A springtime gullywasher overnight had created more problems than it solved, if in fact it solved any. The fence was down to the Morgans's paddock, that piece had been hastily constructed to separate the working remuda from the Morgans to prevent any unwanted breeding between them, not that Barnabas had not thought about the possibility, but now the Morgans were out in the wilderness, though four had been rounded up by the newest hands on the ranch.

Meanwhile, the idea of repairing the downed fence seemed like they would have little luck as the mud quickly filled the initial attempt to dig a post hole, so when Gibbs and Brodie brought in the first Morgans they were directed to the barn where they would have been moved once anyone had the gumption to get up, get out there and do something, however, no one knew the fence was down, not with the thunder and the pounding rain and hail on the roof of not only the house but the bunkhouse as well. So no one was at fault.

All of the hands were out looking for horses, especially Missus Pike's horse, Noel, which Pike himself was hunting, but tracks? In ankle deep mud? Not a chance, and giving chase was almost a joke due to the pudding like liquid dirt to deal with. And so when Pike spotted his bride's mare he spurred is hammerhead roan in Noel's direction and though she thought to run, she fared no better than the pursuit, and she allowed Pike to get within roping distance, and the lariat swirled perfectly and settled around her neck and was drawn tight when she lurched to get away.

The last of the Morgans were rounded up and a drenched group of wranglers were on their way back to the ranch, soaked and tired.

"We'll have a grand feast for them!" Smiling brightly, Emeline stood up. wriggling her toes in the warm socks, then grabbed the mop. "We can get the cobbler and cookies done first, since those don't need to be hot."

No Ma'am they don't, an' they'd be the easiest ta get done right off. An' Danny here's quite the baker." Nate stated with a grin, this was going to be fun, the Missus knew what she was about in the kitchen, no matter where it was. Like dividing between the bunkhouse and the breezeway to the house. "Believe we can get that big stove there hot as need be, use some hot coals from this here stove to light 'er up."

"As soon as I get this cleaned up..." she paused a moment, leaning over and taking some deep breaths, then continued, "we can get started. This is going to be fun!"

"Yes 'em, believe you read my mind on that 'un." Nate grinned as he spoke.

"I'll get the cookie dough a goin', Nate, Ma'am. Save a bit of time. An' the coffee pots goin' real good. " Danny informed them.

"Well Ma'am, means we need ta get this thing a going quick like, chances are, all of 'um'll be here afore we can get the cookies baked!" Nate said. And that was probably closer to the truth than he knew. But, there was actually quite a bit of time yet, a bit more than they thought before all of the hands were back from this storm-drenched round-up was finished.

"Run Danny!" Nate insisted, but young Danny bolted through the door without bothering to grab a hat or coat.

"Now Missus Pike, here lean on me. Don't you worry none about supper. it'll get fixed. Let''s get you over to the setee." He said as he did his best to hold onto to her. "Gonna be jest fine." he assured her.

Meanwhilke. Danny burst into the barn, "One'a you ride for Mister Pike, the missus needs him right now! And the other'n ride fer Doc Danforth an' be quick, I think maybe the baby's on its way!" As if he actually knew, but then why else would she want her husband and the doctor too?

He looked at the two, from one to the other. "C'mon! Ride cowboys!!"

"Now, now, them boys won't starve, and there ain't no plannin' on when the young 'un's gonna arrive. You just rest easy an' I'll handle the cookin', you handle the birthin'. Mister Pike'll be along directly, an' likely he'll handle the worryin'. An' that doctor two." Nate said looking up as a rider raced out of the barn headed for town.

"Now see, that youngster lit out hell fer breakfast! 'scuse me, Ma'am, boy didn't even have him a saddle on that horse!" The grizzled oldtimer blurted out, ahead of apologizing.

At that moment Danny burst in, "They're on their way!" He announced.

"Oil cloth?" Nate asked, starting to get a bit nervous about this whole business. "I, ah.-"

"There's one in the barn, a new one!" Danny said and with that, he was gone. To him, this was exciting.

"Alright, now a room divider, do ya have one?" he asked then stated, "Ain't gonna be no men in here 'cept yer husband. I done a delivery, but thet was nigh on ta twelve year ago. Maybe Mister Pike has some experience at this sortta thing?" But, how would she know about that? "The Doc, he'll be here we jest need ta hang on fer a bit." Without thinking, he took her hand,  "Now don't you worry, Ma'am, this is gonna be alright!"

@Bongo @Wayfarer