The Wrong Gift

By Marie S

Bud winced. It wasn’t the reaction he’d expected. She looked excited at first, but there was a sense of outrage that followed pretty damned fast.

“Wendell White! What were you thinking by not discussing this with me first? This is a big deal. Horses cost a lot of money to buy and maintain. And you hired a wrangler? There’s his salary too.” Marie’s voice took on an edge of fear. “Will we be able to afford this, Bud?”

“But, Hon. How could it have been a surprise for you and the little one if I discussed it with you first?” Marie and Curry had cooked up the idea of Marie and Ashley’s cousin Jessica coming to stay for a visit. Bud had wanted to do something nice for his girls. And both of them were horse crazy. Curry had liked the idea. It put another trustworthy man around the two households to watch out over the two women’s safety when they couldn’t. That was the part the men liked best.

“I’ve been working a lot. I make decent pay. And we made a shit load of money when I sold the business and our house in LA. It costs less to live here, Hon.” Bud had covered all her concerns. Foolish him; there were factors he’d never considered. “Curry’s going to chip in half the wrangler’s salary.”

“But they’re trying to save money for the baby and for Lachlan to start his own business. It’s just too…” Marie tried to think of a word that didn’t negate that the men were being thoughtful and had been trying to give a wonderful gift.

“Too extravagant, Bud. You know I love horses. I have been riding some since I was a girl, but I never had a horse growing up. Only Ashley did. Owning horses was for rich people like Ashley’s father. Not for a middle class family like mine was.”

Bud knew Marie had been raised to be frugal. She managed money and their household expenses well. Actually better than Bud did. Bud had gotten an estimate from the Meridius’ for the cost of two horses and their maintenance. And he’d factored in the salary for the wrangler. A guy named Egan Varner. They’d be fine. It was expensive, but the girls were worth it. Maybe he should have talked to Marie about it first.

“Trust me on this, Marie.” Bud reached out his big paw to brush her soft cheek. “We have the dough. Let me do this for you.” He was glad she didn’t pull away. She wasn’t too pissed off at him. What he didn’t expect was the tears that filled her eyes. One was suddenly coursing down her cheek.

“I trust you, Bud. But…” She trailed off and literally bit her lip to stop mid sentence. Bud thought she might turn away from him. Some thought seemed to have upset her more.

“But, what? You have to tell me, Hon.” He put his hands gently on her shoulders to keep her facing him. Another tear slipped down her cheek. Bud couldn’t stand to see her cry.

Marie took a deep breath, hesitated and then met his gaze. Bud said he wanted her to tell him. She wasn’t so sure.

“This is a family matter we should have discussed it first, Bud. As much as I’ve wanted to have a horse of my own since I was girl, I’d have said no. My vote would be to save our money for our future children and their lives. Not something for me.”

Bud’s hands dropped from her shoulders. He hadn’t thought of that. He never fucking would have. It was still a subject he wouldn’t discuss.

Marie looked at Bud’s face as his jaw began to jut out stubbornly. “That’s what I thought, Bud. You didn’t want to know what I was thinking.” She angrily brushed a tear off her cheek before turning away from him and walking toward the kitchen.

She called back over her shoulder. Her voice was shaky. “Lunch is almost ready. Thank you, Bud. The gift is thoughtful.”

Marie disappeared into the kitchen. Bud stood there looking at the empty doorway.