The Johnson Ranch, near Lame Deer, Montana
Louisa steered the car down a long, winding gravel driveway and stopped in front of a large white farmhouse. As the dust settled, Louisa and her new husband, Hank Stanley, exited the vehicle.
"Here we are, Hank. My 'home-away-from-home', as it is. What do you think?" asked Louisa , a broad grin stretching her full lips.
"It's incredible, honey. It's so……..open," answered Hank, looking around in awe.
" Louisa !" shouted a voice. The couple turned to see Dorothy Johnson running towards them.
"Hi, Mrs. Johnson . We finally made it," called Louisa as the woman reached them.
"So you did," smiled the middle-aged woman. " Richard has been looking forward to seeing you again ever since Phillip told him that you and Hank were spending your honeymoon here. You know how highly he thinks of you.
At that moment, a gray-haired, elderly man came out onto the porch. He waved, a broad grin on his wrinkled face.
Louisa jumped onto the porch and embraced the man. "You're looking good, old man. Still kicking, I see. How ya been?" she teased.
"Old, my foot," retorted the man. Moving back, he grasped the young woman's shoulders and looked in her face. "Let me get a look at you, little lady. Seems to me your trip to the big city agreed with you."
Louisa laughed. "It sure did. And I didn't come back alone, either." She turned and gestured for Hank to come closer. " Richard , I'd like you to meet my husband, Hank Stanley. Hank, this is Richard Johnson . His great-grandfather started this ranch back in the 1880's."
Johnson stuck out a hand. "Come on over here, son, so I can see the man who captured my Louisa 's heart."
"It's pleasure to finally meet you, sir," greeted Hank shaking the man's hand. "Louisa has told me a lot about you."
The elderly man chuckled. "I hope we can still be friends, in spite of all that," he joked.
Hank and Louisa joined the man in his laughter. "I didn't tell him anything bad , Mr. Johnson ."
"I certainly hope not, young lady." The man's sharp gaze settled on the Captain. "He sure looks a lot better than that polecat, Tom Parker . Phillip told me that bastard got 25 years to life. Back in Great-Grandpa's day, he would've been strung up to a tree. Too bad we can't do that anymore," he said, only half joking.
"Oh, don't worry about the 'old days', Mr. Johnson . Hank will be experiencing that soon enough," answered Louisa , winking at the man.
"What does that mean, honey?" asked Hank, a confused look on his face.
"You mean you didn't tell him?" replied Mr. Johnson . "This should be interesting."
Louisa burst out laughing. "No, but I think I better. Hank, when Phillip and Dorothy were in Los Angeles to testify at Tom 's trial, they told me that Pioneer Days will be held while we're here. You'll get the chance to see it for yourself. And you'll get a chance to experience it from the back of a horse, too!"
Hank grinned. "From what you told me, it sounds like fun."
Johnson smothered a chuckle. "Have you ever been on a horse, Captain?"
Hank frowned. "No, but it can't be that difficult," he said, making his wife laugh.
Before Louisa could answer, her cousin, Antonio , came running up. "About time you got here, cousin. Marco called me the day you two left. You sure took your sweet time getting here."
"Well, we are on our honeymoon, 'Tonio. We were kind of busy, if you catch my drift," answered Louisa , quirking an eyebrow.
Antonio chuckled, then extended his hand to Hank. "Welcome to Montana , sir."
"Thanks, Antonio . It's everything Louisa told me it was, and more," returned Hank, shaking the Latino cowboy's hand.
" Lou , which horse do you think we should start him on?" questioned Antonio , his dark eyes sparkling with suppressed mirth.
"Let's see. He's a novice, so I think Daisy would be a good choice," she answered with a giggle. Antonio echoed the young woman's laughter, causing Mr. Johnson to roll his eyes.
Hank speared his wife with a glance. "Who's Daisy?" he asked, making the cousins laugh even harder.
Louisa wiped her eyes before replying. "Daisy is our old plow horse. She's almost as old as the old man here, give or take a century or two. She doesn't even have the energy to buck anymore, so she'll be just perfect for, sweetheart." Pointing out a grey and brown horse grazing calmly in the pasture, she said, "That's Daisy right over there."
Hank rolled his eyes. "I think I've just been made the butt of a joke," he muttered. "Can we at least unpack before you start torturing me?"
"Come on, Hank. Think of it as a learning experience. If anything, it will be interesting to watch," answered Louisa , still giggling.
Dorothy smiled. "Pay no attention to these two, Hank. They were always cooking up some kind of mischief and playing little jokes. Come into the house and have something to eat. I just took some fresh bread out of the oven."
"Sounds good to me," answered Hank. "At least I'll get a last meal before I die," he joked.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
An hour later, Hank and Louisa were leaning against the corral fence, watching Antonio as he saddled Daisy. The couple had changed into jeans, western-style shirts and cowboy boots. Hank grimaced as his new footwear pinched his feet.
Antonio led the saddled beast to the fence. "Get acquainted, Hank. Let her smell you a little."
Hank stretched out a hand to the mare. Daisy sniffed the man's palm and, finding nothing of interest, flicked her ears contemptuously.
Louisa and Antonio chuckled at the mare's nonchalant attitude. "I think you've just been insulted, honey," giggled Louisa .
Taking a piece of carrot from her jeans pocket, the young woman offered it to the horse, drawing a much more enthusiastic response from the animal.
"She's just like Henry ," chuckled the Captain. "If you've got food, you're a friend."
"Yeah, but you can't ride Henry . You'll be okay, Hank. Daisy likes the tall, dark, and handsome types," said Louisa , as she scratched the mare's ears.
"Hank, the first rule is, always mount from the left side of the horse, like this," instructed Antonio , demonstrating. "And never leave a foot in the stirrup when dismounting. If your horse decides to bolt, you'll end up getting dragged. But old Daisy here doesn't even run anymore, so you don't have to worry about that."
"Somehow, that doesn't comfort me," muttered Hank. He slowly approached the horse and carefully pulled himself into the saddle. "Okay now, Daisy. No sudden moves. I'm a friend."
Louisa reached for the reins. "Hold on tight, hose jockey." Clucking to the mare, she led the animal around the corral. Hank held onto the saddle horn for dear life, finally relaxing after a few minutes.
"This isn't so bad," he called. "Kind of like riding a rocking chair."
"Try it on your own for a few minutes, honey," said Louisa , handing the man the reins. "Just tap her lightly with your heels. And don't pull too hard on the reins. Old Daisy's got a tender mouth."
The cousins watched as the fireman rode around the corral. Antonio draped an arm around Louisa 's shoulders and grinned.
"Not bad for a first-time rider," he commented. "Which horse are you planning on taking out?"
"Probably Samson . I'm used to riding him, so it will be easier," answered Louisa .
"Good choice. I'll go saddle him for you," replied Antonio , walking towards the barn.
"Okay, Hank. That's enough for now. Bring her over to the fence," called Louisa .
Hank guided the mare to the fence and carefully slid down. He gently patted the horse's strong neck. "Good girl," he crooned, drawing an affectionate nuzzle from the animal. "I think she likes me," grinned the lanky Captain.
"You must have a way with animals, honey," chuckled Louisa . "But you do deal with Chet quite a bit."
Hank laughed. "Where's your horse, Lou ? Aren't you gonna ride with me?" he asked.
" Antonio is saddling him right now. Just wait until you see him. He's gorgeous."
Just then, Antonio came out of the barn, leading a large, gleaming chestnut gelding. Hank whistled in appreciation, studying the animal closely.
Louisa took the reins from her cousin's hand and gently patted the animal. "Hey there, fella. You miss me?" The horse neighed, tossing his magnificent head. Chuckling, the young woman offered the steed a chunk of carrot. "I sure missed you , Samson , old boy. I didn't have much opportunity to ride in L.A. , except that time I went riding with Johnny and nearly cracked my head open."
Hank stared at the horse in awe. "Wow! What a beautiful animal," he murmured, cautiously approaching the animal. "He is fully trained, right?"
"Of course he is, Hank. You remember me showing you that picture of that black horse the day Roy and Joanne had their cook-out? Samson here is one of his offspring."
At that moment, a loud whinny came from the barn. Buck Red Deer came flying through the door, his face splitting into a broad smile when he saw the newlyweds.
" Louisa ! 'Tonio told me you were here!" The Native American man skidded to a stop and wrapped his arms around the young woman.
"Hello, Buck ," answered Louisa , returning the man's hug. "What's going on in there?" she asked, pointing to the barn.
Buck laughed. "Diablo is just being his usual ornery self," he replied. "Good to see you again, Captain Stanley ," he said, greeting the lanky man. "Daisy behaving herself?"
"So far," grinned Hank. "Who's Diablo?"
"Diablo is my horse," answered Buck . "He's pretty to look at, but his temperament could use a little sweetening up. Would you like to take a look at him?"
"Sure. Lou showed me a photograph of him, but I'd like to see him in the flesh, so to speak."
Buck led the newlyweds into the barn, stopping in front of a large stall. A huge, coal-black horse stretched his head over the door, snorting delicately. Louisa extended her hand to the creature, offering him a chunk of carrot from her pocket. The horse swept up the treat, daintily lipping the young woman's hand.
"He looks great, Buck . Are you putting him out for stud again next season?" asked Louisa .
"I might put him on that new mare we bought last spring, Louisa . Mr. Johnson thinks that we'll get a good foal from her. And Andrew Daniels wants to breed him with Sunflower again this year."
Hank stood silently, admiring the huge animal. Placing a hand on his wife's shoulder, he said, "Maybe we should get back outside and go for that ride while it's still light, honey."
"Good idea. See you later, Buck. Better keep a few ice packs handy. Someone might have a sore bottom when we get back," said Louisa , her eyes twinkling with laughter.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Half an hour later, Louisa was leading Hank over a well-used trail that snaked through the plains behind the ranch. The lanky Captain looked around with interest, absorbing the natural beauty of the land.
"I can see why you love this place so much, sweetheart," he said. "The scenery is absolutely breathtaking."
"It's even prettier now that the trees are starting to change, Hank. Before long, this entire valley will be one huge blaze of color. Mother Nature sure outdid herself when she decorated this place." Spotting a large tree in the distance, the young woman called, " Let's stop there for a while. I'm sure you could use a break."
The couple reached the tree and dismounted. Hank stretched his arms over his head, exhaling loudly. "And I thought fighting a four-alarm fire was hard work," he chuckled.
Louisa tied their reins to a low-hanging branch. "This has always been one of my favorite places on the ranch. Antonio and I used to come out here and climb this tree, all the way to the top," she grinned, looking up through the towering branches. "But we were younger back then."
Hank smiled and pulled Louisa down onto the soft carpet of grass growing beneath the tree. "Tell me more about Pioneer Days, so I know what I'm getting myself into."
Louisa settled down against her husband's shoulder. "Well, we all dress up in period clothing and the town sets up an old-time County Fair, complete with games and livestock pens. Most of the ranches send horses or cattle, or both, to be judged. Some of the ladies bring canned goods and crafts as well."
"What exactly do you mean by 'period clothing'?" asked Hank.
"For the women. long skirts and bonnets, and those horrible shoes," giggled the young woman, rolling her eyes. "The men wear pretty much what you already have on, except for the modern watch. Any watch they carry is usually some type of pocket watch, usually on a chain."
Hank chuckled. "Sounds like we men get off easy, then."
"Consider yourself lucky that you don't have to be laced into a corset, hose jockey. Whoever invented that thing, must have something against women."
"I'm sure you'd look beautiful even wearing an old sack, honey. That's one reason I married you."
Louisa laughed. "I highly doubt you'll ever see me wearing an old sack, smart guy. By the way, how did you like my little surprise on our wedding night?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
"It was gorgeous. I just hope you didn't show it to your mother," teased Hank. "Otherwise she might have known what we were up to."
"She'll get the idea after our first child is born, honey. I can't wait for that!"
"Let's say we get started on that right now, my dear," grinned Hank, kissing his bride. "As long as none of our children turn out like Chet Kelly , I'll be very happy."
Louisa giggled. "I seriously doubt any of our children will end up as Irish pranksters, hose jockey, but let's not take any chances."
The couple lay in the grass, kissing. They were interrupted by a bright flash of lightning, followed by a loud clap of thunder that echoed across the sky.
Louisa sat up and looked up at the darkening clouds. "Looks like a storm is brewing, Hank. We better get back to the ranch. Some of these fall storms can get pretty violent."
They mounted their horses and headed back the way they had come. Before the couple had traveled far, icy-cold rain came pouring down, drenching them and their mounts. Visibility was reduced to just a few yards.
"We better find someplace to wait it out, Hank. There's a small shack not far from here. Follow me!" shouted Louisa above the sound of falling rain.
The riders found the shack a few minutes later. Dragging the horses in behind them to protect the animals from the storm, they entered the small, rundown building. Louisa quickly unsaddled the animals, tossing their saddles and gear into the far corner.
"How long do these storms usually last, honey?" asked Hank, water dripping from his drenched hair and clothing.
"Hard to say. Sometimes a few minutes and sometimes hours," answered Louisa . "We'll be safe here for now. This old shack might not look all that sturdy, but at least we'll be out of the rain."
An hour later, the rain was still pouring down, showing no sign of letting up anytime soon. The couple was chilled to the bone and starting to shiver.
"Looks like we're going to be spending the night here, Hank. But at least we're out of the rain and mud. Too bad this old shack doesn't have a stove anymore. A fire sure would feel good about now."
"It's okay, sweetheart. It's not like I've never been wet before," answered Hank, seeing tears of frustrated disappointment welling up in his wife's eyes.
"I know, but I didn't really want to spend my honeymoon in a tiny, cramped cabin with two horses," Louisa sighed. "I guess we better find a place to bed down for the night."
Hank smiled and wrapped his arms around the young woman. "The accommodations may not be first class, but the company sure is."
"Good thing I had the good sense to pack some food in my saddlebags," answered Louisa , hugging her husband in return. "I didn't quite picture our picnic quite like this, but at least we can eat."
Opening her saddlebag, she pulled out a loaf of freshly-baked bread and a jar of homemade black raspberry jam. "Not much of a feast, but it'll do."
The couple ate their meager meal and settled down under a blanket to sleep. Hank chuckled, drawing Louisa 's attention.
"And just what is so funny, Captain?" grumbled Louisa .
Hank grinned. "You said we would be roughing it, but I never quite pictured it like this."
The young woman joined the man in his laughter. "Neither did I, honey. I guess it is rather funny, now that I think about it."
"Someday, we'll look back on this night and tell our children about how we had to spend part of our honeymoon in an old, run-down shack with two horses," chuckled Hank.
"As long as we don't give them too much detail," giggled Louisa . "Now go to sleep. You'll need all your energy for tomorrow, hose jockey."
The couple lay back and were soon sound asleep. The only sounds in the room were the horses nickering softly and the rain falling outside.