San Joaquin Valley, California
Bairns need rules, and my lass, you're about to be hit with 10 of them right now; Murdoch’s words to my little cousin soon after our arrival home from Philadelphia. He was kind enough to write the rules down for her unlike with his sons where we just stumbled upon them. The words “rules” and “no” were not used frequently, if at all, for most of Kinsey’s life so there has been an adjustment period for “the lass”.
Rule Number Eight: No Strays. This has always been a gray area in Murdoch’s rulebook. The proof being the several cats, two dogs, a few rabbits, and one goose that have made the ranch their home. However, a stray calf is non-negotiable. A time comes when he must be returned to the herd. I’m still surprised Murdoch let Kinsey keep the calf as long as she did, however, I wasn’t surprised to hear my father say “Boys, that calf is gone by the time I get back from Sacramento.” Thank you, Murdoch.
Johnny’s attempt to convince Kinsey it was time for the calf to go was initially a challenge but my brother gallantly persisted. Knowing how my cousin will find any excuse to have a celebration, he suggested a “Sending-Off Ceremony for Sawyer” which resulted in a packed picnic basket and a bottle of champagne. A few months ago if someone had told me I would be participating in a going away party for a calf I would have declared them insane. Since Kinsey’s arrival these instances have become common occurrences.
Scott and Johnny sat back on the blanket that was spread out for the picnic and devoured what was left of the sandwiches. A short distance away they watched Kinsey and Sawyer carry on a deep one-sided conversation.
“Johnny, I have to admit this picnic was a stroke of genius. I can’t wait to see the gala event planned after you inform Kinsey of Sawyer’s fate with branding, castration and being the main course at a supper table.”
“Baby steps brother. Baby steps.”
Snagging the bottle of champagne to pour another glass, Johnny closely inspected the label.
“Scott, where did you get this champagne?”
“From our father’s cabinet.”
“Isn’t this the fancy French champagne he was saving for a special occasion?”
“It is.”
Scott retrieved the bottle from his brother to fill his own glass. “Little brother, this is the way I see it. Murdoch was the one who let Kinsey keep the calf in the first place. Then our father insists Kinsey give up the calf while he is conveniently in Sacramento. I’m certain he would want to contribute this fine bottle of champagne since he could not be here to participate in the heated discussions that led up to this glorious day.”
“Boston, don’t listen to the old man. You should be a lawyer.”
Kinsey plopped down on the blanket and held out her glass for Scott to fill.
“How many have you had young lady?”
“One.”
Scott raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not lying. This has been one continuous glass of champagne.”
Johnny stood up to announce it was time to guide Sawyer over the hill and out to the rest of the herd.
“Comin’ darlin’?”
“No, I think I’ll stay here.”
Johnny nodded and with Sawyer in tow, he and Barranca headed out as Kinsey and Scott silently watched.
“It was stupid to become attached to that animal. I should have never insisted on rescuing him and bringing him home.”
“Kinsey, the calf is lucky you found him. He would no doubt be dead if it weren’t for you. You gave him a second chance.” Taking a sip of his drink, Scott continued. “I think it’s similar to what Murdoch did for me.”
“Honestly Scott, how much champagne have you had? You are comparing yourself to a calf stuck in mud.”
“I am. I was stuck…so was Johnny. Now, well… second chance. Life is better.”
“I see.” Kinsey took a few moments to think about Scott’s words. “Perhaps I too was stuck.”
“You were...and now you’re not.”
Johnny came riding in fast and stopped short of where the cousins sat. With a sly grin he reached down to Kinsey. “Come with me half-pint. You need to see a very happy Sawyer.”
It’s a good feeling to know everyone is where he or she should be…at least for now. Hopefully, when Murdoch returns to where he should be there will be no special occasions planned for the near future.
~ S.
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