THE MORNING OF DARE TO CARE - PART 1
Written by: Sandie Davis

*David and Suzie’s farmhouse*


Suzie awoke from a sound sleep as the alarm blared. Yawning, she turned it off and headed to the bathroom, hoping David hadn’t heard it. She wanted him to sleep in… something he hadn’t done for months. She knew he would have a very long day ahead and wanted him to be well rested. Quietly, she changed into jeans and a tee-shirt, carrying her sneakers in herhand. Softly, she closed the bedroom door and padded down the hallway. The smell of coffee in the air made her smile. It reminded her of David’s early morning routine at the farm. As she looked back the darkened hallway, she hoped once again, he was still sleeping. Quickly, she poured a cup of coffee for herself and Walter, turning off the timer and burner, knowing that she wouldn’t have time for more than one with the morning chores she had planned. Today was the concert, tomorrow it would finish, and David and the rest would need at least two days to rest up. With Walters help, they discussed the chores and planned the days to come. David wouldn’t have to worry about the farm; Walter and Suzie had covered everything imaginable. Smiling to herself, she picked up David’s baseball cap and put it on, tucking her long hair under it before pulling down the well worn brim. She was sipping her coffee on her way across the yard as the sun started to peek out. She stopped a moment to look at the sky, praying softly that the weather would continue to be nice for the concert.

Walter met her near the barn. Smiling at the sight before him, he waved, “Nice cap… doesn’t David have one just like it?”

Suzie blushed, handing him the other cup of coffee. “It is his. I wanted to have a part of him here, but still let him rest. He loves this farm, and he loves his music, but he needs to love his music more today. Did you see how his whole face just lights up like a Christmas tree when he’s singing? I’ve seen him on Broadway, but nothing this close… this… I don’t know what word to use… But it’s different… Not like the love we have for each other, but something just as special…“

Walter shook his head, adjusting his hat as he scanned the sky. “Thanks. Looks like it should be a nice day for it… and the knees aren’t aching, so no rain any time soon. I’ve made sure all of the alpacas are in the fields closest to the barn. I don’t want any strangers wandering in out of curiosity or the fans figuring out this is more than just the Anderson Farm. I respect his right to privacy… yours too, so this way it’s a win-win. It will also mean less running around for us to keep an eye on them. My nephew’s in… got in last night. He’ll be giving us a hand before he heads back to college. Your place is with David, so go… it’s covered. ” He sipped his coffee slowly.

“Walter… I don’t know what to say, other than thank you. I’ll make sure there’s a check ready for… what’s your nephew’s name? So let me know how long he’s going to be here, so I know how much as well.”

It’s Dusty… and no check needed… we made a deal. He’s going to ride and mend the fences in the fields closest to the concert to listen for free and I got him a ticket for the late night hours… that’s plenty… but thank you for offering. Oh, and he’s a big guy… can handle himself, so if there’s trouble… he’s there for you guys. Not that I’m expecting it, but as David says, a scout is prepared. He has a cell phone. So I’ll leave the number at the house later in case you or the girls need him for anything….not errands for girly stuff mind you… but well, you know.”

Suzie nodded as they continued to sip their coffee and chat. A few minutes later, she made her way back to the porch, carrying the empty coffee cups. Slowly, she opened the front door and stepped in. No sooner had she closed the door behind her than David appeared in the hallway, startling her.
“Good morning gorgeous!” he whispered, huskily.

Suzie smiled. “Morning, handsome… I was hoping you would sleep in… at least rest some with the concert today. I was…”

“I was all by myself… hmmm there’s a song in there…” David said, laughing, humming a few bars softly. “I missed you. I’ll rest after the morning chores are finished. I promise.” He stepped closer to her, reaching for the cap sitting on her head.

“Walter’s already started. He said his nephew, Dusty or Rusty… no Dusty is here to help out while you’re busy with the concert and resting up. I had gotten up to help him, but he said it’s all under control. So for us, those morning chores are finished… “Suzie said, setting down the coffee cups. “ How about taking that ummm rest now?” She looked innocently into his eyes with a light blush to her cheeks.

David smiled again as he took the cap off of her head and watched her long hair tumble down beyond her shoulders. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he kissed her deeply, before replying “After you Mrs. Miller.”He lightly tossed the cap on the table beside the empty cups. They strolled arm in arm back the hallway. Softly, he closed the bedroom door behind them before giggles erupted.