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Annalise stared at the document sitting on the seat beside her. It was official; she was ready to put school behind her and take on the world. She hadn’t wanted to make a big deal out of the occasion and had opted to stop by the school office and pick up her certificate of degree, rather than attending the official walking ceremony. As she headed out to the ranch, she replayed the conversation she had with her computer guru friend Cameron. He had found Trista Higgins, and she was torn about telling Maxwell at this stage.
His mother was settling in well and had come over to chat with Marissa at the B&B on a few occasions since they returned two weeks ago. She had a handful of sessions with Belle and even visited the sheep pen, which was a requirement of Matthew Katzen for all newcomers. Overall, the transition was going well, and Maxwell had just last evening confirmed their date for Saturday.
Annalise had made the tough choice to pen a letter to the address Cameron had found for Trista. It had been a tough letter to balance out and ensure she provided the information Trista needed to find her family in a way that would not upset her. Annalise could not imagine what seeing such violence at an early age, and then losing a twin in such a manner would do to a person. She had some ideas, though. Foster care was a rough gig for children, and she had seen her fair share of those who did not make it out in one piece mentally. Others who gave up early on and never did get to see the promise of school and beyond. She figured it was similar in Trista’s case. Despite her family’s wanting to be there, reaching out and being reminded by that same family of her sister was something she didn’t seem prepared to handle.
Naomi Higgins's decision to stop searching after ten years, for her lost daughter would be difficult. Maxwell was helping heal that, and Living River Ranch had some ability to fill in the gaps with therapy. It was Annalise’s first up-close and personal experience with how the ranch could help someone, and she was enthralled.
After much musing, she had finished the letter last night, enclosed a Living River Ranch brochure, and postmarked it today. Now it was time to let sleeping dogs lie and get back to the business of living.
“Hey,” she shouted as she parked the truck. As she jumped down from the cab onto the dirt, she saw Matthew heading her direction.
Matthew smiled back, “Hi, Annalise.”
“Who do you have there?” She asked, trying to figure out if the animal he was holding was the tiniest pig she had ever seen. The tiny pink critter was so cute; she was drawn right in.
“His name is Oscar,” Matthew said. “Isn’t that a funny name for a pig?”
“Yes, but some may think Babe is a funny sheep name.”
Matthew laughed. “Babe is the perfect sheep name,” he said, glancing down at the sheep in question that was a constant companion at his feet.
“Well,” Annalise said, reaching out to pet the tiny pig. “Oscar seems to suit this guy.”
“Yep. Mary Beth comes to see Belle for meetings, and today she said I could watch Oscar while she was inside. He is her emotional support animal.”
“That is wonderful,” Annalise said, as the tiny pig nuzzled into Matthew and closed his eyes.
“I think Old Blue would squish him if we put him in the pigpen?”
“I agree; I think you should never put him in the pigpen. Big blue is a hefty boy and might accidentally squish Oscar.”
“I am going to show Jayne and the kids in the nursery,” he said proudly.
“They will love that,” she said, as she turned to head out to the barns. She waved at Matthew, and all her worries evaporated. He had such a kind soul and made everyone feel wanted and carefree. It was a gift for sure.
She finished the journey to the barns and walked inside, greeting several of the stallions and mares as she continued to the office in the back. She always liked to check in with Stormi first to ensure she knew what the priority for the day would be. As Annalise walked inside, she was hit in the face with confetti.
“Congratulations!” Stormi hollered with Belle right next to her. Grayson, Margaret, Noah, Avery, Troy, Ben, Katherine, and several of the hands were also gathered.
“I know you were trying to keep it low key, but I just couldn't help but celebrate your graduation a little bit,” Stormi said, moving forward to hug her.
“Thanks,” she said blushing. She didn’t enjoy being the center of attention, though it was super sweet of Stormi to remember.
“And there is cake,” Jake said enthusiastically.
“He loves cake,” Belle said, with an exaggerated eye roll.
“Who doesn’t?” Annalise exclaimed as she saw the little grouping of food.
“And this is for you,” Stormi said, holding out a good-sized bag, “from all of us.”
“Thanks, I didn’t expect you to get me anything.” She said as she opened the big bag, and the old-fashioned leather case was displayed. Inside were all kinds of diagnostic tools and items needed to treat animals on the fly.
“It is everything I need when called out to treat animals in the field and other locations. A vet office in a bag,” Stormi said, by way of explanation.
“Thank you. This is amazing!”
“I’m so proud of you, sis,” Stormi said, grabbing and hugging her again.
Annalise hugged her back, “I love you,” she whispered, for the first time. She adored Stormi, and she was well worth the twenty-plus year wait to find her sister.
