He knew he needed to release the hatred for Jack Pruitt. But it didn't come naturally at the moment.
"What brings you and the judge out here?" Adeline was glad Peggy Ann wasn't shy about asking the question she'd been wondering since spotting the wagon approaching.
Jessica shrugged and glanced toward where Heath was now standing, speaking with Lucas and the judge. "Judge suggested we come out here. He said I should meet the Pruitt family and become familiar with, well with my future home."
Adeline gasped and Peggy Ann leaned toward the woman. "You do realize Jackson is married to her don't you?"
"Oh," Jessica uttered then slid a glare at Heath. "He hasn't told you?"
"What?" Both Adeline and Peggy Ann replied in unison.
"Heath and I are to be married by spring." Both were stunned silent, so Jessica continued speaking. "I found out it was Heath and not Jackson who'd been writing me. I confronted Heath and demanded he marry me."
"I bet it went over well," Peggy Ann told her. "He's a stubborn one."
Jessica nodded. "Yes, it wasn't well received. So I decided to stay for a season and then return north. Then for some reason he changed his mind and insisted he would fulfill his obligations. I wasn't sure what to do." Her eyes continuously flicked to Heath.
"Ah," Peggy Ann smiled and placed her hand over Jessica's. "You are attracted to him then aren't you?"
A deep sigh confirmed Peggy Ann's words. "Yes, very much so."
With a sigh of relief, Adeline smiled at Jessie. "This is good. We need good news right now."
"Who died?" Jessie asked watching the men carrying out a bundle and lowering it into the hole in the ground.
"Heath and Jackson's father." Adeline replied. It was Jessie's turn to gasp and cover her mouth.
Adeline rushed to calm her. "They are not saddened by his death. You see he abandoned them when they were but children. Now they are doing their duty by burying him."
"Oh, I see," Jessie, replied not seeming to understand at all.
The men shoveled dirt over the body and still Jackson remained at a distance, anger floating around him like steam. Her heart broke at the awful truth, the knowledge he mourned for who his father should have been. She went to him and looked up at his grim face.
Adeline hugged his waist. "It's all right to be angry Jackson. And it's also understandable for you to be sad for the way he died and for all those years you lost."
He opened his arms to her and she easily slipped into his embrace. "I appreciate what you say Adeline, I shouldn't let this hatred consume me, but I can't seem to let it go. Not right now."
Judge called out to them. "It's done, let's come around and pay our respects. Whatever Jack Pruitt was, he was a human being and we need to remember it."
The odd group gathered around the fresh grave. Peggy Ann placed a sprig of leaves across it since no flowers grew this time of year. She sniffed and went to stand by Lucas.
Heath moved toward Jessica and gave her a pointed look before standing next to her.
"Someone want to say something?" Judge asked.
Jackson cleared his throat.
"Son of a bitch is dead and now buried," Heath said staring at the grave. Jessica nudged him but said nothing.
Peggy Ann giggled but stopped when Lucas glared at her.
No one spoke.
Adeline squeezed Jackson's hand and stepped toward the head of the grave. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want..." She began.
Slowly the others joined, Jackson and Heath included.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
A week after burying his father, the anger and bitterness in Jackson's breast began to dull.
Early morning he went straight for his horse and rode out to the grave. He stood over the mound of dirt and placed a carving of a horse Jack had made for him when he was very young.
"I forgive you Jack Pruitt. I don't understand many things. Can't see how you could have left us to fend for ourselves. Maybe you considered you were doing the right thing. I guess I'll never know." He glanced up as a bird flew overhead cawing loudly. "I even forgive you for shooting my brother. Not because you deserve it, but because I don't want to carry the bitterness of hating you. I want to leave it here with you. I love Heath more like a son than a brother and had you killed him, I would have died with him. You never understood how a father loves his children. For that I pity you."
Jackson kicked some dirt onto the grave. "Good bye Jack Pruitt."
He went to stand at his mother's grave and bent his head in silent prayer. For her he'd always be grateful. "You'd like Adeline Momma. She's a good wife and will be a great mother to our children. Reminds me of you sometimes with her quiet strength." He smiled at the thought. "Heath found him a good one too. She'll keep the rascal in line. Already got the boy tied up in knots." He chuckled, "We're about to start families of our own Ma. Wish you were here to see it."
He looked over toward his house and his chest swelled, but this time the feeling was good.
The days passed and dusk came earlier and earlier. Jackson sat at the head of the table and smirked at the commotion in the room. He liked for his home to be full. Lucas and Peggy Ann had come to dinner. Heath had gone to town and brought Jessie back with all her belongings. Even Carl had joined them for a celebratory engagement dinner for Heath and Jessie. Jackson was surprised to note the quiet loner appeared to be relaxed amidst all the commotion, eating silently while surrounded by the chattering women.
"You alright Carl?"
The man shrugged. "I've got four sisters, used to a lot of noise."
The men discussed the weather and how it would affect crops and their herds while the women talked about how to keep their home warm and everyone fed.
"We've cleaned out Heath's old room for you to stay, until the wedding." Adeline told Jessie.
"Heath will bunk out at the barn with Carl for the time being. " Jackson added.
As if taking his queue, Carl got up and made his leave.
"I can stay in the empty room in the back," Heath argued narrowing his eyes at Jackson. "Might as well put it to use."
"No you can't," Jackson replied and raised an eyebrow toward Jessie. "Too close to be safe."
Heath actually blushed and crossed his arms. "Fine."
He and Adeline exchanged a look and she pressed her lips together in an effort to not laugh.
"Tomorrow you and Heath should ride out to where I think will be a good site for your new home," Jackson told Jessie and she nodded a smile curving her lips. The pretty blonde's eyes sparkled when she slid her gaze to Heath.
"Oh yes," Adeline told her. "You should have a say in where the house sits. It should face west."
"And make sure you have a porch for morning light," Peggy Ann added. The women continued speaking and Jackson looked to his brother.
"What about your job as sheriff?"
"I have to get logs cut and begin building so I can be ready for building in the spring." Heath replied. "I suppose I will have to resign."
"Is it what you want?" Jessie asked his brother. With warm eyes, Heath looked at his fiancée for a moment. "Yes, I'm ready to settle out here and start a family."
"Well I'm sure someone will step in to fill the position," Lucas piped up. Judge seems to be enjoying for now.
"It's not without it's dangers," Heath told him frowning. "I suppose Earl will jump at the chance."
"Oh goodness," Peggy Ann said shaking her head. "The man is not quite right, but I suppose we could do worse."
"I can't be sheriff and live out here," Heath replied. "Ranching is what I will do now."
Jessie leaned toward Heath and placed her hand over his. "I'll support you in whatever you decide. If you want to stay in town for a while, we can do it."
Heath smiled and they regarded each other without speaking until he finally replied. "No it's best I get our home started."
The room was quiet at the obvious attraction between the two, until Adeline stood. "W
hy don't we clean up?” She yanked at Peggy Ann's sleeve. "Heath would you mind helping Jessie bring her things in?"
Jackson and Lucas started to stand but sat back down at Adeline's glare. "You and Lucas should sit. You need to tell him about the money."
Lucas gave him a questioning look and Jackson began to fill him in about Wilson's visit and payment for the stolen cattle.
Jessie gave Adeline a grateful look allowing Heath to guide her outside.
"They'll have a hard time waiting until spring," Peggy Ann whispered to Adeline as they watched the couple go out.
"Oh I know. I'll be surprised if they make it," Adeline giggled. Women. Jackson chucked overhearing them.
Later that night Jackson slid into bed and rolled to Adeline.
"The house seems unnaturally quiet after so much activity earlier."
She caressed his jaw closing her eyes when he kissed her. "I hope we'll fill it with children. I want a house full of family and friends. I've always dreamed of lots of young ones."
"Children," Jackson said between kisses. "I agree, we should fill the house with children."
He leaned over on top of her encouraged when she ran her hands over his back raking her fingernails lightly over his skin.
Bolstered when she began to kiss his throat and push up into him. Jackson could barely restrain and hold back to allow her to set the pace. If it were up to him, he'd take her immediately. But he was learning his wife's rhythm and making love to her at her speed took him higher than any other experience he'd ever had.
She prolonged their lovemaking and ensured each time he was left sated and satisfied to the point of weakness.
"Kiss me deeply," she whispered in his ear and lifted her mouth to his, her pouty lips parted. He needed no further motivation, and plunged into her licking, tasting, probing her with zealous hunger.
Jackson relinquished his hold on her lips and pushed her nightgown down past her shoulders to her waist. She finished undressing somehow never stopping her touches encouraging him, demanding more and more.
He explored her fully with his lips and hands, giving each curve of her body special attention until he wanted her so much he ached.
Consumed with passion, he was almost blind when she pushed him onto his back and began to knead and caress him to the point of madness. "I can't hold it much longer," he panted yanking her mouth to his.
"Then make me yours," his beautiful wife told him nibbling at his earlobe. "I want you so much,"
"Oh God yes," Jackson rolled her under him and took her, not able to restrain his body's response when her body surrounded him. They moved together automatically at a heated speed as she joined him when he became lost in the waves of ardor.
"I love you Adeline, with all my heart." Jackson held his wife against his chest. "I'd go crazy without you. You anchor me."
She nuzzled his neck and sighed. "I've never been so happy Jackson. I love you so much I can hardly stand it."
He laughed at her words only to become silent when she crawled over him. "I'm not done with you yet mister."
"Oh," was all he could say as she began to slide down his body.
"Oh yeah."
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Spring slammed into Four Winds with bursts of brilliant colors, bright blue skies and the promise of renewal. Jackson, Heath and Lucas rode along with their dogs at a frantic pace; herding the cattle towards the different area to graze so they could corral them and keep them from wandering into the newly sprouting fields of wheat and corn.
Jackson whistled signaling the dogs towards some wayward cattle as he raced towards the animals. He glanced over to see Heath riding past him, a wide smile on his face. "We gotta get these darn critters corralled. I have to get home early today,"
"Anxious are we?" Jackson laughed understanding his newly wedded brother who'd taken to married life like a duck to water. Married only a few weeks, Heath never dallied with them once the work was completed for the day. He hurried home to Jessie not ashamed to let them know he was falling in love with the lovely woman.
"Yeah well, we're coming over to your house tonight." Heath said then whistled at the new dog he was training. "I think the women are up to something, said they needed to talk to us."
Jackson frowned. "Any idea what it's about?"
"Nope," Heath galloped off fussing at his dog. "Come Lance, follow!"
Once the cattle were safely corralled, Lucas leaned on the fence a pensive look on his face. "How's Peggy-Ann?" Jackson asked leaning on the fence next to him.
"She seems uncomfortable, but insists she's fine." Lucas shook his head. "I'm terrified Jackson, what the hell am I supposed to do when it's time for the baby to come?"
"Ride like a bat out of hell and come get Adeline. She's helped women deliver before. Knows midwifery."
"Yeah I know, I got that part." Lucas said not losing the worried expression. "I don't know if I can stand to see her in pain."
"It's why we get kicked out of the house when our women are in labor."
"I suppose you're right." His childhood friend nodded and then raised an eyebrow at him. "Adeline expecting yet?"
Jackson shrugged. "Maybe, I don't know, she's not said anything. Although I noticed she turned green the other day at breakfast when she made my eggs. She went outside, said she needed fresh air."
"You didn't ask?"
"No," Jackson sighed, "after what happened last time, I think she wants to be sure. Wants to keep it to herself for now. And I'm going to let her decide when she tells me."
A smile tugged at Lucas' mouth. "We're both going to be Papas'. Well I'll be damned. Seems like yesterday our biggest success was hitting a bird with a new slingshot."
"Yeah and getting a beating for it when your momma caught us," Jackson laughed.
"I wonder how long before Heath joins us in this."
"Not long," Jackson replied. "He can barely stand to be away from Jessie. Did you notice last week how they stole away as soon as dinner was done?"
"Yeah," Lucas laughed. "He's got it bad."
That evening Jackson watched Adeline closely as she set the table fussing over flowers she placed on the center of the table.
"Marry me," Jackson told her.
She didn't react at first, her hand frozen above a delicate daisy. "What?"
"Marry me Adeline," He said and went to her. "At church, let's get married like God intended."
Tears sprung to her eyes and she threw herself at him with so much force he had to take a step back to keep from tripping. "Oh Jackson, it would make me so happy."
She pulled him down for a kiss, his arms wrapped around her needing her closer. She moaned and softened in his embrace. At her reaction, their kiss became too ardent when company would be arriving any minute. Adeline pushed him away, her face flushed and her eyes locked onto his lips. "Darn it. Why did you have to ask me when we are about to have company for dinner."
He smiled at the beautiful spitfire as she composed herself pushing her hair behind her ears and pressing her hand to her chest. "Yes." Her vibrant green eyes locked to his. "I will love nothing more than to marry you Jackson Pruitt."
When Heath and Jessie arrived, Adeline could only smile at the flushed faces telling they'd been outside for a while before composing themselves enough to knock. She was glad to see how quickly they'd fallen in love.
Jessie turned out to be very different from the woman who'd arrived in town. She wore simpler dresses now and it turned out she was a great cook. Even now, she carried a delicious smelling cake and placed on the table. "It's my mother's recipe, she told Adeline. I hope you like it."
Adeline hugged her sister-in-law. "Of course we will, everything you make is always delicious."
During dinner Jessie exchanged a look with Heath. He started to speak, but she covered his hands with hers. "I want to ask you something Jackson." She said and swallowed nervously. "I found I quite enjoyed teaching. I never thought I would get so much joy from those little ones l
earning to read and write."
Jackson glanced at Adeline puzzled and she smiled waiting for Jessie to speak. "All right, go on."
"Well, I would like to use the old cabin as a school house and teach the children who live out here, too far to go into town for schooling."
"Children?" Jackson asked. "There aren't many out here."
"Wilson's have three or four of school age," Jessie told him, and Peggy Ann and Lucas are about to have one. Oh and then there's the two families over to the east of us, the Johnsons. They have a bunch of kids who are always running wild when we pass by going to town."
"What a great idea." Adeline exclaimed admiring her husband's broad shoulders as he leaned his elbows on the table in thought. He looked to Heath. "This is as much your land as it is mine. You have a say."
"Oh no," Heath shook his head, "if you think I'm going to go against these women, you're asking the wrong man."
Jackson narrowed his eyes at his brother "I was considering burning it down." The women gasped and he held up his hands, "Do what you wish with it. You're only asking me as a courtesy anyway."
Adeline began to cut Jessie's cake while both men watched with interest. "You're both very smart men." She told them slicing it and passing each of them a thick piece before cutting smaller ones for herself and Jessie.
"Now I have news of my own." She cleared her throat and glanced nervously at Jackson who stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth.
"My father is coming to visit." Adeline told them. "I invited him. I want him to see how happy I am. I am surprised but he agreed."
Jackson nodded. "He's welcome of course, but the first sign of mistreatment towards you and he will leave."
"In his letter he claims to have stopped drinking. He is not a perfect man by any stretch of imagination, but he is my only family."
Jessie placed her hand on Adeline's forearm. "I think it's a good idea for him to come and spend a few days with you. Get to know Jackson."
Where The Four Winds Collide Page 19