Just Beyond The Moon

 Allie stood looking down the driveway watching the sheriff taking Maxine back to her cabin. Maxine had been wonderful with the horses as was the sheriff. The children that she didn't know had brought five horses to her ranch. They had heard grown ups talking about her ranch. The young brothers and sisters had known about these horses for quite some time and had been taking carrots and apples to them, but hey had no feed or hay for them. The horses would go to the little creek to drink that ran from the Double D onto the farm where the horses lived. They told her that they just knew that she would take good care of them so they decided to ride them over to her ranch. The barn on the farm was abandoned, but there were saddles and tack for the horses. Helping each other was a really big job, but they got it done after hours of working together. They had horses on their farm so they knew how to do it. Of course, the ranch hands took the horses  to the barns and were looked over by the ranch hands. They did need some tender loving care, good feed and even some dental work. Allie had had an equine dentist to the ranch caring for her own horse so she had Caydon give her a call again to come out and check out the new borders as soon as she could.

The hands took the horses and led them out to the pastures of good green grass where there was a small pond of fresh water. Two of the hands took a large round bale of hay out and unrolled it for the horses to enjoy. They immediately whinnied their thanks and enjoyed some good hay for the first time in a long time.

Virginia smiled and remembered how she had had such fun with her grandchildren on the ranch. She could just see in her mind's eye how they rode the square bales like horses and giggled and had such fun. She and Edward had had such a good life on the ranch. They had even gotten some small horses and donkeys for the grandchildren to play with. "Yes, this was the good life and to be able to watch it continue to make others happy is pure enjoyment. But both Allie and Josh drive me crazy. I'm going to go find Edward and talk that situation over. Hope he isn't still a puppy."

As Virginia floated about the ranch she heard some music coming from the fire pit area. How fun is this? Edward! Come out of hiding and come sit with me and listen to this guy play. Oh remember the old days? We had music at the ranch every Saturday night. It was Heaven." Edward grinned as he sat down beside her and said, "Yes it was, now we are in Heaven with an assignment on earth. He's good isn't he? Let's sit for awhile and let Allie and Josh settle their own problems. Oh Honey, he's singing an old Tex Ritter song that we used to love. Just Beyond The Moon. That's our song, isn't it?"

I'll walk just beyond the moon then I'll stop and wait for you

My mother and my father were in love for 50 years
So when dad died, we wondered why my mother shed no tears
We asked her once about it, but she wouldn't tell us why
Instead, she'd walk outside each night and smile up at the sky
Then just before she left us she called us to her side
She told us what my father said to her just before he died

I remember when you said you'd never leave me
Through these golden years I've kept the same vow too
But now that I am going please don't leave me
I'll walk just beyond the moon then I'll stop and wait for you

You can look up every night and you'll see me light the light
Where I'll watch for you to join me someday soon
We'll go lookin' through the stars for the heaven that is ours
And I know we'll find it soon somewhere just beyond the moon

I'll walk just beyond the moon then I'll stop and wait for you

I'll just sit there by a star and I'll watch you from afar
'Til I see you walking toward me someday soon
Then together hand in hand we'll find our promised land
And we'll settle down forever darlin' just beyond the moon

I'll walk just beyond the moon then I'll stop and wait for you

"Can't you just hear him sing that? Now we are together again. Oh how I love you."

                                                                *******

As she watched the sheriff's car disappear down the lane  she looked at the horses grazing, the now new sign that proudly displayed the Double D's existence for all to see when they approached the ranch. Allie could almost imagine her ancestors when they were children playing in the grass and talking to the horses as they grazed. "Who were you? Where did you come from? Were you tough? Were you ever unsure of yourselves? Did you make terrible mistakes that you lived to regret? I think I make a mistake every hour. I love it here, but it seems that Josh and I just can't agree on a doggone thing. Well, it's too late in the day to solve the world's and my problems. I think I will go in and take a long hot bath. As she got closer to the house there sat that cat. "Well look at you. Are you hungry? Okay, I'll bring you out some food and water, but you can't come in the house. Oh don't look so sad. Okay, I'll bring you out a pillow and an old towel to sleep on. Maybe I'll think about getting you a bed in the house and a litter box, but I'm not making you any promises"

After she finished spoiling the wild cat she did have to grin. "I guess I'm an old softie after all, just not to Josh. Why is it that he always rubs me the wrong way? Well, I'm not going to get a long bath, but at least a short bath, then I will read some more entries of the old journal. Maggie was something else and so was her sister, Whitney. I just feel that there was more to them and their parents and grandparents and their grandparents that I need to learn, but I'm so tired. What a day."

Josh's grandfather and Pat had gone back into town. Pat was driving and his grandfather was trying to smooth things over when he last saw them together. He shook his head. "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I'm just like him. I just can't ever get on the good side of Allie for more than five minutes. She was nice today, though. I guess it was 'cause I was helping with the horses and the children. Come to think of it she didn't say much to me about anything other than 'do that, do this.' Hmm, well, Gramps said that I should try harder and he said he was going to apologize to Pat. Is that what Allie wants? An apology? I guess I could apologize if I knew what I had done wrong. I guess I'll stop over to the house before I go back into town and give it my best shot."

As he was walking from the barnyard to the house he thought he heard some soft music playing. He stopped and thought, "Now that's some pretty music. I think I'll see where it's coming from." Josh started walking toward the sweet sounds of some classic cowboy music. Where was it coming from? The fire pit. Ah, old time music like his grandparents used to like. It fits this place and it makes me smile. It was some kind of toe tapping stuff. Fun music. He decided he'd sit for awhile. The man's fingers seemed to have a mind of their own while the ranch hand held his guitar close to his heart. He listened to the cowhand play his guitar and as he continued to sing. He never acknowledged Josh but his song was no longer a happy dance tune, but a song of separated lovers. Josh no longer enjoyed the music, but got up and went back to town. He needed to rest. It had been a long day and he needed to think. Think about Allie and his and their future. Was it written in the stars? Was it a forever love?

After her bath Allie got on her pj's and took the journal to bed with her. "Oh this is interesting. Here is an entry about them going to a barn dance when they were little. How cool is that? The entries were so vivid that she could almost hear the music from long long ago. She fell asleep with a smile on her face with a song that had planted the seed of endless love into her mind as she slept; Just Beyond The Moon.

A Letter From KR. And A Magazine Want Ad All Lead To The Double D Ranch

 As she walked and comforted her precious granddaughter she murmured sweet words of love into her tiny ears. She looked out the window and wondered where her daughter was. When she was on a mission she wasn't allowed to tell anyone where she was, not even her mom. She understood her willingness to fight for her country and freedom. Yes she understood all that, but what she didn't understand is not hearing from her for over two months. Her little one was only about two months old when she left. She promised that she would write. Telephone calls to headquarters left her with unanswered questions. But she had Addie.  Addie was so much like her mama. The curly hair, the bright eyes and beautiful smile. She held her a little closer and whispered, "For now little one, it's just you and me. We can do this until your mama gets home." As she walked through the living room she looked up at the large portrait of the love of her daughter's life before she had the baby. Shadow. Ah, he was a beautiful horse, but more than that he was her daughter's best friend. He was on a friend's ranch now probably enjoying life with the green grass and open meadows to run and play with Bill's other horses. Her daughter was not aware that her friend had died and now there was a new owner of the Double D ranch. The letter lay on her nightstand. She had read and re-read the letter from a lawyer whose  name she was not familiar with. K.R. Durnhim. The letter said that she needed to send money for Shadow's care and vet bills. Money was tight, but she would scrimp on some things to make sure that her daughter's horse was well taken care of. She would send a check today.

                                            ******

People said that she was a dreamer. They said that she should go to college as soon as she graduated from high school. She needed to make up her mind what she wanted to do in life. She needed a career they said. Those people just smiled when she said that she didn't know what she wanted to do. They said, "Well you better hurry up. Time's a wastin'. If you don't go to college now you never will. Take the SAT test and get a scholarship. You're a smart girl." Others said, " Make something of yourself. You could go to the city and be a model. You are beautiful and could make thousands of dollars a year. Others said, "College is expensive. You should just get married and be a housewife like most of us have from this town. We are happy and so are our husbands and children. Don't worry about the future. The future will take care of itself. You need a job? The fast food place uptown needs a cashier. You'd be great at that job. The people in town all know you. You'd be happy there."

She told her mom that she was going to go for a walk. Her mom knew exactly where she was going. Her favorite place in the world was the swinging bridge. It was quiet and a good place to think and yes perhaps do a bit of daydreaming. Today the sun was shining and the water was lapping up against the abutments. She looked down and saw the green moss that was growing there. The water was so clear she could see tiny fish swimming endlessly with no destination in life. "That's me. I have no destination only a dream. How I wish I could go to Texas and live on a ranch. I love the wide open spaces. If I think hard enough I can almost feel the wind blowing through my hair as I'm riding my horse. How do I make that dream come true? Going to college isn't the answer I don't think. Maybe getting a job and saving up enough money to go to Texas. I don't know. I don't even know where in Texas I want to go."

When she got home she plopped down on the couch and started going through some magazines that were on the coffee table. As she idly flipped through the pages she was beginning to feel more and more depressed. She was about to get up and go out to the kitchen when she happened to notice a magazine that she hadn't seen before. There on the front of it was a picture of a ranch in Texas. She opened it up and went to the index. Double D Ranch is looking for young hard working people to fill in various positions. You must be able to pass background checks, have a high school diploma or equivalent. Transportation provided to those that need it on the contingency that those folks stay for at least ninety days. "Oh my gosh! This sounds perfect! But what would Mom say? More than that, what would she do?" 

She quietly tore the ad out of the magazine and took it to her room. She pinned it to her bulletin board so that she could look at it every day until she graduated. Then she could live her dream! Just a few more days...

Allie, the sheriff, and Rex were getting the horses into the barn while Pat and Freda were cleaning up the dining hall kitchen and putting supplies and groceries away. Have you heard where those children came from? Who owned those horses, do you know? Pat had no answers for her. She was thinking about the ad she and Allie had put in a little magazine for help for the ranch. They didn't spend much time on it, but hopefully they would get some calls about the positions that were needing to be filled. They had no idea that these children would be bringing horses to the ranch. They had more than they could handle as it was. Boy did they need help. As she and Freda were making sandwiches and getting drinks ready she saw Maxine talking to a horse and petting his nose. "Well, would you look at that! Leopards can change their spots." 

Freda looked surprised and said, "Change my pots? I'm not cooking anything yet, why would I change my pots? Are you hard of hearing? I hear tell they sell hearing aides in Master City. You'd better see about one before you make a mistake that's hard to fix. That's how gossip starts you know. Just one wrong word nowadays can get a person in trouble. Now how many pots did you want me to order?"

Romance And Gossip May Just Cause Chaos On The Double D

 The deputy was not a happy camper. He and his friend and his little boy were having a great time out on the lake. It was his day off and he had to chase down that crazy old miner! How many times had he pulled him over for driving recklessly? He couldn't even remember. It was a bad day when they took his license away from him, but by golly it was for the safety of others as well as for the old man. He told his little boy and friend he was really sorry but he had to go to work. The sheriff was on call, but he had an emergency out at the Double D so he was elected. His little boy understood things like this. He had been called in on his day off before. As much as he hated it, it was his duty to the public besides that, he really did like the old man. He had helped him and his family out of a rough patch a few years ago and he would always remember never to forget him. 

He drove into town and got into the patrol car. He called Josh and told him that he could see Rex ahead of him, but where was he? "There's an old pickup driving slow in front of me. Is that you around the corner? Good, okay I'll get behind Rex and you stay in front of him. We will stop him when he gets to Master City and have a little visit. He cost me a day off at the lake. I probably missed catching a prize winning fish today."

With a little finagling and not a lot of traffic Josh and the deputy successfully accompanied Rex to Master City. They were a little surprised when Rex parked in front of the jewelry store. Rex had gotten out of his car and grinned when he saw his grandson and the deputy glaring at him. "Hey, guys! What's up? Were you guys following me? I don't have time to chat. I'm a little busy right now. I've got to go. See ya!"

The deputy said, "Oh no you don't! Look how you parked! You parked on the sidewalk plus you are in front of a water hydrant. You have no license and no business driving, Rex. I'm going to have to take you back to town in the patrol car."

"Oh no you aren't, young man. I have an engagement ring to buy and you and all the laws and badges in the state of Texas aren't going to stop me. You can go in and help me pick one out for Pat if you want, but if not just let me be!"

Josh saw the SOS on his phone from Allie. "Wait a minute, deputy. Looks like there's some kind of situation out at the Double D. I think we should help my grandpa pick out a ring and head out to the ranch because that's where his true love is and so is mine. They need our help and we are going to do just that!"

Josh's grandfather and the deputy stared at him and both said, "Your true love?" Rex said, "Well, I'll be. It sure took you long enough to realize that she is the most important thing in your life. What made you finally admit it?"

"What? I'm just saying I love her. I'm not saying I'm in love with her. Come on let's get that ring for Pat and get back to the ranch. Allie needs our help."

                                                                    *****

The sheriff told the children to follow him to the house yard with the horses they were riding. He had no clue if Allie had feed enough for the horses, but he knew that she was going to need help. When they passed Maxine's cabin he had a thought. Maxine loves this ranch. I'll bet she would be happy to help out. I'll give her a call. He grinned as he punched in the numbers. "I wonder if she got my flowers yet. Hope she likes them."

                                                                              *******

Freda was smiling from ear to ear. She was so happy to be working for the Double D. She loved to cook and she loved horses and people. You just couldn't ask for a better job. The checker asked her about the Double D. She said, "Allie called today and told us to set up an account for the Double D. What's going on out there? Seems like you are buying an awful lot of stuff. Must be three four hundred dollars worth. Are they having a party out there?"

Freda smiled and said, "No. Allie is going to have a rescue and recovery ranch plus she's probably going to be adding a petting zoo and some riding lessons. All kinds of great ideas. I heard she might even put in a huge swimming pool. You should come out and see. I think that she will probably be having some dancing and maybe even some bands. I'm sure she's going to have tons of activities pretty soon. It will be a great place to visit even for some rich folks to stay for awhile. You know there's cabins out there. They need to be cleaned up and will take some doing, so if you know anybody that wants a job have them give her a call. There's money to be made out there for sure! No that place isn't haunted. Where in the world did you ever hear that? No I'm not kidding!"

" Well land sakes! That gallon of milk just flew right out of my hands! Did the handle break? I'm sorry. I'll help clean up the mess. It felt like someone was playing tug of war with that jug. Now you've got me thinking about ghosts and haunted houses, silly girl. Thanks so  much. Sorry about the mess. Next order I will call in. Can you deliver out to the ranch? Great. Okay have a better day. I'd better get out there. Sounds like there's a few hungry folks out there."

Uncle Bill's ghost was fit to be tied. "What was that woman saying? Rock bands and petting zoos? Rich folks and swimming pools" Nope not going to happen. Next thing you know there will be a merry go round and a Ferris wheel or maybe a circus. Not on my ranch there won't be! I'd better get out there to see what's going on. Virginia thought I'd scared Allie so I've been keeping my nose out of there for awhile. I will put a stop to that nonsense if what she said is true. I'd be mighty disappointed in Miss Allie. My ranch should be peaceful and a place where people can sort out their problems, read a book, catch a fish. I was looking forward to my ranch being a place for picnics and trail rides, not no money makin' dude ranch for rich folks. No sir! Not on my watch."

The Double D Ranch Gets Five New Horses

 Allie and Pat quietly congratulated each other on the work that they had accomplished. They had found a list of vendors that Allie's Uncle Bill had used. Pat told her that she knew of them and that they were reputable and had reasonable prices for the products that they sold. Since Allie was going to offer some free services to folks that didn't have the ability to pay, good quality and low prices were important. Pat had told her that she had lived in the area for many years. She winked at Allie and said at one point, "Now that one is a bad apple. Stay away from him if at all possible. He charges way too much and often says he will deliver the next day but in fact might not deliver for a week blaming his employees for the delay."

They decided to call it a day. They both stood up and stretched and were about to go downstairs when Pat looked out the window and said. "Well will you look at that. There sits a cat in the sunshine. Pretty as you please. I didn't know that you had a cat. You didn't say anything about having a pet."

Allie remembered what Rex had told her when she visited him at the nursing home. "I don't have a cat. Rex told me that I should have a pet and so did Laura. They thought it might soften me up some," she chuckled. Pat grinned at her and said, "Well, it wouldn't hurt and cats are wonderful to have if you don't mind them being the boss." They both laughed as they went out to Allie's car. The cat didn't move but cuddled up to itself in the sun. Allie wondered about the little cat as she drove down the driveway.

The sheriff and Maxine had decided that a short walk over the little bridge might be alright. Her ankle was feeling better now. The sheriff had put ice on it and had given her some pain medicine. The swelling was down and it was just a little bit tender. She hadn't broken it after all and her mood seemed better. She thought to herself, "I guess I was pretty rough on him. He means well, but I really need to help K.R. I think he has changed. Then again, maybe he needs to stay in jail for a bit longer to learn that he just can't keep hurting good people like he has in the past. There goes that puppy. Good. I just don't have the time or the patience to train a dog. I'll keep an eye out for him though. I can't have a hungry dog on my conscience. He's not limping any more either. I guess we are both on the mend." She looked up at the sheriff. He really was a nice guy kinda cute She might go out with him once more if he asked her.

Rex was bound and determined to apologize to Pat for being a jerk. He had Josh drop him off at the nursing home so he wouldn't tell him he couldn't drive by himself. "I'm going after my girl, doggone it. I'm not going to lose her, I'll propose to her on the spot, ring or no ring. Man I need a ring! Doggone it! Where am I going to get a ring in this little town. I'd better get myself to Master City. The jewelry store should still be open." He didn't realize that his grandson was following him as he made his way down the highway. 

"Grandpa, what to do with you? Josh thought. You are not supposed to drive anymore. I sure hope you are going to be safe. It's not only you I worry about, it's other drivers too. I hate doing this, but I'm going to do it for his own good." Josh voice activated his phone and rang the sheriff. "Hey, sheriff, it's Josh. My grandpa is on his way to Master City for some reason. He fooled me into thinking he was going to stay at the nursing home. Can you help me talk some sense into him without him getting hurt? Oh you are? Well, let's see if you can get behind him and I'll pass him. That way he will be sandwiched in-between us. Hopefully that will keep him and others safe. Okay he's about three miles from the ranch turnoff. I'll keep you informed."

The sheriff looked down at the pretty woman he intended to marry. He said, "Maxine, now you know I'm a law man and as much as I hate it I'm on call this weekend. I just got a call that I have to go see about. I'll let you know as soon as I'm back in town. This shouldn't take too long. Take care of that ankle and please rest. I worry about you you know." With that he ran over to his patrol car and headed down the driveway. 

Wouldn't you know it, but there was Allie and Pat ahead of him. "Come on, Allie, any other time you'd have a heavy foot. I've got to stop that old fool before he kills himself. What are they doing?  What are they looking at?  Where did all those horses come from? I have to call Josh. I'm afraid he's on his own until I can get a deputy to fill in for me. There are kids and horses riding into the ranch. The riders are really young. Oh boy. When it rains in Texas it pours in Texas. I'm thinking these kids are runaways." He quick made a call to his deputy then to Josh. "Sorry kid, but I've got some trouble out here at the Double D. I'll check back with you. Be careful. I've sent a deputy out to take my place. Hope the old man has enough sense to let you talk him out of driving by himself."

Allie stopped the car and said, "Pat, look at that! There are kids on horses coming across the pasture onto the house yard. What's going on? She started to call Josh but remembered that once again she had run him off. "Why can't I just keep my mouth shut once in awhile. Pat, who do I call? The sheriff. Yes, that's good." As she was dialing 911 she looked behind her and there was the sheriff walking towards her. "Oh sheriff, look at all these horses. And the children! What do I do?"

The sheriff pretty much ignored Allie and walked over to the oldest of the riders. "What's going on here? Why are you and the others riding the horses on to to the Double D Ranch? Do your parents know where you are? You just can't do this without permission from your parents and of course, the owner of the ranch. Did you forget about the owner of the horses?"

"You rescued them? They didn't have any food or water? Where is the owner? Gone? Oh boy. Just stay right where you are at. Allie, come on over here. We have an unusual situation it seems. These horses were found abandoned by these youngsters. They heard in town that you were wanting to start up a rescue and therapy ranch so they assumed that you would be okay with them bringing the horses to you to take care of."

Pat shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, I guess the Double D is in business; ready or not. She started to dial Caydon and waited until he answered. "Hey, Caydon. I've got a big job for you and the hands. We have five horses that need care. Do we have feed and room for them? They look like they need some vet care and some good old TLC. You were going to a dance?"

" Oh please help me. Remember you love horses. Please? Thanks, guy. I won't forget you at Christmas. I know that's a year away," She grinned at the phone then the sheriff. "Okay everyone. Let's turn around and head back to the ranch. Easy does it. Pat, it looks like you need to call Freda and get her out here to feed the ranch hands. Ask her to stop at the grocery store and get what she needs for about fifteen twenty people. I'll call the store and start an account so she doesn't have to pay for it. They are going to need home cooked meals. Have her give me a call if she has any questions. Would you mind staying and helping her? I'm only good with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Oh I suppose they would like them. What would I do without you?"

The Guardian Angels On The Double D Ranch Are Busy

 Virginia was hovering quietly on the old dresser watching Allie and Pat go through the papers and talking about some of the things that Allie wanted to do on the ranch. Sometimes their conversation would veer to what had happened at the cafe, but they both knew that was a conversation to be had later or not at all. Today was the beginning of a new life for Pat and perhaps a second career. Virginia was satisfied with what the ladies were doing. The older wiser woman was gently giving advice and it seemed that Allie was accepting it in kind. Virginia grinned when she thought about where all the books were hidden that Allie was looking for. She would make them available to her when she thought it was the right time. She considering herself so very fortunate to be the guardian angel of Miss Allie. Yes, she was strong willed, but that's what it would take to run this big ranch. Allie wanted to give the peace and quiet to the the city folks that needed a breath of fresh air and time to think and maybe make a friend or two. She especially wanted children and troubled adults to find a connection to the horses and all the other animals that were needing friends as well.

She hoped that Allie would bring some mini horses to the Double D. Children and adults as well loved them. She knew of one not too far away that was giving the owner some trouble. I wonder what Allie would do with a little nipper, mischievous horse? I can just see the children feeding him carrots and making friends. She smiled as she remembered her beautiful great granddaughter feeding a mini donkey a carrot on their ranch. "Ahh, those were such wonderful times. Yes, my dear, we did help make some wonderful memories for our family, didn't we?"

Virginia wondered how her late husband, Edward, was doing at Maxine's cabin. He was in the form of a puppy doing everything he could to keep her from pulling her money out of her bank account for K.R. K.R. was a life time of heartache for most people he had come in contact with, family and strangers alike. He had conned money out of so many people with his charm and quick wit. "His smile could charm a snake, thought Virginia. I surely do hope my love is up to the task. He has quite a job in store for him. It all depends on the sheriff. If the sheriff is willing to stick with Maxine and continues to show her that he loves her and has her best interest at heart she will come around."

Virginia floated over to the window and smiled. There was Maxine and the sheriff and the puppy. "Good job, my love! They are smiling. It looks like you will soon be on your way to your next assignment."

While Virginia was silently congratulating her late husband, something caught her eye. "That's interesting. There's a pickup and trailer backing up to the barn. I wonder what's going on. She looked for awhile and thought, "Maybe I'd better check this out. As far as I know Allie isn't expecting a new horse."

"Oh, Caydon must have called the equine dentist. I wonder why they brought the trailer with them. Maybe they have brought a lot of supplies with them. Now here comes another truck and trailer. He's a good foreman that's for sure. He has bales of hay coming in too. This is starting to look and act like the ranch it used to be. I can't wait to see it up and running for folks old and young to enjoy."

                                                                           *****

Rex and Josh got into Josh's car and started down the road towards the Double D ranch. "Wait, Josh. I'd better not go out there. Pat is mad at me for not proposing to her. I don't blame her, I guess. But I'm old and sickly. What would a beautiful woman like her want with an old geezer like me? Yeah, take me on back to the nursing home. That's where I belong. Nope, I've made up my mind. Just take me back. I've had a good life, it's pretty much over now, but you. You have a future. I don't think that you and Allie will ever make a go of it. You are just as stubborn as she is. Why don't you go ahead and start up an office like you always wanted to? You are a good lookin' man like your grandfather, used to be.  Get yourself a wife and  have a passel of kids and settle down. Don't end up like me; an old man with only pill bottles and a television to keep me company. I've got lots of money, but that sure doesn't make me a cup of hot chocolate on a cold dreary day or cuddle up to me and watch Wheel of Fortune. Remember my advice, Josh. It's better than a big checking account."

Josh did as he was asked and dropped his grandfather off at the nursing home. He sat in his car and watched his grandfather slowly walk into the building that was now his home. He wondered if the old man was right. Should he just forget about Allie and her dreams? He could have been a big help, but she shut him down like a spring on a bear trap. "Maybe I should just go to Master City and see what's available for office space." He put the car in reverse when something caught the corner of his eye. Who was that? I can't believe it! He's sneaking out again! Advice my foot. I think he just wanted to go see Pat by himself.  I wonder if I could follow him without him knowing it. He's not supposed to be driving. "Ok, Grandpa, you'd better be careful. I have a feeling that we are both about to get into a bunch of trouble."

What Happens At The Cafe Doesn't Always Stay At The Cafe

 The cafe was busy that day as Pat went rushing through the door. She looked around for an empty table or booth and saw that Allie was sitting by herself. She walked over to her and said, "Do you mind if I sit with you? I need a cup of tea and a cookie and a bit of quiet time. There doesn't seem to be an empty table." Allie smiled and said, "Join the club. I don't drink tea, but I'm not much in the mood for talking, so you are most welcome to sit."

The waitress took Pat's order and couldn't help but notice that the young woman looked about as sad as she felt. "It's probably over a man, however I did hear that the ranch was haunted. I sure wouldn't want to be living out there by myself. Maybe she's just the serious type. Order up!"

"Do you mind if I ask you a question? You are Allie, aren't you? You are the new owner of the Double D Ranch? If you don't mind me saying, you and I look like we are in the same boat. Mind if I sit here with you while I have my tea? Look at me at my age. I'm in love with a man that turns me inside out and doesn't know when he's got it good. I thought he was going to ask me to marry him, but instead he's just going to act like a nut and go back to the nursing home. Well he can just go. I think I will go back to work. I don't know doing what, but I'll find something to do."

Edward had begged his late wife, Virginia if he could go to the cafe with her to watch over Allie. He was tired of posing as a puppy. He had made sure that the sheriff was taking care of Maxine so he really had nothing to do. Virginia finally said that she thought it would be alright, so they made themselves invisible at the cafe so they could watch what their wards. Hopefully everyone would make up and be happy and they could go on and get a new assignment.

Caydon was at the counter watching Allie by herself then being joined by the older lady. He didn't know who she was, but they seemed to be chatting a little like ladies do. "I need to find Allie some help. She doesn't seem to know how to get things started out there at the ranch. We need a cook, but I don't think she hired Freda. I need to check on that, besides that, Freda can't do everything by herself. She needs help in the kitchen and I need help with the horses. Some of them seem off their feed. I think one of them at least has a bad tooth. I need to call that equine dentist I've been reading about. Sounds like she knows her way around horses. He got in his billfold and took out a business card he had picked up at the feed store. "Yes, this is it. I'll  call her when I get back to the ranch."

"Oh oh, there's Josh, Oh boy, he's not alone. He's with the old boy that used to own the Double D. He's making his way over to Allie and that older lady. Hmm, this might be better than a motion picture show. I just might stay a bit and watch the fun. The dentist can wait. Besides I'm hungry. I came in here for a burger." The ranch hand watched the foursome while he was eating. Wow! Oh oh, Allie doesn't look a bit happy. That lady is trying to keep up with  Allie as she walks out the door. Josh looks like he can't win for losing. I may have trouble with my new boss. Hopefully I will be able to stay out there. Used to be a good place to work."

Virginia said, "Well you sure didn't do a very good job helping me with Allie. Look! She and Pat are rushing out the door. We need to follow them and see where they are going. That's interesting. Pat left her car in the parking lot and got in the Jeep with Allie. We need to ride along. Hopefully Pat's got enough influence with Allie that she can calm her down. We need to get Rex and Pat back together again. It looks like Pat has a little stubborn streak. You put that together with Allie's and it's hard telling what's going to happen. Look we are turning into the ranch. I wonder what Allie has in mind. Listen. We need to know what our next step is. I'm glad the sheriff is still at Maxine's cabin. She must be alright, but you had better go on over there and check things out. I will let you know if I need you over here."

*******

"So you know Freda and you also can also bake cookies and pies? Do you want to see the Dining Hall? It's pretty big and has a big kitchen, but I haven't advertised the ranch yet so you won't be doing anything but cleaning and making a list of things that you need. Do you think that you and Freda will work well together? Oh I had no idea. You have already worked together in the past. School cooks, well, I don't know if that would qualify you to cook for people who are paying a lot more for their meals than the kids' parents do for their hot lunch. Mac and cheese, hot dogs and pizza aren't things that adults go for nowadays; at least on a regular basis. I'm going to try to make this ranch income based so folks that can't afford much can stay and eat here inexpensively or free. What else can you make?"

"You do what? You are a retired bookkeeper? No way! Now that I can use. Let's go in the house and talk. I haven't even found the books that my Uncle Bill kept when he was alive. I've been so busy since I've been here you wouldn't believe it. I know you are upset with Josh's grandfather, but would it help keep your mind off him to help me out here? You would? Great! When can you start? Now? Even better. Let's go upstairs and I'll show you his desk. It's a mess up there. I've been saying the place is haunted, but I think it's just because I misplace things and have to blame it on something," she laughed. "It's right this way. With the two of us looking and working it shouldn't take long to get ready for some advertising. No? I have to do what? I forgot all about that. Josh told me he'd help get a website put together. Boy you know a lot about a lot of things. You have friends?" she laughed as she was going through the old desk. Pointed to a closet for Pat to go through. They spent a quiet afternoon sharing their discoveries and getting a start on a plan for the ranch.

                                                                           ******

Josh and his grandfather quietly walked out the door of the cafe and made their way to the parking lot. Josh was going to take his grandfather back to the nursing home. He and his grandfather had batted a thousand when it came to women. They both struck out. Allie wanted to talk to him, but not about the mine. She wouldn't even consider opening it back up. He said, "Fine, I won't mention it again if that's how you feel. Are you sure you have enough money to make your ranch a rescue and recover ranch the way you see it? It's a dream not a reality at this point, Allie. You need a lot of help and you are so doggone stubborn you just won't listen to me. You just can't dive into something like this without a plan! You need a budget, you need more ranch hands, you need trainers and a professional advisor. You need kitchen help and landscapers. I could on for an hour. Oh never mind, I give up."

Caydon noticed that the older man wasn't doing any better than Josh was. Their conversation consisted mainly of shaking their heads at each other and little talking. Caydon shook his head when he saw the whom he now knew as Rex, put his hand on the older lady's and drew back sharply when she slapped at it. "There's no need for talking when you get a reaction like that from a lady. I'm sure glad I'm not into dating. I don't need that kind of trouble. The ranch keeps me busy. That's for sure. No need for women."

In a little bit he heard the sweetest voice this side of the Rio Grande, "Hey there, cowboy; nice hat. Mind if I sit here for a bit? I'm as thirsty as a brand new sponge."

Caydon felt like he was drowning in the biggest most beautiful green eyes he'd ever seen and said, "Sure thing, what can I get you? I'm just here watching the show. No I mean chewing, er  No, I meant I'm calling the dentist. He coughed and covered his mouth and said,  "I'm sorry, what would you like to drink, I'll get it for you." He really wished that his ears weren't burning and he should have gotten a hair cut. "Waitress! Please help us, she's a sponge. Oh just get her a coke. Thanks," He thought he heard the tinkle of tiny bells, but it was this beautiful woman laughing. "I'd probably better get back to the ranch. Nice meeting you." 

The young woman smiled and thought, "Sooner than you think, big fella."

                                                                          ******

Rex asked Josh to take him back to the nursing home, but soon they noticed that Pat's car was still in the parking lot. Where did she go? They both looked at one another and said, "Let's go!"

Maxine Has A Fall

 Josh had gone into town to talk to his grandfather. He needed his help badly. Maxine was bound and determined to give his dad a lot of money for a good lawyer to get him a new trial and out of jail. He knew the way Maxine was acting that his dad had another get rich quick scheme he once again had dreamed up. Maxine had been hooked and pulled into shore like a hungry fish by that con man. He was hoping that his grandfather could talk some sense into her or at least give him some ideas to stop her. When he got to the nursing home the nurse told him that he wasn't there, but gave him a number where he could be reached. It was a lady named Pat. Even though Josh wanted to talk to his grandfather so badly about Maxine he had to grin. "That old fox is in love. Well, I need to talk to him so I'm going to give him a call. The sooner the better or Maxine's bank account will be empty and K.R. will go right back to his old ways and forget that she ever existed.

When Rex saw that his grandson was calling he answered the phone. When he heard that Josh really needed to talk to him he told him that Pat had said it was fine for him to come over any time. He'd see him soon..

It seemed in no time Pat answered the door and said, "Go on out to the kitchen. You two can have a nice talk while I read my book. There's coffee and fresh cookies if you'd like. Rex can show you where everything is."

Josh grinned at her. He just couldn't help it. Her eyes were sparkling and she wore a perpetual grin on her face. Love was in the air for sure. "So when are you guys getting married? This is looking pretty serious to me. Pat just waved him away and pointed to the kitchen. When Josh walked into the kitchen he laughed out loud. There sat his grandfather with the same grin on his face, but he was holding a teddy bear with Valentines on it. "Well, now I think I've seen everything. So this is how it is, huh? When's the big day? Valentines Day isn't for two more weeks and you've already got her a gift?"

His grandpa winked at him and said, "This is mine. Pat just gave it to me a few minutes ago to keep me company when I go back to the nursing home. I do love her, Josh, but I have some health issues. I can't drive safely anymore and I take a bunch of medicine. Is it fair to saddle her with taking care of me? I'm not sure about it. Maybe things are best just the way they are. I don't have a good track record with women. I was obsessed with making money and neglected your grandmother to the point where she left me. Yes, I think things are fine for us just the way they are."

Pat stood in the doorway and said, "Excuse me? I think that I'm the one that should make that decision and not you. I'm perfectly healthy and I would be honored to be your chauffeur whenever you or we want to go somewhere. If you needed care I would give it and I would expect the same from you. That's all I have to say to you you .. So there!" You could hear her sobbing at the same time the front door slammed shut.

"Well, I guess I did it again, didn't I? I'm sorry Josh, but I can't talk right now. I need to fix this. I wonder where she went. Will you take me to the cafe? Maybe she went there to have a cold drink, but really I have no idea where she went. Josh you got to help me. I love her and want to marry her. Let's go!"

                                                                          *****

Maxine was furious! Josh had no business sticking his nose in where it didn't belong. If she wanted to help K.R. she would. He had changed his ways. He just needed a good lawyer to get a new trial and that took money. He wanted to start strip mining the mine that was on her property and that also took lots of money. She had saved several thousands of dollars to give to Lill, but it looked like Lill wouldn't give her the time of day anymore, so she would use her savings to help K.R. It was her land after all. She started walking out the door to go into Master City to get herself a new computer when the dratted puppy got in between her legs and made her fall. It had knocked the wind out of her and couldn't even talk. "I'm going to die out here and nobody will care. I think I broke my ankle, she thought." She felt the warm wet tongue of the little pup that had caused her to fall licking the tears from her cheeks. Oh she wanted that little dog gone. "Get away! Don't act sorry when it was you that made me fall in the first place. Get!"

Virginia's ghost said, "Oh oh, did you mean to do that? Is she hurt or just mad?"

Edward, (in the form of a puppy), said, "She'll be alright, but she must not go to Master City to get a new computer. I'm stalling her the best I know how."

While Virginia and Edward stood watch over Maxine she slowly was able to breathe normally, but when she went to stand she yelled! "I knew it, I broke my ankle. It's already starting to swell. Bad dog. Get out of here. You are going to be the death of me." She managed to crawl up on her porch, but with each minute that she spent crawling over to the step, the more upset she got. She was going to try pulling herself up with the porch post when she saw the patrol car pull up. "Oh wonderful. Can my day get any worse? First a fire, then this dratted dog, now the sheriff. I can't let him see me limp so I'm just going to sit here on the step and pretend that everything is just dandy. "Hello, Sheriff. What brings you out my way today? I thought we had said everything that needed to be said the other day. Now if you don't mind I'm rather busy and have lots to do, so good day! Oh but before you go take this puppy with you. It needs to go to the pound. It's too much trouble and I have no clue where it came from. Thanks."

Maxine smiled at him, but wondered why he had such a strange expression on his face. He walked over to her and said, "Maxine, are you alright? There's no puppy out here. And your face is dirty, are you sick? Let's go in the house and let me check you over. Even though she argued with him he knew he was right when she let out a little yelp when she went to get up off the porch. She couldn't help but lean on him as she hobbled into the living room.

 "What happened in here? You've had a fire! Your computer is a melted mess. Maxine, what in the world is going on? Here let me help you to the couch. You act like you've sprained your ankle. Do you have some ice? Now just do as I say for a change. I'm going to take care of you whether you like it or not. While I'm getting things together you talk to me and tell me what's going on. Where's the bandages and the pain relievers at? Now talk to me. Tell me what day it is. Tell me who is president. Talk!"

"Everything you want is in the bathroom. Just bring me an ice pack and a couple of pain pills and get this dog off of me. I'm just going to relax for a few minutes so if you would just leave me alone, I'd appreciate it. I know perfectly well what day it is and who the president is. It's the day after yesterday and the president is..."

The sheriff walked into the living room and there lay the woman he loved sound asleep. "I wonder if I should wake her up. Her face is dirty, but I don't see any lumps or bad bruises. I think I will just sit with her until she wakes up. I wonder why she keeps talking about a dog. I'll check outside and make sure it's not out there, then I'll just  read for awhile."

                                                         

                                                                         ****

"There's her car! She is at the cafe. Park this thing and let me out. I've got to fix this!" About that time Josh's phone rang, it was Allie. She was at the cafe.

Allie Can't Imagine A Life Without Music

 Allie decided that while she had the old journal in her hands she would take a few minutes to read some of the entries that had been made by which she now knew were her ancestors. For some of them they endured back breaking work and heartache.  She read of people going through droughts and losing what little crops they had saved to clouds of grasshoppers. She read a short scribbled note that Pa had gone off to war. She wondered what war that could have been. It wasn't dated. Maybe the Civil War. Terrible times in those days where sometimes brothers fought against brothers. Allie thought, "It sounds like some of the women were just as tough as the men in those days. Here is an entry from Whitlee's ma that says she misses the sound of music. Music? I suppose you would miss music if it was completely gone from your life. I never thought of that. I was only thinking of food and shelter. I wonder what kind of music they had in those days. I've read about Virginia reels and folk music. She sounds like she might have come from the city. I wonder how in the world they ever met and ventured southwest to where I now walk in their footsteps. I wonder if I am as strong as they were. I've been told repeatedly that I'm mouthy and stubborn, but I don't know about strong. I guess I'm strong willed and to me that's what I have to be to get this ranch up and running."

She decided to walk outside and watch and listen to the men working with the horses. She found a comfortable spot and let her mind sort some things out. She really needed to take inventory of the animals that lived on the ranch. She had money now, but she did know enough about expenses that she needed a budget. She had many things that she needed to list. "I need a journal of my own! Yes. When I go back to town I'll pick one up and get started on it. It's really strange I haven't found any bookkeeping books from Uncle Bill's time out here. You have to keep track of income and expenses. I'm no genius, but that just makes sense to me."

She thought about the first day she arrived. There were goats on her Jeep, chickens in the house, even an alpaca greeting Josh and her at the gate. She smiled a sad smile when she thought of the cute little dog that spoke Spanish. I thought her owner and I were going to be good friends, but that went down the tubes. What a day that was. Josh had been a big help to her. He had helped clean up the house, fixing the water, and electricity. But she just couldn't depend on him. He was here one day and gone the next. Now he thinks I should open up the mine again. No. I'm not going to do it. I don't need the money. I just feel deep down in my heart that the ranch needs to be here to help folks and animals, not to make me rich."

She looked down the driveway and there sat Josh's car parked in front of Maxine's cabin. I thought he was going to chase her down and stop her from going to see K.R. in jail. I never know from one time to the next if he's really going to do what he says. I guess I always thought from the very beginning that he and I would be partners and run this ranch together. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen, so I think I should find someone that will help me. A foreman that knows horses, cattle, and everything that they need. I need someone that will tell me that I'm wrong when I think I'm right." She grinned to herself remembering what Josh's grandfather had told her. He pretty much told me to shut my mouth and open my heart. I can do one, but I really have to work on not saying what I think the minute I think it. I'll give it my best shot. I do need help."

Allie hadn't realized it, but she had spoken out loud. "Well, it just so happens that I'd like a job." Before Allie could answer, the lady said, "I can cook up a storm. My nephew is one of your ranch hands and he's been telling me that they have to go to town to eat because you don't have a cook yet. It's expensive for them you know. I'd be willing to cook you a practice meal if you'd like to taste my cooking and baking. I'd need to take a gander at your cupboards to see what all you got to cook with though. What do you think?"

Allie truthfully didn't know what to think. She had not thought ahead to a busy ranch with guests to feed! She was a failure for sure. She felt like she was walking in her sleep as she showed the lady around her kitchen. It's not very big I'm afraid. I haven't gone grocery shopping except for pizza and lunch meat and peanut butter for me. I'm sorry."

The lady said, "Well, I'll tell you what. If you go to town with me and set me up a line of credit at the grocery store I'll do the shopping and you can see for yourself. I know my nephew loves sweets. How about some cookies and some chicken and noodles to start with. That won't cost you much and you can decide from there. My sister is out in the bunkhouse talking to the guys. She's more a people person than I am. She likes to organize and fit the round circles in the square boxes. How she does it I don't know but things always work slick for her. She could probably help you get some activities situated for your guests. You have a swimming hole and a fishing pond from what I hear. What kind of music do you have lined up for your guests? Lands sakes, girl, you have a lot to get done don't you?"

Allie's head was swimming with all of what the lady was saying. She was right! She had been wasting her time with bickering with Josh and his grandfather. Oh and that Maxine! She needed to get busy. She had some talents of her own. She loved art and fashion. Hopefully she could find time to fit that into the ranch. She thought back to what the old journal entry had said about music. Yes she needed music for her guests. She was getting so excited. She grinned at the lady and said, "Let's walk down to the bunkhouse and take a look around. I'm not sure which one of the hands is your nephew, but maybe he could show us around. I haven't even been down there. I've only been on the ranch for about ten days or so, so I have a lot to learn."

The new lady, Freda, and Allie chatted quietly as they made their way down to the bunkhouse. She had so many ideas for food and snacks for the guests as well as the cowhands. Allie was very impressed. 

"Well, here it is. It doesn't look too bad, does it? Maybe a little outdated, but looks to be in good shape."

A good looking young man was standing near the front door. He waved and said, "Hi, Aunt Freda. Are you going to cook for us? I'm just now heading into town to get a burger." He looked at Allie and said, "You can't go wrong with her as your cook. Her food is delicious."

The worried look on Allie's face did not go unnoticed. "What's wrong, Allie? You look very concerned about something."

Allie said, "Well I am. My kitchen is so little there isn't room for very many people to cook in there let alone sit down and eat."

Freda and her nephew looked at Allie with surprise. Caydon said, "You really haven't spent much time out here have you? There is a separate building for the guests to eat, plus this bunk house has it's own kitchen. Where your guests will eat is called the Dining Hall. It's down this hill and has it's own parking lot. You can't even see it from here so you have all the privacy that you may want. The cabins are close by so guests don't have far to walk for their meals. People used to come from all over just to eat out here. The cook left though when your Uncle Bill got sick. Of course, there was no one to run it for a long time. You will have to hire a whole new crew to clean it up and a maintenance man or two will be a great asset so that you know all your appliances are up and running properly. Nothing worse than a warm soda and a hot room when it's over a hundred degrees outside. I would say you will need to hire probably about thirty to fifty people before you can even start inviting people out here. There are only a handful of us ranch hands left. The horses need care and feed. We need a vet and some hay for the horses. You do realize that don't you? And by the way we have mice and probably pack rats in the bunk house. Yes you need to hire a bunch of people unless you just want to sell it. I've heard tell at the cafe in town that there are people chompin' at the bit to buy this place."

Allie asked Freda for her phone number and told her that she would call her in a day or two. She had a lot of things to work out in her head before she started hiring people. She absolutely did not want to sell the ranch. It needed her as much as she needed it. She also needed someone to be a sounding board; a friend. She needed Josh. 

As soon as Freda left she got in her Jeep and headed into town. Josh's car was no longer at Maxine's cabin. "Hopefully he will be in town and meet me for a soda. I really need his advice. Okay here goes nothing."