Learnin' The Ropes by Shanna Hatfield Page A

said.
    When she heard the word baby, the dog perked up her ears and looked around to see who was saying her name. Ty smiled and continued rubbing her back.
    “That’s exciting news.” Anxious and excited about the upcoming arrival of his niece or nephew, Ty wished he could be there for his sister. “Is everything else going okay?”
    “Yes, it is, thanks to you. The money you sent was a huge help. But you need to keep more of your paycheck.” Grateful for the funds Ty sent, she worried about him scraping by. “The office threw a huge baby shower for me last week and you wouldn’t believe all the wonderful things we received. This baby should have enough diapers to last at least the first two months.”
    “I bet the apartment is wall-to-wall baby stuff,” Ty said, laughing as the dog frantically looked around each time she heard the word baby.
    “What’s so funny?” Beth asked, hearing Ty’s chuckles.
    “Every time we say the word b-a-b-y, the dog looks around to see who’s talking to her. She’s getting pretty worked up.”
    “Who names a dog Baby, especially when she’s the size of a pony?” Beth asked. Ty could hear the humor in her voice.
    “I don’t know, but it suits her.” Ty scratched the dog behind her ears as she settled back down. “When my nephew decides to make his arrival, Nate is totally going to Skype me, right?”
    “We’ll see about that. I really don’t think it is the best plan the two of you have ever hatched.” Beth sighed. “You have no idea what you are asking for, do you?”
    “I have a better idea now than I did before I left Portland.” The last few weeks, Ty helped pull several calves. For some reason, the ranch hands decided his brute strength could be beneficial to them in several ways, and not just as the mechanic.
    “Be that as it may, please remember I’m not a cow,” Beth warned.
    He heard a car engine start and realized Beth and Nate were in their vehicle. “Yes, ma’am, I’ll remember,” Ty said.
    “Are you turning into a cowboy on me?” Beth teased. “What’s with that ma’am business?”
    “I’ve been informed multiple times that it is good manners to address any female as ma’am and any man older than me as sir. There’s a whole list of manners that I’m supposed to memorize. Believe me, it is not just a code, but a way of life that these people are determined to ingrain into my head,” Ty explained as Baby went to her blanket in the corner and flopped down.
    Beth laughed. “Let’s hear some of the things on the list.”
    Ty could picture her smiling as she and Nate drove through the horrific traffic from the doctor’s office toward their apartment.
    “I’ve been given a printed copy. I’ll send it to you later,” Ty said. “I’m glad you’re doing well. Promise you two will let me know the minute my nephew arrives?”
    “We promise,” Beth said. “Love you, Ty.”
    “Love you, too.”
    Ty was in a good mood after talking to his sister. His thoughts chased around the upcoming arrival of her baby. He wanted to find a special gift, but had no idea what to buy. If he had time after dinner, maybe he’d do some browsing online and see what he could find.
    The morning passed quickly. When Ty stopped at noon to eat a sandwich, he emailed his sister the “guide to upright living” Swede gave him a couple of weeks ago. It was part of the foreman’s efforts in “learnin’ ya up to how things are done.”
    Ty read through the guide again with a smile on his face.
     
    1. Once you give your word and a handshake, it’s as binding as signing a contract.
    2. Never betray a trust.
    3. Never lie, cheat, or steal.
    4. Treat all children, animals, and old folks like you want to be treated.
    5. Call your elders sir and ma’am.
    6. Treat women with respect and care.
    7. Always tip your hat to a lady, and take it off at the dinner table and in church.
    8. Work hard and give your boss an honest day for your pay.
    9. If someone needs a hand,