by Kim Smart
“I didn’t feel like that, at all. I mean I really enjoyed spending time with you and would like to do more of that, but I’m also a realist. We are both young in our careers and sometimes that just has to be the priority until we get established.”
“That makes sense Brandon.”
“I’m glad you reached out. There’s something else I need to talk to you about. I think you know I’m meeting Martin to learn about his style of cattle operation. I have a lot to learn from him and other operators. When I talked to him last week, he suggested I interview you about the unique aspects of the Rabbit Creek Ranch operation.”
“He did, did he? I’ve only been here for about a month and just finished my first cattle drive at Rabbit Creek. I know some things, but not everything.”
Stella could hear the smile in Brandon’s voice. “Martin said you would say that. He said he was inviting you down to Winding Slough so I could interview the two of you together. Maybe he’s already talked to you about that.”
“He invited me to the ranch. I didn’t know there was a meeting with you. I’ll do my best to tell you what I’ve observed, what I learned by researching and what I feel in my gut as I look at the business.”
“Thanks, Stella. I’ll send you a list of the areas I’ve identified as places for me to learn more, but you may have other ideas to share.”
“Sounds good. I’ll do my homework and see you in a couple of weeks.”
“Be well, Stella. I’m right here if you have questions about this. I appreciate you doing this.”
Stella hung up and drove to Edna’s house. Brandon’s call unsettled her. It was nice to hear his voice and clear the air around the status of their relationship. Something needled at her about his motives for the information he sought from Martin and herself. She would talk with Martin about it later. For now, she was taking time off.
Edna was on the phone when Stella arrived at half-past five. Jeff was asking her to join him the following weekend for a family gathering. Edna agreed to go. She brought a plate of cheese and crackers to the patio table with a glass of sangria for each of them. “I’ve got some stuffed potatoes for dinner. I hope you don’t mind a meatless dinner. Some days I just can’t take any more meat.”
“That sounds good to me. I’ve been eating rations and smoky campfire food for a week so anything’s a treat to me.” Stella thanked Edna for the refreshing drink and studied her friend, waiting for her to share. “So, are you going to make me ask? Where’s he taking you now?”
“He invited me to his son’s birthday party next weekend. I’m not sure I’m ready to meet his family. I mean, I already know his family but to meet them this way means we’re dating, right?”
Stella laughed. “Yeah, it would seem so. Maybe you should talk to Jeff about that. See what it means to him. He seems like a straight shooter and if he’s taking you, you’re his girl.”
“That’s what I thought, too. Stella, this seems surreal to me. No man has ever treated me as kindly as Jeff does and there is no, and I mean absolutely no, pressure from him.”
“I’m guessing you didn’t find him boring either or you wouldn’t still be seeing him.”
“No way! There is not a boring bone in his hunky body. He is well read, has traveled a lot, has grandchildren, knows every family for five hundred miles it seems, and can name every peak in that mountain range over there.” Edna pointed to the west.
“What more could you ask for, Edna? Have you cooked him dinner yet, I mean here at home?”
“No, but that’s on my short list of things to do. There just hasn’t been time yet. We only see each other once a week, unless he stops in the diner. We’re both busy with our work. Speaking of work, did you find out anything about Brandon’s case? Is he still in Texas?”
“He’s back in Arizona. I just talked with him before I came over. We had a nice chat. He sort of said the same thing about both being busy right now. No hard feelings from him. I’m going to see him in two weeks at a meeting with Martin. It will be all business but it will be good to see him again.” Stella shifted in her chair. The uneasy feeling stayed with her, and she couldn’t really name it.
“Anyway, I had a beautiful time last week and can’t wait to go back to work in the canyon with the cattle again. I have two days off. My mom is coming to help me with my house, my brother Jesse wants to come for a visit, and I am getting a dog.”
Edna laughed. “You will forget the guy and get a dog? You’re heading down a path of perpetual single life with no return.”
“Do you think men and dogs are mutually exclusive? I might just be buying myself some time to lick my wounds and regroup. Besides, I could use a good cow dog to help with the herd.”
“Naw. I’m just teasing. I like your plan. Just shelve Brandon for now. If he’s meant to come around, he will. Meanwhile, let’s find a good dog. The Melchers have cattle dogs. Maybe they have a new litter on board. Muffy comes in for coffee with the ladies in the morning. I’ll ask her.”
“Muffy Melcher? Seriously? Now that would be a good reason not to get married right there.”
“Listen, her maiden name wasn’t any kinder to her. She’s a beautiful woman, but who can say ‘Muffy Topper’ with a straight face.”
Stella laughed loudly. “Oh, that poor girl. Yes, please ask Ms. Muffy about her puppies for me. Where’s the nearest pound? I might take a ride there to look, too.”
“That’s about an hour and a half away. They have a website that shows the dogs they have in the shelter. It would be good for you to look there before you drive over. Now, how about some dinner?”
13
Yvette’s visit was timely and productive. Together, Stella and her mom furnished and decorated Stella’s new home with a clean, contemporary look dotted with rustic and animal print accents. All the essentials were put in place, the kitchen outfitted and organized. Yvette ironed and hung curtains on the last day there before heading to the airport.
“Stella, I think this place is ready to showcase on a home remodel television show. Can you believe we got all that done in a week?”
“After looking at my bank account, yes, I believe it.” Stella smiled at her mom. Yvette was generous and made several purchases herself. “A gift for your new home,” she repeatedly explained.
“I hope Dad doesn’t mind you giving me all these gifts.” Stella wouldn’t allow herself to be treated any differently than her siblings. Her mother reassured her that Dan was on board and the boys got their gifts in different ways and in equal amounts.
“Stella, did Jesse say anything to you about coming for a visit?” Yvette had been waiting for Stella to raise the subject. Now that it was time to leave, Yvette needed to bring it up.
“Yes, he did. He is settling the dates and then he’ll tell me when he’s coming. That’ll give me more time under my belt to settle in with the herd. Maybe I’ll put him to work for a bit.” Stella turned to see Gus standing at the door.
“Come on in here, boy.” She opened the door for her new dog to come in. “Gus knows these cattle from his puppy days. He will be a great partner out in the canyon. He was Jed’s sidekick when he was running the ranch.”
When she started looking for a new companion, Stella called Jed to see if he knew of any pups around that were looking for homes. Jed explained that his wife continued to be ill. She was in and out of the hospital and rehab. They were looking to re-home their dog. Gus was not doing well in the city; with Jed spending days at the hospital, Gus wasn’t getting the attention he deserved. Stella collected Gus from Jed’s just after she picked up her mom from the airport. Stella and Gus were inseparable. Stella was eager to take him on their first trail ride together the following week. They would be out for only two nights checking the cattle, but that would be enough to see his demeanor with the cattle.
Yvette fell in love with Edna. She and Stella had to have their last meal together at the diner before driving into the city for Yvette’s evening flight back to South Dakota.
“That Edna. She’s the sun on a cloudy day, isn’t she? I mean, she could make even the crabby ladies in the coffee club laugh.” Yvette rinsed and dried a pot from the new cookware collection that arrived on the doorstep that morning. “She had me in stitches telling about her awkward teenage years and some trouble she got in. Thank God her mother had the foresight to remove her from the bad influences.”
“It’s been fun getting to know her. I was so blessed that first day I met her when I came up house hunting. She passes no judgment, just encouragement.” Stella took the pot from her mom and put it away in the cupboard next to the stove. She smiled. “It’s so nice to have a fully furnished home of my own. I didn’t know what a good feeling this could be. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not ready to cash in my day job to stay at home. But we have created a sanctuary for me to retreat into after long days and nights on the trail.”
Stella reached down to scratch Gus behind the ears. “And it seems like my new buddy here likes his bed, too.”
“Well, I think that’s it. Let me grab my bag and we can go grab some lunch.” Yvette stopped beside her daughter as she passed by. She faced her and enveloped her in a warm embrace. She pulled back and smiled into her daughter’s eyes. “I love you so much, my little sweet pea. Your dad and I are so proud of you. You are the most brave and creative woman we know and I am over the moon in love with the life you’re creating for yourself. And wow, do I feel especially grateful to have two visits so closely together with you. I hope it’s not so long until the next one.”
“You can come visit any time now that I have my own place. Dad too. It was just so awkward to have visitors at the ranch, with no rooms to spare.”
“We understood. I can see that this job will have you tied up so it’ll be on us to travel more.”
“And I have a spare room to boot! Here, let me grab that bag for you.”
“Gus, you’re going to stay home and keep an eye on things, okay? Go find your bed.” Gus turned around and walked to his bed, in the living room by the fireplace where he had a wide view of the living room and a sky view through the huge window nearby.
“Well, if it isn’t the Bobbsey twins, or is it Thing One and Thing Two? I get mixed up sometimes.” Edna reached out and pulled them both into a hug. “You gals pick your table. I’ve got a handsome contractor to say goodbye to and then I’ll be right with you.”
Stella and Yvette both smiled and raised their eyebrows at the flirty Edna. They settled into a booth where they both had a great view of Edna. She was packing a care package for Jeff, who looked like he was going back to work. He thanked her, put his hand on her arm and said something quietly that made her giggle like a schoolgirl. He dropped money on the counter, looked toward Stella and Yvette, tipped his baseball cap and left the diner.
“He sure is a big, handsome man, isn’t he?” Yvette’s eyes followed Jeff out the door and to his pickup.
“He is, and his two sons that helped build my garage are a replica of him, only younger.” It surprised Stella to see how closely the three men resembled each other with their baseball caps off.
“Is that right? Stella, did you ever…”
“I’m going to stop you right there, Mom. The boys are barely out of high school. One might still be in school. I don’t need a matchmaker. Remember how you said you were so proud of me? Well, I got here on my own and I like it this way. I’ll let you know if the right guy comes around, but meanwhile you will have to be just as patient as I am.” Stella patted her mom’s hand.
“Well, you will see that lawyer friend next week. Maybe there are still some sparks there.”
“Mom!” Stella exhaled in a loud rush as color rose in her cheeks. “I told you; anything that might happen between us is sitting on a back burner while we both grow in our careers. He’s a nice guy, interesting and funny… ”
“And handsome. I’ve seen his picture, remember.”
“Okay, right, and handsome. But we’re on ice right now.”
“Well then, maybe someone else will come along. But when you see him next week, you’ll be nice, right?”
“I will! I told you, we are still talking, but we’re both realistic about what’s possible right now. Anyway, I’m seeing him for business and my boss will be there.”
“Business? What do you need a lawyer for?”
“He’s just gathering information. I think his firm does work with lobbyists and they certainly represent a lot of big cattle producers across the country. He says he’s informing himself about the different styles of cattle operations so he, and the firm, can have a full picture of the innovations currently in play and make recommendations for future laws.”
“Who knew that they could build an entire law career around our little businesses?”
“You know Mom, some of these businesses are not that little. I don’t think Buffalo Ridge Ranch is all that small. Maybe it was when you first started out, but it’s no small thing now that you have the rodeo livestock and the larger herds.”
“You’re right. I’ve just never seen it as something to compare to the cattle barons of times past. Oh, good! Looks like Edna can join us now.”
“Hello, my little chickadoodledees. How are you today? Ready to go to the airport Vette?” Edna scooted onto the seat beside Yvette. “I got a little bug this morning and made up some cute individual chicken pot pies. Just sent one home with Jeff for his dinner. Would you ladies like to try one? They have an exceptionally flaky crust, if I say so myself.”
Edna squared her shoulders in mock pride, exaggerated the lengthening of her neck. She then collapsed her posture and smiled. “Of course, we have all the other usuals if you’d rather.”
“I, for one, will have the pot pie. It sounds delightful.” Yvette loved good home cooking. She had often toyed with writing a cookbook with a western flair, but never found the time.
“And for you miss Stella? A burger and a shake or…” Edna slid out of the booth to put their order in.
“I will have the pot pie too, if you have enough.”
“I do. I’ll bring some waters and, coffee for you both?” Edna left quickly with the orders and returned a few minutes later with a pot pie for each of them and coffee for all three.
They chatted while Yvette and Stella enjoyed their lunch. Yvette guessed the herbs and spices used as she devoured the entire pie. “You have just got to share your recipe with me. This is the best chicken pot pie I have ever eaten!”
“If you don’t mind a recipe that measures by the dump and pour method, then I am happy to share with you. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”
The meal excited Stella. She was trying to think of a way to make it packable for the trail, but quickly became overwhelmed by the effort required to preserve the crust from getting soggy.
“So, Stella, you’ve got a big week coming up, is that right?” Edna winked at Stella, whose mouth was too full to protest. “Isn’t this the week you see Brandon again? It’s been how long now? Two months?”
Stella swallowed hard. “Now that’s enough, Edna. I just told Mom, Brandon and I are on ice. Let’s all just cool it now. And yes, I do have a big week. I’m heading out to the northwest quadrant tomorrow to check cows. This will be my first ride with Gus and I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be out two nights and then I head down to Winding Slough.”
“I’m saving my dance card for you for next Sunday. I want a blow-by-blow action packed report of this so-called meeting you’re going to with Brandon. I think it’s a ploy just to see you again.”
“No, I don’t think Martin would let that happen. Anyway, it’s all business and I doubt I will see Brandon after that for months. He’s working on that big case in Texas.” Stella pushed the last bits of chicken pie filling around in the bowl. She had lost her appetite with all this talk of Brandon. She already had butterflies in anticipation of their meeting.
“Well, whatever happens, I’m sure you’ll knock their socks off with your ideas for the ranch.”
Yvette and Stella had many talks during the week about the unique nature of ranching in the high desert. They drew some parallels with ranching in the Badlands, a much less rugged and harsh environment, but challenging.
“Thanks Mom. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
14
Stella drove into Winding Slough Ranch with excitement stirring her belly and a wave of nostalgia tugging at her heart. This ranch had been her playground to grow up in. Here, she polished her cowboy skills and built her confidence. She stepped out of the pickup feeling a foot taller than the day she first arrived six years ago.
“There’s our beautiful Stella. It’s so good to see you!” Clara rushed to greet Stella with a big hug. Martin was close behind. “Come in and have a cup of coffee. Brandon just called. Will be a half-hour late. Come! Come! I’ve got some blueberry coffeecake too.”
“Clara, honey, can you serve that in my office? I will visit with Stella first, since we have some time before Brandon comes.”
“Yes, yes, of course. I’ll meet you both in there shortly.”
Stella strolled with Martin to his office.
“How was your visit with your mom last week?” Martin motioned for Stella to sit in a tall leather chair in the parlor area of his office.
“It was fantastic! It would amaze you to see all we accomplished, and I still managed my work at Rabbit Creek.”
Martin laughed gently at Stella. “Of course you did. You are not short on good mid-west work ethics, that’s for sure. So, what did you get done at your house?”
“Everything! I mean it’s furnished, decorated and I have a fully functioning kitchen.”
Clara rushed into the office carrying a tray of coffee and coffee cake. “How on earth did you manage all that?”
“My mom is a planner. She had already picked out several options for me to choose from for furniture, and once I decided on the furniture, the rest fell into place. She wasn’t at my house twenty-four hours and we had ordered almost all the furniture, rugs, bedding and bathroom essentials.”
