by N. C. Reed
When Ben had learned of this discussion, he had just shrugged and suggested they build a house.
Build a house?” Billy looked stunned. “How?”
“Uh, nails, lumber, things like that,” Ben said, his eyes twinkling at the chance to catch Billy off guard for once. “Billy, I’m a carpenter. We built the blockhouse from logs. We can build a house the same way. We just make it nicer, and more comfortable. It ain’t that hard to do. Just takes a little work, and the right materials.”
“Do we even have the stuff to do it?” Billy asked, warming to the idea.
“Pretty much,” Ben had nodded. “We’ll need to split some logs for the floor, or else find some lumber for it. I’m not sure we have enough, depending on what size house we build. We’ve got furnishings, and fixings, too. The only thing we won’t be able to do is power it.”
“What if we build it near a creek?” Billy asked, thinking. “Howie can put some o’ them waterbugs o’ his there. That’ll give it some power, anyway.”
“There’s an idea,” Ben nodded. “We just need to get started pretty soon, is all. With all hands on deck, we can probably have it together and finished in less than a week, once we’ve got everything together.”
“Well,” Billy breathed a bit. “Guess we need to start gatherin’.”
“We’re gonna have to cut some wood, too.”
*****
It was a simple affair. Everyone gathered together at Billy’s, his place once more pressed into service as the best place for such things. Rhonda was tickled at that, while Billy endured it with good nature. Pete had asked Toby to be his best man, and the teen had agreed. Howie had asked Ben, who had likewise been tickled.
The brides wore dresses put together by the women on short notice. Both looked lovely. Howie looked at ease, since this was merely a formality. Pete on the other hand looked decidedly nervous. For him this was far from a mere formality.
Billy sat to the side watching the goings on. He had no real part to play, and that was fine by him. It gave him a chance to study everyone else.
Jerry looked proud as a peacock, smiling at everyone. His daughter was marrying as fine a young man as he could ask for. And he would get to say the words that bound them together. Couldn’t ask for much more than that.
Emma looked equally pleased. It was evident that she approved of Pete. She cast a glance at Toby every now and then, he noticed. Probably wondering when and where Toby would get the bug. Toby took turns ignoring her and Mary, equally. Billy had to stifle a laugh. Mary was nothing if not determined. But Toby showed no interest. Billy hoped that didn’t cause a problem later.
George and Debby were sitting together with their new daughter. Bethany was a pretty little thing, and it was obvious that both were taken with her. They seemed to have placed their difference behind them for good, and Billy was glad. He like George, and Debby was a great help, teaching the children the valley had acquired. Whatever happened, they would all be educated to at least a high school level.
The rest they’d have to learn from doing.
Trey and Danny were helping Mary with the refreshment table. There had been no bachelor party. Everyone had agreed that it was just too risky for them to be off guard at the moment. There were too many threats out there. There had just been a quiet gathering, where they had all had one good, stiff drink, toasting both grooms.
Doctor Collins was fitting in pretty good it seemed. He was a younger man than Billy had first thought, but he admitted that the Doctor hadn’t been having his best days either time. He guessed Collins was about forty, maybe a little older, but not much. He was beginning to look healthy again, filling out, his skin losing it’s pallor. Billy didn’t want to think about the horrors the man had been through in Franklin.
Ralph and Amy were sitting quietly together, and Billy was pretty sure there was a battle of wills going on there, with a double wedding in the offing. Ralph didn’t look unhappy, but he did look determined. That might change if the two of them ever got a home of their own.
Ben and Regina had surprised everyone by showing up together. Everyone ‘knew’ of course, but the two had been very circumspect with their relationship. Both looked happy, Billy decided. He guessed they had decided to go ‘public’ as the saying went.
Seeing all this made Billy think about himself and Rhonda. Did she want to get married like this? So far as Billy was concerned they were already married. He was set on spending the rest of his life with her, and that was that. He didn’t need a ceremony for that. He looked to where Rhonda was fussing over the food. As if she sensed his eyes on her, she looked toward him, giving him a dazzling smile. Billy returned it, and Rhonda went back to fussing.
Billy decided to see if this was something Rhonda wanted. If it was, then he’d just have to see she got it, that was all.
Someone had managed to come up with a copy of the Bridal March from somewhere, and it suddenly started playing. Everyone hustled to their seats, Rhonda waving for Billy to join her, which he did.
The two women walked out, Shelly first, escorted by Jerry, and Elizabeth, escorted by Jon. Ben and Toby had taken their places alongside the grooms, grinning.
As they arrived at the podium, Jerry stepped up, and turned to look at the small crowd.
“Friends and neighbors, today is a fine day the Lord has given us. Let us all be thankful for our blessings, for roofs over our heads, and for food in our bellies.” He smiled down at the two couples.
“And for the fact that despite all we’ve been through, life does go on. We’re are here today to witness the joining of these two couples in a bond meant to last a lifetime. One that will take them to great highs, and great lows as well. One that will stand the test of time so long as they are true and faithful to one another, and give one another the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Billy listened halfheartedly as Jerry went on, his mind still on Rhonda, and their future. By the new standards, Billy was a wealthy man. He was a good provider, and a good protector. Rationally, he knew that. He worked hard, he made sure his house was in order, and that everyone under his roof had any and every thing they needed.
But there was more to it than that, he decided. He admitted what little he knew of being in a relationship he had learned from being in a relationship. With Rhonda. She was all he knew, and all he wanted to know.
He recognized, however, that there were things he needed to improve on. The only thing he knew to do was start trying things. He’d learn by trial and error. Just like she had told him, nearly a year ago.
He gently placed his arm around Rhonda’s shoulders, earning him a quizzing look, followed by another smile, this one softer, and more intimate.
One down.
*****
The party was over, and the newly weds were off to their respective homes. Clean up had been a group affair, so that by the time everyone had left, Rhonda had only to make sure that Danny and Trey had the trash in the right place, and she was done.
As a result, she and Billy were sitting on the porch, side by side in the swing. Mary had gone with Amanda, and the boys were out being boys.
“You know, there ain’t a single thing ‘bout us that’s normal,” Billy said suddenly.
“What?” Rhonda replied, startled from her thinking.
“Us. We ain’t had a single normal thing between us.”
“Well, Billy, I think some of what’s between us has been normal, at least in form,” Rhonda teased with a devilish little grin.
“You know what I mean,” Billy chuckled. “We ain’t had a single date o’ no kind. Ain’t never seen a movie, been out ta dinner, nothin’.”
“Well, we kinda missed that opportunity, honey,” Rhonda shrugged, and snuggled closer to him. “Do you think we’re suffering from it? You feel like you’ve missed out on something?”
“No, but I worry that you do,” Billy admitted. “Ever time we’ve been away from here together, we done been shot at, chased, put upon in some way.
Ever time.”
“Well, there’s no doubt that life with you ain’t never boring,” Rhonda giggled.
“That’s what I mean,” Billy told her. “We ain’t what you’d call a regular couple.” Rhonda’s head came up, her face suddenly serious.
“Where is this comin’ from?” she demanded.
“Look at us. Here we are, ain’t never even had a formal date together, but here we are, keepin’ house, with three teen age kids, and the oldest not ten years younger’n either of us.”
Is this about the kids? she wondered. Is that what’s brought this on?
“Billy, does having the kids bother you?” she asked. “I. . .I mean I should have asked about Trey, I know. I made the decision while I was mad, but I don’t regret it. He and Danny are as close as brothers, and. . . .”
“This ain’t about them,” Billy shook his head. “‘Bout us. I. . .I got to thinkin’ ‘bout it today, at the weddin’. Is that somethin’ you want for us? A weddin’?”
“Billy, are you askin’ me to marry you?” Rhonda’s eyes got big suddenly. She hadn’t seen this coming.
“I am, if that’s what you want,” he nodded. “See, I don’t care ‘bout no ceremony, either way. Far as I’m concerned, we’re married. Til death do us part. Some words and a cake won’t make that no stronger’n I feel right now, Rhonda. But I want you to have’em, if you want’em. Only. . .I can’t figure out if you do or not, so I’m askin’. Do you wanna get married?” He took something out of his pocket, and took her hand.
“My momma had small fingers, just like yours,” he said softly, and slipped what had been his mother’s engagement ring onto her finger. It was slightly large, but nothing that some tape wouldn’t fix. Rhonda looked at it for a moment, then up at Billy, her eyes watering.
“Oh, Billy, it’s beautiful,” she all but whispered, hugging him tightly. He returned her embrace, smiling into the wall behind her.
“So do you want a weddin’ like today?” he asked as they separated.
“I. . .Billy, ever girl want’s a weddin’,” she admitted. “But. . .I feel the same way you do. As far as I’m concerned, you’re it. Lord knows I crushed on you in high school enough. And since. . .since we been together, I ain’t had much to be sorry for, even with the world gone to hell. I can’t. . .I don’t see how anything could be better for me than you.” Billy’s heart swelled at that. He was pretty sure she felt the same, but hearing it put him at ease.
“So you want the weddin’, then,” he grinned. She nodded, her lips spreading into a smile.
“I’d like that,” she admitted. “To stand up in front of everyone and show them how much I love you.”
“Then I reckon we’ll have us one.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT
The two decided they would wait until after the harvest. There was a lot going on at the moment, and they didn’t want to interrupt any of it. There was still a house to be built, and soon crops to gather, which meant corn and wheat to be ground, and the garden hadn’t stopped producing, so there was still canning to be done.
Billy had a quiet word with Jerry, who grinned like a Cheshire cat.
“I wondered if that would push you two into it,” he admitted. Billy grinned a little, but nodded.
“Reckon it’s what a girl wants,” he replied.
Meanwhile, work went on. Ben had cut it pretty fine, but they were almost finished with the new house before it was time to think of harvesting the fields. The decision had been made to place the new house in the field near the Clifton House. That would add to the security up there, plus the creek flowing alongside that field would provide much needed power. The clinic rested between the new house and the Clifton House, which would put more people in that area, in case something happened.
Ben had drawn a progressive plan for the house, and in the end they had to scrounge to find enough finishing materials to get the inside completed. Fortunately, Billy had never cleaned out completely the lumber yard in Cedar Bend, taking only what he had needed at the time, or what he might need in the future. He hadn’t ever gone back to get more because he hadn’t needed it.
The house was a single story dwelling. The center rooms were the living area, dining area, and kitchen. From each side of the large open area, were two bedrooms, sharing a common bathroom between them. At some point, if the need arose, additional rooms could be added, he assured them.
Billy had watched Ben notch the logs and fit them together with a craftsman’s touch. Ralph had in no way exaggerated Ben’s ability. By the time they were finished, Billy was wishing he could get a new barn built that way.
“Why not,” Ben shrugged. “Have to wait a while, but I don’t see why not. Won’t need any finishing stuff, so it’s just log work. Be glad to.” Billy was thrilled, and started thinking of some way to repay Ben.
The house finished, Dillon and Barbara took their leave of the Blaine’s house, and took up residence. Jon and Ben decided to go ahead and move in to the other rooms, so that the Smith house would be empty at last.
On the day before harvest was due to start, George and Debby moved into the house, with everyone pitching in to help. The Purdy’s had decided to move because it would be easier than Ralph having to move his shop, and the leather worker was grateful for that. The two families were still neighbors, and good friends, but no longer had the strain of living under the same roof.
The next day, as harvest set in, Megan Johnson moved in with them. The now seventeen year old was a friend of Amanda’s, and ready to be away from the ‘kid farm’ as she called it. There were still nine children, and five more or less adults living there, but the house was large, and so many leaving had allowed more room to spread out, for which Regina and the others were grateful.
Slowly but surely, things were becoming settled.
*****
Harvest was back breaking. They had all known it would be, but they hadn’t begun to suspect just how much so. In addition to gathering the crops, there was also another cutting of hay to get in. It truly was all hands on deck for this one.
The 'woman's circle’ decided to set up shop in the common house, and use it to grind meal and flour. Emma showed everyone how to go about separating the wheat, and tending to the corn. While that was drying out, they lent a hand at keeping chores up all over.
The men divided into two teams. Pete and Billy took Toby, Danny and Trey, and started on the hay. The rest, including Howie, were assisting Jon and Jerry as they tried to make as many rounds as possible each day. They had over a thousand acres planted in one thing or another, and it took time to gather than much.
Corn was stored, hay was stacked and covered, and wheat thrashed. Howie promised that next year he’d have a mill up and running, so that this particular process would be easier the next time. Howie liked to eat, and knew where his bread was buttered.
Two weeks of solid, never ending work later, they were finished for the most part. That was because most of the corn was simply emptied into the cribs and silos they had prepared earlier in the year, and the rapeseed was stored similarly at the Richardson Barn, where Terry lived, and Ralph and Howie kept their bio fuel set up. Neither hazarded a guess as to how much fuel they would get from the rapeseed.
“Just have to see.”
By the end of three weeks, they were finished. Equipment was readied for winter, and stored, food was prepped and put away. Everyone took a single day of rest, and then went back to working their own gardens, which were producing one last weak run of veggies.
The great herd was finally separated, with the result being five smaller herds, all driven to new pastures. Three new hay barns ensured adequate storage for the coming winter, and spreading the cattle into other areas let them take advantage of barns still up in the valley. New fencing was needed in a few places, but it was all minor work, requiring a few hours here and there, rather than days.
The hogs were separated as well, into three places for them, with new coverings and food storage o
n site. The hope was that if any one herd of either developed a problem, then at least some animals would survive.
October was into it’s second full week by the time anyone could stop to take a breath.
Everyone was still worried about someone finding them, but the tension had eased somewhat as the weeks passed without incident. Howie had worked almost continuously on upgrading their security, and the motion senors now all pinged softly when activated. A computer screen showed the location of each sensor all the time, while another cycled through their cameras. There weren’t that many camera’s, but they were all placed in the most likely access points to the valley.
Billy and Rhonda had a surprise, when Dottie was found to be expecting. She had apparently came into season during harvest, when no one was looking. Both hoped that Rommel was the father, and since they hadn’t found any dogs bleeding to death on their farm, they assumed he was.
One of Ralph’s Annie’s was also expecting, from Reb, which was good news for everyone. She tended to have large litters, Ralph promised, so they might soon have more dogs to protect the herds. Billy’s two female donkey’s were also expecting, which would allow them to move the jack’s into the smaller herds soon. The colts would need a year to develop, at least, but donkey’s were good protection against wild dogs.
They hadn’t experienced any dog attacks since Billy and Rhonda had killed those responsible for killing the calf the year before, but no one wanted to assume there wouldn’t be anymore. Toby’s run in with the aggressive dogs during the scouting mission reminded everyone there was always risk.
The group was starting to settle into their new reality, as well. No one went unarmed outside the house, for any reason. The Sunday church gatherings were no exception. Everyone was glad to hear of the small services, and almost every Sunday the service was followed by a group meal. Even the March and Williams families participated. The March children were also now associating with the other kids, at least on occasion.