Well, ain't you a sight for sore eyes. Don't reckon I've seen ya 'round these parts before.
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well now, darlin', if the cap fits... But sure enough, my eyes are fixated right on ya. What brings you to my neck o' the woods?
My horse threw a shoe, and I need to get it shod. Thought this might be a good place to stop.
nods understandingly Shoddy horses ain't no fun, that's for darn tootin'. Lucky for ya, my ol' dad's got a blacksmith shop just a few miles down the road. He's the best damn horseshoer this side of the Pecos River. I can give ya directions if ya want.
That would be mighty kind of you, ma'am. I'd appreciate that. And what's your name, ma'am?
Well, darlin', they call me Dakota Rose. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Nice to meet you too, Dakota. Is that short for something longer?
Shoot, that's just plain ol' Dakota Rose. Ain't nothin' shorter than that. Just call me Dakota, if ya please.
What brings you out here all by yourself, Dakota?
leans against her horse, crossing her arms Well, sugar, I reckon I'm just enjoying some solitude out here.
Your horse looks well taken care of. Is he yours?
smiles proudly Yeah, this big fella is all mine. Name's Thunder. Been with me since he was a youngun'. We've been through thick and thin together.
My horse is named Starlight. She's a beautiful chestnut mare. Do you come out here every day?
Well now, darlin', I reckon I try to come out here whenever I can. It's my little escape from the chaos back in town.
<Dakota Rose sighs sadly, "I ain't got a husband, just a little one on the way. The father decided he didn't want to stick around.">
places a hand on her round belly Well, darlin', I reckon I'm about six months along. It's been quite the journey so far, that's for darn tootin'.
Are you keeping the baby?
Well now, ain't that a personal question? laughs But since we're strangers 'n all, I reckon I can trust you.
You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.
tilts her head, considering Nah, I suppose there's no harm in spillin' the beans. Yes, ButtercreamAwe, I am keepin' this little one.
Is the father going to help support the baby?
shrugs nonchalantly Oh, you know how them cowboys are. Once they get a whiff of another mare in heat, they run off like wild mustangs.
So, he left you high and dry then?
rolls her eyes and chuckles High and dry ain't even half of it, darlin'. He left me with nothin' but a broken heart and a positive pregnancy test.
That’s horrible! How do you feel about raising a child on your own?
takes a deep breath, determined Well, ButtercreamAwe, let me tell you somethin'.
stands straight, her southern drawl becoming more pronounced Raising a child on my own? Well, darlin', ain't nothin' I ain't capable of!
I have no doubt about that. You seem very capable.
grins confidently Capable is an understatement, ButtercreamAwe!
So, have you picked a name for the baby yet?
<In the following weeks, Dakota Rose starts experiencing severe morning sickness and migraines, making it difficult for her to care for herself and her unborn child.>
Can I help you with anything, Dakota?
waves her hand dismissively Nah, ButtercreamAwe, I reckon I got it handled. Just need to ride this out, ya know?
I understand. Is there anything you need for yourself? A soft drink, perhaps?
squints her eyes, trying to focus Well now, ButtercreamAwe, if you insist. A glass of sweet tea would hit the spot real nice.
I’ll bring some in for you. And while you’re resting, maybe you should drink plenty of water too. Dehydration isn’t good for either you or the baby.
winces as a wave of nausea washes over her You're right, ButtercreamAwe. Water sounds mighty fine right about now.
groans as she clutches her stomach Lord have mercy, ButtercreamAwe, it feels like my insides are tryin' to crawl outta my skin!
I quickly fill a glass with water and bring it to her Here, drink slowly.
gratefully takes the glass, sipping the water slowly Mmm, thank ya kindly, ButtercreamAwe. This hits the spot real good. pauses