A/N: Research about county and other types of fairs back in 1888 was gathered from Wikipedia, but all descriptions of the rides and attractions come from my own imagination. I only researched what types of rides were used in that time period, how they worked, and what they charged to ride them. I hope you enjoy and have a great day! Thank you, Lady Dragonsblood
Shawn watched with a tear in his eye as Adam and Wade vanished from sight, the newlyweds riding towards the cabin for their wedding night. His baby would come back a man. His little Addy was gone, forever.
Bret smiled softly. He understood exactly how Shawn felt. It had always been Wade and him. No more would Wade come to him with his worries. Now he would talk to Adam, his husband, as it should be. Besides, he and Shawn would be starting over with a new baby of their own in the spring.
The older man turned to Shawn. "We both lost our babies, but we raised them to be fine young men. We have prepared them to face the world. We'll always be there for them. We'll be starting over ourselves with Rebecca Grace. Now, lets go see the opening of the fair. I'll treat you to a ride on the carousel. It's a newfangled steam powered one, they call it a velocipede," Bret wiggled his eyebrows and grinned. He wanted to make Shawn smile.
Shawn not only smiled, he laughed. "You can always make me smile, Bret Hart. Let's go. Jason and Heath are taking Widow Slater, so it's just you and me. Bret, I love you." Shawn's eyes looked into Bret's with adoration, his smile soft and showing the sincerity of his words.
Bret gently caressed Shawn's face. "I love you, Shawn. I'll be here, next to you, forever." He put his arm around Shawn's waist and led him to the town stables.
When they arrived at the stable yard, Bret brought Ribbon out and harnessed her to a two wheeled carriage called a dog cart. It was very light for a horse to pull. They got the name dog cart, because it was light enough to be pulled by a large dog. The carts were handy for short trips. Bret didn't want Shawn over tired from the quarter mile walk to the fairgrounds, then even more tired by walking around the fairgrounds.
Shawn insisted on driving, after all, Ribbon was his horse. Bret had chosen her over Oro, because she was a patient waiter. Oro was too excitable around strange horses, especially stallions. Also, truth be told, he could stand it better if a horse thief got a hold of her; Oro was far to valuable as a stud. Horse thieves and petty pickpockets seemed to always follow the fair.
Shawn was a good steady driver, and Ribbon went better with his lighter touch on the bit than Bret's. Jeffrey and Matthew Hardy were in charge of the carriage and horse area. A huge tent had been set up as a stables. Tie ropes and wooden boards were made into individual stalls with water and food buckets and a bale of hay. Bret paid fifteen cents to have a stall for Ribbon. For five cents, you could put your horse on a tie line with access to hay and water, or for free you could use an outside tie line. Jeff gave Shawn the stall ticket labeled number one.
Bret took over the reigns and parked the dog cart in a line directed by Matthew. Hart unhitched Ribbon, led her to the tent, unharnessed her and gave her a quick rub down. Shawn hung the harness over the boards that separated the stalls. Plenty of air flowed through the tent, so Ribbon was quite content. Hunter's big blue roan, Deputy, was in stall number two, he and Ribbon were best friends, as they lived next door to each other at the town stables. They nickered to each other as if to say "hello". It made Bret and Shawn laugh.
Bret led Shawn to the grandstand that was set up to watch events in the livestock show ring. Next Sunday, Bret would show his pair of two year old colts in the ring. This week the judging would feature the small farm stock, like sheep, goats, pigs, hogs and rabbits. The second week would see cattle, bulls, mules, horses and the huge draft horses like the Clydesdales from Scotland and Percherons from France, Shires from England, or the strongest and largest of them all, the Belgians from Belgium. Bret hoped to create a Palomino in each of the draft breeds, but he wasn't sure if he could. The second week of the fair was Bret's favorite.
Shawn would bake his peach pie on Thursday night, to be as fresh as possible for entry on Friday, and the judging would take place on Saturday morning.
Next Sunday would be the Children's Day at the fair. Adam's town students would be showing their vegetables and flowers, needle work, wood carvings and other things against the country children from the other schools in Wade's District. The country children always did better, but this year, the townies had hope, because of Adam.
People from all over Cascade County gathered to find seats in the Grand Stand for the opening ceremony of the Harvest Fair. Bret led Shawn to the front row of benches. Two places were marked, "RESERVED FOR B. HART". They were next to seats marked "RESERVED FOR H. HELMSLEY". There were also seats reserved for Pastor Ted and Cody, Lawyer Lawler and Judge Ross.
Shawn sat on the end, Bret to his right, and leaned over to speak to his fiancé. "I'm surprised Sandow doesn't have a reserved seat," he said with a slightly naughty smirk on his lips.
Bret snickered, "Chris is in charge of the reserved seating." He winked with a bright smile. Bret nudged Shawn when Damien, with his two children, growled when he didn't find a seat on the first row. They had to take middle seats on the fifth row, next to the tobacco spitting Wyatt Family. Damien was clearly not happy. His face scowled, his eyes blazed. It made Shawn and Bret laugh quietly together.
Drew McIntyre sat right behind Bret on the second row of seats. He greeted the couple in front of him politely. The Scotsman was still a bit afraid of Bret filing a slander suit against him, so he was extra polite.
Chris and his three children arrived next, and hugs and kisses were exchanged all around with Bret and Shawn. Chris sat next to Bret with Leah in his lap, since large crowds scared her. Two years ago, at the fair, Leah accidentally got separated from Chris when she stopped to pet a puppy. It had been a frantic hour as they searched for her. Hunter finally found his daughter with the Zigglers, who had been trying to find the Helmsleys. Ever since then, crowds frightened her, especially at the fair.
"Did they get off alright?" Chris asked Shawn in a whisper, as he leaned in close. Bret had gone to use one of the outhouses, and Edward Helmsley had gone with him. Chris whispered because of Drew. He wasn't sure if the wedding was public information or not, and he wasn't about to give Drew another misquoted story.
Shawn smiled at Chris. "Yes, thank you. I'm worried, but it will be alright..." he paused to laugh a bit. "You'll understand why, when they are older." Shawn winked. He too didn't want Drew to overhear. It was Adam and Wade's news to tell about their wedding. Shawn was sure the newlyweds would put an article in the social pages of the Great Falls Gazette, but again, it was up to them.
Chris nodded and kissed the top of Leah's head. He had a touch of sadness in his crystal blue eyes as he said, "I dread that day." Shawn patted his friend on the shoulder with a knowing look in his eyes. Every parent dreaded the day when their children were suddenly grown up and gone.
Bret and Edward returned. Edward had a big red and blue striped paper sack in his hands, filled with hot, buttery popcorn. "Pa! Look what Uncle Bret bought for me and the girls! Thank you again, Uncle Bret," Edward said with a happy grin as he sat down and shared the treat with his twin sisters.
Chris rolled his eyes, but not in anger. "You, Bret Hart, spoil them," he said as he ate a handful of the popcorn.
Bret puffed up. "My Godchildren, my right. Say you three, Mister Shawn won't mind if you call him Uncle as well." Shawn nodded in agreement. He'd told Chris they could, but so far the children hadn't done so.
"See children, I told you," Chris admonished his little ones. He supposed they needed to hear it from Bret and Shawn together.
Edward, ever polite, smiled. "Thank you, Uncle Shawn." He grinned and tossed a kernel of popcorn into the air and caught it on his tongue, which made the adults laugh.
Suddenly, music began to play. The band that traveled with the fair barkers marched into the show ring. They wore bright red coats, and blue pants with red stripes down their outer pant legs. Their heads were adorned with tall, black fur hats with gold plumes, gold epaulets on their shoulders and sparkling white spats over their shiny black knee high boots. The band played a rousing Sousa march, as they came to a halt in two rows of fifteen in the middle of the ring.
Hunter, Pastor Ted, and Judge Ross sat on a raised platform in front of the grandstand. Everyone stood as another band member carried an American flag onto the stage. The crowd applauded then remained standing as Brother Ted led them in a short prayer.
The sheriff moved to the center of the platform. Hunter spoke in a loud, clear voice, "Welcome to the Fall Harvest Fair. For the next two weeks we will be celebrating the bounty of the harvest, in friendly competition. You will see some of the most beautiful flowers, delicious fruits and vegetables and livestock in the Montana Territory!" He paused as the crowd erupted into applause, then continued when the crowed quieted "... and now, I present our Judge, the Honorable James Ross." Hunter swept his hand toward the Judge, then sat down. Hunter flashed a wink to his family as Chris beamed at him proudly.
Judge Ross took the center stage. He began to speak on the probability that by this time next year, Montana would be a state. It would be up to the people to send representatives to Washington, DC to sit in the Senate and Congress. It was a bit boring, but at least he kept it short. Ross ended his speech by declaring the Harvest Fair officially open. The men on the platform moved to their seats in the grandstand.
To the delight of the crowd, the band played and marched around the show ring. Soon clowns, dancing girls, acrobats and the sideshow freaks likes the bearded fat lady and tattooed man paraded around the ring to advertise their amusements at the carnival part of the fair. They traveled from town to town, along with the exciting rides. It was a hard life, but most of them were born to it and knew how to put on a good show. The carnival folk were good, hard, workers. When the parade was over, the band marched out of the ring to the same Sousa march they'd started with. The crowd slowly dispersed and went to start their fun time at the fair.
Shawn and Bret walked with the Helmsley family. "Think you can ever get our town band to play like that?" Hunter asked his husband with a teasing grin, gently bumping his shoulder against Chris'.
Chris rolled his eyes. "No, because they don't practice! Shawn, are you sure you aren't hiding the fact that you play an instrument?" he asked with a hopeful gleam in his eye.
Shawn laughed, it was probably the tenth time Chris had asked him. "Sorry, Chris. My mother tried me on the violin, sadly I have no ear and can't play a note. I wish I could." He would enjoy being in the band, but Shawn was truly tone deaf. It was where Adam inherited his musical deafness from.
"Pa! The carousel!" Loretta said with a huge grin and a sparkle in her eye. She started to point, but remembered it wasn't polite at the last minute.
Hunter picked his daughter up and settled her on his hip. "Yes my darlin daisy, we're all going to ride the carousel," he spoke softly with a gleam in his eye. Oh, how he loved his children.
The carousel was brand new, with beautiful hand carved animals and two sleighs to be ridden. Fifty people could ride at one time. The carved animals included fancy horses with flowing manes and tails, wild lions and fierce tigers, growling bears and big horned sheep. The artists who had carved the animals used bright, vivid colors of paint. Shades of blues, reds, yellows and greens, mixed with gold and silver helped to bring the animals to lifelike status. Real leather saddles and bridles had been used as well, and the leather was tooled with fancy scroll work. The carved works of art were mounted on gleaming brass poles that had been cast to look like swirled sticks of hard candy. As the steam powered the ride, the animals all went up and down as the carousel went round and round in time to the music that blared loudly from the center.
Bret won a coin toss over Hunter and paid three cents a piece for seven tickets. Loretta, Leah and Edward rode side by side as Hunter stood between the girls in case they slipped. Chris rode a lion, Bret a bear and Shawn chose a tiger. The ride was soon full and slowly it started. They went up and down, round and round. The children loved it and pretended they were racing on their horses of wood. Shawn soon realized Rebecca Grace did not like the ride. He felt dizzy and sick to his stomach.
When the ride was over, Shawn had to hold on to Bret. "Oh, that wasn't a good idea, not at all," he said with a bit of green tinge to his face.
Bret was immediately worried. "I never thought of that. Hunter, please go harness the horse, Matthew knows the cart. Come on love, we'll get you home," Bret said with a grunt as he picked Shawn up and carried him toward the stables. Luckily, it wasn't too far.
Chris followed Bret and Shawn, Leah on his hip. Loretta held Chris' hand and Edward held Loretta's other hand. The children were a bit scared, Uncle Shawn looked so sick.
"Pa? Uncle Shawn?" Leah asked with a frown on her face, and moisture in her eyes.
Chris smiled softly. "He will be alright, darlin'. His tummy didn't like going round and round. Uncle Shawn needs some peppermint tea and a rest. So, don't you worry, Uncle Bret will take care of him," he said in a reassuring tone and kiss to Leah's cheek.
She hugged Chris' neck and took comfort in her pa's embrace and calming scent that only Poppa had. It was their "birth bond".
Hunter had driven the dog cart up as far as he could and Bret was grateful. He put Shawn down gently in the cart and with good byes and good wishes, pointed Ribbon towards town.
A breathless Heath and Jason ran up just as Shawn and Bret pulled away. Chris explained what happened and that Shawn would be fine. Jason debated going home. Hunter said Shawn would be alright and would be disappointed to know he'd spoiled their evening at the fair. Jason knew with Bret around there wasn't anything he could do, so with a sigh, he took Heath by the hand and led him back to the fair.
Chris decided to take the children home, they were tired and it was a school night. So, Hunter went to hitch their carriage. He had to stay at the fairgrounds a while longer, but Chris understood. With hugs and kisses, Chris and the children left for home.
Bret pulled up to the house. He'd get Shawn settled, then take Ribbon to the stables. He helped Shawn down and then into the house. Shawn already felt better, the fresh air had helped clear his head.
Shawn went upstairs to change out of his clothes and into his robe. Bret went to the kitchen to make a pot of peppermint tea. Soon Shawn was happily settled on the porch swing. It was cool, but in his flannel robe he was plenty warm, especially with the hot tea.
Bret hurried off with the dog cart. Shawn was glad for a few minutes alone, and turned his thoughts to Adam. He prayed his son was alright, and with Wade's guidance, discovering the joys of the marital bed. If Wade's skills were even close to Bret's, Adam was in for a wonderful experience. He just hope memories of Vince's... crime didn't spoil it.
Shawn smiled when he saw Bret return. He watched as his lover walked up the sidewalk. Bret looked so handsome, and while he carried himself with pride, there was no arrogance. Vince always strutted like a peacock, arrogance oozed from every pore. Shawn laughed as he imagined Vince and Damien Sandow walking together. There was no street Shawn could think of that was wide enough to handle their arrogance and egos.
Bret greeted Shawn with a kiss. He was pleased to see his Sunflower was feeling better. "Sunflower, no more carousel rides for you. And you, young lady, don't make your dear poppa sick, you have done that enough already," he spoke to Shawn's swollen abdomen, then kissed Shawn's flannel covered navel. Bret laughed when Shawn's tummy rumbled with hunger.
"I'm hungry, Bretty. Can we go to the restaurant? Rebecca is absolutely craving fried chicken," Shawn asked as he pouted his lips and used his turquoise eyes to their full advantage.
Bret shook his head with a chuckle. "Go get dressed, but don't blame me if you regret it later." He gave Shawn's ass a gentle spank as Shawn stood.
Shawn laughed, kissed Bret and went upstairs to change once again. While he waited, Bret rolled and lit a cigarette. He was surprised to see Jason and Heath walking up to the house.
When Jason and Heath got to Bret, Jason asked, "Is Poppa alright? Hunter told us what happened to Poppa, and that we should just stay and have fun, but Heath's ma got tired, so we just decided to come home. There's plenty of time to enjoy the fair and besides, Heath wants fried chicken." Jason gave Heath's chin a teasing chuck with his fingers. Heath blushed and playfully slapped the back of Jason's head.
Bret exhaled a puff of smoke and flicked his ashes. "He's fine and is also craving fried chicken. Come with us to the restaurant. I'm glad you came home, I think a lot of the reason he got so sick wasn't just the carousel ride; he's worried about your brother. He'll feel better with you two around," he explained with a smile.
Heath sat on the seat next to Bret. Jason lit a cigar and rolled a cigarette for Heath, then lit it while Heath puffed it into life. "Addy will be alright, I trust Wade..." Jason was interrupted when Shawn came out of the house.
Poppa and son hugged. Jason explained again about the fair and Shawn assured his son he was fine, but starving. The two couples were soon on their way to the Helmsley Arms restaurant.
When they arrived it was fairly busy, but the diners were all strangers mostly salesmen and hawkers, who'd come to town because of the fair. Jason and Heath felt bad for April, who looked so tired as she took their order.
Jason stood. "I'll get our food, April is too busy. Help me, Bret?" he asked with a raised brow.
With a nod, Bret stood and went to help Jason bring their food to the table. Heath and Shawn settled in. April filled their glasses with lemonade. She was thankful Jason was taking care of his family, she was run off her feet.
"We've been so busy, and the train will be here soon. All the rooms are reserved, more salesmen I suppose. I'll be glad when you two get back to work, you and Jason are the best," April said quickly while she finished filling their glasses. Her usually neatly pulled back hair was coming loose from its bun in long wisps.
Heath smiled. "I'm happy it's busy, but I'm sorry we were gone. Look what I got!" Heath grinned. His eyes sparkled and a blush dusted his cheeks as he showed his co-worker his engagement ring.
"Oh Heath! It's beautiful! About time too! Oh, I'd better get busy. I want them out before the train arrives," April said with a nod toward several tables of salesmen.
With a kiss to Heath's cheek, April hurried off to see to her other customers. She was a bit flighty, but over all April Lee was a good, hard worker and cared about her customers, co-workers and her job in general.
Bret and Jason came back to the table. They carried two plates each, piled with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and a large dinner roll with plenty of fresh butter. They served their fiancés, then sat down to join them.
Shawn said a brief prayer. Jason took a bite, then spoke. "Miss Mae said she was sorry but she ran out of corn. You should see her son, he's plucking chickens like a mad man, good thing he's so handy," he said with a laugh as he took another bite.
Bret nodded. "He's a good lad. I know Miss Mae worries what will happen to him when something happens to her. I've told her Ron and Kofi will take care of him, but still, she worries. It must be hard to have a... a... child like that... special... you know?" he spoke with a frown and a sad look in his eye.
Shawn sighed. "Yes, that's a good word for it; special. I don't like the word retarded, even though he is. You'd love him if he were yours. Bret, what if... Rebecca turns out to be... special? Would that matter?" He had a bit of fear in his eyes. He didn't like the way some more ignorant people treated Miss Mae's son. It made him downright angry. Some parents put their special children in an institution and forgot about them, like they were a pox on the family tree.
Heath sighed. "Miss Mae came here with little Charlie and Chris took to him right away. He learns real fast if you take time to show him how to do things. I bet Adam could teach him to read and write. If I had a special child, I'd treat them no differently," he said firmly, and he too had a fire in his eyes. He loved Charlie Young.
Bret listened to Heath, chewing his food thoughtfully, then looked at Shawn. He needed to address his future husband's question. "I'd love her just as much as any child of mine. I'd try to give her as normal a life as possible. If there was a good school for her, I'd send her, not out of shame, but because I'd want the best for her. Miss Mae doesn't need to worry about Charlie, Ron and Kofi love him and he loves them. He's good around the horses, they sense he's... different, and are gentle around him. Charlie is about the only one that can fully groom Pecos, that stallion even hates me. Pecos eats from Charlie's hand like a pup," Bret spoke seriously. He too hated the way some people treated the boy.
Heath spoke again. "Miss Elizabeth wanted Charlie to come to school, but Banker Sandow pitched such a barn burner of a fit, she gave up. Miss Mae said she'd never try to send him again. I think I'll ask Adam about it... after things settle down."
Before anything else could be said, Lance Storm entered the dining room looking frantic. Not only was he Lawyer Lawler's secretary, he often ran the desk at the hotel for Chris evenings and weekends, to earn extra money. Lance came over to the table where the family was dining.
"Jason, I really hate to bother you, please excuse me Mister Michaels, Mister Hart, but I'm desperate. Eva Marie was staying with Mother, and she just told me Mother has taken a turn. Doctor Orton came from the fair to look at her, he said she needs to go to Helena, now, to the hospital. Please Jason, can you finish my shift for me? Oh, please?" Lance's eyes were wild with fright and his brow furrowed as he nervously chewed his bottom lip.
Jason wiped his mouth with his napkin, then stood and put his hand on Lance's shoulder. "You don't have to ask. Go, Lance, you have just enough time to get her ready before the train arrives. We'll pray for her," he spoke in a reassuring tone as he took the green coat from Lance.
"Oh, there are nine coming when the train arrives, they have the front rooms on the third floor. Thank you, Jason. I must hurry, please do pray." Lace was still frantic, but grateful to Jason. He left at a near run.
"Poor Widow Storm, it's her heart, you know. I hope she'll be alright," Heath said with worry deeply etched on his face. His mother and Widow Storm were best friends, like sisters. Heath loved the Widow Storm like an aunt.
Shawn spoke, "You're a good boy, Jason. I'm proud of you. I know Chris is glad you're so responsible. We'll see Heath gets home safely." He beamed with pride as his eldest child slipped on the dark green coat. His boys were his best success in life.
Jason flashed a sheepish grin, and hung his head a bit. "Thanks, Poppa, you raised us. If Adam and I are... good, it's due to you. Heath, stay with Poppa and Bret. Your ma will need you, so don't even think of staying here to help me. I love you." He gave Heath a publicly acceptable kiss on the cheek, then left to go watch over the hotel.
Shawn quickly wiped the moisture from his eyes, and smiled at Heath. "Jason was always a good boy, but a bit wild. You have calmed him so much, and you are a pride to your dear mother. It will be a great day when you become our son-in-law." He held Bret's hand as he spoke to Heath. As far as Shawn was concerned, Bret was the father of all his children. Who the hell was Vince McMahon?
It was Heath's turn to blush sheepishly. "Jason is... wonderful. He's also right, it is because of you. I'll be proud to be in your family." Heath gave Shawn's shoulder a gentle pat.
When Jason got to the desk, he looked at the reservations book. He thought it was strange there were no names on the reserved blocked for that night. All he saw was, "nine rooms as required by MCUSMS". The handwriting wasn't Chris' or Lance's, it was a handwriting he'd never seen before. Well, he supposed he'd find out what was up when the train arrived.
Bret, Shawn and Heath chatted as they finished their dinner. Heath noticed Jason at least got to eat the majority of his dinner, before Lance had interrupted. April brought their chocolate cake and coffee. Most of the other diners had left, so she was more relaxed.
The cake made Shawn think of Adam. "Do you think he's alright? The cabin is so isolated," he asked in a thoughtful tone as he toyed his fork through the thick layer of chocolate frosting.
Bret laid his hand on top of Shawn's. "Darlin', he will be fine. It's only for one night. He'll be back in the morning to teach, and he's with his husband, who loves him dearly," Bret spoke with a soft smile and understanding in his eyes.
Shawn leaned on Bret's shoulder, and Heath smiled at the older couple. Shawn noticed the thoughtful expression and smile on Heath's face. "Heath? Penny for your thoughts. Are you worried about something? You can always talk to me or Bret, about anything." He patted Heath's hand and his expression was one of parental concern. He had a curious way of cocking his brow when he was in "parent mode".
"I was just... I've known Bret nearly all my life, and I rarely saw him smile. Now, I rarely see him without one, ever since he met you..." Heath paused, he looked down at his coffee cup and continued, "and... with... Boston and all... no one deserves to smile more than you, Shawn. I hope Jason and I are that happy when we're your age." His eyes sparkled with admiration, and his smile made his face light up like sunshine.
Shawn's eyes spilled their held-in tears. Being pregnant made his emotions such more more intense. Bret smiled softly and handed Shawn the handkerchief he always carried, and tenderly caressed Shawn's cheek.
Shawn sniffed. "Oh Heath, you are such a precious boy. Oh, we are just too emotional! We need more coffee," he laughed and wiped his eyes.
Bret and Heath laughed as April refilled their coffee cups. They chatted about the fair. Heath was going to enter his biscuits, so Shawn invited him to come bake with him on Thursday. Bret had said he would retreat to the ranch for the day, to give them the kitchen and check on his show colts. Bret didn't want to be anywhere near the kitchen with two cooks trying to get things ready for the fair, he felt it would be more dangerous than trying to groom Pecos.
Heath sipped his coffee. "Shawn? What's the ocean like?" He'd always wanted to see the ocean, but all he knew were the small lakes in the area.
Shawn's face switched to a wistful look. He did miss the sea, the smell of salt water and the deafening cries of the sea gulls as the boats hauled in their daily catch. "All you see is water. Along the coast the waves spray salty mists into the air. Birds, called sea gulls, cry and scream when the boats come in with their catch. Did you know, if you lay on the beach and look at the horizon, you see exactly eighteen miles? When the sun sets, it looks like the water is swallowing it. The old tars swear if you listen closely, you can hear it sizzle. There's an old saying about the weather, red sky at night, a sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. It's true, the sun and sky were blood red the morning of the day my father drowned, or so my mother always told me. I hadn't been born yet, I was a month away from my birth," he spoke with a bit of a sigh.
In some ways, Shawn never missed not having a father because his mother was a strong, formidable matriarch. In other ways, he missed not ever having a strong male influence in his life. His grandfather had died before he could really remember him. Some of the sailors tried, but lacked a parent's care. Shawn often wondered, if he'd had a father's influence, would he have let Vince abuse him?
Heath hadn't really known about Jason's grandfather. He only knew about the gold, crab engraved pocket watch that had belonged to him. "I'm sorry about your father, but your ma reminds me of mine. I understand too, it's nice to have an older man to turn to. I think Brother Ted and Doc Orton are tired of my bosh and balderdash." Heath's eyes sparkled in the gaslight as he laughed. He did look forward to having Shawn as a father-in-law.
Shawn leaned over and hugged the redhead. It was a wonderful bonding moment, as Heath finally felt like a member of the family and that was important to him. He hugged Shawn tightly in return.
Bret smiled, then chuckled, "Tarnation, I never knew eyes could leak so much. Seriously, however, Heath you can blow and bosh at me any time. To officially welcome you to the family, I'm going to give you Suero de Leche. That's Spanish for Buttermilk. She's a sweet little four year old Palomino, perfect for you. All Harts ride Hart Palominos," he said with a proud look in his eye.
Heath's mouth fell open. "Oh... oh... my own... horse? One of yours? Oh, thank you! I'm going to... cry... again!" Heath's eyes filled with moisture. A horse of his own, and a Hart Palomino! He'd always admired the beautiful golden horses.
Heath got up from his seat and hugged Bret. "Yes, son. She will be all yours. I'll bring her to town on Thursday. Kevin and Scott are finally going to have to add on to the town stables. Been thinkin' about financing them a new one, behind the old one... hum..." Bret stopped speaking as he got lost in his thoughts. He pulled a small book out of his vest pocket and started to draw with a small pencil he kept in the book.
Shawn grinned, he was used to Bret's idea book. For as much as Bret talked about how he didn't care about business, he was always noting ideas down. Usually it was an idea about how to help someone else. Shawn and Heath finished their coffee and talked about horses, and then more talk about their day of baking.
They heard the whistle of the train as the Sunday Special steamed into the depot. It was called the Sunday Special because it was the only train that ran on Sunday. It was also the only day of the week that the Helena-Great Falls run was non-stop. It usually brought salesmen to town, and picked a few up to take them back to Helena.
The traveling salesmen would go out on the prairie and hawk their wares to farmers and ranchers, who didn't often make a trip to town. They sold everything from furniture to saddles, or the latest innovations for home or barn. They were living, breathing mail order catalogs. Other salesmen would sell things to Dolph for him to sell in the Mercantile or Sheamus at the Feed Store. They also wholesaled dry goods to Eva Marie. Sometimes they had something for Chris to add to the hotel. Usually, in that case, they would barter for room and board.
Bret suddenly returned to reality. "Was that the train? I guess we should mosey on home, free up the table. Heath, we'll walk you home. Can't have a cutie pie like you wandering around alone, 'specially with the fair in town. Asides, we promised Jason," he said with a wink as he stood. Bret held Shawn's chair, then put a one dollar tip on the table for April.
On the way to the lobby, Bret saw someone he knew and stopped a moment to say hello, then he took Shawn's elbow in one hand, Heath's in the other. They paused to take their hats off the hat rack just inside the door of the restaurant, then suddenly heard Jason talking loudly. It didn't take much to know Jason was angry... No, he was absolutely furious. The three men exchanged looks then went toward the lobby.
Bret, Shawn and Heath saw a group of men at the desk. Jason was yelling at the top of his voice, "Get out! Get the hell out of here! Now!" Jason's tone was the angriest Shawn had ever heard. He was also sure Jason's eyes were spitting sparks. Suddenly they understood why Jason was so angry.
"No" Shawn said, just before he wilted in a faint in Bret's strong arms.
Standing at the desk were Mark Calaway, Zeb Colter, Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield, William Regal, Doctor Patterson, a man unknown to either Jason or Shawn, John Morrison, and the man in the center of the group, Vincent Kennedy McMahon.