Chapter 32 &33

Chapter 32

Katie woke up refreshed and renewed after getting a good night sleep in her own bed with Mark at her side.  Mark was already up and downstairs when she awoke.  She hurriedly got ready and went down to greet him.  “Morning Mommy,” Mark said as she came down the stairs.
 “Morning Daddy,” Katie said with a smile as she went to sit down on the couch beside him.  Mark was reading and drinking his coffee.  They kissed and Katie asked him, “Where’s my cup?” 
“Well, you get a very special cup.  You see I read in this book that pregnant women aren’t supposed to drink coffee or have caffeine.  So, you get juice this morning, but I had Sue put it in your favorite coffee cup so you’d have the illusion that it was coffee.” 
“Mark, where did you get that book and what on earth makes you think I can go without coffee or that I’d think this was coffee just because it’s in my coffee cup?” 
“Easy hun, it was just a joke.  What you just had would be what chapter three calls mood swings,” he said with a laugh.  “Besides, if you want our daughter to be healthy, you have to make some changes.  I drove out to the bookstore last night after dinner and got it.  You should read it.  Has some good stuff in it.  I also got two more.  They are in the office.”
“Wow, you are really excited about this aren’t you?  Well, you can read them and tell me what they say,” Katie laughed.
“Hey now I can’t read them all.  One is especially for mothers.  That’s yours,” Mark told her.
“I know,” said Katie.  “I was just kidding.  Seems like you got those chapter three mood swings too,” Katie laughed and punched Mark in the arm.  “Hey, did I miss breakfast?”
 Rubbing his arm where Katie hit it, “Yes, I went up to get you but you were sound asleep so I figured you needed your rest and let you be.  Sue saved some for you and said she’d warm it up when you were ready.  She’s in the kitchen cleaning up.  You sit here and read some of this book and I’ll get your breakfast.”  Mark went into the kitchen while Katie opened the book.  She turned to the chapter about what to eat and not eat.  Sure enough Mark was right, no coffee or caffeine during the pregnancy.  How was she going to make it?  She decided to start making a list of questions to ask the doctor in a couple of weeks.  That would be her first one.  She went into the office to get some paper and a pen.  She wrote down a couple of questions by the time Mark returned with her breakfast.  He sat it on the table and told her to come eat.  Katie
got up with the book, paper, and pen in hand.  She put them on the table and told Mark about the list of questions.  “That’s a good idea K.  I think I’ll do that too and we can combine the list as needed.  Now please eat.  Collin will be here in a little while to talk about the house, and we need to come up with ideas before he gets here.”  Katie ate and they talked about ideas for the house.  Mark wrote them down.  They were still sitting at the table throwing out ideas when Collin knocked at the door.  Mark greeted him and led him to the big table.  He introduced Katie and they all sat down.
“So Mark, you said you wanted to make a deal about a house for that horse.  I am not sure that’s a fair trade. Could we talk about adding to it?”  Collin asked.
“Well Collin what do you have in mind?”  Mark asked.
“First, how much do you think that horse is worth?”  Collin asked.
Mark answered, “I looked at his papers this morning.  He is a registered Tennessee Walker just over a year old.  If I were to sell him out right, he’d probably bring $100,000-$125,000, easily, especially with his training I have given him to show.  So for you, I’d give you a break and take $85,000.”
“OK well, the house, depending on plans and options, would probably start at $200,000 because all the work is done by hand.  So let’s see the horse, and maybe that black single horse trailer sitting out there, and training and lessons for the horse and my daughter. I figure that should come out about right.”
“Man, you drive a hard bargain.  How old is your daughter?  Is she going to be the one to use the horse?  What is she wanting to do with it.”
”She is 12 and yes, the horse is for her.  She wants to do show jumping.”
Mark thought for a minute.  Made some calculations and then said, “Ok the horse and the trailer. I’ll need to keep the horse for a few more months to train it to do show jumping. When he is ready, Katie will give her free lessons for one year but after that we’ll charge her regular rate.  How does that sound?”
 Collin made some calculations.  “Sounds great.  Now what are your ideas for the house?”  They all talked about the house and got a pretty good idea down on paper. When they finalized the plans.  Collin said he could start the job in three days.  Mark took him out to the land where he and Katie decided to build it.  Collin said he would be back the next day to stake out the property and then a couple of days later have his guys come out to pour the foundation.  Mark thanked him, shook his hand and Collin left.  Mark went back into the house and told Katie the plan.  She was excited.  Just then she spotted her father coming up the drive.  “Wow! That was good timing,” she told Mark.  He kissed her and said he needed to get to work.  As he left he greeted Katie’s father.  They talked for a minute then Mark went to work.  “Hey Daddy, glad you finally made it out.  How are you?” 
“I am good Princess, how are you?” 
“I am fine.”  They hugged.  Katie continued, “You want some coffee or something to eat?”  “Some coffee would be great and if you have any of Sue’s wonderful biscuits left, I’d love some of those with gravy.” 
“I think you are in luck.  I’ll go get it.  Just have a seat at the table and I’ll bring it right out.”  He sat down at the table while Katie went into the kitchen.  She brought him a cup of coffee.  “Here you go.  Sue is warming up the biscuits and gravy and will bring them right out.  So, you just gonna hang out here today?”  Katie asked as she sat at the table across from him. 
“Well if that is okay with you.  I was hoping to spend so time with you and Mark and maybe even learning my way around the ranch.  The house is just lonely now, and I need something to do with my days.” 
Katie smiled at him as he took a sip of coffee.  “Daddy, Doug told us…. Um I mean Doug is staying here for the trial.  I am sure he could use some help.  That might be better than working outside.  It gets awful hot out there.  Also that’s a long drive back and forth to the house every night.  You know, Mark and I would love for you to come stay with us if you’d like.”  He looked at her wondering if she knew something.  Sue brought in his biscuits and broke the silence.  “Morin’ Mr. Warren.  Here you are.”  He thanked her and the turned back to Katie.  “Sue is a sweet woman.  Does she live here on the ranch?”  “Yes she has a little room just off the kitchen.  We are looking to expand it for her in the next few months.  Daddy, did you hear what I said about you staying here?”  “Yes Katie, I heard it.  I am not sure that is a good idea.  While I’d love to be closer to you guys, especially after the baby comes, I know you guys don’t want some old burned out lawyer living here.  Besides what would I do with the house?”  Katie sighed.  She finally decided that she needed to tell her father that she knew about the house. 
“Daddy, I know about the house.  You have no place to go.  Please stay here with us until you figure something out.”
He stared at her.  “What?  How do you know?” 
“It doesn’t matter how I know but I do know.  Please Daddy, I can’t stand the thought of you out there somewhere.  At least stay until you figure something out.” 
He thought for a moment.  “Katie, I didn’t want you to find out about losing the house.  You have enough to worry about as it is.  If I do stay here, I don’t want you to go to any trouble about anything.  Just go about your daily routine like I am not even here.  Is Mark okay with this?”  “Mark is fine with it.  And this will be fine.  Afterall, you have to earn your keep around here just like everyone else.”  Katie laughed and her father smiled. 
“Ok but just for a week or so until I can find a place to go.” 
“Great, we will give you the second master suite downstairs.  We use the one upstairs.  The one down here has its own entrance and nice big private bath.  We were going to give it to Uncle Doug while he is staying here but he said he preferred the guestroom upstairs because of the morning sun.  If you want, I’ll show you where everything is.  Come on.”  Katie took her father to the room.  It was a nice big room just off the living room.  It had a fireplace and a huge bathroom.  She showed him where he can find everything and where to put things. 
“Wow this is great.  This house is much bigger than it looks.  Is the upstairs master this big?” he asked with a smile. 
“Actually, it’s bigger,” Katie said.  “We like it better up there.  That way breakfast doesn’t wake us up as early.  Sue starts cooking about 5:30 and we don’t want to get up quite that early.”  “Well, thanks for the warning,” her father chuckled.  “I’ll wear a nose plug or something.  Katie thank you so much.”  He gave Katie a big hug. 
“Daddy don’t get all sappy on me now.  I have a riding lesson here in a few minutes.  You want to come watch?” 
“Sure I’d love too.  Hey, I need to go shopping later.  If I am gonna be staying here, I want to look the part.  I mean a ranch is hardly a place for slacks and loafers.  Where can I go get some jeans and boots?” 
“Tell you what, after lunch Mark and I will take you shopping at our favorite store.  They know us pretty well and will give you good deal.”  Katie and her father walked outside just as Katie’s student pulled up the drive.  “You can stand over here by the fence.  Mark will probably be back by here in a little bit.  He likes to watch when he can.”  Just as Katie went into the riding ring, one of the ranch hands brought the riding horse out of the stable. 
“Here you are Mrs. Katie.  All ready to go.  I adjusted the stirrups for your student’s height.  She should feel more comfortable this time.” 
She grabbed the reins, “Thanks Hank.  You’re a big help.”  Her student came skipping into the ring. 
“Hey Mr. Hank.  You got my horse ready today?” 
He smiled at the little girl, “Sure do Mandy.  Patches is all cleaned up and ready for you.  Have fun and be careful,” she says as he winked at her. 
“Thanks Mr. Hanks.  Can you stay and watch?” 
“I have to go clean his stable while you are riding but if I get done I’ll come watch for a bit.” 
Mandy just smiled as she greeted Katie, “Morning Mrs. Katie.  I’m ready.”  Katie helped Mandy up on the horse and began the lesson.  Mandy was only about eight-years-old but learned very quickly.  Close to the end of the lesson, Hank came to stand at the fence.  Mandy saw him smiled and waved wildly.  Katie noticed Mandy not paying attention.  “Mandy both hands on the reins please.  You don’t want to fall off.” 
“Sorry Mrs. Katie.”  Mandy just loved it when Hank watched her.  Hank sometimes helped Katie with new students, especially if they were young children and needed help staying in the saddle.  Hank would walk around beside the horse ready to catch them if they fell off.  Hank had worked with Mandy when she first started.  She got attached to him and was a little sad when he no longer helped her.  Hank really took to her as well and made it a point to come watch her when he could. He always made sure the horse was washed and ready to go for her lesson.
Hank also helped out Mandy’s mother, Karen.  She was a single mother who lived on the edge of town.  Her husband left right after Mandy was born. When she needed something done around the house or help of any kind, she usually called Hank.  They met one day during one of Mandy’s lessons, started talking and instantly hit it off.  Some of the guys urge Hank all the time to ask Karen out but he just wouldn’t feel right about doing so.  Mandy loved it when Hank came to help because when he finished he usually took extra time to play with her.  Hank really liked Mandy and Karen and would love to ask Karen out but was waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Just as Katie is finished the lesson, Karen came up the drive.  Hank walked over to greet her.  “Hello Karen.  Having a good morning?” he asked. 
“Yes, Hank,” she replied.  “Glad to see you. Hey listen, I got a question for you.  I have two tickets to the concert at the arena tonight and need someone to go with.  Would you be interested?” 
“Oh you don’t want to take me,” he told her. 
“Actually, I would like to go with you.  I have been looking for an excuse to go somewhere with you and this is perfect since we both really like the group playing,” she smiled.  Hank smiled back, thinks for a minute and then says, “Ok I’ll go but only if you let me buy dinner before the concert.” 
She smiled almost in a blush, “It’s a deal.  The concert starts at 8.” 
“Then I’ll pick you up around 5 for dinner.  That ok?” he asked. 
She smiled, “That would be perfect.  I have a friend who agreed to watch Mandy.  I’ll take her over there about 4 so I can get ready in peace.  You know Mandy would talk my ear off about you if she found out you were coming over.” They continued their conversation as they walked over to the fence to see the last few minutes of Mandy’s lesson.  When she was done, Hank helped Mandy into the car then waved goodbye.  As he started back into the corral to take the horse back to the stable, Katie asked him, “So what were you and Karen talking about?  Looks like you guys had a nice long conversation.” 
Hank smiled, “She asked me to go to a concert with her tonight.” 
Katie snickered, “I hope you said yes.  I told her you would.” 
Hank looked at her, “Wait you talked to her about it?  You knew? That’s just not right.”
Katie laughed, “Yeah she asked me last week if I thought you would go if she asked and I told her not only did I think you would but that you would buy her dinner as well.  Then she swore me to secrecy.  So where you going to take her to dinner?” 
Hank was puzzled, “How did you know I’d take her to dinner.” 
“Cause that’s just the kind of guy you are Hank.  So where you taking her?”  He thought for a moment, “How about the little Italian place that you and Mark like to go?” 
“I think that is perfect.  You better make sure you have on your best jeans, shirt and boots.” 
“I was actually thinking about dressing up a bit more than that.” 
“I don’t think you should.  She really likes you in jeans and boots, especially clean shaven and with your Stetson.  Afterall, it is a country concert and you’d fit right in.” 
Hank smiled, “Ok if that’s what she wants, that’s what she gets.  Besides that’s how I feel most comfortable.” 


Chapter 33
Hank led the horse back to the stable as Katie talked to her father about what he thought about the lesson.  “Pretty cool,” he said “I didn’t know there was so much to riding or that you knew it all.  Do you think you could teach me?”  Katie smiled, “Sure I could, but you would probably be better off letting Mark teach you.  I only do certain types.  If you just want a general trail riding cowboy type, that’s his department.  Have you seen Mark?” 
He looked around, “No I haven’t seen him.  Maybe I’ll ask him at lunch if he’ll teach me.” 
Katie laughed, “You will defiantly see him at lunch.  He doesn’t miss that.  It shouldn’t be too much longer.  Let’s go in the house and relax.”  They walked back into the house and sat on the couch.  After a few minutes, Mark came down the stairs.  Katie saw him.  “What are you doing in here?  I thought you were out working.” 
“Nah, I had something important to do in here.  It’s a surprise.” 
“Mark, you know I hate surprises.  What are you doing?” 
Mark smiled a sheepish smile, “You’ll find out tomorrow.  It’s not quite ready.  Hey, Mr. Warren.  Did you enjoy watching the lesson?” 
“Yes I did.  I also wanted to know if you would teach me to ride.” 
“Sure I would.  We can start tomorrow afternoon, when Katie’s surprise is finished,” he replied as he winked at Katie.  Just about that time Ms. Sue poked her head out of the kitchen.  “Mark could you help me for a second?”  Mark told her he would be right there.  Mr. Warren spoke up, “You stay here and continue to torture my daughter about the surprise.  I’ll go help Ms. Sue.”  He smiled as he walked to the kitchen. 
“Hey, Ms. Sure.  I decided to come help instead of Mark.  Is that ok?” 
Ms. Sue smiled, “That is just fine.  I just need someone to bring me in some wood from out back.  The stove is about out and the boys forgot to restock in here this morning.” 
“No problem I will get you the best wood out there,” he said with a smile. 
“Thank you Mr. Warren. The wood cradle is there next to the door.” 
“Please call me John, Ms. Sue,” he said with a smile as he started out the back door.  After a few minutes he returned with a cradle of wood.  “How much do you need Ms. Sue?” 
“Oh about three should cover it.”  He left and returned with in two more cradles of wood.  “There you are Ms. Sue all stocked up.  Need anything else?” 
Sue smiled, “Thank you John.  Actually, I could use some help setting the table.  Are you any good at that?” 
He smiled, “Are you kidding, I am the best in the county.” 
“Great,” smiled Ms. Sue as she handed John a stack of plates.
They walked out to the table together making small talk.  They laughed and talked as they set the table.  Ms. Sue really enjoyed his company as she rarely got the chance to talk to someone her own age.  Mark and Katie stopped their conversation and just watched the two of them.  Finally Katie whispered to Mark, “Looks like we may have a budding romance on our hands.”  Mark replied, “Don’t get too excited.  They are just making conversation.” 
“Mark I haven’t seen my father smile at a women like that since my mother.  He has that look.” 
“What look?” Mark questioned. 
“You know that look that men get around certain women when their heart starts to melt and they get all warm and gooie inside.” 
Mark laughed, “What?  I never had that look.” 
Katie smiled, “Oh yes you did.  I saw it several times.  Long before you even thought about marrying me.” 
Mark looked at her is disbelief, “When?” 
Katie thought for a minute.  “The first time was that day that Brian first came to the ranch, and I told you I was going to look for a needle in a haystack.  When I told you what I meant, you offered to help me; you had that look.  I saw it just about every time you looked at me from then on and still do.”  Katie leaned over and kissed him.  He was surprised to hear that he was giving off signals that early, before he even knew how he felt.  Katie told him that it usually happened that way and was sure every man would deny having the look.  Their conversation was soon interrupted when Ms. Sue told them lunch was ready as she went out on the porch to ring the bell. Of course Mr. Warren followed her.
As Mark and Katie ate lunch, Katie asked Mark if he would be willing to help her take her father shopping after lunch.  He reluctantly agreed but could only be gone a couple of hours because he had something that needed to get done before dinner.  The three of them left as soon as Mr. Warren helped Sue clear the lunch dishes.  Katie could see this was going to be a regular occurrence. Her father enjoyed helping Sue and Sue enjoyed his company.  The whole time they were shopping, Mr. Warren kept asking Katie and Mark questions about Ms. Sue.  Before they finished shopping, they all knew these questions were not just polite conversation pieces.  Just as they were leaving town, they passed a flower shop.  Mr. Warren asked if they could stop.  He asked Katie if she knew what Ms. Sue’s favorite flower was.  “I think she told me one time that she really liked daisies. “  Mr. Warren hurried into the flower shop and soon came out with a bouquet of daisies.  As he climbed into the truck, he asked, “Do you think these are too much?” 
Mark and Katie looked at each other.  Katie answered, “No, they are great.  But I must warn you one of the ranch hands brought her some wild flowers one day and she got upset when they died and he didn’t bring her fresh ones.” 
Mr. Warren smiled, “I’ll bring her fresh ones everyday if she wants.” 
Katie smiled at her father, “So you and Ms. Sue are getting along great.  That’s good to see.  I know she gets lonely around the ranch with no one her age to talk to.” 
“Yes she and I really hit it off.  Do you think you could spare her one night if I wanted to take her out to dinner?”
Katie looked at her father surprised he was moving to the question so fast.  “I am sure we can arrange something.  Just give me a few days notice.”
 “Well, I was thinking about Sunday evening.  Would that be okay?” 
“If she says yes, it would be great.”  They rode in silence as they pulled up the driveway. 
As Mr. Warren got out of the truck he said, “I am gonna go in the back door and surprise Ms. Sue.  Can you take my stuff to my room for me?”
 Katie smiled and said she would.  Mr. Warren walked to the back door that led to the kitchen, hid the flowers behind his back, took a deep breath and entered.  “Hello, Ms. Sue.  Working hard on dinner?” 
“Hello, John, yes I am.  Did you finding anything on your shopping trip?” 
“I did.  Maybe I’ll show it off later.  So do you think you could take a break for just a second?  I have something that I saw in town and just had to bring it for you.” 
Sue smiled at him.  “You didn’t have to bring me anything, but I do love surprises.  What is it?”  He presented her the daisies.  Excitedly she cried,, “Daisies, my favorite! How’d you know?” 
“A man never tells his secrets,” he replied as he helps her retrieve a jar from the shelf for the flowers.  “These really pretty up my kitchen.  Thank you John,” she said as she set them on the counter beside her.  “Well, this kitchen is beautiful as long as you are in it,” he said.  “But I have one more thing for you.  It isn’t a gift but a question.  I was wondering if you would do me the honor of allowing me to take you to dinner on Sunday.” 
Sue blushed, “Well I would love to but I’ll have to clear it with Mrs. Katie and Mr. Mark.” 
“Already taken care of.  They said it was fine with them if you agreed.” 
Sue smiled, “Then I’d love to go to dinner with you, John. What time should I be ready?”
“How does 6 sound?” 
“That would be great.  Thank you.  I can’t wait.  Would you like to help me set the table for dinner?  We still have about an hour but you did such a good job at lunch.”  He agreed and they both set the table.  No one was in the living room to watch them this time until one of the ranch hands comes in.
 “Ms. Sue, have you seen Mark?” 
“No I haven’t, Joe.  They just got back for town but I don’t know where he went.  John, do you know?”
 “I know before we left he said something about working on a surprise for Katie but not sure what he meant.  Want me to help you look for him?”
“ Well, it’s and emergency.  Katie just passed out in the stable.  You guys go see if you can do anything and I’ll see if Mark is upstairs.”  Sue and John run out the to stable as Joe yelled up stairs for Mark.  He came out to the landing to see what Joe needed. Joe hurriedly tells him, “Katie just passed out in the stable.  You better come.  Jeff is out there and I just sent Ms. Sue and Mr. Warren out.” 
“Oh Man! What happened?” Mark cried as he ran down the stairs and out the door.  He reached the stable just as Katie is started to wake up.  Kneeling down beside her, Mark asked, “Katie are you ok?  Jeff, what happened?”  Jeff looked at Mark, “She was watering the horses while I cleaned out the stalls.  She stopped and said she didn’t feel good and asked if I could finish.  Before I can even answer, she hit the ground.  I tried to catch her but didn’t make it.”  Katie spoke softly, “Mark, what’s wrong what happened?  I remember watering and talking to Jeff and then nothing.  What’s wrong?” 
“Katie you passed out.  We’ve got to take you to the hospital.  Has anyone called an ambulance?”  In the excitement everyone forgot.  Then Jeff spoke up. “Come on Mark we’ll just take her in the truck.  We can carry her and I’ll drive and you can sit in the back with her.  We’ll call the hospital on the way.” Mark picked up Katie to carry her to the truck. 
Mr. Warren rushed over to open the door.  “Want me to come too?” he asked Mark.  “Sure hop in.”  Mr. Warren jumped into the front seat of the truck, just as Jeff jumped in the driver’s seat.  “We’ll call when we know something,” Jeff said.  “Everyone try to get your work done.  She’ll be ok.”  They rushed to the hospital where Mr. Warren jumped out and opened the back door to the truck.  Katie was lying in the back seat with her head in Mark’s lap.  The nurses, waiting with a gurney, loaded Katie on it and wheeled her inside.  Mark and Mr. Warren were right behind them, as Jeff parked the truck. 
The doctors let Mark go in with Katie but asked Mr. Warren and Jeff to stay in the waiting area.  They asked Mark what happened, and he retold what Jeff had said to him.  He also told them that Katie was pregnant.   They asked him if she lost consciousness on the way, and he told them that she had not. They ran several tests on Katie.  Finally after about an hour the doctor came in to talk to Mark who told him that Katie fainted because of a vitamin deficiency.  He said this could not only be due to the pregnancy but also from working on the ranch and extreme stress.  Mark knew Katie defiantly fit that description.   The doctor told him that the pre-natal vitamins Katie was taking weren’t keeping up with everything that she was involved in and that Katie was receiving an IV that would help, and as soon as it was finished, she could go home but with restrictions.  The doctor made sure Katie heard and agreed to the restrictions.  He told them that she had to take it easy for the next few days, meaning no lessons and no working on the ranch.  She had to have a strict diet for the next few months and also had to take some new vitamin supplements that he was prescribing.  He also told them that he would send to report to Katie’s OB and to follow up with him in a few days.  Katie spoke up, “I have an appointment with him on Monday.”  The doctor said that was great.  He gave them a few more instructions and said a nurse would bring in paper work and that she should be able to leave in about an hour when the IV was finished.  Mark left to inform Mr. Warren and Jeff of the good news and then Jeff called the ranch while Mark returned to help Katie with the paperwork.  The doctor returned for one last check.  “Katie, here is a copy of the diet I want you to follow.  Stay on it for at least three  months unless your OB tells you otherwise. By the way, who is your OB?” 
“It is Dr. Murphy.  Is my baby ok?”
“Your baby is fine for now and will be as long as you follow doctor’s orders.  Dr. Murphy is a good doctor.  He and I went to school together and play golf on occasion.  I’ll send him my report first thing in the morning.  Looks like your IV is almost done.  I’ll get a nurse to come take it out, and you go home and get some rest.”  The doctor left and Katie looked at Mark, “Honey, I’m sorry.  I didn’t want something like this to happen.” 
“K, it’s not your fault.  This is just God’s way of telling you to slow down and take it easy.”
The nurse came in to remove Katie’s IV.  “Ok Mrs. Dean, your are free to go.  Do you have any questions?” 
“No, I think we are good.  Thank you.” 
“You are welcome.  Mr. Dean, I will push here out if you’d like to carry her things.”
Jeff had already pulled to truck up.  Mr. Warren and Mark helped Katie into the truck.  Mark gets in beside.  Katie slumped down and laid her head on Mark’s shoulder.  He put his arm around her as they rode back to the ranch.