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**

Ch 4. Family Ties:

**

Dalton stamped his hoof impatiently. He hadn't seen Rick since their practice session two hours ago, which had gone very well. Rick had seemed to get the point that he needed to grow, and Dalton was as kind as possible. He'd only yelled twice.

If he doesn't get here soon....

Dal was concerned. He did not want to face his parents and explain why the "guy" he was seeing wasn't there with him. That would only focus their attention on him. The high speed rail would get them to his hometown in only an hour or two.

Ten minutes....then I board without him....

Dal snorted and glanced at his phone.

**

Rick pounded up the flight of stairs to the platform. He spied Dal leaning up against a pillar. The poor equine looked like he was ready to birth a little of kittens. Rick smirked and walked up calmly and quietly. The equine didn't even glance at him, he was staring at his phone.

"Ahem!"

Dal dropped his phone.

"Um sorry." Rick responded. The equine's eyes were wide with fear.

"WARN a guy next time!"

Dal bent down to retrieve his phone.

Rick tried not to stare as that band of mesmerizing dapple gray peeked between Dal's pants and shirt. He tried and failed though. They hadn't been "together" since Thursday, and here it was Friday night. They'd finished their lesson, given each other a quick kiss, then separated as Rick had to pack. Seth had wished him "Good Luck." Val just smirked when he saw her lounging on Seth's bed.

"Well we board in ten minutes, ready for a weekend of hell?" Dall asked. Rick knew equine behavior to know that the speech was all bravado. The flattened ears and swishing tail belied nerves.

"Yup!"

**

They boarded the train. Shortly after they got their complimentary drinks (white wine for Dal, red for Rick), and the train sped east. Time seemed to speed by for the two of them. They made small talk. Rick outlined his new study plans with Dr. Carson which would mesh with Dal's plans, and Dal spoke animatedly of his new composition.

Rick hadn't heard that Dal had been commissioned for the 190thanniversary celebration. In centuries past, centenaries were celebrated. However, with the new age, and "The Event" happening, humanity and "the people" decided to embrace any chance for celebration. There was now, Independence Day, Armistice Day (the original name was returned), Labor Day, and Founding Day or "The Event and Final Founding" as well as a host of other religious and non religious holidays. The fact that the province AND the governor had commissioned this work was phenomenal.

Dal explained in detail the dual tonalities of the work in detail along with meshing all "voices of the world" and how he even had planned some canned recording of ferals so their voices could be heard as well. Rick listened raptly.

All too soon the trip was over. "Next Stop, Havelton!"

**

Dal stood up. His ears dropped, and his tail lay flat. This was it. Time for poor Rick to meet his parents. This was going to be a big event. Never before had both of his parents met a lover or friend of his. His dad had met Andrew at a concert. His dad had been cordial enough but still, it was nerve wracking.

Dall and Rick exited the train to the small platform. They were the only ones to disembark. The antique train station still hearkened back to the 19thcentury. He could almost imagine the "tick tick" of the telegraph emanating from it. Quickly the train left, leaving them standing alone on the platform. A single street made up the town of Havelton, formerly of Illinois which ran parallel to the tracks. There was a general store, a church, a restaurant, a feed store, and that was pretty much it. No houses, no residents in throngs.

"This is where you grew up?" Rick exclaimed gesturing with one arm indicating the whole of Havelton, his other holding his duffel bag, his guitar slung across his shoulder.

Dal whickered in amusement.

"No. This is just the nearest town"

Rick stared at Dal slack jawed.

"You're serious aren't you?"

A female whinny broke the silence.

"Dalten Samuel Taylor get over here!"

Dal's mother stood with arms open wide as she rounded the station corner.

"Well here we go" Dal whispered to Rick..

**

"...here we go." Rick muttered to himself, echoing Dal's comment. Dall walked calmly to his mom and gave her a hug. She was a good head shorter than him, but still towered over Rick wearing a summer dress. Dalten's dad was next, his dappled coat shining brightly as if he'd just been groomed, a pair of coveralls were all he wore. He loomed over Dalten by a head. Dal's brother, Ken, if Rick remembered correctly was next, the same height, but of dappled gray coloring.

Dal's mother shotgunned questions at Dal, not letting him answer a single one. "Have you eaten? How was the ride? Did it take long? Did you hear about Darla and Francine?" Rick stood nervously as Dal's mother peppered her son with questions. Dal's father walked over to Rick.

Rick gulped. The equine was huge. He looked kindly, but taciturn. He extended a thick equine hand had dwarfed Rick's own.

"You must be Rick?" The equine inclined his head. There was no doubting as to where Dal got his deep and melodious voice."

"Yes sir, Rick Wells."

The equine smiled thinly.

"Pleased to met you, I'm Dalton Senior."

"Senior?" Rick cocked his head.

"Dal didn't mention that did he. We'd hoped he'd be a farmer and all, but well, we won't stop him from his chosen profession. RIGHT DEAR?" The equine all but bellowed.

"Yes Dal." Virginia answered briefly peppering Dal Jr. with more questions.

Senior smiled down at Rick. All of a sudden this didn't seem like such a good idea.

"Come on son, lets get you loaded, and lets head to the farm.

**

Loaded meant into a large wagon pulled by an antique tractor that Dal Sr. drove. Rick kicked himself mentally as he realized that Dal would have problems, even with a cargo van, unless he WAS the cargo, never mind finding a vehicle big enough for his whole family. Dal senior intimated that it would be "just about sundown" when they would arrive at the farm.

The trip passed in silence, except for Dal's mom who nattered on about everything. So-and-so's son who married this-and-thats daughter, who was in a 'delicate way' and they'd be having foals soon. Or some pup who had wandered into town and seduced another member of the congregation and leaving town with so-and-so's daughter. Rick could feel the daggers from where he sat at the tailgate.

Soon though the ride came to an end at the Taylor Farm.

**

Dalten Sr. sighed. He hated to see his wife nag his son so much. He loved her, he really did, but sometimes she was so backward and different from the young filly he had married. Dal Senior liked the young pup, Rick. He was polite, quiet, and reminded him of himself in ways. The bits he did catch in conversation from the young dalmation reminded him of himself, before he resigned himself to farm life. A bright mind, quick whit, and an ability to reign in Dal. A good match for our son, if only Vi would see that.

He hefted his form off the tractor and shut it down in the barn. The rest of the family piled out, and headed in. He stayed behind to finish up tending to the tractor, and to make sure the feral cows were fed.

Dal has a good head on his shoulders. Really good. Young Rick looks like he's a bright one. Now how do we get Vi to accept him? Hrm.....

Dal Sr. thought long and hard. Being on a farm required one to think deeply, if not quickly. He took about an hour cleaning things up, wiping the tractor down of dust before he had his answer. Once he had it he grinned. He knew the pup would accept. And if he doesn't I'll eat my hat.

**

Ken eyed the young pup and was a little jealous. Sure he was striaght, and sure Darline had one nice rump, but the young pup was leagues ahead of her. He sighed inwardly. "Can I take your bag to your room?" The young pup, Rick, blushed but handed over his bag with a thanks. Ken clopped up the stairs to Dalten's old room, not the guest room. His mom had insisted that the pup stay separate. Ken could smell the attraction the two had right away. His nose was much keener than his parent's and siblings He was not about to let his mother's prudish ways get in between them. He set the bag down on the floor, then returned to get Dal's.

Ken sauntered down the stairs at last. Dal was being peppered by their mother again. Rick sat at the kitchen table, watching as Virginia Taylor made dinner.

"Ah mom?"

Virginia stopped.

"Yes Ken?"

"I was wondering....could I have steak tonight? Rick can share..."

His mother shivered and snorted. She hated it when she had to cook meat, but Ken was omnivorous and loved a good rare steak. The dalmatian looked at Ken in silent thanks.

"Sure I guess."

Ken glanced at his twin. There was a smile in his eyes. At least Dal knew who's side he was on.

**

Dal sighed as they all finished the meal. His dad, Dal Sr, had polished off a huge salad, a loaf of bread, and a huge portion of the hot porridge, as did Dal. Ken ate his steak in silence. Rick chowed his half down greedily. His mom barely touched her meal.

"Now...." Virginia started. She had no chance.

"So. I was thinking," Dal's dad spoke up deeply and strongly. "We need to see what this young man is made of. Care to lend me a hand tomorrow Rick?"

Rick stared at Dal then Dal's father. Dal had no idea what was going on.

"Um, doing what exactly?"

"Farm chores. Get you some good fresh air in those city bred lungs of yours. I don't expect you to be able to haul forty bales of hay by yourself like Dal or Ken here, but you should be useful. It would give you an idea of where young Dal comes from, and let you know more about your young man."

Virginia glared at her husband. Dal thought he saw what his father had planned. Get Rick out from where his mom could pepper him with questions, and get him busy, while Dal dealt with his mom.

Perfect. I'll be at the brunt of the attack, but at least it'll get Rick outside and out from her whiles until I can get her somewhat calmed down.

Dal sighed inwardly but nodded to Rick.

"Um, yes sir, sounds good."

**

The pie was eaten in silence, then everyone went to bed early.

**

Dal woke up early. He found the young pup curled up as normal, a huge patch of canine drool on his chest. He nickered softly to himself. What was once gross was now endearing. He nudged the city born canine in the ribs. "Up and at em cowboy!"

"Waz?"

Rick opened one crusted eye.

"What time is it?"

Dal chuckled. "Around 4. It's late. Get up. I bet dad's been working for the last hour. Quick get dressed, and out to the barn as soon as you can."

Dal lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Before mom finds you...."

Rick shot out of bed and hurriedly dressed. He accidentally put two legs into one leg of his jeans and fell over, eliciting a nicker from Dal. Soon though the young canine was dressed and out the door.

Dal gently wiped the drool from his pec and went back to sleep, thinking about his upcoming composition.

**

Rick passed the kitchen and grabbed two of the steaming muffins from the platter on the table and bolted out the door to the barn. The two doors hung wide, and a false dawn was showing to the east.

"Sleep well youngling?" The deep rumbling voice of Dal Sr. rumbled from somewhere within.

"Um, yes sir?"

Dal Sr. nickered. Come here and help with the milking.

Rick walked over wolfing down the two muffins. He found Dal Sr. seated on a thick stool next to a cow, calmly milking her. Dal Sr. had to show him how to squeeze, pulling down gently, and how to get the cow to lower her milk. Soon Rick was milking away. His chording hand didn't ache at all, his other, though, began to hurt a bit. He soon got into a 2/1 rhythm of making certain his chording hand did all the work.

Dal Sr. chuckled.

"Now what do you think you're doing? You'll never finish if you use only one hand."

Rick blushed.

"Sorry sir, the right hand hurts, I'm getting cramps."

A snort behind him was all the hint he needed. The added comment of "More of what made it hurt will make it stronger" was not needed, but finally he did settle into a rhythm.

Soon after the milking was done (20 cows in all), it was time to feed them. Rick found he could heft a bale at a time. He was dismayed as Dal Sr. hefted multiple at a time.

**

"Rick sure has one hot tail!"

Dal spluttered his coffee over the table.

"WHAT!?"

Ken grinned at his brother. "Well he does. I can see why you like the little spotty dog."

Dal grabbed a kitchen towel from the sink and wiped up the table.

"Ken that is NOT funny!"

Dal fumed. What was his brother on about?

Ken crossed his arms behind his head stretching out, his muscles straining the tank top he habitually wore.

"Hell, if I batted for the other team you'd have some serious competition." Ken sneered.

Dal froze. He was not a violent person. Sure he'd flicked Rick's ear to snap him out of a reverie, but he'd never been so close to hitting someone before.

"Ken if you think....."

"Ken uncrossed his arms and leaned forward."

"And you don't, Dal, that's you're problem. You're more like mom than you think. You dated once, and that was like seven years ago. Has it crossed your mind that your little canine friend may find someone else? Or worse yet, that he already has? This is a serious game brother-mine. If you are serious about him, you need to show him AND tell him."

Dal stood stock still, his jaw slack.

If ken sees this, how come I can't. Stupid horse have you had blinders on?

"Let me guess. He courted you. He came to you. You let him come to you. Whenever did you do any courting with him? It's just like it was with Andrew."

Dal thought back to Andrew. Was he so shallow as to not see the truth? Andrew had followed him around. He'd come knocking on the door. He'd invite Dal to parties, or campfires. Dal realized his brother was right. He was an ass.

"You're right."

Ken smirked. "Damn right I am. Just treat him how you would want to be treated, in the end you'll both be happier for it. Oh, and don't get jealous. I'm not after his tail."

Ken stood up and stretched walking out of the kitchen. He glanced back one last time, his dappled fur catching the light "other people might be though....think about it...."

Dal did.

**

"So, Mr. Taylor, I wanted to thank you for rescuing me." Rick sighed as he sat down on a bale of hay. He'd ditched his shirt and jacket around noon. It was hot out here. The harder he worked, the harder he sweated as well.

Dal Sr. chuckled at the youngster. He did like the young canine. Equine or no, he saw what Junior saw in him. "You're welcome son. My wife means well, but she can be....well..."

Rick laughed wiping sweat from his head and muzzle. "Just like Dal I bet. Stubborn, Set in their ways. Unable to see what is in front of them."

Dal Sr. chuckled. "Too right son. I love Virginia with all my heart. She loves Dal too. He was the runt, if you can believe it. Because of that I think she's over protective of him. Here...look..."

Dal Sr. pulled the old faded picture from his wallet and handed it to the pup. There seated on the front porch of this very farm was a much younger, and very handsome Dalten Sr, his pretty young wife, Virginia, a strapping teen Kelten (Ken), and Rick's jaw dropped. Dal had mentioned he was gangly....but....

"Is that..Dal?"

Dal Sr. chuckled. "Yes. All one hundred ten pounds at six feet at age 13. You can see his brother was the same height but twice the weight.

"What happened?"

Dal Sr. shrugged at the memories. "He was a late bloomer son. Around 18 is when he put all the bulk on. About broke our food budget really. For a time I had him eat with the cows. Oh don't give me that look, good solid Alfalfa is good for us. Not YOU, but us."

He re-pocketed the picture. Dal Sr. sat down heavily on his work stool, idly picking up a file, hauling his hoof up and giving it a shave.

"He has a very fragile ego. Sure he's a looker now, but only for the last several years." Dal Sr. sighed....he might as well be truthful. "To tell you the truth son, I'm mighty glad he has you in his sights, we were worried he'd gone totally introverted on us and wouldn't find anyone to be with.

Dal Sr. glanced at the spotted dog and noticed the tell tale signs of a blush. "Son, don't be like that. Be proud. If things go the way I think they will, you'll be part of the family. Now don't talk to me about rushing things, or getting ahead of myself. I know love when I see it. You two are there for each other, and share great passions. Those are rare enough in the world, add in that you compliment each other without overwhelming each other, and well, I'd call that a perfect match. Just be patient with him. He can really put his hoof in a pile sometimes."

Rick was slack jawed. He was learning that this whole Taylor family wasn't as thick headed as he thought.

"Here....." Dal Sr. fished out his wallet and handed the young pup a stack of bills. "If I'm wrong you owe that back to me in a month."

**

Rick stared at the wad of cash (around $1,000) as Dal's dad stalked out of the barn. It was getting late. He huffed and followed the senior horse. The sun was beginning to set in the west as he walked to the house. The cool breeze felt good on his bare fur. Dalton Jr. was standing on the porch...staring....Rick realized....at him.

**

Dal stared. The young dalmatian was shirtless and gleaming with sweat. His spotted fur was slightly dusty from the long day, and Rick wiped his head down with a rag as he walked closer. Dal suddenly realized his dad was standing next to him.

"I like him son, you have my blessing. How'd it go with your mom?"

Dalton looked at his hooves

**

The noon sun shone in on the kitchen as Dal scribbled in his notation book. He knew his mom was standing over him, but he tried to ignore her as long as he could.

"Finished yet?"

Virginia Taylor stamped a hoof with impatience.

Dal sighed. He put his book down along with his pencil and stared at his mom. She wore a sundress and still had a nice figure, even though she was almost 50.

"Yes ma. I know you want to talk so lets talk."

Virginia sat down across from him at the kitchen table and sighed.

"Dal, about this boy, Rick."

Dal snorted angrily. "He's not a boy. He's 21. He's a young canine man."

Virginia's eyes rolled and she laid her ears back.

"About your man Dal. What is this all about?"

"He's a very good friend ma, and he may become more. I don't know for sure, but I'm sure on my part that I'm very happy around him."

Her fist hit the table.

"And what about a family Dal!? Do you want to die alone like your great uncle?"

**

Fen Corwin III had died at age 90 with no heirs, save for his two nephews. He'd married late. Too late to have kids, but he'd been very happy. When his Vera died of illness in her 70's, he'd lived a bachelor life. Early to rise, and early to bed. He'd worked only five acres he'd kept after the developers moved in and bought up his land. He'd left the proceeds to his nephews. It was how Dalten Jr could afford college. Five acres was enough. He'd grown veggies and fruits, and tended to the neighbors yards. He'd been happy.

Only after his death did the family find his journals. Only then did they know the true sadness Uncle Fen had carried. Childless and mateless for years, he'd considered just ending it all, but his nephew's visits once a month kept him going. He'd been happy only because of that. Dal knew his mom loved her uncle dearly. Finding that out had been incredibly hard on them all.

**

"Mom, who says I'm going to die alone like Uncle Fen? Uncle Fen had me, and Ken! He had you too. Sure he'd been lonely, but there was happiness."

His mother snorted.

"But Dal, someday your dad and I will be gone. Ken will be here, he'll have his family, and what, you're going to be like Uncle Fen? Alone?"

Dal rubbed his eyes. "Mom, what if I don't outlive Rick? What if I die ten years from now, and he's the one alone?"

His mother grimaced and snorted. "Exactly my point Dal. You don't want kids? Fine, but don't deny yourself a family just because 'you can't perform.' How would that be fair to Rick"

She outwardly mocked him.

"What!?"

"You heard me Mr. Music Stallion. You strut around with your music, and your good looks. May I remind you not less than ten years ago you couldn't get a filly to save your life. You fill your life with music. Music music music. Pah! What else is there!?" She was standing now, arms crossed over her bosom.

"EVERY musician makes music their life..." Dal started. To stand. His mom snorted and gave him a glare. He sat back down.

"Don't start that crap with me son. It's their life, yes, but only part of it. I know full well that Bach had over twenty children. Mozart had two. Even Beethoven supposedly had one out of wedlock even though the DNA tests are still pending."

Dall stared at his mom. She was versed on music history!?

"Son, I know you better than you know yourself. Settle down. Stop fretting, and don't worry about performing with the ladies. Just find love. Make sure you find it son." She sniffed. "I did, I was lucky. Uncle Fen, he had love, but it left him, and he would have left us too if it weren't for you and Ken. Just....don't be alone. And don't be afraid to have a family....even.....even if it's with that young Rick. You could do worse."

Virginia stormed out of the kitchen. "Darlina's sister Meghan is pregnant by your brother you know..."

She left behind a very stunned Dal.

**

Dal glanced at his dad. "I heard about Meghan." Dal's dad sighed. "I know son, but it's the twenty second century. Stranger things happen."

Dal shuffled his hoof idly. "Does Darlina know?" His dad gave him an old fashioned look. "Right small town sorry."

"Yes she knows son, and the wedding is still on, but you know it does add stress."

Dal raised his gaze back to the young dalmatian who was within feet now.

"Hey." Dal said casually.

"Hey!" Rick looked fresh, if tired.

"Have fun?"

Rick's tail wagged. "Probably more than you did with your mom."

Dal Sr. coughed and went inside. Dal sat on the stoop, Rick joining them as they watched the westerning sun.

"We had a long talk, and I had one with Ken too."

"Oh?"

Dal glanced at Rick. His coat shone with sweat. He gleamed in the golden light, his head and ears cocked in a questioning posture, his tongue lolling out as he panted slightly.

"Yes."

Dal took a deep breath....

**

Rick couldn't stop staring at Dal. The poor equine seemed so sullen, as if he was going to give a sermon on moral reality. What he heard shocked him.

"They're afraid I won't find love, and I'll end up like uncle Fen."

"What?" Rick was confused. "Who's uncle Fen?"

Dal quickly explained to him. Rick's muzzle formed and 'o' of thought.

"So your mother really is just concerned about your welfare?"

Dal sighed. Rick watched his broad shoulders rise and fall. "I think there is more, but they aren't telling me yet. I think the biggest part is that they don't want me left alone. Ken's going to inherit, he's going to start a family, and me, I'll be away doing music. I think they're afraid I'll loose contact, not talk to them, and not be part of the family anymore...if...."

Rick caught Dal's hand. Dal stared at him with a blank expression.

"Well....I don't think that's a problem. I know your dad likes me. In fact....."

Rick dug the wad of cash out of his pocket and showed it to Dal before pocketing it.

"He said that if I'm not a part of the family within a month I have to give it back. I was thinking of making it one week beyond a month.....what do you think?"

**

"...and teats when the fish landed on grandma!" Dal's dad laughed heartily. The evening was always spent telling stories. He'd pulled the old fish and grandma story out, and Rick laughed deeply, the rest of the equines laughing in turn at the old tale. It never got old.

Dal glanced at his mom. She was nervously watching Rick who had bent back to his guitar and was tuning it. Dal knew his mother didn't like music much. She had tolerated Dal's piano studieds because it made him happy, but she hated classical. She'd sold their piano after Dal moved out.

Dal just watched Rick.

Finally Rick finished laughing and strummed a quick chord.

"Would you mind if I played?"

Dal's dad sat in his huge recliner and nodded his head. "Go head son." Dal's mom had a strained look on her face but was smiling. Ken sat forward listening with ears cocked straight ahead.

**

Rick cleared his throat. Know your audience. That's what Dr. Carson always advised. These were simple farm folks...hrm...."

Rick began the tune, intricately weaving the melody line and a descant before he began to sing. He rarely sang. As a tenor his voice could be very high, and it made him a little self conscious. But if these folks were going to be family, might as well....

"From this valley they say you are going......."

**

Dal sat shocked. He'd never heard Rick sing before. The song was an ancient one, from "middle America." Ricks voice was sweet and true. He played very deftly. Far more deftly than Dalten could even hope to claim in his lifetime. He leaned back and just listened to the words. He had a slight smile on his face. He glanced at his mom. Was that a tear in her eye?

**

"Just remember the Red River Valley, and the cowboy who loved you so true....."

Rick ended on a soft flourished.

Silence met him. He looked up. The entire Taylor family was staring at him.

"I see what my son sees in you now." Virginia spoke softly. He could see tears in her eyes. "You have a beautiful voice, and only a beautiful heart could play that sweetly."

Rick blushed.

"Thanks."

"No, I think I've been too harsh on you. You've captured my son's heart I can see by the dumb look on his face it's true."

"Hey!" Dal snapped back at his mom.

"Oh pooh! You deny it? You've only known each other a week, but I know love when I see it son. I was wrong, I'm sorry. I thought this was going to be another Andrew."

Dal put his head in his hands. Rick was baffled.

"Mom, enough." Ken spoke very softly, then leaned over to Rick.

"Do you know "All the pretty little horses?"

Dal moaned. "It was his favorite lullaby as a child."

Rick nodded and began the haunting tune.

**

Dal listened as each family member had a request. Soon Rick begged a break and put the guitar away. He kept flexing his fingers. Dal knew he'd probably worked them hard today, and playing all night would only leave him with blisters.

"Ok folks, enough. I'm tired, and I'm sure we all need to get some sleep. We have breakfast in the morning, then we have to make it back to the train and back to town." Dal yawned glancing at the ancient mantel clock. 10:15.

Dal's father grunted. "Time and enough for us to go to bed for sure. Night boys, Rick." Dal's mother gave each of her son's a peck on the forelock and rested her hand on Ricks shoulder before following her husband upstairs.

Silence descended the Taylor household as Rick finished putting his instrument away.

Dal stood, and stretched and walked over to Rick, his hooves muffled by the thick rug in the parlor.

"Rick....I've been doing a lot of thinking...."

Rick turned....his eyes were bright....

**

Rick gulped. Oh God. This is it.

"You've been a great friend. Really great. I wonder though if that's all we'll ever be?"

"WHAT!?" Rick shouted.

Dal waved his hands. Frantically his eyes wide....

"No no no...that's not what I meant.....I mean....I want to be more than friends....but are you ready for me? I mean, I'm a stubborn jealous ass that can be very pigheaded at times with a.....mmmph!"

Rick jumped up and planted his muzzle firmly in a kiss against Dal. They kissed deeply, and passionately. All the words of caution that had silenced him were gone, like a bird out the window. How could he NOT want to be with Dalten? After this last week, and this weekend. It was a little soon to talk about being together forever, but what was forever? For now was enough.

"Yes....for Gods sake yes Dalten! You big brute...how could I not want to be with you?"

Dal beamed at him, his teeth shining white in the evening light.

"Um.....its not like we're getting married yet though right?" Rick winked.

Dalten laid his ears flat back. "Well no....not yet...anyway...."

Rick chuckled.

"Good, so I have a chance at keeping this money then?"

Dal stared at Rick dumbly for a second before he realized what the spotted dog meant.

Dal's father shouted down "I heard that!"

***