Chapter 3

"Really?" asked Guthrie.

"Uh huh," replied Alyssa. "It was a long time ago."

Crane offered, "There's lots of McFaddens around the state. Some might be distant cousins, but we're not sure."

Guthrie seemed fascinated. "I didn't think we had any cousins."

"Maybe we'll look them up sometime." Crane glanced at his watch. "It's getting late. Sorry to run, ladies, but we really have to get going."

"Well, maybe we'll get to know these McFaddens better." Alyssa winked at Crane, who blushed slightly.

Daniel and Charly said in unison, "I hope so." They laughed. Daniel added, "Well, I'll be around, anyway."

Charly grinned. "It's a date."

~~00oo00~~

That evening, the family, minus three, sat around the dinner table. With the smaller number, conversation was more relaxed, and still riding his high from the afternoon, Guthrie took center stage.

"You had to see them, Adam! Everybody was clapping, and somebody even wanted my autograph."

Evan asked, "Did you sign?"

"Of course! Do ya think I'm gonna disappoint my fans?"

Daniel joked, "Woah, cowboy! Somebody pull him back down to Earth."

Adam chided brother number four. "You're the one who said he could go, Daniel, so you get to suffer the consequences along with the rest of us."

Evan interjected, "Yeah, you unleashed a monster."

Guthrie continued, "I can't wait to tell the others. Brian's gonna be jealous of all the attention I got from the girls."

"You're gonna be a real ladies' man, squirt." Evan looked at Daniel, "And speaking of girls …"

"Don't go there, Evan," Daniel warned. "That's my business." Quickly turning to his left, he added, "And that goes for you, too, Guthrie. If you want to come with me again, you'll keep your mouth shut."

Evan grinned. "The more you don't say anything, the more you give yourself away."

Daniel did his best to deflect. "Evan, if you're so interested in girls, you need to get out of the barn."

"For your information, Daniel, I got a date tomorrow," Evan bragged.

Silent up to now, Crane asked, "With who?"

Evan answered Crane by looking at Daniel, his voice boastful, "The girl whose new horse is coming in tomorrow."

Crane's brow furrowed. It was the first he had heard of it. "So you'll be training two horses at the same time? Are you ready for that?"

Adam interjected, "Brian thinks he is, so we're giving it a try."

"Good, I hope it works out. More money never hurts."

Eldest brother asked Crane, "Speaking of money, how'd it go out there today?"

"We did pretty good," Crane said matter-of-factly.

Guthrie became animated again. "Yeah, in more ways than one!"

Adam took the bait. "You met a girl, too?"

Crane sighed. "Guthrie, what Daniel said goes for me, too."

Evan grinned ear to ear. "Yup, Crane met a girl."

Crane got up from the table. Leaving the room, he said, "I take the fifth."

~~00oo00~~

After supper and chores, Crane, Daniel, Evan, and Guthrie piled in the truck to pick up Ford and his girlfriend Cleo at her house and drove to Angel's Camp for the evening part of a street fair replete with music and other free things to do.

Electing to stay behind and relax on a quiet Saturday evening, Adam stretched out on the couch. The book he had started reading lay on the floor within arm's reach, discarded for the moment in favor of an old movie on television. Anticipating something better, though, neither held his interest. Damn! Why did time normally fly by but prove slow as molasses when expectations were high? Restless and impatient, he rose for the umpteenth time to look out the window. Finding nothing changed from so many minutes before, and the time before that, he plopped back on the couch and attempted once again to lose himself in the movie.

Finally, around eight, lights coming up the driveway competed with the flickering of the television, and Adam jumped to his feet. Silently praying it was not his brothers home earlier than planned, he smiled broadly when the jeep pulled up. He met Hannah halfway down the path and pulled her into a quick embrace. "Girl, I thought you'd never get home."

Her expression registered guilt. "Sorry. The café was busy all day, and I took a ride to clear my head." They walked into the house, and she paused a moment. "Where is everybody? It's so quiet."

Adam's eyes twinkled. "Yup. The boys went to Angel's Camp and won't be back for a few hours, and who knows when Brian'll be home." She yawned, and his smile faded. "But you're tired and probably starving, so …"

Realizing the possibilities, she snapped to attention and grinned devilishly. "I'm not that tired, Mr. McFadden, and I ate at work. You're not getting off the hook that easy." Running up the stairs, she looked over her shoulder. "Last one into bed …"

Following a couple of steps behind, he met her gaze and matched her playful grin. "I'll take the consequences, Mrs. McFadden."

~~00oo00~~

After chores and church, Sunday found the family gathered around the corral fence watching Evan getting familiar with a beautiful sorrel mare. The animal's owners, Bruce Grigsby and his daughter Carrie, watched with anticipation.

Brian remarked, "Gorgeous horse."

"Isn't she?" Carrie responded. "I knew she was meant for me the first time I saw her."

Adam asked, "Where'd you get her?"

Grigsby replied, "A ranch auction over to Fresno. The guy came on hard times and the bank foreclosed. Got into a bidding war over that little gal, but finally got her."

"What's the guy's name?" Crane asked. "Too many ranchers being forced out these days."

"You can say that again. Times are tough." Grigsby regarded the brothers. "Fella's name was Barnett – Joe Barnett, I think. You know him?"

The elder McFaddens shook their heads. Crane responded, "We get over there sometimes on business, but the name doesn't sound familiar."

"Sad story. Ranching's all he's ever known, and now him and his family have to start over doing something else." Grigsby paused. "Sometimes we don't know just how close to the edge we really are."

Adam and Crane shared a solemn look. They knew all too well.

Brian interjected, "Sorry to hear about somebody's bad luck, but let's lighten up a little." He asked Carrie, "What's her name?"

"Cinnamon."

"Great name." Guthrie watched Evan finish saddling the sorrel. "She's the same color."

Carrie agreed. "Yeah, she is, and she responds when you call her."

Evan approached just as Guthrie wisecracked, "So does Evan, most of the time."

The fifth McFadden looked puzzled. "What do I do?"

Carrie interceded before little brother could continue. "You're good with horses, which is why we're here."

"That's right," Grigsby added. "Cinnamon's saddle-broke and all, but she's a little skittish, and I'm counting on Evan to calm her down and get her and Carrie acquainted."

Evan grinned. "No problem there, sir." He smiled at Carrie. "I'm sure we'll all get to know each other real well."

~~00oo00~~

As with his oldest brother on Saturday night, time could not speed by fast enough for Daniel. He worked at the garage all day Monday and looked forward to returning to Columbia on Tuesday. However, when one of the other mechanics called in sick that day, he reluctantly shelved his plans when his boss called and agreed to fill in on Tuesday in exchange for not having to work his regular Wednesday shift, citing his postponed plans, without getting specific. All worked out well, though, as Crane was free that day and able to accompany him.

They worked most of the afternoon as a duo. Although most weekdays were slow, as Daniel had found the week before, this day was different. In addition to the school groups, several busloads of senior citizens descended on the historic district. Not quite as busy as a Saturday, perhaps, but livelier than the previous Thursday – and more lucrative, too. The brothers played the familiar tunes the kids wanted to hear but were also able to delve into their classic country repertoire for the older folks.

The crowds thinned as the afternoon wore on. Beyond the fiscal part that was the main reason for their being there, both brothers were optimistic, but hope for seeing certain faces waned with the day. As they finished packing up, though, Daniel turned at the sound of his name.

Charly ran toward them. Slowing down, she paused for a moment when she reached them to catch her breath.

"Hi, Charly." Crane greeted her and grabbed his guitar case. "This is where I exit." He regarded younger brother. "Daniel, I'll meet you at the jeep. Don't take too long, okay."

"Yeah, sure."

Before Daniel could say anything else, Charly found her voice. "Wait, Crane."

The third oldest stopped. Both brothers looked at Charly.

"I've been looking for you every day …"

Daniel interrupted. "I can hang around for a few minutes so we can have a singing date." He reached for his guitar case. "What song do you want to hear?"

Charly brushed her hand through her hair and laughed. "Not now, silly."

Daniel's expression drooped in disappointment. Crane waited patiently.

"I've been looking for you so that I could ask you out."

Taken again by surprise but flattered, Daniel inquired, "Ask me out?"

Charly nodded. "Uh huh. On a real date."

Crane interjected, "Daniel, you know where to find me. Just don't take too long, okay?" He turned again to go.

"No, wait, Crane." When he stopped again, Charly added, "I'm sorry for not getting to the point quicker. I'm asking Daniel out, but I'm sure we'll need chaperones, and Lys suggested you and her go along and make it a double date." She looked at Daniel and winked. "After all, we don't want to get in trouble on our first real date, now do we?"

~~00oo00~~

The following Saturday, Crane and Daniel again packed their guitars to head to Columbia. Having exchanged phone numbers, Daniel and Charly spoke several times over the intervening few days and decided to meet up that day around five. The plan necessitated Guthrie's staying behind, a prospect which both disappointed the youngest while also further stirring his imagination as to his brothers' love lives.

As brothers three and four walked to the jeep, Guthrie followed, blowing air kisses their way. He was egged on from the porch by his now co-conspirators, Brian and Evan.

Brian called out, "Warn the gals they gotta watch out for those musician types. They're heartbreakers!"

Daniel turned just enough to be heard in the opposite direction. "Pot calling kettle black, Bri!"

"Good, one-night lovin' by two consenting adults ain't the same thing, Dan'l! No broken hearts involved."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

They climbed into the jeep. As Crane turned the key in the ignition, Guthrie teased, "Be honest when my fans want to know where I am. It's not like I'm running away from them or anything."

Tired of the ribbing he had endured the last few days, Daniel responded, "Then their broken hearts will just have to pine for you, squirt."

Guthrie sassed, "They wouldn't have broken hearts if I was there."

"Then we'll make it easy. You won't go with me anymore and they'll forget about you soon enough."

Crane regarded Daniel. "Hey, take it easy, will ya. He's only twelve." As he pulled out, Crane glanced over his shoulder. Guthrie stood rooted with a long face, watching them leave. "He can dish it out but can't always take it."

Daniel sighed. "I know. But Bri's really the one getting on my nerves. It's one thing for Guthrie to not know when to stop, but Bri knows better."

Crane raised an eyebrow. "Or should."

"Ain't that the truth."

~~00oo00~~

The guys played together all afternoon. Charly and Alyssa appeared in the small crowd during the last set, during which they added a donation to the open guitar case. Afterwards, as the guys packed up, Daniel fished out the equivalent amount of what he thought they had put in, but they refused to take it back.

"We're not Indian givers," Alyssa protested. "You played, we liked it and gave in appreciation, so you earned it fair and square."

Thrown off-kilter again by one of these sisters, Daniel could only manage a sheepish, "Thanks."

Stowing their gear in the jeep, the foursome strolled a few blocks to a cozy restaurant just outside the historic district. Alyssa took the lead in selecting a table in a fairly private corner away from the main part of the dining room. After ordering burgers and sodas, with coffee for Crane, conversation settled into a comfortable rhythm of the weather (slightly cooler than normal, but nice), work ("Ugh! But we do what we have to do."), and music. For the latter, the sisters liked almost everything the brothers liked, with the exception of Alyssa's love of Zydeco.

"Well, it's not that we don't like it," explained Crane. "We're not that familiar with it. After all, this isn't the Louisiana swamp."

She punched him lightly in jest. "Nope, it's not the swamp, but there is an audience here for it. Beausoleil's playing next week in Davis. I already have a pair of tickets, and we can all chip in for another pair and go."

"That sounds like fun, but …"

"Oh, come on, Crane, you only live once," Daniel retorted. "We work too hard not to have any fun."

Alyssa and Charly joined Daniel's cause. "Yeah, Crane, it'll be fun," Alyssa opined. "And you'll see what it's all about. I bet you'll like it well enough to add at least one song to your play list."

So, keeping an open mind – even while mentally calculating how much less the budget would be without the funds – Crane allowed himself to be coaxed along, chipping in his and Daniel's share for a second pair of tickets from the proceeds of the afternoon, the cost of which tickets was split four ways instead of two. The amount was reasonable, but left Crane protesting. After all, the sisters had picked up the check at the restaurant, insisting they had done the inviting. And Alyssa refused to take anything for the brothers' share of the two tickets she already possessed. Instead, she offered them to the mix without hesitation, noting, again, it was her idea that they go.

"Me and Charly would have fun ourselves, but it'll be more fun with you guys, especially since you're musicians and don't know the music or the band." She grinned. "I might only have a GED but can act all superior when you ask questions and I can answer them!"

Intrigued, Daniel noted, "Our little brother wanted to drop out to do rodeo and get a GED later, but brother Crane here set him straight on that."

"Well, it wasn't just me …"

"Maybe not, but the point is, he's still in school," Daniel emphasized.

Alyssa explained, "I liked school but we moved a lot for Daddy's job. We started out here and wound up in Texas, Louisiana, and a couple other places. Changing schools all the time got old and I wanted to travel, so I dropped out and passed the GED right away. I didn't find it hard."

Daniel went wide-eyed. "I'm impressed. Crane's traveled the most in our family. I mean, we've all been to San Francisco and over the state line to Nevada, but that's about it."

Charly shared a smile with Alyssa before regarding Crane. "So, you're a traveler?"

The third McFadden turned a slight shade of red. Usually reticent, he wanted at that moment both to kick little brother in the butt at the buttering up and to thank him for the same. "Well, it's not as glamorous as Daniel makes it sound. I've probably been to more places in the state than anyone else, but nothing like you guys."

Alyssa asked, "Like where?"

Crane laughed. "You know, the garden spots – Barstow, Bakersfield …"

"I love the Bakersfield sound!" Alyssa exclaimed.

He backpedaled. "I mean, it's a nice enough place …"

"Don't worry, silly. I know what you mean," Alyssa reassured him.

Crane felt at ease with her. And Daniel seemed head over heels for Charly, even if he was not quite sure how to handle her idiosyncrasies. Or maybe that was part of both their charms. In any case, the foursome made plans for the concert outing the following weekend before calling it a night.

~~00oo00~~

In the meantime, they got together in Columbia several times over the next week as work allowed. Meeting up as a group for car-pooling's sake, they paired off to get to know each other better without sibling influence or teasing. Conversation stayed in the safe range of likes and dislikes, music, the weather, and the like. The boys did not often discuss family with their lady friends, perhaps recalling sister-in-law Hannah's surprise at the huge family she married into. That worked out okay in the end, of course, but best to leave it until things got serious, and then broach the matter.

So, by the time Saturday rolled around, the couples felt they knew a lot more about each other – favorite "fill in the blanks" discussed ad infinitum. To that end, having really just met, no one seemed in any hurry for the heavy physical part of romance, hugging and holding of hands seeming to be favored for the moment.

Meeting in their usual spot, the boys drove everyone to Davs in the jeep. The campus auditorium was packed.

"See," Alyssa observed. "I told you there was an audience here."

Throughout the concert, Daniel and the sisters danced and partied at their seats, coaxing reluctant dancer Crane to join in. All, however, had a good time. They left singing a catchy chorus, with Daniel leading the serenading all the way to a nearby hang-out Crane used to frequent in his not-so-long-past student days.

There, they managed to get a table right away though the place was crowded, and ordered pizza and soft drinks. Alyssa imbibed just enough to get a little tipsy and giggly, which made for more laughs and animated conversation. Finally, with all four yawning and a thermos of strong coffee for driver Crane, they got up to pay the bill and begin the long ride home.

Making their way through the crowd, Daniel halted at what sounded like a familiar voice calling his name. He stopped and scanned the place, falling behind the others. Noticing, they waited, and Daniel shrugged and started again.

Seeing his brother's puzzled expression, Crane asked, "What?"

"Nothing. Thought I heard somebody calling me."

"Probably another Daniel." Crane reached for the door but stopped at hearing his name called above the din. Then he heard the same voice calling Daniel, who also stopped. The brothers regarded each other. They knew that voice, but there was no way. Here? So far from home?

Finally, the caller caught up with them. Out of breath from fighting the crowd, with a beer in his hand and a woman at his side, he smiled at Crane and Daniel. "Fancy seeing you two here."

Crane responded, his tone one of annoyed surprise. "The better question is, what are you doing here?"

The caller chuckled. Before he could respond, Charly and Alyssa turned from the door, facing inward. Alyssa grabbed Crane's hand. He felt her go stone-cold-sober and rigid. She looked as if she had seen a ghost.

"Hello, Alyssa. It's been a long time."

"Hello, Brian."