Chapter 9 [Christmas Day]

[Rancho Rivertree—10 AM]

Winter visited on the previous evening. Snow sat in a thin layer over the grass. Dark Blue greeted travelers from on high. Breath froze in the air. Boots tracked through white powder on Chores' trek.

Blue cleared the tables and benches. He rubbed the back of his neck. "We can't eat out here now." He shook his head. "I don't get it! It's been real warm up until last night."

Buck shrugged. "The Almighty decided to bring us a bit of cold and snow, Blue Boy. Can't get steamed over it. We got this." He looked around the new compound. "We got to figure out something else. Can't bring these back in the house."

"Nope. Sure can't." Blue glanced toward the hacienda. He knew Annie, Jenny and Penny needed space for their preparations for the afternoon's work.

"Blue." Wind approached him. He looked over the tables. Then he pointed toward the barn. "We have yet to move the tools in there. Everything might fit."

Blue gazed on the barn. "Give me a minute! Hey, Wind! Thanks!" He hustled down the hill and toward the barn. He stuck his head in the door. His eyes took in the empty area. "Yeah! Yeah this could work!" He grinned. He whistled toward Reno and Ira. "HEY! NEED SOME HELP AT THE HOUSE! IT'LL JUST TAKE A MINUTE!"

"Sure thing, Blue!" Reno led Ira up the hill. He whistled to Dan and Bart. "COME ON, GUYS! LET'S GET THIS TOGETHER!" He led them up the hill.

Buck stepped back. "Well now! Lookie here! Now this is more like it!" He grinned. "Come on up here and give us a hand." He grabbed one end of the table. With Ira's help, he carried it down the hill.

"JUST PUT IT IN THE BARN, UNCLE BUCK!" Blue yelled. He followed with the other picnic table. Bart and Reno helped grab the other sides. He lined the second table up with the first one. "There!" He tipped his hat back. "That looks about right."

"We got them chairs, Blue Boy. You check on the girls. See how our dinner's coming." Buck motioned toward the hacienda.

Blue grinned. "I'm on it." He sprinted up the hill and toward the door. He walked in. "How's everything going?"

Penny shut the cookstove's door. "Everything's real good here! Ham'll be ready by 2:30. Annie's got some fixings going on top of it."

"I'm boiling potatoes to mash. We have baked beans going in the Dutch oven as well." Annie pointed to the smaller metal door just above and to the right of the fireplace. Tell the men we'll have plenty for everyone! What's your Uncle Buck up to?"

"Just his usual." Blue smirked. "I should get back to him." He stole a kiss off of Penny's cheek. "This looks great. I'll be back to get everything to set the table with." He walked out the door.

"Can you believe him? Gosh!" Penny blushed.

"He loves you. Enjoy it." Annie assured her.

Penny nodded. "I do. It's just that sometimes I feel like it's a dream." She glanced at the crate. I just hope they finally open that thing today! She glanced toward the sky. Pa, I hope you're doing all right! Merry Christmas!

Festivities Past and Present needed to be remembered after all….