Choosing My Life - Bear And Rachel

Rachel's plan

Bear

"Hey Man, I'm stealing your wife for the day!" Horse yelled out as he walked into the store.  I shook my head as said wife came up behind me to slide her arms around me. She giggled as she ducked under my arm.
"He's just driving Momma and I out to the farm.  I want to show her some of the things Ma had." She explained,  rising on her toes to reach my cheek.
I couldn't help but smile.
"I trust you," I kissed her nose, "I trust Momma," I kissed her mouth,  then pointed at Horse. "But I don't fully trust him,  keep an eye on him, and don't let him get into any more trouble."

Horse grabbed his chest dramatically.
"Oh, the harsh words!"
Rachel glanced at him and then grinned back up at me.
"I'll help Momma keep him under control." She promised.

I dropped my head to her.
"Are you going to be OK at the farm?"
She nodded.
"I've got to clear out some things before the place falls over.  Horse and Momma are going to help me work out what things I should keep." She murmured to me.  Something was niggling in the back of my head, but I decided to trust her.  I knew she'd be safe with Horse and Momma, and he'd bring her back if anything went wrong. So I kissed her again and watched her walk away.

My sweet pea had gained confidence since the last time we visited the farm.  She got rid of the long dresses,  and wore jeans and long shirts now.  My eyes appreciated the change, and besides, she looked happier. Please use Wattpad to read this book in its entirety for free.  If you are reading this on a pay per chapter site please report it for fraud as this story is stolen.

Horse

Momma and Rach chatted happily in the back seat of the truck as we headed down the highway. Rach was good for Momma.  She had a way about her that meant Momma was OK accepting her help.  I think it was that Rach didn't give her pity,  she just accepted Momma for how she was.  It was handy to have her around especially now that Maz was away studying.

We pulled into the farm that had lost some of its spookiness, not all of it,  just some. Jefferson had not abused his ability to use the fields and was actually looking after the place.  It still needed a dog.  But that tended to come with people actually living on the place,  rather than just visiting.

Rachel jumped out and placed Momma's sticks near the truck door.
"The ground's a bit rough for your walking frame, Momma, but once we're inside you can probably use it. Horse can you take the frame just inside the doorway. The porch is a bit uneven still.  Momma and I will follow at our own pace." Rachel quickly ordered me around like a drill Sergeant.
"Sir, yes sir!" I gave a silly salute, and she shook her head.
"You're an idiot,  how my husband and Momma put up with you,  I have no idea." She helped Momma down,  and handed her the sticks. "You have my sympathy." She told Momma with fake sincerity. Momma had a big smile on her face and her eyes twinkled with mischief. I pulled her walking frame out and placed it where Rachel told me to.

"I'm going to just do a walk around,  make sure everything is in order." I told the girls as they made their way around.
"That's fine,  we'll yell if we need you." Rachel replied. "You don't mind if I throw some things in your truck that is like to take back?"
I waved her question away
"Not a problem. Go for it."
I walked away to check the fences.

A while later I came back to find Momma sitting near the orchard taking to the pig.  She glanced up at me.
"I think we're going to need some help out here.  She has a piece of furniture from her Ma she wants taken out.  She's busy looking through the barn while we were waiting for to too come back." Momma told me.
I frowned,  I thought the barn was her father's realm, I didn't think she'd want anything that reminded her of him. 

I walked to the barn to find her walking out, smacking dust off her self. Her face was taunt with determination. I got a niggle telling me that something was up with her.
"Hey Rach,  Momma said you have some furniture you want out of the house?"
She lifted her face, and grinned. The act made her look less grim.
"Yes,  thank you, Horse. Just my Ma's trousseau. I've packed the memories I want to keep in there. Do you think you could help me lift it?"

I looked at her. She wasn't the weakling that she'd left the place as, the physio and food had left that person in the dust.  But I doubted I'd survive Bear if he found out I'd let her lift anything.
"I'm not committing suicide by letting you help." I told her, "I'll get someone else out here."
"Thankyou Horse,  but how would me helping you be considered suicide?"
I pulled my phone out and fake glared at her.
"If you get hurt, your husband is going to kill me.  Have you seen the size of him!"
I half turned away to ring the number, before I noticed her sly smile.
"Oh Horse,  I've more than seen it." She walked up to me and patted my shoulder. "I've handled it," she winked and walked over to Momma.
I stood there dumbfounded, then yelled back at her.
"I did not want to think about that!"
"You asked!" Came the reply.

I chuckled.  I'm glad we found her in time,  and I'm glad things worked out for her and Bear.  I'm proud of the woman she's turned into. I called in Skinner who assured me they were close by.  By the time they arrived I could see Momma was flagging.  So Rachel coaxed her into the passengers side of the truck to rest, while Skinner and I wrestled the wooden box out and slid it into the tray of the truck.

Skinner took off home on his bike,  and I dusted my hands off.
"Ready to go?" I asked Rachel.
She shook her head.  She had a strange smile on her face.
"There's something I need to do here. Can you call Bear and let him know I'm still here.  Tell him to bring the bike." She replied.
I frowned.
"Are you sure." She nodded and looked back at the orchard. "Yes,  definitely. Go on take Momma home,  she's had a big day."
Against my better judgement,  I  took her advice. If I'd known what she was planning I probably would have stayed.  But I hopped in the truck,  switched it on,  made sure Momma was belted in and safe,  and headed home.  I called Bear along the way and got a tongue lashing for leaving his precious prize alone, but I could hear him finishing up, so I ignored the grumbling and teased him instead.

I really should have stayed.