His lost mate - Nano 2015

Chapter 4 - Oh Damn it, why?

The following morning Gael walked into the house and settled Bridget in the porta-crib and settled a toy or two in with her. There was a little horse thing with floppy antenna's which she loved for some reason. Since she tended to chew on it he had to give it a bath frequently to keep it looking decent. Once she was comfortable he settled down at the table. He gave everyone a nod to acknowledge they were there. "Mornin' all, smells good as usual doesn't it?"

Red took a huge sniff of the food and grinned. "Darn straight it does. Ms. Annabelle makes some darn good food." He poured some water into his glass as he was talking.

Annabelle carried the food in and snorted. "Red I know you, as long as it is food and not burnt or under cooked you don't care." She settled down next to her father and started passing the food trays around.

Dakota gave Red a wry glance. "Ah, think she has you there Red. I have seen you eat some pretty questionable stuff as long as it had plenty of ketchup or steak sauce on it." He took one of the trays and took some food from it before passing it on.

Breakfast was fairly relaxed as they ate. Once it was over Annabelle asked Gael to remain for a moment. As the hands were helping to clear the table she spoke to Gael. "I talked to dad last night and we do have some things for re-shooing horses. He doesn't know what condition they are in since it has been a long time. Dad is going to show you the small shop while I watch Bridget. Once you are done with the morning feeding and mucking come and let him know. Dad will show you once the morning chores are done."

Dakota gave Gael a curious look. "Farrier stuff? You know how to re-shoe a horse? Can you make your own shoes and all that stuff?" He didn't know many people who could do that since it was almost a dying skill.

Gael turned to look at Dakota and nodded. "I have been working with horses since I was in my early teens. When they realized I had an affinity for working with horses and calming them the Farrier took me under her wing. She taught me a great deal. I am not anywhere in her league but I can beat out a good solid shoe and fit it." Being a wolf had some uses since he could knock a shoe out quicker than a human could.

Dakota had to shake his head. "Son, I wish most hands were as trained as you are. Good with horses, good with vehicles, can work all day without complaint, and even while taking care of a babe." He shook his head again before heading out of the room. The boy was definitely skilled and a good worker but there was just something off about him. He was almost too good.

He had to snort at Dakota. "I grew up on a ranch and I was expected to learn as much as I could. My dad was one of the mechanics for the ranch and he taught me everything I know. Hell using what he taught me I rebuild my Bronco almost from the ground up. As far as the horses I can't say but they just seem to be comfortable around me. That is how I ended up working with them and even occasionally with the vet and the farrier. Cattle not as much. For some reason they always seem to think I am contemplating a haunch of something for dinner."

Annabelle almost choked when Gael said that. When she finally spoke her eyes were bright with amusement. "Gael that was bad and if I find any bite marks on the cattle I am sending you the bill." She knew he would get the joke and hoped he would take it the way she meant it.

Gael turned and furrowed his brow at her. "I don't normally eat my beef on the hoof Ma'am. If you don't mind I am going to deal with the horses who don't make jokes at my expense." He stalked out of the house even though his lips were actually twitching slightly. When he walked into the barn he ended up leaning against a wall and actually laughed. It was a good belly laugh which he really did need. What she had said was so wrong it wasn't funny.