"Life is good, " he said to his four-legged beauty, "and soon it will be even more wonderful, Autumn. I'm so happy with Skye, and the girls are all happy and growimg into the most incredible women.They love Skye too - almost as much as I do. They're so excited that I'm gonna ask her to marry me."
As if she understood him, Autumn snorted and stomped at the ground, nuzzling her face into his neck, her warm breath tickling his ear.
"Jealous are you?" he asked with a laugh, "Don't worry darling, you'll always be my special girl !" He stroked her gently, patted her neck, and led her to her stall.
His walk back to the house was slow and pleasant. He let his eyes roam across his land and soak in the charm and magic of nature's bustling beauty as it surrounded him. Alone with this beauty, and his thoughts of the future, he considered himself a rich man. He entered through the patio doors, and was instantly aware of the most luscious aroma. Birdy was here.
The matronly housekeeper, 12 years his senior, was not always up to a days work. At 66 she was spirited, but her youth was only in her heart. Some days it was all she could do to dress and walk to the main house from her tiny cottage. She adored Davy, and was caring and motherly to him. This was a special day for him, and she knew it. Despite her tiredness, she came to make his breakfast.
"Good morning Birdy, my but the place smells wonderful when you're here!" He brushed a quick kiss on her cheek.
"Oh you're always the charming one, David," she blushed, "How was your ride?" she asked placing a plate of steaming blueberry muffins in front of him, as well as a bowl of fresh strawberries and a pot of his favorite raspberry tea.
"Fantastic," he said as he tore into a muffin, "I love to ride in the morning this time of year."
"Well, today is the big day with Skye, isn't it?" He smiled broadly and wiped his chin.
"You've got to have E.S.P. or something - how do you just KNOW these things!?!" He popped a strawberry into his mouth.
"Women's intuition," she chortled, "besides, you practically glow in the dark when you're in love Davy. It's like a beacon - anyone can see it."
"Well I hope Skye can see it. She's made such a difference in my life - all our lives - the girls too. It's like she's the missing half of me - she makes me a whole person."
"Well she certainly cares for you I must say. I can see it as plain as the nose on your face!"
"I know, I know, women's intuition again, right?"
"That's right young man, and don't you ever doubt it!!"
Davy smiled to himself, and shook his head, strangling back a chuckle. He wasn't in the mood for a good old fashioned tongue lashing this morning. He finished his muffins, and washed them down with a delicious mouthful of tea. Birdy came to gather the dishes.
"Now you go and get yourself ready for today, you'll want to look your best. Not that that takes much doin'."
"Birdy, you're making me blush," he grinned.
He wiped his mpouth and rose to leave, but stopped himself. He turned back to his housekeeper and gently raised her hand to his lips. "You are an angel Birdy." He kissed her hand and made his retreat.
The hot shower felt good. He sang to himself as he washed, and was in a happy bouncy mood. He shaved and dressed quickly, with mounting anticipation. He'd polished his favorite black boots the night before, and they shone like twin mirrors. He drifted off into thoughts of the coming evening. Lost in his daydreams, he was startled back to reality by the shrill ringing of the phone.
"'Ello?"
"Morning sunshine, where you been? I've been trying to get you for half an hour."
"Hey, Sandy. I was in the shower man. Birdy is here, but her hearing isn't what it used to be. What's up?"
"I was calling to see if you were ready - figured we could fly in together for the show."
"Love to man, but I can't. I've got some personal business to tend to this afternoon. I'll be flying out around three."
"Aha! This "business" doesn't by any chance involve the jewelers in town, does it?"
"What? Does everyone see through me? It's like a guy can't keep a secret around 'ere anymore!!"
"Did you know your cockney shows up when you get ruffled?" he said with a laugh.
"Watch it there - or you'll find yourself playing drums for David Cassidy!"
"Sorry boss. Well I guess I'll see you later then, man."
"Right then, G'bye."
"Hey Dave?"
"Yaa?"
"See ya, GUV'NAH !" CLICK
In the kitchen, Birdy was finishing the dishes.
