//------------------------------//
// Time to cook! 
// Story: Rodeo Rumble 
// by HumanSVD 
//------------------------------//

Arizona helped Minnesota clean the dishes and laundry for most of the day. Her practice with Clyde was enjoyable, but the man seemed worried about something. She never did find out before leaving; the young heifer loved every second of his encouragement. He even showed her the barrel weave patterns likely to pop up for the later rounds. 

The training Clyde gave Arizona was invaluable, and I appreciated every second of it. With the times she was achieving, a blue ribbon for the Barrel Weave was all but assured. The only thing that worried Arizona was the High Striker event. She hadn't received a lot of practice, but her kicks were no joke. The young heifer was certain she'd at least win over her rival. After setting up the laundry on the outside clothing rack, Arizona and Minnesota walked back into the house and were greeted by Texas. 

The bull had a look of satisfaction before sitting in the living room. Her Aunt and Uncle were already sitting on the large couch and enjoying holding a very awake and active Kansas. Her father said, "Ah, my lovely ladies, I'm glad y'all are back. I got something for you, my little heifer. Go on and take a seat."

This made Arizona wonder why her father was in such a good mood. The young heifer turned to her mother and verbally showed her confusion. Her mother just nuzzled her as if non-verbally telling her, "Don't worry." Arizona found a spot on another couch, while Minnesota found a spot next to her. Her Aunt and Uncle gave each other knowing looks and suppressed their smiles. This made Arizona suspicious that something was up, and she could only hope it wasn't something bad or embarrassing. 

"Just what in Foenum are they up to? I hope it ain't nothing bad."

After the family was situated, Arizona braced for what her father was about to say. The father bull cleared his throat before saying, "So, since you've wanted to court Clyde but haven't had the chance to invite him over for dinner...."

Arizona's fears started to melt away and were slowly replaced with hope. The young heifer listened intently while her Mother, Aunt, and Uncle watched her entertaining reaction. As Arizona waited, Texas continued, "I went over to have a talk, guy to guy. He had a crazy day today, which I'm sure he will tell you later. So, long story short..."

Texas stared at Arizona and said, "He's coming over for dinner. I believe you need to get ready, cooking and dressin' up."

"Dontcha know?" added Minnesota before winking at her daughter. 

Her Aunt and Uncle were smiling as they joyfully watched their niece jump from the couch. The heifer ran over and hugged her father strongly, and said, "Thank you, Pa! Thank you, thank you! I'm so happy!"

Texas hugged and nuzzled Arizona as tears of joy escaped her eyes. Daisy-Jo and Dakota smiled at each other, happy to see their niece getting a shot to court Clyde. Kansas simply stared blankly before putting a hoof in her mouth and slobbering over it. Minnesota got up from her seat and walked towards Arizona as she broke the hug. The mother cow put a hoof on her shoulder and said, "Looks like you gotta get ready prepping dinner. The ingredients are already set in the fridge. Now you'll have extra time to get all prettied up again. So get ready and don't dilly dally, you hear?"

Arizona wiped a tear before saying, "Yes, Ma. I won't waste time."

She turned to her Aunt and Uncle and asked, "Are y'all sure you don't mind?"

Daisy-Jo nodded and replied, "Of course, we don't mind. A mamma cow is a force to be reckoned with, and I'm doing just fine from yesterday. Also helps the Doctor gave me extra strength pain pills."

The family laughed before gags and coughing ensured. A nasty, foul-smelling scent permeated the living room. And it didn't take long to figure out the source. The baby started fussing, which prompted Dakota to take his daughter to their room. The bull sniffed the diaper before recoiling and saying, "Dang, now that's dung, I tell ya what. Time to change the diaper. You relax, my sweet cream. I'll take care of this mess."

Texas waved a hoof before saying, "You're not joking. I'll open up the window and go get ready Arizona. Clyde is gonna be dressed up nicely too."

"He will?! Okay, girl, you got this. You only have an opportunity to impress the man you've wanted, is all."

Not wasting any time, the young heifer walked into the kitchen and took out the ingredients from the refrigerator. Arizona couldn't help but marvel at such a useful appliance and wished her family had one back at the Prairie. Setting the ingredients on the countertop, she noticed the cookware was pre-set as if her parents had planned everything. Arizona smiled as she went about cooking a favorite family meal for Clyde. 

"I love my family. They've been watchin' my back for a long time. I hope Clyde will give me a chance, and hopefully, he'll want to be a part of my family...as my husband."

While Arizona joyfully cooked dinner for Clyde, Minnesota smiled as she checked on her daughter's progress. The motherly cow walked over to her husband and kissed him. Texas wasn't expecting to receive love from Minnesota but kissed and nuzzled his wife in return. The motherly cow said, "You're a great father, dontcha know?"

Texas replied as he checked Arizona's cooking before replying, "I do now, Minnie."

As the parents were happy for their daughter's chance to win a man's heart, Dakota returned with Kansas. She was hoofed to Daisy-Jo with the baby cow wearing a fresh diaper. As Kansas lay comfortably in her mother's forelegs, Dakota, said, "You best take your time growing up. I do not want you to get any guy's attention anytime soon."

The baby stared before sneezing into her father's face and making adorable baby cow noises. As the bull wiped the nasal discharge from his face, he replied, "Just as Clyde said, you can sneeze in my face instead." 

The room erupted into laughter as the bull made a mocking, angry face before laughing himself. The spirit of the family was high, and supper was around the corner.