A Shiloh Christmas: Chapter 9 [December 23rd, 1899]
I see you're back, Daddy. What did you do in town? I bought a few things, Betsy. I'm going to go upstairs and wrap them. I'll make sure nobody goes up there, then. Thank you, Betsy. And I won't peek, either. And with that Betsy returned to her baking. I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve, she said to herself. Time flies by so fast. Its almost five o'clock now. Meanwhile, Trampas and the Virginian had just come back from their respective errands. So how were those cows, Trampas? They were just fine, boss. They'll be fine out there till after Christmas. That's good. I wondered when you two would be gettin back. Did anything happen while I was gone, Randy? Nothin much, boss. Betsy had a surprise she wanted me to see so I went up to the house with her. And we talked for a few minutes. And the Judge had me hitch up the surrey and he went into town. I saw him come in a little while before you both did. Sounds like you've had a pretty interesting day. That was a joke. Oh. What was the surprise? Betsy made somethin she knew my ma used to make for Christmas. That was nice of her. It tasted just like my ma's did. What was it, Randy? Its called an apple stack cake. I don't think I've ever had that. You will on Christmas. When I left, it looked like Betsy was makin a whole bunch of em. In that case, I can't wait to try some. What did you do in town? I sent a letter to some relatives back in Virginia, Randy. I don't know if it'll get there in time for Christmas, but I wanted to let them know how I am. Well, we'd better go put these horses away, Trampas. Yo, boss. Meanwhile, up at the main house Betsy had just finished her baking for the day. One more batch of baking tomorrow and I will be done. My, its after five already. I'd better start supper. Daddy, I'm going to start supper now, Betsy called upstairs. It'll be ready in a little while. Alright, Betsy. I'll be down in a few minutes. And down in the bunkhouse Cookie was preparing supper as well. Well, we'd better be getting washed up for supper, Randy. Lets go inside. It is cold out here. It sure is, boss. Just today Trampas was askin me if I think it'll snow on Christmas. Its cold enough to snow, Randy. That's for sure. I guess it'll snow if it wants to. Come and get it, boys. Sounds like supper's ready, everybody. Lets eat. Tomorrow about three we'll be going after the tree, Randy. Sounds good to me, boss. And it was'nt long before they'd finished supper and were sitting around the fire. My, how the years have flown by, Trampas. I know what you mean, bossman. Sometimes it seems like yesterday that you and Judge Garth rescued me from those wolves. Sometimes it does'nt seem like any years have gone by at all. But all of you are proof that they have. This year's been a good year thanks to all of you. I don't know what I'd do without you boys. And you're growing like a weed, Randy. I am? You sure are, and learning more every day that goes by. What do you remember about Christmas when you were a youngun, boss? Well, Randy, we always had a Christmas tree and my mother always made a nice meal on Christmas Day. And she always made cookies and pies, too. My parents always made Christmas special. And now we'd better be getting to bed because we've got a big day tomorrow. Night, boss. Goodnight, Randy. Goodnight, bossman. Goodnight, Trampas. See you all in the morning.