Chapter 70 Part 70
Asher
Melody took her first steps a week before her 1st birthday. Eden had planned a grand affair. Maggie had mentioned a jumping castle since the weather was turning warmer. The snow had melted, and the first blooms were in sight. It was Asher’s favorite time of the year.
It meant more work on the ranch, and Joel had started waking up earlier, so he could help Blair with the cattle, then he joined Asher to help with his horses. Oscar had taken over inventory, and was now in charge of anything related to paperwork and equipment. It worked out well for everyone. Joel was turning into a real rancher, right under his nose.
After breakfast, they all headed over to the main house. Melody had a little green dress on with cowboy hats on the hem. They were going to put steaks on the grill, eat cake, and enjoy the day celebrating Melody.
“There she is!” Eden yelled when they came into view.
Maggie laughed, and Asher put Melody down. Dakota licked the side of her face, but stayed by her side. Asher held her hands above her head, and everyone cheered as she started walking confidently. He let go a few steps away from his father, and Melody walked toward him with her arms wide open, laughing loudly when Thomas scooped her into the air.
“You’re full of surprises, little lady. Walking around this ranch by yourself,” Thomas said, with a proud grin.
“She’s never alone,” Maggie said, with a smile.
Lawn chairs stood in a circle near the table laden with food. Eden had gone the extra mile, even baking Melody’s cake and decorating it to look like a giraffe. It was one of Melody’s favorite stuffed toys, and she never went to sleep without that giraffe tucked against her.
Wrapped presents stood on another table. When Blair walked over and plugged the jumping castle into the extension, Melody’s eyes widened at the sudden noise of it inflating.
“Come on, little sister, I’ll take you for your first jump,” Oscar said.
Melody clapped her hands excitedly. “Jump! Jump!”
Dylan followed them to the jumping castle and took numerous pictures of Oscar sitting, holding her hands, as she attempted to jump. Country music was playing in the background, and Asher couldn’t be happier.
“I think it’ll be easier if everyone helps Melody open the present they bought. That way we can take pictures, and Melody will know who got her what when she’s older.”
Everyone took turns helping Melody on the jumping castle amid much laughter. They ate lunch, and finally it was time for Melody to open her presents. Maggie spread a blanket on the grass, and Asher carried her over.
“I guess I’ll go first,” Blair said, picking up his present. He joined Melody on the blanket and helped her to tear the paper off while Dylan took pictures. The gift was in a plain brown box, so Blair cut it open and took the gift out.
“Wow,” Maggie said.
“It’s educational and will keep her busy,” Blair said, as Melody started playing with the activity box.
“It’s a wonderful gift, Blair, thank you so much,” Maggie said.
Dylan handed the camera to Colt, and picked up his gift. “It’s an activity walker, and I swear I didn’t know what Blair was getting her.” They opened the present together, and Dylan helped Melody to her feet to show her how to push the walker.
Eden’s present was a memory book, already half-filled with pictures of things Melody had done. It brought tears to Maggie’s eyes, and Asher felt a little emotional, as well.
Colt sat down and grinned. It was the kind of grin that could mean anything. “I got her a growth ruler; it’s personalized and can stick to the wall of her bedroom.”
“Oh, that’s so thoughtful, Colt, thank you!”
“And…I got her a rock ‘n roll piano thingy. I included batteries. Enjoy,” Colt said, and hurried away from the blanket, leaving the present unopened.
Asher laughed loudly. “We’ll keep it at the main house for when she visits.”
Finn took his present from the table and unwrapped it. “It’s a custom-made cowboy hat with her name on the inside. It’s real leather, and she can probably wear it for another year.”
“Finn! It’s adorable,” Maggie said, placing the hat on Melody’s head. Dylan snapped more pictures as Melody smiled.
Thomas cleared his throat and stood up. “This is my present. It’s an assortment of some squiggly educational toys. The woman said that it’s great for small kids, and I got her a locket.”
“Oh, Thomas,” Maggie said, as he handed her the jewelry box, and she opened it. “It’s beautiful.” It was inscribed on the back. ‘Melody—the song of my heart. Grandpa’
Joel and Oscar took their gift from the table, and they helped Melody unwrap it. It was a soft baby doll that she could sleep with, and it came with a few sets of clothes and a small stroller. Melody clapped her hands and cuddled the doll to her chest.
“Baby, baby,” she said, smiling.
“It’s great, thank you, guys,” Maggie said, and Asher smiled at them. They’d worked for the money they’d spent on her gift, and Asher couldn’t be prouder of the men they were becoming.
“I guess I’m up,” Asher said. As he took his gift from the table, Melody immediately crawled toward him, and threw her arms around his neck. “Dada.”
Asher unwrapped his gift carefully, and Maggie gasped when she saw it. It was a leather-bound Bible, and on the inside, Asher had written a note. It read, ‘To my daughter on her 1st birthday. May you always be guided by the wisdom on these pages, and know that I’ll always be there for you. Love, Dad.’
“It’s beautiful, Asher,” she said, wiping her eyes.
“What did you get her?” Joel asked, and Maggie laughed.
“I left it at the house in case Melody gets too excited and breaks it. I bought her a collectible porcelain doll with blue eyes and blond curls like hers,” Maggie said.
“Aww,” Eden said. “That’s so sweet.”
“I think we should have some cake before this little lady falls asleep, and we’re all overtaken with emotion,” Thomas said.