A Shiloh Christmas: Chapter 8 [December 23rd, 1899]
What's that you're making there, Randy? A little box for Betsy to keep her ribbons and things in, boss. It's beautiful, Randy. If you need something to wrap it in, I've got something you can use. Thanks, boss. Your welcome, Randy. There, its done. I'll go get that wrapping paper for you. Here it is, Randy; the Virginian said when he returned. Thanks. You're welcome, Randy. Where were you headed to? I'm just going to go take care of some last minute details, Randy. Anything I can help with? Stay and keep an eye on things here, will you? Sure, boss. And then the Virginian mounted his horse and rode away. He sure is somethin, Randy said to himself as he wrapped his Christmas present to Betsy. Meanwhile, in the main house Betsy had just started to make a very special dessert. Special in the eyes of her dearest friend anyway. Good morning, Betsy. Morning, Daddy. What are you baking now? Oh, I'm baking that apple stack cake Grandma AnnaMae gave me a recipe for. I hope when Randy tries it, he'll be reminded of his mother's cake. His mother was very special to him, was'nt she? Yes, she was. When we were heading to the dance that evening; he told me that he still misses her sometimes, but not as much as when he was drifting. That's good to hear. I'd say that's because of you, Betsy. Well, all I ever did was to try to make him feel at home from the first day he was here. And I'd say you and the boys had a hand in that,too. Well, I'm glad he stayed. So am I, Daddy. There's not a day he does'nt bring me joy. And thats because you love him. Yes, Daddy, I do. I don't know what I'd do without him. I have to go into town for awhile, Betsy. I won't be long. Alright, Daddy. I'll see you later. Randy, could you hitch up the surrey for me? I have to go into town for awhile. Sure, Judge. I'll have em hitched in a minute. I see you finished your present for Betsy. I sure did, Judge. I'm sure Betsy will love it. All hitched up, Judge. Thank you, Randy. See ya later, Judge. Where ya headed, Trampas? The Virginian asked me to go check on some of the steers in the south pasture. I'll be back before long, though. Do you think it'll snow on Christmas, Randy? I don't know, Trampas. I guess it would if it wanted to. I remember one year when I was a little fella, we had us the biggest snow I ever laid eyes on. How old were ya, Trampas? I was seven, and that was the last Christmas my mother, dad, brothers, and I spent together as a family. What happened to em, Trampas? Well, the next year my mother and brothers got scarlet fever and they died, and since my dad made his livin traveling; the local judge made me live with another family. Did you run away? Oh, I did eventually. And I lived with more families and in more places than you could put a number on after that. And then me and my dad worked a lot of ranches til he died and I settled here at Shiloh. Were your brothers older or younger than you? They were younger. In fact if my youngest brother were alive right now, he'd be the exact age you are. What was his name? Well, my mother named him John, so we all called him Johnny for short. I had a brother named Johnny. I know, the Virginian told me what happened after I got back. And I was sorry to hear about what happened that day. I know how it feels to lose family. And I know not everybody gets a chance to have a family again. What I'm trying to say is you're the closest thing to a younger brother I've had since Johnny passed on. I'm glad to know that, Trampas. I think the same of you. Well, I'd better go see to those cows. See you later, Randy. Bye, Trampas. Meanwhile, up at the house Betsy had just finished a big batch of apple stack cake and she'd made a smaller one as well. I think I'll go see what Randy's up to, she said to herself as she walked out the front door. Hello, Randy. What have you been up to? Oh, nothin much. Trampas was here a few minutes ago and we were talkin. What did he have to say? He told me about his family. And he told you what happened to them,Randy? He did. So you already knew? Yes, he told me how they died not long after he first came to live here on Shiloh. He told me that if his youngest brother was still livin, he'd be the same age as me. I think that's why he's always looked out for you from the day you were first here, Randy. Because you remind him of Johnny. I've got a surprise for you up at the house, Randy. What is it? You'll have to come into the kitchen to see it. Alright, Betsy. Is that?- It certainly is, Randy. Go ahead and try it. How is it, Randy? It tastes just like my ma's did, Betsy. Well, I'm glad I was able to recreate it for you. I certainly could'nt have done it without Grandma AnnaMae's help. Thank you for doin this, Betsy. You're welcome, Randy. I was glad to do it. Betsy, one day when I was still home; my ma asked me to promise her I'd come west if anything ever happened to her and pa. Well, I'm glad you kept your promise, Randy. And I'm glad you wandered onto Shiloh. So am I, Betsy. I'd better be gettin back. I promised the Virginian I'd watch after things. See you later, Randy. Bye, Betsy. Thanks. You're welcome, Randy. And with that Betsy smiled and turned back to her baking.