Just then, they heard hooves pulling a carriage up the drive and Cappy barking out the door at them.
"They're here, baby," she hurrying out of the room and down the stairs and into the kitchen to continue preparing the food. James trotted down after her and headed out onto the porch, waving as they pulled up in the carriage. Doc waved back at him from the wagon as he pulled it to a stop in front of the house.
"Hey Doc," he smiled as he walked down and patted the big grey horse on the hip.
"Why, hello there, young man! Where's your better half?" He jumped down from the wagon like a man half his age and reached up to help Sarah down as well.
"She's inside, cooking," he smiled. "Hello, ma'am. I don't believe we've met yet." He walked over to Sarah and held out his hand to her. "James Buchanan."
"Well, not technically," she took his hand and shook it with a soft but still strong grasp. She smiled up into his face, "Sarah Thompson. The wife of this crazy old man here," she nods to Doc, who looks wounded. "I best get in there and see if Bella needs any help."
James smiled, "I'm sure she'll be grateful. Doc, what do you say we get this horse some water and fresh hay?"
Together they unhitched the wagon and led the horse out to the barn. He undid the horse's harness, hanging it in the tack room before leading him to a stall. They gave the old mare some hay and water and a handful of grain. As James took care of the Doc's horse, the man walked over to the stall where Beauty stood. James saw where he was going and walked over as well, checking on the black horse.
"How's he doing?" Doc asked.
"He's good," James nodded. "I can tell a difference in him in just this short amount of time."
The older man sighed, "That's a good thing." As he spoke, he nodded toward the house. "She's a bit attached to this one."
"Yes sir, she is." James shook his head at the Doc. "It took me forever to talk her into even gelding him. I hope he changes for the better, but I just don't know."
Doc nodded, "her daddy had big hopes for this horse. Bella had big hopes too – hopes that this horse would help bring her daddy around. I guess he didn't really live up to either of them."
James sighed, "I didn't see any way of getting around her riding the horse. So I thought this would be the best way to handle it. I know it hurt to do it, though, and of course that made it hurt me all the more."
"For the better, though," Doc nodded. "I always found it strange, but I never once saw this horse flinch when she was on him. Anyone else, he'd throw off in a heartbeat."
"Yea, so she's told me..." James' voice drifted off as he looked at the horse.
Doc grinned, "She wouldn't lie to you, son."
"I know she wouldn't," he nodded. "Oh, she had me go into the cellar and find some bourbon, she said you liked it. I actually found some that was distilled about 20 miles from where I grew up."
"Is that right, son?" Doc asked and smiled as James nodded. "Well, then we should get to that soon. Just let's have a look at your new baby first." He walked back towards Honey's stall, which James opened.
"I had my eye on a big grey mare, but she had her heart set on this one," James shook his head. "Can't say as I blame her, though. This is definitely a horse for that girl." He watched as Doc patted her neck and smiled. "They get along great already."
"That's terrific, son." He looked over at James, "well, we best go see to that bourbon."
He smiles back, "yes, sir." They turned and headed toward the house. As they got closer they could hear laughter floating out through the kitchen windows. They walked up the back steps and through the door.
Doc glances around, "it's been ages since I've been in here. But I see she hasn't changed it much." The men made their way to the den, and Doc's face lit up as they entered. "Patty and I used to sit in this room for hours. Eileen and Sarah would have to come pull us away at the end of the night."
James walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out the Kentucky born bottle. He poured two glasses and handed one to Doc, who sniffed the dark liquid and smiled. James grinned at his pleased expression and lifted his glass.
"To new beginnings," he said his smile widening.
Doc lifted his own, clinking it against the younger man's. They each took a sip and settled into the worn leather armchairs.
Doc glanced up, taking a deep breath. "I know you're good for her, son."
"Thank you, sir," James smiled.
"Sarah and I have always looked at that girl like a daughter. So it matters a lot to us that she's taken care of. And while her Daddy was crazy later on in life, he was an angry drunk Irishman for most of it. I would imagine his ghost probably is, too."
James laughed. "Yes sir, I would not doubt that he is. Can I get you a refill?"
