After Sarah was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the hospital, everyone but Sister Ruth adjourned to the Wedgewood for an informal wake. John had made arrangements to use the ballroom for the party. He also made reservations for a guest room for the Bigelows. He hoped Lola would stay with him, which she did.
He knew Moriarity would stay with his lady friend, and Juan, Lisa and Maria would leave early to return to the ranch. Clayton asked John to meet him for coffee early the next morning, and he was waiting when he arrived at the coffee shop at that time,
“Good morning, John. I hope it is not too soon after the funeral to talk business,” Clayton greeted him.
“Oh no, actually poor Sarah left us all some time ago,” John replied.
“Well, I wondered if you had thought any more about us drilling some exploratory oil wells on your ranch,” Clayton said.
John replied between sips of coffee, “Yes, Juan and I have discussed it, and we agree the best place to start would be on the south pasture. The soil there is so salty we have a hard time getting a good crop of hay there anyway.”
“That could be a good sign. There may be a good salt dome under there that just might have oil beneath it,” Clayton replied.
“Well then, just go ahead and start drilling there when you are ready,” John agreed.
Clayton offered his hand and John shook it. Clayton said, “It’s a deal. Now let’s talk about the details. I’ll pay you a quarter override, and for a signing bonus I’ll pay for a telegraph line to be laid between your ranch and Galveston. That way you can communicate with Lola or me, or anyone in the country who has access to a telegraph. Lola is an excellent telegrapher, and I’m sure she could teach you in short order.”
“Sounds fine with me,” John agreed.
Clayton answered him, “Great, I’ll have the papers drawn up and bring them to you as soon as I can. But now I remember you have a favor to ask me. Ready to ask me yet?”
John replied, “Yes, sir, I think I am. Lola graduates next year, and with yours and Bambi’s permission, I would like to ask her to marry me.”
“I hoped that is the favor you would ask, and so did Lola and Bambi. We would be delighted to have you for a son-in-law,” Clayton answered.
“Good, I’ll go buy a ring today and ask her. But please don’t tell her yet. I want it to be a surprise,” John answered.
It wasn’t long before Lola and Bambi joined them and they ate breakfast together.
Bambi asked, “Have you men been talking business?”
“We sure have. John agreed to let us drill some exploration wells, and I have agreed to string a telegraph line from Galveston to the ranch. And Lola, I hope you don’t mind, but I volunteered you to teach him to use the key. Is that alright?” Clayton informed them.
With a huge smile, Lola said, “That’s great. I more than agree. It will be a pleasure.”
John also smiled and winked at her.
After they all finished breakfast, John excused himself saying he had some errands to run. He left the Bigelows to discuss the morning’s happenings amongst themselves.
John rode straight to Gildemeister’s Jewelry Store. He knew the owners from the days his mother purchased jewelry from them. He selected a three-carat diamond, and while he waited they set it in a wide gold band. He also purchased a wide band plain gold ring to match.
Paying them with cash from his money belt, he rode back to the Wedgewood to ask Lola to marry him.
Finding the Bigelows gathered in their room with Lola, John sat down to talk to them, the ring secreted in his pocket.
Clayton spoke first, “John, Bambi and I are taking tomorrow morning’s stage direct to Dallas, but Lola is waiting and will take the train day after tomorrow, with Moriarity, to San Antonio, then the stage to Austin. Is that OK with you?”
“Good with me,” John replied.
John and Lola borrowed a buggy from the livery and drove Clayton and Bambi to the stage station.
Clayton told him, “Thanks for everything, and I’ll be back in a week or so with some papers for you to sign.”
Bambi told him, “Good luck, John,” and winked at him.
John thought to himself, Boy that lady’s attitude towards me sure has changed since I first met her.
That evening John drove to the Stockyards Steak house for dinner. He had never been there. But Mike Ward told him they had the best steaks in town. After two bourbons each, John proposed to Lola. She accepted and he put the huge diamond on her finger. She gave him a very lusty kiss, telling him, “That will have to hold you until we get home, and then I will really thank you.”
John flashed a broad smile. After a delicious dinner they drove back to the Wedgewood, and went to the bedroom, holding hands.
True to her word, Lola treated John to some fantastic sex. He was unaware she knew some of the tricks she showed him.
They went to sleep early, partly because they were worn out from the sex, but also knowing they had to rise early to get Lola on the morning train to San Antonio to connect with the stage to Austin.
Moriarity met them at the depot, and they left.
John waved good-bye to them, went to the Wedgewood, traded the buggy for Diablo, and rode to the ranch.
Chapter 16
Preparing for the Ranch to Change
After enjoying lunch with Juan, Maria, and Lisa, John explained to them the changes that would take place.
1. In several weeks, oil drilling would begin in the south pasture.
2. A telegraph line would be laid between the ranch and Galveston.
3. He would be starting construction on a new wing to the ranch house where he and Lola would live after they were married next year.
The first two changes drew very few gasps of surprise, but the third one caught all three of them by surprise. John was overwhelmed by their handshakes, hugs, and kisses of congratulations.
John spent the afternoon going through the safe and the files maintained by his meticulous father. He found the deed and the original plans for the house showing the builder, Jose Garcia and Sons, in Galveston. Then next morning after a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and biscuits with gravy he took the plans, saddled Diablo, and rode to Galveston. He found the Garcia Builders were not only still in business but had prospered. He met with them and laid out his ideas for the new wing to the house. He said he wanted three bedrooms, an office, a living area, and a guest room. Jose studied the plans for a few minutes then suggested adding two new wings, one on either side of the house. He could add three bedrooms and an office with a family side, and then put the guest wing on the other side of the house. John liked the idea and Jose told him he would draw up the plans and deliver them to him at the ranch the following week. He wanted Lola to see them before they started building. The following week John was surprised to see Clayton arrive. He was even more surprised to see Lola and Sully with him.
After kissing John, Lola ran to the house to show her ring to Juan, Maria, and Lisa. She got the same hugs, kisses, and handshakes that John received the week before.
Then Clayton took John aside to tell him, “I have another favor to ask you. Sully is a typical spoiled rich kid. He doesn’t want to study or apply himself, and only wants to drink and party.”
John thought, That sounds like me before I had all this responsibility laid on me.
But he asked, “What can I do to help?”
“I wondered if you could give him a job here at the ranch, and work his ass off. No special treatment, just treat him like you would any other hand,” Clayton told him.
“Well, I’ll have to talk to Juan, but I think we can work out something,” John told him.
Clayton continued, “Lola is on spring break and brought a practice telegraph key with her, so you should be ready to send by the time the wire is installed, week after next. Now I have some pap
ers for you to sign.”
John told him, “Sounds good. I’ll get Lola to San Antonio to catch the stage to Austin when she is ready.”
The next morning soon after Clayton left in the buggy. Jose Garcia arrived with the plans for the house. Lola loved the plans, as did John. After agreeing on a price, Jose left, promising to start on the remodeling in one week. Lola and John began his lessons with the telegraphy key. After two readings John’s amazing memory had completely memorized the Morse code, so Lola began teaching him how to use the key.
Within a few hours he had mastered what took other people two weeks to accomplish. Another week went by and John hated to take Lola to the stage because he knew it would be weeks until he saw her again. He was glad to leave the busy goings on at the ranch. The house was in shambles from the construction, Western Union people were installing poles and wires, a drilling rig was busy drilling exploratory holes in the south pasture, and Sully was busy digging fence post holes for a fence to separate the south pasture from the other three pastures.
As they rode to San Antonio in the buggy, John told Lola, “That place is like a Chinese fire drill. I’m glad to be away from there for a while.”
Lola answered, “I know it is hectic now. but it will soon calm down, and you will wish I was back with you.”
“You’re right. I will miss you. I’ll be lonesome, alone in that big bed without you.”
Lola then, very unexpectedly changed the subject asking, “John, have you thought about where we should be married?”
“I couldn’t care less, just as long as we get married,” John answered.
“Well, I have been thinking about it a lot. Mother wants me to have a big church wedding, but I just want a small ceremony with only a few friends and family there,” Lola reported.
“Whatever you want is fine with me,” John agreed.
“I would like for us to be married in that little chapel at St. Agnes. I just loved that little place, and that Father Carroll was so nice. Next time you go to Houston, ask Father Carroll if he will marry us, please.”
He promised to do so.
After a tearful good-bye, Lola left on the stage and John went to the Menger for a good night’s rest before leaving for the ranch the following morning. The Menger was his favorite hotel and the bar there was his favorite bar. He loved the dark paneling and the bar where a huge hand-carved back bar dominated the room. Little did he realize that years later Teddy Roosevelt would also visit this bar and recruit his “Rough Riders” here.
After a good night’s sleep he rode back to the ranch, missing Lola already.
In three months the house renovations were completed, the telegraph wire had been strung, and Sully had developed into a hard-bodied, muscular young man, who no longer had a bad attitude.
Pleased with the progress, John sat down at the telegraph key and sent the following wire to Lola:
Bedlam over with here. House completed, telegraph installed, Sully has new body and attitude. Only thing missing is you. What about graduation? Love you. John.
Within an hour John had an answer to his wire:
Glad for you and Sully too. Graduation is two weeks from Saturday.
Mom was not happy about wedding arrangements but will go along with me. Did you talk to Father Carroll? I love you too. Lola.
With all of the confusion at the ranch John had not visited Houston but would go there tomorrow to see Father Carroll.
The next morning John saddled Diablo and rode to Houston. It felt good being on Diablo; it had been a while since he had ridden him.
On arrival he went directly to St. Agnes, said “Hello” to Sister Ruth, then went to visit with Father Carroll. When he asked if he would marry him and Lola, he got this response in Father Carroll’s best Irish brogue, “Faith and begorrah, that would be my pleasure to do that. It seems all I do is say funeral masses, and a wedding will be such a great pleasure for me.”
John felt relieved and left for a men’s clothing store. He bought a brown suit and a blue suit. He made sure the suit coats were loose on him to disguise shoulder holsters. He was abandoning bounty hunting, but with all of the enemies he made, he was not about to go around unarmed.
After spending the night at the Wedgewood, he left early for the ranch. Upon arrival there, he sent the following wire to Lola:
Saw Father Carroll today. He will be delighted to marry us. See you soon at your graduation. I’ll bring Sully. Love you. John.
Chapter 17
Lola’s Graduation
John and Sully arrived at Lola’s already crowded apartment on Friday afternoon. Clayton and Bambi were there, as were Clayton’s partner, Billy Smith, and his wife Betsy. Bambi instantly pushed to Sully telling him, “Oh, my God, I almost didn’t recognize you. Your pale face is all tanned, and your skinny little arms are bulging with muscles. What happened to you?”
“John and Juan worked me so hard! At first I hated them, but now I realize they were helping me grow up. I will never be able to thank them enough,” Sully answered.
John kissed Lola, then made his way to the kitchen where there was a make-shift bar. Soon Professor Moriarity arrived to join in the festivities.
Later in the evening, the party stated breaking up and everyone was leaving for the hotel rooms they had rented.
Lola took John’s hand and whispered to him, “You stay right here. We’re going to have a private celebration later.”
John smiled and squeezed her hand, and they did celebrate that night, enjoying sex as if it had been a long time, which by their standards, it had been.
The ceremony next morning was a short one, with only eleven graduates in the class. Lola graduated Summa Com Laude, which made her parents proud. Several Dallas and Houston law firms had agents at the ceremony offering jobs to the graduates. Lola received several job offers, but her standard response was, “Thank you, but I’m going into private practice with him,” pointing at John.
After a quick lunch, John helped load Lola’s things into a wagon. She would be moving back to Dallas until the wedding.
John watched as the wagon and buggy left for Dallas, then he headed back to the ranch. It was a long lonely trip.
As he entered the gate and started up the road to the ranch house, Juan ran toward him saying, “John, I have good news. The first well came in and is already producing oil. I hope you don’t mind but I let the driller use your telegraph key to notify Clayton.”
John answered, “Sure, it’s OK, Juan. I’m glad you did. By the way, that kid Sully told his mom and dad what a good job you did with making a man out of him.”
“I’m glad he feels like that. He wasn’t a bad kid, just spoiled rotten,” Juan said.
When he walked into the house he was greeted by Lisa and Maria, who also were excited about the good news. Then as he sat at the kitchen table with Lisa and Maria, he told them about the wedding plans. He invited them to the wedding and handed each of them a $10 gold piece telling them, “Use this to get yourselves a new dress for the wedding.”
“Gracias, gracias,” they told him.
Chapter 18
The Wedding
The time flew by until it was time to prepare for his wedding. One of the reasons time passed so quickly was due to the excitement of the second well blowing in.
The small chapel at St. Agnes was filled to capacity. On the bride’s side of the aisle sat Clayton and Bambi; Billy and Betsy Smith and their son, William; two friends of Lola’s from school, Donna and Gloria; Sully, and Professor Moriarity.
On the groom’s side sat Lisa and Maria, Juan Ortiz, and Sister Ruth. Mike Ward was to be best man and his wife, Carol, would be matron of honor for Lola. John had met Carol before, but he had never seen her looking so lovely. Her 4’11” frame nicely supported her school-girl figure, which remained unchanged despite giving birth to two daughters. Her blon
de hair outlined her remarkably young-looking face. John thought to himself, Just look at her. She looks young enough to be the bride.
Her petite stature was a sharp contrast to Mike’s 6’4” stocky build, but they made a beautiful couple.
Father Carroll drew a chuckle from the group as he announced, “This will be such a joy for me to be able to unite these two beautiful people. Weddings are one of the few pleasures this old man has left in life.”
The mass was short but very well done. After the ceremony, everyone (except Sister Ruth) adjourned to the Houston Petroleum Club. Clayton had arranged for use of the club through the Petroleum Club in Dallas where he was a member. Father Carroll went with them, telling Clayton, “I’d be honored to join you. I have an ulcer and I’m not supposed to drink, but being an Irishman, I will have a little Irish whiskey in a glass of milk.”
The brunch they were served was unlike anything John had ever seen: eggs benedict, bacon quiche, French toast, a fruit bowl, and always full glasses of champagne or cups of coffee.
After everyone had eaten their fill, the waiter emerged from the kitchen with a huge five-tiered wedding cake.
Everyone eagerly washed down the cake with champagne or coffee, regardless of how much they had eaten.
John and Lola had decided against taking a traditional honeymoon. They planned to spend the night at the Wedgewood, where John had also arranged guest rooms for the out-of-town guests. Then the next day they would go to the ranch and get settled in.
John opened the door to his room, picked up Lola, carried her into the room, kicked the door shut behind them, and deposited her, gently, on the bed. There, on the nightstand was a magnum of champagne with a card saying, “Congratulations!” courtesy of the Wedgewood.
“Now we can do it legally,” he announced.
“Not just yet, sweet heart. It’s not like we have never done it before, and we have the rest of our lives to do it legally. First I want you to open your wedding present. I can’t wait to see if you like it,” Lola told him.
John King Bounty Hunter Page 9