One day, you have everything you could ever want in life, and the next day, it's gone.
There in front of her was the place she had once called home. Now it was nothing more than rubble. Supporting beams stood tall, holding up the blackened home, but that was it. Everything else had been consumed by the unforgiving fire.
Joanna Marsha Hanshaw was an orphan without a home. She looked to her right as somebody grabbed her hand, there standing beside her, was her best friend Charlie. The two had grown up together and spent their days riding horses.
Closing her eyes, she felt the fear of that night rise in a shaking breath. She heard the frightened cries of her mother, the terrified look on her father's face as she wondered if they would ever make it out alive. The room she stood in had once been the family living room. Part of the ceiling had collapsed and sunlight now shone through, but even the bright light couldn't lift the haunted feeling the room gave her. Everything was burnt to ashes, yet Joanna could point out every piece of furniture in her mind, remembering all the memories that the place held when it had been beautiful. Any second now, she could open her eyes, and this nightmare would all be over. That this was just a horrible nightmare, nothing more than a dream.
"I'm sorry," Charlie whispered, grabbing her hand as he clutched it tightly.
Joanna had heard so many versions of people giving her their condolences, but hearing it from him made it hurt so much more. Hearing him say that meant this wasn't a nightmare. This was real, and Joanna wasn't ready to face that reality.
Finding words beyond her, she gave him a nod, gripping his hand tighter.
The two friends stood on the blackened ground that once had been home. Staying quiet as they remembered all the happy memories that had come from the home.
"Let's go, Charlie and Joanna." A voice called, ushering the two kids to the car.
Since losing her parents, Sandra and Isaac Hanshaw, she had been staying with Charlie's parents. Once she had been released from the hospital, Joanna had spent a week there with doctors monitoring her closely. What had her confused was how distant her grandparents had become. Her grandma Charlotte and grandpa Mark had visited her twice, maybe three times in hospital, but not once since she had left. Joanna had been incredibly confused the last time she'd seen her grandmother as the woman had kissed her head, telling her to be strong and take care. In the weeks that followed, Joanna began to understand what she had meant.
Three weeks later, Joanna stepped off a plane at Darton domestic airport, thousands of miles away from the home she knew. Her stomach churned with uncertainty as she followed the other passengers to what she hoped was an air-conditioned arrivals lounge. Tightening her grip on the picture she held in her hands, it was the only thing she could use to identify her aunt and uncle. Joanna had been sent the picture from her caseworker, Miss Madden. The woman had called her to say she would be moving to Nevada to live on her uncle and aunt's ranch! Shocked was an understatement for the poor girl, not only had she never met her uncle Luke and aunt Maxine, she had never heard about them and she was going to live with them! Well, not them, she would be living on the property in a cabin with her grandfather MacArthur, but once again, he was a stranger.
Looking down at the picture once more, she looked up to see a head of blonde hair bounce with excitement as the woman waved. That woman was her aunt Maxine and Joanna assumed the man beside her was her uncle Luke. Standing tall, he looked scarily like her father, but with more of a cowboy flair.
"Here we go…" Joanna muttered under her breath, before inhaling deeply.
"Hi, Joanna. I'm your aunt Max and this is your uncle Luke." The older woman greeted her as she got closer.
"Good afternoon, Uncle Luke and Aunt Max," Joanna said politely, extending her hands toward them.
Joanna noted the quiet nature of her uncle Luke and guessed he wasn't much of a talker. The only cowboys she had seen were those in movies or the one time she'd gone to a rodeo, uncle Luke looked like them but a little less polished. He looked much more authentic and you could see he worked much harder than the Hollywood cowboys.
"Have you got many bags?" Her aunt Maxine asked before silence could arise.
"Just my carry-on and one suitcase." Joanna replied, "I'm so sorry. Is there a restroom I may use?"
"Of course, and you don't have to apologize," Maxine said softly.
"Why don't you give me your bag and I'll wait for your suitcase?" Luke offered, holding out his hand to take her bag, "What does it look like? So I can grab the right one."
"It's a pink Louis Vuitton, I doubt there will be another as it is from their exclusive range. They only made a handful of them in the same design." Joanna replied nonchalantly, watching her uncle's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"I'll make sure to look out for it and I'll meet you, ladies, by the truck." He said, recollecting himself.
After using the facilities, Joanna stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.
"You're fine." She said to herself, hoping a pep talk would help her, "Uncle Luke and Aunt Maxine seem like really nice people and I'm sure you are going to be okay."
Catching her own hazel eyes, she wasn't sure if she'd convinced herself as her stomach continued to churn.
"We can't stay in here forever. Eventually, we have got to walk out with our head held high and face whatever comes next." Her heart ached as she said the words.
After she had taken an embarrassing fall off her horse, Joanna had hidden in the horse trailer, refusing to leave. Sandra, her mother, had found her, pulling her into a warm embrace before saying those same words Joanna had recited. Joanna remembered standing up, taking in a deep breath as her chest rose, and stepping outside. It was a good thing she had because she had won first place in her class and had gone home with another ribbon for show jumping.
When she walked out, her aunt Maxine gave her a soft smile before leading her out of the airport to where her uncle stood by an old red and white Ford pickup truck.
"I believe it is safe to assume you have my suitcase?" Joanna asked her uncle.
"Correct, it was the first one I saw on the carousel. You weren't joking about it bein' pink." He replied, giving her a small smile.
As they pulled onto the highway her aunt Maxine kept a conversation going between them. Joanna had asked how many sons her aunt and uncle had.
"There's seven of 'em. Kit, Adam, Nate, Seth, Bryan, Quinn, and Jake." Luke said, his voice holding a sense of pride.
Seven sons? That's seven boys! Joanna felt the color drain from her face and her breaths became shallow and erratic. She barely heard her aunt's voice as everything became muffled. It must have been her aunt telling her uncle to pull the car over because a moment later Joanna was fumbling for the door handle.
Gasping for air as she walked away from the truck, Joanna didn't wander far, but far enough to get space. What the heck was everyone thinking?! Expecting her to move to cowboy county, Nevada to live with strangers and their seven sons. It was hard enough moving away, but living with so many people made her feel sick to the pit of her stomach. Joanna was raised as an only child, she knew nothing about life with siblings or cousins.
Joanna closed her eyes, gulping as she took in deep breaths. Moments passed and once her breathing was more controlled, she opened her eyes, taking in the sight before her.
Sand-colored mountains stretched far and wide, sage bushes scattered across the desert ground and in the distance, she saw something that stole her breath. A herd of wild horses galloped before her very eyes. The herd was made up of beautiful bays, chestnuts, grays, and paint horses. Joanna watched in awe as the herd moved together, moving with such grace and beauty that she couldn't tear her eyes away.
"Isn't it beautiful?"
Without looking, she knew the voice belonged to her aunt.
"It is. It almost feels like being in a dream."
"Welcome to life in rural Nevada. Most days you can see horses as you drive along the highway or you will see them if you go out riding. Luke and the boys are always seeing them when they check fences and other work around the ranch." Her aunt spoke in a soft voice, almost as if she spoke too loudly, she would break the enchantment the wild horses had cast.
"I've never seen wild horses like this," Joanna admitted.
"Sorry for freaking out." She added, pulling her hair over her shoulder.
Maxine watched the young girl awkwardly play with her hair, making something inside her stir.
"There is nothing to be sorry for because I would have freaked out too if I was in your shoes. I could stand here telling you that I and your uncle Luke have raised our sons to be respectable young men, except that may mean nothing to you. Joanna, you are entitled to be scared and whatever emotions you are feeling. It is all understandable, and we have factored that in." Maxine said, placing a comforting hand on the young girl's shoulder, "Your grandpa Mac said living in the main house would be too much and he suggested you live with him in the cabin. It isn't far from the house, plus it would be quieter and would make it an easier transition for you."
"Wow, you all sound like you have taken so much into consideration. Thank you."
"Of course." Maxine said, putting an arm around the young girl's shoulders, "Are you alright to keep going? I imagine you have already had a big day and would like to lie down?"
Joanna gave a small nod, letting her aunt lead her back to the truck.
Turning off the highway and driving a little further the truck pulled to a stop.
"I can get the gate," Maxine said, jumping out of the cab.
An archway made up of heavy wooden posts, nestled between two square pillars greeted them. Hanging from the archway, Joanna read, "Three Ponies Ranch" It looked like something out of a western film.
Once her aunt Maxine was buckled in again, they kept driving along the long driveway. Passing by, Joanna saw a variety of different horses suited for ranch work. They were mostly quarter horses, but they had good conformation and beautiful coats made up of bays, sorrels, chestnuts, roans, grays, and a few appaloosas. It was looking like the young girl had traded lush green pastures and white picket fences for sparse grass and desert as far as the eye could see.
"Home sweet home," Luke uttered, giving a few cowboys a friendly wave as they drove by.
Joanna watched a German Shepherd come barreling towards the car, barking in excitement. Except they kept driving, her eyes took in the sight of the huge stone house before her.
"It was built during the Civil War with walls two feet thick to withstand attacks from hostile Indians," Maxine said, sounding like the teacher she was.
"No, kidding," Joanna replied, trying to hide the shock in her voice.
"The house may look a bit intimidating from the outside, but Max has done a good job at making the place feel welcoming," Luke said, praising his wife, watching a faint blush rise on her cheeks.
Once the truck stopped, a man stepped out of the cabin, walking towards the truck with a smile on his face.
"As you can see, the cabin isn't too far from the house. Just because you are living in the cabin, it does not mean you have to isolate yourself here. This is your home and you are welcome anywhere." Maxine said, turning in her seat to talk to Joanna.
Not knowing how to respond, Joanna gave a nod.
"Good. Now, let's get you settled." Maxine replied in a chipper voice.
Stepping out of the truck, Joanna automatically moved to shake the older man's hand. He gave a small chuckle.
"Good afternoon. I take it you are my grandpa MacArthur?" She asked, knowing the answer, but wanting to be sure.
"Yes, except you can call me grandpa Mac or grandfather. MacArthur sounds too formal." Mac said. His tone of voice wasn't harsh or upset, it was kind and welcoming.
Meeting her grandfather, Joanna could see where both her father and uncle Luke had gotten their looks from. He had the same features as his sons, but his worn face held a soft expression. There was a kindness in his hazel eyes that matched his kind-natured voice and as he clasped his hand in hers, it had surprised her by how soft his rough-looking hands had been. He looked like a man that had worked hard his entire life and had wisdom beyond his years.
Joanna watched her grandfather and uncle Luke silently communicate before the elder placed a hand on her back.
"Shall we get you settled inside?" Mac said, guiding her towards the cabin.
It was a simple-looking place and was a lot smaller than the main house. Built with gray/brown wood, the cabin seemed to blend in well with the surrounding pine trees and shrubs. Even though Mac knew Joanna could see where everything was, he still pointed things out.
Seeing the young girl's eyes scan around the room, she nodded, choosing to stay quiet, and Mac could sense she was on the verge of falling apart. Not wanting to draw attention, he kept pointing things out to her until they got to a door.
"This is your room." He said.
Joanna cautiously stepped into the middle of the small space, spinning in a slow circle.
Light from the afternoon sun streamed into the room, bathing a chest of drawers and a single bed in a warm glow. There was a bookcase tucked against the wall opposite the bed. Although the room was not that big, Joanna could see everything she would need. A bed, drawers, a wardrobe big enough for her clothes, but small enough to fit into the room, and the bookcase that she thought was nice. She had always enjoyed reading on a rainy day when it was too wet to be with the horses, or she would read in the stables.
"I apologize for how bare the room looks. Except, I wasn't sure what you liked, but I thought you could at least enjoy reading horse books. My understanding is that you like horses." Mac said, trying to get her to talk.
"Yeah, I spent my life around them," Joanna replied.
Mac caught Maxine's eye. There was something in the young girl's voice that had them both worried. As she had spoken, her voice wavered, and she struggled to look them in the eye.
"Do you need help unpacking?" Maxine asked her. Joanna shook her head, "Alright, honey. If you need anything, you can ask your grandfather or walk to the house."
After Luke had dropped her luggage in the room, he left, leaving her with her grandfather and aunt.
"I've also left some useful members by the phone in case you need someone," Mac said, adding to what Maxine had told her.
"Thank you, but I'll be alright," Joanna said quietly, trying her best to remain polite.
"Allow me to walk you out." Mac offered, turning to Maxine.
The older woman took one last glance at Joanna, watching the young girl sitting on the bed.
"She is going to be okay, Max." He said once he closed the door, walking with her.
"That poor girl has been through so much, and I can't tell you how worried I am about her."
Mac saw the woman had a lot on her mind and offered her a seat on the porch.
"I can see it on your face and hear it in your voice. It is natural for you to feel this amount of concern." He said, trying to comfort her as he reached for her hand.
"You should have seen her face when Luke told her how many sons we had. I watched her face pale, and it hit me so hard. For starters, it means she doesn't remember living here at all, and second…" Maxine paused, "We do not know what life she led in Lexington, and I'm quickly trying to get up to speed."
He clasped her hand, placing his other hand to cover hers. "Joanna was raised as an only child in a very wealthy environment. I expect her to be in a lot more shock than we all are feeling. She was too young to remember her life here and with the amount of trauma she has suffered, I was not surprised that Joanna cannot remember. This will take time and we have that."
"For now, I am going to give her some space and allow her to have a moment to herself. I will check in on her in a few hours." He said, patting her hand before rising from his seat.
"Should she be alone for that long?"
"Max, you need to trust me and trust my ability to be her support right now." Mac's voice was kind, but his stern look made her feel like one of her students.
She gave a loud sigh. "I'm sorry. I am not trying to undermine you or doubt you."
"It is difficult to leave a girl looking like a lost calf," Maxine smirked at the expression he used, and it was how she felt.
"Please, if you need anything…"
"I will be knocking on your door," Mac assured her.
"Okay."
Maxine had hardly walked through the door before her sons were asking questions.
"Dad said we couldn't see Jo?" Quinn questioned.
"Yeah, and when we asked him why he just told us to leave her alone," Bryan said, sounding hurt over their father's abrasive answer.
"Joanna has had a big day and is trying to process a lot of information. Give her some time to settle and then introduce yourselves." She said, combing a hand through Bryan's hair . Instantly, he made a face at how she tried to coddle him.
"Mom…" He protested, bating her hands off his head. "How long until we can see her?"
"Why can't we see her now? Does she know we exist?" Quinn asked, looking at her expectantly.
"She knows you exist." Maxine laughed at the question. "Joanna was an only child and hearing about a ranch with six boys is a lot. There is nothing wrong with that, but we have to be careful. with her. She isn't like Samantha Forster. You can't josh her around or tease her as you do with Sam."
"So, what do we do?"
"Wait until you see her around the ranch and say hi. Don't overwhelm her."
Quinn pursed his lips.
"And if she doesn't?" He asked.
"She will."
"But, if she doesn't? Like it's been a month?" Bryan asked, rephrasing what Quinn had said.
"At that point, Joanna and your grandfather would have been over for dinner three times. We arranged they would join us for Sunday supper, so it would get her out of the cabin at least once a week. And once school starts again, she will be going." Maxine said.
"That's two weeks away!"
"We can't push her," Maxine replied softly.
"Why does she get special treatment?"
"Because her parents died in a fire and she's now living in a different state." The two boys turned at the blunt reply, watching as Seth walked towards them. "Seriously, the poor kid has been through enough, and I think we can all agree that we're a lot."
Quinn and Bryan went to utter a protest when Seth kept talking.
"Give her at least a day."
"Fine," Quinn muttered, turning to walk away.
"Does she even like horses?" Bryan asked Quinn in a hushed tone.
Maxine and Seth smiled as the conversation progressed between the two boys.
"She grew up on a horse farm, so I guess…"
As their voices grew more distant, Maxine felt an arm wrap around her shoulders.
"You doin' okay?" Seth asked.
"Are," she replied without needing to think twice.
He gave a low laugh. Even with the frown lines caused by whatever was on her mind, she was still in teacher mode.
"Are you alright?" He said, emphasizing the word in such a way that made her frown turn into a stern look.
"I'm fine. It has been a big day and I imagine this is just the beginning." She admitted, knowing she could confide in her son without needing to deal with repercussions.
"Could I ask you to do something?" Maxine said, pulling away from him, watching his face twist in confusion. "You are not in trouble and it is nothing bad."
"What is it?"
"If you can, can you keep an eye on Joanna? She doesn't remember living here at all and me, your father and your grandfather have agreed not to bring up the subject unless she asks us, not you boys. What I want for her right now is someone that won't give her a hard time. Show her around the ranch, see if she wants to go out riding, and offer to be her friend." She said, pausing for a moment before talking, "I understand there is an age gap and…"
"Mom." Seth interrupted her as he grabbed both her shoulders, "I can easily look out for the kid, but like you told the twerps…" He smiled at her frown, "They are and you know it. But, as I said before, I'm gonna give her a day to venture out by herself. If she doesn't, then I'll try to coax her out."
Seth watched the mixture of emotions cross her face before she gave a small, closed half-smile.
"Thank you." She whispered, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her mouth curved into a full smile as he rested his chin on the top of her head. Trust her sons to inherit their father's tall genes. Although her youngest boys, Jake and Quinn, were about the same height as her, she knew it was only a matter of time before they shot up like weeds.