Plans Change

Plans Change

The diligent guard circled the enclosure making sure everything was secure. He could go off duty at peace. He arrived at his home and silently padded across the green lawn to the back door and let himself in. Entering the bedroom he readied himself to crawl into the comfortable bed and cozied up to the sleeping beauty already there. She instinctively encircled him with her arm and cuddled closer. All was right in his world.

Dawn broke rosy and warm over the picturesque hill country of Texas. The sleeping beauty languidly stretched to welcome a new day. She smiled at Mr. Right still snoozing next to her. He'd started sleeping beside her nearly from day one when Claire first came on duty as Uncle Simon's care taker after his stroke. She couldn't get him to leave if she tried. She wondered if Lefty found it annoying since the border collie was his dog and the canine's duty was watching over the cattle, not her.

After donning her ranching attire; tee, jeans and boots; she headed for the kitchen ready to catch grief for sleeping so late. Luckily, Uncle Simon was much better after two months so could manage breakfast without her.

“Sleeping in late this morning, I see? Have flapjacks ready. And steaming coffee.” Uncle Simon summoned. “Been burning the midnight oil again, Dear?”

“I'm afraid you are correct. Proof-reading deadlines wait for no one. How are you feeling this morning?” She greeted him with a kiss on his cheek as she pulled her unruly curly hair into a scrunchy atop her head.

“Right as right can be. I'm ready to throw this cane on the burn heap and get back to ranching. Not that I haven't enjoyed having you dote on this old goat but you need to spend more daylight hours on your own pursuits. I know you have more dreams and plans than seeing to my needs. I can manage on my own again, thank you very much. If I don't get back in the saddle soon, my mind will be as addle as my backside.”

“And I thought we agreed that oatmeal and fruit would be healthier for your backside than sugar-laden flapjacks.”

“We all need a few carbs to keep enough energy to run this spread. Besides, Lefty is stopping in after supervising the morning chores over at the dude ranch. He'll be famished and wondering where that two-timing pooch of his is again.

“Speak of the devil.” Mr. Right came slinking out to the kitchen tail between his legs as he heard the voice tone of one of his most favorite ranchers.

“Don't give him a hard time. He stays up most of the night watching over that herd. And I have been trying to convince him his master isn't in this house at the present time. He is over at your tiny house until I find a new place to stay if you don't need me any more. Weren't new guests arriving at your main ranch house today?”

“That's why Lefty has to be over there for awhile this morning and I told him to come here for breakfast.

“Speak of the devil.”

Lefty Long let himself in the back door with the doggie door in it, “Hello, Simon. You're looking chipper this morning. Breakfast smells wonderful and I see you found my lost dog.” Uncle Simon's right hand man and neighbor, who switched living quarters with him as he recuperated, bent to give a welcoming scratch to Mr. Right's left ear. The dog's tail beat a rapid pace as his whole body exuded welcome circling a couple times in anticipation for more. “He been fed yet?”

“As you wish.” Claire came up behind Mr. Right with a bowl full of dog food and set it at his feet. “And yours is on the stove so have a seat as I get it.”

“Thank you, kindly, but y'all don't have to wait on me. I can get it myself.”

“Getting mine anyway. Uncle Simon was the cook this morning. You want more?”

“Nah, thanks, but I'll do more coffee, if you please.”

“My pleasure. Now what am I to do if you won't be needing me any more, Uncle?” Claire served then took her seat between Lefty and Simon at the granite breakfast counter.

“Well, even when you called me from L.A. bus station as you were fleeing the wild fires at your apartment in Altadena I said I would find a way to take care of you. You are the only family I have same as I am your only family. Now I know you, I don't want to lose you. You've been able to continue working your job remotely. Any news about that promotion to editor you were hoping for?”

“I'm eternally grateful to both of you for fitting me into your lives. Lefty, this has been such a blessing for us to use your two bedroom home while you bunk in Simon's tiny house so he can continue to use his rustic ranch house as a resort for vacationers in this booming locale. I didn't press for the editor job because I've stayed busy helping you regain your health after that stroke, Uncle Simon. Even with my proof-reading position I'm pretty sure I can afford an apartment in Wimberley. I've been able to save for the up-front fees and everything. So, now that you feel strong again, I'll start my search. I'll still be close enough to see you often and help if needed.”

“You know you will be breaking Mr. Right's heart if he can't find you in my spare bedroom anymore.” Lefty lamented.

Mr. Right perked up his ears at his name so Claire rubbed his head. “I'll miss him, too.”

“Well, now. Maybe neither one of you have to have your heart broken if he could still find you in the master suite here.” Lefty spoke up as he got down on one knee.

“What in the world do you mean. You'll be needing that room.” Claire choked up when she realized...

“Yes, I will be needing it to carry my bride into if she'll have me. Claire Calhoun, would you honor me by becoming my wife?” He snapped open a velvety jewelry box offering her a shiny diamond ring. “Plans can change.”