Excerpt from: The Reindeer Keeper

Book cover image of "The Reindeer Keeper"By Barbara Briggs Ward –

“Honored as a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Recipient in Adult Fiction” http://www.thereindeerkeeper.com

Besides the woods, the barn set far back in an open field was the other place Steve and Abbey hadn’t explored since moving into the old farmhouse. With work and settling in, they hadn’t found the time. But that didn’t mean they weren’t curious. A clause in the old man’s will specifically dealt with the imposing structure, home to a few sheep, about eight horses, and a herd of reindeer. Details stated the barn was not to be disturbed. It was to be kept in proper repair and the animals were to be allowed to “live, graze, and flourish without interruptions in a routine established long before time.” A caretaker had been appointed and he was “dutifully aware of his responsibilities-those that were obvious and those that were not.” A trust fund for carrying out such terms was in the hands of the lawyer.

fall scents for your home

Abbey hadn’t thought about what all that meant. She assumed the old man’s reclusive lifestyle had a lot to do with it. He’d obviously bonded with the animals and probably thought of them as his family. When one dies it’s normal to have everything in place for those left behind. Now with an oversized tree needing to be felled and brought inside, it was time to meet the caretaker.

Snow kept falling as Abbey headed out to the barn. The walk was invigorating. She hadn’t realized how far it was from the house. Now up close, she got a better sense of the barn’s massive size. The Green Mountains and quaint homesteads with picket fences far off in the distance provided the perfect backdrop. Peering inside, she didn’t see the man she’d only noticed from afar. Abbey knew he was around somewhere. His truck was parked in the same spot it was every morning.

“Hello? Hello? It’s the lady from the farmhouse. Hello?”

Once inside, Abbey slid the door shut and looked around. She wished Steve was with her. He would have loved the wood and architecture. Haylofts were brimming. A movement of sorts guided Abbey to another door. This one was slightly ajar. Peeking through the crack, Abbey was delighted by the sheep scurrying after a cat that seemed to have the upper hand.

“They do this every morning, miss. It’s a game they play before they’re fed. I was hoping you’d stop in?”

“I’m Abbey.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

“I read the will.”

“I still don’t understand why my father and I were chosen.”

“In due time.”

“How long have you been here,”

“I’ve been caring for the animals as far back as I can remember. Would you like me to show you around?”

“Yes. I’d enjoy that.”

“My name is Thomas. Excuse the mess. It’s a busy place this time of the year.”

Whatever it was about this man, Abbey couldn’t put her finger on it. She couldn’t understand much of what he said. He was shorter than he looked when driving in and out. He had to be up there; older than Steve, who was two years older than she was. His little, beady eyes gave him a serious look as he worked about the animals. He had a way with them. She watched as he spread the bales.

The cat followed Thomas as he led Abbey into a granary where sacks upon sacks were stored. Bins were loaded.
“You must go through a lot of hay over the winter?”

“Yes, Miss Abbey. Oats, too.”

Opening another door, Thomas waited for Abbey to go first. She counted at least six of the right horses in stalls.

“The others are outside,” he explained.

Thomas motioned. He guided Abbey past a beautiful pinto and through yet another door which led them out behind the barn, hidden from view of the farmhouse and passersby.

“Breathtaking,” remarked Abbey. “I’ve kept my eye out for them How many?”

“This herd. About twenty.”

“There are more?”

“Most certainly. There have to be.”

The only reindeer Abbey had ever seen were from a distance. It was mid-August. They’d taken the boys to a family attraction in the mountains. Because of the humidity, the few reindeer present were hiding under any shade they could find.

“They’ve just been fed, Miss Abbey. They might get a little frisky.”

Thomas walked over to a smaller one standing off from the rest.

“Come meet the runt of the herd.”

“They’re so soft. Their antlers are amazing.” Staying by the little reindeer, Abbey soon found herself surrounded by the entire herd. They weren’t shoving. They seemed content.

“Reindeer can size a person up pretty quick. Looks like they sense your gentle spirit.”

Lingering awhile longer, Thomas explained, I must excuse myself. I have to get back to work. There’s much to do these last few days.”
That reminded Abbey to ask Thomas if he’d give Steve a hand with the tree.

“I saw the ribbon in the woods. I’ll come a little earlier in the morning. Have your husband meet me here.” Thomas took Abbey back to where she came in.

“It was a pleasure meeting you. I know you’re busy. I have a long list today, too.”

“Stop in anytime.” Thomas went back inside. He mumbled something about a list, but she didn’t catch it.

Abbey felt like a kid trudging through the snow. Her footsteps from earlier had disappeared. Past Christmases flashed through Abbey’s mind as a cluster of chirping birds disappeared into a cedar hedge. From big wheels to BB guns, Christmas seemed to mark the boys’ paths to maturity. The farther along they went, the more the wonder faded.

“We can’t go back. It’s just what happens,” Abbey told herself. She picked up speed as the thought of a cup of coffee pushed her through the mounting drifts.

Plus a Teaser from Chapter 8:
Out of the corner of her eye, Abbey noticed a sudden brightness coming from outside. At first she thought it was the shimmering moon among the silver stars. But the brightness intensified so that it drew Abbey to the far window overlooking the backfields. Colorful sparkles were swirling over the land. Between the snow falling and the moon dancing, it was a sight that took her breath away. Abbey’s attention turned to the barn. It was lit up as she’d never seen before. She knew Thomas was there. He had to be.

Without any thought, she opened the back door and walked down the steps and through the snowdrifts with no coats, boots, or hat. She wasn’t cold. She didn’t even notice the snow twirling about her face and the below-zero temperature freezing the landscape. When she reached the barn, she didn’t have to open the door. Thomas was waiting.

“Welcome Miss Abbey. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Inside the barn, Abbey followed Thomas past the sheep and horses. He stopped in front of the door leading to the reindeer.

“Do you believe, Miss Abbey?”

Abbey understood what he was asking. Right there, she let go of her worries and sorrows. She found herself thinking back to a Christmas forgotten. She was four. Dressed in a flannel nightgown, she was sitting in front of a Christmas tree. One gift had excited her more than the rest.

It was a painting of Abbey in her favorite sundress playing with her kittens. Her mother had been the artist. Abbey remembered that summer day. Sunshine was all around while she sat playing with her kittens in the back yard.

Written by Barbara Briggs Ward
Published by Wheatmark October, 2010

Barbara Briggs Ward has been published in McCall’s, Ladies’ Home Journal, Highlights for Children and is the author/illustrator of the Snarly Sally picture book series. In October, 2010 her short story, “In Anticipation of Doll Beds”, was included in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book-“Christmas Magic.” “Honored as a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Recipient in Adult Fiction” http://www.thereindeerkeeper.com.

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Excerpt from: The Reindeer Keeper
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