“Wait, the wagon’s a ‘she’?”  Kasey asked, intrigued by Chuck’s choice of words.

“Of course.  I bought the wagon a few days before I took Blanche out on our first date up here in these very San Gabriel Mountains.  When I bought the Ranch, the wagon was named after her.  A small reminder of where we came from and how this,” He gently picked her hand up and kissed it.  “All got started.”

Smiles were in abundance as they listened.  “How come she’s not being used?  I mean, she needed a lot of work.”  Ashley leaned in a little enthralled by their story.

“After we bought the Ranch we just didn’t have the time to take it out as often as we did.  We were busy with the animals and the tourists.  We just never had the heart to rid ourselves of her.”  Blanche explained.

“After we’re done with her, she’ll look amazing!  That I can promise you.”  Kasey took one final gulp of her iced tea; the frigid liquid soothed her dry throat as she sucked on one the ice cubes.  The story was motivation enough for her to finish the wagon today, not only for Spencer and Ashley but most importantly for Chuck and Blanche.

Ashley seemed to be thinking the same as she heaved herself up from her seat and followed Kasey to the barn.

“Ashley’s father would be so proud.”  Blanche stood and retreated into her home.  Chuck remained seated on the swing admiring his Ranch; a Ranch he had worked so dearly for and now everything seemed perfect.

***

“You know, Aiden and I used to come out here all the time when were kids.”  Ashley continued sanding the wagon.

“Yea?  He never mentioned any of this.  Not that we talked that much when I was in Canada, it’s just…Surprising that he left you out.”  Kasey began pouring the darkly tinted stain into the tray.

“Why is it surprising?”  Ashley stopped her movements and glanced up at her partner in crime.

“You guys seem close.  And I mean, you’re a pretty unique personality Ash, I’m just surprised is all.  Plus this, he never once mentioned this.”  She motioned up at the barn, shrugging.  “Oh well, better late than never I guess.”  She chuckled.