Jean Luc Chapter 2
Rebecca was up early the next morning; she let Josiah sleep. They decided they were going to ride to Nettie's to get the children, at least the little ones, and provide the evening meal. Poor Nettie was probably tired of constantly cooking and washing dishes.
Rebecca had bread baking when Josiah came out of the bedroom clad only in his drawers. He walked up behind her as she cleaned the table and wrapped his arms around her pulling her body tightly against his. "Mr. Sanchez! What would people say if they saw you half-naked in the kitchen when it's almost mid-day!" said Rebecca trying to sound shocked.
"They'd say, 'That's a hard-working man who wants to satisfy his wife!' Guess they'd be right, Mrs. Sanchez," grinned Josiah. "Besides, it isn't even mid-morning!" And with that he tossed a giggling Rebecca over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom. It isn't often they had the opportunity to be playful during the day!
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Vin, John and Matt were on the barn roof when Nettie began carrying firewood into the cabin. "Uncle Vin," said Matt quickly, "Aunt Nettie's gettin' her own wood. I've got to help her and I'll get us some water!" With that he climbed down the ladder and ran toward the cabin yelling, "I've got it, Aunt Nettie! I'll carry it for you!"
Vin chuckled and looked at John, "How d'ya like having an older brother?"
"I do!" John nodded. "He's not afraid of work and he eats almost as much as I do!"
Vin looked around and dropped his voice. "I reckon it's been quite a spell ago, but I haven't had the chance to talk to you about those bounty hunters. You did real good out there, John. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to hear you call. The way they hogtied me, I reckon there was no way I could free myself. I was sure nobody was gonna look for me for a good while; kinda makes a man think when he's all alone." Vin cleared his throat and blinked quickly.
"I was just doin' what you taught me, Uncle Vin," declared John, "nothin' more, nothin' less."
"No, don't take it so lightly," Vin stated firmly. "I know grown men who couldn't do what you did - readin' sign, markin' trail, watchin' their camp, then shootin' that man 'fore he got me. If'n you need to talk to Ko-Je or to me 'bout any of it, just let me know; both can be arranged," he said with a smile. "Don't want Rebecca or Josiah to worry about you! Well anyway, I just want to say thank you!" and Vin held out his hand to John. They shook hands like John saw his uncles do - like men! Before John had the opportunity to respond, Matt was climbing up the ladder with a bucket of cool water and a dipper.
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Josiah and Rebecca rode out to Nettie's in a buggy packed with food. They couldn't wait to see the children and hear about their adventures. The little ones came squealing up to the buggy almost before it stopped! Josiah and Rebecca hugged and kissed them both, even before greeting Nettie. The young men hurried over; Josiah and Rebecca hugged and kissed John and Matt, then Rebecca reached for Vin – why not? – she hugged and kissed him, too. Vin looked a little embarrassed, but he didn't pull away!
Rebecca stood back and looked at John and Matt. She looked down at their feet and their trouser hems needed to be let down; she stood between them and measured shoulder heights. They grew a good inch in the few days they were there!
The young men wanted to show Josiah their work, so after they carried the load from the buggy into the cabin, they took the little ones to the barn while Nettie invited Rebecca in for a cup of tea.
Nettie used the opportunity to thank Rebecca for taking such good care of "her boy" in town and when he was abducted by those murdering bounty hunters. Nettie thought he wasn't nearly as scrawny since Rebecca began feeding him. She was amazed at the bond that seemed to develop between John and Vin. "You two are doin' a fine job of raisin' those young'uns! You can be proud for'em!" Nettie also thanked Rebecca for taking time with Casey. "She needs an older sister to confide in, not just someone her gramma's age! 'Sides, we seem ta be givin' her the same advice!"
Rebecca told Nettie about her problem with Maude, the scene with Gerald, and the fact that Josiah told her to forget any retaliation against Maude.
"Never liked that woman, no how," exclaimed Nettie. But Nettie had no sympathy for Rebecca, either. She felt that Josiah was right on all counts and he should have tanned her then and there. Nettie was ready to take a strap to her bottom, and don't you think she couldn't! "You have a good man there, Rebecca; you'd best take care' a him proper! It isn't every man who can keep a woman very, very satisfied!"
Rebecca groaned and covered her face with her hands. "They told you, too?" she asked looking through her fingers at Nettie.
"The whole, entire story!" laughed Nettie. Rebecca rolled her eyes and hung her head.
"Come on, let me show you what we brought," said Rebecca, hoping to change the subject. She lifted the lid on the big pot of chicken stew and they both sniffed it and smiled. Rebecca unpacked four loaves of bread, fresh butter, two cakes – one chocolate and one yellow – a few pounds each of coffee, sugar, corn meal, and flour…and two large tins of oatmeal cookies. "Those young men probably ate you out of house and home! I can only imagine their appetites after working!"
Nettie just smiled. "They're doin' a fine job on my barn. I'm grateful for the help. Feedin' them's no problem, but I thank ya for the extras."
It wasn't long before the four Sanchez children, Josiah and Vin walked into the cabin. John, Matt and Vin walked directly to the stove and lifted the lid from the chicken stew. "Put that right back, it isn't time for supper, yet!" ordered Rebecca. They didn't move too quickly until Nettie looked at them with a warning in her eye.
"Yes, ma'am," they all said together.
"Nettie, how did you do that?" asked Rebecca in amazement.
Before Nettie could answer, John said, "She swings a mean wooden spoon!"
Rebecca and Josiah tried to hide their smiles as all four Sanchez children – plus Vin – rubbed their backsides remembering the sting of Nettie's wooden spoon!
Rebecca opened a tin of cookies and passed out two to each of the young men, one to Mark, one-half to Ruth, the other half to Josiah, and the remainder of the tin to Nettie. "That will hold you 'til suppertime," said Rebecca. "Now go drop your crumbs outside so we can get the meal ready."
It was an enjoyable supper. The young men explained the progress they made on the barn. They needed one more day to get it finished. The little ones wanted to come home, but they were going on a picnic tomorrow, "with fried chicken and everything. Please can we stay one more day?" they begged.
"CAN?" asked Rebecca.
"Please MAY we stay one more day? Please, please, PLEASE?" they begged again.
Nettie winked at Rebecca and Josiah. "Seems to me you two can find somethin' to do to occupy your time 'til tomorrow afternoon; reckon I don't need to make suggestions."
"Maybe Mommy'll help Daddy unpack his saddlebags from his trip," offered Ruth. Everyone just looked at each other. Rebecca and Josiah shook their heads, puzzled. Suddenly Matt and John grinned at each other.
"What d' ya mean, Ruthie?" Vin wanted to know as he looked at Rebecca hoping Ruth would tell another expose.
"Well," began Ruth, "Daddy comes home from bein' on a trip and he carries his saddlebags inta the shop. Then he takes a bath and Mommy and Daddy carry the saddlebags inta the bedroom and close the door. When they come back out, Mommy has Daddy's dirty clothes and Daddy has a big smile!"
Josiah and Rebecca rolled their eyes and groaned. Nettie chuckled and hugged Ruth. Vin had a huge smile and said, "Wait 'til Ruth repeats this one in the saloon!"
"Let the little ones stay another night," suggested Nettie. "We're havin' us a good time together. Vin'll bring'em all home safe and sound tomorrow before dark. Don't worry."
Josiah and Rebecca hugged and kissed each of the children, then Nettie, then Rebecca hugged and kissed Vin, then Vin held his hand out to Josiah. "Reckon you understand if'n I draw the line at a handshake, 'Siah. I just ain't ready for huggin' and kissin' from you!"
Josiah feigned disappointment and shook hands with Vin while everyone else laughed.
The empty stew pot and tins were loaded into the buggy and Rebecca and Josiah turned toward Four Corners. Ruth was so cute in the boy's britches with her hair in braids. "But I hope she doesn't get too used to it! She's going to wear dresses!" Rebecca stated adamantly.
"Kind of like the idea of a tomboy daughter," grinned Josiah. "Takes after her mother!"
They talked, laughed and reminisced; they were home in no time. There was a letter from Philadelphia waiting for Rebecca at the shop. "It's from my Uncle Phillip! He and Uncle George are travelling to San Francisco by railroad and will stop in Four Corners to meet you! From the date on this letter, they should be here any day now! Josiah, I have to warn you; they are very eccentric!"
"Another family trait! Come on, this time I ran a bath for you. I'll scrub your back," laughed Josiah.
"Just my back?" Rebecca inquired.
Josiah laughed wickedly and chased her into the water closet.
To be continued...