“But why do people put so many demands on a relationship? It’s tough enough to be happy with your own life, but then we want someone in it and expect them to give up their life for us. Why can’t we both compromise equally? Is that why so many people are unhappy in their relationship, because it’s always the same person doing the compromising. I know Dez was happy because we did everything her way. I guess I let myself get lost in her being happy and forgot we were a couple which means two people, not one. I could truly be happy if I knew that at the end of the day I had someone to hold me and would listen to my day as I would hers. The rest of it would be gravy if I could just have that, because I have my own social life and can find things to occupy my time. Being alone when you live by yourself is one thing, but being alone when you live with someone is unbearable.” Alex just expressed four years of frustration with Dez and knew there was no way Sam was going to be like her.
“You don’t have to worry about Sam ignoring you.” Jessie wished she could send Sam home with Alex to prove to her how right she was.
“I believe you’re right. Thanks for listening, Jess. I need to get to the kitchen and get the food so we can get this picnic going.” Kissing Jessie, Alex hugged her tight and realized she would really be family if she and Sam did end up as a couple.
The dining hall smelled of tri-tip and barbecue, just as it had the first day she met Sam. It was a smell that would trigger that memory for years to come.
Chapter 24
The cook who had told the Halloween story introduced himself to Alex. Pablo had worked at the ranch for over twenty years and was a nephew of Anna’s. He was extremely grateful to Alex for being able to find Ramon so he could be laid to rest. After hearing her plan for a picnic with Sam and how much she loved tri-tip, he told her to leave everything to him and he would put it all together for her. Alex saw the warmth and kindness in Pablo’s eyes that reminded her so much of Anna. She thanked him after he told her he would have it ready for her in twenty minutes. The trail ride hadn’t returned to the corral, but they were expected soon.
Looking towards the craft room, Alex wanted to stop by, hoping to find some remembrance of Anna or at least a friendly vibe. As she walked in she could imagine her sitting in her rocker taking a break from supervising her students in the art of basket weaving, beading and sand drawings. Walking over to where the picture had been, Alex closed her eyes and thought of Anna. Alex had so many questions to ask her. She wanted the advice of someone who was older and wiser. It also helped that Anna could at times see the future.
“Anna, please come to me. Tell me if I’m doing the right thing. It feels right, but I want to know for sure. Can you send me a sign, anything, just let me know I’m following the right path.” Alex walked to the doorway and paused turning back to blow a kiss to Anna, wherever she was.
Upon leaving the crafts room, Alex noticed the trail ride had returned and saw all the hungry guests heading for the dining hall. She wanted to help unsaddle the horses and water Bruce and Smokey before they headed out again. On her way Alex greeted Andy, who had a good looking admirer waiting for him to go to lunch. She told him to go on and that she’d finish up his part. He kissed her on the cheek and told her to have a good time. It took thirty minutes to turn out the stock and water Bruce and Smokey. After loosening the cinches to give them a breather, Alex followed Sam into the barn to hear how her morning had gone.
“Hey there good lookin.’ How’s about you and me take us a little ride. We can take our time and come back when we all feels like it.” Using her best movie cowboy lingo, Alex approached Sam and saw a strange look on her face. “What?” Looking at her clothes and wondering if she had hay in her hair, Alex waited for a response.
“Where have you been all my life?” Sam was happy Alex had found her way to the ranch and into her life. “Well, I grew up in a small college town. It was there I
learned about life, and why I didn’t want to grow up and be
like my mother.”
Alex knew why she was asking but only got out two
sentences before she found herself in Sam’s arms. Kissing her
passionately, she held her tight and looked deeply into her
eyes.
“Well, in a way I should be thankful to your mother. If
she would have been fantastic you wouldn’t have left home,
you would never have met Jessie and then you wouldn’t be
here now. So when you come to think about it, we owe it all to
your controlling, hateful mother. Am I right?” Sam also didn’t
mention that without her mother she would never have been
born.
“Oh, well then I guess she was good for something.
I’ll send her a Mothers’ Day card the next time it lands on the
day of a blue moon. Are you ready to ride or do you want a
shower first?” Knowing Sam, Alex figured she would want to
get cleaned up.
“A shower for sure, also a change of clothes. I’ll be
two shakes and meet you at your casita. We can leave Bruce
and Smokey tied up here. Can I help you get lunch or dinner
ready?” Sam wondered how long they were going to be gone
and what kind of clothes to wear.
“Our meal is being expertly prepared by Chef Pablo
and we’ll have the rest of the day to eat it. So lunch or dinner
whichever you prefer. Although I would bring warm clothes as
it does get chilly up there.” She remembered her rides with
Jessie and how it could get down right cold when the sun went
behind the mountains before setting for the day.
“Roger that. See you in a bit.” Sam took off running
for her room.
“Roger that, you are so cute.” Alex yelled out as she
watched Sam head for the bunkhouse.
Walking into the dining hall Alex spotted Jessie and
let her know they would be leaving soon. She knew they were
to take the rifle and two-way radio and reassured her they
would be back by midnight as there was still plenty of
moonlight to see their way home. Pablo had two saddlebags
ready to go and by the weight of each Alex figured they had
enough food for two meals and two more people. Thanking
him she went back to her casita to get some warmer clothes on
and a jacket for later. Just as she finished combing her hair and
putting it in a ponytail she heard a knock and Sam walked
through the door. She looked great and she had that cologne on
again. They needed to leave now or they would never get out
of this room.
The girls brought along some food for the boys and
Bruce knew it. He kept trying to stop so he could get behind
Smokey and nibble on the hay sack. Keeping his mind on
where he was going was proving to be a real pain for Alex.
She missed Beau. He was a real trooper. When he had a saddle
on his back he knew it was time to work, and when it was off
play time. Finally deciding she’d had enough of his antics, she
yelled at Sam she was going to take off for a short gallop, but
not to worry. She’d be back when Bruce decided to behave
himself. About a hundred yards ahead, she pulled on the
brakes and turned around to see where Sam and Smokey were.
They were loping up at a nice controlled pace. Bruce decided to behave and the rest of the ride was a pleasure at a nice even
walk.
Arriving at the meadow, it was more beautiful then
Alex remembered. The little stream was barely trickling due to
the lack of rain, but would be rushing when it did. There was a
table which hadn’t been there before and a fire pit.
Sam told
her Jessie had these things put in about a year ago, so she and
Dawson could have some place to get away and still be close
to the ranch. There was a spot cleared away for a two-person
tent and Alex didn’t need any further explanations. Looking at
the spot, Alex paused for a long moment and then turned to
Sam who was taking a rolled up blanket off the back of her
saddle. Sam wondered what she was deep in thought about and
walked up and gave her a hug.
“What’s playing on your mind?” It was going to take
Sam a while to figure this girl out.
“I was just thinking about Andy. I feel as if I’ve
abandoned him. I’m supposed to keep those wranglers
guessing and here I’ve been missing in action lately. They
have to know something’s up.” Alex realized that he and Dean
were becoming quite obvious and that she was needed to help
dispel any rumors.
“Oh gosh, I forgot to tell you. I guess I was just so
wrapped up in you and the picnic.”
Sam relayed what had happened after they had
unloaded the hay truck and had all gone back to take showers.
Andy told her that the other wranglers had noticed Dean
watching him and started making vulgar comments about
having a faggot watching them trying to work. They kept it up
for a couple of days. But before Andy could go off on them
Dawson had overheard the rude comments and told them that
he had family and close personal friends who were gay and if
they had a problem with that then they needed to pick up their
checks and get the hell off of his ranch. It was at that point that
Andy got in their faces and told them he was gay, and if they
had a problem with it he would be happy to meet them behind the bunkhouse to discuss it. There was no more said about it and all seemed to be going fine. So Alex didn’t need to play
girlfriend anymore, except to Sam.
“Wow, that’s great. I bet Andy feels a huge weight has
been lifted.” Alex needed to thank Dawson, not that he
expected thanks, but it’s always nice to hear from people when
they appreciate your good deed.
“His personality has changed for the better. He is
much more outgoing. It’s like he’s a new man.” Sam was
going to keep an eye on the other wranglers. She wanted to
believe them, but let’s face it they were rednecks. Grabbing the saddlebags with the food, Alex started to
pull out all kinds of items. The last was a thermal bag that was
sure to contain the tri-tip. As she unzipped it, the aroma was
heavenly. Sam fed the boys after letting them drink from a
small pool of fresh stream water. They were happy ponies and
munched hay contentedly as she pulled off their saddles. Pablo
had thought of everything and Alex needed to make sure to tell
him how wonderful it all was. He had individual plates all
prepared so that all she needed to do was add the tri-tip and
to her surprise, warm garlic mashed potatoes. This was one of
her favorites. Being psychic had to run in Anna’s family. Both
women finished their chores at the same time, washed up and
took a seat.
“Wow, this looks great. How did you get Pablo to do
this all for you?” Sam had heard that he was very picky about
who he let in his kitchen.
“He’s Anna’s nephew. He was so sweet and told me
not to worry about a thing. Her whole family must be wonderful. I wish I could meet them all.” Alex thought she would
ask Pablo tomorrow if they all lived nearby.
“That would be a great idea. It would give you
something to do in the morning.” Sam was wondering if Alex
wanted to go into town and do some antique shopping for their
afternoon outing.
“I think so. Do you have any suggestions for tomor-
row’s afternoon adventure?” Alex didn’t want to hog all the
decision making. This was a democracy, and besides, she only
had two plans in her repertoire and now they had done both of
them.
“Well, I was wondering if you would like to go into
town. There’s a street that has about eight or nine antique
stores, plus a couple of thrift stops to check out.” Suddenly it
sounded really boring after all Alex had been through. “Really? I love window shopping. There’s something
about looking at antiques. Some of those old items are so great
just to have as knick knacks. Maybe we could find something
for my new place.” Just being able to spend time with Sam
away from the ranch would be enough.
“It’s a date. We can spend the rest of the day shopping
and then in the evening have dinner at this restaurant I’ve
heard Andy talk about. He says the owners are gay and great
hosts.” Sam needed to ask Andy if she had to make
reservations.
Their late lunch was delicious and filling. Afterwards
they decided to stretch out under a tree and let everything
digest. The ground was soft from the lush grass and leaning
against the tree Alex felt sleepy. Sam told her to put her head
on her lap and take a nap if she felt like it. So Alex requested
she tell her a story about her childhood, like what she and her
family did for vacations and the holidays. Listening to Sam’s
low, soothing voice as she talked about growing up with her
siblings and visiting cousins, Alex learned a little bit about her
and Jessie’s childhood. Trying to stay awake, as Sam ran her
fingers through her hair, was getting tougher by the second.
The last thing she remembered was a story about how she beat
her brother at Indian wrestling when she was twelve. Awakening to gentle nudging, Alex wondered how
long she had been asleep. She then realized the nudging was
coming from Smokey, who had untied himself and was
wondering what these two were doing. Raising up, she realized Sam had fallen asleep too. She got up quietly, retied Smokey, and gathered all the hay into a pile to keep both horses occupied. She looked at Sam sleeping and decided to take a little walk. Not wanting to scare Sam if she woke up and found her gone, she planned to stay within sight of her. Walking to the far side of the meadow and thinking of Anna and Ramon, she wondered if life really could be perfect if you found the right person, or was finding your “soul mate” just something
that sounded good and made for great movie love stories. Looking off towards the mountain, something caught
her eye in her peripheral vision. As she turned, thinking it
could be Sam coming to join her, she realized there were two
pairs of eyes watching her. Alex froze for a moment. She had
never seen wolves out in the wild, only on television or at the
zoo. They were beautiful as they looked at her and just
watched. One was larger than the other and a beautiful black.
The smaller one was pure white and appeared to be leaning
against the other’s shoulder. It rested it’s head as if they were
an old married couple very much in love, watching the world
go by. Looking at them, Alex thought of Anna and Ramon as
well as Jessie and Dawson. This was a picture she thought
would make a great anniversary card for your fiftieth. As she
looked back to see if Sam had awakened yet, she realized she
should be afraid, but had never heard from Jessie of any wolf
attacks happening in these parts. She wished Sam was awake
so she could see this sight, but then when she turned back they
were gone. She looked around but couldn’t spot them
anywhere they seemed to have disappeared in a matter of
seconds. Maybe because she hadn’t moved the wolves hadn’t
thought of her as a threat and had left her alone.
Alex looked at her watch, which she had brought
along so they could make curfew. It was getting cold fast. She
thought maybe they should leave early to get back to the
ranch and her warm casita. Walking back she picked up a long
blade of grass so she could wake Sam by tickling her nose.
This little trick must have been used on Sam before. She never opened her eyes, but reached out to grab Alex quickly and
pulled her towards her.
“What have you been up to young lady?” Sam had
been watching her walking in the meadow.
“Thinking about life, love, soul mates, old movies and
stuff like that.” Alex was going to answer all questions as
truthfully as she could.
“Wow, you do think about a lot of different things.”
The “soul mates” part was always a touchy subject with Sam
as she had heard so many women tell her they had found their
soul mate and then six weeks later they hated each other. “Aha, that’s one of my little quirks. Sometimes I think
someone has the remote to my brain. It channel surfs to all
different subjects. I can start off thinking about us and end up
thinking about what I want for dinner. I amaze myself
sometimes at where my mind goes.” Alex didn’t want to admit
that right now her mind wanted to question everything she did
with Sam. It was something she needed to get a hold of. “Oh,
but you’ll never guess what I saw on my walk?”
“A ghost!” Sam really hoped she saw anything but
that.
“No, I saw two wolves. One was black the other white.
They were so beautiful. I think they were mates. We just stood
and watched each other. It was so cool. I wish you could have
seen them.”
Thunder Mountain Ranch Page 14
