“So, how is the theater stuff going?” he asks.
“Nothing is really happening yet. I still have to do a walk-through with the realtor and sign papers. Everything is in limbo until that happens, but I am excited for the challenge, to build something that’s mine.”
Henry nods, agreeing. “That’s the Everett I know, you always wanted something that was yours.”
I glance at him, then turn to look at the creek. “Yes, ranch life was never mine. I loved it growing up, but I want to make my own mark. Something I can build without anyone telling me it is right or wrong.”
“Well, you’re making a good start with the theater. I can’t wait to see you turn that into a place of your dreams.”
We sit at the creek a bit longer and decide we should get to work on mending the fences. Dad would be pissed if we don’t do our job and cattle escape through the holes.
As we hop onto our horses and head out, I realize that no matter the tension with Dad, the little moments, skipping stones, joking with Henry, and feeling the wind on my face, those are the things that make this town feel like home. And maybe, just maybe I can make a life here on my own terms.
It’s nice seeing Henry so happy; he seems to really like it here. I wish I did. It would have been easier in a sense. Staying and doing what I was brought up to do.
It is a little bittersweet to see how easy Henry’s life turned out after taking over the role. I could have taken the easy road, takenover the ranch, and had my life planned out, but would I have been happy?
I guess I’ll never know that answer. The only thing I know right now is that I am proud of myself for following my own path, doing things my way, and proving to everyone that I made the right decision.
We’ve accomplished everything we wanted to do today. We fixed some of the holes and checked in on the cattle. The calves should be born soon. There are about ten pregnant heifers, so now we are on calf duty. We moved the heifers closer to the ranch so they are easier to reach if we need to help in any way.
For now, it’s time to shower and head to the main house for dinner. Mom has always loved making dinners for us after a long ranch day. I don’t ever remember a day when Mom didn’t make dinner when I was growing up.
“Boys wash up before dinner. And don’t drag ranch dust throughout my house,” she says jokingly, she knows that is impossible.
“I make no promises,” I reply.
Henry chuckles. “City boy forgot how dirt works.”
I bump his shoulder as I pass. “You still mad I saddled faster than you this morning?”
“I beat you to the creek, though,” Henry says back.
“Boys, go wash up and bicker later,” Mom says.
Now that I don’t smell like mud and animal shit, I head downstairs. I hear everyone chatting about the ranch and what we did today.
“How was your day?” Mom asks me as I come downstairs.
“Hey, Mom, the day was good, thanks. How was yours?” I reply as I walk toward her and give her a hug.
“That’s great, sweetie. My day was good, you know, my usual day around here, but now I get to make dinner for all my boys, and that makes me so happy,” she says, hugging me back, tighter than usual.
“I’m happy to be back home, Mom. Dinner smells delicious; it’s been a while since I had a good home-cooked meal.”
The kitchen smells like roast potatoes and garlic. Mom is at the stove; we make our way into the kitchen. Dad sits at the head of the table across from Mom. Henry and I sit across from each other.
We settle back into our seats. Plates are passed. The quiet isn’t uncomfortable, but it isn’t comfortable either.
Mom sets a bowl of salad down and looks at me.
“So, tell us about the movie theater. What are you planning to do with it?”
Henry leans back, interested right away. Dad keeps eating, but I know he’s listening.
“Well, right now it’s still a five-screen movie theater. We know it’s an old building, but it has good bones. It just hasn’t been updated in years.”
Henry nods. “Seats looked rough last time we went.”
