E. G. Parsons - Black Rock:

by A Time For Love

  Lucy gave Roxanne a ferocious hug. "Miss, you're ever so right, we are indeed friends."

  "Good, now lets get this wagon load of food packed up, so we can make ourselves pretty. And please, won't you call me Roxanne?"

  "I do try, Miss, but it just don't seem proper."

  "Why isn't it proper?"

  "You're my mistress. I know we're friends, but I guess my mother's teaching took better than I ever imagined. My granny came here from London to be housekeeper for Mrs. Brady in New York. With her it was always Miss this or Sir that and my mom followed suit and then passed that way of speaking down to me. It's a hard habit to break. But I'm trying.

  "Okay, Lucy. You call me whatever makes you comfortable for now, but someday I hope you'll feel at ease calling me by my Christian name."

  After loading the food into the wagon, the two went into the house to dress and as Roxanne started up the stairs she noticed Lucy hovering in the doorway to the kitchen.

  "What's the matter, Lucy?"

  "I...I..."

  Coming back down the stairs, Roxanne placed her hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Out with it, what's the matter?"

  "I just wanted to show you something."

  "Okay." Roxanne followed Lucy to the bedroom off the kitchen.

  It was the only room she'd not been in since coming home. Lucy had placed a colorful crazy quilt on the bed and a multicolored rag rug on the floor beside it. All was neat as a pin. A beautiful black dress in a lightweight summer fabric lay on the foot of the bed. It had soft gray, satin trim at the neckline, around the sleeves and circling the skirt in three rows at the bottom.

  Roxanne picked it up and marveled at how light and soft it was.

  "It's just beautiful, Lucy, but you aren't planning to wear black are you?"

  "No, Miss. I wanted to make a gift of the dress to you. I had it made when my mama passed and I've never worn it since. I know your new summer clothes won't be ready for a while and I just thought...I'm sorry, it was a silly idea."

  Roxanne couldn't speak for a moment. Swallowing the lump in her throat and blinking back tears, she looked down at the lovely dress. It was one of the nicest gestures anyone had ever done for her.

  "You know how I've been sweltering in my black wool and velvet. You were thinking of my comfort today with the outside dinner. How on earth could that be silly? I love the dress and I love that you were thinking of me. Thank you, Lucy. It was a fortunate day for me when I came home to Black Rock and found you waiting."

  Lucy smiled, very pleased. "I let the bodice out last night, Miss. It should fit just fine. You go on up and I'll come up after I'm dressed and do up the buttons for you."

  Roxanne stood in front of the long mirror and thought what a marvelous job Lucy had done letting out the bodice. The dress fit like it was made for her and she felt so much more comfortable, it was almost indecent.

  Turning at the light tap on the door, Roxanne called out, "Come on in, Lucy."

  Lucy entered, placing the hatbox she carried on the bed. She did up the buttons at the back of the dress. "There, now sit down, Miss, and I'll do your hair.'

  Lucy arranged Roxanne's dark curls on top of her head, leaving a few tendrils to curl on her neck. Reaching for the hatbox she removed a simple little black hat with gray trim and pinned it on top of the curls.

  "Okay, now you look just lovely, Miss, and still very proper."

  Roxanne adored the little hat. It matched the dress exactly and was still plain and simple enough for mourning.

  "Thank you, Lucy, I love it. Let me look at you." Standing, Roxanne admired Lucy's sunny yellow dress and brown hat with yellow feathers.

  With her golden hair, she reminded Roxanne of a perky little sunflower.

  "Lucy, you're as pretty and bright as a flower. Charlie is going to be very pleased."

  Lucy blushed, but before she could answer, they heard a horse gallop into the ranch yard.

  "That'll be Charlie, now." Lucy rushed to the stairs, Roxanne following more slowly.

  She shut the front and turned to make her way down the steps while Lucy greeted Charlie. Roxanne smiled at the young man. A tall man, Charlie had bulging muscles, tanned skin and the whitest hair Roxanne had ever seen.

  "Charlie, this is Miss Ingram."

  "How do, Miss Ingram." Charlie removed his hat and bowed from the waist in greeting.

  "How very nice to finally meet you, Mr. Sullivan. Lucy has told me so much about you, I feel we are already acquainted."

  "Thank you, Ma'am, I've heard some very nice things about you too. Lucy loves working here."

  Charlie left his horse with one of the hands and helped the ladies into the wagon. It was a pleasant trip to Tina and Simon's ranch. Charlie kept them laughing with his tales of trying to shoe an uncooperative stallion. When the wagon pulled to a stop in the ranchyard, Roxanne admired the low-slung log house with its wide-open porch. There was a huge shade tree where sheet covered tables had been set up to hold all the covered dishes.

  To the left side of the tables was an open cooking pit with what looked to be a whole steer turning on the spit. The heavenly scent caused Roxanne's mouth to water. She helped Charlie and Lucy carry the covered dishes and place them on one of the tables with the others.

  Tina left the shade of the porch and came to greet the new arrivals. "Lucy and Charlie, I'm so happy you could come. Roxanne, I'd wondered if you'd change your mind at the last minute, but I knew Lucy would get you here."

  Roxanne laughed, "You're right and I'm glad to be here."

  "What a lovely dress, I don't remember it from Sarah's sketches."

  "It was a gift from Lucy. A very welcome gift, I feel so cool and comfortable. Is this darling little cherub, Lettie?"

  "Yes it is. Lettie say hello to Miss Roxanne."

  "Hepo, Iss Sand."

  Roxanne's heart melted as she looked at the little girl. Lettie had Tina's black curls and Simon's green eyes. She dimpled adorably and Roxanne was delighted when she held her chubby little arms out to her. She took the child from Tina's arms.

  "Oh, but she'll muss you all up."

  "And why should I care to be a little mused? We are going to go over to the shade and get acquainted, aren't we, Lettie."

  "Okay, but if she gives you any trouble, Simon and I will be close, just yell for one of us."

  Roxanne giggled as she made her way to the shade of the large tree. "You won't be a bit of trouble, will you, my dear?"

  Lettie just looked at her with her big eyes and then grinned mischievously, causing Roxanne to laugh out loud and hug her close.

  The sound carried to the two men coming from the barn and Collin stopped in mid-stride to stare open mouthed at the two. It was the first time he'd seen Roxanne in mourning dress and his heart clinched at the losses she'd suffered in her young life.

  A sudden breeze blew the black dress against her supple form causing a burning in his lower body. She was the most beautiful woman on the face of the earth. He couldn't take his eyes off her and the lovely picture she made with the child cuddled close.

  A sharp jab in the ribs from Simon's elbow brought him back to himself. "Did you say something, Simon?"

  "Nothing important, I just didn't think you'd want anyone else to see that love dazed look in your eyes." Simon's grin spread across his wide face.

  "I don't know what you're talking about."

  "No, huh? Well I hear tell that Mr. Bradford Wellman has staked his claim to that young lady. What do you think about that?"

  Collin turned his blazing amber eyes on Simon causing the man to back up a step.

  "Whoa there, I'm just telling you what I heard."

  "Bradford Wellman is a snake. Who told you that cockamamie story?"

  "Got it straight from the horse's mouth. Brad told me himself at the auction. He's planning to marry her."

  "Jacob didn't trust Wellman and neither do I. He'd better keep his distance from Roxanne."

  "I suggest that if that's the way you feel, yo
u'd better go on over there and make nice."

  "Make nice?"

  "Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Be a gentleman, compliment her and say all the things a young lady wants to hear from a gentleman. You can handle that, can't you?"

  Collin thought Simon was enjoying this a little too much, but he was also right. He needed to try to show Roxanne that he could be just as gentlemanly as that snake in the grass, Wellman.

  "I'll catch up with you later," he said as he turned to make his way to where Roxanne had sat on a quilt with Lettie.

  "Sure thing." Simon's grin became even wider as he went to join his wife on the porch.

  "Our friend there has it bad, my dear."

  "Collin? For Roxanne?"

  "Yep."

  Tina's smile was as broad as Simon's. "That's wonderful. They'd be perfect together."

  "I agree, but I don't think they'd appreciate any interference from us. So, lets interfere as much as possible."

  "Simon!" Tina admonished firmly and then laughed. This was going to be fun.

  Collin approached Roxanne cautiously, not knowing what kind of reception he'd receive. He'd not seen her since the incident in the mine and she wouldn't even look at him then.

  "Hello, Roxanne. It's good to see you."

  Blushing furiously as memories of her last meeting with Collin surfaced, Roxanne glanced up at him from under her lashes and then quickly lowered her eyes back to the quilt she was sitting on.

  "Hello, Mr. O'Neal. I didn't know you'd be here or that you were even acquainted with Tina and Simon."

  "Or you wouldn't have come, is that what you mean?"

  "I didn't say that." Although if she'd known he'd be here, not even wild horses could have dragged her to the barbecue.

  She'd never been so embarrassed and had no idea what to say to this man.

  Fortunately, Lettie had no such qualms. Jumping up, she held her little arms up to Collin, squealing joyfully. "Unca Lin, Unca Lin!"

  Collin reached and picked the child up, holding her close and kissing the top of her head.

  "Hello there, you little scamp. What have you been up to?" Lettie giggled and threw her arms around his neck.

  Roxanne stared up at the two of them. And children were supposed to be good judges of character. Well, obviously Lettie's radar was off this time. Even she couldn't resist Collin.

  Roxanne plucked nervously at the quilt, as she felt Collin's heated gaze rove over her.

  "I understand you're going to be married soon." Why the hell did I say that!

  Roxanne's eyes grew wide and she looked at him in astonishment. "I'm afraid your information is wrong."

  "I beg your pardon. I'd heard rumors of a wedding between you and Bradford Wellman."

  "The rumors are wrong. I have no wedding plans and I barely know Mr. Wellman."

  "That's good then."

  "It's really none of your business either way."

  This conversation was getting them nowhere fast. She was barely civil to him and all he could think about was laying her down on that quilt and making mad, passionate love to her.

  Simon approached and took Lettie from Collin's arms. "Come along little Miss, your Mama wants you."

  "Hello Simon, it's been a long time."

  "Yes it has, I hope you've finally forgiven me for putting the frog in your lunch pail."

  Laughing, Roxanne shook her head. "Never! Although I know you meant to put it in Tina's, I shall never forget opening that pail and that huge slimy thing jumping out at me."

  Simon lowered his head as though deeply distressed. "Ah, a cold hearted one, you are."

  The two of them burst out laughing before Simon carried Lettie away, calling over his shoulder, "I'll see the two of you a little later. We'll eat in about half an hour."

  "May I sit with you awhile, Roxanne?"

  "If you wish."

  Collin sat down and looked at her, willing her to raise her head and look him in the eyes. He hated the way she kept her head averted to avoid his eyes.

  "All right, Roxanne, I know you're very embarrassed about what happened in the mine and I'm sorry you feel that way. I am not however sorry that it happened. How could I be? It was the most beautiful and the most sensual moment I've ever experienced. I'll always treasure the memory of that day."

  At that statement, Roxanne turned and looked into his eyes, seeing the truth of his words. She fought to get her breath, "Collin..." Stopping she looked away and sat up straighter.

  "I find that very hard to believe, Mr. O'Neal. I'm sure you have had such moments with many women."

  "No. I've been with other women and I won't deny it, but never have I had a moment like that with anyone else."

  Roxanne longed to believe him. She needed to know that she wasn't just another in a long line of women that he'd dallied with.

  "I'd like to believe that."

  "It's the truth."

  Roxanne kept her face averted. Every time she looked at Collin, her pulse raced and she couldn't think straight. Why does this man affect me this way? What is wrong with me?

  "Roxanne?"

  "What is you expect from me?"

  He was surprised by the question and not sure of the answer himself. He only knew that she was the answer to his problem and that he needed and wanted her as he had never wanted another woman. With Wellman in eager pursuit, he also needed to keep her close.

  "Perhaps we could be friends for now and see where it takes us. I've given some thought to your offer and decided to take you up on it."

  Roxanne turned to stare at him in horror. Did he think that she'd offered herself to him in the mine and now he was saying he wanted to finish what they'd started?

  "How dare you? I am not offering anything to you, Mr. O'Neal?" Roxanne started to rise to her feet.

  "Wait, sit back down. You misunderstood me. I was speaking of your offer to teach me to ride."

  Roxanne plopped back to the quilt, mortified once again. "I beg your pardon, it seems I've misjudged you and jumped too hastily to the wrong conclusion."

  "Believe me, my dear, if that offer were on the table, I'd not hesitate to take it."

  Roxanne opened her mouth to give him a good dressing down and saw the twinkle in his eyes. He was teasing her. Suddenly the whole thing just seemed hilarious and she burst out laughing.

  "Collin, please don't tease me anymore, I'll be happy to teach you to ride."

  It was the first time she'd laughed with him and he was enchanted. He had a sudden fierce desire to see that she was always so happy.

  "Good, come to my place tomorrow and we'll see if I'm capable of learning. And, Roxanne, I like it when you call me Collin. Now, lets get some food before Simon gets to it. That man can eat a whole steer." For the rest of the afternoon, Collin remained close and was the perfect gentleman.

  Tired and happy, Roxanne climbed into bed and pondered the day's events. The barbecue had been wonderful fun and although Lucy was right about the number of people who just dropped by, no one seemed to think it strange that she was there. In fact most were school friends she'd known as a child and seemed to come just to see how she was getting on and express sympathy for her loss.

  Collin had been a different man today than what she had grown accustomed to. He'd been charming and funny, joking with Simon and playing endlessly with Lettie to give Tina some free time. And with her he'd been a complete gentleman.

  Roxanne drifted off to sleep wondering who the real Collin was. The charming gentleman of today or the rude man who could make her feel wanton with just a look from those blazing eyes of his.

  Six

  Roxanne awoke with a start, realizing she'd had the dream again. She felt an overwhelming desire to go to the black stone. It was an urgent desire she couldn't ignore. Climbing from her bed, she dressed and quietly left the house, going to the barn to get Sally.

  Riding across the pasture, she could see lightning flashing over top the massive rock as it pulled her toward it like a magnet.
Riding Sally directly to the stone, she climbed down out of the saddle. The wind whipped madly and she lost her footing for an instant before right herself. The intensity of the storm continued to increase, as she made her way closer.

  I have to touch it. I need to feel the smoothness beneath my hands. Walking toward the stone with her hands outstretched, she wondered if she could still be dreaming. The air was charged with a strange energy. She could hear the sizzle of the lightning as its jagged arms reached for the black rock.

  Her father's warning pierced through the fog of her mind and with it came her promise to Collin not to come here. She tried to find the strength within to turn away. It didn't come. Her feet, with a seeming mind of their own, carried her closer to the gleaming marble like surface. The wind blew her hair from the pins and straight out behind her as she reach with anxious fingers to caress the smooth surface.

  "Roxanne! No! Stop, it's not the right time!"

  Turning, Roxanne saw Collin running straight for her. Suddenly they were on the ground and rolling over and over away from the stone. Collin held her protectively against him as they watched the storm vanish and the star studded Texas sky return.

  Roxanne pushed away from Collin and got to her feet, marveling at the calm. It was as though the ferocious storm had never been. She turned accusing eyes on him.

  "What just happened and don't pretend you don't know? You know exactly what's going on with this rock and I demand that you tell me."

  "What makes you think I know anymore than you do?"

  "You said, '…it's not the right time.' What did you mean?"

  Collin knew he couldn't tell her everything yet. She'd think him mad and have him shipped to the nearest asylum. But he could tell her part of it and hope she'd be content with that.

  "I've studied this rock for the five years I've been here in Wild Rose. I've learned that at the times when the lightning and wind come is the most dangerous. It's at those times that people disappear."

  "Is that the truth or is there more?"

  "It's the truth. I couldn't just stand by and run the risk of having something happen to you."

  "What happens to the people? Are they struck by lightning? Do they die?"