by Kim Smart
“A cowboy, huh? You sure don’t look like any cowboy I ever dated.”
Stella laughed. “Well, that’s a good thing, right?”
“Yes ma’am, it is. I mean you’re pretty and all, but I like my cowboys a little more… uh, shall we say, rugged?”
“I understand completely. Let’s just say that I’m a girl who does a cowboy’s job.”
“Interesting. I bet there’s a story behind that. So, Stella, if you’re going to be around these parts, maybe you can tell me about it someday. I mean, how you became a cowboy.”
“Sure thing, Edna. One day we can hit the bar after work and I’ll tell you all about it. There is a bar in this town, right?”
“Oh yeah, we got three of them. But honey, you come on over to my house. We can hang out on the deck, watch the squirrels and drink for free. I just get myself in trouble when I hang out at the bar.”
“Sounds like you have your own story to tell, eh Edna?”
“Well, maybe. You come to see me when you get situated. Where are you looking to live?”
“I’m looking on the east side of town, close as I can get to my work. I have to have land enough for my horses so I can’t be in town.”
“There are a few places for sale over there. Seems most of them were recreation places for city folk who wanted to get out of the heat down south. I’m sure you’ll find just the right thing. You enjoy your breakfast now.” Edna tapped her watch with her finger. “Clock’s a-ticking girlie.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m on it.” Stella grabbed the syrup and prepared her pancake. After the heavy meal last night, the quantity of food in front of her now seemed overwhelming. She would be lucky to get half of it eaten. She took a bite of the blueberry pancake and smiled. It was just like the ones her mom made, light and fluffy with big juicy blueberries. She would be happy to come back and eat this on Sunday mornings.
7
Stella met with a realtor who represented two of the properties on her list. They could not get into the third property, but Stella drove by it. It was closest to Rabbit Creek Ranch and the highest-priced of the properties. From what Stella could see it offered more acres of land than the others, but much of that land was unusable due to an incline and large boulders. For the extra money, she would stick with one of the other properties.
The property that topped her list was unusual. The couple that had it built in the 1970s used it as a summer home initially, but stopped coming when they got older. Most recently, it was a vacation rental. The couple’s son marketed it and a local woman managed the housekeeping for them. Ponderosa pine lined the horizon along the outside edge of the ten acres. There was an outbuilding for tack with a lean-to to shelter the horses. The truck and horse trailer would easily fit in the two-stall garage with an extended area used workshop. The house was red and built in the style of a barn. A river rock fireplace stood at the center of the home. One could stoke the fire from the kitchen and dining area or the living room. The owners had decorated it as a turn-of-the-century style home. It was furnished with beautiful antiques, including a working antique cook stove in mint condition. All would be included in the sale.
This house was move-in ready, with a few changes that would make it more suitable for Stella. She would take down the shelves that lined the living room and dining room, removing the large collection of plates and antique pitchers. The realtor suggested that, with some clutter removed, the home would feel more spacious than its fifteen hundred square feet. The two bedrooms were large, with the bonus of a second bathroom in the master bedroom. The owners advertised the master bedroom as a ‘honeymoon suite’ in the vacation rental brochure.
Stella also liked the second lower-priced house five miles west of the first one on Trail Water Loop. The sellers had recently remodeled. It had high ceilings, contemporary light paint, an open floor plan and a sweet wrap-around porch. It reminded Stella of a mini version of the Buffalo Ridge Ranch home. The drawback of this home was the lack of a garage. If she got it for the right price, however, she could have a garage built. There was no shelter for the horses, only a tack shack. This property had slightly less land, but it was enough for her two horses to graze and exercise.
The realtor had her work cut out for her, though. Stella decided to low-ball the first house on her list. “I think the sellers have added a fifty-thousand dollar sentimental value to their property. I will make an offer for that amount lower than the asking price.”
The realtor put her pen down. They were sitting at the soda fountain of a local gas station to discuss Stella’s thoughts on the houses.
“I’m familiar with these sellers and I will guess that they won’t budge and they won’t counter your offer.”
“That’s fine.” Stella answered firmly. “Their home has been on the market for over two hundred days. If they are ready to sell it, they will have to be reasonable in their asking price.”
“I get your point and I don’t disagree with you. I’m just telling you what my experience with them has been. Their attorney son from California strongly influences them.”
“Well, that’s my position. As I say, the second house at $20,000 under asking price, or even this other one that we didn’t see today would work for me. I’m not married to the nostalgia in that house. In fact, it will take some work to make it fit my personality, including changing all those bright yellow walls to something calmer.”
“I’ll put in the offer tomorrow. I’m sure there won’t be another bidder today.”
“That’s fine with me. In the meantime, could you get me a little more information on that new listing on Juniper Lane? I think the only drawback I saw was that it had only one bathroom. I would be curious to know if there’s a way to put a second bath in. The price is low enough that I could invest something if it has everything else I need.”
Stella knew that a perfect property would show up soon, even if it weren’t one she saw with the realtor. If all else failed, she could find a short-term rental and keep looking.
It was time to turn to more pressing matters. She had not responded to Brandon, and she had not completed her travel plans.
She looked out the single window of the bunkhouse and spotted Martin crossing the yard. Quickly, she pulled her boots on and ran out to greet him.
“Hey Stella, how was your day? You went up north, right?”
“That’s right. It was informative and promising. I’ll find something, I’m sure. I’m just not positive it was what I saw today. Seems some people get really attached to their things and their home and want me to pay a sentimental tax.”
Martin laughed. “I’ve seen that before, especially if the owner built the home or did major renovations themselves. Sometimes, that’s the worst workmanship, but boy, they put their blood, sweat, and tears in the place so it has added value to them.”
“That’s it exactly! That’s what I saw today. It was actually a little sad. I mean, that they are so unrealistic. In one case, the house has been on the market for many months and it’s overpriced about fifty grand. Either they are motivated to sell, or they aren’t.”
“It does sound like you learned a lot about the area up there. Are there plenty of properties that have accommodations for your horses?”
“Sure. All of them I looked at today did.”
“Great. I’m sure something will come up. So what about your vacation? Have you reached your folks?”
“I did. If it’s okay with you, I will go next weekend and stay for one week. My mother is already planning meals and has her grocery list written out. She’s got my sheets in the washer and told my brothers, Steve and Jesse, who live there.”
Martin smiled. “She loves you.”
“Yes, she surely does, and as always she uses food to show it. She cooks with so much love you can hardly taste the tomato paste.”
Martin nodded toward the home she shared with Clara. “I’ve seen that pattern before.” They laughed.
“I… I don’t know if it’s okay
for me to ask, but did you have a good time last night?”
Stella brought her hand to her forehead and furrowed her brow. “Oh Martin I did. I did. I’ve just been so caught up with everything going on that I haven’t even responded to Brandon’s message from this morning. I enjoyed the food and the company. I’m not sure this is the right time for me to be meeting someone new, but we’ll see what happens.”
“Yeah, the timing seems a little unfortunate with you moving up north and all, but you’re always welcome here if you decide to come back and visit. Clara has adopted you, and frankly, she expects you to visit. When I first mentioned offering you the job she didn’t speak to me for two days. She likes having you here. She says it balances the place out. Say, you don’t know any other women cowboys looking for a job, do you?”
“I might know a couple and I’ll reach out to them. That’s another thing to think about here. I had it in the back of my mind that an all-female crew up north may be a good way for me to go.”
“That might be a great idea.”
“I got that idea from something Jed said. He warned me to choose my hands carefully because they may not all have the same work ethic I do, if you know what I mean.”
“I do and I think you’re right to keep your mind open. See, I knew you were the best person for this job. You’re already shaking things up.” Martin put an arm around Stella as the two of them walked toward the bunkhouse kitchen. “Now, shall we see what Clara stirred up for dinner?”
Most of the crew was eating dinner. Those hands who went away for the weekend or spent the weekend resting up all showed up for Sunday dinner. Clara encouraged it by making favorite meals to entice the guys to be back at the ranch at a decent hour. Martin and Clara always joined them for Sunday dinner. It helped fill their need for family. They caught up on everyone’s family and comings and goings. They were slow to judge others and encouraged all to be their best selves, even if doing so took them away from the ranch for other endeavors.
“Well Duane, did Rosie accept?” Last week Duane had shown Clara the ring he bought for his sweetheart. It was Rosie’s birthday and Duane proposed. Stella had met Rosie once when she visited the ranch, a sweet girl and very young like Duane.
“Yes ma’am, she sure did.” The baby-faced cowboy grinned from ear to ear.
Clara clapped her hands and walked around the table to give Duane a big hug. “Oh, I knew she would! I don’t know what you were so nervous about.”
The group at the table erupted with congratulations and well wishes.
“Do you have a date set yet for the wedding?” Martin asked.
“No, sir. Rosie has three more semesters of college. I want her to finish those before there’s a wedding. I’ve had too many friends that got overwhelmed with all the planning stuff and they quit school and never went back. I’m not the book-learning sort myself, but Rosie, she’s really smart and will make a great teacher.”
“Now that’s great thinking Duane.” Martin put his arm around Clara. “We’re darn proud of you Duane and happy to see you so doggone happy. Invite Rosie out sometime and we’ll throw a party for you both.”
“Thank you, sir. I will do that.” Duane came from a one-parent family in the area. His father died in a car accident when Duane was a small boy, and his mother never remarried. He looked up to Martin as a father figure and, at times like this, was beyond grateful that he worked for Martin and Clara.
Stella, too, was grateful to the couple that took her in and encouraged her to define and follow her dreams. Her reward seemed to be just around the corner. Never before had she anticipated an opportunity that would allow her to be a cowboy full-time and have her own place. This was beyond her dreams. It was time to build bigger dreams!
After dinner, Stella returned to her bunkhouse and responded to Brandon.
It’s been an eventful day. Property search was promising, if not for today for the near future. Made plans to leave next Saturday for a week. Hope you had a great Sunday.
The late Saturday night and long Sunday had tired Stella out. She fell asleep as the news played in the background.
8
Stella filled the week before vacation with her last cattle sorting at Winding Slough Ranch. Her skills were well-suited for this job. She was steady, calm and read the behavior of the cattle well. She was a natural leader for the small crew working with her.
Throughout the day she checked her phone for updates from the realtor. Mid-afternoon she got her first text back.
Offer rejected. Seller offended. No counteroffer.
Stella exhaled a big sigh of relief. The more she thought about the quaint and charming place, the more she realized the romance of the home momentarily captivated her. It was impractical to live with the turn-of-the-century decor and appliances. The place was best used as a novel rest stop for newlyweds and vacationers. She responded to the realtor.
Good. Make offer on Trail Water as we discussed. Any more info on place on Juniper Lane?
Stella knew this offer was also a long shot but she might get lucky enough to find a motivated seller. Heck, they may even come back and say they have a way to get a discounted garage. Stranger things had happened.
Brandon texted later in the afternoon. Thinking of you. Know you have a busy week. You come back from SD Sat or Sun next weekend? Have time for coffee or dinner when you return?
Stella smiled. It was nice to have someone thinking about her. She thought about his question and how busy she was. Finally, she decided she could squeeze one more thing in; she wondered if he could. He would have to go back to Phoenix on Sunday night or Monday morning for work, she presumed. That’s over a two-hour drive. She needed to be in Watson to look at properties again, which would add another two hours for him.
Return Sat pm. How about breakfast on Sunday in Watson? Pick you up on the way?
Brandon didn’t hesitate with his response. Within minutes he committed to going with her and designated a meeting place. Stella smiled and shook her head. She was taking a relative stranger house hunting! There was time to back out if she started feeling uneasy about him joining her. It would be awkward for him to be part of making decisions for the next big step in her life. The more she thought about her impulsive invitation, the more she questioned her ability to think clearly with all the moving parts in her life.
She turned her attention to the work before her. This was no time to allow herself to be distracted. They were finishing up the last push for the day to get the cattle sorted and penned. She would drive some to new grazing land the following day. Truckers would haul others to the stock sale next week. With a herd as large as that of this ranch, culling was a constant process to preserve the integrity of the herd.
They wrapped up the day and headed for dinner. It was after seven, and Clara was ready for them with a hot meal. Clara sat beside her, watching as Stella pushed food around her plate, swirling mashed potatoes around a pile of peas.
“Stella, dear, you haven’t eaten tonight. Is there something wrong with the food?” Clara knew Stella well. She could out-eat the men after a long day’s work, like today.
“Oh, no! I mean, I don’t think so. Sorry, Clara, I’m distracted with everything that’s going on.”
“Oh honey, you’re such a worrier. Everything will be just fine. You watch and see. Stop worrying so much and eat your dinner. You have another hard day tomorrow and will need your strength.” Clara paused so Stella could take a bite. “How is your house search going?”
“Considering I just started, I think it’s going well. I’ve never been through this process before, and it’s a little bit hectic. On one hand, the realtor is pushing me to put an offer in because the process takes a while. On the other hand, the offer I’m willing to make is not what the seller wants. I folded on the first house I liked, and in retrospect it would have been an impulse buy and not something that really suited me.”
“Well see, that worked out for the best then. I’m sure there would be som
eplace to rent or you could take the camper up there by the outbuildings at the entrance to the rangeland if you needed to, at least short term. It’s all going to be okay.” Clara sat in silence while Stella ate more of her dinner, washing it down with coffee.
“Martin said you’re going home to see your family this weekend. I’m so happy for you and I bet that news thrilled your momma.”
“Oh Clara, you know her too well.”
“I only know what you tell me, dear.”
“Well, she wanted to plan dinner parties and such. I had to put the brakes on her. I need to relax, stay low key. I want to wear my pajamas until noon, drink coffee and eat cinnamon rolls if I want. I want a glass of wine on the deck, looking out over the beautiful Badlands in the evening, swapping stories with my brothers. Getting all dolled up and going into town isn’t high on my priority list.”
“I understand. I also know why your mom wants to prance around town with you. She’s got to be so proud of you. You’re such a beautiful woman and look at all you’ve accomplished! You’ve made this unique life that others can’t even dream of. You have work you love and a surrogate family here that loves you. Stella, you know I will miss you when you move up north. I hope you’re looking for at least a two-bedroom place. Can I visit you?”
“Yes, Clara, and I’m looking for a place where you can have your own bathroom and even a decent kitchen, in case you get inspired to cook for me.” Stella smiled and reached out to hug Clara. She pulled back and looked into Clara’s face. “I will miss you too but I’ll only be about two hours away and you can come to visit anytime.”
“And, I will, missy, so you had better mean it!” Clara stood and picked up Stella’s now clean plate.
“I do Clara, honestly. Thanks for the chat. I’m going to hit the bunk. Another big day tomorrow. Thanks for dinner.”
Clara nodded and walked off to start the dishes. Stella wanted to offer her assistance but when she did that in her early days at the ranch, Clara sternly told her it was her job and that Stella had already put in her day’s work. Instead, Stella told the other hands goodnight and headed to her own tiny bunkhouse. It was large enough only for a twin-sized bunk bed and small dresser with a portable television on top, one chair, a mini-fridge with a microwave on top and a small bathroom with a sink in a foot-wide counter, and a camper-size shower.
