Walton Ranch was a great place to work, and Austin Powell was in his element; he had been happy there for the past ten years. The pay was exceptional and the conditions were phenomenal. His boss Walter Compton, was always a joker, and a great mate with all the Jackaroo’s, stockmen, and staff on the ranch. They all got on exceptionally well with each other. Austin was happy with the setup of things as they all had their own quarters, and just shared a bathroom.
They had a big shed that was decked out with communal living areas for them all to hang out in, with all the modern up to date equipment for the boys not to get bored after working hours. They could get fit in the gym area, play table tennis, strike the cue on the pool table, play games on the big screen television with WIFI, and even sing karaoke if they were keen to have a go.
Austin didn’t mind crooning into the microphone now and then, as he had a pretty good voice and loved singing. All the guys would stir him up about his love of singing, but he knew that they were joking, and they all had a good laugh, ribbing him about it.
To top it all off, the meals were prepared for them every day by Gary the chef. They all gathered in the communal dining area three times a day to satisfy their hungry bellies with sustenance, but it was always good to sit down to a hearty meal at the end of an exhausting day. Life couldn’t get any better!
Austin’s resume was impeccable now after ten years working on the ranch. Austin was assigned as assistant manager. His job description could basically be anything required on the station. It could be cleaning out sheds, welding, mustering cattle, and also training to be a farrier or blacksmith, a skill that requires not only the ability to shape and fit horseshoes, but also the ability to clean, trim, and shape a horse's hooves. You need to have a genuine love of the land and farming life, and you need to be able to competently ride a motorbike, and have basic skills in riding a horse.
Austin had no trouble with riding horses and motorbikes, as he was already experienced in both, growing up with those things on a farm with his parents, before he started working at Walton Ranch when he was nineteen years old. His Apache heritage background and life style, shows his love of the land and of horses, the way he cares for them, and the way he rides them when he is out on the land working the cattle. One of Austin's great passions, is horses. He loves to interact with them, their calm nature, and the way they make him feel when he rides them; they give him a great sense of happiness and wellbeing- the endorphins in him suddenly release, and he feels alive and free. Somehow the horses also love Austin, feeling a relaxed energy around him. When he is mustering cattle, he is always doing the best job he can, and he knows his job well! Austin and the horse that he is on (no matter which horse it is) will always be a unit, and work well together, but Austin's favourite horse is Rusty, a big black stallion with rusty flecks through its mane. Rusty has muscles on him like a bull ox, and he is always fit and eager to get out on the job every day!
As the communal area has a gym, Austin loves to spend time in there and keep himself fit. He works out daily and he has guns on him built like a tank. With his Apache background, his long black wavy hair and dark brown eyes throw off spunky vibes, and he is a sight to behold. The girls adore him and he has bedded a few over the years, but he just hasn't had the time to even look for, or think about, settling down.
There are nine other Jackaroos on the Ranch along with him, and once a month they go into town which is a hundred kilometres away, in the town of Mitchum, and have a night out drinking, and flirting with the local girls at The Waterhole Tavern, and stay overnight at the Texan Hotel. Austin never had any trouble snagging a girl for the night, as the girls were all over him like a wet rag, but he would just choose the shyest one out of them all, as he didn't like them too rowdy and keen.
Austin had knuckled down over the last ten years and put all his wages into a savings investment, and he hoped to one day have his own ranch, (or farm) to run as this is definitely the life he wants for himself in his future. With no bills to fork out, and the majority of his wages being invested over the ten years, he has managed to save a substantial amount, but as he is only twenty-nine, he still has more to learn, and things to improve on. The longer he stays, the better it will be for him in the long run.
Chapter 1
Walter needs extra help as it is a busy time and he is interviewing the new guy in his office. Stuart Stevens sits across from Walter on the opposite side of his office desk. Walter is immersed in Stuart's resume, and as Walter is distracted, Stuart is fascinated by the Bull Rider Trophies adorned around the room, and in particular, the one on his desk with the gold belt buckle, sitting in front of it, in it's silk lined case. He noticed that it was from a famous Bull rider “Richard Compton” who had won many trophies, but had passed away from a tragic accident riding a bull a few years ago. Stuart put two and two together, and realised that it was Walter's brother! But he also knew, that gold buckle must be worth a fair bit! After perusing Stuart's resume, Walter was happy with what he read, and hired Stuart straight away, taking him to meet all the other guys.
After Stuart was employed, Walter's business had skyrocketed. For three weeks everything went to schedule and like clockwork. The work was exceptional from all the boys, Walter was extremely happy with them, and his bank balance. But suddenly things turned arse up! When he went into his office one evening at the end of the day he noticed his brother's gold bull riders buckle was missing from his desk. Walter's rage started to boil! He went straight to the communal area and pulled Austin aside. Out of anger he lashed out at Austin, telling him that somebody had stolen his brothers belt buckle saying he was disappointed with him, and how could he let this happen under his watch! Austin opened his mouth ready to defend himself, but Walter put his hand up in front of Austin's face.
He said “I don't want to hear it!” and walked away.
Austin was taken by surprise at Walter's sudden attack on him. Why would Walter expect him to keep watch over all the guys twenty-four hours a day? Why did Walter attack him like that? Walter made Austin feel very uncomfortable, and angry, and all Austin wanted to do now, was leave! He didn't have to stay and put up with this kind of abuse from anyone for something that wasn't his fault! The more he thought about it, the more he was simmering inside himself.
As he sat on his bed contemplating what to do, his buddy Luke knocked on his door.
“Hey mate, I noticed you didn't come back to join us, what's going on?”
Austin didn't want to cause trouble, so he just said, “There was a mix up with the stock yard orders, Walter was a bit mad with me, that's all. I will be back out there soon.”
Luke turned and walked away saying, “Okay mate, see you out there.”
Austin didn't return and join the guys in the rec-room that night. He packed his bags and walked away, out to the road in the dark without anyone knowing, ready to hitch a ride into town, leaving a note on his bedside table.
Chapter 2
Country music was Roxanne Richard's life. She lived to sing, and she loved to sing. It was her passion, and her voice was outstanding. She loved to perform at the local bars and taverns, and travelled around the towns wherever they wanted her, it paid well, and people loved her music. She was well known at her small country hometown of Burnvale and she loved her country lifestyle.
Roxanne's world was filled with the love of her family, and her husband Keith, whom she adored with her whole being. They had been together since she was sixteen, and he has been the love of her life ever since their romance started in high school fourteen years ago.
Now at the age of thirty-two there was still a void missing, and that was, children. Roxanne had so desperately wanted and tried for children over the years, but her husband could never give her any. Complications sadly led to the development of cancer three years ago affecting his male reproductive organs directly. Having radiation and chemotherapy to treat the tumour put an end to Roxanne's plans of ever having children. Keith was out of the woods for now, but he had a feeling that he wasn't going to make it another fourteen years with his beautiful Roxy.
Keith knew that Roxy was desperate to have a child and constantly encouraged her to find somebody to give her that gift. He would not stand in her way, and he would not hold it against her because her biological clock was ticking, and she needed to do something about it soon! He just didn't want to know who it was. Roxanne was apprehensive about what Keith was asking her to do, as she didn't like the idea of having to sleep with another man to conceive a child, as she thought of it as deceit, but they definitely couldn't afford the expense of IVF, the assisted reproductive technology program.
Roxanne had a gig coming up to perform at The Waterhole Tavern, in Mitchum, on Friday and Saturday night, and Keith wasn't going with her this time around, as he had to work this weekend. He also thought it would be a good opportunity for her to think about finding a suitable candidate for a literal sperm donor. Being on her own might make her a little more adventurous. Roxanne booked herself in at the Texan Hotel next door for relaxation, and time away from the noise of the tavern, to give herself time to think, while she was away from her husband.
Chapter 3
Roxy sings Country, Live! between 8pm and 11pm, Friday and Saturday Night! That's what it read on the billboard out the front of The Waterhole Tavern when she arrived on Friday afternoon. She was excited to get up and perform for everyone, and couldn't wait to start singing. She plays electric guitar, but she preferred to use the acoustic guitar when she performs in public, as it is easier to carry around one guitar. Roxy sings a lot of cover songs but also has her own songs as well, so she is variable with her music choices. The evening was going so well; Roxanne was loving the wonderful atmosphere. Her audience showed that they were enjoying themselves, and giving her their full regard, but especially she noticed one very distinctly handsome young man giving her his full attention as soon as he walked in that evening. He placed himself at the bar in full view of her, and had not taken his eyes off her since he arrived. She noticed that he had a unique Apache background, his hair was jet black and silky smooth, cascading halfway down his back with the odd curl here and there, His eyes were dark brown and burnished. As she stared into his eyes, he was pulling her in towards him with them at the end of the night. His tall masculine body also told her that he looked after himself.
Somehow Roxanne felt adventurous tonight, walking up to this extremely handsome guy, she introduced herself.
“Hi, I'm Roxy.”
Putting out his hand to shake hers, he said,
“Austin, it's a pleasure to meet you.”
They talked for an hour and Roxy asked Austin why he was snubbing all the girls that were coming up to him tonight?
He said, “Because I was intrigued with your performance, and it's you I wanted to see - not them.”
Coincidentally they were both staying at the Texan Hotel next door, so they walked back there together. Roxy invited Austin into her room as she thought, this has got to be fate, he is definitely the one, and she felt comfortable with him.
As they sat beside each other on the settee, and talked some more, Austin put his hand gently up to Roxy's face and brushed her dark bronze hair behind her ear and asked,
“May I kiss you?”
Roxy thought he was a perfect gentleman, and allowed the kiss with a smile on her face, even though she was nervous. Austin could tell that she was a little apprehensive, so he took things slowly, but his expert hands knew exactly what to do at all times. They made magic love that night, and Austin did everything right, He brought the woman out of Roxanne so many times, so easily, she felt like she was floating in the clouds, and a little ashamed that she enjoyed it so much.
Now feeling a lot more relaxed, she ordered room service, and they had breakfast together in her bed on Saturday morning, then made incredible love once again. Roxy had serenaded Austin with his own private show in her room, with a couple of her own songs. Later they had lunch at the tavern, then went back to her room and spent the rest of the day together in each other's arms, and also Saturday night after her performance. The passion and heat of their love making, as many times as they were entwined with each other, was just as good as the first time for both of them.
Austin had never had an older woman before, and Roxanne had excited him in ways that other woman had not been able to before, and he really enjoyed her placid nature. Austin was mesmerised by Roxy's deep blue eyes, and the rich dark bronze colour of her hair, that almost reached her buttocks. She was a vision to behold, and he was convinced that he had been spellbound. Their short time together was going way too fast, and Austin knew that Roxy was leaving on Sunday, and he still didn't know anything about her, every time he asked her about her life, she would just give him little snippets of information, mainly about her childhood, and she already knew basically everything about him!
Roxy had her bags packed ready to make an early exit in the morning on Sunday. She wanted to leave before Austin woke up. He was still fast asleep at five fifteen am in the morning when her taxi arrived to take her to the Mitchum airport. She left a note with a guitar pick in an envelope on her pillow for Austin to find when he woke up. Roxanne took in her last good look at the beautiful being that still lay there sleeping in her temporary bed, that gave her exquisite pleasure all weekend, and hopefully more than just a lasting memory that she can take home with her, then she turned and quietly closed the door behind her.
PART TWO
Chapter 4
Austin opened his eyes at seven am and knew straight away that Roxy had gone! He was still a little tired from their late night, and their exhausting time together, as he had never made love so many times over one weekend, but oh what a weekend it was! It was one that he will never forget! He went and had a shower, and upon returning, he hadn't noticed it at first, but as he looked over at Roxy's empty pillow, he could see the envelope with his name on it. Opening the envelope he pulled out the note, and also a guitar pick with the name Roxy on it, then began reading.
"Dear Austin,I am the flower, you are the seed, we walked in the garden and planted a tree. Please don't try to find me, just live in my memory, you will always be there. I am thankful for the beautiful person that you are, and the wonderful weekend that we shared together, and the pleasure we gave each other, but I love my husband dearly, and have done for fourteen years, I'm not throwing that away, what he couldn't give me, I had to get from you. I'm praying, that you have given me an incredible gift. I hope you can forgive me."
Roxy xoxo
Austin had the best weekend ever in his whole entire life, and he had started to feel some deep connection to Roxy. After reading her note he was overcome with emotion as he felt a little betrayed and used. Roxy had told him that it was safe for them to continue as she was protected by contraceptive injection. As this weekend wasn't planned he had no protection on him, and he wasn't planning on sleeping with anyone, but then Roxy came along and the tables had turned. Now his mind was going a hundred miles an hour! He was angry when he arrived in town, then he was overcome with elation, and joy, with feelings too memorable to forget, now he was just confused.
Austin turned his mobile phone back on, as he switched it off after walking away from Walton Ranch on Friday evening. He had dozens of messages from Luke and Walter asking,
“Where are you?” and "Are you okay?” “We are all worried about you and want you to come back.”
He also had a few videos that he was curious about, so he opened them, and watched them with amusement on his face, they were hilarious. He now knew that Walter and his buddies on the Ranch had more respect for him than he realised. It was time for him to go back.
Chapter 5
Walter was distressed when he read Austin's note. He didn't say much, but he was straight to the point.
I don't need this shit on me, I'm out of here!
Austin
Walter felt really guilty about the way he handled the situation, and the way he spoke to Austin. He rang him straight away after receiving the note from Luke, but got no signal from Austin's phone, so he thought he obviously had switched his phone off. All he could do was keep trying to contact him, and hope that he will eventually turn it back on. Walter knew that Stuart was the one that stole his brothers belt buckle, because it had only disappeared after Stuart arrived, and the other boys had been here for years. He had a lot more faith and trust in them, than he had in Stuart. He just didn't know how he was going to get their trust back.
After thinking it through he decided he would send Stuart out on a fake muster with a couple of other guys, and just go through his belongings and search for it. Fair is fair. Stuart broke into his house and stole from him, so he is going to go and do the same to Stuart.
Walter had confided in the boys and told them of the situation since Austin left, so all the boys were wanting to be in on the game that Walter wanted to play on Stuart. They knew the plan, and they had it all worked out. Walter was just hoping that the belt buckle was still in Stuart’s possession, although to his knowledge, Stuart hadn't left the Ranch since that night.
Six boys went out mustering the cattle, just moving them to a different field, giving them something to do, and four remained behind with Walter. They were his look out while Walter searched inside Stuart’s room. It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. It was stashed in between Stuart's clothes in his wardrobe. How cynical can a person be? Steals from his boss, and then doesn't even attempt to hide his stash!
Walter wanted to teach Stuart a lesson, something that he wouldn't forget! He thought a couple of practical jokes played on him to make him feel foolish might make him think twice before he steals from someone again.
Chapter 6
That Saturday Walter had made the boys, especially Stuart, work hard in the field rounding up the cattle. Stuart was a bit confused, wondering why they had moved the cattle from one field to another, but didn't question it. When they came back late, they were all eager to sit down for a well-earned meal. Stuart's meal was given a few extra spices to tickle the back of his throat a little, and he went red as a beetroot and began coughing, asking the guys
“Do you think dinner was extra spicy tonight?”
The guys just laughed at him saying, “You’re a big baby and can't handle the heat!”
After his dinner, as the guy's had known he would, he went and threw his clothes in to launder, and headed straight off to have a shower in his undies. As he pushed the main door of the shower room open, he was presented with a bucket full of molasses, that spilled all over him. The boys followed closely behind him with a big bag of feathers and covered him with the whole bag full just for good measure. Stuart was covered from head to toe with molasses and feathers. “Hey, what the bloody hell is going on?” he asked the guys. “What's wrong mate, can't you take a joke? You have been here for three weeks, we thought it was about time you got initiated to the Walton club!” Luke quickly thought of something to say. They walked away laughing, and Luke said,
“It's not over yet mate, you still have the honesty test to get through!”
Stuart was racking his brain trying to figure out what that meant, but first he had to have a shower and get the sticky molasses and feathers off his body, and that was a brutal blow, because the boys turned the hot water off, so Stuart had to have a cold shower, and it was a hard slog getting the molasses off with cold water.
“FUCK!” he said.
Stuart was so pissed off!
The boys were having a great time playing these games on Stuart, and Ricky was recording every moment, so he could keep Walter entertained and up to date with everything! But also to send the footage to Austin, to let him know that Walter has no hard feelings towards him and he feels bad about the way he dealt with the situation.
As Stuart joined the guys in the communal area, he questioned Luke about what he said earlier,
“What did you mean before about the honesty test?”
Luke said, “That's one that you will have to work out yourself mate. It comes with growth, maturity, and respect of people’s property! When you work it out, come back and let me know. That's when you will have passed the test!”
Because Stuart had none of those qualities in himself he was unable to understand what Luke was telling him. His confusion over all that happened that evening threw him a little, so at nine o'clock he decided he was going to bed. As soon as he shut his door the boys were there to listen to him hit the roof! As he got into his bed, he put his feet down into a big pile of fresh cow shit!
“FOR FUCK'S SAKE! WHAT THE FUCK?”
The guys were outside his door recording every word, and in hysterics! Stuart could hear them laughing. He started yelling at them. “You fuckers!”
He ran out of his room, off to have another shower, to wash the shit off his feet; then to return and clean up a big mess left behind in his room. The other guys were now nowhere to be seen! Stuart had no clue as to the smell in his room earlier. He'd been on the Ranch for three weeks, and got used to the smell of the cow shit. He just thought it was coming from outside. After he cleaned his room and changed his sheets, he hoped that was it for the practical jokes, and he could go to sleep in peace for the night.
Chapter 7
On Sunday morning at breakfast, Stuart was a bit weary around the boys, wondering if they had anymore jokes to play on him.Luke said, “Walter wants to see you in his office when you finish your breakfast.” Stuart asked Luke, “Do you know what it's about?”
“No idea mate!” Luke replied.
Luke walked Stuart up to Walter's office as it was still part of the plan, and Luke was going to get the final piece of footage needed to send to Austin, to get him to return back where he is wanted, respected and needed. Luke casually sat himself comfortably on the sofa, under the window, while Stuart sat on the familiar chair opposite Walter's desk when he came for his job interview three weeks earlier. Luke quietly started recording without Stuart having a clue. Stuart quickly noticed the gold belt buckle staring at him, back in it's place where he stole it from a few nights ago. Stuart suddenly had a rush of blood run through him so fast, his face flushed scarlet. Walter was watching him and noticed his face go red.
“What's the problem Stuart?” Walter asked him.
Stuart looked up at him with his scarlet red cheeks and said, “what do you mean?”
Walter said, “You look a little flushed!”
Stuart swallowed the hard lump in his throat! And stuttered, then stopped.Walter continued,
“Okay, I'll put you out of your misery; you can obviously see the belt buckle sitting there in front of you! You can't be that stupid and not have anything to say about it!”
Stuart literally had nothing to say, as he was totally embarrassed for getting caught. Walter was not going to even bother to keep him any longer, as he couldn't tolerate his ignorance, and stupidity.
He said, “I know you broke into my house and my office and stole the buckle from me, so I took it upon myself to enter your room, to look for my personal possession, and take it back from you! It was quite easy to find! You see, the thing is, I have faith in my fellas, but in you I do not! You won't get far in life with just a pretty face, and a good resume. It has to be backed up with honesty, respect and trust, and you don't have any of those qualities. So, I would like you to pack your belongings and leave my premises within the hour.”
Stuart stood up to leave, and Walter said to Luke, “Keep an eye on him until he gets off my property!” Walter’s last words to Stuart were, “Oh, and Stuart, don't expect me to give you a good reference, because I will be telling anyone that asks me about you, what your true character is.”
Luke trailed Stuart's every move after leaving Walter's office, and didn't take his eye off him. They both got on a horse each and Luke escorted Stuart out to the main road and watched him get into a mate's car twenty minutes later. Satisfied that Stuart had made his final departure and he wouldn't be seen again Luke turned his horse and Brindle the other horse around ready to guide them both back home, when he heard a truck horn in the distance and the air brakes slowing it down. Luke knew exactly who was in that truck!
PART THREE
Chapter 8
Austin jumped out of the truck and tipped his hat at the driver thanking him for the lift. The big wheeler slowly took off and continued it's journey wherever it was going along the Warranga Hwy. Luke had a massive smile on his face, and said,
“What great timing mate! You can ride Brindle back home.”
Austin hooked his duffle bag onto the saddle and placed himself on the familiar saddle seat that he always loved to sit on each time he got on a horse, and rubbed his hand down Brindle's beautiful mane and crest, letting her know that he appreciates her. He was back home where he belonged!He asked Luke,
“What are you doing out here mate?” Luke replied, “Actually, just farewelled Stuart.”
Austin laughed, “Yes, I got all the footage of the pranks you all played on him. I thought they were classical. Thank you for having my back mate!”
“It was all Walter's idea; we all just went along with it.” Luke said. “So, what have you been up to all weekend mate?” Luke asked.
Austin didn't know if he wanted to reveal his little secret just yet, so he just said,
“Not much, just had some drinks at The Waterhole, and stayed at the Texan, did a bit of thinking that's all. I was angry when I left.”
As they rode in, all the other guys could see that it was Austin riding Brindle back into the Ranch, so they all cheered, and yahooed, running towards him, slapping him on the back as he jumped of his horse, and grateful that he was back home. Walter came out of the house upon hearing the noise, and knew that his best employee had returned. He walked down to greet Austin and welcomed him home.
“I'm sorry for the way I handled the situation with you mate. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, this is your home. You shouldn't feel like shit around here, welcome back!”
and shook his hand.
Austin said,
“Thank you for what you did by having my back. I can say the videos kept me entertained, but Stuart definitely deserved what he got.”
They all went into the boy's communal area and had a celebratory drink together.
Chapter9
When Roxy got to the Mitchum airport, she was early, and had a few hours to fill in before her flight back home boarded at ten o-clock. She thought about the amazing weekend she spent with Austin, and she prayed that with all the wonderful moments they shared together, that the weekend wasn't a waste of time, and it was enough to plant the seed, and start the beautiful miracle of life inside her. Only time will tell! She had managed to sneak in a couple of quick calls to Keith over the weekend, just before she went on to do her gigs, but mostly she had her volume switched off on her phone, and just sent text messages when she was alone in her bathroom, so Austin wouldn't see her, and ask questions, as she didn't want to divulge any of her private life to him.
The flight from Mitchum to Greenwood is only one hour and fifteen minutes, so it wasn't long until she could see Keith again, and she was very eager to see him, as she missed him so very much. He was waiting at the airport for her, and she ran into his arms with such excitement and affection, it was like they had been apart for a year. They kissed each other with such passion, a hurricane couldn't pull them apart.
When they finally stopped, and caught their breath, they both said together,
“I missed you!”
and then laughed out loud at their uncanny unison.
On their drive home Keith had asked “How was your gig over the weekend?”
Roxanne replied, “It was fabulous. The people up there are amazing. Next time you need to come with me. The atmosphere was spectacular, they made me feel so welcomed.”
Keith knew she had a different glow about her, and he had a feeling that she had found a sperm donor but was a bit hesitant to say anything. Keith said
“It's okay honey, you can tell me if you found a sperm donor, I just don't want to know the details about your weekend. That's all I meant when I said I don't want to know, because I will eventually find out anyway if you are pregnant.”
She went a little shy and red in the face, but replied,
“Yes, I found a sperm donor, a young man, that treated me like a perfect gentleman. Fingers crossed; it wasn't all just a waste of time!”
“Well, I'll be praying that you have a little person in there my darling.” Keith responded genuinely, with a smile on his face.
Two weeks later Roxanne was due for her monthly cycle, which normally came on time, but there was no sign of it and three days later she couldn't wait any longer. So, with a bit of excitement, she did a home pregnancy test. Following the instructions, she then had to waitfive minutes for the result. It felt like an eternity. The anticipation was killing her! She left the test stick on the bathroom counter, and walked out to make herself a cup of tea, thinking that at least it would give her something to do while she waits, it will be a good distraction. After making her cup of tea, she took it over to the coffee table, and looked at the time on her phone, she still had another minute to go. Just than her phone rang and scared the bejeebers out of her! It was Keith.
“Hi babe, how is work?” she asked, with her heart racing a hundred miles an hour!
“Great! Are you okay, you sound a little flustered?” he said.
“Oh yeah, I'm okay, just had the phone in my hand when you called and it scaredthe hell out of me.” she said.
“Okay, I just rang to ask if you wanted to go out for dinner tonight?”
“Yes, sure that's fine with me babe.” Roxanne replied.
They said their goodbyes, and hung up. Roxanne quickly raced to the bathroom in anticipation, and was overwhelmed with delight at the two red lines on the tester stick, as it was a positive result. She was pregnant! She put the stick in a little gift box and presented it to Keith when he got home from work that afternoon. He said,
“What's this?”
“Just open it! “She said, with a big smile on her face.
He opened the box and upon seeing what it was, he knew exactly what it meant. The smile on his face was instantaneous.
“Oh my gosh, we are finely going to be parents!” he said, picking her up and swirling her around in his arms.
“Now we have a reason to go out and celebrate!' she said.
“Indeed, we do my darling.” He replied with the biggest grin on his face.
They thought they would wait until they had confirmation from the doctor before they would tell the family. They also had to tell them how Roxanne managed to fall pregnant, as they knew that Keith was unable to give her a child. They didn't know how the family would take the news, but they hoped they would be understanding.
They actually waited till Roxanne was three months pregnant before telling the news to the family. Roxanne and Keith sat down with their parents first and gave them the rundown of what happened, as she wanted both her parents, and Keith's parents to know the truth, and that Keith was the one that urged her to go and find a donor. Roxanne told them that this person was the perfect gentleman and a beautiful soul, that absolutely made a flawless specimen for a donor. Both their parents were surprised at what they had sacrificed between their marital bed, but they understood, and believed that it's made them happier and closer to each other, they were happy for both of them, and also excited to be finely becoming grandparents. As for the rest of the family they were just told that they were given an incredible gift, a generous friend was kind enough to donate their sperm for free. They also were happy for them, without digging deeper into their private lives.
Chapter 10
Roxanne was beginning to feel the daunting pangs of morning sickness, and it was disgusting having to throw up so much. She had lost so much weight due to not being able to keep her food down. All she could tolerate were dry crackers, and she drank plenty of water. She didn't accept any gigs far from home, so she didn't have to fly anywhere as she didn't know how she would cope on a flight being pregnant, so all her gigs were just local, and less often. She prayed that the nausea would soon stop!
When Roxanne was five months along, without even realising, the nausea had suddenly finely ceased. She just woke up one morning, and she was feeling on top of the world! She thought to herself,
“Oh that wasn't so bad after all.”
Roxanne and Keith began slowly buying all the big items they needed for the baby. Roxanne was glowing, and she was now loving being pregnant, she was enjoying the feel of her belly growing, and they both enjoyed the little movements of the baby moving inside her. Roxanne often spent hours singing to the little bean as they called it, and Keith would massage her belly with oil, and with always one hand on her belly read his book out loud to bean at night, just because he also loved to feel it moving around. Their moments of passion together were still as strong as before. Keith had no doubts that Roxanne remained loyal to him, no matter what kind of intimacy she spent with the baby's donor on that weekend.
The feelings of happiness and well-being had given Roxanne the energy to carry her pregnancy full term without any complications. Soon after Christmas on January the 10th 2014, Roxanne gave birth to a chubby baby boy of 7.3lb they called Joshua. Roxanne and Joshua were both well and healthy; so well in fact Roxanne felt like she was ready to go home straight after giving birth. They were both kept in hospital for twenty-four hours observation and then released in the good care of the happy husband and family.
Their life together as parents was extraordinarily exciting. They loved every moment of parenthood. The teaching, the training, the play times, and especially the feed times as Roxanne enjoyed the extra close moments, she shared breast feeding Joshua. Keith would take on the task of the solid feeds as Joshua got older, so he could get that one-on-one time with his son, and they both developed a very close bond with each other.
Their family life was happy and unbreakable, until Keith got sad news that his cancer was back.
Chapter 11
It devastated them. Roxanne was distraught and worried about what the outcome would be. Keith knew that his time was coming to an end, but kept his thoughts to himself. He was just going to enjoy every moment of his life with his family while he could. He slowly gave up work and spent more time with family but no amount of time was ever enough, and as time went by, he was getting weaker and sicker, but he kept up a brave face for his son.
Sadly, Keith didn't make it to Joshua's fourth birthday, falling short by a couple of weeks. Roxanne was devastated and didn't know how she was going to cope without her best mate and sidekick next to her for the rest of her life; and how was Joshua going to understand that he will never be able to see his daddy anymore? Joshua cried for his daddy for so long. Roxanne held him in her arms so tight, it tore her to pieces seeing his pain, so she would comfort him, as he hugged his mum until he fell asleep every night. After four weeks Joshua eventually stopped pining for his daddy, but he would still ask about him every day. Roxanne couldn't contain her own emotions as it still got to her, and she wondered how much longer it was going to hurt for. But she now needed to be strong for her little boy.
As Joshua got older, he was beginning look more and more like Austin with his long black hair and deep brown eyes. She was thinking about Austin a lot now as she looked at her son wondering how he is doing, where he is, and wondering what type of father he would have been like, and if he had found a woman and settled down.
Keith had life insurance that Roxanne didn't know about, so she was surprised when she got a letter from the insurance company stating the amount she would receive. She was shocked to see that she was actually able to set herself and son up with a nice dwelling somewhere, and not have to struggle with rent anymore.
The next six months she spent searching for a nice property for herself and for Joshua to grow up on, somewhere where he can run around, and explore, maybe have a dog and a horse someday. He deserved to enjoy his childhood, be a kid and have fun.
PART FOUR
Chapter 12
She eventually found a quaint beautiful colonial cottage on a hundred acres in Burnvale, not very far from her parent's property, with three bedrooms and one bathroom. That's all they needed. It suited her because it was close to them and close enough to Burnvale school for when Joshua would need to start soon. Burnvale township was only fifteen minutes up the road, and had all the necessary utilities, shops, doctor, chemist, post office, library and police station etc.
Life was slowly getting back on track for both of them as the years were passing, and it was getting easier each day without Keith, but Roxanne still struggled alone at night on her own without him there to hold her through the night, and she often falls asleep with tears in her eyes. Although she still couldn't bring herself to part with the urn that held his ashes in it on his bedside table. She tries to move on but it still gets to her after all these years, and she doesn't know how she is going to move forward in life.
Joshua is coming up to his seventh birthday, and Roxanne knows he has a great love and fondness for horses, so she has arranged a weekend away at Mitchum, to have a look at a horse she is planning to buy for him for his birthday. On the Friday they take a six-hour road trip to Mitchum, and she books into the familiar Texan Hotel that she stayed in when she went those many years ago to do her gig next door at The Waterhole Tavern.
On Saturday they meet with the lady that owns the four-year-old horse that has just been trained to be ridden, and so perfect for a young boy of Joshua's age. Joshua was overwhelmed with joy when he saw the horse and found out why they were there. He said,
“Oh mummy, I will love him so much!”
Roxanne was overjoyed. She glowed with delight as her face lit up, and said,
“Would you like to take him home Josh?”
“Oh yes mummy, please!” Joshua said, with happy tears in his eyes.
Roxanne paid for the beautiful beast, and arranged for the young horse to be delivered to their property. Joshua was welcome to ride the horse, and spend as much time with the horse as he wanted while they were there, and he was encouraged to give him a name. Joshua said,
“Copper, because he is that colour!”Roxanne said, “You are very clever son, I'm proud of you for thinking of that name, good job!”
They high five-ed each other! And Joshua felt good about himself. They didn't stay too much longer as Roxanne needed to get to the chemist before it closed.
They called into the chemist at Mitchum, because Roxanne needed some personal items as it was that time of the month. While she was paying for her purchases, Joshua grabbed the keys from Roxanne and rushed off to get to the car before her. In his rush he bumped into a very tall gentleman that was walking in through the door with cowboy boots, long black hair, just like his and a cowboy hat.
“Whoa there buddy, slow down a little!” Austin said, as he looked Joshua in the eyes.
“Sorry sir!” Joshua said, when he looked the man in the eyes.
They both just stared at each other for a few seconds in total disbelief, as it was like they were both looking in the mirror at their own reflection! Roxanne walked towards them and noticed the two of them looking at each other, and for a minute she couldn't work out what was going on, then she could see who it was, and she said, “Austin?”
He looked up at her and he said, “Roxanne?
They both come together for a welcoming friendly hug.
“Oh my gosh I never expected to see you here, you said you were on the move looking for a new job when you left the other place.” she said.
“Oh, that's a funny story, but my boss ended up getting rid of that jerk, and I went back there for a few more years, but I actually run my own business, on my own property now. I run a horse-riding farm, and I love it!” Austin told her.
She shook her head,
“I'm sorry, this is Joshua my son!” bringing her son towards her, to introduce him to Austin.
“Glad to meet you buddy” he said.
But all Joshua could do was stare at him.
“What are you doing in town?” Austin asked.
Roxanne told him, “I just bought a horse for Josh for his seventh birthday that's coming up shortly., He loves horses so much and he has just named his first horse.”
“That's awesome, what did you name your horse buddy?” Austin asked him.
Joshua said, “Copper, because that's what colour he is.”
Austin told him “You are very smart!” “Say, why don't you come to my place and Joshua can ride some horses around, get a few free lessons in while you are here?”
“That sounds like a great idea but it's getting late today. Maybe tomorrow we could come over, how does that sound?” Roxanne suggested.
“Where are you?”
Austin handed her his card,
“Here is my card. It's called, Just Horsing around.”
Roxanne took the card from him saying,
“Okay, thanks, we will see you tomorrow morning.”
Chapter 13
Austin had lots of time to think about that time that Roxanne walked out and left him that night all those years ago. He understood her predicament, but would have liked to be asked first, not tricked into fathering a child. But he has one now, and what he saw of Joshua, he thought was one amazing kid, and he was his son, a spitting image of him. He was eager for them to arrive on his farm on Sunday morning. He wanted to spend time with both of them. He wanted to get to know his son. He wanted to find out more.
Luke had joined Austin on his farm when he bought it two years ago, and it has been thriving ever since. Walter was a bit disheartened to have two great employees leave, but happy and proud for Austin to start and run his own business. He had done so well over all the years that he had worked for him. Austin had also long ago confided to both Luke and Walter in the events of that awesome weekend he spent with Roxanne, so for years they also knew that Austin could possibly have fathered a child.
As Roxanne came up the driveway, Austin was already walking out to greet them. She was impressed with his log cabin style home, it was beautiful! Stunning! As she was getting out of her car,
“It's beautiful out here!” she said, in amazement.
Austin was proud of his dwelling. “Thanks,” he said, “I really love it out here, and love working with the horses. As you know, I love horses as well.”
“Yes, I remember you telling me.” Roxanne nearly said, “that's obviously where Josh gets it from” but quickly remembered that Josh was right beside her. “They are both going to have to be careful what they say around him,” she thought to herself! “
“Come on. I will take this young man down to the stables so he can get on a horse... we can all go riding, how does that sound?” Austin said, as he led the way.
As they walked into the stables, Darcy, his red cattle dog, his best mate, came running up to greet them all with his tail wagging, excited as always to meet new people.
“And this is my little mate, Darcy. He loves to hang out with all the horses during the day, but will not leave my side at night. He's, my baby!”
Austin picked out the perfect horse for Joshua. It was a young quiet four-year-old called Stella, that was always ready, and eager to go for walks. He gave Violet, a beautiful black mare with white cannon's, to Roxanne. The muscles on her were exceptionally outstanding, she was exquisite to look at, and comfortable to ride. Austin climbed on his one true companion, Rusty, his trusted big black stallion from the Walton Ranch. They set out following the trail that led the way to a picnic area where they would be having lunch. The trail led them along grass pastures, and then into more dense trees that took them up a slight sloping mountain range. Joshua was happily trotting along in front of Austin and Roxanne, as Stella knew the way, being on the path many times before, and Darcy was hot on their heels, joining them on their tour. As they rode along beside each other, Roxanne began the conversation with Austin,
“Sorry for the way I ran out on you, leaving you with just a note to explain what I had done! I hope I didn't make you feel angry and hurt, for deceiving you.”
She was genuinely remorseful.
She continued, “As you can see, you have a beautiful son, that is a spitting image of you, and he is such a good boy, I am very proud of him, and he is loved dearly by all his family.”
Austin was over the moon to have them both here with him, and he couldn't wipe the smile from his face. He replied,
“I was a little taken aback by what you had done, but after I had time to think about it, I realised you obviously had good reason for doing what you did, but I did begin to feel a strong connection to you that weekend, which I hoped would lead to something more, and when I read the note, I think what disappointed me more, was the fact that I couldn't have you all to myself. I even, to this day, still carry the guitar pick around everywhere with me,”
As Austin slowly pulls it out from the small watch pocket of his pants, to show her...
“So where is your husband now?” Roxanne's eyes teared up a little as she replied,
“Oh Austin, I'm so sorry for hurting you that way. If my circumstances were different, I would never have walked away, because that weekend for me was special too, but I had no choice at the time, as I was still very much in love with my husband... sadly my husband passed away three years ago. He suffered from cancer, and that was the reason why he couldn't give me a child. He was the one that urged me to seek somebody out so I could fall pregnant. When I met you, I thought you were the perfect gentlemen, and I am grateful for the wonderful gift you gave me!”
Austin said, “I am sorry that you had to endure the loss of your husband, it must have been tough on you. But I can say that I am also quietly pleased that I have a son because he is one amazing kid you have raised.”
Roxanne replied, “Well I didn't raise him on my own. He had been lovingly raised by Keith for nearly four years as well. Joshua adored him, he was lost for so long after Keith's death, he took it very hard, but so did I! Keith was a good father to Joshua. He treasured every precious moment with him till his last breath.”
Austin felt a little emotional and gracious towards this man that he never knew for loving his son so much,
“I'm grateful to your husband for being a good father and loving Joshua. It means a lot to me.” he said.
Chapter 14
When they got to their destination on top of the hill an hour and a half later, Roxanne was mesmerised by the beautiful surroundings of lush mountain views and vast scapes all around her. It was the perfect lookout. They met up with the group tour that went out with Luke earlier. Austin made the introductions, and Luke was happy to finely meet Roxanne. They all had their lunch together around the picnic tables, the horses got spoilt with an apple each, and refreshed with a drink of water; Darcy also got a little something, so he wouldn't feel left out. Joshua liked Darcy, and Darcy liked Joshua because this kid was playing ball with him, running around, and he was having fun. After their bellies were full and they were rested, they all headed back down the mountain. Austin and Roxanne were loving the time they were spending with each other catching up after all these years, and Joshua was enjoying the ride on the horse so much he wasn't even paying any attention to what they were talking about.
They put the horses away upon returning to the stables, and Roxanne proudly complimented Austin's success,
“You have come a long way, and accomplished so much, I'm very proud of what you have built yourself!”
“Thank you, it was a long time coming, but I finely made it!” he said.
They went up to the house and he showed her around his beautiful open floor living area and made them all some drinks. He had a big flat-screen television, and an X box, so Joshua happily played that while Darcy was happy to lay there beside his new friend, exhausted from his long walk. As Austin and Roxanne were talking, she noticed, from the corner of her eye, that Joshua often kept looking over at Austin. She mentioned it to Austin,
“So many thoughts must be going through his head, he must be wondering why he looks so much like you?”
“Yes, I was thinking the same thing. What should we do?” Austin asked her.
“I guess wait until he says something.” she replied.
Austin suggested, “It's getting late. I was going to offer you the guest quarters and you can take your time driving home tomorrow. I will throw a couple of chops on the BBQ for dinner, what do you say?”
Roxanne was tired, and said,
“That sounds wonderful, I don't think I would have liked my six-hour drive home in the dark, and I am tired, we had a big day. Thank you!”
Roxanne helped prepare a salad while Austin fried up the chops on the BBQ plate. They were all famished and eager to eat when it was ready. Even Darcy was eager for his dinner after the long walk and playful day he had with Joshua. Joshua became more relaxed around Austin and started to open up to him.
“How old is Darcy? How long have you had him? Does he always play so much? Does he sleep with you in your room? I wish I had a dog like Darcy! “
Now he was that comfortable he couldn't keep quiet. Austin was trying to keep up with all the answers, but they were coming at him so fast he couldn't finish answering them, before the next one came. Austin and Roxanne looked at each other and just smiled with delight at the amazing, incredible little being that they created together.
“Would you like some ice-cream buddy?” Austin asked him after the fiftieth question, just to try and slow the questions down a little.
“Yes please” Josh said, with two final questions that totally stunned them,
“Why do I look like you? Are you my real dad?”
Roxanne and Austin looked at each other and then back at Josh. Austin said,
“I think it's up to your mother to answer that question.”
Roxanne took Josh over to the lounge and sat down beside him, tenderly picking and choosing her words, because she didn't want to confuse him, or upset him.
“Josh honey, do you remember how much daddy loved you so very much when you were still very little, and he was really sick?”
Josh nodded his head slowly.
“Well daddy was too sick to be able to give mommy the seed that would create you to grow in my belly, so that's when Austin and I met, and Austin was able to give mommy the seed that created you, to grow in my belly. Without him you wouldn't be here my darling. So, to answer your question, yes Austin is your real dad!”
Joshua started crying and hugged his mother for some time before he stopped,
“But I still want daddy to be my daddy is that okay?” he asked his mother.
Roxanne squeezed him even tighter, and said,
“Of course baby, he will always be your daddy, forever; he loved you so much. You are very lucky, because you have two daddies.”
Austin felt a sense of compassion, and empathy surge through him as he sat there watching Roxanne perfectly explain this complicated situation to their son, and she did it so delicately, he felt proud of her at that moment, and now knew that he had love in his heart for this perfect angel that was sent back into his life. He could not let Roxanne slip away from him a second time.
Epilogue
Joshua's horse Copper arrived a few days before his birthday, and he was one very happy boy. His birthday party was a small one with a few of his school friends, and his family members, but his biggest surprise came when Austin showed up with a heavy box that had tiny holes all over it. Joshua had the biggest smile on his face when he opened the box to see a little ten-week-old blue cattle puppy dog. He hugged that puppy so gently, and said,
“Thank you so much.”
Austin smiled at him saying, “No worries, buddy, you just have to give him a name now, and make sure you look after him.”
Joshua had to think for a while, and said,
“I will have to think about it.”
After he and his friends played with the puppy for a short time, he decided on a name.
As Austin had now been introduced to all the family and friends, everyone was amazed at how Josh and Austin looked so identical. There was no denying that Austin was Joshua's father. They were all sitting around the BBQ area talking amongst themselves while the children played. Joshua walked up to Austin and tapped him on the shoulder. Austin turned to face his son, and give him his full attention,
“Yes buddy?” he said.
“I want to call him Bluey” Joshua piped up with a serious look on his face.
“Well, I think that is a fabulous name for your dog, and he's going to love it, good job!” Austin said, high five-ing him for thinking of a good name!
Suddenly Joshua moved in and gave Austin a big hug around his neck, and said,
You're okay for a daddy!” and ran off again to play.
Austin looked at Roxanne, and they shared a very special smile together knowing that it meant a lot to both of them that Josh approved of Austin being in his life.
As the year progressed, Austin and Roxanne spent more time with each other, and their love grew stronger. Joshua and Austin had also formed a closer bond with each other, so close in fact that Joshua always wanted to go to visit him as he was now addicted to the rodeo's that Austin had introduced him to. Long distance was getting challenging, there were too many trips for them to take back and forth, and they needed to spend more time together. Their world just crumbled whenever they weren't near each other. It was time for a change. Austin's love was strong enough for him to ask Roxanne and Joshua to move to the farm.
Roxanne had no hesitation moving, as she was now able to move forward in life. She will never forget Keith, her first true love, and she will always carry a love for him in her heart, but she has found a new love now in Austin. He has mended her broken heart, and now she can face the world again with a smile on her face every day and feel safe in his arms.
She was now ready to move on from holding onto Keith's ashes. Austin took her on a Hot air balloon ride, and up there high in the sky she released the ashes out of the urn, and said goodbye to her first true love,
“Fly free my love!” she said, with Austin's arms around her through every moment.
Josh was thrilled to bits with the move, and over the moon that he was going to be living with his real daddy, and he could now feel a bigger love between his parents and himself. After Austin and Roxanne got married, life on the farm became their perfect happy little family.
The Waterhole tavern was happy to have Roxanne play there as a regular now, and all of Austin's friends, and family welcomed both Roxanne and Joshua into their lives as well. They thought little Joshua was such an amazing kid, with a big heart, who will no-doubt follow in his parent's footsteps.
Joshua was happy. He had his horse Copper that he could ride as often as he wanted, and he had his dog Bluey that he’d always wanted. He now has a daddy again, that loves him just as much as his other daddy did, and his mummy is happy again - she hasn't cried at night for a very long time. He still gets to see his grandparents often, and he now has new grandparents that love him. He has made a lot of new friends at his new, cool school. Everything was great!
“Come on Bluey, let's go and play!” Josh said to his best mate.
They walked into the stables.Josh ran his hand down the side of Copper's neck, and said,
“Are you ready for your walk Copper?”
Copper neighed, and nodded his head, as of course he agreed on going for a walk. Joshua fastened his saddle to his horse, as he was such an expert at it now, climbed up on his saddle, and he, and his two best mates, Copper, and Bluey, went for a short stroll; just near enough for mum and dad to keep an eye on them through the window.
Author: Gingy Murphy
This fictional story is inspired by the song: All I want to do is make love to you, by Heart, (but with a twist.)