WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 21, LUKE'S BAD LUCK

 

         An announcement for some bus headed somewhere startled Luke awake. For a minute, he wasn’t sure where he was and then it all came back. Once again, his mouth was nasty and his head ached abominably. He even felt as though he was going to throw up everything he’d eaten and drunk in the last month. His stomach was decidedly upset.

Well, better get myself out of here before the sheriff comes to arrest me for being homeless. He got up and walked toward the door, his gait that of a much older man. Each time his boot heel hit the floor, his head felt like it was the clangor in a bell. He tried to walk more softly, but that didn’t work very well either. He caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror and he appeared to be mincing his way across the floor, plus his hair was standing up on one side. He looked derelict.

Outside, he looked around for his truck. He was positive he’d parked in the last space in the second row. His truck didn’t appear in any of the rows, and when he yanked his key chain up from where it was attached to his belt, he realized his truck fob was gone. Son of a bitch, Luke thought. So stupid to sleep, or let’s be honest, pass out in such a public place. Someone had liberated his truck key and his truck. How the hell was he supposed to get home? How the hell was he going to make it back to the ranch. Fuck, how the hell was he supposed to find the sheriff’s office and report his truck stolen. Just fuck, fuck, fuck.

Luke slapped his hat against his thigh and walked toward the street. With any luck, not that he’d had any whatsoever since Hannah confessed, a police car might pass, or some stranger might tell him where to find the police station. There weren’t a lot of cars traveling on the street, and not a single human in sight. Just fuck, he muttered again. This is all Hannah’s fault. If it weren’t for her and her big news, I wouldn’t even be here. And it wasn’t like he could call anyone at the ranch and ask for a ride. He couldn’t do that when he was still so angry and pissed.

Just then, Luke noticed a police car slowly coming down the street. Maybe his luck was changing. He stepped into the gutter and flagged the police car down. When it stopped beside him, and the window rolled down, Luke told the officer behind the wheel, “I need to report my truck stolen out of the bus station lot. I spent part of the night in the bus station and I guess someone stole my fob off my key chain after I fell asleep.”

“Smells more like you musta passed out,” the officer replied, opening his own window and waving one of his hands.

“Well, okay, maybe I drank a bit too much, but my life just went into the shitter a couple days ago. I didn’t want to drive drunk, so I parked here. Couldn’t find any other place in town that was open.”

“Okay, climb in, but try to breath out your own window. You really stink. I’ll take you to the station and you can make a report.”

A few blocks later, the officer pulled his patrol car into the station parking lot. He told Luke to go inside and see the sergeant at the front desk. “Not that I think you’re gonna get your truck back today,” the officer continued, “but you can file a report and we can at least be on the look-out.”

Luke thanked him and walked into the station. Once he filed his report, he asked if there was a car rental place close by. The sergeant told him where to find the closest one and suggested he call for an Uber unless he wanted to walk a couple of miles.

In a little more than an hour, Luke was ensconced in an extremely small economy car. Even with the seat pushed back as far as it would go, he had to spread his knees to keep the steering wheel free. Fuck, he told himself as he tried to scrunch himself even smaller, can this day get any better? Fuck, can my life get any better?

All the way back to his place in Hannah’s little town, he fumed and swore and talked to himself about how fucking shitty things were. It would have been different if it were his fault, but it wasn’t. There he’d been, trying to do everything just right so she’d take him back, let him be a part of Stevie’s life and what was she doing while he was being so extremely nice.  She was making him suffer by acting as though he meant nothing. She’d been a real bitch acting so high and mighty when she was carrying some other man’s kid. She should have been on her knees welcoming him back. She should have been grateful he’d come back. She should have been delighted with the way he acted just like Stevie’s daddy day after day. And, she wouldn’t even tell Stevie who I was. Such a fucking bitch, Luke thought for the umpteen time.

When Luke arrived back at his place, he could barely unfold himself from the car. Not only was he still hung over, royally pissed about Hannah, and exceedingly angry about his truck being stolen, his entire body ached. He felt miserable.

Inside, he made himself some coffee, scrambled some eggs and toasted a couple slices of almost moldy bread. He guessed he was lucky he had anything here to eat since he used the place mostly for sleeping. Out of the shower, dressed in fresh clothes, Luke did feel better. Actually, he felt good enough to head for the ranch. He was going to have a come to Jesus meeting with Hannah. He was through being Mr. Nice Guy. It would also be good to see Stevie. He’d missed him yesterday.

Luke was surprised to find the entrance gates to the ranch closed, not only closed, but apparently locked. The sign encouraged visitors to push the red button and wait for a response. He did, and waited for what seemed like ten minutes or more. It took pushing that fucking button two more times before he finally got a response.

“Who’s there?”

“It’s Luke. Please open the gate.”

“I’m sorry Luke, but we’ve been given instructions to keep you off ranch property. I cannot open the gate for you. Have a good day.”

“What the fuck?” Luke exclaimed and pushed the button again. He kept pushing the button and getting no response until he was ready to physically jump the fence and run all the way to the barnyard. He was just about ready to do so when the speaker came to life again.

“Luke, I know you’re still there because we also equipped the gate with a camera.” Hannah’s voice came tinnily through.

Luke pressed his button and said, “Now, Hannah, let me through the gate. I want to see Stevie.”

“No, Luke, no. Your days of freely coming and going are done, over, finished. You are no longer welcome at WFR Treks. I want you to go away and not return. Me and my family have done a great job with Stevie and we’ll do another great job with the next. You can just head on out and be responsible for just yourself. I, we do not need you at all. And, if you try to make a nuisance of yourself, I’ve got the sheriff on speed-dial. I’m sure you remember him from the first time he escorted you off my land. Good bye Luke.”

Luke tried pushing the button next to the mike, but the system had apparently been turned off. It didn’t matter what he wanted to say, no one at the ranch was interested in listening. He turned his car around and headed back to town.

As Luke drove, he found his anger had suddenly disappeared. His foremost feeling now was fear and maybe the beginnings of desperation. What if she really means it, he wondered. What if I never get to see Stevie again? What if I never get to see Hannah again. The prospect of either, and especially both those choices, made him feel unbelievably miserable. It made him feel even more heart broken than his mental pictures of Hannah with another man. He wondered how he was going to be able to fix the biggest screw up of his entire life.

Over the next few days, Luke drove out to the ranch, only to find the gate locked and to be told to go away and not come back. In town, there wasn’t much to do except drink, and Luke decided he’d had enough of that to last him a long while. He wandered around like a lost puppy, trying to make conversation with a whole bunch of people, but apparently, the town grapevine had been working overtime.

No matter who he tried to talk to or about what, the topic was always turned toward him and the date of his departure. It seemed there wasn’t a single person who wanted him to hang around. Luke imagined this is how it had been when Hannah announced her pregnancy with Stevie. Probably a few non-supporters, but on the whole, he bet the town rallied around Hannah then like they were now. There didn’t seem to be a single person who wanted to talk to him about anything, but especially Hannah and Stevie and WFR.

To make things even better, his truck had finally turned up. Luke happily drove to the bigger town, turned in his very uncomfortable little car and caught a ride to the police station. Once he’d signed all the papers, paid for the towing that had brought his truck from wherever it had been found to the police parking lot, Luke was escorted to his truck.

He couldn’t believe his eyes. His once pristine truck, the only thing he owned worth anything, now looked almost worthless. It was a mess and appeared as though whoever had stolen it had gone joyriding through a forest full of trees. Besides being crumpled here and there, it was filthy, the windows streaked with mud. When he opened the door, the smell almost made him gag. The inside was full of fast-food wrappers and leftover food and drink. It also smelled as though someone had vomited.  Luke shook his head and wondered when his luck would go from worse to bad to better. He was more than ready.

Luke got directions to a car wash location. First, he cleaned the inside as much as possible, removing all the trash and scrubbing the vomit off the passenger side floor. Then, he went through the car wash twice before he was satisfied enough to drive to the nearest insurance agent. He probably should have done that first, but he could barely drive as far as he had with the vomit odor as strong as it had been.

Fortunately, the insurance office was one of those that held a claims adjuster. The woman updated his report, since he’d called when the truck had been stolen and then went out to take photos. She indicated she would submit the report and contact him on his cell once she’d heard back. It seemed his insurance would pay to have his truck repaired as long as he paid his $1,000 deductible. As he left the office, Luke cursed again. Fuck, the way things were going, he’d have to find a job. His money wasn’t close to running out, but he’d really wanted to impress Hannah with the full amount when they got back together. So far, it looked like the only impression he be making would be just how fucking dumb and dumber he could be.

Finally, for the first day since Luke ceased to arrive at the usual time, Stevie appeared to be oblivious. Hannah had him in the barn, watching the barn cat give birth. She admired the quiet, tender and gentle way Stevie was as the tiny fluffs of fur appeared. He didn’t try to pick them up or do anything that would upset the mom. He knelt, butt centered on his feet and gazed into the box, fascinated as the mother kitty stopped licking the last born and turned her attention to her bottom where what Hannah hoped was the last kitten was being expelled.

Stevie quietly counted the babies. “Mom she’s had eight babies. Will she have more?” he whispered.

“No, I think she’s done having babies. Look how they’re squirming around trying to find the nipples on her chest. They’re really hungry don’t you think Stevie?”

“Sure looks like it. Can I take one up to the house? Can I have one in my room? Can I, huh. Please.” He implored.

“Stevie, right now, the babies have to stay with their mom. She’ll feed them and keep them clean and warm. We can talk about you having one as a pet when they’re a lot bigger. For now, would you like to be in charge of keeping a check on the box they’re all in.”

“Sure,” Stevie almost shouted before lowing his voice. “What do I need to do?”

“Several times a day, say first thing in the morning, lunchtime and just before we go in to get ready for bed, you need to come in the barn and look into the box. Count the kitties to make sure they all there. Give mom a scritch and a treat and tell her what a great job she’s doing. Think you can handle that?”

“You bet.” Stevie responded. “Kinda means they’re all my kitties don’t it?”

“Well, it doesn’t mean they all belong to you or that you get to keep them all. It means it’s your responsibility to make sure they are all okay. If it doesn’t look like they are, then you need to let me or one of the staff know right away. Okay?”

“Yep.”

“Okay, let’s head for the dining hall. Mom needs to do a couple of things in her office before lunch. Once you finish the paper I’ll give you to work on, you can play with my I-pad until it’s time for lunch. You have to do a good job on your homework though if you want to play games. Okay?”

“Yep,” Stevie replied as he got up and took her hand. Hannah tried to let go of the fear she felt as they left the barn. This was usually when Stevie became difficult. He’d look around the parking lot, bring up Luke and proceed to cry or yell about the man’s absence. Today though and maybe it was just the time they’d spent watching kittens being birthed, Stevie seemed like the toddler he’d been before Luke’s arrival. He held her hand the whole way to the dining hall, jabbering about the kittens and his ‘ponsibilty for them. The hurt and anger which had lodged in Hannah’s chest seemed to ease a bit as Stevie let go and ran into the dining hall.

“Hey Uncle Dale. I have eight kitties and they’re my ‘ponsibilty. Mom said. Isn’t that really cool?”

Hannah headed for her office. She knew Dale would usher him to her once they’d talked about all the kitties and Stevie’s responsibilities. Her final thought as she turned on her computer was, too bad Luke can’t see how easy it was to turn Stevie’s attention elsewhere. And, okay, it took a bit of time, but we did it. Good bye Luke.

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 20, POOR LUKE???

 

          When Luke woke up the following morning, he was surprised to find himself fully dressed on the couch and his mouth felt as though the less appreciated portions of a barnyard had been deposited there while he slept. He groaned and sat up, putting up his hands to hold his head which hurt badly and suddenly felt ten times its normal size. Even his eyes throbbed and he wanted to keep them closed.

          What the hell, he asked himself and then the previous afternoon came crashing back into his memory. It made his headache worse and his biggest desire was to go back to sleep so he didn’t have to think about Hannah and another man or be aware of how his body felt…exactly like fucking shit. And, it was all her fault. The way he felt was all her fault.

          Luke struggled to his feet and headed for the bathroom. He groaned from the pain in his head and his back from sleeping on the couch, but his bladder was full. He needed to piss something terrific. Once he’d done that, he swallowed a few aspirins with a couple of handfuls of water from the sink. Then he stripped off his clothes and got into the shower. He let the hot water pour over his head and shoulders. It helped remove some of his discomfort. Finished, he turned the knob to cold and stood there until he got the shivers. Dry and in clean clothes, he had to admit he felt better, not terrific, but better.

          He headed for the café he usually patronized for breakfast. His lunches at the ranch always left him completely full, so he rarely ate dinner. Of course, everyone in the café, hell the entire town for that matter, knew who he was and that he was Stevie’s father. One older waitress who’d maybe read one too many romance novels and thought she was clever and cute always had a zinger or two of a question. Luke hoped he could avoid the tables she served this morning. His luck was as crappy as it had been the day before.

          Kimmie was what her badge said even though her days of being a Kimmie were long past. As soon as he sat down, paper in hand, she approached with the coffee pot. “Well, lookee who’s here for breakfast. When you going to make Hannah an honest woman and eat breakfast at her table?” She laughed and nudged his shoulder with her free hand. “Stevie know who you are yet?”

          “Look, Kimmeeeee, you may think you’re funny, but I don’t think so at all. If you wouldn’t mind, a simple good morning or how are you would be way more welcome than all the comments you have to offer about Hannah and Stevie. I’d actually like it if you just shut totally up about those two. Alright? Alright. Great. I’ll have my usual.”

          “Well, I never….” Kimmie began, to which Luke responded, “Yeah, I’ll just bet you never. Thank you, Kimmeeeee, that will be all for now.”

          Luke turned his attention to the paper and read it while he ate his breakfast and drank about four cups of coffee. Kimmie didn’t attempt another conversation, but made him know she was unhappy, slamming the plates on the table, sloshing coffee in his cup and smacking his bill down. For the first time, when he departed, he left a single dollar as a tip instead of the usual five. Fuck her too, he thought as he climbed into his truck.

          Ordinarily he would head for the ranch and Stevie, but this morning, he turned his truck in the other direction and headed for the larger town an hour or so away. He told himself he didn’t need to see Stevie, that there was plenty he could find to do without spending all his time at the ranch. Hell, maybe he should gather up his stuff and find a place in the next town. Just leave here and never return. That would serve Hannah right. Let her bring another bastard into the world. He wondered if the town would be as forgiving this time as they were the last. Then he realized he was referring to his own child as a bastard as well and it almost made him cry.

          Once Luke arrived in the larger town, he wondered what he was going to do with himself. He didn’t really know anyone and the various choices of entertainment didn’t appeal. He didn’t want to see a movie. He didn’t want to visit the little museum. He wasn’t hungry for lunch. He didn’t feel like drinking, but that seemed about the only option. Maybe he’d just order a beer and watch whatever football game was on the bar TV.

          Luke managed to make himself a couple of friends by buying a round of drinks for the few people in the Rocky Saloon. Before he knew it, he was well on his way to being drunk and feeling very sorry for himself.

“Hey, you, what’s your name? Tim, am I right?” Luke asked the old guy who’d moved to sit on the next barstool.

“Yep, that’s me, Tim Farley,” he responded.

“Well, Tim, I got me a problem I could use some help with and you look to be old enough to maybe give me some advice. What do you say, pal?”

While Tim was thinking it over, Luke ordered a couple more boilermakers. They were tasting mighty fine he thought.

“Well, depends on what kinda advice yur lookin’ fer.” Tim responded.

Luke took a big swallow of his fresh drink. “Tim, I found the woman of my dreams a couple years ago. I had to leave for a while, well, a couple years really.”

“She married when ya got back?”

“No, she isn’t married, but she’s the mother of my child. Now, seems like she got herself pregnant while I was gone and wants me to be the father to some other man’s git.  Now, does that seem fair? I ask you; would you father someone else’s kid?”

“Here’s what I say,” Time breathed his bad, beer and whiskey tainted breath into Luke’s face. “What I say is she’s a whore. She shouldnta gone behin’ yur back and got herself in trouble. I say it’s her problem, not yours. Why you wanna have anythin’ to do with a whore like that anyway?”

When Luke heard Tim refer to Hannah as a whore, his hand clenched so hard, he almost broke his glass. It was all he could do to keep from turning and smacking Tim into the next county. Hannah was no whore. Tim had no call to say that and if anyone was gonna say Hannah was a whore, it was him.

“Tim, don’t be calling my woman a whore. She’s not a whore and if you say it again, I’m gonna beat the absolute shit out of you.”

“Well, fuck, man, you asked my advice. It’s one thing to visit a whore, but sounded like you were thinkin’ somethin’ more long term, like marriage.”

“Yeah, well, maybe.”

“You gonna be able to trust her if you have to go away again? How you gonna feel ever time you look at the secon’ kid? You gonna be able to love it even if’n it ain’t yurn?”

“Would you Tim? Would you be able to feel the same way about it as you’d feel about your own kid?”

“Hell no. Ever time I saw it, I’d be reminded another man had been feastin’ offa my plate. I would’n like it one bit.”

At that point, the favored football team scored a touchdown and their talk was interrupted. That was okay with Luke. He didn’t like what Tim had been saying even though Tim said the very things Luke had been thinking off and on since Hannah had told him she was pregnant.

At some point, Luke moved to a booth and at closing time, the saloon keeper had to wake him up to throw him out. Of course, it was early morning, his truck was frozen and it took some time to warm it up and thaw the windows. As he drove carefully around the town because he stank of booze, he found there didn’t seem to be any place open anywhere. Finally, he found the bus station which was open. Luke figured he could hang out there until he sobered up enough to drive back to his place. Maybe there’d even be some food available to soak up some of the alcohol.

Inside, it was quiet and warm, but the only food and drink available was in the various machines lined up against the wall. Luke found a few crumpled dollar bills in his pocket and wandered back and forth until he decided on a cup of automatic coffee and some Grandma’s oatmeal cookies. Didn’t really sound appetizing, but he needed to put something in his belly.

Back at the ranch, Hannah wasn’t getting much sleep either. The day had been horrible. She’d never seen Stevie act the way he’d acted today. When it finally became clear Luke wasn’t going to show up and she couldn’t say why, Stevie threw himself on the dining room floor and proceeded to have the first ever tantrum she’d seen since his birth. She was ashamed and aghast at his actions as were the staff members who witnessed his total meltdown.

Stevie had barely eaten lunch he’d been watching so hard for Luke. And, when Hannah pulled him up off the floor into her arms and started for the house and naptime, her son struggled, flailing his arms, kicking his legs until one of the young male staff members had stepped in and scooped him from her arms. Thrown over his shoulders, Stevie was hauled to his room, Hannah right behind. She thanked the young man, shut the door and turned to Stevie who was once again on the floor kicking and screaming.

“I won’t take a nap. I want Luke. Luke naps with me. I don’t want you, mom, I want Luke. Go away. I hate you.”

That pretty much did it. Hannah grabbed Stevie, yanked him up into her arms and got them both on the bed. She put her legs over his, wrapped his arms between them and just held on.

“Okay, Stevie, that’s enough. Calm down. Just calm down, okay. Mommy’s right here. Mommy will take care of you. It will be okay, Stevie, promise.”

It took a bit, but eventually, Stevie stopped crying and his body became limp. Periodically, his little chest rose and fell with the after crying hiccoughs. Hannah slowly released the tight hold she had on Stevie. He didn’t want her to let go though because in his sleep, he tried to nestle even closer. Hannah made herself comfortable, pulled a blanket over them and tried to relax.

Relaxing was almost impossible though because she was so angry herself. She wouldn’t have minded laying on the floor, kicking and screaming and carrying on her own self. She also wouldn’t have minded if Luke showed up so she could kick his ass into the next state. What a mistake she’d made, and Lord, how many mistakes made up her life now? She should never have allowed Luke access to Stevie even if he was his father. Luke never vowed to stay even though he kept after her to be friendlier and to tell Stevie Luke was his father. She was glad now that she’d held firm on that. Imagine how the poor kid would be feeling if he’d known Luke was his daddy and not just a man who seemed to like to spend time with him.

Hannah knew one thing for absolutely positively sure. If, or when, Luke came back, he wasn’t going to be welcomed with anyone’s opened arms, including Stevie’s. She carefully eased out of the bed, made sure Stevie was safe and covered. Back in her own kitchen, she used her radio to ask Jo, Dave, Dale, and Anita to come to her there. She asked they do it quietly so Stevie wouldn’t wake. When they’d all arrived and sat down at the table, Hannah began.

“When we’re done here, I want the gate by the highway closed and locked. Anita, you can put up the sign asking people to buzz for entry.” Hannah took a deep breath and continued, “I do not want Luke to return to the ranch, not even for a minute. You all saw how Stevie reacted this morning when Luke didn’t show up. I made a huge mistake letting Luke have such easy access.”

Hannah took a sip from her water glass. “Now, I’ll tell you what happened yesterday to cause Luke to disappear, at least for today and maybe forever. The truth of the matter is I’m about two months pregnant.”

Eyebrows were raised, her friends looked at each other and Anita was bold enough to say, “I don’t see how that’s possible unless it’s the second coming.  You haven’t been on a real date since you had Stevie.”

“Yeah, well, it was no angel who made me pregnant. I won’t go into any details because you don’t need them. Let’s just say I had a lot to drink, was totally unsupervised and made the mistake of responding to compliments, soft touches, and the idea I was still attractive. All it takes is one time and that was it, one very forgettable and uncomfortable time.

“Yesterday I decided I needed to be honest with Luke, especially since I love him so much. The way he’s been with Stevie, I thought perhaps he had a big enough heart to take on a child that wasn’t his. I was wrong. Luke’s reaction and words were definitely not what I wanted to hear. He was actually rather nasty in some ways. In any case, I hoped it wouldn’t change his relationship with Stevie, but as we can all tell from his absence, that isn’t the case.”

“Well, I find that real disappointin’,” Joe offered. “We were all real pleased he was back and trying so hard to win you back. Maybe Luke just needs some time to think.”

“Yeah,” Dave added. “I bet he’ll be back in the morning apologizing all over the place and asking forgiveness.”

“And if he’s not,” Dale said, “I’ll just put something in his food to make him real sorry.”

“Thank you, gentlemen and Anita. I appreciate your support, but once I got Stevie settled in for his nap, I decided I cannot have another day like this one with him. So, Luke is persona non grata from here on out. Folks may look at me and talk about me behind my back once I start showing, but I had Stevie and I can have this one on my own as well. Y’all are part of my big family. I know you may be disappointed in me, but I really didn’t set out to have sex with an almost complete stranger. My only excuses are that I was so lonely, so hungry for a bit of kindness, flirting, a little bit of skin-to-skin time. That wasn’t exactly what I got, but there is a new life as a result.”

“And I bet I know just who it was that took advantage,” Anita said quietly.

“Yes, you may or may not know and it’s not important. I won’t be seeing that person ever again. I also have no intention of sharing this news with him. Just as Stevie is mine, and all of ours, this Little Mite will become a new member of our family and we’ll love him or her just as we do Stevie.

“And, finally, feel free to share my news with other staff members, especially when it comes to Luke being unwelcome here. I did this once before and I can do it again, especially with everyone’s love and support. I also hope y’all know how much I love and appreciate each and every one.”

As her staff got up to leave, Hannah got up as well. Hugs were exchanged and words murmured before they went out the door. Hannah watched through the window as they went down toward the dining hall. Anita soon reappeared, hopped into one of the little electric carts and headed for the highway. When she returned, the sign she’d placed in the cart was gone and Hannah knew Luke would now not have any access.

She turned away from the window, rubbed her flat belly and said, “Sure hope your big brother isn’t as upset tomorrow as he was today. Maybe if I tell him about you, my second Little Mite, he’ll be so excited and happy about a sibling, he’ll not feel Luke’s absence quite so much.

Hannah beat her pillow into a new shape and put her head back on it. She told herself to stop thinking about her day, Stevie and Luke, and concentrate on getting some sleep. She'd need to be at her best should Luke show up tomorrow, well, it was really today now wasn't it. 

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 19, HANNAH CONFESSES

 

          Miz. Lionel stared at Hannah. Hannah continued to cry, wadding up the napkin and reaching for another. “I’m so sorry Miz. Lionel. I know how disappointed you must be. It was only once, only once and I’m so sorry about the whole thing. I wish I could go back and…. Well, I wish I could undo this or have an abortion or something, but I can’t do that, not after being pregnant with Stevie…I just can’t.”

          Hannah was pulled into Miz. Lionel’s arms and even though Hannah thought she’d cried enough tears after her confession, she continued to cry while the woman patted her back and said, “There, there, honey. It’ll be fine, just fine. Now, turn off the waterworks so we can talk ‘bout this.

          A few minutes later, Hannah’s face was red, but dry. She sniffled and looked at Miz. Lionel who asked, “How on earth did you get pregnant. Never mind that, I know how it happens, but you haven’t been seeing anyone, anyone, lessen you relented and let Luke?”

          Hannah interrupted, “No, no, it wasn’t Luke. He hasn’t been here long enough for me to be two months along. It was back in August. Oh, I hate to talk about it. I feel so stupid and cheap and dirty. It wasn’t anything like it was with Luke. We loved each other and I don’t know how many times we were together before I got pregnant. This was only once, just once. It’s just not fair.”

          “Honey, no one ever said life was fair, and all it takes is one time if the time was right. Believe it or not, this was somehow meant to be. So, you know who the daddy is? Does he know about this baby?”

          “No, and I wouldn’t tell him anyway. He was just a visitor to WFR Treks. He came to do a piece about the ranch. Anita arranged it. It was going to get us some great publicity. And, since I’m the head of the place, I was the one who had to take him all around and show him everything.

          “Miz. Lionel, it had been so long since anyone, except Jamey who I strongly discouraged, has shown any interest in me, complimented me, made me feel pretty and desirable. I was so stupid.”

          “Now, honey, I know exactly what you’re talking about. There you were, a mommy, running a ranch with a passel of workers, never getting out and about or havin’ any kinda social life. I’ll bet that man was handsome and charming wasn’t he?”

          “Oh my Lord, yes!” Hannah responded. “He was Hollywood handsome, charming, well read, interesting, fun, everything I found so attractive I could barely keep my hands on my own reins. I did everything I could to ignore the attraction until the night before he was to leave.”

          Hannah hiccouped and a few more tears fell from her eyes. “It’s so disgusting and I was so stupid. “He asked me to go into town with him and have dinner. I thought it would be fun. It had been a long time since I’d eaten at the Mountain Lodge. I was sure I could handle him and myself. Dinner was wonderful and the bottle of wine he ordered was the best I’d ever tasted. Actually, he ordered a second bottle because the first one disappeared so fast.

          “Anyway, by the time we finished dinner, I was a bit more than tipsy. It was a good thing I didn’t have to drive. When we got to his SUV, he helped me into my seat, then leaned in and gently kissed me. That’s all it took, Miz. Lionel. That’s all it took. I grabbed him, yanked him to me and kissed him back as if I were desperate, and I was, I’ll admit it. I felt like I was on fire from the ends of my hair to the tips of my toes.”

          She paused to take a deep breath. “I feel so ashamed telling you all this Miz. Lionel.”

          “That’s okay honey, believe it or not, I’ve a few memories with my man just like the one you’re describin’. Now, go on, finish, get it all out.”

          Hannah took another breath and continued, “I still don’t know if he planned it or not, but he’d parked the SUV in the darkest corner of the parking lot. Before I could catch my breath or even think, my seat was lowered, he’d yanked my dress up and my panties down and was having sex with me. I’m ashamed to admit that at the moment I loved it, it felt so good. It had been so long and I was so unbelievably ready.

          “When we were done, or he was done, he fixed his pants, raised my seat up and took me back to the ranch. Neither of us said anything and when we got to the parking lot, I got out of the SUV, wished him good night and never saw or talked to him again. He was gone before breakfast the next morning.

          “Oh, I almost forgot. We did get a great article and wonderful publicity when his review was published. The least he could do, right?”

          “So, now you’re a couple months pregnant and not sure what to do about it?” Miz. Lionel asked. “Well, maybe you don’t want my opinion….”

          “Oh, I do, yes I do. I need some serious advice here.”

          “Well, I think you have to have a conversation with Luke. I think you need to be tellin’ him he’s forgiven for what came before, that it’s ancient history. I think you have to tell him that now he needs to forgive you and why. Then, you can tell him you do love him, that you want him in your live, for him to be Stevie’s daddy. It may take some time, but if he really loves you, then accepting this new baby will lead to forgiveness, and you’ll have a great future.”

          Hannah told Miz. Lionel she surely hoped so and had figured that’s what she’d need to do. She just didn’t look forward to the conversation or the confession to Luke, especially after the way she’d been treating him since his return. She also said it was something she absolutely needed to do as soon as possible. She needed to know if Luke would remain a figure in their lives, and the sooner, the better.

          When Hannah got ready to leave, Miz. Lionel gave her another hug and told her to be strong. No matter what Luke’s response was, she was loved and would get through this time one way or another with the support of her big family.

          On the way home, Hannah tried to decide how she should go about talking to Luke. They would need to be away from all the other ranch folks and Stevie. Since it hadn’t snowed too terribly much, perhaps she could think of some reason the two of them could take a horseback ride to huckleberry hill, maybe to talk about what she was proposing they do there.

          So, the next morning when Luke arrived, Hannah asked him if he’d forego his nap with Stevie and ride out and take a look at what she thought she wanted to do on that part of the ranch. Luke agreed and looked especially happy she’d issued an invitation. Stevie, on the other hand, was extremely annoyed to be left behind. He stomped out of the dining hall with his favorite female staff person, Emily, as though he’d stay mad forever. Hannah sighed and thought, he just may stay that way if Luke decides to leave here.

          Thankfully, the temperature was in the high 30s, but it was still cold enough. Hannah had brought along some brownies and hot chocolate she’d offer when they got to the huckleberry bushes. For some reason, as if she didn’t know, she couldn’t get enough chocolate in any form lately.

          When they arrived, they climbed down from their horses, spread a thick blanket on a rock and Hannah handed out the treats. Luke said, “Hannah, I’m so happy and excited you wanted to spend time with me today. Please, let me apologize again….”

          Hannah interrupted Luke and said, “Please, I need to tell you something. First, I need to tell you're forgiven for what happened before, and I'm really sorry it's taken me this long to say it. And, I'm not just saying it now because of what I have to tell you, Especially since it may change your entire opinion of me. You may decide to leave here.”

          Luke laughed, “I don’t think there’s anything you could tell me that would be that upsetting. I love Stevie and I love you. Nothing could change that.”

          Hannah looked up, stared directly into his eyes and said, “I’m pregnant.”

          Luke’s laughing face instantly became serious. His brow furrowed and he said, “How’s that possible. You don’t have a boyfriend. You haven’t had a boyfriend. I’ve asked everyone around the ranch and they’ve all said you don’t date, you haven’t seen anyone since I left. And, you haven’t let me near you since I returned, so how can you be pregnant?”

          “You know how it happens Luke. I was with someone. I was lonely. He made me feel desirable and beautiful. I’d had too much to drink. It was just once, but that’s all it takes. Just once in the entire time since I sent you away. I’m sorry, really sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

          Luke got up and paced back and forth in front of their rock. “So, you’re going to have it? Does the other man know? Will he be coming back?”

          “No, and no, and no. I simply cannot have an abortion after being pregnant with Stevie. Even without you, it was a very special time and I don’t regret a single minute of it. And, if you decide you can’t be a father to another man’s baby, then we have no future. You’ll have to decide what you want to do.”

          “So, now that you know your pregnant with another man’s child, you’re ready to marry me? So I can be recognized as Stevie’s real father and as a father to a child that isn’t mine?”

          “That’s pretty much it.”

          “Well, that really sucks. When I came back, you did everything you could to make me go away. You were rude and even nasty. You acted as though I’d never meant a single thing to you. But, now, you’re pregnant and need a father for the bastard in your belly, so you’re willing to forgive and forget everything that made you so angry with me before. That really sucks, Hannah.”

          “Not to defend myself, but I was surprised you turned up again. I was so happy and delighted to see you, but didn’t feel I could show you that since I thought perhaps, although I hoped like hell it wasn’t possible, I was pregnant. I acted that way because I wasn’t sure you would stay and then, when it looked as though you would, I continued because I didn’t want to tell you this.”

          “I love Stevie. He’s mine, but I’m not sure about you Hannah. You’re a big disappointment. I’m going to have to think about what you’ve said. If I do decide to stay, it may be just because of Stevie. I don’t know if I love you anymore. I can’t bare to think of you with another man, whether it was for a minute or a day.”

          Luke took the reins of his horse, mounted and said, “I’m headed back to the barn and then back to my place. Tell Stevie maybe I’ll see him tomorrow.”

          Hannah watched him ride away, packed up their cups and garbage and mounted her own horse. That may be the last I see of Luke she thought. He might have enough love just for Stevie with none left for me or this new baby. She felt unbearably sad, but told herself she’d already done this alone and could do so again.

          When Luke got to the barn, he asked one of the staff members to take care of his horse. “I’ve got to get back to town in a hurry. I’d really appreciate it.” The staff member agreed, and Hannah on her horse watched Luke’s truck fishtail down the drive.

          Back at his place, Luke took the bottle of whiskey out of the cupboard and drank directly from it. He wanted to get as drunk as possible so he didn’t have to think about or picture Hannah in another man’s arms. Over the time he’d been gone, it was the memories of Hannah, her body, her hair, her orgasms and the way she’d loved him back that had got him through the tough times. He desperately wanted to succeed and when things weren’t going well, all he had to do was picture Hannah, naked at the waterfall, welcoming him with open arms. Some nights, he hugged his pillow and pretended it was Hannah in his bed as she’d been in the farmhouse before Thomas died.

          Luke didn’t finish the bottle before he was crying like a baby and cursing Hannah for being unfaithful. He simply didn’t understand how she could have done this to him. And, okay, he’d been a jerk to lie to her way back when, but he’d shown her over and over how sorry he was. And, okay, while he was gone, he’d been with a few women, but they’d been nothing special. Just some skin-to-skin time, the pleasure of being held and wanted. None of them had meant a thing. He wasn’t even sure he could remember any of their names. But, it was different for him, he was a man, he had needs. Hannah was a mother. He’d known she’d had needs before she met him and had serviced herself. Why couldn’t she just have kept doing that?

          Just before he passed out on the couch, still fully dressed, including his boots, Luke muttered, “God damn it Hannah. I fucking loved you. How could you do this to me?”

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 18, TWO SURPRISES.

           When Stevie came bouncing on to her bed the next morning, Hannah had a very hard time being her usual upbeat self, but she pushed her worries aside and participated in a round of hugs, tickles and kisses until Stevie was laughed out and ready to have her get up for breakfast. They never went to the dining hall for breakfast, but had it their own kitchen in their pajamas before bathing and dressing.

          This morning her son seemed particularly hungry and wanted her to make him a “whole buncha bacon” as well as some scrambled eggs and toast. Hannah managed to prepare everything even though the bacon smell made her nauseous. She ate some scrambled eggs and a piece of toast, reminding herself she’d be having lunch with Miz. Lionel and that the woman usually prepared enough for a family of six.

          Stevie brought her the dishes one-by-one so Hannah could put them in the dishwasher. Then, she had a quick shower while Stevie played in the adjacent bathtub. Wrapped in a towel, she scrubbed Stevie, dried him and sent him off to choose what he was going to wear that day. Usually, he made good choices, but sometimes, like this morning, when he appeared in her bedroom, he was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. She had to laugh. “Stevie, it’s November. You simply cannot run around in so few clothes unless you plan to stay in the house all day. That’s fine if that is what you want to do, but it means no trips to the barn, the dining hall or pony rides.”

          “Aw mom, it was so easy to get this stuff on. I hate all those snaps and stuff. It’s haaaaaard,” Stevie whined.

          “Well, come on and I’ll give you a hand. I bet we can get you all dressed except for your boots in less than three minutes.” Hannah looked at her watch, then at Stevie,” “Go!!!” she shouted.

          Her son had already stripped down to his underwear and was yanking on his lined jeans when she entered his room. Next came his padded flannel shirt. All that was left was the snapping, buttoning and socks. When the alarm on Hannah’s watch sounded, they were walking down the hall.

          “We were really fast, huh, mom?”  Stevie asked and Hannah agreed.

          Boots, coats, hats and gloves on, they headed to the barn to take care of Stevie’s pony and Hannah’s horse. Stevie was getting quite good at taking care of his pony which he’d named Genghis. Hannah had been reading a book to Stevie about Genghis Khan when the pony arrived. He could barely pronounce the word, but was determined that would be the name. He’d started out mispronouncing the name, but with a bit of practice got it right.

          Hannah had a few more chores in the barn, so she gave Stevie a curry brush and told him to gently brush Genghis until she was done. Finished, they headed to the dining hall and the small office adjacent the big kitchen. Staff knew they could find Hannah there after 9:00 am if they had any questions or concerns. Having completed the third season with now permanent staff, WFR Treks ran fairly smoothly so there usually weren’t many staff waiting.

          Stevie had his own little area with a chalkboard, chalk, color crayons and books. If he became bored or whiney, Hannah would let him to play on her I-pad, but didn’t allow that too often and always tried to redirect his interest before handing off the screen which could probably have held his interest for hours at a time. While Stevie was busy, Hannah would review the various reports her senior staff provided, look over the budget and the various plans she hoped to implement for the coming year.

          They were both still occupied when Dale stuck his head into the office and said, “Hannah, you’d best be getting ready to head to Miz. Lionel’s, hadn’t you?”

          She was amazed at how much time had passed. Good thing she’d planned ahead when she dressed so she didn’t have to do any preparation besides put on her coat and get in her truck. Giving Stevie hugs and kisses and high fives for being such a great office partner, she left him with Dale and headed out.

          Hannah actually dreaded the upcoming lunch. She loved Miz. Lionel and looked at her as a second grandmother. She knew the woman would not only provide a great lunch, but some sound advice. The only problem was, Hannah had a problem of which no one but she was aware. She figured based on what Miz. Lionel advised, she’d have to confess and ask for even more advice. Hannah was thoroughly disgusted with herself and how one simple error that was barely memorable could have resulted in the situation in which she found herself. She seriously believed Miz. Lionel might think her exceedingly stupid and dismiss her from her life. It was with great trepidation Hannah parked and walked up to Miz. Lionel’s kitchen door.

          As always, the older woman was very happy to see her, wrapping Hannah in arms that smelled of sugar and spice. Even as a child, Hannah had been amazed at how wonderful Miz. Lionel had always smelled. She breathed deep and hugged back carefully, making sure it wasn’t too hard and she wasn’t hurting Miz. Lionel's old bones.

          “I’m so happy to see you Hannah, dear. Now hang up that coat and sit down. Lunch is ‘bout ready. All I have to do is dish up and set it on the table. You want one of those Nespresso drinks you like so much?”

          Hannah did as bid and responded, “No thanks. I think I’ve had my caffeine quota for the day. Just water, which you’ve already put on the table is fine. And, my goodness, did you make that wonderful cornbread recipe, the one with corn kernels and chiles in it?”

          “Yes, I shorely did. I hadn’t had any in a while and it’s too much to make just for myself. What we don’t eat, I’ll send home with you. I know how much Stevie likes it too.”

          They ate their lunch, gossiping about the various town news topics. It was hard for Hannah to actually eat since her tummy was in a big knot. When she finished her glass of water, she quietly belched and said, “Now Miz. Lionel, I know my honorary grandfathers have been to see you. They talked to me yesterday and I heard what they had to say. They seemed to think you’d have an even better understanding to share with me, so what do you have to say?”

          Miz. Lionel got up and removed the dishes from the table, placing a big plate of chocolate chip cookies between her and Hannah. She sat back down and said, “Well, when the men came to see me, the one thing they all agreed on is that Luke has changed, that he really loves you and Stevie. They’re also convinced you love him as well, that it’s your pride and a three-year old hurt that’s holdin’ you back.”

          The older woman reached across the table and patted Hannah’s hand. “Now, I’m gonna tell you a little story and maybe it’ll help you see things more clearer. You know the history ‘tween your family and mine, but what you or your mom never knew was the trouble Thomas and Gracie had after your mom was born.”

          Miz. Lionel sighed and looked out the window as if she were gazing into the past. “Gracie had a real hard pregnancy and the doctor just about lost her and your mom. After that the doc said there could be no more kids. Gracie’s insides were simply too fragile for such a thing. Now, Thomas loved Gracie more than anything, but he’d always wanted a passel of kids to raise and take over the ranch. His disappointment caused a real rift between him and Gracie.

          “Thomas kind of went off the deep end. He started fooling around with some of the town women, as if to see if he could get someone else pregnant or somethin’. Like if they came up late, he’d kick Gracie out and take one of them in.”

          “Seriously, my Gramps did that?” Hannah asked in disbelief.

          “Yes, honey, Thomas was a real cad, a real disappointment to me and my husband, a bunch of our friends, but especially to Gracie. There she was with a newborn, barely able to get around and do much and Thomas was being an absolute, pardon my French, an absolute asshole.”

          “But they always seemed so much in love, so compatible, as if they’d never had a problem in the world.”

          “Well, your grandma was a very smart and forgiving woman plus she loved Thomas, had since we were all in grade school. She took care of herself, your mamma and business until Thomas finally realized what a jerk he was bein’. Course, my husband and a few of us had a come to Jesus meetin’ with him too.”

          “So, when he was ready to beg forgiveness, apologize and return to bein’ the Thomas we all knew, Gracie welcomed him back, not exactly with open arms, but over time, she came to know just how sorry he was and managed to forgive him and carry on with life.

          “I’m tellin’ you this cause I think that’s where you need to go with Luke. I, or we, think you need to forgive the boy, tell Stevie that Luke’s his daddy, that you love each other, and you’re gonna be his mommy and daddy together. It’s really past time to let go of what happened so long-ago Hannah honey. I know, we know your heart’s big enough for that.”

          Hannah looked across the table at Miz. Lionel, the tears began to flow, and she put her head on her arms on the table and sobbed as if her heart were breaking, as if Miz. Lionel had ruined her entire world.

          The older woman was aghast. She got up as quickly as she could, moved a chair closer to Hannah, sat down and began to pat her on the back. “It’s okay, honey, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to upset you like this. I just wanted you to know it’s possible to forgive the worst life has to offer and look ahead to the future. There, there, now, don’t be cryn’ like this.”

          Hannah continued to sob for a time, then raised up and mopped her face with a napkin from the holder in the middle of the table. She looked at Miz. Lionel once she’d blown her nose and composed herself and said, “I’m more than ready to forgive Luke and move on, but there’s just one problem and Luke may not be able to overlook or forgive it.”

          “Hannan, honey, I’m sure nothing could be that bad. Luke loves you and Stevie. He came back on purpose once he’d made somethin’ of himself. All he wants is to be your husband and Stevie’s daddy. Couldn’t be much I can think of that would change his mind.”

          “Oh, you think so Miz. Lionel?” Hannan responded as the tears began to fall again. “I’m pregnant. Do you think he can overlook that?”

WATER RIGHTS, CHAPTER 17, WELCOME INTERFERENCE???

 

          Luke was as good as his word. He showed up every single day and brought various gifts for both Hannah and Stevie. The gifts ranged from chocolates, hair combs, simple jewelry and other odds and ends he’d found that he thought Hannah would like. For Stevie, he brought more interesting books and educational toys that allowed Luke to teach Stevie a wide variety of information. It became a habit for Luke to have lunch with Stevie and Hannah before he took Stevie to the house for his nap. It also became a habit for him to seek out Hannah before he returned to town and have a conversation with her that always ended with some simple touch and words of love and desire.

          After a week or so, Luke would look for some way in which he could assist with the various efforts and programs WFR offered. He didn’t do it in such a way it annoyed Hannah’s staff, and often, a staff person would comment on how nice and helpful Luke had been.

          Joe and Dave were still with Hannah and initially ignored Luke’s overtures of friendship, but when they observed how he treated Hannah and especially Stevie, their anger and disgust slowly abated. Hannah saw the three of them together a number of times in the dining hall having coffee. Dale, who hadn’t known Luke before also became an admirer and supporter.

          Hannah, meanwhile, was trying desperately to hang on to her anger and ignore Luke’s gifts and his attention to Stevie. She reminded herself over and over how she’d felt the day Jamison had said all those horrid things. She tried so hard to ignore the memories of their time together at the waterfall and even in Luke’s bed in the house. Some days it was especially hard to keep from throwing herself into Luke’s arms, or leaning toward his body when he was close by. What made hanging on to the hurt and anger even harder was watching Luke with Stevie.

          So far, Hannah had refused to tell Stevie that Luke was actually his father. Luke had broached the subject a couple of times and finally told Hannah to let him know when she was ready to have Stevie know exactly who he was.

          Before Jamison’s tirade, Hannah had dreamed about how it would be with their child and them. Now, she watched those dreams become reality, but she wasn’t part of that reality. Their daily lunch times had become the most difficult part of Hannah’s days. She even tried to not have lunch, but the two of them would seek her out.

          “Mom, hey mom, did you forget it’s lunch time?” Stevie would call out as the two of them approached. It didn’t seem to matter where she tried to hide, it was as if she were wearing one of those GPS things because they always found her.

          “C’mon mom, I’m starvin’ and Dale’s fixed taco stuff today. You know how much I like tacos. I bet I could eat ten I’m so hungry.” Stevie claimed as he let go of Luke’s hand and grabbed hers and began pulling. “C’mon mom, get up. It took forever to find you. What are you doing up here anyway?”

          “Just talking to my Gramps and leaving him some flowers.” Hannah responded, pretending Stevie was strong enough to pull her to her feet. She was really annoyed at being interrupted because she’d thought they’d never look for her up here. What she wanted to do was scream, but she took a deep breath and told Stevie, “Well, if you’re that hungry, maybe you can beat me to the dining hall.”

          Hannah took off running, leaving Luke and Stevie behind. “Hey, no fair, mom, you didn’t say go.” Stevie called after her.

          That was followed by a big, “Yahooooooooo.” And Hannah looked back to find Stevie on Luke’s shoulders and Luke running as fast as he could. She wished she had a camera so she could have a photo to look at later because it was such a beautiful sight. Stevie held Luke’s cowboy hat over his with one hand and grasped a big clump of Luke’s hair in the other. That had to hurt like hell because as Stevie bounced up and down on Luke’s shoulders, each time he flew up, Luke’s hair was pulled straight. Hannah didn’t understand how she could want to cry and laugh at the same time. So, she turned back and headed for the dining hall.

          Surprisingly, Luke and Stevie weren’t all that far behind Hannah and she’d barely claimed a table when they arrived. Stevie was still on Luke’s shoulders, braying with laughter. Luke looked like he was about ready to fall over, sweat running from beneath his hair and down his face. He approached the table and pulled Stevie from his shoulders and put him into a chair.

          “Stevie, you have to remember to tell me to never do that again.” Luke said as he collapsed into a chair. “I think my heart’s about to pound it’s way right out of my chest. See, feel how hard it’s going,” Luke added as he yanked the front of his shirt and the snaps all gave way.

          Hannah could feel her own heart begin to pound as Luke’s chest was revealed. It had been almost two years since she’d seen or touched that beautiful brown skin. She stared and noticed Luke had become more of a man since the last time, with six-pack abs, a light dusting of dark hair and muscle definition that made her want to not only run her hands over his chest, but maybe lick her way up and down.

          Luke was watching her when she looked up and she shook her head, turning to Stevie. “Okay, let’s wash those hands and get at least one of those ten tacos you thought you could eat on a plate.”

          Soon, all three of them were munching away on Dale’s fabulous tacos. Stevie surprised Hannah by actually eating two and part of a third before he said he was full. By the time he drank his milk, his eyes were almost closed.

          “Hey Buckeroo,” Luke said, ruffling Stevie’s hair. “I think it’s time we head for your bunkhouse. I don’t want you to fall asleep here because I’m too tuckered out from our exercise before lunch. You’re going to have to walk there on your own.”

          Stevie rubbed his eyes and opened them wide. “Nope, I’m not tired. We should go get my pony and do some riding partner.”

          Hannah added herself to the conversation. “Nope, no pony ride before your nap. And, I’ll take him up. I need to do some stuff in the house anyway.”

          “Are you kidding? And miss the best part of my entire day. I am so looking forward to laying down on Stevie’s bed with him. Hell, I might even take a nap myself.”

          “Shame on you Luke. You swore. Mom says gentlemen don’t use bad language. You should tell mom sorry.”

          Luke stood up, grabbed his cowboy, placed it against his shirt front, now snapped closed again thank heavens, and bowed, saying, “Mam, please pardon me for swearing. I do so apologize to both you and your son. I promise to watch my language in the future.”

          Stevie laughed and Hannah nodded. “C’mon then, let’s head out.” Luke said, pulling Stevie’s chair back and taking his hand. “See you later Hannah.”

          She remained in her chair watched them walk out of the dining hall. They really were perfect together. She just wished she could totally forget what had happened at her Gramps’ funeral. As she sat there mulling over what she should do next and whether she ought to have another glass of ice tea, Joe, Dave and Dale joined her. Dale was carrying a plate with her favorite lemon bar on it and another glass of ice tea. The men all appeared to have iced coffee.

          They sat down and Hannah thanked Dale for the treat. “Since the dining hall is pretty empty now, and you’re sitting still Hannah, we thought we might just have a talk.” Joe began.

          “I was elected to start ‘cause I’ve been with you the longest. Dave’s right behind me and Dale, well, Dale’s simply a newbee.”

          Dale rolled his eyes, but Joe continued, “You know me and Dave were here the day of your Gramps’ funeral. We heard everythin’ that snake Jamison had to say. We saw how much you were hurt to hear what he said about Luke. We even supported your decision to turn that boy away that very instant. Course, we didn’t know you were pregnant then either, although it probably wouldn’t have changed what we thought and felt.”

          Joe paused to take a drink from his glass. “Talkin’ makes me thirsty. Anyway, we were all tickled to become family, at least we feel like we’re family.”

          Hannah nodded and patted Joe’s hand. She had an idea about what this was leading to.

          “Now, Luke wasn’t here with you while you were pregnant or while you or we was building WFR Treks. He wasn’t here for the birth either, but I was as pleased as punch to stand in for him. We’ve all helped with Stevie and love him as if he were our own.”

          Dave took over while Joe had another drink. “We never expected Luke to show up back here. We figured he was done and gone.”

          “And, none of us, including me, was happy to see him rolling into the parking lot either,” Dale added for emphasis.

          “The thing is Hannah, he’s not the boy he was when you sent him on his way.” Hannah thought they might have practiced this because Joe was taking the lead again. “We’ve all spent time with him, talked to him and learned what he’s been up to in the last couple years. Maybe he told you he was on the rodeo circuit for two years and maybe he didn’t. He was, and he saved every nickel possible in that time. When he decided he was done with the rodeo, he sold his horses and his trailer. The only thing he spent money on was a new truck because his old one was simply tuckered out.”

          Dave added, “Maybe you noticed we weren’t real friendly when he first got here. We really thought you’d send him on his way, and we know you tried, but it’s simply not possible to stop water when it’s moving, and you know that yourself.”

          “We’ve watched the way he’s tried to woo you with all the little gifts and flowers and candy.” Dale continued. “I know if he was a wooing me, I’d be real receptive by now. But the one thing Luke’s done so good is how he treats Stevie. We know Stevie doesn’t know Luke is his real daddy, but Luke definitely acts as though he’s the daddy. He’s interested in everything about Stevie. We’ve watched and noted how he’s taught, cared for and added so much to Stevie’s life. And, it’s not as though we weren’t doing that ourselves, but it says a lot, we think, about a man who finds out he’s a father and not only is willing, but really wants to be a part of that child’s life.”

          “We’ve all come to believe that Luke sincerely loves you and Stevie. We all believe you love him as well. Maybe it’s time to let the past be the past and look toward tomorrow, or even today. Anyway, the three of us thought it was time we had a little talk with you, in a fatherly, or grandfatherly way.” Joe said. “Dave and I knew your Gramps and believe he’d want us to step in and have a word….”

          “Or a thousand or ten thousand words if necessary,” Dale added.

          “So, that’s what we’re doing.” Joe reached over and patted Hannah’s shoulder. “If you feel like we’re overstepping, just tell us to get the hell out of here and we’ll go.”

          Hannah heaved a big sigh and looked at the three men who’d come to be like three gramps to her and great-gramps to Stevie. “I appreciate and love the fact you decided to talk to me about this. I’ve been having a real hard time since Luke showed up again. Yes, I still love him, but the hurt remains, no matter how many little presents he brings. I especially love the way he is with Stevie. The way those two are together is the way I imagined it would be when I realized I was pregnant.  I just don’t know how to let go of the anger and humiliation and feelings of betrayal. I wish I could. I want to, but every time I’m near Luke, I not only want to wrap myself around him, I want to horsewhip him too. I don’t know how to move forward.”

          “Well, before we decided to do this,” Joe said, “we visited Miz. Lionel and talked over the whole thing. We don’t really have any advice to offer beyond let bygones be bygones, but Miz. Lionel suggested you stop by for some of her venison stew and a little chat.”

          “Yep, she helped us figure out what to say. She may be oldern dirt, but she’s got a lot of wisdom.” Dave added.

          Dale finished off their talk by telling Hannah, “We told her you’d be there for lunch tomorrow. Now, I think it’s time I got back in the kitchen if we’re going to have any dinner tonight. And, don’t the two of you have something to do in the barn. I think we should leave Hannah on her own to do some thinking.”

          As the three men stood up, so did Hannah. She went to each one and hugged hard, murmuring words of appreciation. As they left the dining hall, Hannah sat back down and that’s where Luke and Stevie found her later that afternoon as he got ready to leave for the day.

          “Mom, hey mom. Guess what? Luke had a nap too and boy does he snore loud. He woke me up snoring.”

          Hannah pulled her warm boy on to her lap as Luke denied he snored. She gave him some hugs and kisses before sitting him on his feet. “Now, go see Uncle Dale and get yourself a snack.”

          Luke knelt for Stevie’s hug and kiss, saying, “See you tomorrow Bud.”

          As Stevie ran off to the kitchen, Luke stood, looked at Hannah and asked once again if she’d like to do something special with him and Stevie the next day.

          Every single cell in Hannah’s body was shouting that they’d like to do something with just Luke, but once again, she said, “Thanks Luke. Appreciate the invite, but I have plans for tomorrow. Enjoy your time with Stevie.”

          Luke looked disappointed as he had after she’d refused every other invitation. He walked around the table and gave her brain a soft pull. “Okay, we’ll see you some time tomorrow I’m sure, and I'm still loving you."

          Hannah held herself completely still until she heard Luke’s boots leave the dining hall.