Come Home to Us , Randy : Epilogue : Part 2 { Surprise ! }
[June 11th , 1899]
The next day was a busy one for Betsy , the Judge , and the boys in the bunkhouse as they prepared for Randy's surprise birthday party.
Betsy and the Shiloh cook collaborated on making the food , and Betsy baked Randy's favorite cake.
And Betsy and the Judge invited not only The Virginian and the boys in the bunk - house , but those in town whose trust and friendship Randy
had won with his kindness and honest ways. And Judge Garth had announced the night before in the bunk - house , that there was going
to be a get - together in the main house , and they were all invited , including an unsuspecting Randy.
And finally , the evening of the party arrived and everyone on Shiloh were getting themselves freshened up , including Betsy .
Can I come in , Betsy ? ; the Judge asked softly as he knocked on his daughter's door.
Come in , Daddy , ; Betsy called out softly .
Are the guests all here yet , Daddy ? ; Betsy asked as she finished fixing her hair .
Yes , Betsy , everyone from town is here , and all of the boys except Trampas , Randy , and The Virginian are here , ; her father finished.
Oh , good , ; Betsy replied. Would you button up the back for me please , Daddy ? ; Betsy asked as she stood up.
Of course , dear , ; the Judge replied .
I see you're wearing the dress you wore to Steve's birthday party , Betsy , ; her father said as he helped Betsy with her buttons.
You look lovely , ; he said as Betsy turned around to face him. Thank you , Daddy , ; Betsy replied smiling.
I wanted to look especially nice this evening . ; Betsy added softly.
You look especially happy , I've noticed it all day , Betsy , ; her father said , smiling warmly.
I can't help but be happy , Daddy , ; Betsy replied smiling. Today's the day that one of my best friends in the whole world was born , ; Betsy said happily.
I can't wait to see Randy's reaction when we all pop out and say surprise ! ; Betsy said , giggling softly.
And now , Daddy , we'd better go downstairs before the birthday boy makes his appearance , ; Betsy said playfully , taking her father's arm.
After you , Betsy , ; the Judge said as they left the room and walked downstairs.
Hi , Betsy , you sure do look pretty , ; Bill said when he caught sight of her . Hello , Betsy , you look really pretty , ; Steve said with a smile.
Thanks , you two , ; Betsy replied , smiling at Bill and Steve. Bill, would you keep an eye out for Randy , and let us know when he's coming , please ? ; Betsy asked.
Sure , Betsy , ; Bill replied as he went to the front door. Hello , Miss Betsy , ; Sheriff Abbott said politely when she and the Judge walked into the parlor.
Hello , Sheriff Abbott , ; Betsy replied pleasantly . My father and I are pleased you and Mrs. Abbott could come , ; Betsy said , smiling pleasantly.
We were pleased to come , Betsy , ; Mrs. Abbott said , smiling warmly. Your friend Randy is a very kind , polite young man , Betsy , ; Mrs. Abbott said kindly.
Yes , he is , ; Betsy said with a smile at the thought of her soft - spoken , gentle friend.
If you'll excuse me , I have an announcement I need to make , Mrs . Abbott , ; Betsy said pleasantly .
Of course , my dear , ; Mrs . Abbott replied smiling .
Everyone , may I have your attention , please ? ; Betsy said to all the guests gathered in the parlor.
First of all , I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate this very special day , ; Betsy said smiling.
As you all know , this is a surprise party , and Randy will be here in a few minutes , ; Betsy continued.
When he comes , I'd like you all to hide and call out Surprise! when he comes in here , ; Betsy finished.
Can you all do that , everyone ? ; Betsy asked pleasantly . Yes , alright ! ; the guests called out enthusiastically .
Here they come , everybody ! ; Bill called as he raced in from the hall. Quick , hide , everyone ! ; Betsy exclaimed quietly.
And everyone managed to hide just as the front door opened , and in walked Randy and his friends.
Where is everybody , Trampas ? ; Randy asked , as they walked into a seemingly empty parlor.
As Trampas tried his hardest to keep from bursting out laughing.
Surprise ! ; yelled Betsy , the Judge , and all the Shiloh cowboys and guests as they popped out from their hiding places laughing.
Happy birthday , Randy ! ; Betsy said laughing . Thanks , Betsy ! ; Randy replied , smiling and laughing heartily at the surprise.
How'd you know today was my birthday ? ; Randy asked smiling . Oh , a little bird told me and I remembered , Randy , ; Betsy replied with a twinkle in her eye.
Happy birthday , Randy , ; The Virginian said , smiling and clapping Randy on the shoulder playfully. Thanks , boss , ; Randy replied , smiling at The Virginian.
Many happy returns , Randy , ; The Virginian said . Happy birthday , Randy , ; Steve and Bill said together , clapping Randy on the back playfully.
Happy birthday , Randy , ; Trampas said , grinning playfully at Randy. Thanks , boys , ; Randy replied , grinning back at them all. Thanks for coming , ; Randy added.
Happy birthday , Randy , ; Judge Garth said , shaking Randy's hand and smiling approvingly. Thank you , Judge , ; Randy replied politely.
And I'd like to thank both of you for doing this , Judge , ; Randy said appreciatively. We were happy to do it , Randy , ; the Judge replied kindly.
Both Betsy and I think the world of you , Randy , ; the Judge said smiling. ''Happy Birthday to you ''; Betsy began , the Judge and the Shiloh boys ,
and their guests joining in ; Happy Birthday to you , Happy Birthday , Dear Randy , Happy Birthday to you'' ! ''And we wish you many more ,
and we wish you many more . May God bless and keep you ! Happy Birthday to you ! they finished , all clapping and cheering.
Remember to make a wish before you blow them out , Randy ! ; Betsy said as she lit the candles.
Alright , Betsy , ; Randy said laughing . Let us know if you need any help blowin ' em ' out , Randy ! ; Steve and Trampas joked.
I can manage , boys , ; Randy said jokingly as he blew out all eighteen candles. Happy 18TH birthday , Randy , ; Betsy said smiling.
Speech , speech ! ; Trampas and Steve both said at once. ''Well'', Randy began , I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight , ; Randy said , smiling at everyone.
And I'd like to thank Miss Betsy Garth and her father for going to the trouble they did , ; Randy finished , smiling at Betsy .
And I'd like to thank everyone of you for the kindness you've shown me since I came here , ; Randy said gratefully.
That was very nice , Randy , ; Betsy said , smiling at him as she cut the cake. I just said what was in my heart , Betsy , ; Randy replied modestly.
That was an excellent speech , Randy , ; the Judge said approvingly. I could'nt have said it any better myself , Randy , ; Trampas said , clapping Randy on the back.
Me neither , Randy , ; Steve added. Come and get a piece of cake , everyone , ; Betsy called , smiling as she handed the first slice to Randy.
Thanks , Betsy , ; Randy replied , smiling back at her warmly. Did I count eighteen candles on that cake , Randy ? ; Steve asked playfully.
You sure did , Steve , ; Randy replied playfully. Did'nt you forget one to grow on , Betsy ? ; Trampas asked , joking as he ate his cake.
I knew it , I should've put one right in the middle ! ; Betsy said. Don't worry , Betsy , I reckon I'll grow without it , ; Randy joked playfully.
I know you will , Randy ! ; Betsy replied laughing. I hope you like the cake , Randy , ; Betsy said as she ate hers.
It's really good , Betsy , ; Randy replied , smiling appreciatively at her. After you're finished , the boys and I have something for you , Randy , ; Betsy said smiling.
Hello , Randy, hello , Steve , Trampas , ; Sheriff Abbott said in a friendly , cordial manner. Evenin' , Sheriff , Ma'am , ; greeting them both politely.
We're glad you both could make it tonight , ; Randy said cordially. Thanks , Randy , ; the Sheriff replied warmly.
Please excuse me for a moment , everyone , ; Betsy said as she went to join the Virginian and her father.
Virginian , if you and the boys are ready now , I'd to give Randy the card we all signed along with your gift , ; Betsy said.
We're ready now , Betsy , ; The Virginian replied. I'll go get Randy , ; Betsy said as she went back to Randy.
Can you come over there for a moment , Randy ? ; Betsy asked , pointing to where The Virginian and the boys were standing.
Sure , Betsy , ; Randy replied smiling , walking over to where they were. Randy, the boys and I have something for you that expresses how we all
think of you , ; The Virginian said , handing Randy a flat package. Thanks , boss , ; Randy replied , opening the package to reveal a wooden sign
with a horse carved on it , and underneath it the words : To Our Loyal and Good Friend Randy , Happy 18TH Birthday , From the Boys in the Bunk -House.
Thanks , boys , ; Randy replied , smiling appreciatively at his crew of friends. I'll sure treasure this , boys , ; Randy added.
And I made you this card and we all signed it , Randy , ; Betsy said , smiling as she handed it to him. Thank you , Betsy , ; Randy replied , smiling
as he read the card. Would you do me a favor , Betsy ? ; Randy asked when they were done. Sure , Randy , what is it ? ; Betsy asked pleasantly.
Would you sing us a song , Betsy ? ; Randy asked , smiling at her warmly. Of course , Randy , ; Betsy replied smiling.
Play ''Yonder Mountain'', please , ; Betsy said to the orchestra near the piano.
''Chickens are a 'crowin' on Yonder Mountain'' , ; Betsy started off as the music played.
And the audience applauded heartily when she finished , including Randy.
That was lovely , Betsy , ; the Judge said , smiling approvingly as the dancing began. Thanks , Daddy , ; Betsy replied smiling.
I see that The Virginian and the boys have all found themselves partners , Daddy , ; Betsy remarked with a smile.
They certainly have , Betsy , ; her father remarked playfully. Excuse me , Daddy , ; Betsy said when she saw Randy looking in her direction.
May I have this dance , Betsy ? ; Randy asked softly when Betsy walked up to him. Of course, Randy , ; Betsy replied , smiling brightly at him.
You sure do look pretty , Betsy , ; Randy said as they danced. Thanks , Randy , ; Betsy replied smiling.
So , did you enjoy our little surprise , Randy ? ; Betsy asked , laughing a little. I sure did , Betsy , ; Randy replied laughing.
It was real thoughtful of you all to go to the trouble , Betsy , ; Randy added. And I sure do appreciate the thought , Betsy , ; Randy said gently.
We were glad to do it , Randy , ; Betsy replied lovingly. We all care for you , and we think the world of you , Randy , ; Betsy said as they danced.
And I think that you're one of the kindest , most loving people I've ever known , Randy , ; Betsy said softly.
I'm glad you think so , Betsy , ; Randy said , giving her one of his gentle smiles.
I think the same about you , ; Randy added softly. I don't know what I ever would've done without you , Betsy , ; Randy said , smiling gently.
And I can't imagine what I would've done without you , either , Randy , ; Betsy said lovingly.
I give thanks every day that you came to Shiloh , Randy , ; Betsy said as they continued to dance.
And so they continued dancing , until it was time for everyone to say goodnight and head for home.
After the guests from town had gone home , it was just Betsy and her father , and Randy and the boys.
Goodnight , boys , ; the Judge said good - naturedly. Goodnight , Judge , ; The Virginian and the boys all said as they left.
Goodnight, Randy , ; the Judge said warmly to his youngest and newest Shiloh hand. Goodnight , Judge , ; Randy replied respectfully.
And thanks for your hospitality , ; Randy said graciously. You're welcome , Randy , ; the Judge replied as he headed for bed.
Goodnight , Daddy , ; Betsy called out . Goodnight , dear , ; her father replied , leaving her and Randy by themselves.
Goodnight , Betsy , see ya' tomorrow , ; Randy said softly. An'd thanks for everything , Betsy , ; Randy said , smiling gently at her.
You're welcome , Randy , ; Betsy replied , smiling back warmly. I'll walk you out if you like , Randy , ; Betsy said graciously as he walked towards the door.
Thanks , Betsy , I'd like that , ; Randy replied gently as they walked onto the porch. Goodnight , Randy , ; Betsy said lovingly.
I'll see you in the morning , ; Betsy added. Goodnight , Betsy , ; Randy replied smiling. Sweet dreams , Randy , ; Betsy added , smiling back at him.
Did you get what you wished for when you blew out those candles , Randy ? ; Betsy asked gently. I sure enough did , Betsy , ; Randy replied , smiling brightly at her.
Turns out that I already had what I wished for , ; Randy added smiling . And what was that , Randy ? ; Betsy asked softly.
A family that loves me an'd a place to call home , Betsy , ; Randy said smiling.
And folks I belong with , ; Randy added frankly. And if it was'nt for you , I would'nt have either of those things , Betsy , ; Randy said in his honest and kind way.
I'm glad you already had what you wished for , Randy , ; Betsy said , smiling lovingly at him.
I could'nt love you more than if you were my own flesh and blood family , Randy , ; Betsy said with a loving look on her face.
Sometimes I think an angel put you on my path that day by the windmill , Randy , ; Betsy said softly.
It sure was a miracle , that's for sure , Betsy , ; Randy replied in his gentle way of speaking.
One we both were in need of , maybe , ; Randy added softly. You brought joy and sunshine into my life right from the first day I knew you , Randy , ;
Betsy said lovingly. Goodnight , my friend , ; Betsy said smiling . See you tomorrow , Betsy , ; Randy said as he tipped his hat to her and headed for the bunkhouse.
Yes, see you tomorrow , Randy , ; Betsy called as he walked down the lane.
''All our tomorrow's , Randy'' , ; Betsy said softly as she watched her best friend in the whole world walk home.
Betsy went to sleep that night contented , happy , and joyful , knowing that Randy was home at last.
And Randy went to sleep knowing that he finally a family to love and belong to again.
And a home to call his own on Shiloh. All because of that day at the windmill.
Like Betsy said , ''It was a miracle , plain and simple''. - The End
{ ''He shall give His angels charge over thee , to keep thee in all thy ways '' }