Page 4 of A Letter to Adaya
The horses snorted and moved to the far side of the paddock. Beau moved along the outside of the paddock, leading the horses in a circle for Jesse and Bogey to eye them up.
“I think we got them all paired,” Bogey called as he scribbled in a small notebook. “Let’s eat. I’m famished.”
Jesse laughed. “You’re always hungry.”
Beau climbed back over the fence. “Is the cafe still in town?”
“Miss Linda’s? Yes. Can’t miss it.”
“Thank you. Do you have someone that can water and feed our horses while we are gone?” Beau pulled a coin out of his pocket.
“I’ll make sure they are taken care of before you return, Mr. Pickett.”
“Where’s the mercantile? We’ll need to get some more rope.”
“Three buildings down from the cafe.”
Beau thanked the man and followed his brother and Bogey towards the main road in town. It had been several months since Beau had been to Grand Platte. There really wasn’t any reason for him to travel there unless it was to go to the cattle auctions. He did, however, remember the cafe and the delicious, dried apple pie they served after dinner. It was even better than Aunt Cleo’s, but he would never tell her that.
Once they finished lunch and purchased enough rope, they returned to the pasture to round up the horses. It took nearly an hour to tie the halters together. Beau and Bogey worked to divide the horses into three sets of three while Jesse saddled their horses for the ride back to Flat River.
“Who’s going to take the extra horse?” Bogey asked, eyeing the gelding that was watching them in feigned interest.
Beau cautiously approached the spotted horse and held his hand out. The gelding’s nostrils flared, and his lips snickered. “I should have brought an apple or something.”
“Don’t you keep sugar cubes in your pocket?”
Beau grinned. He did have a habit of sneaking them out of the kitchen for Fogg. He dug in his pocket and pulled out the remains of one with two fingers.
“Not much left, boy,” he said softly, offering his palm with the broken sugar cube displayed for the horse to sniff. Velvety lips gobbled up the treat and nudged Beau for some more. “I don’t have any right now. But I promise I’ll sneak some as soon as we get home.” He ran his hand over the smooth coat and soft muzzle, before gently coaxing the horse forward.
“You gonna lead that one?” Jesse asked, approaching them with their rides from home.
“Yeah. I’ll take four.” Beau attached the horse’s halter to the daisy-chain and climbed back over the fence.
Tossing the rope to Jesse, Beau said, “Tie that around Fogg’s saddle horn, will ya?”
Jesse caught the rope easily in one hand, and Beau grinned. His brothers couldn’t believe that Beau named his horse Phileas Fogg, after the main character inAround the World in Eighty Days. Whereas his brothers named their horses after food, Beau chose a name that he knew would have Simon squirming in his office.
After they gathered the horses, they began their leisurely trek back to Flat River. His goal was to be back home after lunch, but before dinner tomorrow.
“Are you sure we don’t have time for a nap, boss?” Bogey asked, as he climbed into the saddle.
“You don’t want to get home?”
As Jesse rode his horse up beside them, he suggested, “Why don’t we hurry so that you can make it back to town in time for the faro game tomorrow?” Beau gave his brother a stern look in response. “What are you getting home to, Beau?”
Suddenly, an image of Emily’s face flashed in Beau’s mind. The way she’d looked nervous when he’d asked about any expected arrivals.
Hopefully, you don’t come home to find a stranger at the table.The voice in the back of his head chided. He grimaced, but Nate had taken it in stride. So far, the only brother who had thrown a tantrum was Simon. Twice. Whatever happened, he swore he’d handle it better than Simon.
“My bed and good night’s sleep. Sleeping on the ground hurts my back, and Bogey snores.”
Bogey laughed and moved to his position.
Beau nudged Fogg forward, observing the gelding, who took up the pace without hesitation. Jesse was in the middle of the herd somewhere, and Bogey was bringing up the rear. Now, he just had to find time to speak to his little brother before they made it home.
An hour later, Jesse drifted forward toward Beau. “So, when does the yelling start?”
