by Stephy Smith
“Don’t feel sorry for me. It will be nice not to have to live in your shadow any longer. I welcome the freedom.” Cleo’s eyes darkened with hatred.
Thad pulled back on Greta’s arm. The group escorted Cleo Little and Robert Ray away from the clan. Greta drew in a deep breath and then spoke. “She has a lot of problems.”
“The gaje will deal with them. They killed a man for his money, and they will probably hang. We must pray for her soul.” A spine-tingling chill ran down Greta’s back as she listened to Thad.
****
A week later the gaje sheriff rode into camp. It was time to put an end to Cleo and the Black Magic Coven. The gypsy clan followed Mr. and Mrs. Little into town.
Cleo and Robert were led to the gallows. Their hands were tied behind their backs. Cleo’s eyes scanned her people. She stopped as she glared at Greta. “I will come back for you someday, Greta.”
Black masks were placed on the murderers’ heads. Two banshee cries sent shivers down Greta and Thad. Just as the floor dropped out of the gallows, twin lightning bolts flashed from the clear blue sky. The citizens of Linden searched for the cause of the oddity. Greta and Thad smiled at each other. Without a doubt, they knew who had exacted their revenge. The ancient guardians served the evil doers the justice they deserved.
Chapter Twenty-One
The night had been too short for Greta. She lay in her bed and stretched before she rose from it. Her mother scurried around with folds of material and fragrant berries smashed into a refreshing body wash.
“Mama, why do you make such a fuss this morning?”
“Oh Greta, quit teasing. You know it’s your wedding day. It has been two weeks since… Well, we don’t want to talk of bad things on your special day. Now get up, so we can get you ready for Thad.”
Greta hopped from the bed. As she dressed in freshly washed clothes, she had to dodge her mother’s whirling around in the tiny space of the vardo.
Excitement from the clan’s laughter filtered in through the window. Everything seemed to fall back into a normal life. She wondered how Thad was coming along with his preparations. Quickly she glanced at her mother.
“Mama? How are Mr. and Mrs. Little? They act as if they are doing fine. But I can see pain in their eyes.”
“One day you will have your own children. There are times when you may feel as if all the love you poured into them as they were growing up was not enough. The Littles had a large dose of these feelings. It will take time for their wounds to heal from the hurt their daughter caused them.”
“I wish I could ease their pain. Doriya says we should not interfere with the Littles. I don’t understand why, since Thad and I have the power of white magic, we cannot use it to help the Littles.” Greta laid her hand on her mother’s arm.
“Some things are best to let heal on their own. It strengthens the soul. Hush up now, we must concentrate on getting you ready. Do you remember our talk—”
“Hush mother, we must concentrate on getting me ready.” Heat rose across Greta’s cheeks. One wedding talk was enough. She didn’t need a second.
A light knock on the door pulled her mother’s attention from her. “Come in.”
Aisley poked her head in the door and then entered. “How are things going in here? I just talked to Althea Porter, and she is rattled with excitement.”
“That sums up Mama. I’m as calm as anyone can be.” Greta’s heart pounded in her chest. Sweat formed on the palms of her hands. “I was calm until you reminded me I shouldn’t be.”
Aisley laughed. “It won’t be long now.” She laid her hand on her stomach. “For either one of us.”
Greta jumped from the chair. “Is the baby coming now?”
“No. I don’t think so, possibly tomorrow.” Aisley closed her eyes and breathed through the pain. Greta knew Aisley was trying to hold off going into labor.
“Maybe we should speed this wedding up. I want to make sure Aisley is there.”
****
“Come on, son, get your clothes on. This is a special day for you and Greta.” Mr. Porter gave his son a shake of the shoulder.
“I would if you would stop shaking me every five minutes. Calm down. Greta and I aren’t going anywhere before we marry.” Thad watched his mother’s face pale.
“I just talked to Aisley. I’m pretty sure she is in labor. She may be trying to hide it until after the wedding. But I’m afraid that when it is that child’s time to be born, it will not wait for a wedding.” Althea Porter rushed to the door. “Are you ready? I’m going to see if Greta is.”
Thad nodded as his mother disappeared slamming the door behind her. “Yes, Mama, I’m ready.” He said although he knew his mother hadn’t heard him. Within a few minutes he stepped out into the morning sun. The warmth flowed over him. His talisman warmed his hip. “Yes, it is a good day to marry.” He glanced to the Smith vardo.
His mother and Mrs. Smith pulled Greta through the door. His breath caught in his throat. Aisley walked in front of them down the steps and made her way across the clearing to where Sam was seated.
Thad and Greta were led by their parents to the center of the caravan.
Mr. Little gazed at Greta and Thad. He nodded and started the ceremony. A moan drew his attention to Aisley. The clan all seemed to suck in air at the same time. Mr. Little’s words rushed from his mouth.
“I do believe this has been the fastest wedding I have ever preformed. Thad, you may kiss your bride.”
Another whimper from Aisley pulled the eyes of the clan in her direction. Through gritted teeth she said. “I’m going to my tent now.” She stood and waddled toward the birthing tent away from the vardos.
The wedding ceremonial dance roared with the excitement of the crowd. Occasionally one of the clan would walk the path to the birthing tent only to announce still no baby. Then the party resumed.
Thad pulled on Greta’s hand and nodded his head toward the path to Cherished Silence. She followed as they made their way down the path to the newlywed tent Thad had set up for their honeymoon.
Not long after, they heard the wails of a baby’s cry. The area grew silent. Sam’s excited voice yelled out, “It’s a boy!”
Under the full moon, Thad lowered his lips to his new bride’s. White, hot energy passed between them. They crawled inside and found bliss in each other’s arms. Thad pulled Greta to him. “One day, that will be my voice.”
“Yes, and our child will be full of our magical love.”
About the Author
Stephy Smith was born and raised in the Northwest Texas Panhandle. She owns and operates her own ranch. Most of her inspiration comes from the weather, wildlife, and imagination from country living. When she not spending time with her three sons, she loves to read, ride horses, watch rodeo’s and paint. Stephy is a member of Panhandle Professional Writers, American Quarter Horse Association, and Foundation Quarter Horse Association. Stephy is an award-winning author of Shining Moon Rises.
Also by Stephy Smith
Chapter One
“Mom, you know Mississippi will always be my home. It’s time for me to strike out on my own. Make a life for myself.” Tansy Adams hugged her mother, Eva. She wiped the tears from Eva’s face.
“I just don’t like you going all the way to Texas. That’s a long way off.” Eva’s voice cracked as she tried to talk.
“I know. I can always call and besides, it’s a great opportunity for me.” Tansy’s heart picked up a beat.
“You better get going. Jema is a bit antsy.” Eva pointed to the horse trailer hooked to the back of Tansy’s pickup. The five-year-old mare thumped her hoof on the wooden floor as if to back up Eva’s words.
Tansy slid in the driver side and pulled down the drive of the old plantation house she had lived in all her life.
After two days of travel the subtropical climate transitioned to the arid, dust-blown great plains of the northwest Texas Panhandle. Each state Tansy passed through seemed just as beautiful in its own wa
y. She soaked it all in. Tansy and Jema rolled into the small town.
“Millstone, Texas. Population 12,356. We made it, Jema.” Tansy said out loud, even though she knew the horse couldn’t hear her. Her heart picked up a beat. Light, butterfly-type movements fluttered in her stomach.
Tansy drove straight for the Grow ‘em feed yard to meet with Benny Whipple and the cowboy boss. They met her in the parking lot.
She stretched as her feet touched the ground. An older man rushed toward her.
“Benny Whipple. You must be Tansy Adams.” The old man thrust his hand out to her. She smiled and took his pudgy hand in hers. “Get your horse and we’ll get her settled in while we talk.” Benny stood beside the trailer and waited for Tansy to unload Jema. The cowboy boss leaned casually against a nearby pipe fence with his feet crossed at the ankles.
Benny owned the feed yard. His blue eyes were clear and sparkled with a hint of amusement. Although his hair was gray, the fifty-eight year old man seemed to be in better shape than most forty year olds Tansy knew. And he was better looking than they were to boot. He had a pleasant, calm air about him that made Tansy relax.
Jema backed out of the trailer. Tansy caught the lead rope. She retrieved her tack and tossed the saddle blanket and saddle on the mare's back. Jema didn’t even flinch. Tansy folded the bridle across her elbow and followed Benny through the gate he rushed ahead to open. Jema’s ears perked up and she gazed toward a feed bunk.
“There’s your shed to keep your tack and feed in. We expect you to clean your own shed and stall. As calm as your horse is, I get the feeling you’ve put in a lot of hours horseback. It’s your responsibility to keep your tack in good working order. Here’s a lock and key for the door. We like to think no one will tamper with your equipment, but the cowboys are always up for a good, old-fashioned rodeo. They don’t mean any harm even if they instigate it themselves.”
“I know cowboys are just overgrown kids at heart. As soon as Jema, my mare, rest up from the trip, I plan on getting her accustomed to her new surroundings. If that’s ok.” Tansy unloaded her saddle and blanket from the horse's back and carried them into the shed.
Benny thumbed over his shoulder. “This here’s Gulch. He’s the cattle manager and he’s in charge of all the pen riders. If you have gripes about the cowboys, I want to hear about it. If you got questions about the job, go to him.”
Tansy turned to face Gulch. Her breath caught in her lungs. The palms of her hands became sweaty. Every attempt to talk failed as she gazed into the brightest, dreamiest, gray eyes of Gulch. The light of the sun caught in his dark brown, collar length hair, emitting shimmers of gold and red.
Tansy tried to pull her eyes from him. The dimples on his cheeks deepened. A row of white teeth glistened through his parted lips. His arm extended out to her. Tansy slid her hand down her pants leg to dry it and then clasped his hand with hers.
A tingle ran up her arm. A deep, burning desire settled in her core. His large, muscular frame towered over her. Her feet grew heavy as she tried to move away from the attraction pulling her closer to him. She stopped herself from leaning into him. The beat of her heart pounded in her ears.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Adams. Hope you got a tough skin. These guys don’t always act the gentlemen.” The slow, deep tone of his southern drawl caused her knees to weaken.
“A . . . a . . . Tansy. Call me Tansy.” Her tongue seemed to stick to the roof of her mouth.
“Will do, Tansy. Like Benny said, you report to me. I don’t know what all information you received pertaining to the job you are expected to do, so I’ll give you the run down. Safety is first, always first. As I explain these things to you, I will get more into the details.”
A brisk breeze whipped dirt and debris around them. “Does the wind always blow like this?” It was the only thing she could think of to say.
“Yep. We have some pretty bad blizzards in the winter. Part of your job will be to monitor and move the livestock within the feed yard. Watch for distressed and sick animals. That involves taking the sick to the nearest hospital when you are riding your assigned pens. You will have a radio to call for the removal of the dead ones.” Gulch glanced around the feed yard.
“Do you have any questions for me?” Gulch dropped her hand. She was positive he felt the same, odd attraction she did. He only recovered from the shock of the heat of the moment faster than she did.
“What about shipping and receiving the cattle? Do you have a crew that does that or are we called in to assist?” Tansy leaned her elbow on the fence.
“No extra crew. So in answer to your question, yes, we rotate to ship and receive cattle. You will weigh, count, and pen them. To ship, you will gather them and separate strays or withdrawals. That means if a calf hobbles up to the loading shoot or if it is sick or underweight compared to the rest, separate them out and later take them to the sick pens. Be sure to leave a note for the vets. They don’t like to have extras they don’t know what to do with.”
“Great. I’m flexible. Whatever hours you need me to work, I’ll be there.”
“Good. You’ll have minimal supervision. The environment changes in the blink of an eye. You seem to have the ability to deal with multiple events. I think you will do fine.
“Just remember to use caution when moving the cattle from the hospitals. Make sure they get back to their designated pens. Same goes with the stray cattle. Watch for vehicles when you’re changing locations. Even though pen riders have the right away, doesn’t always mean vehicles will yield to you and your horse. If you find anything unsafe report it immediately to me or the maintenance department,” Gulch said.
“Sounds good to me.” Tansy couldn’t wait to get away.
“Anything else?”
“Not today.” He broke their gaze and she turned back to Benny.
“Welcome to the team. I’m sure the crew will be on their best behavior for the first thirty seconds. After that, I can’t say what they’ll be up to. You still have a week before you start. I hope you don’t change your mind before then.” Benny shifted his gaze between Gulch and Tansy.
“I came too far to change my mind.”
“I hope you like the house I found for you. It’s a small, two-bedroom house. When you get back to town, take the first right. That’ll be Dalton Road. Go down three blocks to Ma Barker Avenue and it sits right on the corner. Ignore that outlaw sign; it’s the best neighborhood in town. There’s never any trouble around there. You can stay there as long as you need to.” Benny pulled a key from his pocket and handed it to her.
“If you need help moving in, I’ll be more than willing to help you. I’m pretty good at lifting heavy furniture and carrying boxes.” There was that breath-stealing tone of Gulch again.
Tansy refused to look at him. It wouldn’t take much for her to throw herself into his arms and homestead her cheek against his massive chest. “No thanks, Mr. Gulch. I can handle it.” Her mind handled the rejection better than her heart did.
“Gulch, plain old Gulch.” Every time he said a word, Tansy grew weak as if she would melt like ice cream on a hot summer day.
Benny led the way back to the parking lot. Tansy hurried over to her pickup. “You have plenty of time to settle in before you have to come to work out here. You’re more than welcome to ride, Jema, is it? At any rate, it will familiarize you and that mare of yours with the feed yard.” His gazed shifted from her to Gulch.
Tansy didn’t miss the gleam in Benny’s eyes. Something was cooking inside the old man’s head and she wished he would just say what was on his mind. She opened the door to her pickup while Gulch unhooked her trailer.
She swiped a strand of hair that had stuck to her forehead as the heat escaped from the cab. Tansy slid in behind the steering wheel and turned the key. The trip to Millstone was short and sweet. She didn’t have any problems finding the house in the small town of twelve thousand.
The quaint, little cottage was perfect. The yard was small with a short
, white picket fence and the driveway was close to the front door. Just like a fairy tale.
Tansy backed in. Excitement renewed itself as the reality of a new start settled in. She wondered what her family would think of her first home away from them in another state. The lock clicked as she twisted the key. She pushed the door open and stepped across the threshold.
Her breath caught. She loved it. The house was small and simple. It wasn’t like the plantation house she grew up in. None of that mattered to her anyway. This was hers. Tansy propped the screen door open and began to carry in the boxes, a chair, bed frame, and mattresses from the back of her pickup.
Walking through the house before she unpacked, Tansy pictured in her mind where everything she owned would find its new home.
The stacks of boxes disrupted the wooden living room floor. Her fisted hands rested on her hips. It was distressing to think that twenty-four years could be packed in fourteen boxes. She let out a sigh and walked over to the first with the label 'pictures in frames and trophies'.
After about an hour, Tansy stood back and surveyed her handiwork. Her high school rodeo trophies lined up on the fireplace mantel. The framed pictures of family and friends hung as a personalized backdrop behind them. The house transformed into a home right before her eyes. Her home. All she needed to complete the project was food.
Tansy scribbled her list and headed out to find the grocery store. The doors slid open and cool air rushed to greet customers. Standing inside the doors was Gulch and two women.
Her heart sank. He stood there with his hands in his pocket, flirting! How could he? Especially after such a powerful attraction had passed between them. It was none of her business and she had no right to feel one bit of jealousy. So why did she?