Chapter 1
“Cow!” a little boy cries out while seated in his parents’ car.
“Yes! You are so right!” the mother cheers.
“Cow!” he exclaims again. “Cow!”
“You see those cows, don’t you, buddy?” the dad muses in a cutesy voice.
“Cow! Look! Cow! Cow! Cow! Cow!” the little boy screeches, pointing to every single cow.
“It’s a good thing he likes cows,” the mother comments.
“Yeah, check this out, buddy,” the dad says.
The car slows and stops. All of a sudden, a herd of cows comes running across the road, a few cowboys mounted on horses chase the herd. The boy’s eyes grow wide in wonder. The herd keeps on coming and coming, hundreds of cows being chased to a different pasture than the one they started in.
“COWS!” the boy screams in delight.
“Where we’re going, there’s an awful lot of ‘em,” the dad says, grinning.
“I want cow!” the boy cries out.
“You can have them all, one day,” the dad says.
The herd clears and the car continues driving. The long road winds along the countryside. Every time a cow is seen, the boy makes sure to announce it. After about 15 minutes of nonstop cows, the boy’s throat becomes sore and he has to stop.
“C-cows…” the boy moans, feeling sleepy.
“Yes, cows…” his mom says.
The child is quite unique looking with his reddish brown hair falling over his tanned to a deep reddish brown skin. His brilliant blue eye are in stark contrast to his other features. This is Antonio, soon to be one of the greatest cowboys ever. Not long ago, his grandfather passed on, giving this ranch to his father. It would be hard adjusting to country life, but Antonio is very determined.
That was quite a few years ago. Little Antonio has grown into Big Antonio. His mother didn’t live long after they moved in, and now, even his father has died. He died doing the thing he loved, riding out storms on the back of a horse.
“I reckon that’s a lot of farm land to manage on my own,” Antonio comments, sitting on the porch of his farm house.
“Sure is, partner,” another man says, leaning casually on a door post.
This man is about as old as Antonio’s parents would have been if they were still alive. He’s got light brown hair that may have been darker brown when he was a bit younger. His reddish brown eyes are warm and bright. Although they barely know each other, these two men hang out at the house occasionally and talk about cattle.
“Perhaps I should do something about it, huh?” Antonio says.
“Yeah, probably. Hah hah. You could always up and sell the land. Perhaps move somewhere smaller,” the man suggests.
“Gee, but I doubt my parents would be too happy ‘bout that. Besides, I’ve grown mighty fond of this place,” Antonio says. “I love the cows, ya know.”
“Right. In that case, I reckon finding yourself a permanent partner might suit yer fancy,” the man says.
“I’ll take a looksie, Elmer. Thanks,” Antonio says.
“No problem, Ant! I know a few single ladies who hang out back at the farmer’s market up the street. A nice leisurely drive south west…” Elmer says.
“Ah yeah, that place. I know it. My pop used to take me down there to sell our stuff…” Antonio says. “And the ol’ butcher shop not far from that. I remember takin’ the trailers down about that way.”
“Yeah. Welp! I best get goin’. I wish ya the best of luck, partner!” Elmer says, slapping his leg and straightening up.
“I’mma get a girl,” Antonio says, determinedly.
Antonio climbs into his old red pickup truck. After a nice ride through the country side, he gets out at the farmer’s market. Ah, but here’s a problem…how do you find someone who will love you forever just by stopping by the farmer’s market? Antonio awkwardly walks around the market place, looking around.
All across the farmer’s market, happy farmer couples are selling products. Some even have families. Some little kids cling to their mother’s legs, others run and play, nearly tripping merchants. Antonio watches, somehow feeling even more alone.
“Y’alright sir?” a voice calls out.
Antonio whips around and sees a young woman standing there. She’s got fair skin, brownish red hair, and green eyes. She appears to be a bit on the heavier side, looking rather healthy. In her hands, she clutches a big basket of corn.
“Howdy, partner,” Antonio says, tipping his hat respectfully.
“You look a bit lost!” the lady says. “I don’t think we’ve met before. Are you new?”
“No, actually. I’ve been living here most my life,” Antonio says. “Came here as a lil’ boy with my ma and pop.”
“Ohhhh, I see,” the lady says. “I guess ‘twas ‘bout time we met, then.”
“I’m Antonio, but people call me Ant. And yer name?” Antonio asks.
“My name’s Winnie!” the lady says. “Nice to meet you, Ant!”
“Hah, I know this is a bit awkward, but… I ain’t never seen a woman quite as purdy as you, partner,” Antonio says, scuffing his right foot nervously.
“My, oh my!” Winnie says, blushing. “You think I’m purdy? Have you never seen a woman before?”
“I’ve seen plenty, sure thing. Ain’t none like you,” Antonio says.
“Hmmm, perhaps we oughta hang out, Ant,” Winnie says.
“Here’s an idea. You can be my girlfriend!” Antonio suggests, grinning.
“Aight, I see where yer goin’. Quite frankly, my folk back home keep urging me to up and find a partner. Ya know? This could work. After all, yer pretty cute yerself!” Winnie says.
“Aw, yeah!” Antonio says.
“Yeeeeeeeehaw!” another voice cries out suddenly.
Antonio jumps a bit. All of a sudden, another guy comes running in. This guy is quite the opposite of Antonio with his light skin and blonde hair. The one thing the two have in common are those shockingly blue eyes.
“Cy,” Antonio says, grimacing.
“Oh! You FINALLY met Winnie!” Cy exclaims.
“Oh hey, Cyrano,” Winnie says, scooting away.
“Yeah, this here Antonio is my cousin!” Cyrano says, roughly patting Antonio’s shoulder. “He’s a good man. More self control in him than myself, that’s for sure!”
“Thanks for vouchin’ fer me, cuz. Didn’t need it, tho!” Antonio says.
