At First Sight

It's been three weeks since my parents have passed. Three weeks of waking up next to Lee every day. Three weeks of meetings with lawyers and banks, trying to sort out everything that needs to be done.

I have sold every bit of equipment that isn't necessary for keeping the place running, along with the project truck I bought after I graduated college. I am putting as much money in the bank as I can, knowing I cannot afford the inheritance tax on this place. Every little bit counts- I tell myself. Although as much as I hate to admit it, there is a good chance I will have to sell the place my family has called home for four generations.

My sister and I started off talking daily. But not long after she returned to school, the calls and messages stopped. I don't pry, if this is her way of grieving then I can't fault her for it.

I've gotten back into singing at bars, only once a week now that I am running the small ranch on my own.

As I walk up on the stage, I take a deep breath and look around the crowd before I close my eyes and start strumming my guitar.

Sweet by and by- Miranda Lambert

Pick a switch
Read the Bible
Hunt a fish for survival
Plant a seed
Watch it grow
Learn to trust which way the wind blows

Let your mama know your love her
You will never have another
Daddy I have not forgotten
The lessons learned under the light of a southern starry sky
Family's the light that guides us
Blessed be the ties that bind us

Sweet by and by
Sweet by and by
Tell the truth
Earn your dollar
Let not your heart asunder
Save yourself

Believe in faith
Good things come to those who wait
Let your daddy know you love him you will never have another
Mama I have not forgotten
The lessons learned under the light of a southern starry sky
Family's the light that guides us

Blessed be the ties that bind us
Sweet by and by
Sweet by and by
Daddy I have not forgotten

The lessons learned under the light of a southern starry sky
Mama I have not forgotten
The lessons learned under the light of a southern starry sky
Sweet by and by
Sweet by and by

---

After my final song, I packed up my guitar and headed home to Lee.

When I open the door, he's on the couch with Rex watching tv. He notices me when I close the door, and welcomes me home.

"Hey, honey. How was your day?" He says as he stands and walks in my direction

I remove my boots and Lee's coat, hanging it on the hook.

"It was okay, sold the truck to a young kid" I reply with a small smile

He sighs and gives me a kiss on the forehead

"Sorry, I know you were excited to fix that one up" he says

"Its alright, I only need one truck" I reply, shrugging my shoulders
—
In the morning, Lee and I sit at the table and drink our coffees as we finish breakfast. The sun has just started to rise, just enough so you can start to see out the window.
A knock at the door catches our attention. Lee moves to answer it and we see John standing there with his left hand the front pocket of his jeans.

"Morning son, can I borrow Lilibet from you?" he asks in a rough voice
Lee turns to look at me, confusion written on his face.

"Yep" I reply as I stand up and head to the door, grabbing Lee's coat. I lean in and give him a kiss on the cheek before I follow John outside.

We walk over to the barn in silence, then I notice he's brought Dolly in and placed her in the cross ties along with a chestnut horse.

Not sure what else to do, I tack up Dolly while he tacks up his horse. We walk out of the barn and mount up.

As I get seated, I look at John for some form of instruction or clarity. He nods and motions his horse to walk and I follow suit.
Once we get off the main property, we lope across an open field.

After a short ride, we slow to a walk. I look around taking in the scenery, until John begins to talk.

"I knew your father for a long time, almost my whole life" he says with a sigh

I nod, waiting for him to continue

"I've done many things in my past, things I don't want to admit. I owe your father a favour and I still plan to repay it" he says, now looking at me

I furrow my brows, not really understanding what he's getting at. He must read this from my face, as he then continues

"Can you afford the inheritance tax?" he asks as he adjusts his reins in his hand

"No" I reply with a small sigh, looking out where the sun has peaked over the mountains

"It's taken care of" he says

I quickly turn my head towards him

"No" I say, shaking my head "I cannot accept that"

"You can" he replies

"Mr Dutton-" I begin before he chuckles

"It's John" he says

"Jesus you've been with my son for months now, you can call me John" he continues

I nod, then continue.
"John, I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I can't accept it. That being said, if you want the property" I pause for a moment, then let out a small sigh and continue "then you can buy it. My only condition is that it stays whole"

He takes his hat off and scratches his head before placing the hat back on
"That's not repaying a favour" he says

"It is. Our ranch butts up to yours. It will stay whole and no developer will ever touch it. You'll make sure of it" I say as I turn to look him in the eye