by Nancy Radke
She called his cell phone, but he didn’t pick up. So she called their house.
Johnny answered. "Jo? You want to talk to Adam?"
"Yes. Please." She waited, biting her lip as she heard Johnny yell out her request. She could hear the two of them arguing, enough of the words so she knew Adam's answer even before Johnny spoke, his voice hoarse. "I'm sorry, Jo. He's not going to come."
"It's important. I must talk to him."
"He said, 'No.'"
"Then...then I'll write." But to have to wait two or three days for a letter to go through the mail would be torture. She didn't want to wait, and an image formed in her mind, of her room as she had seen it through Adam's telescope. "Wait a minute, Johnny. Relay a message for me. Tell him to...to please use the scope."
"That's all? 'Use the scope?'"
"Yes.”
"Thanks."
"Your message makes even less sense than some of Karen's and mine."
"He knows what I mean. I hope. Bye."
Taking the stairs two at a time, Jo went up to her room where she turned on all the lights and tied back the curtains. With a bright red lipstick she wrote on her mirror in large letters: "PLEASE FORGIVE ME" and under that "I LOVE YOU."
The lipstick was ruined and she threw the tube into the wastebasket. He should be focused in, if he understood her message. She could think of no quicker way to write to him. Fishing out the lipstick, she added the words, "PASTURE 10:45?"
She waited five minutes by the clock, then not being able to wait a moment longer, flew out the door.
Jo was halfway down the garden path before she realized she'd forgotten her sandals. Nothing must go wrong now. Nothing must cause any doubt in Adam's mind, so she hurried onward, avoiding the stones as best she could.
Entering the pasture, the ground changed from fairly smooth to very rocky. The hay had been cut even in this small section and the stubble cut the fine skin between her toes when she strayed off the trail.
Filled with uncertainty, she hurried even faster. Would he come? Would he forgive? Had she hurt him once too many times? She hardly noticed the rough ground under her feet.
At the lower corner, Jo passed through the gate, then stopped in anticipation and looked around, desperate to see him. He wasn't there.
Back and forth she paced, arms hugging her breasts, her thoughts churning. No Adam. Had the cruel words hurtled at him in the car cut too deeply? He had said she had one chance. Only one.
He wasn't going to come.
Jo dropped to her knees in the dust, rocking herself in despair and anguish. Her feet hurt from her carelessness and she welcomed the pain as tears welled and overflowed.
Oh, Adam, my love, my life. What more could I write in a letter than what I just wrote on my mirror?
Adam stood in the doorway, between his mother and Johnny.
"Call her back, Adam," his mother said. "You're killing yourself. You know she loves you."
"She has a strange way of showing it."
"So do you."
"What?"
"She's caught between the two of you. Call her."
Johnny stared at him. "Come on, Adam. If not for you, for Karen and me."
"No," he said. “I can’t take having her tell me she loves me, then say she hates me. Why should I destroy myself for that vindictive old man?"
"I thought you were bigger than that, son."
"Mom!"
"It's called forgiveness, dear. You are to forgive the other person, whether you are in the right, or in the wrong. Weren't you listening to the preacher, when you sat with Jo? Probably not," she answered herself. "You need to resolve this."
He looked at her. How could he forgive Gramps? Or Jo?
"If you let it go on like before, you'll lose her for sure. I want both those girls as daughters-in-law. Put away your pride. It won't keep you warm at night. She's made the first step, now go talk to her. And don't come back without my daughter."
“I’ll see what she has on her mirror,” he said, and left his mother standing there, puzzled.
Up in his room he stood in the darkness for awhile, struggling with his thoughts. Did he want to get caught up in this situation again? He was out of it. Although he still loved Jo, he could not see a relationship built upon lack of trust. She didn’t trust him not to hurt Gramps. Well, he couldn’t trust her not to hurt him.
He picked up the telescope. Read the message. Put the scope away.
At the pasture, he saw her weeping, alone, and it cut him. He had to steel himself against the sight before he walked up to her.
"Jo." He brushed her hair with his hand.
"You came," she cried.
"Yes." His voice was strained. "I didn't want to look, but I did."
"And—"
"I'll hear you, but only because of what you wrote. It's no good, Jo. I've come to say goodbye."
"No."
"I'm leaving, turning the place over to Johnny."
"But, I love you. Doesn't that—"
"Do you? Really? Or are you just sorry for what you said?"
"Oh, no. I love you. Truly I do."
"But only as long as Gramps doesn't need you." Would things work if he took Jo with him, away from here?
"No, it's—"
"I can't survive that kind of love, Jo."
"I told him, tonight, not to make me choose between the two of you, because if he did, I'd choose you."
"You did?"
"Yes."
His shifted his weight onto one foot, kicking at the soil with the other. "I'm still not sure.... You have the power to tear me apart, Jo. I wanted to die. I don't think I can take it if you do it to me again."
Jo stood up, facing him, just a heartbeat away. "I’ve told him everything, Adam. He's not against us anymore. He's ready to take both you and Johnny."
"Are you sure?"
"He's returning the lease tomorrow. We have his congratulations."
"I can't believe it."
"The heart attack woke him up to what he was doing. And neither Karen nor I could hide our unhappiness."
"So. After all these years," he whispered, bowing his head as he thought, the emotions whirling within him. "It's finally happened."
"Forgive me, Adam, please," she begged, lips trembling. "I hurt you—"
"Yes, you did. Terribly. Never do it again. Please."
"Never."
"Promise?"
"I promise. I said such terrible things to you."
"I guess...you were upset. As frantic as Murray in a thunderstorm."
"I thought...I thought you'd never want to see me again," she groaned. "How can you forgive me?"
"That's not hard—"
"It's impossible!"
He smiled at that, shaking his head. “No. I should ask you to forgive me for being such a stubborn jerk. I didn’t want to come. I was afraid to open my heart again.”
“But you had a reason—”
“So did you. And, in a way, so did Gramps. I’m not perfect, Jo. I was mad at him for keeping us apart, so I would say things to get him angry. You must forgive me.”
"Well, of course."
"Because I don't want anything less." He pulled her close, molding her suppliant body against him. "You're the reason I'm living."
"I know. I'm incomplete without you."
He swept her up into his arms with an urgency that matched her own. "Precious, beloved. My sweet, sweet girl." He pressed her hard against his chest while he carried her across the creek to Johnny and Karen's secluded spot. There he set her on her feet while he touched her as one would touch a rare gem he had just discovered, wiping away the tears that continued to flow as she searched his face.
"Don't cry, Jo," he said, stroking her hair. He moved aside so that the moonlight fell full on her upturned face, and she let him see the glow of love that radiated from inside her heart.
"Ah, yes," he whispered.
"And do you, Adam...truly love me?" she asked. "Gramps said you wouldn't have helped with Ka
ren's plan if you hadn't cared. Some."
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming in retrospect. "That wasn't Karen's plan, although I helped her think so. I put the words into her mouth."
"You mean it was all your idea?"
He nodded. "My idea. Not Karen's. I'd almost given up trying to get close to you. This was ideal." He held her possessively, smiling at her sweet response as she lifted parted lips to his. "I wanted you to kick over the traces and join me. And it worked. Better—and faster—than I ever dared dream."
"Oh, yes."
"I've had my dreams for a long time, Jo. When you were a child you came into my arms with complete trust. I held you all night and determined you'd be mine, someday. I had to give you time to grow up, but you were precious to me even then, sweetheart. Even as a youth I was protective of you. I used to think you got into trouble so I'd have to rescue you."
"I did," she admitted. “Sometimes.”
He chuckled and squeezed her tighter. "I'd watch you riding and wish you'd be more careful. And remember the letter you wrote, thanking me? It helped me keep the thought alive, that maybe, someday, I'd win you."
"What'd I write? I can't remember."
He tossed back his head in delight. "For a thank-you note, it was very revealing. You wrote that 'In some countries when you save someone's life, they belong to you. Is it true?'"
"I wrote that?"
"Yes."
"And was it true? Did I belong to you?"
"From that day on, dearest. Although next year when you reached high school, you wouldn't even look at me."
"I was too young," she reminded him. "I couldn't cope. I was so extremely aware of you—as if I had eyes behind me. The feeling frightened me. Did you realize what you were doing?"
"Of course. I was waiting for you to show Gramps your heels. I ran wild my first year of college—almost flunked out after Dad died. That shook me, so I settled down to wait. I had to get you away from Gramps long enough to fall in love with me. I bought this after you told me you were saving yourself for your husband-to-be."
He thrust his hand into the pocket where he carried his keys and a small box. He just hadn’t removed the box yet, since when he did, it would have meant all hope was gone.
He placed the box in her hand, his voice dropping into lowered tones of endearment. "That had to be me. There was no way I was going to let you belong to anyone else. You didn't have a chance. Put it on, Jo."
Inside the box lay a gold wedding set, a seal of his love and care. The brilliant diamond cluster, like a small constellation of stars, reflected both the moonlight and his love.
"Please, my husband, you put it there," she whispered holding out her left hand.
He slipped the diamond engagement ring on her third finger and kissed it in place. "Mine forever."
"Always," she agreed as their lips met, sealing their vow.
THE END
Thank you for reading Appaloosa Blues. If you enjoyed this book, I would appreciate it if you'd help other readers enjoy it too by recommending it to friends, readers' groups, and discussion boards, or by writing an honest review on Amazon. Thank you. This is one way our readers really help out authors. Like Turnagain Love, Closed Doors, and Tennessee Touch, this romance didn’t have a mystery. The rest of the Sisters of Spirit series has both mystery and suspense.
For those of you reading The Trahern pioneer series, this is the end book of that series, bringing it into the modern age. That is not to say I won’t write any more Trahern books, as I enjoy them so much. I have three new stories finished and one about to be finished, of that series. The Luckiest Man in the West, The Stubbornest Girl in the Valley (short story 1930’s), The Best Friends in the Country (short story about Charlie Web, exclusive to a boxed set), and The Happiest Man in the Country about Brynn, who brings a huge bull, Sir Galahad, out to the Trahern ranch (1920s). These should all be up before the end of April, 2013, including the boxed set, The Traherns.
Next planned is another series, Brothers of Spirit, with men in the CIA, FBI, and local law enforcement, with stories featuring Owen Putman, Robyn Duvall, and others, some linked with the Sisters.
There is a short story included in this book that is part of The Traherns Series, called The Prettiest Gal on the Mountain. To find it, use the menu in this book.
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OTHER WORKS BY NANCY RADKE
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OTHER WORKS BY NANCY RADKE...Sisters of Spirit Series
Boxed set of #1-4 of the Sisters of Spirit novels. This gives you four super reads, ranging from a simple love story in Turnagain Love to a life and death struggle in Courage Dares. All are sweet, contemporary romances with lots of action but without the language or sex offered by many authors. These are safe to give to teenagers, grandparents, and anyone wanting pure romance.
Want a clean, funny, sweet romance? Grab TURNAGAIN LOVE, #1 Sisters of Spirit Sweet, Contemporary, Humorous. Stranded on a small island, Jennel is happy to see her handsome rescuer until she finds out he is taking her job. Affaire de Coeur gave it four stars. Scribes World said "Turnagain Love has some fascinating twists and turns, unexpected complications, and charming scenes."
Can’t get enough of those Turnagain Love characters? Pick up CLOSED DOORS, #2 Sisters of Spirit Sweet, Contemporary. Ellen must help him keep the secret which could destroy his way of life. “All the characters from Turnagain Love are back, as unpredictable as ever.” Gail P.
Looking for a little mystery sprinkled in with the romance? Investigate STOLEN SECRETS, #3 Sisters of Spirit Romantic Mystery Murder and robbery in a Seattle houseboat community. “An emotional roller coaster with a feel-good ending. Ms. Radke sprinkles in humor when you least expect it.” J. Rogers
Want more sweet romances, this time with a strong suspense element? Try out COURAGE DARES, #4 Sisters of Spirit Suspense, sweet, contemporary. Mary prays for courage to overcome her tragic past and finds her answer in the dangerous present. “This story really kept me guessing. I never knew what would happen next.” Allison D
Can’t get enough of those sisters? Snatch up SONGS FOR PERRI, #5 Sisters of Spirit Romantic mystery, suspense, contemporary. Perri travels to Mexico to rescue her brother, and finds a man of many masks. “Charming and wonderful with a dramatic twist at the end.” AddyM
Want more of the Stolen Secret characters trying to uncover a mystery? Try TENNESSEE TOUCH, #6 Sisters of Spirit Romantic mystery, contemporary. Alison hates football and distrusts men in general. Her brother was seriously injured in the game and the former jocks her mother married were unfaithful. So what makes an NFL quarterback think he has a chance with her? “A ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ type of romance.” K.S.
All sweet, all contemporary, and this one with mystery and suspense. The Sisters are in danger again. Pick up SPIRIT OF A CHAMPION, #7 Sisters of Spirit Romantic mystery, contemporary. Stormy is a veteran crusader, and when she discovers the danger her brother faces, she flies to the rescue. No one believes her. She gets help from Hugo and her cousin, Perri, whom you met in Songs for Perri.
The PRETTIEST GAL on the MOUNTAIN
A short pioneer story by Nancy Radke
(The Traherns Series)
I hitched my creaky old rocker out onto the wooden porch of my old home and set a bit, watching the early summer sun fall down over the Tennessee mountains. There was no one around to ask me to get them a bite to eat, or for help, or for anything. I was all alone on the mountain.
Mallory Buchanan hadn’t been gone two days and already I missed that gal. I missed the knowledge of her being there, just a few miles away on the other side of the mountain. She should be almost in Kentucky, if she took the most direct trail to Missouri.
Mally was the last of ‘em, God
bless ‘er. With my husband, Jacob, gone five years now, alive or dead I had no way of knowing, and all my boys off to this war between the states or the western lands, I had a whole mountain to myself. I was used to loneliness, but this here went a mite too far.
“Well, Abigail Courtney, what you gonna do now?” My voice sounded strange. I was used to talking to the animals, but not much to myself.
I had the rest of the summer to answer my question. I needed to be off this mountain before winter, for I sure as shootin’ wouldn’t live through another one. Last winter had just about done me in. Mally had come over to help me drag in some firewood. Said she had thought about me, and wondered how I was, so left off nursing her sick mother and come to see if I was still kickin’.
The wood had froze to the ground, complements of an ice storm, and we hacked at it until we had enough broke loose I could rebuild my fire. It had gone out two days before, and I hadn’t been able to cook or keep warm. I had finally decided I was going to have to pull down some of the barn siding, when she came.
When Mally and her mom had been next door, we women would get together to do the heavy lifting and hauling. Now they were gone. Although I didn’t need them at the moment, I sure would later on. Should I even try to keep farming through the summer? Sooner or later I was gonna have to leave.
The mountain farm had been my home ever since my man Jacob had brought me here as a new bride, and tears watered my eyes at the thought of leaving it. He’d built it strong to withstand the mountain storms. A strong house for a strong man. It had stood against the storms for many years, but things needed done to it that a woman couldn’t rightly do. There’d been a few shingles blown off and the door didn’t quite close snug anymore, so the wind howled as it passed through. Two windows needed repair, and a new post put on the porch roof.
Also, I’d lived here so long, I figured the rest of the world had passed me by whilst I was raising my brood. I had no idea what the world was like, apart from the small settlements at the base of the mountains.