Willow Tells Zeke That He Needs To Balance Work And Fun

 Zeke was getting worried. He hadn't heard from Willow in quite some time. He probably shouldn't have given her such a big assignment. If he had to do it all over again he would assign a guardian angel with more experience. Three children was quite a job even for a more experienced angel. The last thing that Zeke had heard was the children were wishing for a new family that would love them. "I wonder how that is going. I sure do wish that Willow would check in. I haven't heard a word from her in hours. As Zeke roamed Grandma B's mini farm he checked out the mini horses and donkeys. He saw Stashia the wrinkled old dog that Grandma B had had for quite a long time. Stashia had been in charge of Marlee when she was little. He chuckled to himself when he remembered the time that Marlee had decided to go on a hot air balloon looking for the perfect apple. She ended up getting mixed up with a crook and almost got Stashia stuck in Washington state in an apple orchard. She was sure glad to get home. As Zeke got closer to the house he thought he heard Willow's bark. "It can't be. She should be in Texas watching over the children." He walked over to the living room window and couldn't believe his eyes. There was Willow playing with Marlee and Whitlee! "Willow! Get your little self over to the window so I can talk to you."

"You are supposed to be watching over three little lost children and here you are playing with the girls! I thought you wanted a promotion, yet here you are playing! I give up. I'll just have to get someone else to do your job. I am so disappointed in you, Willow. So disappointed."

"Willow, whimpered, "Zeke, you just don't understand. I'm not needed down there anymore. Edward and Virginia are there keeping an eye on Addie and they seem to be on the ball for old folks. Besides that, that young couple you sent down there from Missouri? Well, I'm here to tell you they have a whole back seat full of puppies! A whole car load full. I don't know what Allie is going to say when she sees that mess. So that's why I'm back here. I just think this is more fun than working all the time. These kids are fun and love me. And besides that Grandma B has really good treats. Sometimes she even makes homemade ones. So no. I'm staying here. Lots more fun. You should try having fun sometime, Zeke. You need what the young folks call balance. Yes, you need to balance work and play. You work way too hard!"

Zeke said in a very serious voice, "Willow, you were especially chosen for this particular assignment because of your gentle temperament and beautiful soft fur. You were also chosen for your protective nature of children. It is not for you to decide whether you work or not. Those children need you. I am here for Marlee and Whitlee. This is only your home base. Now get yourself to the Double D Ranch and watch over those children until they no longer need you. Now! Willow, now! This is your last chance. Do you understand?"

Willow sadly said that she would be on her way. She looked around the living room and the girls were headed out the door to play with Zeke. "Just as I figured. He wants them all to himself. I'd better get back to the ranch and make sure those kids are okay. I'm sure they are fine, but what ever the boss says, I have to do."

In an instant Willow realized that Zeke had been right. Being a guardian angel was a full time job. Virginia and Edward were so busy watching over the children that she was supposed to be watching that they lost sight of Addie who was playing way too close to the pond. "Oh, I am so sorry. I'll quick get that grey goose to walk her closer to the house and then get back on duty to my three."

In no time Addie's grandmother led her by the hand to the house. "You have to be careful, Addie. Stay close to the house. Plus it's raining. Now we have to get some dry clothes on, okay? I have an idea. How would you like to help me make some cookies? There are a lot of people here now and I could use some help. What do you say?" Addie grinned and as she nodded her head her curls went up and down. She loved to help her grandma.

Allie and Josh had led the way to the ranch from the cafe after they had all had breakfast. They found that the young couple was not only fun, but the little orphan children loved them. Pat and Rex also followed them as well as Jean and Addie and the sheriff and Maxine.

"Wow, look at this place, Josh! We have all kinds of help and are making new friends at the same time. We should have some cabins cleaned and ready to go  in no time. Pat, Kelsey, and Jean all love to cook which is a good thing because as you know I'm the peanut butter and jelly queen. There aren't any pizza parlors or hot pretzel stands out here," she laughed. Rex and the sheriff came over and said, "The young couple are farmers, Allie. They know a lot about cattle and some about horses. They also love children. I'm going to check them out and see if nothing else they can be foster parents for these kids. That's going to take a lot of time, however. Would you be able to put everybody up for a few days? I know it's a lot to ask, but just look at that little girl. She's all cuddled up to that kitten. She and her brother and sister need somebody to love them and make them a good home. What do you  think?"

Allie looked at the the oldest little girl. The little girl's tummy was full and she was probably exhausted. They had traveled by foot a long ways from the orphanage. She had found a soft furry friend that was ready to be a warm and willing cuddle partner. Josh! Josh, that's just not a kitten, it's a mama cat with a whole bunch of kittens! First we have triplet goats, now we have kittens! What's next out here?"

"Oh, Josh, will you help me? I really need you. We have quite a bit of volunteer help, but they are mostly older folks. We really need some younger people that can work longer hours. I sure hope we get some answers to the ad that I placed. We should be alright as long as we don't get any more guests until we have everything done. Oh no! Look over there! There are all kinds of dogs! There are big dogs and little dogs. There are even puppies! Where on earth did they come from? What do I do now?"

Willow grinned to herself. "Yes, Zeke, what does she or we do now? Maybe you should come to Texas and help me out a little, huh?"