The dawn was as bright as Rnyan's eyes.
"We're going to see Boone!"
Leslie had never seen the large boy move so quickly in his life. Normally he was sluggish to wake, roaming around at the pace of a sloth. But on this day, he was already dressed in his long, button shirt that was half-tucked into his pants. He admitted, "I'm trying to be more manly ... and men tuck in their shirt." Leslie nodded. He also did a terrible job of ironing his trousers while his red coils were now coiled strands combed to one side of his head. And though it wasn't perfect, he was on the right track.
"It's a start," Leslie said, looking upon him, keeping a hand over her mouth trying not to giggle.
One thing she did appreciate is that Rynan tethered the horses to the wagon, and packed everything with one giant sweep of his arms. He was the only boy she knew who could carry such a heavy load, without looking tired, and laughing while doing it. He threw it in the wagon hitch.
Leslie stood next to Jostice on the porch of their new home; a white porch that wrapped the front, facing the new horse track and barn where they rested in the evening. Behind their home was fields that stretched for several miles, and behind that, sat Lone Creek and Primepin Mountains off in the not-too-distant horizon.
"Welp, we're off for the day."
Jostice took a puff on his cigarette, spitting black liquid over the railing. "My apologies for sleeping on you last night. Works made me weary."
You can make it up to me tonight," she bopped him gently, "and not with your nose." He rubbed it. Leslie wrapped an arm around his neck, rubbing the prickly hairs that grew around his chin. "I'm liking the new look."
He pulled her in closer, and she could smell the tabacci off his breath. "You call it new, I call it forgetting-to-shave." They laughed. The man turned his eyes on Rynan. "Maybe you can do us a favor and get ol' Krigun to take Rynan for the weekend, what do you say? It'd give us time to get more acquainted."
"In our new bed?" Leslie stepped closer, feeling his every breath.
"Nope. With the horse."
She giggled and brought a fist into his chest then wrapped a hand around his head, rubbing the back of his scalp.
"I'll see what I can do." Leslie brought her lips close to his, "but I can't make any promises—"
"Are we leaving or not?" Rynan's voice boomed like thunder.
They pulled apart and faced the large boy looming over them, head corked, brows furrowed. He stood as though he was an adult scolding children.
"This is near half a days ride and back. Best we get going before the sun begins her peak." The boy shook his head and walked back towards the wagon, mumbling. "Ask me to be an adult yet they're the ones unable to keep on schedule."
Jostice leaned on the railing, raising an eyebrow at her. "I'll tend to the horse's why you've gone. You tend to that brother of yours ... maybe have another talk with 'em."
Leslie eyes found the boy, shirt caught between the wagon bench. He tugged, tearing the cloth, freeing himself. "I'll see what I can do." She then swiped the cigarette from his mouth, tossing it to the ground.
"Hey, now ... That's half a smoke."
"But it makes your breath foul. And as much as I enjoy your kisses, them chapped lips and tar breath needs to go." She stepped off the porch, smothering the burning cherry beneath her boot. "I'll talk with Rynan if you aim to quit."
Jostice rubbed his chin. His brimmed hat down, nearly hiding his eyes while his long-tailed coat whipped in the breeze.
"I'll think about it —"
"You best think hard on it or your nose will be stuck smelling horse manure when I get back."
Leslie waved, climbing up into the wagon, and sitting next to the large boy. He sat shoulders back and spine straight, much taller than in his usual slouch.
"Here!" she said, placing the reins in the boy's hands. "Today you're drivin' the wagon."
There was hesitation before the boy took them, eyes trembling. "You certain that's a good idea?" Last time Rynan drove a wagon he had the horse in such a frantic they ran circles until the wagon tipped, breaking two wheels. "Pa always told me I'm too stupid to drive—"
"Pa ain't here no more," Leslie said, rubbing the bruises around her neck. "And he was no man — nothing but a worthless maggot — the stupid one was he, ya here?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Now! Grab them reins and guide them horses." Seeing his nervous face made Leslie rub his back. "Animals take a liking to you, Rynan. And if you can gain their respect, you can certainly gain a persons respect." She patted his chest. "All you need to do is find your manly courage."
Rynan stammered. "Manly courage?" He nodded. "I can do that!" Suddenly the reins cracked, horse jerking forward. Leslie nearly fell from her seat at the wagons pull. "I feel it!" He shifted his cheeks. "Kinda feels like gas."
Leslie patted him once more, "why don't we ease it out gently, alright."
She looked over a shoulder, watching Jostice fade. Even from there, leaning against the railing, she could see he was the proper man Rynan could be one day; a provider; there for the one's he loved. All Rynan needed was to find that somebody.
Leslie brought a hand to her lips and blew him a kiss and Jostice nodded, tilting his hat in return.