Dreams Come True, Page 3

“I wish I could say the same thing.” Amanda chuckled as the girls came with the coffee. They both sat down.

  “Well lunch will be ready in about half an hour. Let me show you around.” They all had their coffee and got up. They walked out of the French doors to the back of the house.

  “A pool!” David roared with laughter.

  “I didn’t bring my costume!” Amanda chuckled.

  “Well maybe next time.” David smiled and nodded. He was glad Amanda was thinking about a next time.

  They walked around the pool and down towards the stables. David sighed as he looked around.

  “Come see the horses!” Nicola and Victoria ran off to the stables.

  “I didn’t realize you were on a ranch.”

  “I don’t enjoy city life. I find that people are so false. Pretentious really. And so self-centered. All they care about is money and who they can trample over. Trampling first and then the money.”

  “I think you are right. Business in town is rather tricky.”

  “And what business are you in?”

  “Actually. I have a small little business. Handy man of sorts.”

  “Well that should bring in quite a bit of cash. People are forever breaking things. And they get lazy. Which is good for you. Just pick up the phone and ring the handy man.”

  “I wish it was that easy. There are so many of us out there.”

  “So why don’t you specialize? Plumbing or something.”

  “Well. Because I am not really qualified to do anything. Electrics yes.”

  “There should be courses that you can do. Qualify in something.”

  “There are. But they all cost money.”

  “With you there. Money makes the world go around.” David chuckled and nodded.

  “So what is it that you do for a living?”

  “Don’t you read the signs?” David roared with laughter.

  “You are a Vet.”

  “I am. And that is what I do. And on a Friday evening I go and do my little thing on the stage.”

  “Talent like that should not be wasted.”

  “Thank you David.” David smiled and nodded as they walked. He looked up.

  “Oh Lord! Victoria be very careful.”

  “I have a helmet on Dad.”

  “But be careful!” Amanda chuckled.

  “She can’t ride?”

  “No. Pony rides down at the fair. That is the extent of riding.”

  “Well we will have to remedy that.” David chuckled.

  “I am stopping and turning.” Amanda roared with laughter.

  “Scared?” He grinned and nodded.

  “I only have the one. And she does the dishes.” Amanda gurgled with laughter.

  They carried on walking down to the stables.

  “So the ranch then. Do you have your surgery here?”

  “Yes. I do.”

  “And what else do you have other than horses?”

  “Oh all sorts. Cattle, sheep and chickens. Veggies. Fruit. It is a working ranch.”

  “A working ranch?” Amanda chuckled.

  “You can’t have a ranch and not let it make money for you. That is the idea.”

  “Hell. If you need anything fixed definitely call on me.” Amanda chuckled and nodded.

  “Now that I know what you do I definitely will.” David chuckled and nodded.

  They turned and started walking up the drive.

  “This place is beautiful.”

  “Thank you. That is my surgery.”

  “So big.”

  “Yes. It is actually a hospital. I keep some animals overnight. So half of it is the little rooms. And the other half is where I do the rest.”

  “Gosh I never would have placed you on a ranch.”

  “Never judge a book by its cover.” David nodded as they walked along.

  “So quiet. Nice and peaceful.”

  “I love it out here. At night it is dark. As it should be. You turn out the light and it is black.” David chuckled.

  “And no sirens.”

  “Serene.”

  They walked to the house and stopped. David turned as Nicola and Victoria came running.

  “Did you see me Dad!”

  “I saw you.”

  “Dad that was amazing.” David smiled and nodded.

  “And I think lunch is ready. Everyone dying of starvation or not yet?” David chuckled. They walked in to the house and followed Amanda in to the kitchen.

  “Right. I hope you don’t mind eating in the kitchen.”

  “Not at all.” Amanda opened the oven and took out the roast. David got up.

  “Let me do the honors. Gosh I didn’t expect this.”

  “Uncle David we always eat like this.”

  “Well Nicola we are being spoilt. The only time we eat like this is when we go and visit Victoria’s Gran. My Mom.” Amanda chuckled and nodded.

  “Generally the other way around. The folks pitch on my door step.”

  “But not today Amanda.”

  “Not today sweetheart. Because I hi jacked you.” Nicola chuckled.

  David stood and carved the roast.

  “Oh this looks divine. Can’t say I have had one of these.”

  “Pork belly. I love the fatty bit.”

  “Is that why there are these little grooves cut in the crackling? Otherwise you have to saw. I love crackling.” Amanda smiled.

  “You will have to excuse me. I enjoy it so much I have to eat the crackling in my fingers.” David chuckled and nodded.

  “Ooh serviettes.” Nicola got up and fetched the serviettes. David carried the roast to the table and sat down. Amanda smiled.

  “If you don’t mind. I would like to say grace.” David smiled and nodded.

  “I would prefer to do that.” He closed his eyes and said grace. Amanda smiled and nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  “People forget.”

  “They do. The city seems to remove all the goodness.” David chuckled and nodded.

  “Please help yourselves.” David smiled as he dished his food on to his plate. Everyone helped themselves.

  “And what are you going to be doing over the school holidays Victoria?”

  “I am going to Gran.”

  “And what will you be doing with Gran?”

  “Gran things.” Amanda chuckled.

  “Meaning you will be having a nice quiet and peaceful holiday.” Victoria smiled.

  “Gran goes to Bingo. And she goes to town once a week. And then she goes to the garden club.”

  “Exciting times ahead for you.” Victoria chuckled.

  “Amanda. Why can’t Victoria come here for the holidays?”

  “Can you see Uncle David sitting here with a huge smile?”

  “Uhm. That would be a no.”

  “Now that means these things get discussed by adults. And not by little ladies who go off on horses and discuss matters.” Nicola roared with laughter.

  “Strategizing.”

  “One up on you. Uncle David said it is fine if you go back with them and spend the holidays with Victoria and her Gran. Now that sounds like fun.” David roared with laughter.

  “And I said with pleasure.”

  Victoria chuckled.

  “Dad!” David grinned. Amanda smiled and looked at David.

  “There are pig sties to clean you know.”

  “Really? As in get in there and get all the old veggies and things out.”

  “And such a smelly job. You have to wear wellies.”

  “Sounds like a whole lot of fun.” Victoria let out a little groan.

  “For that you can clean out the chicken coop too.” David grinned.

  “But Amanda.”

  “What did you say about the peace and quiet David?”

  “Thing of the past.” Amanda chuckled.

  “But Amanda.”

  “Nicola. How is your meal?”

  “Lovely.”

  “Now do it justice and eat the spinach.
” Nicola grinned.

  “Is this your spinach?”

  “Yes. And I made loads for the entire week. You can take it with when you join Victoria and Uncle David.” Victoria grinned. David smiled as he ate.

  “Do you have a veggie patch?”

  “Fields. We supply a lot of the shops around here. And a lot of it goes to the market.”

  “Vegetable farming?” Amanda nodded.

  “Oh this week it is carrots. A lot to be unearthed.”

  “Picked.”

  “Pulled out of the soil. Amanda I think you should become a talk show host. Without the guests. I think you would do a swell job.” Amanda grinned. David looked at Victoria who had such a big smile. He could see the pleasure on her face.

  “What about?”

  “Oh I am sure the Muppets need another.” Nicola gurgled with laughter.

  “I would not like to have to compete with Miss Piggy.”

  “No her fan club is a lot bigger than most.” They all chuckled and nodded.

  “And how busy is your week David?”

  “I have a job that I am busy with at the moment. Waiting for a few more quotes to come through.”

  “Good to be busy like that. Do you do all your own admin? Who does that for you?”

  “No I do it myself. I don’t really need someone to do it for me. At the end of the day I get the Invoices off. That kind of thing. Keep up to date on a daily basis.” Amanda nodded.

  “And your week?”

  “Hectic. I have quite a few appointments. And things tend to get rather busy when the lambs arrive.”

  “You have lambs!” Amanda chuckled and nodded.

  “We do. Quite a few. And I need to prepare some of them for. Uhm.” She looked at Victoria.

  “Are you squeamish?” Victoria shook her head.

  “Some of the lambs are destined for the table. So they have to be neutered. But all the lambs have to have their tails docked. Otherwise it can lead to all sorts of problems.” David nodded.

  “And do you do that?”

  “I do. Not only mine. I work on the ranches and farms as well. So I go out to their land.” David nodded.

  “And this week?”

  “This week I will be here. But next week I will be working off my ranch.”

  “And do you only work with farm animals?”

  “Gosh no. Many people come from town to have their animals seen to. Cats and dogs. Birds and bees. You name it.” David smiled and looked at Victoria.

  “You know.” David looked at Amanda.

  “When the flappy ears are out of earshot we can have a good old chat.” David grinned.

  “Victoria will love the company when she goes to her Gran.”

  “I think we agreed on that.” David nodded.

  “Do you enjoy Bingo Nicola?” Nicola chuckled. David smiled and carried on eating.

  They finished their meal and Nicola and Victoria cleared the table. Nicola took their puddings out of the fridge. She put one in front of David and Amanda.

  “Thank you Nicola.” The girls sat down and ate their pudding.

  “Can we go for a ride this afternoon?”

  “Sure you can. Not too far Nicola. The hands are rather busy today.” Nicola nodded.

  “And not too much riding for Victoria because it can be rather sore in the morning.” Nicola smiled and nodded.

  They finished their pudding and the girls got up.

  “Go on you two. David and I will be washing the dishes and doing the ironing while you are out.” David roared with laughter. Victoria smiled as they walked out of the house.

  “They get on well.”

  “Nicola gets very bored at home. Here she is busy from sunrise to sunset. Always something to do.”

  “It sure is a different life.”

  “They learn a lot. I know it is pretty short notice. David why don’t you leave Victoria for the week?” David smiled.

  “I could. But what about clothes?”

  “We can make a plan.”

  “She would love it Amanda. You don’t mind?”

  “Of course I don’t mind. We really have the lambs that have to be sorted out. Nicola loves helping. I think Victoria would benefit. And there is always a watchful eye.” David smiled and nodded.

  “I can bring her a few things tomorrow evening.”

  “I think so.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Oh I think I have to thank you. I won’t have to worry that she is on her own and bored.” David chuckled.

  “Gosh I didn’t expect that. Is there something I can bring when I come over tomorrow evening?”

  “Yes. An overnight bag.” David chuckled.

  “Actually. Rather spend the night. Then you don’t have to rush. Leave in the morning. If you would like. There are lots of spare rooms available.”

  “Sure?”

  “Of course.”

  They finished tidying the kitchen.

  “Would you like to go for an afternoon stroll?”

  “Now that sounds like a plan.” Amanda chuckled.

  “I would like to go and check on my little ones in the surgery.” David smiled as they walked across to the surgery. Amanda smiled as she opened the door.

  “My world. Where my friends don’t argue. And they understand me.” David chuckled. They walked through a door and David smiled. She walked to a little cage which had a wire door. She opened it up and stroked the cat.

  “How are we Phyllis?” She smiled and stroked her.

  “I see you are a whole lot better. They will fetch you tomorrow.”

  “What happened to her?”

  “She had a fight with one of the dogs. But she got her own back. After having her leg bitten.”

  “Ouch.”

  Amanda closed the cage and walked to another little cage.

  “How are you Jessie?”

  “Pups?”

  “Yes. She is a very small breed. And six was a bit of a worry. So her folks brought her in. She managed very well. Just needed a tiny bit of help with number six. Didn’t you sweetheart?” He smiled as he put his hand in the cage and he stroked the dog.

  “They are beautiful. Never seen anything so small.” Amanda chuckled and nodded.

  “And tomorrow she can go home. They have a lovely basket ready and waiting. They will be very surprised when they get here tomorrow.”

  “On a Sunday?”

  “Yes. Just like a hospital. The day doesn’t really matter. But I keep to office hours in the week. As normal. But sometimes I go on a call out. But that is normally somewhere local.” David smiled and nodded.

  They walked out of the rooms.

  “David this is quite a long break from school.”

  “Yes. It is.”

  “And you do realize your Victoria is going to love her stay.”

  “Yes I can already hear what is going to be said on the weekend.” Amanda chuckled.

  “We can play it by ear. Nicola is here for the entire holiday.”

  “If she drives you nuts you just give me a call.” Amanda chuckled.

  “I am so busy at times. I have the housekeeper who keeps tabs on Nicola. And the ranch hands make sure that she does not get under foot. I have a good crew. They watch out for her.”

  “Knowing that they have to answer to you.”

  “Nice thought.” David roared with laughter and nodded. Amanda chuckled.

  “How safe are you out here?”

  “Safer than out there. We close the gate at night. The fences are electrified.”

  “The entire ranch?”

  “Yes. Cattle rustling is huge. We don’t have that problem anymore.”

  “You had that problem?”

  “Yes. Quite often. We would do a count in the morning and find fifteen sheep missing.”

  “Strange number.”

  “They don’t care how many they can load on the back of a van. Since I had the fencing put up we don’t have that problem. But I bet they got a nice surprise t
he last time. We found a piece of shirt blowing in the wind.”

  “On the wire?” Amanda nodded. David roared with laughter.

  “But the fencing gives quite a kick.”

  “And more so if you think the warning boards are for show.” David grinned and nodded.

  “Shocking!” Amanda roared with laughter.

  “What about your animals walking in to the fences?”

  “No. We have a double row of fencing. The actual fence. And then just in front of that. Much lower but the animals don’t go through.”

  “Your friends probably think it is a land mine strip.” Amanda roared with laughter.

  “They haven’t been back.”

  “Thankfully.” David chuckled and nodded.

  CHAPTER 5

  They both watched as a van came flying down the road. It suddenly slowed down and drove up to the surgery.

  “Miss Amanda!”

  “Arnold?”

  “The lamb is stuck!”

  “Should have called.” Amanda ran in to the rooms and came out with her stethoscope around her neck. She quickly pulled on her gloves. Victoria and Nicola came sprinting. They all stood around as Amanda climbed on to the van. She listened to the heartbeats and nodded. She slowly started to help the sheep. David hopped on the van and held the sheep. Arnold got up and stood the other side. Victoria stared with huge eyes.

  “What can we do?”

  “A huge soft pillow from one of the baskets in the surgery. When this youngster arrives I would rather prefer a soft landing.”

  Victoria and Nicola sprinted in to the surgery and fetched the pillow. Victoria grabbed the paper towels which were on the counter. They put the pillow down and Victoria put the paper toweling on the pillow. Amanda smiled.

  “Okay Sheila. Now!” The sheep gave a little bleat and Amanda pulled. The little lamb landed on the cushion.

  “Leave her gents. She needs to clean the lamb.” David smiled as the sheep turned and started to clean her lamb.

  Arnold sighed.

  “I saw the numbers plummeting.”

  “Arnold this is David MacGuire.” David smiled and shook his hand.

  “How are the rest of them doing Arnold?”

  “Doing well. No other problems.”

  “She will be fine. As long as she grooms her and she stands up and latches on.” David sat on the side of the van. They all watched as the little thing struggled to get up. She was soon on her legs nudging her mother for a drink of milk.

  “Arnold we need to take a very slow drive home. Don’t want her little legs broken.”