Return to Shiloh Chapter 26: Morning on Shiloh)
Night passed and the storm with it and morning came again on Shiloh Ranch. Josie was up before anyone and in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone. Good morning, Josie. Good morning, Uncle Henry. Did you sleep well? Well enough considering the storm, dear. Good morning, Josie. Good morning, Ellie. Is your daddy up yet? He's coming, Josie. Good morning, sir. Good morning, Ellie. Do you think you could manage to call me Granpa as Annie and Virginia do, dear? Sir is a bit too formal for us, I think. I think I could, Granpa. That's settled then. After all, you are like family to me. Daddy told me how you became like a father to him after he lost his own when he was young. You and your family were the first things he told me about from when I could remember anything. Good morning, Judge. Morning, Randy. Morning, Josie. Good morning, Randy. Did you sleep alright? What with the storm an all, I guess I did. Good morning, Jamie, Emmett. Good morning, Josie. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Go on and sit yourselves down. Judge, would you and Josie mind lookin after Ellie for a while today? Of course not, Randy? I've got to ride out to our place and see whether the storm did any damage. We'll be happy to watch her for you, Randy. Breakfast is ready, everyone. Would say the blessing, Uncle Henry? Of course. Lord, bless this food and the people gathered around this table and thank you for seeing us all safely through the storm last night. Amen. Dig in, everyone. I wonder how Betsy and David and the children made it through the storm. I'm sure they're alright, Josie. The parsonage does have a cellar in it. Boy, this was probably the worst storm since the one that happened when me an Betsy were stuck in that crazy ol mansion. Was'nt that when Betsy was invited to Brynnmar Hall the last time, Randy? It sure was, Judge. That must've been the spookiest night of my life. When did that happen, Randy? Not long after I first came to live here, Josie. What was it like for you when you lived here with my uncle and the others, Randy? It was just plain wonderful, Josie. Life was good and I had a family again. And we were glad to have you here as well, Randy. That was a delicious breakfast, Josie. Thank you, Uncle Henry. You're cooking tastes almost exactly the way Betsy's did. I'm glad you think so, Randy. I'd better go get this letter to Trampas. See you later, Emmett. Bye, Josie. I'll help you clear the table, Josie. Thanks, Jamie. Well, I'd better go saddle me up a horse so I can go check on our place. Goodbye, Daddy. See ya later, Ellie. You mind Josie and the Judge, now. I will, Daddy. See you later, Randy. I'll walk out to the barn with you, Randy. Alright, Judge. I hope you don't mind but I asked Ellie to call me Granpa the same as Annie and Virginia do. I don't mind at all, Judge. It'll be good for her to have a granpa in her life seein as she'll never know either of her real granpa's. It'll make her feel like she belongs. You've always been like a son to me so I consider her family as well. And I've always thought of you the same, Judge. From now on it'll be as if she was my own granddaughter. You and the Virginian and Trampas may not be of my blood, but I could'nt love you more if you were my own. You'll always be the sons of my heart. I know that, Judge. And I'm grateful for it. I'll see ya later, Judge. Goodbye, Randy.