Love Means Courage - Andrew Grey

over his mug as he sipped.
    Randy and Fred both looked at Len, who put his mug down and took out the paper he’d been using to mark their progress. “The existing fields are planted and ready. The new fields that were part of the Henderson farm have been disked and will be planted as soon as we can get back in the fields. We can probably get done in a day, day-and-a-half.” Len felt he needed to be formal, like he was giving 97
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a presidential briefing or something.
    Cliff whistled softly. “That was fast.” Len was about to answer, but Randy beat him to it. “We taught Len to drive the tractor, and he wouldn’t come in until it was too dark to see. Hell, I even caught him eating dinner yesterday sitting on the tractor so he wouldn’t have to stop.” Len was looking at the floor and didn’t see the look of surprised admiration that Cliff flashed his way. “He’s kept the barn chores up to date and helped us get the planting done.” Geoff pulled Len’s gaze from the floor when he began to run one of his trucks along Len’s arm, and he turned and began running the truck along Geoff’s stomach as giggles and squeals of delight filled the room.
    Fred and Randy stood up, drawing Len’s attention away from Geoff. “We’re going to head out.” Fred elbowed Randy in the side. “The big guy here has a date with Shell tonight.” Randy smiled and clammed up, but he was obviously quite happy. They both left, putting their mugs in the sink on their way out.

    Len got up to leave as well; he just didn’t feel very comfortable right now. But at least Cliff seemed to be talking to him again, or was that just because Fred and Randy were around? Geoff scooted off the couch and ran into the kitchen, jumping up and down near the table.
    Cliff stood up and walked into the kitchen. “I need to make Geoff’s dinner.” Len followed and put his mug in the sink, getting ready to go. “Would you stay for dinner? I need to get him fed, and then we can talk once he’s in bed.” Len nodded and looked at Cliff’s face. He knew that look; he’d seen it a few weeks before. Well, at least he’d get a last meal this time. “Would you take Geoff in the living room while I get things ready? It shouldn’t take too long.” Len repressed a sigh and took Geoff’s hand, the youngster 98
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    pulling him toward his toys. Geoff plopped himself on the floor and began running his trucks around the carpet. After a few minutes, he looked up at Len as if to say, “Why aren’t you playing?” With a smile, Len sat on the floor and played cars with Geoff until he heard Cliff call that dinner was ready. Geoff didn’t look up, so Len picked him up and flew him into the kitchen, accompanied by peals of laughter and giggles. Len lowered him toward the high chair.
    “No baby, big boy.”
Len looked to Cliff, who smiled. “He wants a regular chair instead of the high chair.” Cliff walked over and spoke directly to Geoff. “You need to use the high chair until you can eat without making a mess.”
    Len watched as that little head bowed resignedly, and Geoff then climbed in the chair and let Cliff put on the tray. Cliff put a sippy cup and a bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of Geoff, who immediately began to eat, but Len noticed he was careful not to spill. He must really want to use a big boy chair. Len looked to Cliff, impressed.
    “He really hates the high chair, but he forgets what he’s doing when he uses a regular chair.” Cliff put a plate in front of Len and then placed his own on the table.

    Len began eating, his appetite returning full force as soon as the first bite hit his stomach. “Did you make this?” Len pointed to the roasted pork chops.

    “No. Mari did. She helps out when she can.” Len poured coffee, and they ate quietly. Len was still wondering what Cliff wanted to talk about, and while he wasn’t so sure he was going to be fired, he still couldn’t quite figure it out.
    Cliff’s voice pulled him out of his whirling curiosity and 99
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    anxiety. “I’ve been thinking that I’d like to increase the size of the cattle herd to make use of the new pasture land. We could easily add a hundred and fifty head with no problem, but we need additional grain storage to get us through the winter.”

    “Why? You’ve got enough here to support the existing herd, right?” Cliff nodded as he ate. “Doesn’t the Henderson place have silos? You could use