WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 14, LAST QUARTER

 

         In years past, once the cattle had been hauled away, it was time to see to a few chores before winter came howling in with snow and ice. This year was different because Hannah had so many projects underway. Some days, she just wanted to ride off into the great blue yonder and not have to deal with another invoice, decision, person or anything else. Yes, she’d helped her gramps, but she’d never been solely in charge before. Then there were the new plans she was trying to bring to fruition, not to mention her growing belly.

Hannah had realized shortly after the cattle sale she needed someone to assist her with a wide variety of things, from decorating the little abodes to keeping track of invoices, orders, marketing plans, building a web site to working with Dale to figure out just how much food he’d want to order when the time came.

She posted a notice in town and was surprised when Anita Valdez who’d been a few years ahead of her applied. Anita had gone off to college and received a degree in accounting and computer technology. Hannah didn’t really understand what kind of computer technology, but when Anita showed her examples of web sites, she’d either helped develop or developed herself, Hannah was ready to hire her on the spot. When Anita’s resume indicated she also had some experience in marketing, Hannah just knew she’d found her assistant. Now, if it looked as though they would be compatible, she could cross one more thing off her list.

Hannah met Anita at the local café for their interview. She was hungry all the time and barely went more than a couple of hours before stuffing her face, so she could do two things at once. Anita arrived in a business suit and heels and Hannah felt horribly underdressed in her ranch clothing. They had a very good talk and by the time Hannah had finished a hamburger and fries, followed by a chocolate milkshake, she was ready to offer Anita the job.

In addition to the salary Hannah offered, she also offered mileage since Anita would have to drive out to the ranch to get to work each day. She also offered the possibility of Anita working from her own home if she chose after they’d established a routine. Once the business was up and running, there was also the potential for benefits if they made any money. So, Hannah offered and Anita accepted.

Hannah realized she’d been exceptionally smart to look at hiring someone to be her assistant because each project seemed to grow exponentially and become a lot bigger and more demanding than she’d expected. Finally, by the end of November, the concrete pads for the various little houses were in place. Not only that, but Anita had worked with Hannah long enough at that point for Hannah to trust her and delegate. Since Hannah had chosen several different styles for the tiny houses, she left it to Anita to work with the vendor to get all of them to the ranch and in place. Fortunately, it wasn’t that difficult and her contractor took care of making sure each had power and plumbing.

An offshoot of these little homes was the fact she and Dale had discussed and implemented the building of a dining room and kitchen that was closer to what had been the open pasture. They’d decided that if all ten of the spaces were rented and they planned to provide meals, then Dale would definitely need more space, not to mention some place for the guests to eat.

Hannah also handed off the spring planting to Anita. She’d already chosen a landscape company and drawn up a plan, so all Anita had to do was liaison when the time came. They could both imagine how the grounds would look come spring when the landscaping would be done. Small gravel paths would wind throughout and flowerbeds would surround the dwellings. Sod would be brought in for the areas not planted with flowers. Hannah had also chosen several fast-growing trees that would provide shade for the buildings and grassy places. It would be beautiful once it was finished.

Dale pretty much took on the building of the dining room and kitchen because he knew just what he wanted. He still talked major decisions over with Hannah, but she trusted he knew what he was doing, so rarely, if ever, said no to one of his ideas. She even consulted Dale when it came to purchasing furniture for the dining room. There would be at least ten tables that could be combined in whatever combination was required. A honeymoon couple could be alone at a table for two while a family of six or more could push tables together so they could all dine simultaneously.

Furniture for the small residences also had to be ordered, received and placed. Hannah did almost all the ordering from companies online. That was the cheapest and easiest way to get it. Once it arrived, it was up to Anita to move and place it in each of the tiny houses. Hannah would follow up with some decorations and/or ideas for decorations that Anita would pursue.

Anita also soon had the paperwork in hand. It wasn’t that Hannah wasn’t organized because she was. She just didn’t have enough time to do much beyond shove papers into files. Once dinner was over, she barely had enough energy to wash her face and brush her teeth before falling into bed. Hannah was so grateful to Anita and felt they were become not just employer/employee, but friends who worked well together.

By the end of November, Hannah was also showing, her tummy pooching out. She had to begin wearing maternity jeans, and they were actually quite comfortable. The fact she’d always worn shirts, sweatshirts and coats that were bigger than she needed had helped disguise her condition for a bit, but not long. Now, when she had to go into town which wasn’t often because she tried to give those errands to Anita, Dale, Joe or anyone who happened to be heading there. Unfortunately, there were things like her OB appointments, financial meetings with her advisor, attorney and bankers to keep the cash flowing, or as she often thought, gushing.

Still, even though Miz. Lionel had paved the way and the majority of the town folk were kind and sincere with their congratulations, there were others, especially her old classmates, who looked at Hannah, lowered their eyes to her belly and then returned to her face with eyebrows raised. No one came right out and called her a slut, but she could practically see what they were thinking. Rather than shrink away from any of them as she had done all during her school years, she looked right back at them, her one eyebrow raised in return and practically dared them to say anything. She had already decided she wasn’t going to be ashamed or feel bad and she wasn’t going to let any of them make her so. She’d conceived her baby because she was in love, and she’d love this baby no matter what. Hannah now wished she’d been strong enough in high school to give those nasty kids the stink eye.

Something else that came up Hannah hadn’t thought about was the name for her new venture. It was already known as the Wakefield Ranch, but her advisors all thought she should come up with a new name that would encompass all she was planning to offer. To quote Anita, she needed a new “brand,” and didn’t mean the piece of iron you heated up to put on your cattle’s hide.

Hannah fiddled around with the idea of actually making a new brand. The old one was WF for Wakefield. What if she added an R, so the brand would be WFR, but all linked together. She talked to Anita about it and saw Anita become a bit excited. “You know, Hannah, that might work out just great. Besides a new brand, you need some kind of a tag line. Why not use WFR—Be wild, have fun, as you roam the hills and canyons of Wakefield Ranch.”

“Anita, what quick thinking. Do you really think that would work?”

“I don’t see why not. You want people to come here and have different experiences than what they’ve had in other places. You’re going to offer trail rides, rides alone for those who have experience, hikes, play at the waterfall, as well as teach your guests how to care for their mounts. I like it. Let me see what I can whip up as far as design. I’ll play around with it and email you some ideas.”

“That would be great,” Hannah said, giving Anita a quick hug. “One more thing I can cross of that damned list. Ooooh!” she added with a quick huff of breath. “I think he’s moving around in there.”

“Well, it’s about time that Little Mite did something. Let me feel.”

Hannah took Anita’s hand and placed it low on her belly. “I’ve felt him for a long time, but the movements never seemed strong enough for anyone else to feel. There, did you feel that kick?”

Anita laughed and said, “I sure did. And, you’re positive it’s a boy?”

“Yes, when Dr. Harvey did the ultrasound, there was definitely an extra appendage which he said was a penis. I couldn’t really tell so I had to take his word for it. It was hard for me to tell it was actually a baby. I was expecting something that looked like a baby and that picture on the fridge sure doesn’t look like one to me.”

“I’ve seen my sisters’ photos and agree that it’s hard to imagine those various blobs and segments to be a baby. The only thing I’ve ever really been able to find is the head and I think that’s only because it’s so big. Have you thought of a name since we were just talking about the company name?”

“Well, I know for sure his middle name will be Thomas after gramps, but I haven’t decided on a first name. His last name will, of course, be Wakefield. I figure I’ll have something thought up in time for his birth.”

Everything was moving along perfectly, or at least Hannah thought so, plus she was positive that Anita, Dale, Joe or Dave wouldn’t hold back when to came letting her know if things weren’t going well.

Until the new dining room and kitchen were ready for use, Dale continued to cook in Hannah’s kitchen and everyone who was there at dinner time came through the mudroom to the kitchen. Fortunately, the table was just large enough so everyone had a place. Anita didn’t usually stay for dinner, but Hannah asked her to stay the second Saturday in December.

There was lots of talk and laughter around the table as everyone chowed down on Dale’s delicious dinner. Once dessert was served, Hannah stood up and requested everyone’s attention. “I’ve been over WFR TREK;S finances and discussed this with my advisor and have decided to give each and every one of you ten days off with pay, beginning December 23^rd. You’ve all worked so hard to help me move ahead with my new plans while keeping track and taking care of everything else that needs doing. So, some time off with pay is my thank you. Of course, if you want to stay here for those ten days and simply loll about, that’s fine too. You’ll all get your check before you leave or stay on December 23^rd.

“Of course, come January 2^nd, I expect every single one of you to be here, and ready to work your asses off so we can open WFR TREKS Memorial Day weekend. There’s going to be a lot to do between the beginning of the year and opening day.

“I’m also going to have to rely on many of you about the middle of February when the Little Mite arrives. I have no idea if he’ll be early or late or just how difficult he’ll make my or our lives, but I promise I’ll do the absolute best I can. And, I know without asking, that you’ll all do the best you can for me. So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year a bit early. “

Hannah sat down to applause and Dale stood up. “I know I’m speaking on behalf of everyone sitting around this table. We know it hasn’t been easy for you, but we appreciate the fact you’ve worked just as hard as any one of us. We also appreciate the fact your first thoughts and renovations had to do with our comfort. You may be doing this for the first time all on your own, Hannah, but you’re doing a mighty fine job. You’ve made us all feel like your family.”

As everyone got up to go their separate ways, each person came by and either hugged Hannah or took her hand, murmuring words of appreciation or approbation. When only Dale was left, Hannah laid her head on the table and let the tears come. “Hey, hey, let’s not have any of that. No reason to be sad Hannah,” Dale said as he patted her back.

Hannah sat up and scrubbed at her eyes, rubbed her nose on her shirtsleeve and said, “They’re not sad tears, they’re happy ones. I felt so alone after gramps died and now, after just a few months, I have a brand-new family. Dale, I’m so very grateful. Thank you for your kind words.”

Dale gave her one more pat and headed for the sink. “Now you get on out of here and get your butt in bed. There’s no way I’m strong enough to carry you down the hall if you fall asleep right there, and I know how fast sleep can overtake you. Don’t think you’ve seen one TV program in the last month without my having to shake you awake.”

Hannah smiled and laughed a bit. “I’m sure it’s just the Little Mite who’s sopping up all my energy, but you’re right. I need to head for my bed. Good night Dale.”