Page 71 of Save A Horse
“Colt! Glad you could make it.”
“Sorry, this is a little unexpected, dad.”
“Y’all are welcome here any time.”
“We thought we would come help you out today.”
“Yeah, my dad has it all under control back at Texas Rose.”
“Whose idea was this?” Neither of us spoke, but from dad’s reaction, I’m sure that somehow Colt let him know it was my idea.
“Well, follow me.”
We made our way to the backyard, where my dad was ready with a list of chores for us to do. My dad and I are both really trying, I feel a lot of gratitude because of it. I want to support him, and I want him to support me.
“These weeds need to be pulled. I know the garden isn’t very big, but I still like to keep it up.” Just like Walt, my dad kept the garden going because it was one of my mom’s favorite things.
We spent the next little while working together, pulling out all the weeds from the garden to tidy it up. It was nice to have this time with my dad. With so many years apart, I was starting to think that we would never get to do things like this again.
“What else do you need, dad?”
“Well, the shed needs to be cleaned up, and I need to fix a place in the fence.”
“We can help you with that, no problem.” My dad smiled back at me, then we all three headed toward the shed.
We stole glances at each other while working side by side. The shed was a mess, and I could only imagine how hard it had been for my dad to keep this place running by himself. I knew he enjoyed this place, and he would never want to give this up. It meant too much to him, and I knew it reminded him of my mom.
We took a break, and I saw my dad wipe sweat from his brow. He looked so content and pleased.
“You know, it feels good to have you both here. I like having some help around here.”
“Didn’t you have someone hired? I thought my dad had said something about it.”
“I did, but they found work elsewhere that paid better, so it’s been a one-man job around here for a while.”
“I hate to hear that. You know, if you ever need any help, you can always call me or my dad. One of us will come lend a hand.” My dad placed a hand on Colt’s shoulder.
“I know. You are good people, you and your dad. Y’all have bailed me out plenty of times.”
“Well, I appreciate that, John.”
“I have missed this, though. It’s nice to have some help around here, and it’s even better when my daughter comes and helps.” I smiled at him, receiving that warm smile from him thatwas always there to lift me up as a kid.
“I’ve missed it, too, dad. I’m really glad we’re doing this.” This felt like a turning point in our relationship, and I was welcoming it with open arms.
“Well, I’ll finish up here. You two go off somewhere.”
“What?”
“You know what I mean. You two need some time alone together. Plus, I did notice what looked like a packed lunch when y’all were getting out of the truck.”
“You were spying?”
“Oh, no. I just notice things. Now you two run along.”
“We won’t be gone that long, dad.”
“Take all the time you need.”
