A/N: *points* You know where the supply is.
Trust me.
Chapter 6
Jarrod heard the boys giggling in bed together. He got up, pulled on his bathrobe and headed down the hall, opening the door. "Who's riding with me this morning?" Jarrod said and signed.
Me Jack signed.
Me too Tate signed back.
Then get dressed Jarrod signed. The boys tumbled out of their bed.
Maggie had a box of doughnuts on the kitchen counter for the boys, knowing they'd be hungry with their eating schedule and dealing with the time change yesterday. They each powered down two along with a glass of milk. Jarrod had one of his own with his morning cup of coffee the time set maker had brewed. And like always, Maggie had a pair of broken in cowboy boots waiting for both the boys. "Grandma barters with the other grandmas at bridge club," Jarrod winked. The boys giggled.
Jarrod got the boys in his pick-up and headed towards the stables. "Wow," Tate said, looking over the expanse of the Barkley ranch.
"This doesn't get old," Jack said, looking around. Jarrod shook his head at how much Jack had grown up since his first visit to the ranch. He pulled up to the stable and parked the truck. His brother Heath was there to greet the boys.
"Hi guys," Heath smiled, hugging them both. "Welcome to the ranch Tate," he said.
"Thanks Uncle Heath," Tate smiled. Haley, already saddled, nickered at Jack.
Nick Barkley rumbled out of the stable. Tate looked at Jack and then back at Nick. While Jack had filled Tate in on all the players at the ranch, he had purposely left out one. Jack looked at his grandpa and winked with his small smile. That will work on the ladies in another couple of years Jack Jarrod smiled to himself.
"So you're the new kid," Nick nearly growled at Tate.
"Yes sir," Tate barely got out.
Nick smiled, pulling Tate into a bear hug. "Welcome to the ranch TaterTot."
"Tate," Jarrod smiled, "this is my gruff, hard-charging brother Nick."
"Hi Uncle Nick," Tate smiled.
"Who's a marshmallow on the inside," Jack said.
Nick put Tate down and grabbed Jack. "Says who?" Nick smiled, pulling Jack into his arms for a hug. "Good to see you again Jackster."
"You too Uncle Nick," Jack said, hugging him.
Nick put Jack down and looked at Tate. "Rumor has it you've got a birthday coming up."
"Yeah, it's Friday," Tate smiled.
Nick rubbed his shoulder. "Your grandpa sent you an early birthday present," he smiled.
Miguel, the stable foreman, led a horse out of the stable. "Charlie?" Tate said. Charlie nickered at him, bobbing his head.
Jack looked at the Barkley brothers who were smiling. Jarrod rubbed Jack's shoulder. "Your brother has been on a horse more than once when he visited his grandpa."
"Mary Elizabeth taught me how to ride," Tate said, walking up to Charlie. "It was my favorite two weeks of summer," he said, rubbing down Charlie's nose. Charlie nuzzled his nose into Tate's chest.
Heath looked at Tate. "Why no east coast English saddle, especially with an Irish nanny?"
Tate smiled. "I wanted to be a cowboy."
Heath smiled. "We can arrange that around here."
"Too cool," Jack smiled. "Tate, this is Miguel. He takes care of the horses."
"Hi Miguel," Tate smiled. "Can I take him?"
Miguel smiled at Tate, handing him Charlie's reins. "Welcome to the ranch Tate," Miguel smiled.
"Gracias Miguel," Tate smiled. Heath opened the gate to the fence. Jarrod and Jack walked in followed by Tate leading Charlie.
Jack looked at the horse saddled for Jarrod. He looked at Nick. "Blackie Uncle Nick?"
"Sorry Jack, he didn't make it through the winter. Equine flu took him." Jack and Tate softly shook their heads.
"So who's the new guy?" Jack asked.
"That's Mac," Miguel smiled, "One of Blackie's colts."
"Awesome Miguel," Tate smiled. The boys climbed up in their saddles. Heath and Nick got the stirrups adjusted for the growing boys as Jarrod mounted up on Mac.
"Let's go guys," Jarrod said. "Just don't ride my butt into the ground." The boys laughed, getting the horses to slowly canter towards the cattle range. Another ranch hand opened the gate of the corral at the other end to the range.
They three rode together up the slope, walking the horses keeping an eye out for gopher holes. They got to the plateau where the cattle were grazing. Tate just shook his head. "This is beautiful," he said looking around. Jack took in the scene as well.
Jack smiled at him. "And now we can ride." He looked at Jarrod. "Meet you at the woods grandpa," he said, giving Haley a nudge. She took off running. Tate spurred Charlie to do the same.
Three hours later, Jarrod and the boys walked into the kitchen. Cait was frying sausages as Maggie was stirring up pancake batter. Cait smiled at them. "How was Miner's Falls?"
"Beautiful," Tate smiled.
"Just like always," Jack added with his smile as Cait and Maggie hugged the boys.
"And Charlie?" Aaron smiled, pulling Tate into a hug.
"That was so special dad," Tate smiled, putting his arms around Aaron.
Aaron handled Tate his cellphone. "Hello? Grandpa?" Tate smiled taking the phone.
-00CM00-
The next three days, the boys had a wonderful time. Tuesday, they spent the day with Cait and Aaron exploring more of the ranch on horseback. Cait had done some exploring using Google Earth before they had left and had found another beautiful, quiet corner of the family property. The four of them had a family day together.
Wednesday was Jarrod taking the boys to Miner's Falls and then swim time with some cousins. Aaron and Jake did their usual golfing with Adam and Luke. Cait and Maggie had a shopping day.
Maggie, Jarrod, Cait and Aaron were enjoying the patio around the pool after dinner Wednesday night. Jake and Steph were out looking at a house to buy. Jack and Tate were watching one of Jarrod's old movies he had DVR'd off the TCM channel. The boys heard a commotion outside. Jack zipped to the patio door. "Dad," he whispered in protective mode as Tate paused the movie.
"Wait for it Jack," Aaron smiled.
"Mom," Matt bellowed.
"Gee he's married, moved away and I still get that," Cait snarked, rolling her eyes shaking her head. Maggie and Jarrod laughed.
"I love being here but I hate that damn trip," Mike added.
"The gangs' all here mom," Aaron smiled, rubbing her shoulder.
"Yippee," Cait growled.
Maggie walked into the house. "Hi guys," she smiled. "The oven is warming to cook pizzas." Matt and Mike smiled at her, pulling beer bottles out of both front cargo shorts pockets they had swiped from Jarrod's beer fridge in the garage. They both cracked open the first one.
"Welcome home guys," Jarrod smiled, hugging Lauren and Andi.
Cait shook her head at Aaron, the two of them still sitting on the patio. "Let the fireworks begin," Aaron smiled, kissing her cheek.
Tate looked at his parents as they came into the house. "Didn't they just start jobs?"
Cait pulled Tate to her. "They have trust funds. They can take a few days off with both of them being federal employees. With the holiday tomorrow, the US government basically is shut down for the long holiday weekend."
Jack looked at this dad as Jake and Steph came in the door. "Why do I think grandpa's beer fridge is going to get a workout tonight?"
Aaron smiled. "Uncle Dave is very proud of you right now mini profiler." Tate laughed.
Jack looked around. "What about Uncle Dave?"
Andi smiled. "He's dog-sitting Bella at the cabin working on his latest book." She looked at the boys. "Yes, Max is there as well." Jack and Tate smiled.
The group settled and watched the end of The Guns of Navarone with the boys.
Jake, Matt and Mike had a long night with Jake pulling out the Captain Morgan bottle.
-00CM00-
The next morning was Independence Day. Not only for the US, but for Jack and Tate. Aaron drove them to the stables. "Be smart boys and be careful."
"We're just going to Miner's Falls dad," Tate smiled. "Piece of cake."
"And we'll text you when we get back," Jack added.
"Have fun," Aaron smiled.
When Aaron got back to the house, Cait looked at him. "Why do I want to call Garcia to track their cells' GPS?"
"Because you're a worry wart mom," Jarrod said, reading his paper, drinking his cup of coffee at the kitchen counter. Cait bored the Hotchner glare at him. "Caitie, relax," he said looking at her. "They're both experienced riders and smart kids. And they're only going to Miner's Falls. They'll be fine."
Cait looked at Maggie. "If he had boobs and had ever been pregnant, he would never say that."
Maggie and Aaron roared with laughter. Jarrod raised his coffee cup in a salute to his only daughter. "Love you dad," Aaron said, rubbing Jarrod's shoulder sitting down next to him at the kitchen counter. Maggie poured Aaron another cup of coffee.
"I don't know what's worse," Cait said. "Worrying about my two youngest or dealing with the two oldest hung-over ones."
"You wanted four," Jarrod snarked, reading his paper.
"Shuddup dad." Maggie and Aaron laughed more. Jarrod took another drink of his coffee.
-00CM00-
Uncle Nick smiled at Matt and Mike walking into the huge ranch Fourth of July party. He held up two bottles of cold beer to them, hugging them both. "It will kill you or cure you boys," he smiled.
The boys each took a beer and uncapped them. Mike raised his bottle to Matt. "For God, country and family."
"Salut," Matt said. They both took a drink.
Nick slapped their shoulders. "Congratulations boys on your careers. I'm proud of you," he smiled, pulling Lauren and then Andi into a hug.
"See you in October," Nick smiled at Andi, wagging a finger at her.
"You better get your ass there," Andi threw back.
Matt looked at Mike and smiled. "Well raised her Jedi to stand up to Uncle Nick."
Andi smiled. "Actually, Jack filled me in."
"If I hear marshmallow again…," Nick growled. The two couples laughed at him.
Jarrod and Maggie, along with their children and their significant others were enjoying a beer together. Cait felt someone softly poking her back. She turned. "Hi Dr. Barkley," the boy smiled. "Remember me?" Aaron turned to look as well.
"I could never forget you Joaquin," she smiled. "Look how grown up you are."
"Thanks to you," he smiled. Aaron and Cait greeted his parents standing behind him.
"I'm glad I could help," Cait smiled. "That's the fun part about being a doctor."
"That's why when I grow up, I'm gonna be an EMT. To help people like you helped me. I just got my advanced first aid badge in Scouts last month."
"Congratulations Joaquin," Aaron said, shaking his hand. Cait pulled him into a hug.
"Have a hot dog on me," she winked.
"I am," Joaquin smiled, moving off with his parents.
Aaron kissed her forehead. "That's a win Doc," he smiled.
Tom, Cait's oldest brother after her looked around at the group. He smiled at Aaron and then Cait. "I'll say it again. You finally got it right Cait with the husband."
"Yes I did," Cait smiled.
"Love ya sis," Tom smiled, kissing Cait's cheek.
The family enjoyed the wonderful food the huge buffet had to offer. "I'm stuffed," Tate said. He looked at Jack's plate and grabbed a tortilla chip off it, adding some beans and nacho cheese.
"I thought you were stuffed," Jack growled. Tate devoured it.
"I am now," Tate smiled. Jack took the last chip and powered in the last of the beans and cheese.
An hour later, Mike walked up to Cait. "How's your beer going down?" she smiled.
"Not as good as the food," he smiled. "But mom, where is Tate?"
"Mike?"
Mike smiled at her. "Tate texted me that you and dad had him pull off his implants before descending into Denver and Sacramento." Cait looked at him. "It's starting to get dark and the fireworks will be starting soon." Jarrod joined the conversation, reaching into his pocket. "Not yet grandpa," Mike smiled. "Fireworks can be hell too. I turn down my implants before they start. Why grandpa is at the ready," he smiled. He looked at Cait and Aaron, who had joined the conversation. "We row in the same boat," he smiled. Mike handed his beer bottle to Aaron and put his hands over his ears. Cait sent out her shrill whistle.
Jack and Tate came running up two minutes later. Jarrod handed them each a bottle of water he pulled from the ice-downed horse trough that held the beverages. "Thanks grandpa," the boys smiled, gulping down some water.
"What's up mom?" Jack asked.
"A tune-up," Cait smiled.
Mike looked at Tate. "I know what's coming bro. I need to turn down the volume on your implants. I'm going to do the same with mine." He looked at Jarrod. "Now grandpa," he smiled.
Jarrod pulled out his pocketknife, opening the blade that could serve as a small screwdriver. Mike gently pulled off Tate's implants and used Jarrod's knife to move the small screw that adjusted the volume. After doing Tate's, he pulled off his own, doing the same.
Putting his second one back on, the first salvo of fireworks went off as Mike handed the knife back to their grandpa. I have your back brother Mike signed. Jarrod proudly rubbed Mike's shoulder.
Thanks Mike Tate signed back with a smile.
The family stood together, enjoying the amazing fireworks display.
This is why we come out here over the Fourth Jack signed to Tate.
I get it Tate smiled. Another salvo lit up the sky.
The next morning, the kitchen was a beehive of activity with packing up coolers and supplies. Jake ran them down to the stable for Miguel to get on Duke to get the big draft horse loaded. He came back to the family all up, plundering the breakfast buffet of hot and cold cereal, muffins, doughnuts, bagels and cream cheese, fruit and yogurt. "It's every person for themselves," Matt winked at Jake.
Tate looked at Jack. "What's going on?"
"Something special," Jack smiled as they both scooped down more of their breakfast.
The dozen riders, with Jake leading Duke made the trek to Mountain Lake. Getting close, Jack explained the significance to Tate. After lunch, Tate nudged Jack's arm. "Please help me." Jack got up and followed Tate to the lake. Lauren and Andi headed off to feed the horses the apple cores from lunch.
Tate started pulling up round, yet flat stones about five inches in diameter from the lake's shore. He started to lay them in a pattern in the grassy area a bit away from the lake. Jack, knowing his brother's design mind, started handing him more. The rest of the family quietly watched. Tate soon had a two-foot high pyramid built with the stones. He looked at Jack putting the final single stone on top. "In honor of Beans and Mudgie."
"Thanks bro," Jack smiled, putting his arm around Tate's shoulder, walking back to the picnic site.
"Thank you Tate," Cait smiled.
"Well done son," Aaron said. "Beans and Mudge love it."
"Mom," Tate said, showing her his hands, "they're cold."
"A testament to how cold that water is," Mike said. Cait took Tate's hands while Maggie took Jack's. Good ol' hand rubbing got the boys' hands warmed up.
The group headed to the falls that Jack had named in honor of his great-grandparents. "Welcome to Tom and Victoria Falls," he smiled at Tate.
"Wow," was all Tate got out.
"That is amazing," Andi smiled, taking a picture.
"Family group picture for your mom's Christmas card," Maggie smiled.
Jarrod looked over her shoulder at the end result. "Front page Caitie," he winked at her. He then looked at the group. "Cait found a short cut to get back down to the ranch quicker than going down a steep hill with rookie riders."
"Mom?" Matt asked.
"Garcia goes to panda pictures when helping the team with tough things." Matt smiled. "I do Google Earth."
"Whatever works," Matt smiled.
"It's a better trail," Jarrod said.
"One I think was originally forged by the Native Americans who used to live around here."
"That's cool," Jack said. He looked at Tate. "Report for history class this fall." Tate nodded.
"Listen up," Jarrod said. "There is one pitfall. And why Aaron, Jake and I all have rifles with us. We're going to pass through a rocky part with high ground rock crags around the trail. Everyone keep your eyes open to the side you're riding on. They aren't your friendly house cats." He assigned the riding pairs.
"Since when has any cat been friendly," Mike snarked, taking the reins of his horse.
Steph slapped his arm. "I'm a cat lover."
Mike looked at Jake. "And you're still gonna marry her?"
"Every relationship has one pitfall," Jake winked.
"Cut it you two," Jarrod snarled. He looked at the group. "Trust your horses. They are our best radar. They will smell or sense something. You notice anything with them, you let us know."
The group enjoyed the scenic beauty of the trail Cait found. They saw a variety of animals frolicking in their natural habitat. Jack and Tate laughed at a beaver pair taking down a small tree for their dam on a small stream. Lauren got an amazing picture of a ten-point buck with his antlers in full velvet looking directly at the group that was passing.
Twenty minutes later, they entered into the rocky area. "Look alive gang," Jarrod said.
Cait and Aaron were in the lead. Aaron pulled out his rifle. Jarrod and Jake did the same. Five minutes later, Cait's horse Lightening took a big side step and lifted his nose in the air with his ears pointed. "Got it Doc," Aaron said.
Mike was riding behind them with Jack. "Dad, ten o'clock, sixty feet out," he said, using his well-honed FBI Academy skills.
"Got him Mike," Aaron said, raising his rifle.
"Just buzz his ear son," Jarrod said. "Everyone tighten your reins." Cait grabbed the reins of Aaron's horse.
"Got it dad. Ear protection sons," Aaron quietly said. Jack grabbed Mike's reins. Matt, riding with Tate, took his.
The mountain lion snarled at the group from his elevated advantage point as Mike and Tate put their hands over their ears. Aaron fired the shot. The mountain lion ran off.
"Message sent," Jake smiled. Duke nickered. The family all laughed. An hour later, the group was relaxing in the pool.
Following the dinner of Tate's favorite meal, BBQ ribs, cheesy potatoes and Asian Cole Slaw, the family celebrated his birthday with Cait's famous homemade chocolate cake and ice cream.
"Sorry grandpa for calling so late; especially with the time change. But you can't believe the awesome day I had," he said with a yawn. Aaron and Cait rubbed his shoulder.
Jack looked at his family after Tate finished his call. "Sorry mom, I gotta say it."
"Say what Jack?"
"Damn. I'm still the youngest." The family roared with laughter.
-00CM00-
The next day was the traditional after big ride breakfast. They all took turns making scrambled eggs and bacon for each other. Jack and Tate, already getting the first round, manned the toaster. Steph had Maggie's large flattop pancake making skillet out, frying up another batch of wonderful golden brown hashbrowns. Cait looked at her. "How do you do that?"
"They just take patience," Steph smiled.
"Fail you do Jedi," Jake pointed at Cait.
"Not your strongest suit my daughter," Jarrod smiled from his chair at the lunch counter, reading the paper and drinking coffee.
"Shuddup dad," Cait snarled.
Aaron kissed Cait's cheek. "They're on point."
"Shuddup Aaron," Cait said, smacking his arm.
Tate looked at Jack. "The one relationship pitfall," Jack snarked. Tate giggled.
Jake roared with laughter as Jarrod snickered. "Call her out Jackster."
Cait gave Jake her one finger salute. The group laughed more.
Maggie looked at the older boys. "Really? The red-eye tonight?"
Matt shook his head. "Grandma, Lauren and I have a two hour drive to get back to Roanoke after we get home. We don't want to make that at ten Sunday night. We're gonna crash for a few hours at home and then head out." Cait smiled at Aaron of the verbiage "at home".
"Gram," Mike said, kissing her cheek, "my work day Monday morning starts at seven am. I don't work for the BAU and their fancy status work hours." Aaron shot him a look. Mike smiled. "Sorry dad couldn't resist."
"Mom and I are not buying you lunch for a month."
"I knew it!" Matt said. He pointed at Mike. "You are sooooo busted."
Sunday was the big sibling get together with the family. Jack found Tate sitting by himself. "You OK?"
"Yeah Jack," Tate smiled. "I'm just a little overwhelmed with all of them."
Jack smiled. "Welcome to the club. I'm still lost with all the players and who they all belong to."
Tate shook his head. "At least you know all the names."
Jack rubbed his shoulder. "Been there, done that Tate." Tate looked at him. "Trust me. And I was a kid back then." Tate smiled, rejoining the group with Jack.
Tuesday morning, Jarrod dropped off the boys at the stables. They took a long ride together, just ambling around the ranch. They had a wonderful time with the ranch hands they encountered. Getting back to the stable, they dismounted. Miguel came out of the barn. Tate looked at him. "You'll take good care of Charlie until next summer?"
Miguel smiled. "Si amigo."
"Gracias Miguel," Tate smiled, hugging him.
Later that night, the Hotchner's were on their own red-eye. With their first class seats, they all conked out on both legs of the trip.
-00CM00-
Thursday morning, Cait and Aaron rousted the boys out of their beds. "What's up?" they both said, coming into the kitchen to eat the friend egg, bacon and cheese on an English muffin that Cait had prepared.
"Another ten days of me burning up some vacation to spend with you my sons," Aaron smiled.
An hour later, they were in Aaron's packed up SUV. "We're on our butts? Again?" Tate grumbled.
Jack smiled. "You'll like the outcome."
Two hours later, Aaron pulled the vehicle up the driveway to Dave's cabin. Tate looked at Jack. "Swimming and fishing for the next ten days," Jack smiled.
The garage door slowly rose to reveal Dave in cargo shorts and his Italian made sleeveless t-shirt. And wearing slides. Jack pointed at them. Tate laughed. Bella and Max were patiently sitting on either side of him.
Tate looked at Jack. "I'm in," he smiled.
Aaron and Cait smiled at each other as Bella and Max welcomed home their boys. Uncle Dave wasn't far behind.
"Hi you," Dave smiled, kissing Cait's cheek, rubbing Aaron's shoulder.
Tate looked at Jack. "After AL, there is vacation time. The guys and their ladies will be here this weekend. Especially Matt and Lauren being so close."
"And Grandma and Grandpa Brooks next week," Aaron smiled. Tate looked at him. "Aunt Jess too."
"I sorta like this," Tate smiled, hugging Dave.
"Welcome home kiddo," Dave said hugging Tate back. "Tell me about the ranch," Dave smiled, hugging Jack.
Aaron winked at Cait, turning the cooler in his SUV after Cait took out the first couple of bags of groceries. "A little help old man," Aaron smiled at Dave.
"Shuddup Aaron," Dave growled. "I'm getting ranch stories."
"Welcome to his kingdom," Cait smiled. "You wanted this."
Aaron smiled at her. "Did you just channel your inner dad?"
"God forbid."
XXXXX
A/N: I gave you all the tissue alert at the top. :D
A lot of this story is linked up to my story Family Grows. Which includes the references to Blackie, Lightening, Miguel and Joaquin. I've told you countless times. I'm a shameless huckster to get you to read my other stories.
TCM is Turner Classic Movies. My fav cable channel. Where I can watch The Guns of Navarone. For you of the younger generation, Google the movie. It is a classic. And a wonderful watch.
A ten-point buck is a growing male whitetail deer. He is judged by the size of his antlers with the "points" on his antler "rack". Hence, a ten-point buck. Yes, that is a trophy deer being a photographer or hunter. Yeah, I don't like the second part either. But if it's done legally, I respect it.
And yes, I set up the next Cait and Aaron story. Did you catch it?
Thank you again for the reviews and alerts. You keep me going.