"Oh Ryan, thank you for bringing my friend to see me," Mae finally rushed to him and they also embraced.
Arms entwined around each other's waists, the women made their way to the house, while one of the ranch hands came to show Ryan where the stables were.
"Of course you plan to stay for a few days?" Mae asked barely able to get her breath, "I missed you so."
Patty wiped at tears of happiness. "If it's not an imposition, we brought provisions so we could stay in the wagon if necessary."
"I won't hear of it." Mae tugged her friend toward the kitchen where Elma was already preparing a light fare for the guests. "Oh Patty, I have so much to tell you, and want to know everything. I can't wait to hear about your new home."
Patty sat and accepted a glass of lemonade proffered by Elma and smiled up at her.
"Oh excuse my manners," Mae exclaimed. “Patricia Jacobs this is Elma. She was my father's caregiver. And she's remained here as a godsend to me."
Elma's puffed her chest with pride at her words. "Senorita Mae is a saint."
Alan came to announce Ryan remained in the stables visiting with John, so Patty ate a small repast while Mae kept her company bringing her up to date on what had transpired since they'd parted ways.
Patty then informed her they'd established into a small home less than a day's ride away. Ryan's father was having a hard time relinquishing the church over to his son. Instead of participating in the tug-of-war with him, she and Ryan were planting a new church near their home. Mae clapped at the news. They'd be closer, and she could see her friend regularly.
After Patty ate the small meal, they moved to the front room and continued their discussion. Patty's keen eyes took Mae in. "I notice a certain sadness in your eyes, in spite of your initial joy at seeing me. What happened between you and John?"
"It's what I've come to expect," Mae replied. "He's moving, taking his darling son with him. He's come to care for me Patty, I am sure of it. Although, I am not sure he loves me enough to marry me even without the obstacle of my past."
"I'm so sorry," Patty shook her head. "Men can be so pig-headed. I mean why does he not see his son needs a mother and accept he loves you. And unless things have changed, John McClain does." Patty huffed. "And to think he plans to rip that child away from you. It makes me so angry."
Mae smiled at seeing the diminutive women hit her fist into the palm of the other hand. "Please Patty, let's leave the conversation for another day. Tell me, are you with child yet?"
Patty's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I am beginning to think God is never going to bless us with a child."
John stood by and watched the stable hand shoe the new workhorse. His stomach rumbled, and he wondered at the time.
"Well there you are," Ryan Jacobs approached, a soft curve to his lips. "It's good to see you John."
Genuinely glad to see the familiar face, John went to greet the man and they shook hands. "Well, it’s great to see you. I wondered how long it would be before you and Patricia would come and see about Mae. She's mentioned once or twice at wanting to come to see you."
"To be honest, if it were up to my wife, we'd come a month ago. She's been anxious to see her friend. Driving me crazy with it actually." The warmth in Ryan's eyes told he was happy to indulge his wife.
"You are still limping," Ryan stated. "Is the leg still giving you problems?"
"Not as much," John replied and knocked on the wooden lower part. "Not as much friend."
Ryan laughed.
Once the men made their way back, they walked into to a house full of activity. Mae helped Patricia settle their things into her father's old bedroom while Wesley immediately took to Ryan, the boy showing him his collection of wooden horses.
The conversation over dinner flowed easily, and John was surprised to find how much he missed the Jacob’s company. They were an amazing couple whose easy-going personalities brought ease.
Mae eyes were brighter, and she smiled more than she'd done in days. The visit was a great distraction for them after the countless days of tension.
This could be his life. He was fully aware of it, yet he could not take deny what he'd knew. Upon studying Mae when she stood to get the pot of coffee, full of elegance and grace, he felt stronger about his decision. She deserved a whole man, a better man than he could ever be.
Two days later, they ate outside, an impromptu picnic planned by the women.
Although the air was brisk, it remained warm enough outdoors so the party lingered outdoors after the meal. The ladies had brought out a Sears and Roebuck catalog, their heads together as they studied the pictures, while Wesley, who'd worn himself out playing, napped on a blanket nearby.
Ryan joined John a short distance away where he fished, more to pass the time than to catch anything, it was too late in the day for it. "These are beautiful lands."
"That they are," John agreed. "A perfect place to live."
"John?" Ryan got his attention. "I know you're not married to Mae. I also know why you said you were and I understand why you did."
John continued to fish wondering what Ryan planned to say next.
"Patty tells me you plan to purchase land nearby and move with Wesley?" Ryan pushed his hands into his pocket and brought out a jackknife. He bent to pick up a stick, giving John time to reply.
"It was my plan all along, to find my son, maybe start a family and settle down. I didn't plan to lose a leg and become a cripple in the process." His line became tangled and John wiggled the pole and tugged it. "So, yes it's true, just earlier this week, I found a place, plan to make an offer on it."
"I see," Ryan replied, his knife making short work of the small stick he held. "What about your life here? It seems to me, you have the perfect family already?"
John followed Ryan's line of sight to where the women sat. "Mae deserves a whole man for a husband."
"Is that what she says?"
John remained silent, not ready to share his reservations about her background and of the backlash a marriage to someone with a stigma like hers attached.
"You know," Ryan began. "The Lord says there is no one sin bigger sin than another. A sin just is. Whether you commit a sin or judge a sinner who does, both are the same."
"I admit I am nowhere near perfect, but I do try," John replied. "But some things are hard to move beyond."
"Yes, it's hard for us as humans to change the way we think and feel about what others may think, say or do. Especially when it comes to certain professions." Ryan lifted his eyes to meet his, and John felt his own widen. He knew.
"But," Ryan continued, his attention back to the whittling. "An honorable person will look into another's character and see them for who they are. Certainly love helps." Ryan threw what was left of the stick down. "Seems to me the problem is here." He pressed his fingers to the center of John's chest.
"I need to drag my wife back and get packing so we can make our leave at dawn. Hopefully we can get home before too late. I have much to do."
John pulled the line from the water and held out his hand. "I look forward to coming to your church. You are a rare man Ryan Jacobs. Someone I have come to think of as a friend."
With a smile Ryan shook his head. "Well I try. Just think on what I've said. Maebelle is one of the most generous, kindhearted women my wife and I have ever met. It'd be a shame for prejudice stand in the way of a relationship with her."
"Like I said, she deserves a whole man, not a cripple," John forced himself to keep his gaze from wandering away from the man's who stood before him.
"And like I said, you should let her decide," Ryan curved into his signature soft smile, and he hugged John's shoulder before both headed back to where the women were now packing the picnic items.
John watched as Mae laughed at something Patricia said, then turned and gathered Wesley into her arms.
He had to leave, perhaps sooner than later, else he'd find it impossible to do so.
20
Mae stirr
ed cream into her tea and listened to John and Elma discussing his questions regarding Wesley's propensity to always watch him so closely.
Elma answered while moving about completing her chores. "Senor, I think it's more he admires you. Most little boys want to grow up to be like their father, so they study closely while growing up. My boys did the same with their father."
John's eyes slid to her, but she decided it was best to abstain from commenting, as she'd never spent much time around children other than Wesley. How she'd taken naturally to John's son surprised her.
"I'm relieved to hear it Elma, thank you. Well ladies, I have to go see about the harvest. It's almost done. Once everything is gone to market, there will be more time for rest." He cleared his throat. "Mae, have you decided who you will hire as overseer? Alan is a good candidate. Not much needed to be done in order to train him to take my place."
With practiced perfection, Mae kept from showing any emotion. "Yes, I have to find a good substitute for you, John." She emphasized the word you and he arched a brow obviously understanding her underlying meaning. "I will hire Alan as the overseer."
"He will be glad to hear it," John's clipped reply made her gloat inside at the small victory of a direct hit. "
"I'll let him know about it later today," Mae told him a smile curving her lips. She would not let him know how much his impending departure hurt. She leaned forward and peered at him. "Does this mean you've come up with a departure date? What about Wesley?"
"Yes," John blinked and looked around. Elma had walked out, giving them privacy. "When we go into town tomorrow, I will inquire as to my funds and the land. I don't foresee it being much longer than a week at most."
"It gives you plenty of time to go over things with Alan and since the other two men will be done for the most part with their chores. Feel free to hire them to help you set up. I think Alan can cover things here. If need be, I'll help him with any matters which come up."
"You?" John growled out. "What do you know about ranching?"
"I can learn," she stuck her chin out at him. "What about Wesley?" She repeated keeping her voice level.
"I agree with you. It's best he remain here for the time being. I'd like to make arrangements between us so I can see him regularly. I am grateful you offered to care for him." John stood.
Mae followed suite. "He can stay as long as necessary. As a matter of fact, I'm hopeful that you will allow me to continue to see him. I know that once he is older you may have some reservations, yet I care for him."
"Of course," John replied. His abrupt words did not tell his thoughts.
Satisfied that at least she'd keep Wesley, Mae relaxed. "Speaking of which, I best go see if he's awake. Have a good day John."
John's hand on her elbow stopped her and Mae looked down at him.
His gaze searched her face. "I don't know what to say to you Mae. This is not an easy thing for me."
"What are you trying to tell me John that you haven't already made plain? You may care for me, but whatever obstacles you've created are too large to get over."
He looked away, but remained silent.
Furious now, she shrugged her arm out of his hand and left the kitchen.
The horses' canter along with the light breeze made the trip to town the next day enjoyable. For the most part lost in his thoughts, John tried to keep from looking to his right side where Mae sat. They went to town together, John guiding the horses while Mae sat next to him on the bench with enough space between them to fit a basket. He knew this because she'd placed one there upon sitting down.
The ride, though just a couple hours, brought back memories of their time together all those days to get to Texas, and John was pressed not to recall the many things which happened since. He slid a glance at Mae. She sat relaxed with a serene expression on her face.
"Miss Lady's visit not too long after the Jacobs' must make you happy. It will fill the emptiness after the Jacobs' departure," John told her in hopes of starting a conversation no involving his eminent departure.
Mae's smile showcased her deep dimples. "Yes it does. I have missed her so much. She brings Lucinda, her daughter with her since she felt uncomfortable traveling for such a long distance alone."
"How long will she remain?"
"I don't know. I hope indefinitely. There is much to decide and talk about. Once she gets settled, I will ask her to remain at least as long as I do."
She still planned to leave. "I didn't know you were planning to return east." John kept his tone remained neutral in spite of the now rapid heartbeat.
"I don't know yet for sure. Part of me has grown to like Hawkins' lands, but when you and Wesley move and Miss Lady leaves, I may grow lonely. I am not sure I want to remain here with only Elma for company. Like I said there is much to decide." Mae leaned forward when the town came into view. "Oh dear it looks like the stagecoach has arrived. I hope they've not waited too long." She rubbed her palms on her skirts and shifted in her seat.
John smiled at her excitement. "It looks to me they've only just arrived. Look they are still unloading the baggage." He found a place and reigned in the horses, then climbed down and helped Mae to do so as well. He held her hand as she ascended, the warmth of it taking him by surprise. Mae hesitated before drawing it away, but accepted his arm to lead her across the packed dirt walkway to the stagecoach station.
Several townspeople turned and greeted them, most of them casting curious glances at them and then whispering to each other about who they were. No doubt, they'd heard of Hawkins' daughter, but from the looks of regard, talks of her beauty had not done her justice. Oblivious to the stares, Mae greeted several folks with warm smiles and even stopped to admire a woman's baby, much to the young mother's delight.
Miss Lady waited outside the station. She stood with her back straight and waited for them to approach. With a squeal of delight, Mae threw her arms around the diminutive lady and kissed her face. "Oh Miss Lady, I have missed you so much," Mae wiped an errant tear away. "I can't believe you're here." She turned a bright smile on John and he went to greet Miss Lady.
"Well look at you Captain McClain. You look well recovered," Miss Lady regarded him up and down. "I'd say living out west suits you well."
John kissed her cheek and picked up her bag. "Thank you Miss Lady, how was your travel?"
"Too long for this old woman, just too long," Miss Lady replied taking Mae's arm and walking briskly toward the wagon, not seeming to be tired at all. Lucinda, who John remembered from the brothel, picked up the other bag and followed behind them, her bright red dress and saunter causing several townsmen to take notice.
The ride back was filled with chatter, the women catching up what occurred since they'd left Virginia. John remained quiet, only answering when they asked him something directly. Mae told Miss Lady about her father's dying and described the ranch and each of the people who worked there. When she described Joshua, John couldn't help but noticed she went into significantly more detail, telling of his height, hair, color and body build.
Miss Lady asked him about Wesley, when Mae told her about his son, but as usual the woman was wise enough not to ask the nature of his relationship with his son's mother. Although Mae did not tell Miss Lady of what happened to his leg, John got the impression her discerning eyes had already figured it out.
Upon approaching the ranch, the two newcomers gushed about the beauty of the lands and house, which made John study the sight before him as well. The pecan tree lined road to the ranch house was indeed picturesque and the soft rolling hills, upon where horses and cattle grazed definitely gave a sense of wellbeing. This was what he envisioned his home would evolve to once he purchased it and worked it a few years. Not as large, but he intended to make it prosper.
21
Alan waited with Elma behind the house when John pulled the cart with the visitors around to the back. Once they stopped, he went to the rear to unload the trunks only to stop when a slender woman joined him and began tug
ging at a smaller one.
"I've got this ma'am," he told her while at the same time putting his hand out the stop the trunk from sliding.
Almond shaped eyes met his, and the woman huffed taking a step back. "Fine, if you want to break your back then go ahead."
At a loss for words, he could only stare at her. In a bright red dress, with short matching gloves, the slight woman looked to weigh much less than the trunk she'd attempted to unload. Flawless caramel skin, her heart shaped face was framed by dark curls. She brought a gloved hand over her brow to shade her eyes from the sun and raised an eyebrow at him. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I -- I'm sorry miss, you took me by surprise." He felt his face heat up and turned away to the trunks. "I'll get this right in if you wish to go on in."
She didn't move, actually seemed reluctant to follow Mae, Elma and the older woman who were already in the kitchen. Arms filled with parcels, John followed after them and went inside.
"My name is Lucinda Roberts," she said.
The truck was heavy, but he held it without moving toward the house. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Alan Murphy."
Lucinda didn't smile. "Yes, well I suppose I should go on in." Her eyes lingered toward the house, but she did not move.
Alan placed the trunk back on the wagon. "Why don't we walk a bit? I can show you around."
Relief poured from her and she bobbed her head up and down. "I would like that. It's a nice day, thank you."
When she slipped her hand through his arm, a sensation like of finally taking a deep breath after holding it for years, took him by surprise. He guided her away from the house toward the paddock so she could see the horses and colts grazing. They stopped before a fence and she placed her hands on it seeming to take it all in. "It's beautiful here." She blinked several times and took a shaky breath. "Momma needs to be here."
"What about you?"
There was a challenge in her eyes when she straightened her shoulders and met his stare dead on. Gone was any sign of vulnerability, any softness. Like clouds taking away sunshine, shadows covered any sign of openness. "I don't belong anywhere." The curve to her lips being more cruel than friendly caught his attention. "Except maybe the brothel from which I just came from."
Westbound Awakening Page 14
