Fishing

Ben stood outside watching his older sons make their final preparations before heading out to catch up with the others who had already left on the round up. After a harsh winter, spring had been late in coming. Today however, the sun was shining, and a warm gentle breeze flowed over the land carrying with it all the sweet, fresh scents that signaled the season of nature's rebirth had finally arrived. 

A tug on his sleeve drew his attention away from the scene, and he looked down into the angelic face of his youngest son. Lord, it was a good thing for Joseph that he had that sweet face, thought Ben. The boy could get into more mischief than a pack of coyotes.  “Yes, Joseph?”

“W-we still gonna go fishin’?” he asked hesitantly. He was pretty sure he knew what the answer would be, but it was worth a try.

Ben gave him a look of disbelief. “You expect to be rewarded for what you put us through last night?” It had been around suppertime when they'd realized Joseph was nowhere to be found. After searching for hours, with all the hands searching as well, they'd finally found him hidden in the supply wagon, sound asleep.

Shoulders slumping, Joe shook his head dejectedly. “No, sir. Guess not.” He hadn’t meant to cause such a ruckus last night. He’d just wanted to go on the round up. Joe shoved his hands in his pockets and scuffed the toe of his boot into the dirt. Truth was, he'd been mad and not thinkin' all too clearly -- he shoulda known better. But, he still didn't think it was fair that his brothers got to go and he didn't. He wasn't a baby.

Ben glanced up at the older boys to find them watching him with interest. He cleared his throat and attempted to look stern. “Well, what are you waiting for? You’re already running behind.”

“Yes sir, Pa. Guess we’ll be on our way.” Hoss paused to tousle his little brother’s hair. “You behave yourself, short shanks,” he said fondly.

It was a struggle, but Joe managed to offer a slight smile for Hoss, and then another for Adam. "Bye Hoss. Bye, Adam."

Adam checked his cinch once more, then stepped into the stirrup and climbed up into the saddle. "See ya later, Joe. You take good care of Pa while we're gone." He gazed down at the small, sullen form of his youngest brother and his expression softened briefly. The kid was a handful, but Adam couldn't deny that he looked forward to the day when Joe would ride along with them. Then he remembered what the kid had pulled the night before, and shuddered at the very thought. "Have fun," he called out cheerily, with a wink and nod for his father.

Ben let out a bark of laughter. Fun, indeed. “Off with you,” he said gruffly, shooing them out of the yard.  He stood there watching until they were no longer in sight, then he put his hands on his hips and turned to his youngest. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

“Huh?” Joe looked up, tilting his head, his green eyes uncomprehending. 

“I thought you wanted to go fishing.” Ben smiled, lifting an eyebrow in amusement. He probably indulged the boy too much, but this was his baby after all, and he was growing up so fast. In a few short years, opportunities like this would be few and far between. Maybe, more than anything, he was indulging himself.

“You really mean it, Pa?”

“Of course I do.” Ben chuckled. “Now, why don’t you go fetch the picnic basket from the kitchen while I get the fishing poles.”

“Yes, sir!” Joe started toward the house, but stopped suddenly, turned and flung himself at his father. He wrapped his arms around Ben’s middle, and squeezed for all he was worth. He’d expected to have a miserable day; he’d expected to be punished for sure -- but instead, Pa had planned all along to take him fishing.  Sometimes he just didn't understand his pa, but he sure did love him.

~ ~ ~ ~  

“What d’ya think Pa’s got in store for little brother?” Hoss asked, as he guided his horse up alongside Adam’s.

Adam gave him a wry grin. “What do you think he has in store?”

The two brothers glanced over their shoulders, toward the ranch that was no longer in view. Then they looked at each other knowingly, with matching grins and both answered, “Fishing.”

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