By Slim Randles

When the young woman walked into the Mule Barn truck stop alone, it caused a few heads to turn. Not only was she very pretty, but she was alone, and that seldom happens in the Barn. Young women usually either come in as part of a family, or they are escorted by a young man.

“Now she’s a looker, boys,” said Herb. “Maybe she’s meeting someone here.”

The guys nodded. Dud turned his head slightly so his grin was hidden.

“Don’t remember seeing her around,” Steve said, twitching his moustache.

The young woman looked around at the people at the tables and the guys at the counter … the philosophy counter, that is. Then a waitress came up and greeted her and the guys could see her asking the waitress something.

Then, as they all watched, the waitress pointed … right at Doc!

She thanked the waitress and started toward Doc.

She moved … well … it was like poetry. And her face lit up like a bus depot chandelier.

“Excuse me,” she said, “but are you Doc?”

“Yes, Miss,” he said, standing up.

“I’m Kathy,” she said, shaking his hand.

“Nice to meet you, Kathy,” Doc said.

“Nancy’s daughter,” she added.

“Okay …?” Doc said, looking perplexed.

“You remember Nancy, don’t you? I mean … about 30 years ago?”

Doc scratched his head. “I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Mom always said I favored you in a lot of ways.”

“Favored ME?” Doc asked.

Finally, Kathy threw herself into Doc’s arms.

“It’s so good to finally meet you … DADDY!”

The look on Doc’s face was priceless, the laughter was stunning, and finally Herb said, “Doc, this is my granddaughter, Kathy. April Fools!”

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Brought to you by A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right by Slim Randles. LPDPress.com.