Caught Between Love And Duty

by Clarice Mayfield

  “We’ve already done quite a bit of work on that,” she teased him with a smile, “but I don’t mind if we do some more.”

  He laughed, stood, and scooped her up with one arm around her back and the other under her knees. “Hey, I just remembered that my parents and Elias are leaving for Boston tomorrow. “We have to be back for supper time tonight.”

  “No problem, darlin’,” James replied, “we’ll still have plenty of time to get there for supper,” and he carried her into the cabin.

  * * *

  The newlyweds pulled up in front of the ranch house in their one-horse buggy at six o’clock that evening. “Well hello there, Mr. and Mrs. McCloud,” Charles called from the veranda swing with a smile. “I almost thought you two were going to miss our farewell supper.”

  “We wouldn’t miss this for anything, Daddy,” Georgia said, hopping from the buggy and bounding up the steps to give him a hug. “How are you?”

  “Well, my old legs are a bit stiff from all that wonderful dancing last night but other than that... ‘fit as a fiddle’ as my new son-in-laws like to say.”

  “Good to hear, Charles,” James said, shaking his hand. “We’re doin’ great too, ‘Pa.’ Let’s go inside and eat, I’m famished.”

  Martha’s table was still laden with copious amounts of leftovers from the wedding, and she had added a tray of fresh biscuits for their dinner. “Come on in and eat, everybody,” she said, “we’ve still got a ton of leftovers and it’s all gotta go!”

  When everyone was seated James turned to his bride and asked, “Would you give thanks tonight, Georgia?”

  “I would be glad to,” she smiled, looking around at their newly extended family. “Let’s bow our heads together, please.” After a brief pause to gather her thoughts, Georgia began: “Father God, we do give you thanks for all of the blessings that you have lavished upon our families gathered here today. For bringing us through all the dangers and challenges that have beset us in this past year. For good health you have restored, relationships that you have healed...”

  Elias and William smiled, as did their parents.

  “Thank you for new beginnings, God! For your mysterious and beautiful providence that brought together two people – and two families – from the north and south of this country to become one. And for the wonderful times that we have enjoyed together here in Texas. Bless all those who cooked up the food of which we are about to partake, I pray, in your love and mercy through Jesus Christ. Amen.”

  * * *

  The next morning, they all gathered at the post office in Sonora to see the Wartons off on the stage. Charles brought their tickets in to Tony at the counter. “My pleasure meetin’ you and your family,” the clerk said, “I heard it was a right fine weddin’ and dance out at the Golden Lane.”

  “Yes, it surely was, Tony. The people of this West Texas country are something special.”

  “Thank you, sir,” he smiled. “Maybe we’ll see y’all again sometime?”

  “I hope so. All the best to you, my friend.” Charles walked outside. It was a glorious late September day, very temperate, which suited him better than the humid Sonoran summer. Sam Kimball was busy tying their baggage in the boot of the stagecoach and it would soon be time to leave.

  David stepped forward and they shook hands. “Safe journey to y’all, Charles. I’ll miss gettin’ smoked at chess every day.”

  “You’ve made great progress, David. If we’d stayed any longer I would soon be the one getting smoked.” They both laughed.

  Georgia threw her arms around her older brother. “I’m so proud of you for your recovery, Elias. And very glad that we got to spend time together again without chewing each other’s heads off.”

  “Yeah,” he chuckled, “me too. I’m sorry for being such a rat the last few years, Georgie. The bottle had me on the ropes and down for the count.”

  “I surely do forgive you. I was no angel either, was I?”

  “Forget about it. I’m just glad we’re friends now. It’s so much better when we get along, isn’t it?”

  “Yes!” She kissed him on the cheek. “Will you write?”

  “I will, sis.”

  William shook his brother’s hand, hugged him, and they slapped each other on the back. “Take care of yourself, Elias.”

  “What am I gonna do without you to help me stay sober?” he asked.

  “Just stay out of the bar cars and pubs, and you’ll be fine, I know it.”

  “Thanks for everything, Willy. You’re gonna do great with the hotel.”

  Standing by the stagecoach door, Martha and Emilia embraced tenderly. “We may never see one another again, Martha Gainey, but I want you to know that we think our little girl couldn’t be in better hands than the McCloud family.”

  “Thank you kindly, Emmy. I do appreciate that. We’re surely glad to have her, she’s a great girl. You cozy up with them pillows now and don’t worry – everythin’s gonna be fine on your trip.” Martha helped Emilia into the coach and then looked up at Sam waiting patiently in the driver’s seat. “You take it easy on that road up to San Antone, Sam. You hear?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he replied, tipping his hat in respect.

  After Elias climbed aboard, Charles stood facing James for a moment. He couldn’t find the words to thank the man who had not only rescued the family business for him but also given his daughter a new lease on life – indeed, had shown her the life that he believed she was born to lead. James offered his hand, “Safe journey to you, Pa.”

  “I’m sorry,” Charles said, his voice trembling with emotion, “but a handshake just won’t do.” He embraced his new son-in-law warmly. “Saying thank you seems totally insufficient for all that you’ve done for us, James...but I have no other words.”

  “No worries,” James said as their hug ended. “I ain’t a man of many words myself. We’ll see you again, Pa.” He slapped Charles on the back and stepped aside for William to say his farewell.

  Charles hugged his son for a long time. “Thank you so much, William, for what you did for your brother.” He looked into the boy’s eyes. “And I want you to know that seeing the two of you become friends again has been one of the great joys of my life, and your mother’s too. It blesses our hearts so much.”

  “Thanks, Papa,” he said quietly. “I’m glad we’re friends again too. It was Elias’ decision to get sober, I just kind of helped him along.”

  “I’m very glad that you did, son. You helped change his life for the better and that’s no small thing. Write and let us know how everything is going here.”

  “I will, I promise,” the boy said.

  Georgia stepped forward and threw her arms around her father. “Oh, Papa, whatever possessed you to hop on a train all by yourself and travel a thousand miles to find me?”

  “Well, I wanted to save the business of course!” he teased her.

  “Yes, I know you did,” she laughed through her tears, “but better things than that happened, didn’t they?”

  Charles smiled as the tears welled up in his eyes. He looked at her – a married woman now, beginning a new life. “Yes, better things did happen, Pumpkin, they really did. In the midst of it all...your brother was returned to us a sober man, we all became friends again...and you found this wonderful life that you were born to live. It staggers the imagination,” he laughed. “And we’re so happy for you, my girl.”

  They embraced again. “Will I ever see you again, Daddy?”

  “I should say! We’re coming back to meet the grandkids. Or maybe you and James will bring them to Boston for a visit.”

  “We’ll flip a coin when the time comes,” Georgia giggled.

  “Okay then. It’s a deal, Pumpkin.” He let go of their embrace. “We have to leave now.”

  “Okay,” she said, “I love you.” Georgia tenderly kissed him on the cheek and then stepped back beside James as her father climbed into the coach and closed the door behind him.

  “Godspeed, everybody
!” Charles called out, waving from the window.

  “Safe journey!” David called back. They all waved as Sam flicked the reins and the stagecoach clattered away down the street and around the corner.

  Martha stood silently for a moment wiping her tears with a handkerchief. Then she blew her nose and asked, “What are you kids goin’ to do now?”

  “I’m going over to work at the Sutton, Aunt Martha,” William said, giving her a quick hug. “See you later, everybody.” He turned and walked down the street.

  “I’m headin’ back with you to the ranch for more leftovers, Auntie,” David winked. “How about you two lovebirds?”

  “Well now,” James said, “I figure that Mrs. McCloud and I might head back up in the hills to enjoy some more of our honeymoon. What do you think, darlin’?”

  “I think that’s a beautiful idea, honey,” Georgia smiled, putting her arm around his waist.

  Epilogue

  The newlyweds continued their honeymoon at the hilltop cabin and James asked Georgia if she would like a tour of the new ranch. The previous owners had moved out before the sale was scheduled to close, so the property was vacant and they would be able to have a close look at everything. She agreed enthusiastically.

  The next morning they packed a picnic lunch and set out in the buggy. “What part of the place would you like to see first, darlin’?” he asked.

  “The house of course!” she replied.

  “Well, the house it is then, Mrs. McCloud,” he grinned.

  They soon pulled up in front of the building, climbed out of the one-horse buggy and stood in front of their new house. “Oh, it’s gorgeous, James. This place seems nearly twice as big.”

  “Lots of room for the bambinos,” he said, putting his arm around her, “and for your family when they come visit.” Like the first Golden Lane Ranch house, the new one had a large veranda built onto the front of it, stood two floors high, and was built of the excellent hardwood oak found in the area.

  “Can we go inside and have a look?” she asked.

  “Sure, c’mon in.” They held hands and walked in the front door.

  The kitchen was close to the entrance, so Georgia went to it immediately and stood in the middle of the floor, looking around. “Wow, this is great. Auntie will love it too. Lots of space in here to cook for the whole crew.”

  As every house-inspecting couple has done since time immemorial, the two of them walked through every room, opening windows and closets, peeking into cupboards and corners.

  Afterwards they stood outside on the veranda and James asked, “So what do ya think? Will it do?”

  “Will it do? It’s perfect, honey!” she exclaimed, giving him a hug. “The Lord has blessed us with the perfect place to raise our family.”

  “And raise our cattle too,” he said, “it’s got twice the amount of range land so we can expand the operation. In time that’ll increase our income. So no worries: even if we have ten bambinos they’re all gonna get fed.”

  “Ten bambinos?! Aren’t you jumping the gun a bit there, Mr. McCloud?” she teased with a smile.

  “Well, ya never know, darlin’,” he grinned, “the Lord may bless us there too.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised, James McCloud; you’re such a beautifully romantic man.”

  “Ahem...another one of my many gifts,” he joked, a little embarrassed and looking down at his boots. “Why don’t we go see what the barn looks like?”

  They walked over to a cavernous building painted rusty-red. Inside was a hayloft, stalls for the animals and all the usual ranching amenities. “Seems big enough,” Georgia said as they stood inside the building.

  “Oh yeah, plenty big enough for the new operation.”

  “I meant for all the square dances we’re going to have,” she declared matter-of-factly.

  “We are?” James said in surprise.

  “Yes, of course. The dance on our wedding night was so much fun and so well attended by the community – I want to host them as often as possible.”

  “Well, folks often do have a dance for a housewarmin’ party,” he said.

  “Great! Let’s have one, honey. What do you think?”

  “Okay, it’s a deal. You’re on,” he smiled, pulling her close to him. “Anything else I can do for you, Mrs. McCloud?”

  “Hmm...give me a second, I’m thinking,” she grinned, looking up at the barn rafters. “I know – why don’t you kiss me?”

  “I’ve got an even better idea: why don’t I kiss you up there in the loft? I see there’s plenty of nice, soft hay to put our picnic blanket on, and we can bring the basket.”

  “I love you, James McCloud,” she said, looking into his eyes.

  “Love ya too, darlin’. I reckon we’re gonna do just fine together.”

  “Me too. I am so looking forward to sharing the rest of our lives together in this amazing country,” Georgia said, putting her head on his shoulder.

  “Me too,” he said quietly.

  After a few moments James whispered, “Want to go up to the loft now?”

  She giggled. “You are such a romantic cowboy, Sheriff McCloud. I just had no idea!” And they climbed the tall wooden ladder to the hayloft.

  The End?

  Extended Epilogue

  Eager to read how Georgia and Jame’s relationship evolved? Then enjoy this complimentary short story featuring the beloved couple!

  Simply TAP HERE to read it now for FREE! or use this link: http://www.claricemayfield.com/nitj directly in your browser.

  I guarantee you, that you won’t be disappointed ♥

  But don’t go just yet!

  Turn the page for a unique treat from me…

  A Western treat made for you…

  Turn on to the next page to read the first chapters of The Cowboy’s Quest for Love, a sweet and clean Western historical romance with a happily-ever-after!

  The Cowboy’s Quest for Love

  About the Book

  As the eldest sibling, Aurelia Nelson works harder than everyone in the family ranch to prove her worth. When her father decides to offer her hand in marriage as the winning prize of his annual contest, she sees a chance of finally escaping her mundane life.

  Flynn Morris, an orphaned cowboy, enters the Nelsons’ contest to finally get himself a bride. Once he lays his eyes on gorgeous Aurelia, he does everything in his power to win her.

  But as a unique love begins to flourish from the moment the competition ends, a series of unfortunate events start taking place, one by one…

  Unaware of the scheme unfolding behind their backs and that someone is after Flynn with a nefarious purpose, they will soon find out that happiness comes with a price.

  Now, the time to make the hardest choice of their lives is just around the corner...

  1

  Aurelia Nelson padded out of the chicken hut, carrying her basket full of eggs. Her honey-colored eyes took in the morning sunbeams. The rooster finally crowed his morning wake up call. “I beat you to it again, amigo,” Aurelia chuckled to herself as she watched the proud bird strut up and down his post.

  Every morning she woke up long before the rooster did, and this day was no exception. Her list of chores was long and seemed to grow longer every day. She had to see to the chickens, take in the washing, bake the bread, make breakfast, and that was just the morning chores.

  Aurelia rested the egg basket on her hip as she opened the backdoor that led to the kitchen. She pushed her ash-blonde hair from her face and at the same time dropped one egg from the basket onto the floor.

  “Oh no,” Aurelia sighed as she hurried to put the basket onto the kitchen counter. She grabbed a cloth and bent down to clean the mess. Just what I need, she thought as she scooped up the egg. She would need to wash the mat to prevent a stain. As she stood, she heard the sound of running, which could only mean that her two younger brothers were awake. Aurelia lived with her parents, Gary and Sophia, and her brothers, Matthew, who was ten, and Billy, who was e
ight.

  “Good morning, boys,” Aurelia said sweetly as her two brothers came into the kitchen, wearing their white shirts and matching blue shorts.

  “Good morning, Aurelia,” Matthew said as he sat at the kitchen table.

  “Good morning,” Billy said as he walked into the kitchen and went to peer out the kitchen window. “Did you see any werewolves?” he asked his sister, worryingly.

  “Billy, werewolves aren’t real,” Matthew scoffed.