A New Day

by Nancy Hopper

  Gloria's eyes filled with tears. She put up a hand to stop him. "Son; do you know that we trust you?" she asked gently.

  "That doesn't excuse the way I've treated you. I want you to know that it was never intentional. I guess I was just fighting so hard to keep my head above water, that it never occurred to me what you must be going through. Please forgive me."

  "Son, we could tell that you were under enormous pressure." Jerome reassured him. "There's no need for you to ask forgiveness."

  "Perhaps it was the greatest compliment you could have paid us." Gloria said thoughtfully. Tim looked at her as though she'd lost her senses. She smiled, and explained.

  "You never questioned our love and support. It obviously never even occurred to you that we might question your behavior. And so, it is just a testimony of your trust in us, and our trust in you. Although it was painful, I think really, in retrospect, I like the way you handled things. I can't say that it was always easy, but it was perhaps for the best. We were worried, but we had nothing to give the press, so they left us pretty much alone after the first rush. I think that if I’d known the truth of what you were going through, I’d have been in a lot more torment."

  Tim could see that she meant it. Tears welled in his eyes, and he had to close them, to contain them.

  "What I do want more information about, Timothy, is this whirlwind romance of Dana's." She went on sternly.

  Tim sighed. "That , thankfully, I know more about than anybody, except James." He said, glad of the diversion.

  "Son, don't you suspect that this is on the rebound?" Jerome asked worriedly.

  "If it is, James will make a place for himself in her heart." Tim assured them. "But I don't think it's anything of the kind. James has been watching her and waiting for a chance to get close to her, for two years. I tell you, they were made for one another. He’s prayed his way into this relationship. I know it’s sudden, but I believe that Dana is just responding so quickly because she’s getting the green light from the Holy Spirit."

  "So, you know him quite well?" Gloria asked.

  "Very well, actually. He and I have been skiing together for about three years. He has been in Music ministry at a church that I know well. We've become very close. "I was a bit surprised when he told me he'd set his cap for Dana, but I can't say I'm sorry. I made it my business to know him very well after that, just the same."

  James and Dana walked in just as the words were spoken. Dana's eyes were sparkling, and she was grinning from ear to ear.

  They no sooner had their coats off, than the doorbell rang. Exchanging surprised glances with her parents because of the hour, Dana went to the door. She was astounded to find herself face to face with Rick Snyder.

  "What are you doing here?" she demanded quietly.

  He pushed past her, and entered the living room. "That's not a very nice greeting." He accused sarcastically. He looked around the room haughtily, and smiled with a disrespectful leer at Tasha. He gave Timothy a glittering, hateful look before he turned back to Dana.

  "I came to tell you I really didn't enjoy being arrested." He answered smoothly. "And to ask you why you're letting James Burton paw you. Don't you think it's a little soon to be panting at another man's touch? Or does he know that I was the first one to get you in bed? Did you tell him, Dana? Did you tell Mommy and Daddy you were a very bad girl?"

  "Rick, I have a restraining order against you, and so does Tasha." Dana informed him angrily. "I am going to call the police."

  "You do that, honey drop." He offered coldly. "I won’t be staying long enough to get arrested again. I just wanted to make sure that lover boy here, knew about us. He needs to know you're not the innocent little virgin you pretend to be."

  James stood up, and walked over to Rick without any particular concern apparent in his demeanor. "I know all about you." He assured Rick quietly. "And we both know Dana was innocent in what happened between the two of you. I say that you are completely responsible. And I want you to know that I'm not going to allow you to come near her, in the future. If you do, I'll protect her. You're not going to torment this family, Snyder."

  Rick glared into James' eyes angrily. "Is that a threat of physical violence, tough guy?" he taunted.

  "Take it any way you want. You're done with Dana, Tim, Tasha, Gloria and Jerome Rain. Do you understand?"

  "No. No, I can't say you're making a lot of sense. What right do you have to order me around?"

  "They are my family now." James informed him evenly.

  "Oh, ho, ho!" Rick snorted. "So you're going to marry Dana, are you?"

  "That's right." James agreed.

  "How would you like to go outside, little big man? Fight for my woman? She still loves me, you know.” Rick shot back. "You think you're so tough, show me."

  James tipped his head in acknowledgment. "If that's what it takes to get you to stay away from these people, I will. I'd rather not, though."

  "I'll bet. Come on!" Snyder challenged. "I'll bet you're too chicken to follow me out that door. But if you don't, I'll make your life miserable. And don't you think I can't!"

  James looked at Tim, and sighed. "Don't worry. I'll come. If it means you'll leave this family alone from now on." He answered quietly.

  “Fair enough.” Rick agreed. His eyes were burning with hatred.

  Dana gasped and grabbed James' arm, tears streaming down her face. James just looked into her eyes, and smiled. He kissed her forehead, then he pushed her into Tasha's arms. He winked at her. Then, he went outside, where Rick was waiting impatiently. Tim followed him.

  Dana was crying uncontrollably. "Honey, don't." Tasha soothed. But she was very worried herself, about the situation. None of them could help standing at the window. Tasha was relieved to see that Tim was just standing at a distance, keeping an eye on the two men.

  It was easy to see that Rick was taunting James, but James truly didn't appear upset by it. They were standing a few feet apart, face to face. James was just standing there, silently listening to Rick's tirade. Rick was looking foolish, gesturing wildly, while James just stood with his arms folded, waiting. Finally, Rick took a swing at him.

  James effortlessly blocked him, and delivered a punch to Rick's nose that disheveled his hair, and left him on his back in the snow.

  "Well, well." Jerome murmured in admiration.

  Dana stopped crying, and they all gaped. James knew what he was about.

  Rick struggled to his feet, holding his nose, and swung at James again. James sidestepped Rick's fist, and this time, he didn't stop at one punch. Rick's head snapped back as James nailed his nose, three times in rapid succession. Then, delivered a hook that slammed his opponent to the snow.

  Rick was slow to get up. When he did, he hastily got into his truck. He turned it on, put it in gear, and gunned it. The vehicle jumped toward James. James climbed the snow bank beside the driveway, nimbly averting the danger. But, it was close. Rick hit the snow bank forcefully, and stopped. Then he put his truck in reverse, and whirled out of the drive.

  James and Tim watched until his tail lights turned onto the highway, before they went back into the house.

  "Where in blazes did you learn how to fight like that?" Jerome asked with wonder.

  James shrugged, and grinned. "Well, I've got a lot of Japanese and a lot of Apache in me." He said quietly. "I grew up taking flack, so I studied Karate and Boxing. People don't bother me much, anymore."

  Tim chuckled. "That's why I went out there." Tim explained. "If James has to defend himself against somebody, he really ought to have a witness. He's a Black Belt in Karate and a Boxing champion."

  "Well, I hate to tell him, but I've got the whole thing on our surveillance camera." Jerome said with satisfaction.

  Tim looked perplexed.

  "I had it installed when you took Dana up to Salt Lake. I figured that old snake couldn't leave well enough alone. Tim, you're gone so much anymore, and getting so well known, I thought it would be a good idea for both of
us. Your place is a bit hard to watch from here. There are cameras on all four sides of the house."

  Tim raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it's not a bad idea." He acquiesced. "I never thought about it, I guess." He looked down at his watch. "Well, the animals are probably wondering if we forgot them completely. Do you want me to feed tonight, Dad?"

  "Oh, son. I can do it. I've just been putting it off, enjoying you kids." Jerome said tiredly.

  "I'll do it. Maybe I'll take Tasha with me. She needs an introduction to all the animals, anyway." Tim decided.

  "I'm not certain I'm ready to meet them pigs." Tasha hedged, her eyes wide with mock wildness.

  Tim laughed. "Lucas created a little inside joke about the pigs." he explained to his parents. "He got real excited about coming down here and seeing them, when he figured out that's where bacon and ham come from. As a matter of fact, I am very much looking forward to seeing the look on his face when I show him a few of those six hundred pound beauties."

  "Six hundred pounds?" Tasha echoed faintly.

  "On the hoof." Tim confirmed. "If you need a little spice in your life, try to ride one. But be sure you ask which are the mean ones, first. They don't usually take kindly to the idea." He laughed.

  "What exactly do pigs eat?" she asked faintly.

  "Just about anything that will hold still." He answered immediately. "Come on, let's go."

  Tasha rose to her feet, with eyes that showed the whites on all four sides. Jerome and Gloria exchanged a secretive smile at her obvious trepidation, but Tim didn't seem to notice. He turned to his mom, and kissed her cheek.

  “I'll see you in the morning, Mom. Do you have a barn coat, some gloves and boots Tasha can borrow?" he asked hopefully.

  "Sure, son. You know where I keep them. " Gloria agreed.

  "Thanks. Goodnight, Dad."

  "You're not coming back in?" Jerome questioned with surprise.

  "Probably not. I think I'll just drop Tasha off, and try to get some sleep."

  "Tim, when are the children coming?" Gloria asked worriedly.

  “They are very excited to meet you.” Tasha answered. "We just thought it might be better if we got their rooms ready, and gave them a little time to get used to the idea of moving. But, my father will bring them down for the wedding."

  “How lovely! It will be wonderful to have children in the house again.” Gloria said quietly.

  "And, I'm hoping that my mother will be able to come, too, though I haven't heard for sure. She lives in Italy, now. I haven’t actually seen her since I was a child. There’s so much that’s happened. So fast.” She sighed.

  “I will fill you in. We will fill you in, on every detail." Tim assured his parents. "Please be patient with me, I just … didn’t realize how much …”

  “Son, we’ll have the rest of our lives. You two go on, now. Get things taken care of, and tomorrow will be another day.” Jerome advised.

  Tim nodded. He showed Tasha to the mud room, and helped her pull on a warm, wool-lined coat, hat, some gloves and insulated rubber boots. Tim put on his sheepskin coat, boots and Stetson.

  Gloria followed them, and patted Tasha's shoulder. "Papa and I will probably turn in before you get finished, dear. Don't catch a chill, and do make sure Timothy behaves. The Wyoming mountain air tends to make him a mite bit feisty."

  Tasha rolled her eyes. "Then, keeping him in line will probably be a tall order." She predicted with a grin.

  Tim chuckled at her. She looked awfully cute. "Let's go." he urged.

  The truck was cold, and the wind was howling, with a high chill factor. Tasha's teeth were chattering.

  She found that Gloria's prediction about Tim was more than accurate. He put some hot rock music blaring on the tape deck, and reversed so hard and fast, they slid a good distance when he let off the gas. Then, he gunned the truck into gear, and spun down the lane at a speed that she found quite alarming. "What are you doing?" she asked incredulously.

  "Just cutting loose a little." He said with a grin. "Hope that doesn't upset your apple cart."

  "Well; gee, Tim. Don't you think it's a little reckless?" she suggested carefully.

  He grinned at her. "What's it going to hurt? There's nothing and nobody out here to worry about." He assured her. "This land is all ours, and the worst thing we'll hit, is a snowbank. Has a way of bouncing you back into the road." he reasoned.

  Tasha tipped her head. She supposed he was right.

  "Do you suppose you could do me a real big favor?" he asked seriously.

  Tasha gave him a wary look. "I don't know." She answered honestly.

  "Get yourself over here where you belong." He said forcefully.

  Tasha twisted her lips to keep from laughing. He growled and grabbing her waist, then effortlessly scooped her over, until she was snuggled against his side.

  She laughed hilariously. "Timothy, how do you propose to shift?" she asked pointedly.

  He gave her a burning look, and pulled her left leg over the floor shifter and planted her foot on the floor again. "Just watch me." He challenged sweetly.

  She laughed hilariously. He heard the thread of outrage and panic in her voice, as he reached between her thighs to shift down to second. The lever rested against her left inner thigh when he turned it loose. His hand fell to her thigh and stayed there as he turned off the lane toward the barn. It unnerved Tasha, completely.

  He gave her a look that let her know he was having great fun, and he wasn't quite finished. His grin turned wicked as he gunned the motor, and sent the truck spinning in a wide circle.

  Tasha grabbed for the dash and the back of the seat, and gasped for her breath. He spun circles in the snow until Tasha was roaring with laughter.

  Tim let out a loud cowboy yell and slid the truck to a stop, right in front of the barn. Then he calmly put the truck in neutral, set the brake, and got out to open the door. With that accomplished, he backed the truck into the barn, and turned off the engine.

  He grinned at Tasha, and pulled her out of the truck into his arms. "Now, I've got you and you can't get away." He whispered ominously. Tasha knew he had the keys to the truck in his pocket. He looked for all the world like a little boy playing a game, but the gleam in his eye and the feel of his strong body caused her to shudder in anticipation.

  "Tim," she chided softly, "what has come over you?" She felt a bit ridiculous suspended in his arms, with her feet dangling helplessly.

  "Wyoming moonlight madness." He advised in a low voice. He put her on her feet, and kissed her in a way that made her wonder if she was going to be able to face people at her wedding.

  Tasha felt warm breath against her cheek that definitely did not belong to her fiance, and suddenly Tim straightened quickly.

  "Hey! Cut it out now, Domino, that's an expensive hat." He growled, reaching down to the floor to pick up his Stetson, and examine it carefully. He glowered up at a very big, black Appaloosa horse with a magnificent white blanket and big black spots on his rump. The horse looked for all the world like he was very pleased with himself for lifting Tim’s hat from his head, and throwing it on the floor. The big star on his forehead bounced in the dim light as he shook his head up and down, proud of himself for grabbing the center of attention.

  "You fat punk!" Tim grumbled, putting his hat back on. "Don't you dare laugh at me."

  The horse rolled his eyes and threw his nose in the air, as though knowing Tim might attempt to avenge the prank.

  "Yeah, you're bad." Tim goaded him, patting his neck affectionately and scratching him behind the ear. "I'm going to skin you and drape you over my couch, someday." He threatened ominously. Domino just bumped him affectionately.

  There was a great deal of stomping and nickering as the horses all gave Tim notice that they were good and ready for dinner. Tasha wandered down the aisle, and saw several mares in foal and a couple of ponies. There were several Pintos, all flashy and obviously well-cared for.

  "I'll be back in a flash." Tim told her with a wink
. He climbed the ladder to the hay loft, and started knocking hay into the stalls through square holes cut into the second story floor.

  Tasha bit her lip, feeling curiosity grab hold of her. She trotted over to the ladder, and climbed up. She'd always wanted to see a hay loft. The ladder was irresistible; there’s no way she could have resisted climbing it to see what was above, and to see what Tim was up to.

  She found it not glamorous up there, but interesting just the same. There were high stacks of baled hay and naked light bulbs hanging from the peaked ceiling, every twenty feet or so. And lots of dust. She sneezed.

  Tim groaned. "Now what did you go and do that for?" he asked in consternation. He was staring at her with a frown, hands on his hips.

  Tasha gave him a wide-eyed look. "I'm sorry, darling. What did I do wrong?" she asked worriedly. "I just wanted to see the loft. Is there some reason I shouldn't have?"

  Tim pushed his hat back to scratch his head with a look of annoyance; and then snapped it back into place in a very business-like manner. "Well, doggone it, woman." He complained. He walked toward her with his rolling walk, and put his arms around her.

  "You know, it's just that men ... well, we tend to get rowdy ideas in a place like this. Boys who grow up on ranches do all their playing, fantasizing and dreaming, in haylofts." He admitted. His eyes held an earnest, regretful look that told her in no uncertain terms that it was much too late, and that he just could not be held responsible for the consequences, under the circumstances.

  "Oh. Well, I'll just go right back down." She informed him innocently.

  "Not so fast." He whispered. "Do you have any idea how many nights I've come up here, and looked out at the stars, and dreamed about you? I've always imagined you coming up that ladder. And I always imagined I’d come over here and pick you up, like this," he demonstrated, "and lay you down right over here in some nice, soft hay. And then I’d just join you, something like this."

  Tasha gasped when Tim vaulted up onto the hay bales beside her with ease, and put his knee between hers. "And it gets better from there." He warned her, with embers simmering in his eyes.

  He took his hat off, wrapped an arm around her neck, and rolled her over until she was more on top of him, than on the hay. He pulled her close enough to kiss her, and it didn't take more than a minute, before they were both on fire.