WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 13, MOVING AHEAD

           

         Over the next few weeks, Hannah was so busy she didn’t have time to think about or miss her gramps and Luke very much. It was harder when it came to gramps because she saw him every single place she looked if she allowed herself to think about him. It wasn’t as difficult with regard to Luke because when some memory popped into her head, it brought a sadness and anger that she didn’t want.

Joe and Dave did an excellent job of hiring enough hands to get the cattle down to the various smaller corrals for branding and neutering. The ones she intended to keep, and there were fewer than ever before because she had other plans that didn’t include raising very many cattle. After next year’s cull and sale, she hoped to have only enough cattle for her own use with maybe a few she could sell in town. She had a new plan for the Wakefield Ranch, but it would take a year or more to implement.

Hannah met again with Mr. Travers and discussed her plans with him. He was surprised by her ideas, but enthusiastic about the changes they would bring to not only the ranch, but the town and valley. He provided his whole-hearted approval and told her to let him know what services she’d need when she herself knew.

On the way out, Hannah stopped by Celia’s desk and asked if they could talk for a few minutes. Celia seemed a bit surprised, but said sure, so they went out to the bench in front of the office.

“I don’t really know how to say this but to just say it. I’m pregnant too. My baby will be due about a month after yours. I was hoping we could become better friends and talk about being a mother and having babies. I don’t really have anyone to talk to these days, surrounded as I am by men. What do you think?”

At Hannah’s announcement, Celia’s eyes opened wide and her hands went to her belly. “Well, I’m sure surprised as I know everbody in town will be. But you know what. Congratulations!!!! I’d be happy to be a better friend. I have my mom and Ted’s mom to talk to, but they’re so much oldern me, so it would be delightful to have a younger friend in the same pasture, so to speak.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d be willing. When I leave here, I’m going to go see Miz. Lionel and tell her since she’s sorta the society leader here. I’m hoping I get her support too, but if I don’t, well, I’ll manage somehow. I think some folks in this town have gossiped about me from day one, so for them, it won’t be anything new.”

Celia shook her head. “I know just who you mean. They had a field-day when they found out Ted and I were rushing to get married. The fact I was pregnant only made them happier to gossip about us. But we know what we’re doing and will work hard to make out lives good, so I don’t care.”

“Thank you for not making assumptions about me or the baby’s father. Everyone will suspect it was Luke and I’ll tell you truth, it was. I loved him so much and to find out he was Jamison’s spy just about killed me, but I have to think of the  baby and my legacy.

“I had some cards made up, so here’s one for you with my cell phone number, although I suppose you could have gotten it from the files. One quick question because I know you’re a working lady. How soon will I begin to show do you think? My pants are getting a bit snug, but I can still button them.”

Hannah and Celia talked for a bit about what was in store for Hannah. Then, assuring Hannah she’d definitely call that night, Celia returned to work and Hannah went to see Miz. Lionel. She really dreaded having to confess to the old woman, but didn’t feel as though she had a choice. When she arrived at the appointed time, Miz. Lionel had made tea and had cookies fresh from the oven. They were Hannah’s favorite which were lemon cream. It was all she could do to keep from jamming a couple into her mouth at once. The initial social comments over, tea poured and a couple of cookies eaten, Hannah told Miz. Lionel the same thing she’d already told a few people. Following the words, “I’m pregnant.” Hannah leaned back and waited.

“Oh my goodness. Pregnant? Oh how wonderful. I just wish Gracie and Thomas were here to see this. Their own grandgirl going to give them a great-grandchild.” Miz. Lionel leaned forward and took Hannah’s hand. “Now, since Gracie isn’t here, you must promise to depend on me for anything you need. Promise?”

Hannah promised and then the older woman asked when the baby would arrive and was told some time in February. “Well, child, when the time comes, you have to let me know. I’ll be there at the hospital and I’ll come lend a hand when the two of you come home. Why, I remember when I brought Craig home. I had Ted there to help, but he just wasn’t the comfort Gracie was. And when Gracie’s time came, it was the same thing. Nothing helps a new mommy quite like another mommy who’s been there and done that.”

The two women talked for a while longer and then Hannah had to leave to get to her doctor’s appointment. That went well although Dr. Harvey, who’d been her doctor since she first arrived in town, seemed a bit surprised at her request for a pregnancy test. He didn’t seem to disapprove and didn’t offer any advice until after he asked Hannah her plans. She told him her plans about the baby to which he responded, “Well, that sounds just fine. I was afraid you’d be wanting an abortion since the father is no longer around. Thomas and Gracie would be proud of the choice you’ve made. For now, come see me once a month. Make monthly appointments at the desk as you leave. Also schedule an ultrasound for the beginning of November and ask Lorie for the pregnancy packet she’s put together.

“Finally, I know you know how some folks in this town are. I don’t want you to pay them any mind. If you’d won the worldwide sweepstakes for a bazillion dollars, they’d still find something negative to gossip about. You’re going to be just fine because you are a Wakefield and there are so many in this town that loved and respected your family. You’ll be just fine Hannah.”

Hannah thanked Dr. Harvey and did as he requested, recording the dates set in her phone. Lorie didn’t even raise an eyebrow when Hannah asked for the pregnancy packet, but handed it over with a smile and “Congratulations.”

At the grocery and feed stores, Hannah picked up as many boxes as they’d give her. By the time she got home, it was too late to begin work in gramps’s room. There was dinner to finish, some laundry to bring in off the line and damn, she’d forgotten to ask Miz. Lionel about a cook. She remedied that with a quick phone call and was happy to hear there were a couple of cooks Miz. Lionel would send out for an interview before the week was out.

Hannah filled boxes with gramps’ clothing, shoes and boots. She filled a couple of other boxes with things gramps had saved. Some of them she knew the story behind and others were just things he’d treasured for some reason. She asked if either Joe or Dave would put the boxes in the truck and the ones for the attic up there. Then, she went into town and went shopping.

After her stop at the thrift store where she just happened to find a small infant-sized crib which she purchased and put in the back of her truck, she headed to the only large store in the area. There, she bought paint in a beautiful sunny yellow, a limeish green for trim, an 10’ x 12’ rug that looked s though she’d dumped the paint she’d just bought all over it. By the time she reached the checkout counter, she had two heaping shopping carts that also included new pillows, sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, some baby blankets, and a couple of lamps. These would do for a start.

Then, she went to the largest furniture store and tried out a variety of mattresses. When she found one she wanted, she was delighted to learn they’d haul away the old mattress and box springs when they delivered the new.

For the next few days, Hannah left the ranch to Joe and Dave. She’d come to trust their abilities and decisions. Instead, she cleaned what would be her new room from top to bottom, painted the walls and window trim, and had her new linen all washed and fresh-smelling from hanging outdoors when the new mattress arrived. Finished, Hannah could see the room would need a bit more in the way of decorations and thought she’d search out the boxes that came from New York with her. If memory served, there would be some delightful items with great memories she could use.

Hannah had barely smoothed the duvet flat when she realized the day for driving the cattle down was almost there. As she’d done the last couple of years, Hannah ordered the cattle trucks to come and haul them to market on that day. Then, early the morning of the drive, she saddled Onyx and rode out with her hands. It was hot and dusty work, but eventually by mid-afternoon, the cattle were in the big pasture on the left side of the road to the highway. The trucks were lined up on that road and took turns pulling up to the slot in the fence which allowed Hannah and the men to jockey the cattle into the truck. Finally, hot, dirty, tired, the last truck pulled out to the highway and it was time for the annual celebration. She probably could have skipped it this year, but she wasn’t going to do that to her hands or to herself.  

“Okay men, let’s get these horses taken care of and head to the back of the house. There’s beer and barbecue waiting on us and I don’t know about you, but I could just about eat an entire one of those hooved monsters we just sent away.”

There were yells of Yahoo, Yippee and some groans as they all headed to the barn. Inside each man took care of his mount and Hannah was the last one to leave for the barn for the party. She took a bit of time to stroke and talk to Sampson.

“Yes, I’ll bet you missed being out on the trail this year. I suppose I could have ridden you, but you were always gramps’ horse. It’s only fair you have a bit of down time. You earned it over the years. I’ll just bet gramps is missing you as much as you’re missing him.” She gave him an extra apple and final pat and headed for the sounds of laughter and talking.

The man she’d hired to cook, Dale Evers, had put together what had to be the best barbeque and sides Hannah had ever eaten. She’d also ordered a keg of beer for the men. Once she’d eaten and socialized a bit, she excused herself to leave the men alone to celebrate their hard work and get as drunk as they’d like. There wouldn’t be any hard work they’d need to get up for the next day, so they could have big hangovers if they chose.

On her way up to the house, she stopped by the table where Dale was sitting. She had to admit she’d been a little concerned about whether or not he was gay, but all the hands seemed to accept him just fine, and they loved, loved, loved his cooking. “Dale, that was the best barbecue I’ve ever had. I think I’m going to have to have you make that at least once a month. I kept thinking I couldn’t possibly eat another rib or spoonful of beans, but I just kept pouring it down my throat. So so good.”

“Thanks Hannah, I appreciate the compliments. I spent a little time in Texas years ago and that’s where I learned to make ribs and briskets. Hell, I can even make these in an indoor oven, so we can have them as often as you like.”

Hannah climbed up on the bench next to Dale to address the rest of the group. “Well, gentlemen, enjoy yourselves. You all worked so very hard and I do appreciate it very much. I know if gramps were here, he’d be sitting up swapping lies until the last of you either passed out or went to bed. But I need my beauty sleep, so I’m going to say thank you again and good night.”

There was a chorus of good nights and sleep wells and Hannah trudged up the steps to the house. God, she was so tired, but before she called it a day, she’d pull out her list and cross off a couple more items. Crossing off cattle to market was a huge one and she was very glad it was now behind her. Tomorrow, she’d pay off the hands that wouldn’t be staying on. She’d already talked to Joe and Dave about who might be willing to stay on and which of them might have some of the skills she’d need over the winter. Then, it would be full speed ahead with her idea for increasing ranch income to the point she wouldn’t have to raise cattle.

The next morning after Dale had given everyone breakfast with a lot of water, tomato and orange juice being sucked down by almost every single man, Hannah stood up and said, “Today’s your payday, but Joe and Dave and I would like to talk to each of you individually before giving your pay and seeing you on down the road. Briley, if you’d stay behind while the rest of you go back to the bunkhouse, I’d be grateful.”

Both Joe and Dave had some carpentering skills and they’d managed to find out that Briley had worked as a carpenter at a previous point in his life. Hannah began, “Briley, you’ve worked hard and long hours getting the cattle out of the hills and into the trucks. I don’t know what your plans are now, but I’d like to offer you a job that would take you over the winter and into spring, maybe even summer.”

“I appreciate that Hannah, but I really need to get back home to my wife and kids. I took this job hoping I’d make enough to get us out of the hole we’ve been in for a while. I’d be interested to know what kind of job it would be though.”

“Well, this is my plan. I’ve already shared it with Joe and Dave. I don’t want to continue raising cattle for the market. Yes, I get a good price for them because they are free-range, but it’s a lot of work and not necessarily good for the environment long range. I want to build a number of little houses in the pasture on the left side of the road where the cattle were corralled yesterday. I want to start a sort of dude ranch. I’d rent out the houses, provide horses and trail rides, and a variety of other activities that I think would appeal to people living in the city. From all the research I’ve done, I think it would rapidly become a money-making enterprise. I know you’ve done carpentry work in the past and would have you hammering and sawing on those little houses over the winter and into spring. I’d continue to pay you your hourly rate for now and if this becomes a go, I’d be looking at providing benefits as well.”

“Well, that sounds like a great idea, but I need to go home and talk to Louisa and see what she thinks. It’s not all that far, so maybe I could commute, work a regular schedule so I’d be around to help with the kids and other stuff.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Give me a call once you know what you want to do. I think I’ve got a general contractor lined up who will be the lead for this project. He’s going to begin about the middle of the month and has agreed to provide work for Joe and Dave and any other hands who are interested and have any skills. So, here’s your paycheck as well as my thanks for all your hard work. Can you send Pete up now?”

Hannah, Joe and Dave went through the same discussion with Pete who definitely wasn’t interested and Shane who was, but also needed to check back home to see if it was doable when it came to his family. None of the other hands were interested.

Throughout, Dale had been working away in the kitchen and had listened to every word. “So, what about me. You going to pay me off and send me down the road now that I won’t have a passel of hungry men to feed.”

“Actually Dale, I was coming to you last. I want you to stay on. Judging by some of the meals you’ve made, you could probably provide haut cuisine if it were required. I haven’t quite got the business plan all worked out, but I was thinking I’d provide breakfast and dinner for those who came to stay. I’d definitely need a cook for that. What do you say?”

“I say yes. Yes, I’d love to be part of your new plans. It’s been enjoyable working for you and the men you hired. You have good common sense, can see a bit further down the road than some I’ve known. Besides, I’m looking forward to being the Little Mite’s best honorary uncle.” As he said the last part, he leaned over and ran his hand down Hannah’s belly.

“What, what did you say?”

“It’s just I’ve overheard you talking to the Little Mite. That’s what you call him right? Or, is it a her? I’ve never married or had a big family with nieces and nephews, so if I’m staying, I’m going to be Uncle Dale. That is if it’s okay with you.”

“Hell yes Dale. Hell yes. I just didn’t know anyone knew what I called him or her so that surprised me. 

When Hannah got ready for bed that night, she curled up and talked to her gramps again. “Gramps, I am so fortunate and I know that you’ve been on the lookout for me. I’ve got some great men who are going to help make my vision a reality and friends and neighbors who have my back. Thank you for looking out for me and Little Mite. Good night gramps. Sleep well.”