Six Shots Deep

Getting Somewhere

On Jeremiah's first birthday, we threw a huge party. Abigail and myself did most of the planning, while John, Arthur and Charles hung up the decorations. We put Eugene in charge of distracting Bria and Jeremiah while we set up. By this time, they were both almost eighteen, so Eugene took her into town.

About two hours after getting ready and setting things up, everything was finally ready. I heard two horse hooves approaching and quieted everyone. Eugene walked in, covering Bria's eyes. When he removed them, she smiled brightly.

"Surprise!"

"Oh my goodness," she shifted Jeremiah, "Momma." She laughed. "Is that why you wanted us out of the house?"

I nodded. "This is a special moment," I wiped a curly brown piece of hair from her eyes, "it's your sons first birthday."

She nodded. "I know." She kissed Jeremiah's forehead. "Look at all this, baby boy," she cooed, "Nana and Pawpaw did all this!"

He laughed, reaching towards me. I took him from Bria's arms, shifting him on my hip. "Come on, let's go celebrate."

*****

After the party, and everyone left, I stayed up with Bria and Arthur. Jeremiah was bouncing happily at Bria's feet, holding himself upright on the couch.

"So, was today was enjoyable?" Arthur asked, looking down at Jeremiah.

"I think so," Bria replied, smiling down at the bouncy little boy.

"Mama." Jeremiah suddenly said.

My eyes shot down to the little boy, who grabbed onto Bria's leg. Arthur was also staring at him before glancing up at Bria. She had a smile plastered across her face.

"Mama!" He said, louder.

"That's right," Bria lifted him up, "I'm mama."

"Mama! Mama!" He reached for her face.

Bria laughed and kissed his nose. I chuckled as well and kissed Arthur's forehead. He smiled up at me, planting a soft kiss on my lips.

"Momma, we best be getting to bed." Bria said, "I think Jeremiah's getting tired."

"Alright, honey." I walked over to her. I kissed Jeremiah on the forehead and kissed Bria's cheek. "Goodnight."

"Night Momma," she walked over to Arthur. "Night, daddy."

He kissed her cheek as well. "Night, baby," he ruffled Jeremiah's short brown hair, "night buddy."

*****

The next morning, Bria was up early with Jeremiah. When I woke, she was feeding him cereal and talking to him. I smiled at the sight before heading to the bathroom, relieving myself and getting dressed for the day. I threw on a pair of brown ranch pants, a white shirt, and some brown boots with silver spurs. I then brushed through my curls and headed outside to do some work on the ranch. Eugene was already in the stables, brushing out a male Thoroughbred. He smiled when he saw me.

"Morning, Ma."

"Good morning, Eugene." I leaned against a stall. "How is he?"

"He's good. Could use some more food though. We're running low."

"You wanna take a trip into town with me later then? We could take Bria. Give her a little break from Jeremiah." I winked and smiled.

He chuckled. "She could use a break," he looked back at the house, "do you think Pa would be okay watching him?"