Rock Hard Daddy: A Single Dad & A Virgin Romance

by Rye Hart

  “Oh Eden, you are so lovely,” she whispered.

  We went downstairs and Jason, who was waiting to escort me to the hotel, let out a low whistle.

  “It’s a good think Clara is going to be there to chaperone you two,” he said with a wink.

  I walked into the dining room and spotted Clara and Clayton sitting at a table near the window. Clayton’s eyes found me and he stopped in mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open as he stared. Suddenly I felt claustrophobic and had to fight the urge to run from the room. Clara said something to Clayton that broke the spell and he rose at once, coming to escort me to the table.

  “Miss Eden, you look absolutely stunning,” he said, taking my hand and leading me across the room.

  Clara rose to give me a peck on the cheek as we approached the table. “My dear, you are a sight!” she exclaimed gleefully.

  I noticed Clara look between Clayton and I with a knowing smile but ignored it. All could focus on right now was not embarrassing myself in front of these two who had much more experience with fine dining and etiquette.

  “So Eden, how are you liking Colorado Springs so far?” Clayton asked once we were all settled in our seats.

  “I am loving it here,” I admitted. “The sunsets are spectacular and the people are very friendly.”

  “Yes, Aunt Clara has told me some stories of the people you’ve met at her agency. Some of them have very interesting backgrounds.”

  “Yes, that is very true,” I replied.

  “And what about you?” Clayton asked. “Have you given any thought to filling out one of Aunt Clara’s questionnaires?”

  “Good Heavens, no!” I exclaimed, blushing hotly. “I mean, I pass no judgement on those who do but it’s just not for me,” I quickly explained, not wanting to insult my employer and friend.

  Clayton nodded thoughtfully. “Well if you were to fill one out, what would it say?” he asked curiously.

  I picked up my water glass and took a long drink to quench my parched throat. Good Lord this man and his questions made me nervous. I wondered where he was going with this line of questioning but thought to myself that he was just trying to make small talk and I didn’t want to seem rude. I cleared my throat.

  “Well I guess I would say that I am looking for someone to share my life with, to be a true partner. Someone who is educated and likes to read,” I said.

  “And what about travel?” Clara asked.

  “Well yes, that would be nice as well. My trip to Colorado has piqued my interest in what else there is to see in the world,” I answered.

  “What about looks?” she asked.

  “What about them?” I replied.

  “Well do you like tall men?”

  “Yes.”

  “Blonde hair or dark?”

  “Blonde I suppose.”

  “Blue eyes or brown?”

  “Blue-“ I stopped speaking and my cheeks flushed a deep red as I looked to Clayton who was staring at me with a dazzling smile. I quickly looked away from him and swung my eyes in Clara’s direction. She looked like the cat that ate the canary, with a smile as bright as the sun. I was mortified to realize that I had just described Clayton Reeves to a tee.

  “Um, excuse me, I think I need some air,” I said, rising from the table. I gathered up my skirts and all but ran out of the dining room and out onto the patio. I took large gulps of fresh night air and jumped slightly when I felt Clayton’s hand on my elbow.

  “Eden are you alright?” he asked, sounding worried.

  I swallowed and nodded, willing my heart to slow to its normal rhythm. Clayton guided me over to a chair and helped me to sit. He perched on the chair next to me and took my hand in his.

  “Do you know what my questionnaire would say?” he asked softly.

  I shook my head, unable to speak.

  “It would say that I am looking for a spirited woman who loves her family so much that she would travel across the country by herself to be with them. A woman who befriends old ladies and helps them start a business. I would say that I’m looking for a woman who writes about her journey but is too modest to thing anyone else would be interested in her story. I would say that I want you, Eden,” Clayton finished, bringing my hand to his lips.

  “Oh Clayton, I don’t know what to say,” I gushed, my cheeks burning bright.

  “Say you’ll come back inside and finish dinner before Aunt Clara sends out a search party,” he chuckled.

  I nodded my head and allowed Clayton to lead me back into the dining room.

  The next several days were spent getting to know Clayton better. Clara declared herself able to handle the agency alone for a few afternoons, allowing Clayton and I to stroll through the streets of the city. We visited a few shops where I picked out some fabric for clothes for Rose’s baby, as well as shops where Clayton bought me sweets and flowers.

  What our courtship lacked in length, it made up for in intensity. After just one weeks’ time, Clayton and I knew without a doubt that we wanted to be together forever. Clara, Rose, and Jason were all thrilled for us and Clara and Rose couldn’t wait to start planning the wedding.

  There was just one obstacle left to overcome.

  Chapter Six

  For the next two weeks Clayton was in upstate New York convincing papa and mama that he would make me a good husband. Papa was reluctant to let his baby girl go, and so far away, but mama reminded him of what his stubbornness had done to their relationship with Rose. Papa finally agreed to give Clayton my hand and when I received that word, Rose and I danced for joy. Well, I danced, Rose waddled.

  Clayton needed to be in Boston for a few months to take care of the publishing company and I missed him terribly but we wrote to one another regularly. The days were growing shorter and the air took on a distinct chill. Winter was approaching, and with that, Rose’s due date. Things at the agency had slowed while everyone was getting their crops and cattle ready for the approaching cold so I was able to stay close to home with Rose.

  November third at four in the morning Bannon Saunders was born. He had his mother’s red hair and a pair of lungs that would wake up the neighborhood. I looked at my beautiful sister with her husband and child and I felt truly happy. I pictured that one day, Rose would be the one at the foot of the bed looking on at me with Clayton and our child. There was so much to be hopeful for now.

  With Rose recovered from having Bannon I felt it was time I headed back home. I said my goodbyes to them all and climbed in the coach to start my long journey home. I sat by the window and watched the landscape in reverse. I let my mind wander to Clayton, wondering what he was doing and if he was still as excited about marrying me as he had been nearly six months ago now. I closed my eyes and dozed, only to wake moments later with the feeling that I was being watched. Before I could even open my eyes and look up, I heard a voice that I knew so well.

  “Excuse me ma’am is this seat taken?”

  I smiled at up at him, “well I was saving it for a handsome gentleman, but I suppose you’ll do just fine,” I said, teasing.

  “Do you travel much?” he said, settling down beside me.

  “Not really,” I said. “I am just returning from visiting my sister in Colorado.”

  “Colorado is a beautiful state. I was there for a bit myself,” he said.

  “Oh? And how was your stay?” I asked.

  “It was perfect really. I went to visit my aunt and ended up falling hopelessly in love with a beautiful girl. I think I want to marry her,” he said.

  It took everything in me not to jump out of my seat. “Oh?” I said coyly. “And do you think she wants to marry you?”

  Clayton reached into his pocket and pulled out a yellow diamond ring with rubies on each side. “Well what do you think? Do you think she’ll say yes to this?” he asked.

  “Oh Clayton it’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.

  “So you’ll marry me then? Please say yes, Eden. You’ll make me the happiest man in the world,” Clayton said. />
  Tears sprung to my eyes and I threw my arms around his neck. “Yes, Clayton, yes I will marry you,” I said as he slipped the ring onto my finger.

  Mama and papa were at the station when we arrived and we were married two months later. Rose, Jason, and Bannon were there for the wedding and even Clara made the trip. Papa was excited, both his girls were married and happy. He made a toast at our reception and said he would like to have a few more grandchildren like Bannon.

  Rose spoke first. “Well Eden, you heard the man!”

  With that, everyone clinked their glasses and toasted our future.

  THE END

  Drusilla

  Chapter One

  The trees along Peach Tree Street had begun to bloom, and slowly the city of Atlanta was starting to rebuild. Sherman’s march to sea had spared little, but the people of Atlanta were determined and there were glimpses of the city’s former splendor.

  Down at the end of Peach Tree Street was the home of Doctor Timothy Montgomery; all of the town folk called him Doctor Tim. Many say his was the first face they saw when they were born, and others say he is the last face you see when you’re about to meet your maker. He was dedicated to his patients and there at the office on the side of their home is where Silla grew up watching her father and wanting to be a doctor like him. True she had the best teacher and many of the good doctor’s patients were comfortable with Silla taking care of them, but the state of Georgia their rules and one of them being women cannot be doctors. South had its decorum that said women were not doctors.

  It was three years ago that an epidemic of pneumonia hit Atlanta. The hospital and clinics were filled and at Mrs. Montgomery’s insistence, the sick were moved into the home on Peach Tree Street and tended to by Silla. With Doctor Tim busy at the hospital, it wasn’t long before Mrs. Montgomery had started to show signs of the symptoms. She kept saying it was just a cold until one afternoon she passed out tending to her son. Jake had recovered but Louise Montgomery was not so lucky. Doctor Tim was at the hospital while his wife was slowly leaving this world. As Silla held her mother’s hand and promised she’d take care of Jake and her father, Louise Montgomery smiled and took her last breath.

  Doctor Tim was inconsolable in the days that followed. His devotion to his Louise was his strength and now that rock that had grounded him for so many years was no longer there. It was Silla who had to care for the patients and as the epidemic passed it was clear that the good doctor was only a shell of what he was. He changed as the weeks turned into months, and the good doctor was home less and less. When he wasn’t at the hospital he was at the local bar, The Brass Ring. He wasn’t a drinking man but he had a problem with gambling and luck was not always in his favor. Many a time the good doctor would come home with empty pockets and Silla would have to get him in bed, only to hear him promise he’d never doing it again. Silla would hear him hours later in his room as he spoke to his Louise, taking comfort in talking to his memory of her. There were times Silla would stand at the doorway in tears knowing her father not only missed her mother, but blamed himself for not being there when she passed. As time dragged on Doctor Tim had found life without his wife was too lonely. Even though he still had his children, without Louise, Timothy just didn’t seem to want to go on. It was a dark stormy night on his way home from his rounds when his carriage turned over and he was thrown into the rain just in front of his home. Silla heard the crash and rushed into the street to her father’s side.. She cradled his head on her lap as he looked up at her.

  “I’m sorry Louise, I tried to get to you but I was too late. Forgive me Louise.”

  Silla looked down at him as tears filled her eyes.

  “I forgive you, Timothy I always will forgive you,” Silla told him, knowing that this was what he needed to hear to finally be at peace.

  He smiled at her and closed his eyes. Timothy Montgomery had gone to join his Louise, leaving Silla left to face what was to come. Three dark days followed as Silla had to care for her thirteen year brother and face the fact that she had no prospects for employment. Neighbors came to offer sympathy after the funeral and when they stopped, Silla found that they were truly alone.

  Silla was not prepared for the reading of her father’s will. It was early afternoon and she sat in Calvin Lockwood’s office as he began to read the document. Silla listened in stunned silence as Calvin read her father’s last will. With both parents gone, she was now the legal guardian of her younger brother and tasked with the responsibility of providing for him. As Calvin read on, Silla’s ability to provide for Jake dwindled. Her father had accumulated many debts and in order to pay them off, their home and possessions would be auctioned off. Silla was left with Jake and not much else. Her grief soon turned to panic.

  “I’m sorry Silla,” Calvin said sincerely. “I wish I could have saved the house for you and Jake but the collectors were insistent on getting their money.”

  “Mr. Lockwood, how long do we have before we have to leave the house?” Silla asked.

  “They are allowing you ninety days before they take over. If there is anything I can do, don’t hesitate to call on me or my wife. Your father and mother were dear friends and we will do all we can to help you.”

  “Thank you Mr. Lockwood,” Silla said numbly.

  She stood up and headed out of the office, slowly making her way back home. Not home for much longer, she thought as she stared at the structure before her. She had to find a place for her and Jake, and a means of employment to support them. With her father, gone so were his patients and she could not very well go to work as a doctor without formal education. She suddenly remembered there was a safe in the study. Her father always kept some money in there for emergencies and she prayed that he hadn’t gambled that away too. They needed something to live on until she could figure out her next move. She had ninety days. She stepped onto the porch and noticed the local paper at the foot of the door; she picked it up and continued into the house.

  “Ellie, I’m home,” she called to her faithful housekeeper as she made a beeline for the study.

  “Everything go well Miss Silla?” Ellie said as she appeared in the doorway.

  “No, everything did not go well Ellie. We have ninety days to find a new place to live. This is not our home anymore,” Silla said, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.

  “Miss Silla, what are you going to do? Why you and Master Jake will be -” she trailed off.

  Silla looked at Ellie. “Let’s not worry about that yet Ellie and don’t say a word to Jake either.”

  Yes, ma’am. I’ll get you some tea,” the housekeeper said, not knowing what else to do.

  As Ellie left the room, Silla tried to hold back the tears. She got up and turned to the back wall where the oil painting of Mama hung. Behind it was the wall safe. Slowly Silla worked the tumblers and pulled he handle to open the safe. There stacked next to her mother’s jewels was the money. Slowly she took the stacks of money and placed them on the desk. She then took out her mother’s jewels; the thought of selling them would break her heart. She sat and counted the money and to her surprise, found five hundred dollars. That would be more than enough to find a place to live and hold them over until she could find a job. Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Ellie ushered Calvin Lockwood into the study.

  “Mr. Lockwood, is there something else?” she asked hesitantly. She couldn’t take much more bad news today.

  He looked at the jewelry and the money on the desk.

  “I’m sorry. I had forgotten to mention that your mother’s jewels also must go.

  But I’m not heartless, I’ll leave you two hundred dollars.”

  “All of my mother’s jewels?” Silla said, feeling the color drain from her face.

  “I’ll let you chose two pieces Silla, one for you and one for Jake. It’s the best I can do,” he said with genuine remorse. Silla looked at him, and then took her mother’s wedding band for herself and one of her favorite broches for Jake to have.
She looked at the emerald necklace that was her mother’s favorite, and gently placed it in Calvin’s hands.

  “She always loved this this necklace. It was a birthday gift from papa.”

  She rose from the desk and left Calvin alone in the study. She needed time to herself to think, and she retreated upstairs to her bedroom sanctuary. Ninety days is all she had for a miracle to happen for her.

  Later that afternoon when Silla came down for supper, Jake was already eating. He looked up at her as she entered the dining room.

  “Mr. Lockwood told me we to move out Silla, why?” he asked.

  “Well Jake, papa had owed a lot of money to people and they had to be paid, and all we had was the house to pay papa’s debts.”

  “So where are we to live Silla?”

  “I’m working on that Jake, don’t you worry,’’ she tried to assure him.

  Silla dropped into the chair across from her bother and picked up the newspaper in hopes of locating a job. Instead, an advertisement in the classified section caught her eye.

  Wanted: A wife to work beside me on my ranch located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Reply to Boardman, Broken Spur Ranch Cheyenne, Wyoming.

  Silla read the ad over and over again, turning the possibilities around in her mind. Her first thought was Wyoming was far enough away that no one would know of her family’s shame. She noted again that this Boardman wanted someone to help with the ranch. Maybe he would settle for two people to work on the ranch instead of just a wife. The more she thought about it the more ridiculous it sounded. Neither Jake nor she knew anything about ranching. And what about housework? She could watch Ellie for a few days and could pick it up before they had to leave. But then what would happen to Ellie? She couldn’t very well leave her unemployed as well. She looked at her brother.

  “Don’t worry Jake I’ll find us a place,” she promised.

  That evening when Jake had gone off to bed Silla went into her father’s study. It was here she took pen in hand and began to compose a letter to Mr. Boardman.