It Goes On - Book l

The First Stepping Stone

"Good morning, Simon." Bud nodded at him while leaning against the panel that held up the round pen - a pen for working young or "problem" horses by experienced wranglers on the ranch. 

"Good morning, sir," Simon replied, looking over his shoulder to ensure Baler was on his best behavior, putting the decision in his head that Baler would have a much harder time earning his keep if he pissed off Kiera's father. 

Especially her mother. 

"I have a new stall cleaner for you." 

Bud arched a brow at Simon before looking at the roughed-up teenager before him - his clothes nearly tattered and stained by dirt and debris from his time homeless on the street. "A little young to be put on the payroll, huh?" 

"He won't be working for money, sir. He'll be working to earn his keep." 

"His keep?" 

"It was Kiera's decision I'm afraid." 

"Say no more. I won't get in the middle of that girl's decisions," Both Simon and Bud chuckled, Bud making eye contact with Baler. "Don't take advantage of her kindness, son. It's easy to lose her trust and twice as hard to get it back." 

"O-Okay-"

"That's not what you say," Simon warned in a low tone, slightly nudging his arm with his elbow. "It's yes, sir." 

Baler cleared his throat, "Y-Yes, sir." 

Bud flashed Simon a reassuring and hopeful smile, "What're you having him doing today?" 

"Cleaning stalls, maybe cleaning a few saddles, whichever I think might need done." 

"Will Kiera be coming down to join us?" 

"She said she will later," Simon replied. "She said she will in the afternoon when it warms up a bit." 

Bud nodded, "Alright. I reckon I get to oversee Johnny and Teeter today." 

"Best of luck to you, sir," Simon chuckled. "Where's everyone else?" 

"I have such a hard time remembering your comrade's names except for John, but they're all with him and a few other wranglers checking the fences in the upper pasture before we push the cattle up. You plan on coming with us when we do?" 

"I plan on it. This is my last week of work before my vacation time takes over." 

"Good to hear. You deserve a break." 

"Thank you. I feel like I need more time here to help out Kiera with the kids and around the house." 

Bud couldn't help but smile at Simon's response. A true man, he thought, appreciative of Simon's behavior towards his daughter, eager to see how much of a great father he would become throughout the years as well as being an important figure to Baler. Perhaps a father figure. "You'll be off just in time for Thanksgiving too," He winked. "Say, would you like to come out turkey hunting with me sometime before the holiday? Saw a bunch of 'em on the ridge. A big tom caught my eye and that bastard is big enough to feed this family twice for Thanksgiving." He explained. 

Simon chuckled, "Sure. When were you thinking?" 

"Well, I was thinking about going out tomorrow morning or this weekend." 

"I'll be off after Friday. Saturday morning?" 

"Sounds good with me. Don't make Kiera mad between now and then. She won't let you go!" He poked. 

Simon couldn't help but chuckle and shrug, "Nah, she's hardly ever mad at me. I've insisted on staying home so much to help her out, she wants me to go do things for myself."