Hi everyone, I feel very grateful with the reviews I'm getting. Clearly the story is being read by many and that alone is amazing, but to find people actually send in reviews, leaves me almost speechless (I'm seldom really speechless hahaha). So my sincerest thanks to everyone who left feedback in one way or another, either by PM, guest reviews or signed in reviews.

Thank you!

Catherine

Chapter 5

"No way! I'm not going. I don't care that my jeans are worn. I've waited three whole days to work with Diablo. There's no way you're taking that away from me." Evan may have shouted the words, stomping his foot for emphasis, but those who knew him well knew that he was close to crying. "It's not fair!"

"Look, this is not up for debate," Adam wondered why he always had to be the bad guy. Not that Brian never told them off or laid down the law, but for some reason this usually was Adam's chore. It never dawned on the quick tempered man that it was his temper that made him the bad guy. Usually, he exploded before Brian had a chance to open his mouth. Which pushed Brian in the position of the reasonable and comforting peace-maker. If Adam would only hold his tongue he'd find his right hand man stepping in much more often. "You are coming with us and that's final."

"You said I could work with him on Saturday. And now you say I can't. That makes you a liar!"

"No one said you couldn't work with him, just not all day. Now are you done with your tantrum or do we need to deal with that?"

"I'm not having a tantrum. Tantrums are for little kids." The teen felt embarrassed and although Adam could be quite intimidating when he stood before you with his arms crossed, looking at you with those icy eyes, Evan had a hard time backing down.

"If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…," Adam didn't back down either. "You have one chance, buddy, one chance to get your coat and get ready to go and then you can work with Diablo after we get back. If you don't, not only there'll be no working with Diablo but I'll also deal with your temper the same way I would that little kid you say throws tantrums. And you'd still end up coming to town with me." He held up one finger and Evan knew exactly what it meant. He felt he was far too old for that treatment, but he also didn't want Adam to 'deal with him'. He shifted from one booted foot to the other while trying to find the right words to back down. And he knew he'd have to do it quickly. Adam wasn't known for his patience.

Finally figuring Adam hadn't said he had to say sorry or agree with anything he'd said, Evan just did exactly as he'd been told to do in order to avoid trouble: he got his coat and put it on. He couldn't help the mumbled, "Still don't like it," though.

"I know you don't," Adam wasn't one to insist on 'yes sir's, but Evan's attitude was starting to get to his last nerve. Still, the boy had backed down and he'd known beforehand this would be hard on the teen. So he placed a hand on Evan's back as he led him through the door, "And I don't blame you for not liking it. But sometimes we have to do things we don't like. You two behave for me in town and I promise I'll make it as short a trip as possible. You'll still have all afternoon."

"Okay," The words came out a bit belligerent, but Adam knew Evan would try hard. Now all he had to worry about was getting Guthrie through the stores. He didn't think it would be a problem, but you never knew.

Brian only had to see the two to know that Evan wasn't a happy camper. He sighed and partly blamed himself for suggesting the trip. But Saturdays were the only days for this and there weren't many Saturdays left in the year. For a moment he wondered if they couldn't have gotten the boots and jeans next weekend, but he knew the Christmas shopping alone would take up all day. And would take 10 years of his life, probably. He was glad they'd already told the boys about next Saturday, so there wouldn't be any surprises.

"Come on, you two," Ford called out, "were waiting for you!"

"Hold your horses, Ford, we'll get there," Brian grinned at the excited boy. At least one of them was excited. Ford never minded coming with him and Brian often took him, even though it always made the trip longer. Ford was always full of 'suggestions' for groceries. And Brian usually didn't agree with the suggestions.

Evan was quiet all the way to town. He was determined not to make a fuss all morning, just so they could get home quickly, but that didn't mean he had to play mister Happy. And so he didn't.

Murphys wasn't a big town and you wouldn't find the big department stores there, but there were a few smaller stores the family frequented.

Having dropped off Brian, Daniel and Ford at the grocery store Adam drove on to get his own shopping done. If he was honest he could use a new pair of jeans as well, but as always, the boys' clothes were more important. Brian had made him promise to at least look, though, and so he would. First on the agenda were boots for Guthrie.

"These are nice, Guth," Adam pointed at a pair that was sitting on one of the display tables. He wasn't one to shop long. He'd see what he liked, buy it, and leave.

"They're not as nice as the ones I've got, Adam," Guthrie didn't look too impressed with the brown boots.

"You can't keep wearing those, Guth, they're too small."

Not that Guthrie would complain. For one, he wasn't one to complain easily. But secondly, the boy loved these boots. He'd wear them to bed if he thought he'd get away with it. Still, a growing boy needed fitting footwear and so despite the fact that new boots were costly, Guthrie was getting new ones.

"Why not?" Guthrie insisted. "They're still fine…look," and to prove his point he walked through the store ignoring the fact that his toes were getting squished with each step.

"Yeah right," Evan commented, "You can't even walk straight. Come on, these boots are great."

"You just want to be done quickly." Guthrie may have been only 8, he was no fool.

Adam hid a grin at Guthrie's perceptive words. "Well, let's see if there's a pair you do like."

But Guthrie found fault with every pair his brothers found him.

"Come on, Guthrie, you're taking ages and it's only a pair of boots."

"Yeah, like you think that way when it's about your boots, Ev, you're worse 'n me!" Guthrie retorted.

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Whoah," Adam interrupted before this could get out of hand. "That is not a game we're gonna play. Now, kiddo, one way or the other, these boots are being tossed. So unless you want to go around on your sneakers from now on, you'll find a pair you like."

"You can't wear sneakers on a ranch," Evan rolled his eyes and Adam groaned.

"You're undermining my authority here, buddy." Surely, at 13, the kid would understand that Adam was bluffing here, but apparently not.

"Just stating a fact, Adam."

"Yeah I know…that's why he needs boots, genius."

"Oh," Evan got it, but a little too late as Guthrie wasn't fooled. But Evan wasn't done yet. The blonde teen got over his surly mood, for the time being anyway, and sat down next to his little brother. "Why do you like these boots so much, Guth?"

Guthrie shrugged, "They feel good."

"Now come on, I know that's not all of it," Evan looked at Adam for help. The blonde was lost for ideas.

"They were just hand-me-downs, Guth," Adam got on one knee in front of Guthrie, "Don't you want new boots for a change?" As fast as the boys were growing it happened often they didn't even get to wear out clothes before they grew out of them. They would usually get new shoes and boots because they had learned it was important for the development of the feet, but when money was tight, they didn't always have the opportunity. As the oldest, Adam couldn't know exactly what it felt like not to get new things, but he had witnessed more than one tantrum over it in their family. Brian had never liked it and had let their folks know, until dad had put a stop to it. The tantrums had stopped, but Brian had continued to hate it. And he wasn't the only one. So in a way, it surprised the young man that Guthrie wouldn't jump at the opportunity to get brand new boots.

"They were Ford's," Guthrie said softly.

"Yeah I know," Adam nodded. "They're just old boots."

"Ford said they're special boots."

"Aahhhhh…." Evan shook his head and looked at Adam, "I think I know what this is about. We…well, two years ago I got Daniel's old ones. And I wasn't happy about it." He had the decency to blush a little. "I'm sure you remember."

And Adam did remember. Only too well. Evan had thrown a typical epic pre-teen tantrum. He'd kicked the boots across the room and had called Adam every bad word the then 11-year-old could think of. "I'm glad you still remember."

"Yeah…not something I could easily forget. Still ashamed of it." Evan looked down for a second and then looked back up, "I guess Crane never told you that he came up to talk to me after you…well…."

"No, he didn't," Adam saw no reason to embarrass the boy by finishing that sentence for him. "And I can see why he didn't. I'd told everyone to leave you alone to think about what your behavior."

"You mad at Crane now?"

Adam smiled as he looked at the anxious face glancing up at him. "It's two years ago. I think I can let it go. And it seems Crane managed to do what I didn't."

"Yeah."

"What he tell you, Ev?" Guthrie asked.

"I think you know, buddy," Evan looked pointedly at Guthrie. "You never threw the same kind of tantrum I did, but I know you didn't like it. And then Ford knew what Crane had told me, so he had a talk with you….right?"

"Uh huh…he said they were special."

"In what way are they special, Guthrie?" Adam still didn't get it.

"It's not like getting something old and useless, it's like getting something that has something extra."

"Something was added to it," Evan continued, "It has extra value. Extra strength or extra beauty. It's like how you used to love riding Dad's horse after…well, after."

Adam blinked against the tears that suddenly burned his eyes. After their parents had died he used to go to the barn when the kids were asleep and he'd take care of Apple. And whenever he was out on the ranch on horseback, it was on the big Bay. It brought him closer to his father and it helped. "Yeah…it's extra special. And that's what Crane told you?"

"Yeah, and I told Ford and Ford told Guthrie."

"They're special, Adam!"

"I know, Guth, but there comes a time to let go." He made a mental note to than Crane for this when he saw him. "Ford is still here and there will be more of him you can have. And the new boots will have something different that is equally special."

"Really?"

Looking into the expectant eyes of the 8-year-old Adam tried hard to channel Crane. His younger brother was so much better at this than he ever could be. Crane would know exactly what to say. "Well, you get to put something of you in these. And then when you've grown out of them, you get to hand them to someone else."

"But I'm the youngest. There's no one after me, Adam."

Guthrie was right, of course, and Adam had to think for a moment, "Well, I know that. But you know that we donate things to charity when we can't use it anymore. Like the toys you're too old for now and clothes. So someday, some little boy will get to wear your special boots and he'll be really happy and he'll have something to protect him, because of you." Adam held his breath, praying he'd said the right thing.

"Okay," Guthrie glanced around and spotted a pair of boots that were very similar to the ones Evan was wearing. "Those look nice."

Evan smiled, "You got taste buddy."

Adam had to agree. An expensive taste at that. And no one in the family to hand them down to. But then, these were going to be special boots. With special powers. And he'd just told the boy that they would be passed on to someone at some point. "Why don't you try them on," He conceded.

In the grocery store Brian was having problems of his own. They'd already been there half an hour and he still hadn't gotten more than 5 items of the list.

"But Brian," Ford argued, "Adam really likes it with honey."

"I know he does, Ford, but it's more expensive. And we just don't have the money."

"But he works real hard for it, don't you think he deserves it?"

Brian sighed while Daniel hid a grin, "He deserves it, but he's sensible enough to know he can't have it. We're getting the plain ones, sorry, buddy."

Daniel crossed it from the list, "We need flour. And baking powder."

"Okay, this aisle," Brian led the way to the next aisle. "You really need to come along more often, Danny. You're sending us crisscross through the store. When you do this every week you learn how to make a list according to aisle."

"But that's not how it's in the pantry," Daniel argued, "Made more sense to make the list as I went over the different shelves."

"Maybe, but ultimately, my way saves time."

"Well, maybe you should do it next time then."

"Nice try, kiddo," Brian playfully pushed Daniel, "This was punishment remember? And just think about this for a moment: for you it's punishment, for me it's a weekly chore. Does that sound fair to you?"

"You're older," Daniel pointed out.

"But Daniel," Ford was always the champion of justice, "Brian was doing it when he was still in high school. I'll help you next week, Bri."

"Thanks, buddy, that means a lot," Ford's kind heart always warmed Brian, "Your main job is school though. And your regular chores: cleaning your room, dishes when it's your turn, your bathroom when it's your turn, feeding the chickens. All those things."

"I always have time left, Brian, I can help you instead of playing some times."

Brian wondered how a little reality check for Daniel had turned into Ford offering to sacrifice his spare time to help. "That's really sweet of you, Ford. Thank you." He loaded flour and baking powder into the cart. "Wasn't sugar on the list as well, Daniel?"

"Eh yeah…"

"See? So next time write down sugar along with all this, so you don't have to come back to this aisle again. Efficiency!"

Daniel pulled a face at Brian's back, quickly straightening up when Brian turned around at Ford's giggle. "Yes, Brian."

"Hmmm." Brian had a pretty good idea what went on behind his back, but chose not to make an issue of it. "What's next?"

"Brownies!" Ford looked longingly at the sales display at the end of the aisle.

"I can make those myself."

"But they're on sale, Brian! So that saves time. Efficiency, right?"

Daniel couldn't help the giggle at Ford's words, "He's got you there, Brian."

"You have to weigh efficiency against cost, boys," Brian pointed out, "It may be more efficient, but it's cheaper to make them ourselves. And talking about baking, we need cocoa. I finished the last bit on hot chocolate."

"You made hot chocolate?" Ford stood still in the middle of the next aisle. "When did you make hot chocolate."

"Earlier this week."

"And you didn't make me some?"

"You were already asleep."

"But that's not fair!"

"And why is that not fair, Ford?" Brian looked at Ford now. "Should everyone else stop eating and drinking just because you're in bed?"

"No, of course not, but…Brian….hot chocolate!"

"Don't worry, I'll make some tonight."

"Okay," appeased, Ford continued on.

Daniel gave Brian a pointed look, though, "That sounded an awful lot like bribery to me."

"Bribery? That's a mighty big word, kiddo," Brian grinned, "I'd call it encouragement."

"Hmmm keep deluding yourself."

It earned him a cuff to the back of his head from the deluded one, "Keep it up, buddy, keep it up."

"I'm planning to," Daniel grinned as he rubbed his head, more for show than because the cuff had actually hurt. "Beans are next. And potatoes."

"We're out of potatoes?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, well, if we're not you're gonna be peeling a whole lot of them for mashed potatoes this week."

"I happen to like mashed potatoes."

"But you don't like peeling."

"No, but I've got younger brothers."

"So do I…you!"

"Not funny, not funny at all. But we really need them."

"Okay, I believe you."

"Brian!" Ford had walked ahead of them and now came running back. "Can we get fish sticks?"

"Fish sticks?" Brian could feel a headache coming up from behind his eyes. "You don't even like fish sticks." Not to mention the fact that he felt they were a complete waste of money. They were hardly nutritional and that meant 10 packs of fish sticks weren't enough for one McFadden dinner.

"But Guthrie does. He loves them."

"When does Guthrie have fish sticks?" Brian never bought them and the boys brought lunches to school.

"Sometimes he has lunch at school."

"You mean he throws his own lunch out and buys lunch at the cafeteria?" Brian tried to keep his voice even, but didn't quite manage and Ford noticed. Realizing he was in the process of ratting out his baby brother he started to back track.

"Only when there's fish sticks. It…was last year…"

"Don't worry. I'm not going to yell at him. But throwing food away is not okay."

"I think it was when he forgot his lunch."

"Hmm…" Brian pushed the cart along. There was no need to yell at Ford anyway. "Well, we're not getting fish sticks. We can go fish tomorrow and have fish for supper."

"Fried?" Ford looked hopeful.

"Whatever you boys want."

"Fried!" The boys chorused and Brian shook his head. He preferred smoked, but fried was good too.

"Can we get some ice cream, Adam?" Guthrie finally looked up from the new boots on his feet. He had opted to wear them right away and his eyes had been glued to them ever since leaving the store.

"Ah come on," Evan complained. "We were gonna go home right away."

"Well, I did promise you a very quick trip, but it's almost lunch time so even at home you'd have to eat. Why don't we get some lunch in town and then you can go straight to Diablo when we get home. Sound like a plan?"

"I guess," Evan wasn't completely convinced, but seeing Guthrie's happy face he couldn't complain too much.

"Of course, that all depends on how well Daniel and Ford behaved at the grocery store."

"But isn't it unfair if we have to suffer when they misbehaved?"

Evan couldn't help chuckling at Guthrie's innocent question. "Yeah Adam…."

If they didn't know any better they would have thought Adam was a bear, the way he starting grumbling. It started as a rumble in his stomach and then that sound escaped his mouth. It caused both boys to laugh. "Oh laughing at me now huh? Maybe I should change my mind about lunch and ice cream…."

He wasn't fooling either of them. Instead he found himself being jumped on by both, in the middle of the street. "okay, okay, okay…I'll give," He held up the bags with jeans for both Evan and himself, "I surrender. Ice cream it is!"

"What's that about ice cream?"

"Brian, please tell me those two behaved like little ruffians and we don't have to give them ice cream."

"Nooooo Brian….don't let Adam get away with that!" Guthrie hadn't quite managed to keep his voice down when speaking, so it felt like the entire town could hear him.

They had gotten their jeans right next to the grocery store, so had parked there. While talking they had reached the car about the same time Brian did. The other three had a full cart of groceries and Brian was supervising Daniel and Ford as they were loading all the grocery bags into the old pickup truck. Getting all the McFaddens in their Jeep was already quite impossible, but with groceries added it was just easier to take the truck. And the boys loved bouncing around in the bed anyway. Although there always seemed to be a fight over who got to sit in the cabin with Adam and Brian.

"Now how can we get ice cream when I've got groceries in here that will spoil if left out too long?" Brian pointed out the obvious. "And you know we still have a drive home too. And I'd have to have the boys move it all to the cabin."

"Can't we just get ice cream then?" Guthrie pleaded quickly supported by the others.

"We don't need to have lunch here."

"Speak for yourself, Evan!" Daniel gave his brother a little push. "I happen to be hungry."

"You're always hungry," Evan retorted with a push of his own.

Daniel shrugged, "So are you."

"That's true."

Adam had put the bags in the truck as well and now held up his hand to stop the talk, "I don't see why we can't go to the diner and have a nice lunch. You know Marie will love a chance to spoil us and you also know that she'll be perfectly happy keeping the perishables refrigerated for us."

Brian laughed, "Alright, I give in. I was trying to save us some money, but I guess you're not worried about that. And I would love some of Marie's beef stew."

"We have things to celebrate. Guthrie's A for his project and Daniel's A+ for his poem, just to name two." Adam winked at Daniel. The sensitive teenager still couldn't believe Adam had actually managed to get his F changed to an A+, just by talking to his teacher.

"Can't argue with that," Brian conceded, although he wasn't making it hard to be convinced. He loved going to the diner. "Off to Marie's it is."

Marie's diner was only a little way down the street and so a few minutes they pulled into the small parking lot. Before the car was stopped the younger boys were already jumping out, causing Brian to yell, "Hey! You know better!" As soon as Adam had turned the engine off Brian was out the car and grabbed the first one he could reach, which happened to be Guthrie, by the arm. With his free hand he landed two firm swats on the boy's jean glad backside.

"That is dangerous, Guth." He tried to ignore the yelps and the teary eyes. Guthrie had always been a sensitive little boy and even a warning could bring on tears. It was always hard on the oldest two to discipline the baby of the family. "Ford!" He crooked his finger at the next in line. Ford looked like a deer caught in the headlights. But Brian's gesture was clear and he slowly came over. As soon as he was within reach he, too, found himself grabbed by the arm and slightly turned so Brian could swat him. The three swats hurt and he couldn't help the little rub. He was young enough to be more concerned with the pain than anyone seeing him smacked.

As Adam watched Brian deal with the boys he glanced at Evan sitting next to him, "Bet you're glad you're up here today."

Evan pulled a face, "No kidding." He usually was the first to jump out. Adam always yelled at them for it, but usually left it at that. Brian, apparently, had finally had enough of it. The two slowly got out of the car.

Outside, Brian focused his attention to the one furthest away from him. Daniel had made sure to get out of the way as soon as he realized Brian was actually upset enough to start swatting. He ignored Brian motioning him over. There was no way he was voluntarily walking over to receive his swats. "We were pretty much stopped."

"You were the first out. You're the oldest and are teaching them to jump out of moving vehicles?" Brian knew he and Adam had done the same thing as kids, but it wasn't until he had become a parent that he realized how scared it made a parent. He pointed to the ground in front of him. "Here! Now!"

"No way…you're gonna swat me."

"You bet I am. I swatted your brothers. Don't you think you deserve any less?"

Every fiber of Adam's being longed to step in, but he knew he shouldn't. If he did, Daniel would lose the respect he had for Brian.

"I'm 14."

"I am well aware of your age."

"I'm not Ford or Guthrie…" the words were out before Daniel realized that they were insulting to his younger brothers. He blushed a little and glanced at them. "I didn't mean it that way."

"Yes you did," Ford looked disgusted. "Geesh, you're only two years older 'n me. And I think you're being dumb to push Brian. And a coward."

The words hurt and Daniel glanced back at Brian again. "Can't I just say I'm sorry?"

"Noop. You have three seconds to get your butt over here or we'll take this inside for the full version of this."

Boy, things could get out of hand easily. Daniel hesitated for one second, but self-preservation kicked in and he quickly got himself within Brian's reach. "Wise choice, buddy."

Daniel tried to remain stoic as Brian landed four hard swats on his backside, but when he tried to pull away he felt two more and they made him yelp. "Ow!" Guthrie had gotten two, Ford three, being older he'd known he'd get one more, but he hadn't counted on double. "That's not fair. I got way more."

"Shouldn't have fought me, buddy." Brian held on to his arm, "We done here or do you need more?"

Two angry eyes looked up at Brian, but Daniel was sensible enough to back down, "No sir, we're done."

"Good," Adam had been leaning against the car watching the proceedings and straightened up now, "Goodness, boys, was it worth it to get to the diner a few whole seconds sooner?"

"We didn't even get there sooner," Guthrie was the wise one.

"Exactly," Brian agreed, "Shortcuts never work out in the long run. Now…standing outside smelling all that good food is making me hungry." He ruffled Guthrie's hair making the boy smile again, and then pulled Ford over, "No hard feelings, kiddo. Just don't do it no more."

"Anymore," Ford corrected with a grin and Brian laughed.

"I guess that cheek means you're over it."

Ford never was one to stay upset too long, unlike Daniel who would likely sulk the rest of the day.

"If it isn't my favorite family!"

"Marie!" Adam smiled at her and found himself pulled into a big hug.

"Marie….Marie…look at my new boots! Adam got me new boots." Guthrie proudly showed off his new prized possessions and Marie was suitably impressed.

"My, those sure are fine ones, Guthrie. And they look just like Evan's too."

"Uh huh, they're the best, Evan says."

"They sure are," Evan hugged her as well.

"Hope you've got a table for us," Brian got to business, making them all laugh.

"Of course I've got a table for you. I'd throw people out for you!" Marie looked around and reorganized things so they could all sit at the big round table near the window. The groceries were quickly stored in the kitchen, so Brian could rest easily not having to worry over milk going bad. And then Marie handed out menus, even though that wasn't necessary. The family came there often enough to know it by heart. And she didn't even need them to say what they wanted. She knew exactly what each single one of them liked best. "Fried chicken?" She asked Evan and Daniel and both boys nodded, Evan a little more enthusiastically than Daniel.

"Or something else, Daniel?" She asked, wondering what was wrong with the boy.

"Fried chicken sounds good, Marie." As upset as the boy was, he'd never be unkind to Marie. She was like an aunt to the boys.

"Good! Adam…steak I bet."

"You know me too well."

"And me, Marie?" Guthrie asked looking at her expectantly.

"Let me see…" Marie placed her hand on Guthrie's head and closed her eyes, "Ah yes, it's clear now. Hotdog and fries."

The boy's jaw dropped. "How do you know? Last time I ordered a burger."

"That's my secret, little one." She chuckled as she walked off. The specials were on the black board above the counter and Guthrie didn't realize he always ordered the first thing on it. She wasn't about to tell him either.

"Well, brother," Adam grinned at Brian, "We survived!"

"Yeah, we did, but I'm not starting a celebration just yet. We still have next week's shopping trip too. That will be the real challenge. Remember last year?"

Adam groaned, "Wish I could forget."

"What happened to what's done is done?" Evan piped up and Adam smiled at him.

"You're right, buddy, it's done. And it wasn't that bad, I know. But it was exhausting for Brian and me, that's for sure."

"No kidding," Brian agreed. "So please, take it easy on us this time."

All boys, except Daniel, laughed and Ford said, "we always try, Brian. It just doesn't always work out that way."

"You trying is all we can really ask for," Noticing Evan was staring at another table, Brian snapped his fingers, "Hey, buddy, it's not polite to stare."

"I know…I'm sorry, but," Evan looked at Daniel, "That looks like your English teacher, just…different…"