Love's Familiar Face

Chapter 1-2

Cory was happy with the arrangement. He adored his Grammy and Pop, as Mr. and Mrs. Kerris had called themselves to Cory. Granny spoiled him all day and Pop would take over when he arrived home from his part time job at the hardware store.

The detective had copies of the newspaper articles, including pictures of Alfred’s moment of embarrassment. He also managed to get pictures of Cory, when his grandmother took him with her grocery shopping and to the park, in his stroller, to get fresh air.

George studied the report and gazed at the photos with longing and pride. Looking at Cory was like looking at Cole. The boys were identical, but George could see tiny differences between the two. He sighed and put away the photos. He picked up his camera and went to get Alice to help him record Cole’s growth. He wanted to make an album of pictures of both boys for the future. George had retained his detective to do a follow-up visit to check on Cory once a year. If his situation changed, George wanted to know about it.

The detective had a contact in Lulling. The contact would alert him if there were any major troubles with Cory. He explained to George it was more cost effective to have the contact check on Cory whenever he got a chance and not just concentrate on the one case. George agreed. He was okay as long as he received word on his son.

George had received a call from his parents when they were settled with his sister in Australia. His mom was glad to hear of him and Cole being in Wyoming. He was invited to join them in Australia, but he turned down the invitation. George liked living and working on the ranch. Cole was thriving, and he wanted to be in the states if Cory needed him. He thanked his parents for the invitation but told them he was happy on the ranch.

Jason, who was present for the call from his sister, smiled. He was pleased with George’s response to the invitation. Jason loved having George and Cole on the ranch. Having them around made the ranch feel like home. It had been lonely since the death of his wife ten years before. George and Cole were his family. He was happy to see them feeling at home on the ranch.

When George hung up the phone, Jason looked at him and smiled. “Why don’t we take Cole down and introduce him to the new colt?” suggested Jason.

George smiled. “I’ll get him,” he said.

“No need,” responded Jason. “Alice,” he called loudly.

George laughed. “I could have done that,” he said.

“What is it?” asked Alice entering the living room with Cole on her hip.

George smiled at Cole and held up his arms to take him. “How would you like to go see the new colt?” he asked.

Cole went to him eagerly. He smiled and nodded happily to his Dad. He loved going to look at the horses. It was one of his favorite things to do. Alice smiled and followed along with George and Jason as they headed to the barn. The mare and colt had been put inside because the weather report was calling for rain.

They entered the barn to find the colt nursing. The mare swung her head around and looked at them when they got too close.

“Easy, Girl, we just want to see your baby,” said George gently. He held Cole tight as he leaned toward the colt. The colt was light brown and had white on each leg. It looked like he had boots on. George reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of carrot. He showed Cole how to hold it on his hand so the mare could take it. Cole held his hand out with the carrot on it and smiled at the mare. The mare delicately nibbled the carrot from Cole’s hand. Cole laughed delightedly.

“Looks like we have the makings of a future rancher,” remarked Horace, Ruby’s husband, and the ranch foreman. He had been out on the range and had stopped in the barn to check on the mare and the new colt.

“We do indeed,” agreed Jason with satisfaction.

Cole clapped his hands delightedly and drew the attention of the colt. He stopped nursing and turned to face Cole. Cole smiled at the colt and reached out his hand to him. The colt moved over closer to Cole and butted his head into Cole’s outstretched hand. Cole rubbed the colt on his head. The colt nuzzled his hand again before turning back to his mother and resuming nursing.

“Did you see him?” asked Horace. “I have never seen a newborn colt act like that,” he said.

Jason shook his head. “Neither have I,” said Jason.

George stood from where he had been stooping to let Cole interact with the colt. When George started to leave, Cole reached out a hand and protested with a barrage of words in baby talk. No one knew what he was saying. They just knew he did not want to leave the colt.

“We will come back to see him tomorrow,” promised George. “We have to let him have his supper now.”

Cole took one last look at the colt, then he looked at his Dad and nodded. He muttered something, then settled down and went along without further protest. Jason and Horace were following George, Alice, and Cole to the house.

“I’m thinking the colt should belong to Cole,” said Jason. “I think I will name him Cole’s Frankie. His mom’s name is Francis,” explained Jason. “He should be large enough for Cole to ride by the time Cole is old enough to ride him.”

George chuckled. “You are spoiling him,” he protested.

“Every young man should have his own horse. Especially if he lives on a ranch,” said Jason.

“Yes, he should,” agreed Horace. “My boys and girls grew up on horses. They were always happiest when riding.”

They entered the back door and found Ruby in the kitchen putting food on the table. Horace went over and gave her a kiss. Alice turned to George and reached for Cole.

“I had better clean him up and get him ready to eat,” she said. Cole went to Alice without protest. George followed along to get himself ready to eat.

After eating, Jason and George were in the living room talking about the ranch. Alice had taken Cole to give him his bath and prepare him for bed, and Ruby and Horace had left for home. When a knock came at the door, Jason went to answer it.

“Barclay, I haven’t seen you in ages,” said Jason. “Come in. You too, Sunny. I did not see you back there. How are you doing? Have you found you a young man, yet?”

“Now, don’t be giving her any ideas,” protested Barclay. “I have enough trouble keeping up with her, now.”

“You know you love every minute of it,” said Sunny looping her arm through her father’s arm and smiling up at him. “How have you been, Uncle Jason?” asked Sunny.

Sunny had been calling him Uncle Jason since she was small. “I’m doing great,” said Jason. “Come on in and meet my nephew. He and his son are living with me now,” said Jason.

Jason led the way into the living room and smiled at George.

“George, this is our nearest neighbors. They live on the ranch East of us. Meet Barclay Smith and his daughter Sunny,” said Jason. “Barclay, Sunny, meet my nephew George.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” said George getting up to shake their hands. He shook hands with Barclay first. When he shook hands with Sunny, she held on and did not let go.

“Well, well,” murmured Sunny. “Things just got more interesting around here.”

George gently released his hand from hers. He did not want to get tangled up with another flirtatious woman. Once was enough.

Alice had been on her way to the kitchen to get a bottle for Cole. She had stiffened when she saw Sunny cling to George, but she relaxed and smiled when she saw George draw free from Sunny. Alice took Cole into the room to say goodnight to George before getting his bottle.

Cole smiled when he saw his Dad but acted shy around the strangers.

“I’m about to give him his bottle and put him to bed,” explained Alice to George, after she said hello to Mr. Smith and Sunny.

“I’ll come with you and help put him to bed,” said George rising and following Alice to the kitchen after saying goodnight to Barclay and Sunny.

“You don’t have to come with me. I can get him ready for bed,” protested Alice.

“I know,” said George on a sigh. “I wanted to get away from Miss Smith without hurting her feelings. I am not interested in starting a new relationship,” said George.

Alice laughed. “You don’t have to worry about Sunny getting her feelings hurt. She has been after every man in the county since she started high school. She has flirting down to an art form,” said Alice.

George shook his head. “It looked like Uncle Jason was fond of them. I wouldn’t want to cause any bad feelings,” he said.

“I guess they are friends. I know Sunny has always called him Uncle Jason. I think she just uses it as way to get her way,” said Alice with a shrug.

George stared at Alice. “You don’t sound as if you like her very much,” he remarked.

“I don’t like her at all,” agreed Alice. “Any time she thought any girl in high school was interested in a boy, Sunny would make a play for the boy until she was sure the girl would not take him back, then she would dump the boy and hunt for another victim.”

“Did she go after someone you were interested in?” asked George gently.

Alice nodded. “When he fell for her, I was no longer interested in him. I want someone who can’t be tempted away from me by a flirtatious woman.”

George smiled. “You were lucky,” he said. “It was his loss. He went after the glitter instead of waiting for the gold.”

Alice smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “Now, let’s get this sleepy boy into bed,” she said taking Cole’s bottle and starting upstairs with George close behind her.

“In the living room Barclay and Jason had been talking and catching up on the local news. Sunny listened halfheartedly, but after George left, she was bored. She had no patience with the men’s talk when it did not concern her. It was not long before she and her father left.

Jason sighed. He did not know why Barclay had to bring Sunny along when he visited. He knew she would not sit still for a visit with older people. Sunny was all about her young group of followers. Maybe, If Sunny ever managed to find a man who would put up with her, he and Barclay could have a pleasant visit. They might even be able to go on their long- anticipated fishing trip. Jason locked up and headed to bed.

The following days were busy on the ranch. On the days George was not able to get home in time to take Cole to visit with Frankie, Alice would take him to the barn to see the colt. After a week, Francis and Frankie were put out in a paddock to make room for other mares ready to deliver their bundles of joy.

When Alice carried Cole out to the fence of the paddock, Frankie would see Cole and come to the fence to be petted and talked to by Cole. He seemed to understand Cole’s words, even though no one else had any idea what Cole was saying. Alice made sure Cole would have a small piece of carrot for Francis. She was always protective of Frankie, but since Cole brought her a carrot piece, she would stand by and watch the two babies get to know each other.

Time passed. Cole grew and the colt grew. The bond between Cole and Frankie also grew stronger. Any time Cole was not able to get out to the paddock to see Frankie, they would see Frankie wandering over to the fence looking around for Cole. They always were overjoyed the next time they managed to see each other. Cole would clap his hands with glee and Frankie would push his nose into Cole’s hands for the petting he always received. It was a joy for everyone to watch the bond between the two.

George was aware of Cole’s first birthday’s approach. He was trying to think of a way to send Cory a birthday present without giving away his location.

Alice saw him looking on the internet at possible toys for the boys.

George sighed. “I wish there was a way to send Cory a birthday gift,” said George.

“There is,” said Alice.

George looked at her. “How?” he asked.

“You can order it on sss. Send it to Cory’s address. He will get it and they will not have your address on it,” said Alice.

George brightened. He started looking for something to send Cory. He picked out some clothes. They were identical to the ones he had already picked for Cole. When he scrolled through the toys, he picked several of the same toys for both boys. When George happened on a stuffed horse, he stopped and stared at the horse amazed. The horse was light brown. It had four white stocking feet. The horse looked just like Frankie. George included the horse in Cory’s gift package. He did not include it in Cole’s gifts. “After all,” murmured George. “Cole has the real thing.”

George ordered Cory’s package first. He sent it on its way and then ordered Cole’s. He sat back with satisfaction and smiled at Alice. “Thanks for the suggestion,” said George.

Alice smiled back. “I’m glad I could help.”

Ruby and Jason had watched Alice and George get closer over time. They were both devoted to Cole and he loved them, also. They knew George was not ready for a new relationship. Keeping quiet about what was happening, Jason and Ruby watched from the sidelines and hoped for the best.

George decided to take Cole and Alice on a picnic for Cole’s first birthday. He would take Cole in front of him on his horse and Alice would have the supplies Cole would need tied behind her saddle. Ruby had given George a sling, she had made for Horace to use when their children were young. The sling looped around George’s neck and tied around his waist. Cole fit in the sling. He was sitting in front of his dad in the saddle. His little legs stuck out on each side. It made him feel like he was really riding when he could kick his feet. His arms were out, but his body was held close to George. The sling freed George’s arms so he did not have to hold so tightly to Cole. It was also handy if Cole became sleepy. It made George feel better to know Cole would not slip and fall if he fell asleep.

George had taken Alice’s suggestion for a picnic spot. It was a fishing pond in Jason’s South pasture. George had the food and a blanket tied behind his saddle. They stopped beside the pond and looked around. It was a beautiful spot. Alice started to dismount. George joined her and they began unloading their supplies.

Alice spread the blanket first. She sat the picnic hamper and Colt’s essentials on the blanket to keep it in place. George tied the horses where they could eat and drink but could not wander off and leave them stranded. Cole was walking some, and he wanted to walk along the shore of the pond and look at the fish. Even though he was walking, he was still not steady with his balance. Alice and George each took one of his hands and walked him along the shore. Cole laughed in delight when he saw the fish swimming in the water.

“We will have to come here fishing when you are a little older,” George assured Cole.

Cole smiled and nodded, “Alice, too?” he asked.

“Of course, Alice, too,” agreed George with a smile at Alice, which she returned.

Her feelings for George were very strong and she loved Cole with all her heart. Alice had told Ruby how she felt about George. Ruby had told her to be patient. George had a lot to overcome and he would let her know when to share her feeling. Alice knew her mom was right, but it was hard keeping a lid on how she felt.

George looked at Alice. She was feeding Cole and having a good time laughing and playing with him. Cole was laughing and having a great time. George knew Alice had feelings for him and Cole. He had feelings for her, too. George sighed. He was not ready to trust another relationship. The last one had cost him his son Cory. He needed more time. When the time came, George knew it would be Alice he turned to.

They had a great time on the picnic and went home to birthday cake. Along with Ruby and Jason they sang happy birthday and let Cole destroy his cake. Cole had a blast. George and Alice took lots of pictures to show Cole when he was older.