Chapter 35 "Happy Birthday! Ruby Turns Five!"

Ruby was slowly waking up from a deep night's sleep. She had been sleeping on her stomach, but rolled over onto her back. After stretching and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Ruby was fully wake and opened her eyes. Ruby sat up and noticed the paper chain she and momma made had one paper link left. That meant today was her birthday. Excitement filled the little girl as she threw back the covers, jumped out of bed, ran out of her room and to her parents room.

Sunlight started flooding into Matt and Kitty's bedroom, waking them up. Both were well aware of what today was. They had a hard time getting their daughter to settle down for the night. She was so excited that the next day was her birthday. Kitty was finally able to convince Ruby to go to sleep by telling her if she didn't go to sleep, then she would be too tired for her birthday. That did the trick. Matt and Kitty heard Ruby jump out of bed and run out of her room. They were waiting for her to barge into their room.

"It sounds like someone is awake," said Matt as he placed kisses on the back of Kitty's neck.

"I've been awake for a little while," teased Kitty. She knew Matt was referring to Ruby.

"Funny," said Matt. "I meant Ruby."

Mindful that her parents might still be sleeping, Ruby quietly opened the door. She peaked her head inside. "Momma, daddy, are you awake?" Ruby waited for her parents to answer.

"Yes, we are, sweetie," Matt replied. "Come here." Ruby ran to the bed, and Matt lifted her up, settling her between him and Kitty.

"Good morning, sweet birthday girl," said Kitty as she placed a kiss on top of Ruby's red curls. "I can't believe my baby is five years old today."

Ruby's smile was wide. She was proud to be five years old. It made her feel like a big girl. "I get two parties today," she said, holding up two fingers.

Ruby was absolutely right. She was getting two parties. The first party was going to take place later this morning. Ruby invited Rosie and Mary Roniger over to celebrate her fifth birthday. Bess would bring the girls over around ten o'clock and then come back and get them at lunch time. Ruby's second party was going to be this evening. That party was the family party. Momma, daddy, Grandpa Doc, and Uncle Festus would be at that party. Uncle Newly had to stay and watch the jail.

"Yes, you do," Kitty affirmed. "Rosie and Mary are going to be here in a few hours. Let's get ready for the day and have some breakfast. Daddy has to go to work soon."

Ruby looked at her daddy with pouty lips. "I wish you didn't have ta work today."

"I know, honey," said Matt. "I wish I could stay home for your birthday, but there's work that needs to be done at the office. I have reports that need to be filled out. But the good news is I'm only working until this afternoon. I'll be home after lunch to take you on your special birthday ride on Buck."

"Yay!" Ruby exclaimed. She was hoping her daddy didn't forget about her special birthday ride.

"Alright," said Kitty. "We need to get up and get ready for the day." Kitty unbuttoned the button on Ruby's nightgown. "Ruby, go to your room and take off your nightgown. I'll be in there as soon as I get washed up and put my dress on. Use the water closet on your way back."

Ruby stood up and was about to jump over her daddy and onto the floor. Matt stopped her. "Hold it, young lady. We don't need you getting hurt and ending up in Grandpa Doc's office on your birthday." He helped Ruby off the bed. As soon as her feet were on the floor, Ruby ran out of the bedroom.

Twenty minutes later the Dillons were ready for the day. Matt and Ruby were setting the table, while Kitty was whipping up a quick breakfast of eggs and a side meat. There were leftover biscuits from yesterday's breakfast. As soon as he finished setting the table, Matt made a pot of coffee. He placed Ruby on her chair and poured her a glass of milk.

Once the food was cooked, Kitty brought it to the table. She dished up Ruby's plate first. Kitty reminded Ruby that the food was hot and that she needed to wait before she took her first bite. While Kitty put food on her plate, Matt waited patiently for his turn. When it was his turn, Matt piled food on his plate.

Ruby looked at the counter, eyeing the cupcakes and cake sitting there. "Maybe I should have one of those cupcakes since it's my birthday."

"You know those are for you, Rosie, and Mary," Kitty reminded Ruby. "You need to eat the food on your plate." Ruby did as she was told.

The day before Kitty and Ruby baked up Ruby's birthday cake. This year Ruby wanted a chocolate cake with white frosting. While making the cake, Kitty saved enough batter to make three cupcakes for Ruby, Rosie, and Mary to eat during Ruby's first party. Taking out the batter for the cupcakes did not affect the main cake. Ruby loved helping her momma bake the cake and the cupcakes. Kitty enjoyed it as much as Ruby did. Anytime Kitty could spend time with Ruby was priceless.

As soon as breakfast was over, Matt left for work. The sooner he could get to the office and get the reports completed, the sooner he could get home. Before heading out, Kitty asked Matt to stop at Jonas's store and buy some candles. She realized yesterday that she did not have enough. Matt promised that he would.

It seemed like every ten minutes Ruby would ask her momma if it was time for Rosie and Mary to come over. Kitty understood her daughter's excitement, but at the same time was getting tired of telling Ruby she had to be patient. Kitty tried to find things for Ruby to do to occupy the time. That seemed to work, and before long it was ten o'clock. Ruby could see Aunt Bess and the girls coming in the wagon.

"Momma! I can see 'em coming," she exclaimed.

"See, I told you if you were patient, they'd be here soon," said Kitty. "Let's go outside and greet them."

"Happy birthday, darling!" Bess shouted as she pulled up the house.

Bess brought the wagon to a halt and climbed down. After she was on the ground, Bess helped Rosie and Mary down. Mary had a gift in her hand. She handed the gift to Ruby.

"Here, Ruby," said Mary. "Happy birthday."

"Happy birthday, Ruby," Rosie repeated.

Ruby took the gift. "Momma, can I open it now?" she asked.

Kitty thought about telling Ruby to wait until later, but knew that would be pointless. Ruby would keep asking if she could open it. "Sure, go ahead."

Ruby carefully tore the paper away, revealing a new box of crayons and a new coloring book. Her face lit up in delight. She showed Kitty her gift. "Look, momma."

"Oh, that's so nice," Kitty gushed. "What do you say?"

Ruby turned to her guests. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Rosie and Mary said in unison.

"Girls, I'll be back in a couple of hours to get you," said Bess. "Have fun and behave yourselves. I don't want a bad report from Aunt Kitty."

"Bess, you and I both know they'll be fine," said Kitty. After Bess left, Kitty turned her attention towards the girls. "Ruby, give me your crayons and book, so I can put them in the house. You girls wait out here while I put these in the house. When I come back, I'll show you how to play hopscotch."

"Okay, momma," said Ruby.

Kitty returned a short time later. She found a stone and drew a hopscotch board onto the dirt. Next she explained how to play the game to the girls. The girls easily caught on. Kitty even joined the girls for a little bit. All four of them were having fun playing. However, Kitty had stuff to do, and excused herself from the game. Kitty went inside to get some work done. She made sure she checked on the girls often. They played a few more games of hopscotch and then decided to kick Ruby's red ball around.

Done with her housework, Kitty went outside to get the girls. She could hear them laughing on the side of the house. Kitty walked over there. "Ruby, let's come inside and have a birthday cupcake."

"Yay!" all three girls exclaimed as they ran to the house.

The girls ran into the house, eager to have a cupcake. "Not so fast," said Kitty. "Let's wash our hands first." She took the girls to the water closet to wash their hands.

Once their hands were washed, the girls came back into the kitchen and enjoyed the cupcakes. It wasn't long until Bess returned to get Mary and Rosie. They told their momma what they all did and how much fun they had. Rosie and Mary also told their momma about the delicious cupcakes they ate. Goodbyes were exchanged, and the Ronigers left.

Soon after the Ronigers left, Kitty made lunch for her and Ruby. They each had a ham sandwich and some apple slices. Kitty thought about leaving the bread and ham out for Matt to make himself a sandwich, but wasn't sure if he would eat before he came home. Deciding that Matt could get the bread and meat out himself, Kitty put everything away. Not long after everything was put away, Kitty saw Matt come home.

"Ruby, daddy's home," Kitty told her daughter.

"Finally," Ruby said. "I've been waitin' a long time."

"Daddy usually works longer than this," Kitty reminded Ruby. "He came home early for your birthday."

Matt walked into the back door. He saw Kitty standing at the sink and Ruby sitting at the table. By the looks of it, his girls had just finished lunch. Observing the crumbs on the plate, Matt knew sandwiches were the main course.

"Have you eaten yet?" Kitty asked. Matt shook his head no. "We had ham sandwiches. I just put the bread and ham away. I'll get it back out."

"I can get it out," said Matt. "Why don't you get Ruby ready for her special birthday ride."

"I was hoping you still remembered," said Ruby.

"You know I wouldn't forget that," said Matt. "You go and get ready, and I'll make myself a sandwich.

The only thing Ruby had to do to get ready was use the water closet and put a sun bonnet on her head. By the time she completed those tasks, Matt had made himself a sandwich and had eaten it.

"Are you ready to go?" Matt asked as Ruby came back into the kitchen. Ruby nodded her head yes. "Alright we'll take your special birthday ride on Buck. Kitty, we'll be back later." Matt knew this was the time Kitty would use to wrap Ruby's birthday present.

"The two of you have fun," said Kitty.

Matt picked up Ruby and walked out of the house. He untethered Buck from the hitching post, and still holding Ruby, he expertly mounted the big buckskin. Matt placed Ruby in front of him. He kept one hand in front of Ruby and used the other hand to control the reins. With a gentle snap of the reins, Buck slowly got going.

Matt knew how much Ruby was looking forward to this. He was too. They had started this birthday tradition when Ruby turned three. It was a way to get Ruby out of the house so Kitty could wrap Ruby's presents.

The last two times Matt and Ruby went riding, Ruby fell asleep. Matt didn't know if Ruby would fall asleep this time. The moment they started riding, Ruby started talking. The other birthday rides they went on, Ruby was quiet, but not this time. Ruby told her daddy all about her morning with Rosie and Mary.

"Momma showed us how to play scotch hop," said Ruby.

"I think you mean hopscotch," Matt corrected.

"That's what I mean," said Ruby. "Momma even played with us for a little bit."

Matt smiled as he imagined his wife playing hopscotch with the girls. "I bet she had fun playing."

"Oh she did," Ruby affirmed. "We all had fun playing. And then me and Rosie and Mary kicked my red ball around. Momma went inside. After that we had cupcakes."

"It certainly sounds like your first party was a good one," said Matt. "I bet your party this evening will be just as good."

"I really hope so," said Ruby.

Matt had wondered if Ruby would fall asleep, but he didn't have to wonder any more. Ruby became silent, and her head started to bob forward. Matt gently positioned Ruby's head so it was leaning back against him. Matt looked down at his little gemstone. She was the spitting image of her momma. He loved her so much.

Matt hoped these birthday rides would continue into the future. Ruby would probably ride on Buck with him, but Matt knew that someday Ruby would want her own horse. Matt knew he couldn't stop that from happening. He knew he couldn't keep his little girl from growing up.

Returning to the house, Matt carefully dismounted Buck while still holding Ruby. He wrapped Buck's reins around the hitching post and carried Ruby into the house. Matt would take care of Buck later. Kitty had just finished wrapping Ruby's present, when she heard the door open. She walked out of the bedroom and saw Matt carrying a sleeping Ruby.

"It looks like she fell asleep again," she whispered. "Let's put her to bed. She can take a short nap. I don't want her to be cranky for her party tonight." Matt carried Ruby to her room and put her on her bed.

Later that evening, Ruby had her second party. As expected, momma, daddy, Grandpa Doc, and Uncle Festus were there. After enjoying the delicious chocolate cake, they settled in the parlor room and watched Ruby open her presents. Newly sent a jump rope. Grandpa Doc gave her some wooden puzzles. Daddy and momma gave her a Noah's Ark set. Uncle Festus made her a toy chest. The toy chest was large.

"Do you think you made that thing big enough?" Doc asked, swiping his hand over his mustache. Festus had to borrow a wagon from Moss Grimmick to get the chest to the party.

"Ya ol' scudder," said Festus. "There ain't nuttin' wrong with the size of this here chest."

"It's okay, Uncle Festus," said Ruby. "I like how big it is. That means I can get more toys."

"I don't think it means you can get more toys," said Kitty. "Fests, it's a beautiful toy chest."

That night it was easier to get Ruby to bed. Ruby couldn't wait to go to bed and climb under her covers. She had a fun day, but was exhausted. Tomorrow she would play with her presents.

"Momma, how many days until I'm six years old?" Ruby asked.

"Ruby, you won't be six years old for a long time," Kitty replied. "Just enjoy being five years old. Happy birthday." She gave Ruby a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight."

Matt bent down and gave Ruby a kiss on the other cheek. "Happy birthday, little gemstone. There's no need to grow up too quickly."

Matt and Kitty left Ruby's room, but not without taking one final glance at their little girl. They both knew Matt was correct. There was no need for Ruby to grow up too quickly.

The End