by Rita Hestand
"Bud! What are you doing here?" Abby asked, a little alarmed at his arrogance.
"I'm waitin' fer you, that's what. Been waitin' a long time, too. Would've had you long before now, if it hadn't of been fer that daddy of yourn."
"Had me?" Abby gulped, realizing his true intention, and not quite believing it.
"Why, shore, honey, I'm gonna show you what a real man's like," he snickered again.
Abby began to back up, and Bud slowly followed. "Bud, you want your old job back, is that it?"
"I don't care about workin' here. I got a job. A good one, too. Naw, what I want is right here. Been watchin' fer you since you were a skinny kid. Don't bother me none that you've filled out considerable and look prime for the pickin'."
"Duke knows about you. He'll kill you." She threatened.
"Duke's too old to fight the likes of me."
"Why don't you find you a nice little lady, and settle down," Abby cried, moving for the door.
"'Cause I don't want no lady."
He was almost in front of her now, but her hand was on the door. He reached for her, and she flung it open, and ran. She thought she'd escaped him, when something caught the toe of her boot, and she came down to the ground with a thud. He had her booted foot.
She screamed a blood-curdling scream, and someone came riding up, and jumped Bud.
She scrambled away to hide behind the bushes. It was Duke, but he was clutching his chest now, and Bud dropped him to the ground with one punch.
Then he came after her.
"I wouldn't do that, if I were you," came the steel-edged voice from behind him.
Bud turned around. "Stay out of this, Clint, I've been itchin' for too long."
"Too bad," Clint swung a right cross, and busted Bud's chin bone. Bud staggered, then fell in a heap.
Abby came towards Clint, and ran into his arms, "Oh, God, Clint, why?"
"Hey," Clint kissed her solidly, reassuring himself she was okay, and smiled, "It's okay, darlin'. You go on in the house, while me and the boys take care of Duke."
"Oh, poor Duke, I nearly forgot. He tried to help."
"I know. We better get the Sheriff and the doc out here, right away." Clint said, tipping her chin up to see her face. "How'd things go in Dallas?"
"Everything is fine." She tried to smile.
"Good. Now go on in, let's get this mess cleared up before your mom and Clay get back from the store." Clint encouraged.
***
"You were right all along about Bud," Judy was shaking her head and patting her daughter's arm while looking straight at Clint.
"Yeah, me and half the territory." Clint sighed.
"I don't understand why Ross liked him so much." Judy said sadly.
"Bud knew how to handle him, I guess."
"It's ironic that Dad wanted to protect me, and the one person he needed to protect me from the most was right here, practically under our roof." Abby said, still unable to grasp it all.
"Well, you won't have a bit of trouble from him again. Sheriff said he'd been wanted in another county for the same offense, this time a twelve year old. Looks like they might throw the book at him. Can't say I feel too sorry for him."
"I'm so glad Emma took Clay over to your house,"
Abby cried.
"Yeah, he doesn't need to be around all this." "You haven't told him yet, either, have you?" Judy asked, glancing at them both.
"No, I can't seem to find the right words to say. I thought it would be easier than this. But how do you tell a three year old his daddy isn't dead, and is gonna marry his momma?" Clint shook his head in despair.
"I'll tell him," Abby said quietly.
"Want me to?" Judy asked.
"No," they both chorused. "It's our place."
***
Clint and Abby went to pick up Clay, but Sammie Jo and Clay were outside playing. Grandpa Cal was outside in the snow with them, building them a homemade sleigh. Rusty stood by, watching and telling the kids how to ride in the sleigh and not get hurt. He told them he'd demonstrate. Knowing they would be a while, Clint and Abby went inside. They sat in the kitchen, watching them and drinking coffee.
"You haven't told him, have you?" Emma asked, looking at them with speculation in her eyes.
"Just don't know what to say. Every time I start, I listen to myself, and wonder how anyone could make any sense out of it." Clint looked confusedly out the window at his son who was heavily engaged in playing cowboys and Indians with Sammie Jo.
"I'd think a quick, honest approach would be best," Emma said.
"Yeah, everything is quick and honest with Emma, now," Deke smiled and winked at his wife. "But I remember a time when that wasn't so."
Emma blushed. "You'll never let me live that down, will you?"
"Nope, best advantage a man can have over his wife," Deke smiled.
"So, when ya'll getting married?" Cal came into the kitchen. He'd turned Rusty and the kids loose with his contraption, and everyone could hear the laughter.
Rusty took several lunges over the small ridge in the back yard, but he decided they needed a bigger hill, and took them around to the front yard, so they could use the long driveway. The kids caught on quickly, and the hollering and laughing that went on was loud enough to get old Denver to barking. There was just enough snow to make it safe, and just enough ice to keep it slippery. At the end of the drive, they tumbled into one big heap of bodies, but they came up laughing each time.
"As soon as we tell Clay and know everything is okay." Abby was saying as she glanced out the front window.
Cal shook his head. "You're leaving your life on hold for that kid out there? That's silly. Once he's told, he'll adapt. He loves Clint, so what's the big problem?"
Abby sipped her coffee thoughtfully, then glanced at Emma. "When you told Sammie Jo about her real parents, how did she take it?"
"A certain busybody told her …"
"She means me," Cal said with a chuckle. "She took it well. I just told her that her mama and her papa were in heaven, and that they left Emma and Deke here to love her. She loved the whole idea. Yes, that little gal is one well-adjusted little tyke. She's about as secure as any person can hope to be."
"But Cal, I lied to Clay. Don't you think that will matter?"
Cal laughed. "Kids don't take things as seriously as grownups do. He'll be so happy you two are together, he won't want to cause trouble."
Clint listened and watched as Sammie Jo began by riding behind Clay in the sleigh. Neatly constructed out of an old cardboard box, Clint was sure they would have more fun in that than any store-bought sleigh that existed.
Every now and then, they would stop and clap their hands together because it was too cold. Clint remembered fondly how he and Abby used to do the same things, together. How their lives had been so interwoven! One wasn’t seen without the other. Destiny and God had brought them together.
Then suddenly, the kids stopped playing, and seemed heavily engrossed in conversation.
From their expression and mannerisms, it seemed quite serious.
They played until they were stiff from the cold, then came back inside.
"I can't believe we've had enough snow to do something like that," Emma shook her head as she pulled jackets off and tossed them in the laundry room. "Now, you two go warm by the fire for a while. Your noses are as red as old Rudolph."
Sammie Jo giggled.
"Your face is all red, Clay."
"So's yours," he laughed.
Later that same evening, Clint drove Abby and Clay home. He and Abby had only had stolen moments, but they were content, knowing there would be a day that would change.
"Uncle Clint?" Clay glanced up at him as he sat beside him. "Did you ever play on a homemade sled before?"
"Yes, I did. My dad made one for me, just like he did for you and Sammie Jo. I had a blast. Only it didn't snow enough or long enough."
"Yeah. He said it would probably melt tomorrow, ‘cause the sun's coming out again."
Clint smiled, understanding what Clay was getting at, and happy to see it. "Yes, it would."
"And Sammie Jo, too?"
"Yes, she'd be your cousin."
"Is Sammie Jo adopted?"
"Yes, she is." Clint affirmed. "Her real mama died and went to heaven; her dad, too."
"She said she was. She said she has the best parents in the whole world."
"She's a happy kid, alright."
"Uncle Clint?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you my real daddy?" Clint nearly ditched the truck, he was so flabbergasted.
But it was time now, and there was no turning back. He parked on the side of the road, and turned to look at Clay very seriously. "Yes, I am, Clay. I've been meaning to tell you for a while now, just didn't know how to go about it."
Clay nodded, and Abby sat very still, waiting. "Mind if I ask who told you, son?" Clint asked, watching his every move.
"Sammie Jo."
Abby sighed heavily, "Sammie Jo should nev—"
"Sammie Jo says I should be happy. And I am. I've liked you from the very beginning. But I got a question."
"What?"
"Do you love my mommy?"
"Very much," Clint admitted, as he took Abby's hand, and then looked at him. "And I love you, too."
"Then are we a family?"
Clint grabbed Clay and hugged him, "Yes, we are."
"Sammie Jo says you two have to get married."
"Yes, we were waiting till you knew and understood."
Clay hugged Clint and his mother, and smiled. "Then, let's get this show on the road."
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Where did you hear that, son?" Clint asked.
"Sammie Jo."
***
Clay finally went to sleep after a million questions, but Clint patiently answered every one of them. Abby had to answer the hardest—why she told him his father was dead. Abby didn't know what to say, so Clint furnished an answer for that, as well.
"Your mommy and I have been apart for a long while. And I was riding bulls. She didn't know for sure, but I very nearly was killed on a bull, son."
Abby reached to hug Clint to her, knowing that was the truth, and thanking him for helping her. She was so proud that he could finally talk about his injury, even to the point of telling his family.
Even Deke seemed to be very solemn about it. Later, he told Clint that he was glad he had gotten out of the rodeo business. He wanted his brother alive for a long time.
It was very late, and he needed to get home tonight, but he had one more thing to take care of.
He waited until Judy and Clay went to bed. He sat with Abby at her house on the couch, "There's one thing I've got to take care of, Abby, before we go any further."
"Sounds serious, what is it?"
He stood up, then dropped on one knee, took her hands in his, and looked her in the eyes. "I've left out one very big question."
"What?" she giggled, knowing what he was about to do, and wanting to jump his bones at the same time for doing it.
"I'm an old-fashioned, kind of guy, and it's pretty traditional to ask the woman you love to marry you. So, here I am. Abby Martin, will you be my wife?"
Abby's laughter died on her lips as she saw the expression on his face, then suddenly she jumped on him, and giggled all the way to the floor. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Clint's expression was still very serious. "I don't think you're taking this as seriously as I'm offering. You know, a fellow goes to a lot of trouble and expense to do these things, and the least you can do is take it seriously."
Abby still giggled, until he suddenly whipped out a tiny box. Abby opened the box, and there, in the middle of the black velvet, was a solid gold band.
Abby leaned over him and kissed him until he wanted nothing more than to take her to bed, but he knew that was not a good idea. His expression grew even more serious when he came up for air.
"What's wrong?"
"It's the ring. I want to tell you about it."
Abby sat in his lap, kissed his jaw, and nodded. "Okay, I’ll behave. Tell me about it; it's beautiful."
"But it's not a diamond. It's just a plain gold band."
Abby shrugged. "I don't find that important."
Clint smiled a little, and kissed her head. "I didn't think you would. I know you so well, but I want to tell you why there is no diamond. That's important."
Abby pulled back so she could look up into his face. "Okay, I'm listening."
Clint sat up straight, and held her close. "I bought that ring the weekend of the prom."
"That was years ago." Abby's eyes rounded on him, a tear shimmering in her eyes.
"Yeah, I know. I knew then that I wanted you to be my wife. I've had this all that time. I couldn't get rid of it, even knowing I'd probably never have a chance to give it to you. I loved you, Abby. I didn't buy an engagement ring, even though I knew my dad would help me cover the cost, and would realize I was dead serious, in the bargain. But the reason I didn't buy an engagement ring was because I didn't want to wait any longer than the day I gave you the ring. I wanted you to be mine--then--now, and forever. I didn't want to wait!"
A tear rolled down her cheek, "Oh, Clint, that's the most beautiful story I've ever heard. I'm so very sorry we had to wait so long for you to tell it."
"Maybe it's for the best. I think we can appreciate each other a lot more for waiting all this time."
Tears still shimmered in her eyes as she looked at him with a longing as old as time,
"I'm so sorry I didn't believe you. I wanted to, in my heart, I was just afraid to."
"That being said, let's get married soon. I don't want to wait any more. I want you by my side, day and night." He murmured against her ear.
She shivered, "Oh, Clint, yes, yes!"
He kissed her with quick little nips, then enfolded her in his lap. He was grateful for this woman, and knew he would cherish her for a lifetime.
He had courted Abby, and she was his! And now they would be a family forever!
THE END
Hannah's Man
(Book Three of the Travers Brothers Series)
By Rita Hestand
Hannah's Man
By Rita Hestand
Smashwords Edition
Hannah's Man
Copyright© 2009-2013 Rita Hestand
All rights reserved
Dedication:
To all the young couples who wait faithfully for their wedding night to have
sex, this book is dedicated to you. God Bless you….Rita Hestand
Chapter One
The cold north wind slashed across Rusty's face like a sharp slap, as he pulled his sheepskin jacket closer and marched to the ranch house as though the devil himself were chasing him. Rusty drew breath. He wondered why Deke had sent word to come to the house. Must be something important to have pulled him off post hole digging, Rusty pondered as he dusted his boots off before entering the house. His hands felt numb and he could barely turn the knob.
Warmth invaded him as he opened the door, the flickering firelight invited him in. Home sweet home, he smiled as he let the warmth seep slowly through him. He moved deliberately toward the welcoming fire and saw his brother standing resolutely at the big window, staring out. Noticing the tense stance, the vague greeting, and the silence in the room, Rusty knew there was something wrong. He took his hat off and smoothed his thick russet hair back, then replaced his hat.
"Deke, is something wrong?" Rusty watched his brother closely as he shrugged out of his jacket and thrust his hands out toward the welcome warmth of the fireplace.
"I'm afraid so, bro." Deke rocked on his boots, not bothering to turn around and look at his younger brother.
Rusty rubbed his hands together, noting the tingle running through them. He knew better than to warm up too fast. That kind of tingle could last for hours. He backed away and let t
he warmth seep through him, slowly. He ached from sitting the saddle so long, and his muscles had been stretched to the limit using that post hole digger this morning, but he wouldn't complain. He was doing what he loved. Not many men could say that. He had an idea Deke didn't want hear about how he felt at the moment, either. Something was on his Deke's mind and he instinctively knew he wasn't going to like it from the scowl lining his brother's face.
"Well come on bro, spit it out, I gotta get that post hole digger back to town before noon."
Deke turned slowly to eye his brother, his expression grim and Rusty knew it was bad news of some sort. Deke wasn't usually this slow at coming to the point.
Then Rusty spotted the letter laying on the coffee table, as though it had been read a time or two, the way the paper curled at the edges. Oh God, someone died. For one fleeting second he thought about his brother Jake, who was the Sheriff over at Peaceful. But surely, not Jake! He was too young and stubborn to die. He thought of his aging father, but knew there would be no letter because his father lived here on the ranch. Then who died? Uncle Dan? No, he wouldn't believe it.
"Your remember George O'Leary?"
Rusty let out a long held breath, the relief he felt warmed him, then he tossed the name around in his head and nodded.
"Vaguely."
"He's the one that took your mama to the hospital the night you were born." Deke informed him.
A grim line formed on Rusty's face, a night he wish he could have changed a million times over. "Yeah."
"You may not appreciate him much, Rusty, but if he hadn't have..."
"Yeah, I know the story Deke." Rusty couldn't hide his frustration from his brother, he knew him too well.
But darn it, he'd have given his own life, to save his mother's, if he'd had a choice.
Deke frowned at him again. "Maybe you do, and maybe, just maybe you should hear it again."
"I don't need to." Rusty turned away from Deke, his words slurred with emotion. "I know it by heart."
Deke shook his head.
"If he hadn't taken mother to the hospital when he did, I might not have been here either. If her time hadn't been so early and I hadn't been so healthy, I wouldn't have made it. Dad's always felt indebted to the man because of that night. Why, I'll never know. It took the only woman he ever loved away from him. It was snowing cats and dogs and Dad was nearly five hundred miles away. There's no way he could have been there on time."
