“Better get here as soon as you can. They’re running!” were the only words spoken on the phone message left by Jim. No mistaking his voice nor his message. Hurriedly Tom gathered up his gear, grabbed his rattling horns and gun on the way out the door. It was then he remembered he had forgotten to kiss Becky good-bye. Stowing the gear in the back of his pick-up he headed back into the house.
Becky was busy in the kitchen baking cookies for the upcoming Christmas season. “Mmmm tollhouse cookies with big chocolate bits.” Said Tom as he walked in to tell her where he was headed.
Becky simply smiled, took one look at her camo-clad husband and shook her head and with an “I truly married an idiot” look on her smiling face. She turned to face Tom. “I take it by the mode of your dress you’re headed to the lease. Guess that means I’ll have to go to the Garner’s party by myself again this year.”
Tom took off his favorite old black hat, held it in his right hand at his side and sheepishly nodded an affirmative. “You know I don’t fit in with that bunch, all they want to talk about is the money they lost or made in the past week playing the stock market. Even though some of that bunch hunts, they don’t seem to want to talk hunting at those kind of parties. Besides, Jim called and said the bucks were chasing does like crazy, and there’s a cold front supposed to move through South Texas in a couple of days. I figure the deer will really be moving before it passes and after it passes as well. Plus, one of the boys saw that big 10 point I’ve been hunting and I think I just might have a chance at him this hunt.”
Becky simply smiled.
“Why don’t you come with me to the lease. We’ve got that one extra bedroom in camp, you and I can claim it for the weekend. That way you won’t have go to that stuffy old party by yourself. Besides I really don’t trust that new guy they hired at the bank. He keeps looking at you when he thinks I’m not watching. Come on, that’s the last batch of cookies you need for the time being. If you’ll go with me I’ll help you clean up the kitchen and on the way to the lease we’ll stop by the Los Cazadores store, get you some new hunting duds, pick up some steaks out back. And if there’s time I just might buy you a steak at the Los Cazadores Bar and Grill. Come on, it’ll be fun.” With that he grabbed Becky in his arms, gave a kiss and whirled her around the kitchen.
As they pulled into the Los Cazadores parking lot, they noticed numerous vehicles parked out front, many of them with deer on back, waiting to be scored. Two bucks particularly caught their eyes, one a big typical 12 that would likely score about 175 or so and the other an ancient, massive and wide 8 point with about a 8 inch drop.
Once inside Becky soon found the hunting clothes she needed, picked up a few last minute Christmas gifts from the gift department, and then some steaks and sausage out back. While there Tom checked on the progress of his mount at the taxidermy shop, the buck he had shot early in the season. Eric assured him it would be ready in time for the Awards program.
Then it was an enjoyable stop at the Los Cazadores Bar and Grill. “That’ll be the last good meal you’ll have in a while” Becky teased Tom as they headed out the door.
The night was cool and quiet by the time they started unloading their gear in camp. On the table they found a note…..”All are gone, business called and we had to leave. You’ve got the place to yourself! Enjoy!”
It didn’t take long before Tom had a fire going in the fireplace, and, hot chocolate poured. A few minutes later he and Becky were snuggling on the couch, watching the flames do their magic. Life was indeed good. Tomorrow there would be deer to pursue…but tonight…
Here’s wishing you and your family the Merriest of Christmases, may all you Christmas and Los Cazadores dreams come true!
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