Chapter 53
Kate pulled the ute up to Drovers Run. She checked the stable and saw that Jodi and Tess's horse's were gone. She decided to see if anyone was in the house. She found Meg and Terry with Claire, Meggie, and Katie.
"Kate! Russell! I'm so happy to see you! What are you doing here? Jodi didn't mention you were coming today," said Meg as they came in.
"Well, it's a surprise visit. We had a big surprise planned but it didn't work out, so here we are. I'd love to go talk to Jodi. Do you know where she is?" asked Kate.
"She went with Tess and Matt to check water levels. They've been dangerously low. We need some rain. I wonder if Moira has a rain dance she could recommend for us or something. They're probably at the dam or the creek," replied Meg.
"Could we borrow a couple horses?" asked Russell.
"I'm sure Tess and Jodi wouldn't mind at all," replied Meg.
"Great. Thanks. I can't wait to catch up with all of you when we get back here." said Kate.
Kate and Russell went to the stable, saddled two horses, and headed out to find their friends.
"Let's hit the dam first. It's closer. We can head out to the creek if we don't find them there."
Kate pointed to figures in the distance, "There they are. Let's go!" and kicked her horse into a run.
"Squirt! Russell! You came after all!" exclaimed Jodi as she saw her friends riding up,
"Stretch, I'm sorry I was so weird this morning. I was taken by surprise. I just didn't expect to see you at the clinic." replied Kate.
"Are you really pregnant? Is your baby okay? I've been worried." asked Jodi.
"Um, well, actually-" Kate looked at Russell and smiled. "It's two babies. We just found out we're having twins! But both babies are healthy!"
"Squirt! That's fantastic! You're getting a two-fer!" squealed Jodi.
"Congratulations, guys!" Tess exclaimed.
"Wonderful news. Congratulations!" Matt shook Russell's hand.
"So that explains why you were at the clinic, but why didn't you go to the clinic in Adelaide? What are you doing here?" Jodi asked
"Well, we have another announcement, but I'd like to get everyone together to share it." said Kate.
"I hope it's that you're moving back to Drovers Run!" squealed Jodi.
"We aren't moving back to Drovers Run. Sorry," apologized Kate.
"Good. We can't spare any water for you, anyway," joked Tess.
"Meg mentioned things were bad. Are they that bad?" asked Kate.
"The creek is completely dry. The dam, as you can see, is super low, and things are just as bad at Killarney and Wilgul. We are going to have to start tanking water in. There doesn't seem to be much choice." explained Tess.
"Wow. I'm sorry. I saw some water tankers on the road. It seems some other farms have already started doing that," said Kate.
"We were headed to Jack's Folly to start mustering. We need to sell off a lot of our stock. We can't afford to water all of them. All of the steers must go, and some of the cows. We will keep enough cows to rebuild the herd later. Hopefully, we can get this done quickly while we can still get a decent price. I reckon that most of the stations in the area have the same plans. The market is about to be flooded," Jodi said.
"We can give you a hand. I haven't had a good muster in a while," offered Kate.
"It's been about fifteen years since I've mustered cattle, but I'm happy to try and help," added Russell. "I worked as a farm hand in high school, and I was pretty good then, but please cut me some slack if my mustering skills don't pass muster or cut the mustard." Russell smiled and winked while he dropped the pun. Kate loved it.
Kate was then overcome with nausea and had to jump off the horse as she got sick. "Sorry guys, the morning sickness extends all hours of every day," explained Kate.
"Maybe you shouldn't join this muster, Squirt. We can handle it. You should go back, and rest," suggested Jodi.
"No, I'm okay. I want to help," said Kate as she heaved again.
Russell dismounted and went to his wife. "Kate, you should go back. I'm sorry. I know you want to ride and help, but I don't think you can right now. I'll ride back with you if you want," offered Russell.
"No, I'll go back on my own, it's not a long ride. You should stay and help," said Kate, sounding disappointed as she climbed back on the horse. "I'm heading back, guys, I'll see you for dinner. Have fun on the muster," she called to the group.
"Sorry Kate, I hope you feel better. I'm so glad you're here! Let me text Jaz and Stevie. I'll have everyone over for dinner tonight and you can share your news with all of us. I'll text my mom and give her warning the gang is coming over. We can have a barbeque with everyone. I wonder if Jaz will have an announcement too," said Jodi.