get his feet turned around and out he popped.” Marlowe told Fred as she put her arm around his waist. “This is almost as good as when Chalcey was born.”
“There is something about the birth of any creature that makes you stop and acknowledge the gift you have just been given. Anyone who doesn’t give thanks for that gift has to be hard hearted.” Oriole looked on as her daughter and Grandmother helped finish cleaning the loafing stall.
“Who’s going to stay here tonight with Mama and baby?” Marlowe asked the gathering.
“Why don’t you and I?” Fred asked as he pulled Marlowe closer. “Summer and Doc need to clean up and Chalcey will be up all night talking about the miracle of birth.”
“Good idea. I’ll go make some sandwiches and a thermos of coffee. I’ll bring down a couple coats in case it gets cold. Be back in a flash.” Marlowe squeezed Fred’s arm and leaned over and kissed his check. Fred blushed, but took the opportunity to return the kiss.
Summer and Chris dropped the gloves and assorted items in the garbage can outside the stall.
Chris put his arm around Summer’s shoulders. “Good job. Any time you need a part time job as a midwife, you let me know.” They stood together watching the mare and colt, as the colt began to nurse.
“When Marlowe comes back let’s go up to the house and you grab a shower and I’ll feed you.” Summer looked into Chris’ lined, tired face.
“What I could really use is a stiff belt of Kilbeggan. I never tire of the honor of helping bring these little critters into the world. I’ll stop off at the Jeep and get clean clothes and meet you at the house.” Chris said as he placed his hand on the back of Summer’s neck.
“Mom, can I stay up with Marlowe and Fred?”
“For maybe an hour then I want you to come up to the house. You need to talk about this miracle and you need to get some rest. Anyway Fred and Marlowe will have it under control. When you come up, I’ll have the pictures and video loaded so you can look at everything you missed when you were helping. Okay?”
“Mom, you’re the best. This is the happiest day of my life.”
“Even better than when Travis asked you to the Rodeo dance?”
“That doesn’t even come close. Anyway, Travis is just a friend.” Now it was Chalcey’s turn to blush.