No copyright infringement intended.

This is another filler chapter, but we do have the introduction of new characters. I'm still trying to figure where exactly to take this with them. I know we got a little bit more of winter, and storms. Then we're going to start the building of the ranch.

LIFE

Chapter 28

I walked over to the girls and told them I needed an inventory ran on everything we had in stock. All food items, personal use items, anything, and everything we used on a daily basis. I told them I was fixing to have another airlift of supplies, and I needed to know as accurate as possible everything we had.

I then walked over to Carlisle, and Esme to ask them if there was anything not in the delivery of medical supplies that we might need. He said we had pretty much anything we might need to even handle a non-complicated surgery. He did mention a small supply of blood might come in handy if someone were hurt enough to need it. I told him I would see what I could get. He said O negative was the universal type used when the specific type was not known.

I asked him about an expiration date on blood, which I couldn't see there being one, but there is. It has to be used within forty two days, unless it is frozen. Then it can be kept for up to ten years. He said there is a process of removing the plasma, and collecting the red blood cells to keep it longer. But, to freeze whole is not optimal. It's best if used within the forty two days, or freeze to be kept for up to ten years. I asked him if I got him a small supply if he had the means to keep it frozen. He said he could, but wouldn't recommend to large of a supply. He said we could always acquire blood from the men here in camp.

I went looking for Edward so we could go check the fuel tank, and see how much we had left. Looking at the meter on the side of the tank we had a little under a half a tank. I will be calling for them to come fill it up.

I then went to find Emmett, and Sean along with Edward to discuss the arrival of Jake Black, and his construction crew. I asked Emmett if he thought I might need to obtain anymore supplies along the lines of cots, linens, etc, etc. He felt he would come prepared, but it might not be a bad idea to get some more blankets, soaps, & asked how many more cots we had as backup. I told him we had about five more, but I could always get about ten more to be covered.

I told them I was calling to get an airlift of supplies, and the girls were running an inventory of everything we had. I asked them to round up the men for a break so I could check with them about anything they might need.

I went ahead, and called Crowley Petroleum Distribution in Fairbanks, and asked them about coming out to fill my fuel tank, and bringing a supply of propane tanks. They said they would be out by this coming Thursday. I told them it would be fine. I already had an account set up with them, so that was covered.

The men came in, and I told them about calling to get a delivery of supplies hopefully in the next day, or two. I wanted them to come up, and write anything down they might need. I also asked them how they were doing on clothing, and such. If it was needed I wanted it put on there. I told them I needed this as soon as possible, as I was calling to order it by this early evening.

Everyone went back to work, and I went to get my laptop to make up an email to Jason. I knew he could get it, but I didn't know if it would be before this next bout of storms arrived. I figured I could also call Max Martin to see if he could be of help. I'm sure the men that delivered this last time would be up to the job. I needed to get their name, and phone number for my future use.

The girls brought me a list of stuff we had on hand. I asked them if they would go out to the different trailers, and see what they had in back stock. Alice said she had already done it, except for my trailer. I told her to go ahead if she didn't mind. She went to check, and came back with the list. I thanked her, and asked her how she was liking things so far. She said it was nice, fun, and she was enjoying it.

Alice also mentioned a friend of her's she went to school with that also had a degree in Animal Husbandry, and wondered if I might could use the additional help. I told her to go ahead, and give her a call. To find out her current conditions as far as work, money, housing, and anything else. I'd let Alice know when to tell her to come on out to work.

I sat typing up my email to Jason, of the supplies we needed, and the weather conditions headed our way. Also about Black Construction coming to join us. I told Jason that I could contact the men that brought down the last delivery to see if they could come into Seattle to pick it up, and bring it to us.

Alice brought the phone back, and said her friend, Charlotte Curry would be available to come this spring very early; possibly the last week in March. I told Alice that would be fine.

I then called Max to see about getting the information to contact those men for a delivery. Max was very sweet, and said he would give them a call. He also asked me what I was needing that he could help me with. I told him it was just some basic supplies such as things we used every day, and a bunch of basic grocery supplies. I told him about the other construction company coming up to join us. That some of the supplies was to make sure everyone was fed, clothed, and warm. He kind of laughed at me, saying I was sounding like the mother figure to them all.

Well, I guess I was. Huh! He said he would give them a call, and he would get them to contact Jason Jenks as to the additional supplies, and where to pick them up. I told Max I needed them as soon as possible because of the incoming weather. He understood, and would see to it that we got it in a couple days. He said he would call and let me know. I told him thank you, and I sent him hugs. He just laughed, and hung up.

I put on my coat, got Lise, and Baxter to take for a walk. I put on her coat, boots, and a leash on Baxter. I done learned about big boy. No more moose for him.

I took them to their trees, and once they were through I took us for a little walk around some of the property where we were set up. I was looking for a spot to set up two yurts. I knew it didn't need to be to far from us. I figured off to the left side of the building if you were facing it. It would be close enough to the building, and close to the area they had been working on clearing.

I didn't want to take all the trees down, but I guess I could always move and replant some of the existing ones. If not, then I would have someone come out to do landscaping. I knew it was going to need a bunch of that with the big machines Emmett had moving all this earth,trees, and such around.

I then went looking for Emmett,and finding him along with Edward, and Sean. I told them about the area I felt would be good for Jake to set up his two yurts, to see if Emmett could clear out an area big enough for them. Emmett told me a few things about Black. He said they were a big company, about the size of Emmett's, but they were more hands on. They had the big machines, but mainly went on man power. When working with him it was Emmett with the big machines, and Jake with more man power. They were Native Americans the biggest part of them, and then a few just looking for something to pass the time.

Emmett seemed to think the area would work out fine. They would have access to the bathroom in the building, whereas, they normally built an outdoor privy. If there were outdoor sources of water, such as streams, creeks, lakes, they used this for bathing.

I headed back inside going to call Jason about what we needed, and arranging a delivery with the men who brought the last one. I also had to get Jason to pick up an item in Wisconsin, and arrange a cashier's check to pay for the item. I told him what it was, and that I had talked to the people about a cage so it might be transported by helicopter to the new owner in Alaska. They were going to have everything arranged for it to be picked up. I could hardly wait for Edward to see it.

Later that evening Jason called me to let me know a special courier went to retrieve the item, and it was then being picked up at the Seattle airport along with the other items I requested. It would be in the air, and possibly reach us by sometimes tomorrow afternoon. Until then it was being cared for by one of the airport personnel.

I informed everyone about the delivery sometimes tomorrow around noon. I would need the landing site cleared, and everyone available to help unload.

I was ready to retire, as it had been another long, and grueling day.

It seems Edward and I have set up a morning routine already. I get up going to the bathroom, doing my morning rituals, then stepping into the kitchen to make us some coffee. I would then go to wake up Edward, some morning kisses which occasionally developed into more. Then we either moved it into the shower, but most mornings were as crazy as they are today. I knew we had a delivery coming, and there was also a surprise for Edward. I could hardly wait to see his face. I hoped he loved her.

We got dressed in between stolen kisses, sips of coffee, grabbing coats, gloves, hats, dressing Lise, a leash on Baxter, and then out the door to the building. This morning things were kind of crazy, and everyone running around. Emmett was already outside clearing the landing site of snow, ice, and debris. I knew they had to drop off the delivery before they could attempt to land, so I had the men ready to move our supplies out of the way.

Within hours of waking up, cleaning out spots for supplies, making breakfast, cleaning up from eating, making beds, and just getting ready time was passing like crazy.

Before I knew it they were coming in with our supplies. The men were waiting for them to set it down, and then they were off pulling it towards the building with the two ATVs'. They managed to land the helicopter without any problems, and I was showing them into the building for coffee, and something to eat if they were hungry.

One man came out of the back turning to reach inside, and I told Edward to help him get what was inside. The man turned and asked Edward if he was Mr. Masen, and he said yes, but looked very puzzled.

They both took a side of the big crate pulling it out. They then proceeded to carry it into the building. They set it down, and I told Edward to open it up. He bent down looking for the place to unhook the covering. When he removed it, he saw it was a crate; a crate to transport an animal. He opened it, and the cutest ball of fur came flying out of it right into Edward. It jumped up licking him all over his face, as he fell on his ass to the floor. He kept trying to get a hold of it, finally getting it to sit down.

He turned to me, and I said, "Merry Late Christmas. I hope you like her," smiling at him. He turned looking at her, then me, then back to the dog. "Yes, she is your's. Do you like her? That is the kind of dog you wanted, right?" looking apprehensive.

"Mine? Really mine?" looking so unsure.

"Yes, she is your's ,baby. Do you like her?"

"OMG, I love her. Let me look at you, baby girl," pushing her back to look at her. She was very beautiful. She was white, black, and tawny mixed in. She was a bearded collie around six months old. She came from a breeder of them in Wisconsin. I had someone fly her into Seattle, where she spent the night waiting to come here.

"I'm naming her...girl, right?"

I nodded yes, "I'm naming her Sasha." He picked her up walking towards me, then pulling me towards him kissing me passionately. "Thank you. thank you, baby. She is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe you remembered. I have always wanted one of these. She is just beautiful."

"Well, you introduce her to Lise, and Baxter. Let them get use to each other."

I left him with the dogs, and walked over to the men who came with our delivery. I held out my hand, "Hi, Bella Swan. Thank you so much for bringing every thing. I was in desperate need of quite a lot of that, and no way to get it."

"Yeah, we noticed the road coming out this way. It looks to be pretty messed up. There were trucks, front loaders, all kinds of machines out there trying to clear the road. It looked like it was going to take a bit. But, you got a storm heading this way, right? A blizzard?"

"Yeah, the weather center tells me it's going to be one of those that hangs around for a bit with lots of snow. Just what we need."

"I can see that. Looks like you won't get much done until spring. I'm leaving my number on this list of supplies. If you need anything just give me a call. It's been interesting making this trip. Just give me a little time, and I'll get it to you as soon as I can."

"Thanks. I will definitely keep it in mind. Now, if ya'll are hungry we can make you something, or we have plenty in the frig."

"No, just some coffee will be plenty. Could we possibly get a thermos, or two filled up?"

"Sure, just get them, and I'll let them know to make a fresh pot. They will take care of it for you. Again, thank you so much for you help."

I turn walking over to Edward, and the three dogs are having a field day. I slip my arm around his waist, and he looks at me with the biggest smile. "Well, looks like they are getting along."

"Yeah, it was debatable at first, but they came around. She's been fixed, right?"

"Yes, I hope that's alright? Baxter and Lise are, too. I just don't want a bunch of puppies to add into the mix. Here are the papers on her. She is a registered 100% bearded collie. I believe...yes, she's a little over six months old. She came from a breeder in Wisconsin...the closest I could find. There are some other things that were attached to the cage in a package. She has a leash to go with the harness, a brush, and a few toys. There is also a record chart of her shots. She is up to date on everything."

Edward can't stop watching her. "Edward, why don't you take them out to their trees. Here is Lise's, Baxter, and Sasha's leash. I wouldn't recommend going out there without them. Do you want my help?"

"Yes please. I'll take Lise, and Sasha if you'll take Baxter." I nod that I will, and take Baxter's leash heading for the doors.

They went, and done their business without any problems. We let them wander around a little bit, playing in the snow. It was to cute ! Now we got three babies.

We finally headed back in the building just as the men were fixing to leave headed back south. I thanked them again, and told them I'd likely be in touch. I told them to be safe, and they were gone.

I walked over with the list of supplies. They were taking all the food items, and setting them on a table. The extra cots, blankets, and linens were taken up to the loft. There were quite a few surprises in the food supplies. Max had sent us some more beef that was already labeled, and wrapped in butcher paper, or containers.

There were big bags of flour, sugar, and another fifty pounds of dog food. Max had also sent a heavy supply of beans, potatoes, and coffee along with a note stating they could never have enough on their cattle drives. So, our butts were now covered with enough food. I so needed to give Max another call to thank him for the supplies, and his help.

We were all sitting around taking a break, and had been for about an hour, or so when there was what sounded like possibly the starting of a big machine. We walked over to the back door to see that Rose had gotten the backhoe up, and running. Thank God.

Emmett had already had some men bring another big truck / machine just in case. It's a big wheel front loader? Hell, I don't know one truck from another unless it's a smaller version.

It was fixed, but Rose was stuck here. No way she could make it back with what they told us about the highways. She didn't seem bothered by the fact. Hummm...

Anyway, everyone was taking a break. Some of the guys were going out to cut up some more fire wood, as this Jake Black was going to need it for the wood heaters in his yurts.

I walked over to ask the girls what they were fixing for dinner. They were fixing country fried chicken, and country fried steak, pepper milk gravy, mashed potatoes, with fresh green beans, turnip greens, skillet creamed corn, and for dessert Maggie was making carrot cake, and homemade cookies.

We had been sitting around just talking, and before I knew it it was going on four in the evening. I was fixing to get up to go help the ladies with the cooking when you could hear quite a few vehicles coming towards us. I picked up Lise, grabbing Sasha, and Baxter putting on their leashes. We started walking towards the doors, but the men had already went outside. I walked out where they were meeting with whoever had pulled up.

Apparently it was Jake Black, and his men. I walked up next to Edward, and Emmett was making introductions. He saw me pulling me over, "Jake, this is Bella Swan, owner of Swan Ranch. Bella, this is Jake Black." I stuck my hand out with a smile, "Hello, it's good to finally meet you. Emmett has told me a lot about you, and your company. How about we take this inside, and then in a little bit someone can show you where we have cleared you an area out for your yurts."

Everyone heads inside, as I walk ahead to make sure we have a pot of coffee, and stuff for them to drink. I make sure everyone has something, get them sitting, and we talk about their trip up here. Jake say's the roads are pretty bad, and they had to pull some of their bigger equipment to move snow, and ice out of the way to get through.

I give them a bit to talk, rest, and then tell Emmett to take him, and his men out there to show him where he can put his yurts up. I ask if he could use some help to make it go faster, and a few men go out to help them. I also tell him that dinner should be ready around five thirty, or six. I also explain where there is a bathroom, and plenty of places to get cleaned up for dinner.

I sit down with my dogs, and Edward. He looks at me kind of inquisitive. I ask him what is the problem, but he just say's nothing at the moment, but he will be watching. He also ask me if I got one of my hand guns on me. I asked him why he thought I would need it, but he couldn't say.

With all the help they had out there they managed to get at least one of them up for tonight. I told everyone to come in, and get cleaned up for dinner.

Now we're fixing to get a feel for the new people. Let's see if they are going to fit in, or not.

Alright, we got some new characters, some interesting things fixing to come into play. We also got another storm coming, so hold on and let me know what ya'll think.

Thanks muches...