A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1)

by Phillips, Brenda

  Lost in thought Stephanie didn’t notice Chase watching her, it was the squeaking of the door hinges that had her turning towards the sound; she stops humming sitting back on her heels she just looks at Chase. He is dressed today in jeans and a red t-shirt, wearing the same brown suede cowboy boots. Again she reflects he looks like a sexy rancher, not like a Sheriff. “Hello Sheriff, how did you get in? I had the doors locked.” Frowning as she tries to remember the status of the door.

  “You can relax it was locked but I have the spare key. I forgot to give it to you yesterday so after knocking for five minutes I let myself in, I was concerned about you.” he had broken out in a sweat with worry. house needing to find her, to reassure himself she was alright. Not moving from where he stood, his eyes drink in the sight of her. She has her hair down making his hands itch to feel the silky stands.

  Looking at the mess around her she explains to him, “I have been exploring, the old photos in the trunk are wonderful. I love seeing the family resemblance to my brother Mitch and myself. I am sorry I didn’t hear you knock and caused you to worry.” Smiling Stephanie turns back to the trunk not waiting for him to reply. “I lost track of time just let me get these last few items out then I will get cleaned up so we can go get the rental car.”

  Moving to stand behind her, Chase leans over to look inside the trunk. He sees the journals are the only items left, leaning further down he helps her lift them out. “I’m in no hurry, today is my day off. We can take these down stairs for you to go through later. You can sit at the kitchen table while I will fix us some lunch.” As he speaks he places a few journals in her arms as he gathers the rest to carry. Turning on his heels he proceeds to the stairs.

  Giving the trunk one last look to make sure all the journals are out, Stephanie turns and follows Chase slowly; at the door she turns to look back at the trunk thinking she had heard a soft sigh. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary she continues to the stairs. Chase doesn’t tell her

  He had searched the Chapter Three Archibald is relieved now that Miss Stephanie has the journals, he will give her a few days to read them then he will show himself to her. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he seen her get out of the motorized thing yesterday. She is the spitting image of his Dear Della. The young man had seen him at the window; he had come up the stairs quickly and almost caught him before he could vanish. For years it had been just him and Della together, they would sit and talk for hours. The few times over the years when someone came to visit Della, he would just go upstairs, out of sight. Della liked it better when he could be seen by her. She always said she wanted to see who she was talking to. Smiling with glee, he decides he will enjoy talking with someone again; he wants to tell Miss Stephanie all about his Della.

  Sitting at the kitchen table Stephanie flips open the journal dated the earliest. With the kitten at her feet and Chase fixing grilled cheese sandwiches, she begins reading out loud the first entry.

  July 14th Dear Diary, Today I met Archibald. He is a wonderful man; I could fall in love with him. I may be almost in love with him now. My parents would have me committed if they knew I was falling in love with Archibald.

  He came to me in my bedroom, he asked for my help, to help him find his way out of here and to help him move on. I don’t want him to leave, but I gave him my word I would help him, and a lady never goes back on her word.

  I know when he does leave my heart will be broken. Not sure how or when we will be able to do this, but until that time I will treasure each and every day we have together.

  When Stephanie finishes reading the entry she looks at Chase, “That is so sad; she is in love with a man her parents don’t approve of. You have lived here all your life; do you know if Della and Archibald got to be together?” Debating on whether to skip some entries to find out for herself, she decides that wouldn’t be fair to Della.

  Sitting the plate with her grilled cheese sandwich in front of her Chase sets down cross the table from her, after he takes a bite of his sandwich, he address her question. “Remember yesterday at the diner when I told you I would never lie to you.” She nods so he continues, “Well, what I know about your Aunt and this Archibald is not a love story with a happy ending. Archibald was a soldier in the Union Army,” as she opens her mouth to interrupt, he holds up his hand to stop her, “Let me finish before you ask questions,” again she nods while she takes a bite of her sandwich.

  “Now where was I, oh yes, he was a soldier and was killed about seventy-five years before Della was born.” Letting Stephanie comprehend this information, he takes another bite of his sandwich. After he swallows he tries to explain, “Archibald was killed in the civil war, over by the pond on the east side of the house.” He asked for the sake of asking, “Do you believe in ghost?”

  Blinking several times Stephanie finally confides she does, however not the type of ghosts that try to kill or hurt humans. She explains she believes there are ghosts that die and are unable to move on to heaven; more spirits then ghost. She has to know his opinion so she asks the same question he just asked her, “Do you believe in ghost?”

  Smiling he lays his hand over hers, “Yes My Lady I do. I grew up in this town; I grew up with the stories of Archibald. And later I heard the rumors of Della and Archibald. When I was a teenager I would come here to do the repairs on the house and yard work for Della. I remember seeing a man standing watching me as I worked. Well not really a man, more a shadow of a man. When I told my Father about it he just said that it was Della’s beau. I didn’t think any more about it.” After another bite, he continues, “Some people in town think Della was crazy; other’s think she had a gift. I personally lean toward she had the gift that was why he appeared to her.” Now thinking back to yesterday he wonders if he had seen Archibald at the attic window.

  Releasing her hand, “Why don’t you read the next entry?” Getting up from the table he takes their plates to the sink and washes them. Placing them in the drainer he leans against the counter with his arms folded across his chest waiting.

  Not needing further encouragement Stephanie turns the page and reads aloud.

  Aug 30th Dear Diary, It has been a little over a month since Archibald came to visit me the first time. We spend an hour every evening talking about how to help him. I had suggested he tell me about his life in the army as a Union soldier. He does not tell me about the fighting, just about the weather, the riding on horses for hours and tells about some of the men getting sick and dying. How he would write his parents every night but never gets a chance to mail the letters. He tells me stories of his youth, growing up in a God fearing family. Before joining the regiment he lived with his parents in Illinois. His family owned a General Store.

  We are not any closer to finding a way to help him. But I have to admit this just so I can have it out in the open; I am in love with my Archibald. I count the hours before we are together again. I miss him when I am busy with my chores.

  My parents do not understand why I spend so much time in my room and I am unwilling to tell them my reasons. I do not want to be sent away. I would die if I was unable to see my love.

  When Stephanie gazes at Chase he sees tears in her eyes. Moving to her, Chase drops to his knees pulling Stephanie in his arms. “Oh Chase, this is breaking my heart. She loves him. How did she survive when he left her?” With his arms around her, Chase kisses the top of Stephanie’s head.

  In a low voice he informs her, “I don’t think he did leave her. I think he has been here with her all these years. Because I think he loved her as much as she loved him.” Drawing back so she could see his face, “I think he is still here now, still unable to move on.”

  “You mean he is still stuck here? Oh my goodness, we have to help him. With Della gone he has no one, no one to try to help him.” Scooting forward, she kisses Chase’s forehead. Stephanie stands up and Chase’s hands fall to his sides as he rises to his feet she continues, “I am going back to the attic. When I was leaving earlier with the journal I
could have sworn I hear a low sigh.” Almost running Stephanie heads for the stairs.

  Behind her she hears Chase following at a slower pace. Due to his long legs he is beside her in no time and they finish walking up the stairs side by side. Stopping at the attic door Stephanie looks at Chase for guidance. Shrugging his shoulder he takes her hand before they step inside the room.

  Blowing out a breath Stephanie rubs her hand together, looking at Chase she starts talking to Archibald. She begins telling him they know he is here; they are not afraid of him then continue to explain they want to help him.

  When she finishes speaking, they look around the attic waiting for Archibald to appear. After several minutes Stephanie starts walking around the room trying to think of a way to make contact. Maybe they could have a séance; when she suggests this to Chase he shakes his head no. Stephanie sits down in the middle of the floor to try again, this time using a more personal approach, “Archibald, I know you are still stuck here in limbo. I also know my Aunt Della was helping you. I would like to try to help you too. Chase and I would like to help you go be with Della. She loved you, I am sure she misses you. Don’t you miss her?” As she finishes speaking, Stephanie closes her eyes trying to clear her mind of everything but Archibald. As if she could will him to make an appearance; opening her eyes she looks at Chase.

  Chase walks over and takes Stephanie’s hand helping her to stand. Hearing a muffled sigh, they turn seeing Archibald. He is wearing his Union uniform and he looks to be in his early to mid-twenties. He is standing close to the window with the sun shining in around him it makes him seem as if he is glowing. When he moves closer to them and away from the window he becomes more solid, he now looks more human than ghost.

  Stopping a couple of feet from them he begins, “My name is Archibald Butterworth; I was a soldier in the Union army. I died the summer of 1863. For many years I have been here in this house, people would come and go; Miss Della was the first person able to see me. I am pleased you are also ‘gifted’ with the ability.” He looks from Stephanie to Chase to make sure they understand his meaning. They nod and he continues, “Over the years Miss Della and I have tried to figure out how to get me over to the other side. As you can see we were unable to discover a way to help me. I am not sure if you can help me or not but I want you to know I love Miss Della. ever seen.” could have been sisters.” He smiles stopping to gather his thoughts.

  Not waiting for him to continue, Chase asks, “Yesterday it was you at the window, wasn’t it?” Crossing his arms he looked sternly at Archibald.

  With a shameful look Archibald nods his head yes. He begins to explain, “When the ladies came to clean the house I heard them talk about Miss Stephanie coming to live here. Yesterday I heard the motorized vehicle and looked out the window; I was shocked when you saw me.” Seeing Chase’s face relax some, he finishes his explanation, “After the shock of being seen, I decided the kitten could take the blame in my place as she had wandered in She was the most wonderful beautiful woman I have

  He looks at Stephanie, “You look like her; you and she just a few hours before you got here.” Standing between the two men, Stephanie examines Archibald closely. Believing in ghost but coming face to face with one is two different things. She realizes she isn’t scared she just feels sorrow for Della and the love she had for Archibald. She also feels sorry for Archibald; since he is unable to more on. The whole situation is heartbreaking. Determined to continue Della promise to help Archibald to the other side, where ever that was, Stephanie lays a hand on Chase’s arm to get his attention, “I think we should go pick up the rental car after we get back I can look up some history on the internet. come up with a solution.”

  Downstairs Stephanie fetches her purse while Chase fills the bowls for the kitten. Ready to leave Stephanie tells Archibald they will be back soon then closes the door, locking it before moving across the porch.

  Chase assists Stephanie in the car, fixing the seatbelt to avoid her ribs; he leans in and kisses her lips before moving to the other side of the car. Once he is inside he starts the engine, as he drives down the lane he asks, “So how are you feeling? Ribs still hurt?”

  Needing the distraction Stephanie answers his questions, “My ribs are better. I had a headache last night and ended up falling to sleep on the loveseat.” She didn’t mention her dizzy spell as there is no reason to worry him. Turning in her seat so she can see him better she asks “By any chance do you know where my cell phone is? Last time I seen it I had put it in the console of the car. After unpacking last night I noticed it was gone.”

  Chase glances at Stephanie then back to watch the road, “I didn’t see it in the car when I got your suitcases and purse. But honestly I didn’t look for a cell phone. I just figured if you had one it would be in your purse. Isn’t that where most women put their cell phones?” Trying to lighten the mood he gives her a wink.

  “Very funny but I am not like most women.” hear him say he knows that? What does he mean? need my cell phone. I was just checking with you first, guess I can call Michael, I can have him send me a new one.” The drive back Maybe we can find something to help us

  Chase agrees as they leave the attic. Did she just “Sorry but I to Darrin County didn’t take long, shifting back to face forwards Stephanie looks out her window just in time to see the car rental company to their left.

  Pulling in the parking lot Chase informs Stephanie he will call the junk yard to request they check for her phone; if they find it he will go pick it up before he follows her home. Telling him thank you as she exits the car she shuts the door. While she is doing the paperwork, Chase phones the junk yard. Within minutes he is told the phone is there, it had been under the seat but they had found it.

  Walking with Stephanie to her rental car Chase notifies her he is going to the junk yard to retrieve her phone. He will be back in about an hour. Stephanie nods her head in agreement than informs him she is going to go pick up a few more groceries however if he isn’t back she can drive home since she remembers the way. Sitting in the driver’s seat Stephanie glances at Chase then puts the car in gear leaving him standing in the parking lot as she drives away.

  Hearing a noise at the back door Archibald materializes in the kitchen; thinking Stephanie hadn’t been gone long, she must have forgotten something. Wondering how he missed the sound of the vehicle he sees the outline of a man at the back door. The man tries turning the door knob but finds it’s locked. Archibald actually jumps at the sound of the window pane in the door breaking. When a man’s arm comes through the opening he knows it is not Chase. Frustrated Archibald watches as someone breaks into the house again. Turning he tells the kitten to go hide; he turns back to the door just as it opens allowing the man to enter the kitchen.

  The man is wearing a hood over his head and dressed all in black clothing. Archibald knows by his body shape and the way he walks this is the same man that had been here before. It was just a few months before Della had passed away; they had been talking down by the pond. Upon their arrival back to the house Della had heard a noise as they moved through to the kitchen a man, this man, had pushed passed Della knocking her to the floor as he ran out the back door. Unable to help Archibald had just stood there watching as his Della had struggled to her feet.

  She had been mad but thankfully not hurt; his Della had a temper. She had wanted to go after the man but hadn’t when Archibald asked her not to. Instead she had called the police, while waiting for Sheriff White they had walked through the house checking to see if anything was missing. When the Sheriff arrived Della told him nothing was missing but the window in the mudroom had been broken. He had gone to check then after he filled out the report he told Della it was probably some kid wanting to see her ghost.

  Archibald focuses on the man now in the kitchen, as he watches the man walks to the table glancing at the items laying there. He picks up Della’s journals; he flips through them than tosses them back down. Archibald follows the man as he walks upstairs
heading straight for the attic. The man moves to the open trunk looking inside then moves to a stack of boxes, lifting the top one he places it on the floor. Looking inside the man sees it is only some old clothes so he throws it across the room. Getting the next box he checks the contents; this one has old house documents so he sits the box on the floor, kneeling beside it he begins removing the ledgers, he looks through each one carefully. As he starts reading the last one, he laughs loudly causing Archibald to jump. The burglar rises to his feet sliding the ledger in his jacket. He leaves the attic, walking down the stairs he continues moving through the house then out the back door.

  Archibald stands in the attic staring at the mess the man left. Wishing he was able to touch humans or move heavy objects; however, the most he can do is a feather light touch, more like a faint breeze. Archibald admits to himself he wishes he could have picked up that man throwing him down the stairs. This man had hurt his Della and now has stolen from Miss Stephanie.

  Aggravation fills him at his inability to stop that man. Feeling useless he paces the attic wondering why the man has taken that ledger, it was from the year he had died. The ledgers only contain numbers with a few handwritten notes. Nothing had seemed valuable when he and Della had read through them.

  Giving a sigh of relief he is thankfully Miss Stephanie hadn’t been home. Cursing his situation he floats downstairs to wait for the Sheriff and Miss Stephanie to return.

  As Stephanie pushes the cart with the purchased groceries to her car she notices Chase’s car parked beside her rental. Smiling she continues to her car watching as Chase climbs out of his car to wait by her trunk. Stephanie presses the button to open the trunk and hears the pop of the lease switch. Chase raises the trunk the rest of the way up then helps Stephanie put the grocery bags inside.

  When they finish loading the trunk Stephanie pushes the cart to the cart rack then moves back to her car. Approaching the rental car she considers buying one like this when her insurance company gets done with the paperwork from her accident. The light blue Focus is actually fun to drive. It handles good and the take-offisnice.