Barnes Ranch

3

I wipe my eyes as I sit up in my bed. My bed dipping as one of the dogs jump up. I groan as I stretch. Squeezing my eyes shut.

After I'm finished I look down to see Delilah is laying at my feet. I pet her head before throwing off my covers and getting off my bed.

As I make my bed I start to think. The ranch seems fine, everything has been cleaned and up to standards. Why is the state coming for the ranch?

I shake it off as I get ready. Feeling obligated to do so because of how put together my mom is every day.

As I walk into the kitchen I see my dad making breakfast. Why isn't he at work?

He turns around, shock displayed on his face as he sees me.

"Alaska?" he questions.

He drops his spatula then walks towards me. Lifting me into the air as he hugs me. I giggle, hugging him back just as tight.

Once he sets me down I can see his eyes are watered. I start to tear up.

"No dad, don't cry!" I say.

He wipes his face, "I can't help it, my baby girl is home."

I hug him again, I did not expect him to be this excited.

"I love you dad," I say.

He says, "I love you sweetheart."

"Oh how sweet!" my mom says from behind us.

I let go of my dad and turn around.

"Good morning momma," I say.

My dad suggests, "Why don't y'all sit down and I'll get y'all's breakfast for ya."

My mom nods, walking over and kissing my dad's cheek.

As my momma and I sit down she says, "Buck and Savannah are coming over tonight for dinner. You'll finally get to meet your sister-in-law!"

I ask, "Is she nice?"

My dad sets down our plates then says, "I don't think so."

"Oh hush, she's a nice young lady," my momma defends.

My dad sits at the head of the table. Shaking his head as he sits.

"Dad, why so?" I ask.

He sighs, "Well the first time we met, she started hollering about how our food wasn't good. Then later on went to Georgia's dorm room and threatened her because she thought it was a woman he was messing with," he explains.

My jaw drops, "Oh gosh!" I say.

My mom shakes her head, "That's enough! Now let's say grace."

We all hold hands, closing our eyes.

"Lord please bless our food and the hands that prepared it. And please protect our sweet daughter Alaska and let her return go smoothly. Amen!" my mom says.

My dad and I both say, "Amen."

As we eat my mom asks, "So baby, how was college?"

I shrug, "It was bearable."

College was awful, let's not sugarcoat it.

She says, "Well I'm sorry baby, maybe it will be a good thing that you're home."

I smile, "I think it will be."

My dad smiles, "I ought to take you out to the stables. Take you to see Lucky and the new horses. What do you say?"

I nod, "That sounds good dad."

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I open the door seeing Buck standing with a short blonde woman. I have to hide my surprise, she's drop dead gorgeous and he's just meh. There is something about the way she's carrying herself that is very off putting. Which makes me grimace.

"Who the fuck are you?" she asks harshly.

Oh my lord! Southern belle? More like southern bitch.

"Oh bless your heart," I say through gritted teeth, trying to hide my anger.

My dad comes up behind me, "Savannah meet my oldest daughter and Buck's younger sister, Alaska."

I smile, Buck looks pissed. I wonder why? That was sarcasm, his wife's an interesting woman.

I turn around, my eyes widening as I look at my dad. He sighs as we follow Buck and his wife. We meet my momma in the dining room.

My dad and I stand off to the side, I whisper, "I understand now."

"Mhm," he mumbles.

And to think he's the mother of his future child. She doesn't look pregnant though.

We all sit at the same time, Buck asks, "When did you come into town Alaska?"

I answer, "Yesterday."

My momma brings out the food and everyone starts to eat. Leaving behind an awkward static.

After a long silence I decide to ask, "So what's going on with the state?"

Everyone looks confused besides Buck.

"What do you mean sweetheart?" my mom asks.

I furrow my brows, "The state, trying to take back the house."

"Honey what are you talking about?" my dad asks.

I glare at Buck, "You told me the state was trying to take the house."

He shakes his head even though we both know full well he did.

"I can't believe you," I say, how dare he.

I stand from my seat, throwing my napkin to the floor and stomping off.

"Honey where are you going?" my mom asks.

I yell, "To clear my head."

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This was also quite boring but remember, it's only the beginning😏😉