Chapter 11

Billy walked two days later leading a black mare. He stopped to speak to Hansen before making his way over to Teaspoon and Eli.

"We got a tree fell cross the fence out on the north side. Hansen saw it this morning. We are heading out to fix it."

"Sounds good. Where's Tate heading?" Teaspoon said as he watched the boy head on toward the pond.

"He said he needed a day. He's been doing good so I told him it was fine. Hope that's ok."

"Yeah it's fine. Ain't been much going on lately. He needs to be here tomorrow though. Got a feller coming to buy ten head."

"Yes sir. Need us to bring some in tonight?"

"Good idea. Bring in the fifteen bay yearlings out from the west pasture. We need to be moving them on. He can take his pick from them."

"We'll get right on it as soon as we get the fence back up."

"Billy, son, you are a good boy and you're doing a mighty fine job here. You ought to be proud."

"Thank ya sir." Billy said smiling leading the horse into the barn.

Teaspoon turned back around after watching the boy walk inside the barn. He squinted his eyes and looked again. Lori was on her horse heading out to the far pasture. He frowned. He saw Rachel coming around the house with her basket. He stood and made his way over.

"Rachel, where is Lori heading?"

"She is going to pick flowers out on the prairie for the house. Why?"

"Lordy Lord."

"Why? What's wrong? What aren't you telling me?"

"Can you watch Eli?"

"Yes... Teaspoon?"

"I got to see to something."

Rachel stood in disbelief as he pulled himself unsteadily up on a horse that he had Billy hurry and saddle. She put her hands on her hips.

"Teaspoon?!" She yelled as he rode away.

Billy walked over.

"Is everything ok?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. Where is he going?"

"He didn't say. Just that he needed an easy horse. Should I go after him?"

"No, no. That's alright. You've got work to do here. It just makes me wonder what it could be that he would ride. He doesn't really ride anymore."

"Well he should be fine. After all, Tate rode down to the pond." Billy said as he walked off.

Rachel closed her eyes. Tate. Lori. What a convenient occurence. She looked down at a waiting Elijah.

"Come on, baby. Let's go see if your Mom needs help with supper."

Teaspoon rode on down to the pond. Please let this just be a coincidence. He eased his horse over to the tree line. He took a deep breath. There was that rascal Tate but no Lori. He felt relief flood over him. He started to turn his horse back home when he heard it. Laughter. He closed his eyes. He looked up to the sky before turning back around. There she was. Laughing. She walked along with Tate just smiling. She pushed his arm. Teaspoon watched as she ran and he laughed chasing her. Tate caught her and pulled her into a hug. Teaspoon's eyes got wide as the boy bent down to kiss her. He leaned forward causing the horse to balk in reverse. He yelled out as he fell to the ground. Tate stopped and pushed Lori behind him.

"What the fuck was that?"

"I don't know. It came from over there."

Teaspoon finally pushed himself up but he had a hard time getting to his feet. He was struggling when he saw the boots walk up to him. He heard the boy holster his gun.

"Fuck, we didn't know what the fuck was going on over here."

"Grandpa." Lori said putting her hand over her face.

"Don't just stand there. Help me up."

Tate reached down and got Teaspoon's arms. He pulled him up.

"The fuck you eat old man. What the fuck you doing out here? I could have fucking killed you."

Teaspoon straightened up. He looked at Tate. He took his foot and kicked him in the knee.

"The fuuu...!"

"No more! Boy, I am so sick of hearing your mouth!"

"Yes sir." Tate said quieting down.

"Grandpa..." said Lori.

"What the hell you doin Lori? And with him of all people? You know this ain't gonna turn out well!"

"Grandpa, I really, really like Tate. He's a good boy. Just a little rough around the edges. Please, Grandpa, don't tell no one. Please give him a chance."

"Lori, I am supposed to look after y'all while your Dad's gone."

"Please, Grandpa. He will stop cussing and he will start acting better. I promise he will."

"I will what?" Said Tate.

"You will stop cursing all the damn time and act like you got some sense!" Lori fussed at him.

"It's hard, baby. That's the only way I know how to talk. I swear it's the fucking truth."

Teaspoon kicked him in the shin again.

"Fuuuuu. I mean, please stop doing that sir."

"See Grandpa. He can do this. Please. I really like him. Please."

Teaspoon watched as Lori's eyes started tearing up. He looked up at the sky. He was going to regret this but he couldn't tell her no.

"Ok."

"Ok? Truly? You'll see! He will start acting better and talking better! You'll see! Thank you!" She said hugging her grandfather.

"I'll be watching." Teaspoon said eyeing Tate.

"I ain't gonna hurt her, Mr. Hunter. I fuc... I mean, I really like her a lot. Ain't that right, baby." Said Tate.

"No more curse words. You better not screw this up cause if you do, if I ain't able to kill you, you better bet your ass that her Daddy will." Teaspoon turned as Lori led his horse back over.

Tate helped him up in the saddle before Teaspoon looked down at him again.

"Stop calling her baby."

"Ok."

"What was that?"

Lori popped Tate on his arm.

"Yes sir."

"Better. Now Lori why don't you accompany your Grandpa back home."

"Yes sir."

Lori went to gather her horse when her Grandpa yelled out.

"Don't forget the damn flowers."

"Oh yeah, thanks!"

He watched as Tate walked over to hold her horse for her. He helped her mount up. Teaspoon watched as he waited for her to get settled before handing her the flowers. He spoke to her softly before he went to gather his horse. The boy might show some promise if he could get his mouth right. Damn. Damn. He was gonna get in trouble for this.

Rachel walked out in the yard as Teaspoon and Lori rode back up. Lori got both their horses and led them in the barn. Rachel handed Teaspoon his cane that he had left behind. She crossed her arms.

"What was that about?"

"I got so excited to hear about the flowers. I just had to go see for myself."

"You lie horribly."

"I cannot confirm nor deny that statement. Excuse me."

Rachel tapped her foot as he walked across to their house. She turned hearing another horse. She saw Tate ride back in. My Lord it was true. She knew it and now her husband was involved in this new love affair. Lord help them all.