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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Bending to pick up his shovel Chase announces to Andy, “At least we will be digging inside the barn.” As anticipation forms in the pit of his stomach Chase winks at Stephanie, “I know this is going to be the right place.” Nodding to Andy Chase confirms, “I feel it in my gut.” Laughing Andy picks up his own shovel as he follows Chase.

  Spinning on her heels Stephanie moves to the quilt, as she begins to pack up the food Maria joins her. “When Archie touched my face it was cool, not cold.” Puzzled Maria touches her cheek the same spot as Archie’s hand had been. “I can’t believe I met a ghost and didn’t freak out.” Laughing at her thoughts, “You tried to tell me, but then things got crazy, but I did suspect something I just didn’t think you meant a real ghost.”

  Kneeling on the blanket Stephanie stops putting the food in the basket, “Maria, I know this has been a lot to take in, but when it comes to Archie, I don’t think of him as a ghost. He is my Uncle. I love him.” Picking at a loose thread on the quilt, “Until I met Archie, I didn’t think true love existed. But his love for my Aunt Della taught me love can grow and flourish. Their love for each other has made me realize love can overcome all obstacles.”

  “I understand; I really do.” Maria gathers up the garbage, stuffing it in a plastic bag to be thrown away at the house. “It seems I am always saying the wrong thing today. I meant no disrespect to Archie or you.”

  Smiling sadly Stephanie begins putting the items in the basket, “I wasn’t criticizing you; I guess I was trying to explain my relationship with Archie. I meant it when I told him I would miss him. He is the only family I have.” With the basket packed Stephanie and Maria stand up, Stephanie lifts the blanket after she folds it she drapes it over her arm as she starts the walk back to the house, leaving Maria to bring the basket.

  Passing the open barn doors they hear a shout of glee, eyeing each other for a second the ladies then hurry inside. Stopping beside the hole they look down as Chase and Andy continue to brush the dirt from the trunk with their hands. Both men look up at the ladies with wide grins on their faces. “Oh my goodness, you found it!” Stephanie laughs out loud. Grabbing Maria she spins around in a circle.

  Maria laughs along with Stephanie, her excitement contiguous. When Stephanie stops spinning, Maria looks down at the trunk, “Wow that is a really huge chest.” Staring at the trunk she estimates the chest is three feet wide, two feet deep and two feet high.

  Both men grab the side handles, “On three let’s lift.” Chase begins counting, “One..two…three.” Grunting they tug upwards, however it only moves a few inches. “We need to remove more of the dirt. Then we can slide the shovels under the bottom and lift up.”

  Scratching his chin Andy looks down at the trunk, “That may work. This is heavy; you said JoEllen wrote one man buried this?” Doubting one man could have carried the trunk placing in here, Andy stares down calculating the weight.

  Eager to get the gold out of the ground Stephanie shifts her weight from one foot to the other as the men dig further exposing the trunk. grinning.

  Smiling in responds Archie stares at the trunk. Thinking about the content he prays this will end his dilemma, with the trunk now located maybe his duty to protect the coins is over. Was this the cause he was stuck here, to keep the gold from thieves? Would he now be able to join his Della?

  Maria takes a step backwards pulling Stephanie with her as the men try again to lift the chest. This time the women count, when they reach ‘three’ the men using both hands tug on the handles, as the chest breaks free from the ground Stephanie squeals with delight. Maria smiles at her enthusiasm, bending down on her knees she helps guide the chest up and over the edge of the opening.

  Stephanie stoops beside Maria, “This is so amazing. I didn’t really believe the gold would be found.” Grinning at Chase she takes another step backwards to allow him and Andy to climb out of the hole.

  Using the bottom of his shirt Chase wipes the sweat from his face. “Do we have any water left?”

  Reaching into the basket setting on the ground Maria removes two bottles of water, handing one to each man she watches as Stephanie examines the markings on the lid. Noticing their next obstacle Maria questions, “There are two locks on the front. Anyone have the keys?”

  Sensing Archie, Stephanie glances over her shoulder “We found the chest, just where you said.”

  Taking the bottle away from his mouth Andy grunts, “Hell, now what?”

  Raising her eyes to Archie Stephanie asks, “Archie, is this the chest you were transporting?”

  Glaring at the strongbox Archie just nods his head. This is why he had been killed, why all his men were killed. This trunk was the cause of Della’s parents and Mitch being killed. This trunk has cause a lot of bloodshed. Not wanting to remind the others of this fact Archie remains silent.

  “Well since Archie confirms this is the chest he was to deliver, I think we need to get it to the house.” Handing Stephanie his empty water bottle Chase bends down to grip the handle. With Andy on the other side they lift the trunk, walking slowly they begin carrying the chest across the barn.

  At the barn door they set the chest down; they rub the sweat from their hands, using their shirts. With a nod from Chase Andy once again grip the handle then they lift the chest. As the women follow slowly behind the men, they all move slowly to the patio. Depositing the chest in the middle of the floor, the men shake their hands; loosen the muscles from the stain of the weight of the trunk.

  Chase kneels on the floor to inspect the locks. The rust and dirt will make it impossible to remove without damaging them. “I hate to break these, but Honey I don’t know any other way to open the chest.” Chase notices the medal chest also has rust this may be easier to break in through one of the weak areas. “Let me get my tools from the mud room, I may be able to open it without damaging the locks.”

  Stephanie had sat down on a chair at the table, as she looks at the box she asks, “Archie, do you think us finding this will release you?” Peering up at Archie, Stephanie sees him frowning as he stares at the chest. The contents of this chest could never make up for the loss of lives it has caused. The excitement of finding the gold is out of her system; the adventure has ended. Rising from her chair Stephanie moves to stand beside Archie, placing her hand over his she gives him a sad smile when he raises his eyes to her.

  Andy and Maria exchange looks but remain silent. Walking out the door Chase senses a change in their attitudes. Concern for Stephanie Chase asks, “What’s wrong Honey?” Stopping in front of her Chase searches her eyes; not liking the sadness he sees, Chase leans over kissing her lightly on her lips.

  Laying her hand on Chase’s arm Stephanie halts him from moving away, “Chase, maybe we shouldn’t open the chest.” At his raised eyebrows she continues, “Well the chest has caused a lot of pain. Do you think it’s cursed?” Frowning up at him Stephanie endures his silence as Chase ponders her question.

  Placing his hand over hers Chase respects Stephanie’s fears, “Honey, this gold did not cause the pain; it was the greedy humans that did the killing.” Nodding toward the chest he continues, “This chest was found on your property, therefore it belongs to you. If you don’t want it open, if you just want to leave it as is, that is your choice. A decision I will honor.” Smiling slightly he rests his forehead against hers.

  Clearing his throat Archie moves to stand by the trunk, “Chase, you are correct in your analyze of the situation. This metal box did not do the killing; it was men with gluttony in their hearts.” As everyone turns to stare at him Archie briefly closes his eyes, upon opening them he assurance them, “I felt hatred for this box, but now I have an understanding of the circumstances surrounding mine and the other deaths.” Holding up his hand to stall interruptions, “I think you should open the chest and use the gold however you see fit. This gold now belongs to Stephanie; I deliver it to you for your sole possession.”

  It took Chase and Andy several hours to penetrate the side of the ch
est; even covered withrust the steel was sturdy. Once the side was accessible Chase began removing the coins. As he handed them to Andy, Andy would pass them to Maria and Stephanie. The women then stacked the coins in columns of twenty. Placing the last coin on the table, Stephanie sits back to stares at the multitude of columns. Slowly Stephanie begins to count as she does this; the others stand around the table staring at the coins. “Oh my, there are three hundred piles of coins; each stack has twenty which means there is a total of six thousand coins.” Eyes wide with amazement Stephanie stares at Chase.

  Maria looks at Stephanie, grinning she exclaims, “You are defiantly a rich lady.” Moving from the table Maria leans down to inspect the locks on the chest; looking over her shoulder she observes, “I think these locks are silver, I bet they would be worth a fortune. You may want to check into these too.”

  Andy strolls over to examine her findings. “Chase I agree with Maria, these seem to be made of silver. The price for pure silver is almost as high as gold.” Whistling at the bounty of the treasure he grins at Stephanie.

  Chase picks up a stack of coins, as he slides the coins back and forth in his hands he mulls over the gold prices he had checked online this morning while everyone was still sleeping. Just in the ball park he figured Stephanie has about three millions dollars lying on the table. Not sure about the silver from the locks, he would have to check online at the actual listings. Chase sets the coins back on the table.

  With Maria and Andy inspecting the chest Stephanie uses this time to whisper to Chase, “I think we should give them each a stack of the coins. They want to open a security business; this may help with the startup fees.” Witnessing the agreement in his expression Stephanie smiles as Chase turns towards Andy.

  “Andy, Maria, Stephanie and I want to speak to you for a moment.” When they move to the table Chase picks up two piles of coins, he hands one to each of them. As their eyes open wide he explains, “Stephanie wants to contribute to your fund for your new business venture.”

  Maria sets her coins back down on the table, “I can’t take this. I really appreciate the kind offer, but I did nothing to deserve this.”

  Andy glances down at the coins in his hands then lays them on the table, “Maria is right, these belong to you. I too appreciate your generous offer, but I must decline.”

  Standing up straight to her full 5’3” height Stephanie gathers up the coins and hands them once more to Maria and Andy, “Chase and I consider you our friends, it will insult us if you do not accepts a finder fee. After all, Andy you dug a lot of holes today.” Grinning Stephanie begins placing the coins in the plastic tub Chase had sat on the table. “Last night I told Chase what I wanted to do if we found the gold, he agreed with my plans. The coins left will allow me to start a clinic in this town in memory of my brother Mitch.” Glancing up at Chase her eyes sparkle with tears, “I am the happiest woman with what I have, I have a wonderful man that loves me; he asked me to marry him. I am pregnant with our first child, I have an amazing extended family, I have brilliant friends, and I have a career I enjoy.” As tears slide down her cheeks Stephanie turns to Maria and Andy, “Allow us to help make your dreams come true, please.”

  Placing his arm across her shoulders Chase marvels at Stephanie’s magnificent character. She is the only person he knows who puts others before herself. Her selfless behavior concerning the gold should lift the curse she assumes is associated to the chest.

  Maria moves around the table as Stephanie faces her; she grabs Stephanie hugging tightly. “Congratulation you two and may joy follow you through your life journeys.” As the ladies step apart, Andy takes his turn giving Stephanie a bear hug. Releasing her Andy spins towards Chase extending his hand, after a hearty handshake they all begin arranging the coins in the tub.

  Dropping the last coin in the tub Chase snaps the lid on; with help from Andy they carry the tub inside the house. Deciding to put the coins in the bedroom Chase and Andy head toward the foyer. As they climb the stairs they take a break, setting the tub down. “Chase, Stephanie is an amazing lady. You take good care of her, if not you will answer to me.” Rubbing his chin he confesses, “I have grown fond of Stephanie and since her brother Mitch is dead, I feel I should take his place as family protector.”

  Lifting the tub Chase nods in agreement, “I give my solemn vow I will cherish her forever. She is my love of all ages.” “I believe you two are truly meant to be together. I accept your vow on behalf of Stephanie.” Continuing up the stairs; Andy smiles as he labors under the weight of the coins.

  Once the container is hidden in the closet Chase glances at Andy, “I think we need to go downstairs and have a small celebration.”

  Through mutual agreement they join the ladies on the patio. Chapter Seventeen Stephanie reviews her notes; she had checked several websites concerning séances. They all instructed similar formats. Mentally checking the list of needed items; something personal from the person, a picture of the person, family that loves the person and the belief to make the connection to the person you wish to contact. Having gathered everyone in the living room Stephanie explained the process they would use to contact Della. Deciding Archie needed to be the one to summon Della; Stephanie checks all items as complete.

  Stephanie motions for everyone to be seated, as they take their places on the floor in a circle, they hold the hand of the person beside them. Stephanie had placed Della’s diary in the center of the circle. The six making up the circle look at Archie as he hovers just above the book. Having decided at the last minute to ask CJ and Carrie to participate today she was over joyed when they agreed and came right over.

  Archie looks up at the portrait of Della, with his voice husky with emotions Archie begins, “Della my love, I have missed you. My love for you has not wavered; you are still my love for eternity.” Nervously he continues, “I need you with me, here or there, I need you beside me.” Looking down at Stephanie he shrugs. Not sure what else to say he looks for guidance as tears shines in his eyes.

  Understanding Archie struggle to continue Stephanie takes over, “Aunt Della, my name is Stephanie Tuney, and I am your Great Niece. I live here now and I love your home. I wish we could have met, I know we would have been friends. Archie speaks of you often; he truly loves and misses you.” Gazing at the painting Stephanie continues, “I am in love with Chase Peterson, do you remember him? He mowed your grass when he was a kid. I am also pregnant; we are expecting our baby next year in March.” Turning to Chase she smiles.

  Taking his cue from Stephanie Chase looks up at the painting, “Miss Della, you are an amazing woman; the times I spent here during the summer listening to your stories was the highlight of my days. I am totally in love with your niece; she is as marvelous as you. I pray our love will always be as strong as the love you and Archibald share.” Turning to look at his father, Chase gives the reins over to him.

  CJ looks at Archie before he speaks, with a nod he begins, “Della, we have been friends for years, even when it was only through the grapevine. We missed both you and Archibald. These past weeks Archibald and I have gotten our friendship back; it is as if the years had not gotten in our way. Speaking with him, I have learned no matter what when you love someone time away does not make the love less. He loves you, you know he needs you.”

  Carrie begins when CJ stops talking, “Della, you were like a Mother to me. When you agreed we shouldn’t see each other anymore due to the foster kids, it was the worst mistake we both ever made. I lost a Mother and you lost a daughter. I cried myself to sleep at night over losing you. With you gone now, Archibald is the one suffering. He cannot move on and without you here with him he doesn’t know how to proceed. Please come to him, give him the guidance he needs.”

  Archibald floats directly in front of the portrait. Staring up at the woman he loves he confesses, “I have wondered why I remained stuck here. I think I have finally figured it out. Yesterday as I was helping to locate the chest my guilt over the lives lost due to my
failed mission struck me in the chest. The gold did not make it to the Fort; the Union was unable to pay the soldiers therefore when not paid some soldiers deserted. The gold was also for the purchase of weapons, unable to purchase the weapons contributed to the Civil War lasting longer, thus causing more lives to be lost. I remember standing beside my body looking down at myself. I looked around at my fellow soldiers, all were dead. These men had died under my command. I was devastated as I walked to each man, saying a prayer for their forgiveness.”

  “I had pushed the guilt from my mind, my love for you allowed me to pretend I still was an honorable man. We were happy, with you I found the woman I wanted to spend my eternity with.” Not taking his eyes from her beautiful face Archibald continues, “The loss of the gold was not my fault, I realize that now. I did my job as a soldier; I protected it with my last dying breath. No man could have done more.”

  Blinking to focus clearly Archibald stands in wonderment as he distinguishes the outline of Della begin to shimmer and shift. The gasps from the others in the room don’t faze him; he continues staring at his Della. As Della establishes her womanly shape she drifts away from the portrait. Archibald smiles extending his hands, he waits for the glowing outline of the woman floating a few feet away to come to him. As she closes the gap between them Archibald is mesmerized as his Della lays her hands on his. The transparent quality diminishes allowing her youthful appearance to mirror the image on the portrait.

  “Della, my love I have missed you.” Breathlessly he asks, “How is it possible you are here with me now?”

  Giving Archibald her full attention Della smiles as she explains, “I have spent a long time trying to come back or at least help you come to me.” Staring at his handsome face she continues, “Each day we were apart I suffered, wanting to be here with you. you here.” communicate with you. Years ago I figured you being unable to move on were due to your honor as a soldier and your feelings you had failed your superiors and your men. I tried to come back to you, I wanted to explain to you why and help you recognize you were innocence.”