Quickly she shut the barn door behind her and hurried to the first stable. Chet, Adelaide's horse, whinnied and tossed his head; he was anxious for a run, she knew, but he would just have to wait.
"You're an impatient ol' boy you know that, Chet," she told him as she stepped up on the wooden rail and scratched behind her horse's ears, "I'm as anxious for a ride as you are, but there's too much to do--Pa would have my hide if I slacked in my chores." Actually, he probably wouldn't even notice, Adelaide sadly thought to herself.
Adelaide ran her fingers over Chet's nose as her thoughts turned to her father. James Henderson was a rough man; a self-made man who had gone through more than Adelaide thought a man should have to go through. Though she understood why he was so cold and blunt, she couldn't help but wish that he would love her as a father should love his daughter. She longed for his approval, but never got more than a nod or a few simple words from him. James was a good man, but his heart had been lost the day his beloved wife died; the day Adelaide was born. She knew he must blame her for her mothers death. In fact, Adelaide blamed herself for her mother's death; she figured if she had never been born than her mother would still be alive and her father would be happy. She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain in her heart, quickly kissed Chet on the nose, and left the barn.
As Adelaide set the steaming pot of stew, and hot rolls on the table she listened to the men's conversation. Though the Henderson ranch was not large by any means, James still needed help with the small heard of Mustangs that he was working on breaking. Adelaide cooked for her father's ranch hands everyday. There were five of them; Shane Randal, a young man about 21 with dark curly hair who seemed to always be smiling; Don Ray, a quiet man tall as winter was long; Caper Hall, whom had worked for her father since before she was born; John Filler, a plump man with a kind, soft voice; and last of all Samuel McCall, the most handsome man Adelaide had ever seen. The first four men all held a soft spot in Adelaide's heart--they worked hard and were loyal to her father.
But Samuel McCall was not held in that soft spot--he unsettled Adelaide like nothing in the world. Of course he worked hard and was loyal to her father as much as the others, but there was something about him that sent Adelaide's blood pumping and her stomach fluttering. He had only been with them a few months and ever since he had arrived Adelaide's dreams had stopped. What unsettled her all the more was the fact that this man was he whom she had dreamt of her whole life; since she could remember, she had dreams of a boy, not much older than herself. He had always offered her comfort in her dreams, and now here, before her was the very face she had come to love in her dreams.
James Henderson filled his plate with food then walked out onto the porch, the door slamming closed behind him. Adelaide leaned back against the counter and listened to the hands; she always found it entertaining to listen to their dinner stories.
"Oh, it was about twenty years ago; 'fore Adelaide here, was born. James was doin' cattle back then and hired a few new hands. Well this kid; Randy Calburt, 'bout nineteen, came to work. He had this fire red hair that he'd pull back into a pony tail and this cow hide vest that he always wore. Well he was a wild one; he'd drink like a fish, and was lazy as all get out unless MaryAnn was watchin'," Caper said shaking his head, "Well one day James found Calburt pushing MaryAnn up against the side of the house, boy was James mad! He would've gutted that boy right there if it hadn't been for his young wife watchin', but he did hand him a few good blows. Well James kicked him off quicker n' quick. Ya see, MaryAnn was the most purty lady; just like her daughter," Caper said and nodded to Adelaide, who blushed, but the old ranch hand didn't pause, "And James and her were crazy in love. Anyway, that night Calburt went bangin' on the Henderson's door, drunk as a skunk, and hollerin' about all kinds a nonsense. James near beat the tar outta him, and swore if he ever came back he'd kill him. Calburt left alright, but not without yellin','I'll get ya back for this James Henderson! You'll pay!'" Caper shook his head at the memory, then continued,"Well fifteen years later, I go walkin' 'round the back a' the barn to grab somethin', and there red-headed Calburt is talkin' to Adelaide here. I straight way holler for James to bring his gun and I run to tackle the carrot-head, but he jumps on his horse too fast and shoots off like a bullet, laughing like a witch!"
The hands shook their heads and mumbled profanities.
"How old are ya anyway, Caper?" asked Shane.
"Old enough to be your grandaddy, son," Caper laughed, "well, I tell you this story boys so you'll keep yer eyes open; Calburt's a snake, and I wouldn't be surprised if he came back after seein' Miss Adelaide those years ago."
Adelaide felt uncomfortable at the eyes that now focused on her, and she quickly tried to make herself busy.
"You boys all done?" She asked picking up the empty pot and placing it in the sink.
"Yep. Thank ya much fer dinner, Miss Adelaide," Caper said as he stood and stretched.
"It was mighty good," Shane commented, and clapped his hands together once.
"I'm glad you boys enjoyed it,"
The others mumbled their thanks as they filed out. She always ate before the hands, so she could get right to the dishes once they were done. As she watched them go, she again shivered at the memory of Randy Calburt and the cool way he had spoken to her that day; she hoped that she would never see him again.
The smoke choking Adelaide is what woke her. She sat up coughing vigorously, threw the quilt from her legs, and ran to her door. She opened the door only to find flames consuming the hallway. Her eyes watered and she felt as if she might cough out her very lungs. She ran to the window, pushed it open and climbed out; the snow froze her feet but the fresh, clean air was blessed. Strong arms swooped her up and against a broad chest. Adelaide gasped as she looked into Samuel McCall's stern face. He carried her to the porch of the hands' cabin and set her down, then pulled off his coat and wrapped it around her. She watched as he ran back to the house and through the front door. She quickly counted the men that were running back and forth from the well to the house, splashing water on the growing flames. There were only four of them, and her pa was not one of them. Panic gripped Adelaide's heart and she ignored the aching in her feet as she ran to Caper.
"Caper, where's Pa?" She asked frantically, though she already knew the answer.
"Sam just ran inside to get him. Get back to the cabin Miss Adelaide; it's too dangerous over here!" Caper hollered as he splashed water into the flames. Right then, Samuel came out the front door assisting James Henderson.
"Pa! Pa, are you alright?" Adelaide begged as forbidden tears streamed down her face.
"Adelaide." Her father whispered right before he lost conscientiousness.
"What happened?" she asked, turning to look at the five men standing behind her. James was lying on one of the beds in the hands' cabin.
"The ceiling was weak and a beam fell on him, when I got to him he was out and badly burned." Samuel replied.
"We don't know how the fire started Miss," Caper said, "Maybe your Pa left the lantern burning too close to the curtains?" he offered.
The men looked dreadful; all were black with soot and looked exhausted and sorrowful at the condition of their boss. James groaned, but was still once again.
"Will he be alright Caper?" Adelaide asked. Caper had always been like an uncle to Adelaide, she loved him for his compassion toward her.
"I don't know Miss, he looks pretty bad," Adelaide appreciated his honesty, though it stung her. She loved her father, no matter how indifferent he was to her existence, she still loved him with all her heart.
"Adelaide," James mumbled
"I'm here Pa," She said, taking his unburned hand.
"I'm sorry. I've been a...a terrible father to ya," She could tell it was hard for him to speak.
"Don't talk Pa, it's alright."
"I love you honey...I always have," He said breathlessly.
"I love you too Pa," Tears streamed down Adelaide's face. James's eyes closed and the breath left his body.
"Pa?...Pa!" Adelaide cried. She clamped her hand over her mouth to quiet the sobs. Caper pull her into a fatherly hug.
"Shhhh. . ." He cooed, trying to offer comfort. Adelaide had officially lost everything in that moment, and the reality of it left her hollow inside.
Adelaide woke to the whispering of the hands' voices. As she sat up they grew silent. Caper spoke.
"Adelaide, I know ya have no family anywhere near, and ya can't stay here, so there are only a few options left," He said, looking at her with compassion-filled eyes.
"You could go on by yerself; find work, make yerself a living, though I don't think that would be safe for ya, it is an option. Now, I would take ya under my wing in a heart beat, but I've no place, so I'll be travelin' lookin' for work. All these boy's will be looking for work now..." Caper said. Adelaide understood what he was saying; none of them could help her, even if they wanted to.
"But...Sam here, he doesn't live too far from town. He only came to work here for the winter and was planning on leaving come summer. He said ya could come live with his family 'til ya could find another situation..." Adelaide looked to Samuel; he was looking at her, his face void of any expression. She imagined it was probably what she looked like as well.
"You'll be safe with him Adelaide; Sam is one of the best men I know," Caper quietly said to her. His eyes, full of pity and sorrow as they were, also spoke of encouragement and hope. She took strength from them.
By midday Adelaide was looking over her shoulder at her home, now a smoking skeleton of a building. She was atop Chet, riding beside Samuel McCall; the only thing to her name was the night gown she wore and the horse she rode. "You go and make a life for yerself Adelaide," Caper had said as she mounted Chet. She looked back again to see the four men she had come to love ride away in the opposite direction. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a man on horse back a far distance off. But fatigue made her mind foggy and she found no significance in the stranger watching from the distance.
CHAPTER 2
They made it to town by night fall; Adelaide was exhausted from the strains of the last twenty hours. She felt numb all over, as if she had dreamt it all. Samuel had hardly spoken a word to her, and she was grateful for it; she didn't have the energy or focus to keep up a conversation. They stopped in front of the town hotel, dismounted, and tied up their horses.
"We need one room please," Samuel said to the clerk. Adelaide was deaf to the rest of their conversation, for her mind was rattling and she felt dizzy, one room?
The room was small and cozy and the bed had a magnetic pull on Adelaide--she was exhausted.
"I asked for a hot bath...the stable boy will come in with hot water once he's put the horses away," Samuel said as he tossed his saddle bag on the floor. A hot bath sounded divine to Adelaide, though she couldn't imagine bathing with Samuel McCall in the same room.
Samuel looked at Adelaide Henderson. She looked defeated and exhausted, but still her beauty was undeniable. She was petite, but strong. Her skin was fair and her physical shape was anything if not perfect. Her blue-green eyes were lovely and Samuel knew if she ever looked at him with true purpose she would have the power to undo him completely. Her blond hair was wild and hung in a lose braid down her back. And her mouth, Samuel couldn't help but stare at her mouth, it was so...pleasant. The way it moved when she spoke, the very set of it, her soft pink lips. Yes, she was very beautiful. Dangerously so. Samuel shook his head and reset his determination to not be distracted. He'd been ensnared by a pretty dame before, and he vowed he wouldn't allow it again.
Samuel watched as Adelaide sat down on the bed, her shoulders hanging and her eyes on the floor. He felt for her, his heart reached out to her; he wanted to comfort and reassure her. He sat down beside her, but made sure there was space so they did not touch.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Adelaide." He said, and the tear that trailed down her cheek nearly cracked his guarded heart. Before he realized what he was doing he wiped the tear from her cheek with the back of his hand. Her face turned to him and he suddenly felt very hot.
"Thank you Mr. McCall," She said.
Samuel stood and cleared his throat as there came a knock at the door. He opened it and the stable boy came in with the hot water for Adelaide's bath.
"I'll leave," Samuel said,"Uh...enjoy your bath."
"Thank you," Adelaide replied, overwhelmed at his thoughtfulness at getting her a bath and also for his being a gentleman to leave her to her privacy, even when she knew how tired he must be.
They left directly after breakfast in the morning.
"We'll make it to my place before lunch time," Samuel said as they left town.
"I'm sorry you had to sleep on the floor Mr. McCall," Adelaide said, looking to him.
"Was no bother; I like the floor," He said, a brief glance to her, "And enough of the Mr. McCall stuff, you can call me Sam."
The ride was quiet most the way, but when Samuel's home came closer Adelaide could see he grew anxious.
"You mind if we run the horses the rest of the way?"
Adelaide shook her head.
"Yah!" Samuel shouted and both horses set off toward the McCall ranch.
They reined in the horses in front of the beautiful ranch house. The ride had felt wonderful to Adelaide; freeing. Her cheeks tingled with cold but she was grateful for it; it reminded her that she was alive. But now that they were here, her stomach twisted into knots. Adelaide felt self-conscious that all she wore was her night gown, Samuel's coat, and a pair of one of the hands' old boots; she hadn't been able to grab anything in the fire.
"Just leave the horses here, I'll put them away in a minute," Samuel said as he dismounted and walked up the porch steps. Adelaide followed him, her anxiety growing with each step. As they walked into the house Adelaide was awash with the scent of pine wood burning.
"Thomas, is that you?" a woman's voice hollered as they stomped the snow off their boots.
"It's me Ma, I came home early." Samuel hollered in reply.
Instantly a motherly figure appeared in the entry way. She was lovely: her beautiful blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears, sparkled, and her her mousey brown hair was in a loose bun at the back of her head.
"Sam?" She asked.
"Hi Momma." Samuel chuckled and pulled his mother into a loving hug.
"For crying in a bucket Sam! What are ya doing home?" She said beaming.
"Uh..." Samuel said, "The ranch house burned down...and James Henderson was killed."
Samuel's mother gasped, "No, that's awful Sam! Are you alright? Was everyone alright?"
The woman still hadn't seen Adelaide, being that she stood behind Samuel, so she side stepped to make herself known.
"Oh, Sam, who've you brought home?" The woman asked, her eyes taking in Adelaide with complete joy.
"Ma, this is Adelaide Henderson...James's daughter. She has no relatives and all the other hands went looking for work, so I brought her home. Thought you could use some female company when Rachel's not here visiting." Samuel said looking from Adelaide to his mother.
"Oh my dear, you've been through so much!" Samuel's mother said as she pulled Adelaide into a hug, "You're welcome here pumpkin, I'm truly thrilled you're here...though I wish it was happier for you."
Adelaide had never been hugged so! It was startling and wonderful at the same time, and she instantly loved the woman.
"Thank you Mrs. McCall...thank you." Adelaide replied, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye, she quickly wiped it away.
"Call me Vivian." She said, and Adelaide smiled.
"You look like you could use some rest, pumpkin, come with me." Vivian took Adelaide by the hand and started leading her through the kitchen and down the hall. Adelaide looked back at Samuel; he gave her a nod of encouragement.
When Adelaide awoke she felt groggy and stiff; she'd slept for a long time. The fire in the hearth of the small room was burning bright and it took a moment for her to remember where she was. She could hear laughter and conversation coming from the kitchen. Adelaide reviewed the events of the day. She took a deep breath, got out of the cozy bed, and put on the dress and woman's boots that had been placed at the end of her bed.
When she entered the kitchen all conversation stopped. There were three men, a woman, and three children that Adelaide had not yet met.
"This is Adelaide Henderson." Vivian smiled and came to stand beside Adelaide.
"Adelaide, this is Rachel, my daughter. She is Sam's older sister, married to Charlie Pollard there, and these are her children: Lana, who is five; Sade, who is three; and baby Danny, who is a year." Vivian said as she pointed to each person she named.
"This is Nate, Sam's younger brother. And this is Thomas, my husband." Vivian finished with kissing her husband on the cheek. Adelaide took a deep breath, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Everyone smiled and Samuel came to stand in front of Adelaide.
"I know, it's a bit to take in, but you'll get used to 'em." Samuel said, offering her a kind smile. It was the first time Adelaide had seen him smile, and it set her heart to pounding.
Supper was pleasant; Adelaide found the family's constant conversation soothing. She took the time to study each member. Rachel was gorgeous; she had black hair and her mothers blue eyes. Nate looked like his mother; nut brown hair, blue eyes, and jolly as they come. Charlie, Rachel's husband, had blond, curly hair and green eyes, both his young daughters took after him. Thomas McCall was very handsome and had the same features as Samuel; dark hair, dark eyes, straight nose, strong jaw, and was as large as a tree trunk. The only real differences were the smile wrinkles by his eyes, the sprinkling of grey in his hair, and the essence of a man that comes with age. Adelaide's gaze fell on Samuel; he was a younger version of his father. His eyes were so dark it looked as if the whole iris was pupil, and his hair was a deep brown. Adelaide guested he was six feet three inches, his shoulders were broad and she could see the strength of his body through his shirt. She wished for a moment that she wasn't so plain, that she was a beauty like Rachel; maybe then she would be able to catch the eye of Samual McCall. His eyes met with hers and Adelaide quickly looked away; embarrassed that she had been caught staring.
The meal was delicious and Adelaide had enjoyed being in the company of such a loving family. The women stood and collected the plates as the men began filling the washing basin to do the dishes.
"Adelaide, would you mind holdin' Danny? I'll help Ma and the boys clean up if you can calm him down; he's been fussy all day." Rachel said, handing the baby to Adelaide.
"Uh..." Adelaide had never held a baby before.
"Thanks so much dear, my arms are about to fall off and my patience is all but gone." Rachel said as she busied herself with clearing the table.
Baby Danny was crying and Adelaide felt completely incompetent. She cradled the child in her arms, doing her best to soothe him. Adelaide left the kitchen and went into the next room where it wasn't so loud. The room was dark except for the fire burning in the large fireplace, and it was adorned with comfortable, worn looking sofas. She rocked the baby in her arms in front of the fire, and couldn't help but kiss his soft dark curls a few times. He looked like his mother, Rachel. The child soon quieted and fell asleep, one small, chubby hand clutching Adelaide's collar.
"Well he took to you like fish to water." Samuel's voice made Adelaide look up from Danny's angelic face. "He usually takes a while to warm up to people."
Samuel was leaning against the wall watching her, his arms folded across his chest.
"He was tired." Adelaide explained.
Samuel walked over and looked down at the child, "He's a cute kid." He said and kissed the dark curls as Adelaide had. She was looking at Samuel when his eyes met hers; Adelaide couldn't pull her gaze away, and she thought she saw in his dark eyes that he understood her.
"Sam, come on, we're goin' to break the ice in the water troughs." Nate called from the kitchen.
"Everything's gonna be fine." Sam reassured her in a low voice, then he turned and left.
Adelaide walked into the kitchen with baby Danny asleep in her arms. The men had gone out to break the ice in the watering troughs so the horses would be able to reach the water. Rachel and Vivian were just finishing up with the dishes.
"Oh have mercy, you got him to sleep." Rachel whispered loudly "Thank you Adelaide."
"It was no trouble at all." Adelaide smiled at the darling boy.
Rachel's daughters, Lana and Sade, had been playing in the parlor near the Christmas tree since after dinner. They came running in, Lana holding a pine cone.
"Momma! There's a dead bug in this one!" Lana hollered, holding the large pine cone up to her mother.
"Shhh! Baby Danny's sleepin'." Rachel squatted down to inspect the pine cone.
"Well looky there; a dead bug indeed." Rachel whispered.
Adelaide was fascinated with the way Rachel handled her children; so kind and interested. She figured she must have learned from her own mother. She looked to Vivian who was leaning against the counter watching her daughter and granddaughters with a smile. She looked up at Adelaide and winked at her.
The men came in then, stomping the snow off their boots and chuckling. Charlie, Rachel's husband, walked over to his daughters and scooped them both up into his arms. They giggled and kissed his cold cheeks.
"You little ladies ready to go?" Charlie asked the girls.
"Yes Daddy," They both replied, "Adelaide made baby Danny go to sleep." Lana told her father.
"Oh, very good." He chuckled, then holding each daughter on a hip, he kissed his wife on the mouth. Adelaide blushed at their public display of affection.
"Goodnight Ma, love ya. I'll be over in the next few days to start on the stitching." Rachel told her mother as she went to her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Goodnight pumpkin, I love you too."
Rachel came and took Danny from Adelaide's tired arms and thanked her for getting him to sleep. Then the Pollard family finished saying their goodbyes and left.
Nate gave a long whistle,"I'm bushed, night Ma," He said and kissed his mother on the cheek, "Pa...Sam...Adelaide." He nodded and walked down the hall to his room.
"Goodnight kids, sleep well." Vivian kissed Sam on the cheek, gave Adelaide's hand a squeeze, and left the kitchen with her husband at her side.
Samuel and Adelaide stood there a moment, not saying a word.
"Thank you for all your help and generosity, Samuel." Adelaide said, looking directly at him.
"You're mighty welcome Adelaide," Adelaide was surprised at how beautiful her name sounded coming from his lips, "Come get me if ya need anything."
Adelaide nodded once,"Thank you. Goodnight."
Adelaide lay in bed thinking about the wonderful family who's roof she now rested under. They are everything a family should be, she thought to herself. She smiled and drifted to sleep with the events of the evening playing over in her mind.
Adelaide awoke in the middle of the night feeling cold from the inside out, though the fire in her room still burned hot. She stumble from her bed and out into the family room where a hot fire was burning in the great fireplace; she was grateful it hadn't died. Adelaide stood as close to the fire as she could, trying to warm herself, but as her skin began to get too hot she realized the cold was inside her where the fire would not reach. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Adelaide." Adelaide spun around at the sound of Samuel's voice. She brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"Forgive me," She said, "I was just on my way back to bed." But as she began to make her was passed Samuel, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug. Her cheek was flush with his bare chest and his arms held her tightly. Adelaide was too weak to try and pull away, and his embrace was far more comforting than she imagined possible. She instantly burst into tears, her arms going around his waist. He smoothed her hair with his hand and whipped away the tears; comforting her as he always had in her dreams.
"I'm so cold," Adelaide cried, "No matter how close I stand to the fire, I can't make my insides warm." The words spilled from her mouth before she had time to think of who she was speaking them to. He didn't say a word; simply held her there, smoothing her hair and brushing away her tears.
Adelaide didn't know how long they stood there, all she knew was that her heart began to warm and the heat spread through her veins and into her bones and muscles until she was so warm she could have fallen asleep right on the spot. The warmth became intoxicating to her and she barely noticed when Samuel swooped her up into his arms and carried her to her bed.
CHAPTER 3
Little Lana ran into the kitchen, "Ma, Danny just ate a pine needle! And he won't let go of Sade's hair!" Adelaide could hear Sade in the other room crying.
"Oh for heaven's sake! He just started with this fascination with hair, and his sticky little hands are lethal." Rachel said as she followed her daughter into the parlor. Adelaide smiled, what fun the children were! It had been three weeks since she'd arrived at the McCall ranch, and with each day she loved it more. Rachel and Vivian had become her dear friends and Adelaide treasured them. The day after she had arrived they all three went to town and bought fabric to make two new dresses for Adelaide, along with buying her new boots and a coat. Adelaide had begged them not to spend their money on her, but mother and daughter were quite stubborn and gave her no option but to accept. She smiled at the memory.
It was Christmas Eve and the women had been preparing food all day. The men had been out since day break and Adelaide hoped they would come in soon. As if in response to her wish the men pushed in through the front door, stomped their feet, and came into the kitchen. All four men were rosy-cheeked and smiling, giving them the look of little boys; Christmas time had a way of lifting the spirit. Charlie and Thomas gathered their wives into their arms and kissed them lovingly. Adelaide smiled and averted her eyes; she was becoming accustomed to the family's open affection.
"I guess that leaves me and you Adelaide." Nate said teasingly, and pulled Adelaide into his arms. She chuckled and pushed him away. He and Sam laughed, sharing a knowing glance.
"Dinner's almost ready, you boys sit down and I'll go get the children." Adelaide said, smiling as she walked into the parlor.
Sam watched Adelaide leave, and smiled. Nate nudged him in the ribs.
"Did ya see the shade she blushed when I grabbed her?" Nate chuckled, "I'd call that ripe summer tomato!"
Sam had noticed Adelaide's blush, and noted how becoming it was on her. Mischievously he thought, I'll have to make her blush more often.
Christmas Eve dinner was the best Adelaide had ever eaten. She had enjoyed it thoroughly, even with little Danny sitting on her lap grabbing at her food every second. She had caught Sam starring at her several times during dinner, and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes unsettled her. The last three weeks he had been nothing but polite, though he rarely spoke to her. It seemed he was always on his guard when she was near and she wondered why. It had been a fascinating experience to witness Sam in the comfort of his home and family; he was much different than he was when he had worked for her father. He smiled and laughed often, she could tell he adored his mother and loved to tease his big sister, and he had easy conversation with his brother-in-law, father, and brother. Yes, he was quite different than the quiet, stern man she had known at Henderson Ranch.
After dinner, the family went into the parlor and talked; they shared memories and laughed at old times. Adelaide loved being there, even if she didn't share the same memories.
"Oh, and Rache came in blushin' all the way down to her toes!" Sam laughed, and Adelaide thought it was the most wonderful sound it the world.
"Oh, you stop it Sam. It was my first kiss; a'course I was blushin'!" Rachel defended herself, though she laughed along with him.
"Well Charlie musta' kissed you somethin' fierce; you could barely walk straight!" Sam teased her. Oh, he was handsome!
"Darn tutin'!" Charlie smiled and kissed Rachel sound on the mouth.
"Eww, Daddy!" Lana wrinkling up her nose, "Eww." Sally followed her sister's lead.
"Oh yeah, little Lana?" Sam shouted as he scooped her up, tossed her in the air, then kissed her on the nose.
"Eww, Uncle Sam!" Lana giggled as she tried to wipe the kiss off her nose. Sade squealed as Nate did the same to her. Adelaide found herself laughing right along with the others. This was a place of love; a place that she knew she could heal and find herself. She said a silent prayer thanking Heaven for bringing Samuel McCall to her, for making him real.
After everyone's dinner had settled, they went into the kitchen and ate dessert.
"Ma, this is the best pumpkin pie I've ever eaten." Sam said, serving himself another piece. Vivian chuckled and winked at Adelaide.
"Addie made it." Vivian said. Adelaide loved the way the family had started calling her Addie. Sam looked up at her.
"Miss Adelaide Henderson, this is the best pumpkin pie I've ever eaten," he said smiling at her "No offense Ma."
"Oh, none taken, son, I completely agree."
Addie smiled and bit her lip, "Well thank you Sam, I'm glad you like it."
Just then Lana came and sat herself on Addie's lap, "Why don't you have any babies Addie?" she asked innocently.
"Uh...Well you see Lana, I don't have a husband." Addie couldn't help but smile at the child's inquisitive expression. Lana then looked to Sam and her face brightened.
"Sam could be your husband! He needs a baby Addie, he's always talkin' about stealing baby Danny."
Everyone burst into laughter, except Addie.
"Uh..." She said looking from everyone's laughing faces to Lana's expectant one. Sam stood and came to her rescue.
"Ah Lana, you know I never mean it when I say I'm gonna steal that cute kid," He said as he picked Lana up into his arms, "Plus, I don't think Miss Addie would have me anyway," he whispered, "she's scared of me."
"Ah!" Addie nearly laughed, "I am not scared of you Samuel McCall."
Sam set Lana down and placing one hand on the table and one on the back of Addie's chair, he leaned in toward her, "No?" He asked, smiling at her, "Not even a little bit?"
Oh, he knew it was the devil in him that loved the way he made Addie blushed and grow nervous. He was so close to her now, and he couldn't help glancing at her mouth every half second.
"No." She said breathlessly. Sam smiled and stood straight.
"Well good, 'cause I might make ya my wife so I can have this pumpkin pie every day of my life."Sam said as he walk back to his seat and chuckled as he heard her gasp.
"You stop teasing her Sam!" Vivian scolded her son. Sam chuckled and silently thought, Though I bet you taste even better than that pumpkin pie of yours little lady.
Oh, how he had unsettled her! Addie couldn't cool the blush on her cheeks even after they had all retired back to the parlor. He had been so close to her; his dark brown eyes holding her captive, the scent of leather and shaving soap that accompanied him, his lips so close she could've leaned forward and kissed him! She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to bring herself back to the present.
"Alright Thomas, you can start now." Vivian said as she sat down on the sofa beside him. Both Sade and Lana were seated on their grandfather's lap as he held the bible in his hands. Nate was laying on his back, hands behind his head, before the fire. Rachel was tucked under Charlie's arm on the sofa facing Vivian and Thomas. Sam was standing, holding Danny. Addie was sitting in the rocking chair beside Charlie and Rachel's sofa.
Thomas began, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed..." Thomas's voice was low and soothing, and Addie starred into the fire and relaxed back into the rocking chair.
She smiled as Thomas read her favorite part of the story of the birth of the baby Jesus,"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men..."
At those words a feeling of warmth washed over Addie; a feeling she had never before experienced. She felt complete in that moment. Great gratitude and joy filled her heart and tears spilled from her eyes; life was worth living, it was a beautiful blessing! No matter how hard things got, Addie knew that in the end it would all work out. Peace, the like she had never encountered, flooded her whole being, and she closed her eyes, smiled, and sent a prayer to Heaven.
Thomas closed the bible and smiled, "Alright, lets light this tree up."
It was quite a project to light all the tiny candles and position them on the tree in such a way to ensure safety, but when they were finished, it was well worth it. The others had sat back down and started into quiet conversation as they enjoyed the lit tree. Addie stood staring at the tree; it was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She looked down as she felt a small hand slip into her own. Lana's bright face looked up at her.
"Merry Christmas Addie."
"Merry Christmas Lana." Addie replied, a tear slipping down her cheek, and gave the child's hand three tight squeezes.
"What does that mean Addie?" Lana asked, repeating the three squeezes back to Addie's hand. She looked down into the girls big, green eyes.
"It means 'I love you.'" Addie told her, a squeeze accompanying each word. Lana smiled and stood on her toes, her hand cupped around her mouth, "I love you too." She whispered up to Addie.
After the Pollard family said their goodbyes and left, Addie crept into her room and collected the gifts she had made and wrapped in brown paper, and placed them under the Christmas tree. She felt she needed to show her appreciation in some way, though her gifts didn't express even a fraction of it.
"What are the presents?" Sam asked as Addie placed the packages beneath the green pine.
"They're surprises; I can't tell you." Addie said smiling, and turned to find Sam standing near the wall drinking a cup of water bare-chested. She gasped and turn her head away; Sam chuckled. Just then Vivian walked in.
"Oh, Sam, go get a shirt on before Addie burns her cheeks with that blush!" Vivian scolded and came to Addie.
"Just wait 'til the weather warms; he never has a shirt on! I haven't been able to keep that boy in clothes since the day he learned how to take them off." Vivian told Addie as she folded a blanket that had been draped on the sofa. Addie snuck a glance at Sam. The muscles in his torso were well defined, and Addie thought he had the perfect amount of chest hair. He winked at her and went into the kitchen. Addie took a deep breath.
"Don't mind him Addie; he just likes to get yer dander up and make you blush," Vivian smiled and kissed Addie on the cheek, "Goodnight pumpkin, sweet dreams. And Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Vivian, goodnight."
Addie closed her eyes and faced the fireplace, breathing in the peace of the moment. She smiled as the fire brought to her memory the night Sam had comforted her; warmed her. He is a good man, she thought to herself, The woman that gets him will be the luckiest in the world.
"Ya wanna help me blow out the candles?" Addie jumped; Sam was always startling her!
"Sorry." he chuckled.
"That's alright; I shouldn't be so jumpy." Addie said. They blew out all the candles on the Christmas tree, Addie waved her hand through the smoke enjoying the way it swirled around her hand.
"You have a beautiful family Sam," She said unexpectedly, "Thank you for bringing me here."
Sam looked at Addie; the gratitude in her big blue-green eyes was undeniable. He'd watched her all night; the tears she had cried during the bible story, the way she watched everything so intently, the way she kissed baby Danny's dark curls, the way she loved his two little nieces. Addie Henderson was healing, Sam could see it, and he silently thanked Heaven that this little loving beauty was finally in a place where she was loved and appreciated.
"You're welcome."
Addie bit her lip an looked down at her hands; Sam was still bare-chested and she was beginning to feel nervous in his powerful presence. He was so overwhelming, His very existence commanded attention and he seemed to bombard all of Addie's senses.
"Well, goodnight Sam, Merry Christmas." She said quickly; she needed to get away from him.
"Why do you get so nervous around me?" Sam chuckled as he grabbed her arm and stepped closer.
"Uh...You're bare-chested Sam." Addie said breathlessly, unable to think of anything else to say. He smiled.
"I was bare-chested the night we got here." He offered.
"Yes, but I was...uh...emotionally compromised."
Sam laughed, "By what?"
"Um...exhaustion..." Addie kept her eyes on his collar bone to keep from looking at his face or impressive physic.
"Hmm...So you get 'emotionally compromised' as you call it, when you're exhausted?" Sam asked, a smile in his voice, "Good to know." Addie could feel his breath on the top of her head. He chuckled and lifted her chin with the hand that wasn't holding her arm.
"Goodnight Addie." He said, she noticed how his eyes lingered on her mouth, "Sweet dreams."
Sam laid in bed completely unable to sleep; it had to be two in the morning already. He'd fallen asleep easy enough at first, but that dream, that danged dream had woken him and he'd be unable to think of anything else since. He gave up on trying to control his thoughts and they immediately turned to playing the dream over again: Addie was standing on the porch of a small cottage, her belly bulging; great with child. She was the most beautiful thing Sam had ever seen; she seemed to glow with life. A small boy with dark curly hair ran up the porch steps, "Momma!" He hollered, and hugged her leg. Addie chuckled and tousled the boy's hair. The child then reached up and put his hands on her belly, and standing on his tippy toes, kissed it. "Baby." he said and smiled up at his mother. All of a sudden Sam walked into the scene and scooped the boy up and tossed him in the air, "Daddy!"
"My Tommy boy!" Sam laughed and putting the boy on his hip, he reached out and pulled Addie in and kissed her on the mouth.
"Hello love." She said, one hand on his neck, the other around their son. Sam smiled and kissed his wife again. She was the most breathtaking, delicious thing on earth!
Sam rolled over and punched his pillow. What in San Hose! A dream like that was lethal to a man's concentration! Sam groaned and stuffed his face into his pillow; tomorrow was going to be a rough day...for two reasons; first, his lack of sleep, and second, Addie Henderson--the woman he had just dreamt of as his wife--would be ever present.
"Addie! Wake up! It's Christmas! Santa Claus came!" Lana's shrill voice pulled Addie out a deep slumber. She had dreamt of him; the first time since she'd seen him in real life. The dream had been so distinct: A boy with curly dark hair, Addie pregnant, a cottage, Sam a few years older and more handsome than ever, and a kiss, a kiss that lingered on Addie's lips even after she woke.
"Come on Addie!" Sade shouted; both girls were practically jumping on Addie's bed. She laughed, "I'm up, I'm up."
"Yay!" both girls cried simultaneously and sliding off the bed they started pulling at Addie's hands.
"Let me get dressed and I'll be right out." Addie said, smiling at the two beaming faces.
"Momma and Gramma say it's not Christmas if your not in your night gown!" Lana told Addie. She couldn't help but laugh at the girl's distressed expression.
"Well then I better stay in my night gown, now shouldn't I?" Addie chuckled. She got out of bed and put a shawl around her shoulders, the girls were bouncing up and down in anticipation. Addie hadn't noticed Sam standing in her doorway watching the goings-on; he looked completely entertained, though she did notice he looked more tired than usual.
"Oh," Addie said, "Good morning Sam, Merry Christmas." She felt herself blush at the memory of her dream.
"Good morning, Adelaide." He said as the girls giggled and ran passed him, she involuntarily shivered at the sound of him saying her name.
"After you." He said with a smile, and motioned for her to proceed him down the hall. As Addie passed him, she caught a whiff of leather and shaving soap, and was grateful he'd put a shirt on this morning.
CHAPTER 4
Everything was so white! The snow was at least a foot and a half deep and sparkling frost covered every surface. Addie, standing on the porch, smiled at the scene before her; Nate was tackling Sam into the deep, fluffy snow, and Sade and Lana were making snow angels. The morning had been beautiful; everyone had exchanged and opened gifts and Addie had almost burst into tears when Vivian and Rachel handed her the handmade quilt made of Denim and what looked like fabric from a man's shirt. It was beautiful and meant more to her than any gift they could've given.
"Addie, come on, help me make a fort!" Rachel took Addie's hand and pulled her down the steps and over near the barn. Addie felt as if she was floating; the joy and love she was experiencing in the presence of this family made her feel light.
"We always have a snowball fight Christmas morning." Rachel explained as she began making a wall of snow. Addie laughed and started making a pile of snowballs. When the fort was a good three feet tall and five feet long, Nate ran over, "Hey we're picking teams!" He hollered and they three trudged back to the where Charlie, Thomas, Vivian, and Sam were standing.
"Okay," Thomas said glowing with excitement, "Sam and Charlie are the captains, Charlie goes first this year. Take your pick boys!"
"Rachel." Charlie laughed, and his wife kissed him on the cheek lovingly.
"Ma." Sam smiled. Addie thought it was sweet the way he picked his mother first.
"Addie." Charlie said and Rachel squealed with delight.
"Pa." Sam said.
"We'll take the girls Sam; you take Nate." Charlie said picked up Sade, who had just run to stand in front of him.
"You sure?" Sam asked, and Charlie smiled.
"Alright, this is how it goes Addie," Thomas explained as he handed each team a dish rag,"The team that captures the other team's rag and takes it back to their own fort first, is the winner. Now, if you get hit by a snowball from the opposite team while trying to get the rag, then you're frozen and someone has to come tag you before you can go back to your own fort." Addie had never heard Thomas talk so much! It was quite entertaining to her. "Got that?" Addie smiled and nodded. "Alright then, let's go!"
Each team went to their own fort to prepare for battle.
"Okay, Sade and Lana, you girls are the snowball makers okay?" Charlie said to his giggling daughters.
"Okay Daddy."
"Now Addie, I think you should run for the rag." Charlie said turning to Addie.
"Oh, I don't think that would be a good idea." She laughed.
"No it'll be perfect; they won't expect it. I have a plan; we'll keep them distracted while you sneak around the house and behind their fort, make sure you keep to the trees, then you creep up and snag their rag and run back to our fort like the devil's on yer heals."
"Maybe Rachel should do it, I don't have all the rules down yet." Addie offered, she didn't want to go get the rag! What if she failed? What if she tripped running through the deep snow? The snow! How was she going to run at all?
"Na, you got it Addie. Rachel's got a good arm; we need her throwing snowballs, and I'm not a good runner."
Addie took a deep breath and smiled, Here goes nothin', she thought, "Okay, I'll do it. When do I go?"
"I tell you when." Charlie said, and then Thomas's voice boomed, "Ready? Go!" and snowballs started flying.
Charlie peeked over the fort wall, "Go now Addie," he whispered, "They're not lookin'."
Addie was off. She made it to the side of the house and took a few seconds to breathe, then walking around the back she peered around the corner to make sure no one was looking. She darted from tree to tree, and though the snow made it difficult she remained unseen. Addie was directly behind the opposite fort now; she could see Vivian making snowballs at lightening speed while Nate, Thomas, and Sam hurled them toward her team's fort. The rag sat, unguarded, next to Sam.
Sam chuckled to himself, she was sneaky, he'd give her that. Addie was hiding behind the trees behind his fort, no doubt waiting for a chance to take their rag. Quietly Sam crawled to a near by tree and stood up behind it, he crept toward the tree she was hiding behind. Then quick as a rattlesnake he clamped his hand over her mouth and tackled her into the snow. She squirmed and yanked at the hand that covered her mouth.
"Shh" Sam chuckled, and released her mouth though he stayed sitting on her legs.
"Sam! You scared the living life outta me!" Addie whispered and shoved him off her. Sam quietly laughed.
"Thought ya had us huh?" He asked as Addie stood and brushed the snow from her seat.
"Yes, actually I did. Until you tackled me that is." She said, not looking at him. Oh, she was cute!
"So what now?" Addie asked turning to Sam, hands on her hips. Sam stood and brushed himself off.
"Well, I think I'm suppose to kiss you or somethin'."
"What?" Addie gasped, what was he talking about?
"Isn't that how it always goes in those mushy romance stories you women read? The man tackles the woman...and then they kiss?" It took all Sam's concentration not to laugh at her astonished expression. Addie let out an exasperated laugh, "No." She said and started walking. Sam quickly stepped in front of her.
"Not even just a little one?" He asked, unable to keep the smile from dawning his lips. Sam glanced at her mouth and his smile grew; she was doing the lip biting thing that she always did when she was embarrassed.
Suddenly Sam was on his back watching Addie run toward his fort. She'd pushed him! Right onto his hind end! He should've known; that little quiet, sweet vixen had a fiery side! Sam scrambled to his feet and darted after her, but Addie had already grabbed the rag and was half way back to her own fort. He ran after her, more like trudged after her, for the snow was so deep, but she was fast and quickly made it to her own fort. Shouts of victory rang out.
Addie was leaning over trying to catch her breath when Sam, once again, flattened her into the snow!
"Samuel McCall!" Addie yelled at him, but not more than a squeak came out for he had knocked the breath out of her.
"Sorry." Sam panted and rolled off her. Charlie and Rachel were laughing so hard they were crying and Addie rolled her eyes, How humiliating. Vivian, Nate, and Thomas came running over.
"That was somethin' else Addie!" Nate said helping her to her feet, "You out ran Sam!"
"We win! We win!" Sade and Lana chanted as they jumped on Sam, who was still laying in the snow.
Addie joined in with everyone's laughter, and for the first time she felt really apart of a family.
"I need to go check on Danny; he's probably still sleepin' but I just want to make sure." Rachel said once everyone had gained control of their laughter.
"I'll hitch up Shem and we'll give the girls a sled ride." Sam said and headed to the barn, Lana and Sally followed him, jumping up and down with joy.
"No one has ever out run Sam before Addie." Nate said when his brother was out of hearing shot.
"I got a head start. I'm sure he'd have caught me if I hadn't knocked him on his seat right before I ran." Addie chuckle at the memory. Nate raised his eye brows in surprise.
"I guess there's more to little Miss Addie than we first thought Pa; I'd say there's some spice in all that sweet sugar."
"I'd say so." Thomas chuckled, and Addie blushed.
Addie stood on the porch next to Vivian She smiled as she watched Shem, Sam's huge Bay, pull the girls around on a sled that was attached to his belly by a rope. Sam lead Shem by the reins, he was so handsome. Thomas, Nate, Charlie, and Rachel (who now held Danny on her hip) stood talking, watching the girls laugh and scream.
"You've raised a wonderful family Vivian." Addie said, meeting the woman's clear blue eyes. Vivian took her hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Were you nervous to have children?" Addie asked, her eyes now on Sam and the girls, "Afraid that you would do something wrong or make a mistake?"
"Of course I was," Vivian said, her eyes seemed to be seeing the past, "But the first time I held each of my children in my arms and looked into their eyes...I found peace and courage; it was like they were telling me that everything was going to be okay, that I could do it." Vivian looked at Addie, her eyes moist, "Having a family is the greatest blessing you'll ever know Addie. Don't get me wrong; it's hard and you make mistakes and get frustrated...but it's so worth it." Vivian's gaze returned to her family, "Marry a strong man Addie; a strong, loving, good man. He will help you through, and protect you. Don't settle. Find a man that gives your stomach butterflies and makes your knees wobble when he kisses ya'." Addie followed Vivian's gaze to Thomas, she knew theirs was a true, undying love. "And don't think too much pumpkin," The woman said turning to Addie, "Listen to your heart; it'll never lead you astray."
Addie wiped at the tear that escaped her eye, she nodded and hugged Vivian. She could only think of Sam in that moment; he was everything Vivan had described. She squeezed her eyes shut at the pinch in her heart; she knew she was nothing more than an unfortunate girl to that man, to the man she was quickly falling in love with.
Christmas day had been the best day of Adelaide Henderson's life; it would be a memory she would hold onto when the time came for her to leave this family she had come to love. It was late now; the Pollards had gone home and the McCalls had retired to their rooms. Addie quietly made her way to the small bathing room at the end of the house. After filling the metal tub with well water, she'd boiled a pan of water and dumped it into the tub so it would be warm. Addie stripped down and got in; it felt wonderful. She washed her body and hair with the soap that was on the stool next to the tub, and when the water began to cool to an uncomfortable temperature, she toweled off and slipped into the night gown that she had brought with her to the bathing room. After pulling the tub to the door that led to outside, dumping the water into the snow and watching as it disappeared, she hung the wet towel over the side of the tub and made her way to her room.
Sam was feeling restless again and decided he needed a drink of water. He entered the living room to go into the kitchen but stopped when he saw Addie walking down the hall from the bathing room. She looked up and stopped just a few feet from him.
"Hello," She said and cleared her throat, "Um...goodnight Sam." Addie walked passed him and a few seconds later he heard her door shut. Sam hadn't said a word, he was dumbfounded; the sight of her had taken all words from him. She had been in nothing but her night gown, her wild hair hanging wet down her back and over her shoulders; she'd looked completely delicious. Sam rubbed his hand over his face and walked into the kitchen.
Why was he always up and about late at night! Addie used the late hours of the evening to find solitude and peace, but Sam seemed to always show up! He was always bare from the waist up, which didn't make things any better and Addie was always in some odd state when he found her at night. Addie climbed into bed irritated that Sam had found her looking like a half drowned cat; leave it to Sam McCall!
CHAPTER 5
Four months had passed, and Addie had a home. A few days after Christmas Addie had asked to go to town.
"Sure pumpkin, you can go tomorrow with Thomas. What are you getting in town?" Vivian had asked as she stirred the stew for supper. Addie cleared her throat, feeling uncomfortable.
"I'm going to look for work." She said. Vivian stopped stirring and turned to Addie.
"What ever for Adelaide?"
"I've long over stayed my welcome, and I need to get work so I can earn the means to buy a small house for myself." Addie choked back the tears; she hated what she was saying. She wanted to stay with the McCalls forever! But she was a polite girl and didn't want to be a burden.
"Adelaide Henderson, you are goin' nowhere; you're staying right here. Now stop this nonsense and set the table." Vivian said sternly. Sam, who had been sitting silently at the table, stood up, took Addie by the arm and pulled her out onto the front porch.
"What in tar-nation are you trying to do?" Sam said fiercely. Addie was puzzled.
"What?"
"You'll break her heart if you leave, you know."
Addie shook her head.
"You're a part of this family now Adelaide, don't try sneakin' off on us." Sam said as he turned and rubbed his hand over is handsome face. Addie gasped as he turned and took her chin in his hand.
"You're a part of this family." He nearly growled, and then stormed into the house.
Addie took a deep breath as her thoughts came back to the present, she was sitting on the fence staring at the sunset. The warmth and light felt wonderful on her skin. What marvelous colors nature produced! Spring was melting away the snow. revealing lush, green grass and dark, rich soil.
"It's somethin' else huh?" Sam asked as he came and leaned against the fence and looked at the sunset.
"Beautiful." Addie said, looking at him. They had become good friends over the passed few months; they talked often and Addie enjoyed his company. She couldn't suppress the longing in her heart as she looked at him; he was so good. He was thoughtful, independent, strong, masculine, kind, humble, respectful, passionate; perfect! No, of course he was not perfect, but he was perfect for Addie, he was everything she thought a man should be. She marveled at the fact that he was real; the boy from her dreams was real.
"Me, Pa, Nate, and Charlie are going to get your Pa's horses tomorrow, what's left of them anyway. Mustangs are tough, most of them will have made it through the Winter," Sam told Addie.
"You're going to get my Pa's herd?" She asked in astonishment.
"Yeah." Sam chuckled. Addie couldn't believe it! These men were angels, she was sure of it!
"You can take charge of your Pa's herd and we'll let you have the land you need. Me and Pa can help you break some of those horses and you could sell them. If you get a good stud in there you could make yourself a nice business."
Suddenly Addie jumped off the fence and into Sam's arms, "Sam! Really? You mean it?" Addie was astounded at her own actions, but she couldn't withhold her excitement! Sam chuckled and hugged her back, "I mean it." Addie melted into Sam, it felt so right to be in his arms; she sighed involuntarily. He was so strong, she could feel the breadth of his shoulders and how solid his torso was against her. Pulling away from him, her hands still on his shoulders and her eyes locked on his she said, "Thank you." Sam's dark brown eyes seemed to have a smoldering fire behind them, and she couldn't look away.
Sam had called it, that night nearly 5 months ago at the town hotel; Adelaide Henderson had the power to undo him with those eyes. They had some intense power over him. Sam's heart began to beat faster and he felt too hot. Addie's little body in his arms and her tempting mouth so close was almost too much for him and he stepped back from her.
"You're welcome," he said, "Ma's probably got supper on by now; let's head in."
They walked back to the house together, and Sam was grateful he was leaving in the morning and would be away for a few days; he wasn't sure how long he could keep himself from tasting Addie's sweet little mouth.
Addie woke up to the sun streaming into her room through the lace curtains. She smiled and lay there watching the dust particles dance in the light. Taking in a deep breath she sat up and ran her fingers through her long, curly hair. Addie's smile faded as she remembered Sam probably left a few hours ago and wouldn't be home for at least four days. She was incredibly grateful he was going to get her father's herd, but she would miss him. She dressed and got to her chores. At noon she came in to find Vivian tying her bonnet beneath her chin.
"Come Addie, grab your bonnet and a shawl; we're goin' for a ride." Vivian told Addie, who smiled and obeyed the beloved woman.
Vivian and Addie ran the horses for a while, then slowed to a walk. Both women's bonnets had blown back allowing their hair to be assaulted by the wind, and their cheeks glowed with life. They looked to each other, beaming.
"It's so beautiful out here!" Addie said spreading her arms and lifting her face to the sky. Vivian laughed and did the same, "Yes it is."
They stopped at the stream and let the horses graze. The weather was especially warm that day and they decided to soak their feet.
"Sam used to love this place." Vivian said, bobbing her bare feet up and down in the cool water.
"What was he like as a boy?" Addie asked.
"Oh, he was stubborn," Vivian laughed, "He hated for me to cut his hair, so it was always long; down to his shoulders almost!" She shook her head at the memory. "And he was always getting into some kind of trouble; always banged up...One time he came into the house with the side of his shirt ripped clean off and a deep gash across his ribs. He'd been trying to ride one of Thomas's wild stallions he used to breed, and the horse had thrown him. The fence post caught him in the rib and tore him open pretty back. He was sixteen then." Vivian was smiling, her eyes seeing the passed. "But he was a good boy; always thoughtful...and very protective. He always made sure we had enough fire wood and blankets so I wouldn't get cold during winter; still does. When I was pregnant with Nate, Sam was four, and he would always come up and place his little hands on my belly and kiss it." Addie was completely intrigued, for in fact she had seen Sam as a young boy, his hair long, and always running a muck; she remembered her dreams of him as a girl. "Once, when he was probably seventeen, he and Rachel came home from town. Sam had a black eye and swollen knuckles; he'd gotten in a fight with some boys that were being disrespectful to Rache...He's so much like his father. As a boy he'd follow Thomas around like a lost pup," Vivian laughed, "Oh, boy I can ramble, now can't I?"
"Oh, no I love it! Thank you." Addie said and smiled; Vivian's memories meant more to Addie than she would ever know.
The days passed, but the men still hadn't come home. Rachel had brought her children and slept at the McCall's the last few days. It really was a fun time; the women together, enjoying themselves and the children loving all the attention Addie and Vivian gave them. Addie took Chet out for a ride everyday, and often stopped by the stream to soak her feet. On the fifth evening that the men had been gone Rachel, Vivian, and Addie sat in the parlor, knitting. Sade and Lana were playing with their corn-husk dolls and Danny was sitting, playing with a wooden soldier he had gotten for Christmas.
"Your children are growing so fast Rache!" Addie said.
"It's wild; they come out and their so small and darling, and then all of a sudden they are three years old, then six!" Rachel laughed, "When you have babies, you'll see what I mean."
"When I have babies..." Addie said dreamily, "What if I never have babies? What if I stay here at McCall Ranch forever and never get married? I could be 'Auntie Addie'; I'll watch the babies when you and the boys' wives need a break." Addie laughed, but she meant what she said; there was only one man she wanted to marry and if he wouldn't have her as his wife than she would continue to be his friend, stay near him, make sure he was happy, and love and care for his children. A pang shot through Addie's heart as she thought about Sam falling in love and getting married.
"When the boys' wives need a break?" Rachel asked, then laughing she said, "Addie, you're bound to be one of those women!"
"What?"
"Oh, come now Addie, you're much to humble," Rachel laughed, "Sam's been goin' crazy the passed few months trying to keep himself from you." A tiny bud of hope blossomed inside Addie.
"What? He has not."
"He has too. Have you not noticed how he looks at you? As if your some delicious dessert? Or how careful he is when you are close to him? Making sure he doesn't touch you? And the way he watches you?" Rachel asked, her eyes alight.
"I've noticed it too Addie," Vivian said, "He's in love with ya' and doesn't even know it. Or maybe does and just doesn't want to admit it. He has been since the day he brought you here."
It was all too much! Could Addie really have captured Samuel McCall's heart? The hope spread through her like warmth. She bit her lip and looked at the two women she loved so dearly, they both laughed at her expression, "Oh, and you're a gonner on him Addie Henderson! It's clear as day!"
I'd been eight days since the men had set out, and the woman were getting worried.
"What do you think's keepin' them Vivian?" Addie asked as she starred out the kitchen window into the evening.
"I don't know pumpkin, but they'll be alright, they'll be home soon." She thought Vivian was saying it more to herself than to Addie.
It must have been around one o'clock in the morning when there came a pounding at the door. Addie, Vivian, and Rachel arrived in the entry way at the same time, worried looks dawning their faces.
"It's us Viv!" Thomas's voice hollered from the other side of the door. Relief flooded the three women and Vivian quickly unbolted the door. The four men stumbled in. Rachel and Vivian were in their husbands arms instantly and Addie smiled as Nate squatted down and hugged the two little girls that had run in to see what all the ruckus was about.
"What took you so long?" Vivian asked.
"We got caught in that storm a few days ago, it slowed us down a bit." Thomas replied.
Addie's heart nearly stopped when she saw Sam standing in the door way. He looked exhausted and somewhat angry. He started toward her and she stepped back instinctively. Sam took Addie by the arm and not so gently led her out the front door, across the dew-covered grass, and into the barn.
"Sam...What..." Addie began but stopped when Sam shut and latched the barn doors. She gasped as he grabbed her and pressed her up against the barn wall. His hands were on either side of her head and his forehead rested against hers. Addie thought her heart might pound right out of her chest!
"Sam." She said breathlessly.
"Shh." Is all he said and brushed his roughly shaven cheek against hers. Addie gasped quietly as Sam kissed her jaw, then below her ear. She put her hands on his chest to push him away but he instantly pressed her harder against the barn with his own body. She needed to get away before she exploded! But as Sam kissed her temple, Addie's knees grew weak and she lost all ability to resist. He took her face in his hands and brushed a stand of hair from her cheek. His eyes were smoldering, Addie had never seen them so intense. She closed her eyes as he kissed the corner of her mouth. Then, after a pause, his lips touched hers. They were so soft and warm. Addie could smell the scent that was Sam's; it was so familiar and wonderful. She could feel the heat radiating from his body and his strong being against her own. He kissed her bottom lip twice, and when his thumbs caressed her throat, she gasped and he kissed her parted lips. Addie was surprised as her hands, that had previously been pressed to the barn wall, reached up and took his face between them. She loved the feel of his unshaven jaw against her palms. Sam stumbled back at her touch and stood starring at Addie, his breathing labored. He suddenly opened the barn doors and left her; left Addie standing there against the barn wall confused, ecstatic, and heart broken all at the same time.
Sam stormed into the house, went to his room, stripped off his shirt and boots and fell on his bed. He needed to sleep; he wasn't thinking straight. Or maybe he was thinking straight, maybe for the first time since October he was thinking straight for kissing Adelaide Henderson. It was about time! He thought to himself. She smelled so good; like country pears and vanilla. And she was so soft and warm! Sam groaned and covered his face with his pillow. Not again! He would not be roped in with another woman only to have his heart broken again!
Eventually, Addie made her way back to the house and when she entered, all eyes were on her.
"What happened?" Nate laughed, "Sam came stormin' through here, mad as a bull." But Addie barely heard him; she simply walked passed and to her room. She fell asleep immediately; her body and mind exhausted from the effects of Sam's kiss.
CHAPTER 6
Addie hardly saw Sam for the next few days, and when she did he rarely looked at her and always seemed to be irritated or angry at something. One day Sam came into the kitchen where Addie was sweeping the wood floor and stripped off his shirt. He didn't look at her, simply walked to the cupboard that kept the emergency supplies, and pulled out the sewing kit. Addie gasped as she saw his back; a gash at least an inch deep and eight inches long was oozing blood.
"Sam! What happened?" She asked and immediately put water on the stove to boil and grabbed a clean cloth. Addie was good at cleaning and sewing up wounds; she'd had to do it for her Pa's ranch hands.
"Hardy horned me. Nate and Pa are out delivering a calf." Sam explained before Addie could ask where the other men were.
"Sit down." She said and Sam pulled a chair beneath him and sat on it backwards so she could attend to his back.
"That bull." Addie mumbled.
"Yeah, Hardy's an ol' cuss, but we need him; he's the best bull we've got."
Addie dunked the cloth in the hot water and began wiping away the blood so she could see the wound better; it wasn't as bad as she'd first thought.
"I'll have to stitch it up." She told Sam, he nodded.
"All done." Addie said, and began cleaning up.
"Thank you Addie." Sam said, standing.
"You're welcome." She said and continued cleaning. She finally admitted to herself that she was angry with Sam. Why had he kissed her? Given her such hope and then smotherd it? Why didn't he kiss her again? Why had he been working himself so hard lately? Why was he so dang independent? Why was she so madly in love with him!
"Addie."
"What?" She replied, a little more harshly than she had intended to.
"I'm sorry." Sam said, and Addie turned to face him.
"For what?"
"For kissin' ya like I did the other night." Addie was infuriated! He wasn't sorry for not talking to her or being grouchy the last few days; he was sorry for kissing her! She was afraid if she opened her mouth she might scream at Sam, so she simply walked passed him and out the front door; she needed to get out.
Addie quickly saddled Chet and mounted as Sam entered the barn.
"Addie!" Sam hollered as she gently kicked Chet in the flanks and the horse ran passed him and out of the barn.
She closed her eyes as the wind whipped her hair back and pressed her skirt against her legs. The open air and speed of Chet's gallop calmed her. When Addie was further from the ranch than ever before, she slowed the horse and unsaddled him. She led him to a nearby tree, which she climbed, and dropped onto his bare back. After walking him back out into the sun and open prairie, Addie lied back on the warm, brown coat and starred at the spring sky. It was a lighter blue today; as if it had been watered down, and she found it calming. Addie knew she should get back; Vivian had gone to help Rachel with Lana, who had come down with the spring fever, and she knew there was much still to do. She closed her eyes, Just a few more minutes, she said to herself.
Addie awoke to the clap of thunder and pitter-patter of rain drops. The sky had darkened to somber grey; how quickly the weather had changed! She guessed it was around five o'clock. Addie scolded herself for falling asleep; Vivian would come home to find Addie nowhere in sight and half the chores not done. She quickly slipped off Chet's back and saddled him. "Come on boy" she told him, and they started off toward home. The rain increased and Addie was soaked to the bone and shivering by the time she made it back. After putting Chet away, she hurried into the house. Upon seeing Vivian, Addie immediately started apologizing.
"Vivian, I'm so sorry, I took a ride and fell asleep, stupid me. You're probably completely worn out from tending to Lana, and here you come home and I've slacked in my chores..." Addie stopped talking when she noticed how everyone was staring at her.
"Sam was sure you'd left; ran away." Vivian said gathering Addie into a desperate hug.
"No." Addie said, her eyes meeting with Sam's, who was standing staring at her blankly, "I just fell asleep; lost track of time."
"Oh Honey, your soak straight through! And shiverin' like a leaf. Come on, let's get you into some dry clothes." Vivian took Addie by the hand and began pulling her behind her. Addie couldn't look away from Sam; there was something there in his eyes that she couldn't put her finger on.
"I don't know how Sam got himself convinced that you had left." Vivian said as she helped Addie out of the wet clothing, "He's been acting so strange lately."
"Yeah..." Addie managed; she was trying to figure out the same thing.
"He's in love with ya', that's what it is." Vivian said, "Men always act strange when they're denying love."
Addie took a deep breath and closed her eyes and Vivian laced up a dry corset, "No Viv, he's not in love with me...he practically said so today."
The woman paused,"What did he say?",then continued lacing.
"He apologized for kissing me the other night." Addie said.
"Oh Pumpkin, he's just being a gentleman. I'm sure he was just worried that he had upset you by kissing you and so he apologized." Vivian said encouragingly.
"Why would I be upset that he kissed me?" Addie nearly yelled, "I've been dreaming of it for the last..." Vivian just laughed and shook her head.
"Thomas was much like Sam when he was young, he nearly drove me crazy! One day I was so tired of him warring with himself over having me or not, that I walked up to him, kissed him square on the mouth, told him I loved him and that he better claim me now or so help me I would kidnap him and have the parson marry us without anyone else's consent." Vivian laughed at the memory. "He claimed me all right; took me right to my Pa, asked for my hand, then carried me off to get married."
Addie smiled; she loved this woman so much!
"Sometimes men just need to know that their woman is as crazy about them as they are about their woman." Vivian said and winked at Addie, "Now put this on and I'll do it up." She said, handing a dry dress to Addie.
"Sam." Thomas said, and went to stand beside his son. Sam was leaning against the porch rail, starring out at the lessening rain.
"I know, I've been stupid; I kissed her, then I was an ornery ol' cuss and made her mad today." Sam rubbed his hand over his face.
"What are ya waitin' fer Sam?" Thomas asked. Sam looked to his father, puzzled.
"Just go marry her."
Sam let out a bitter laughed. "It's not that easy Pa."
"It is that easy Son; pick her up, throw her over your shoulder, and carry her off to the parson. It's as easy as that, you don't even have to go ask her Pa." Thomas said. Sam was quiet.
"Addie will be a great wife and mother Sam, and better yet a great lover, you already know that. Why waste anymore time? She loves you Son, don't let doubt and fear keep you from being happy."
Sam lay in bed on his stomach; his back was still tender. He was thinking about what his Pa had told him; he knew the old man was right; he was always right. He thought on Addie then; he had been so relieved when she had come through that door dripping wet. Sam was at war with himself; half of him wanted Addie more than he'd ever wanted anything, and the other half was warning him to stay away, to steer clear of any possibility of pain, regret, or heart ache. He decided he would wait it out; time had a way of revealing things.
Summer came, and Addie and Sam's relationship went back to the simple friendship they had had before the kiss. The Pollard family came over often and Nate started courting Hensley Hankman, a sweet girl that lived a few miles south of McCall Ranch. Addie and Vivian planted a big, beautiful garden, and even helped Rachel with her own. Sam and Thomas were helping Addie break some stallions from her herd of Mustangs; she was determined to work just as hard as them, this was her herd after all. She loved working with the men and was growing a love for these wild horses her father had once put so much hope into.
"Nice n' steady Addie." Sam said from his perch on the fence. Addie was holding a long rope attached to a stallion as it ran around the edge of the round corral. The horse was so beautiful and noble; she was beginning to feel more comfortable around it.
"Good Addie, now slow him down," Sam instructed and Addie did as she was told, "Shorten the rope and try to bring him in so he can smell you...slowly now."
The horse slowed and drew closer, her heart started beating faster; this animal was so magnificent! The power in it's large, strong body was awe inspiring to Addie.
"Hey there, it's alright; I'm your friend." She told the horse as she put out her hand. The horse snorted and moved closer. It's soft nose tickled Addie's hand and she smile, "See, now that was easy huh?"
She ran her hand up the horse's head as it took yet another step closer, she scratched behind it's ears like she did with Chet. Addie smiled and looked over to Sam, who nodded approvingly. Oh, how she loved him! She admitted it; she was in love with Samuel McCall. The truth was, she always had been.
"Alright, you're done for the day." Addie told the horse, and led him to the corral door.
Sam smiled as he watched Addie; she was a natural with horses, they trusted her. Just like her Pa, Sam thought. She had changed so much since she'd come to live at McCall Ranch. She was more confident and sure of herself, she talked often and smiled and laughed; Addie was happy, happy and healed.
"You remind me of your Pa." Sam said as Addie came to stand by him, rope in hand. Addie smiled.
"What was he like?" She asked, wanting to see her father through someone else eyes.
"He was a good man, and a magician with horses," Sam said and looked out at the herd in the distance, "He could've broken every horse in that herd within a few months and sold 'em fer good money...if not for that fire." Sam turned to look at Addie, "He would touch a horse, and it would instantly settle down. He knew when something was wrong with a horse; could run his hand over it's hide and feel even a minor injury. He was incredible with them." He said shaking head with amazement. Addie smiled.
"You knew him better than I did."
"Caper told me about your Ma; your Pa had a broken heart Addie, and according to Caper you are the living image of your Ma, you reminded him every day what he missed so much. Now, I'm not making any excuses for your Pa being so absent in your life...but I do feel for him; a man never quite recovers from losing his reason for living."
Sunday was always a day of rest at McCall Ranch; of course there were certain chores that had to be done but for the most part everyone took the day off. The family spent time together and enjoyed God's creations, and Vivian made sure that they always read from the Bible right before bed. Sam had left early that morning on Shem, heading out west. He hadn't told anyone where or why he was going, and Addie said a silent prayer for his safety.
On the way home from their church meeting, Addie sat in the back of the wagon next to Nate. Vivian and Thomas were seated at the front of the wagon, and the Pollard's wagon was in front of them; on their way to the McCall's for the day.
"So are you plannin' on asking Mr. Hankman for Hensley's hand soon?" Addie asked Nate. He'd been courting her for a while, and Addie could tell the couple was deeply in love. Nate blushed and rubbed his hands together.
"I am," He said looking to Addie, "I'm sick to my stomach with anxiety, but I'm thinkin' on askin' tomorrow when I'm over there for supper."
"Oh, thats so exciting Nate!" Addie chirped,"Don't be nervous; the whole Hankman family loves you to death! Mr. Hankman will give you his blessing, I'm sure of it."
Nate grinned proudly.
"I'm crazy in love with her, Addie." He said as he tilted his head back and looked to the sky.
"I know it." She laughed. Nate looked at Addie then, seeming to study her.
"You're in love with Sam." It was not a question. Addie cleared her throat and looked up at Vivian and Thomas to make sure they hadn't heard anything, but they were chatting away up front. She took a deep breath, there was no point in lying.
"Yes Nate I am; I'm in love with your brother." She was surprised at the relief she felt at saying it out loud; as if the secret that hung on her heart had been made a little lighter.
"Well aren't you two quite the pair," Nate said and shook his head, "Both crazy about each other and yet both too blind to see that the other loves you back."
"What?" Addie asked, puzzled. Nate jump out of the wagon--they had reached the ranch--and all he said was, "You gotta see with better eyes than that Addie." Then he walked over to help Sally and Lana out of the other wagon. What was he talking about? See what with better eyes? Addie recalled his words, Both crazy about each other and yet both too blind to see that the other loves you back...He couldn't be saying that Sam returned her love, could he? Hope made Addie's heart flutter.
Sam had to take a day for himself every once in a while; a day to re-anchor himself and relax from anxieties of the mind. He had set out when the air was cool and the grass was dewy, and had spent the morning marveling at natures creations. He'd found his way to the tree that he had claimed his own as a boy. It was covered in scars; made by Sam's own hand. He ran his fingers over the marks, the memories attached to each one flashing in his mind. He found an open area of bark and pulled out the small knife he kept in his boot, and started carving. A...D...D...I...E. Sam's life was on this tree in the form of all those marks; like a journal that no one but him could read. He wanted her name there among his memories, among significant moments in his life.
Sam lay on Shem's bare back with his eyes closed and hands behind his head, soaking in the peace of the afternoon. He could feel the sun, hot on his bare torso; it felt nice. He was getting hungry, and knew everyone would be wondering where he was.
"Time to head home ol' boy." Sam told Shem, and after saddling him, rode for home.
Addie was standing on the fence when Sam came riding up, his shirt off as usual.
"Hey stranger, where've you been all day? Lidia Riddle missed you today in church; she was lookin' all over for ya." Addie chuckled, she knew how much Sam hated the way all the girls in town drooled over him. Frankly, she couldn't blame them; Samuel McCall was wickedly handsome, Especially with his shirt off and his hair mussed like that, Addie thought to herself.
Sam rolled his eyes, "I went and visited an old favorite place of mine...Maybe I'll take you there one day."
"I'd like that." Addie said with a smile.
"You want a ride to the house?" Sam asked even thought they weren't far. Addie smiled and Sam helped her mount Shem via the fence. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he clicked his tongue and the horse jerked forward.
Sam dropped Addie off in front of the house and she watched as he continued to the barn, then went inside.
CHAPTER 7
By the time evening came, Addie was exhausted; mind and body. She had spent most the day working with mustangs with Thomas's help--Sam had helped Nate with their herd of cattle. She had been thrown from Maximus's back and though she had not been fatally injured, she still was sore and achy. After a dinner, rather lacking in conversation for everyone seemed spent, Addie made her was to the backside of the barn. She found a fluffy pile of hay and seated herself down to admire the sunset. The brilliance of it took her breath away; yellow, orange, pink, and purple smeared across the horizon, and Addie fancied Mother Nature herself had painted it with a magic paint brush. She took a deep breath, savoring the smell of summer: hay, warm grass, manure, daffodils. She then focused on the sounds surrounding her: crickets, the faint trickle of the stream, the distant whinny of a horse, mother birds ordering their children to an early bed. Addie wondered at Heaven if earth was so beautiful. She looked to her right as Sam came around the barn and stopped, looking at her.
"I thought I might find you here." He said smiling at her. Addie's stomach fluttered a moment at the sight of that smile. He came and sat next to her, his eyes on the horizon. Addie remembered the words Thomas had spoken to her today while they had taken a break from the Mustangs.
Sam's a strong man Addie; both mind and body. But, like most men, he puts on an act, one that even fools himself most the time. He feels, though sometimes he wishes he didn't...He even falls in love Honey, Thomas had said with a wink, but then a frown took his face, Sam had his heart broken once, Addie, four years ago by a girl who didn't deserve to hold it. He'll never tell you this but, he's never trusted women since, especially pretty ones, besides his sister and Ma of course. I know it's not my place to tell you this, but I guess I just wanted to ask you to be patient with him; he'll come around. Sam's got incredible self control and discipline, but he's wearing down quick, I can see it. Thomas had said looking at Addie and giving her a reassuring smile and nod.
Addie had been stunned by the information, not to say the very fact that it was Sam's Pa who had gifted it to her. She was grateful to know, though it made her feel sick to her stomach to think of Sam being in love with someone. As she looked at him, the setting sun reflecting in his dark eyes and the peaceful look on his face, she made a silent promise to him. If you ever fall in love with me Sam McCall, I won't break your heart; I'll keep it safe inside mine...I'll keep you there no matter who gets your heart. They sat there in silence, soaking in the beauty of the evening. Actually, Sam was soaking in the beauty of the evening while Addie was soaking in the beauty of the man who sat beside her. He was lovely; his skin had darkened a shade since spring, and his hair had lightened to a wet-soil brown, Addie smiled at the disheveled state of it. His jaw was strong and in need of a shave, She had the sensation to kiss it. His straight nose held a perfect slant, and her eyes then dropped to his mouth. Sam had beautiful lips; they were the perfect combination of masculine, and soft looking. Oh, he is gorgeous, Addie thought to herself, the very man I've always dreamt of. She smiled, for in reality Sam was the man she had always dreamt of; even before she mad met him.
Sam looked to Addie to find her studying him with a smile.
"What?" He chuckled. A hot blushed alighted her cheeks and she looked to the brilliant display of colors before them.
"Nothing," She said shaking her head, "I just...um...I was just...admiring you..." She said awkwardly. Sam had to try very hard not to laugh.
"Admiring me?" He asked, smiling at her. She glanced at him, then quickly away.
"Yes."
"Alright," He laughed, "Well now it's my turn."
"What?" Addie asked, looking at him.
"I get to admire you now." He explained.
"No." She chuckled while she stood and brushed hay from her skirt.
Sam stood and took her face in his between his hands, "Yes."
He stared at her, took to noticing every beautiful feature of her face; light freckles were sprinkled across her cute nose, her big green-blue eyes were fringed by long, dark lashed. Her elegantly arched eyebrows were very dark; a unique feature since her hair was so light. Sam's gaze lingered on her lips, her light pink lips that held a simple shape, reminding him of a baby's lips. He swore silently to himself.
A light breeze lifted a few golden strands of Addie's hair and blew them to touch Sam's cheek. They tickled, and he shivered. He swore again, this time aloud, and kissed her. Her lips were soft and warm. Sam's right hand slid to rest on the side of her neck, and he smiled at her rapid pulse.
Addie's heart was pounding so loudly in her own ears she was afraid Sam would hear it. He was kissing her! Gently, teasingly at the corner of her mouth, then her bottom lip. She suddenly felt extremely self-conscious; she had never kissed anyone before, she didn't know how to kiss! Oh, how foolish she must seem to him. Addie dropped her head, her lips leaving Sam's. She closed her eyes as she felt him kiss her hair, then her temple, and with his thumbs he lifted her chin until her eyes met his. His eyes twinkled and Addie bit her bottom lip, embarrassed. He leaned down and kissed her lip, making her release it. He kissed her again, and this time she couldn't help but return it. Involuntarily, her hands came to rest on his firm stomach, then slid up to his shoulders. Sam's right hand slid to the back of her neck and his left hand went to her lower back. Addie slightly gasped as he pulled her closer to him, his kisses deepening. Her tired muscles seemed to turn to water, and her knees buckled. Sam caught her and chuckled.
"It's been a long day; we should go to bed early," His eyes flashed with mischief, "Not together of course." And he chuckled again when she gasped.
"Sam, you can't say things like that." Addie scolded, though she love his tease. She stood and he released her. She felt breathless and tingly all over.
"Why?" He smiled.
"Because...because it's improper." She said, making her way past him. She bit her lip with delight as Sam laughed and followed her to the house.
The next day as Addie and Vivian were putting lunch on the table, Rachel and Charlie came bustling in through the front door; Danny on Rachel's hip and Charlie holding two chattering girls.
"Addie." Rachel said, sounding relieved and gave her a hug, then went to her mother.
"Addie!" Lana and Sally squealed and reached for her. Addie took them from Charlie's grateful arms, putting one on each hip.
"Where're the boys?" Charlie asked.
"They'll be in soon." Vivian said as she kissed her son-in-law on the cheek. Addie loved the way the woman treated him as she did her own sons. Right then Nate, Thomas, and Sam came in. Butterflies took flight in Addie's stomach at the sight of Sam, and the memory of their shared kiss the day before. She blushed and bit her lip when he winked at her.
"How's that mare of yours Thomas? She should be about due anytime now." Charlie asked as he shook his father-in-law's hand.
"Well that mare's from Addie's herd, so technically it's hers, but yeah she about to bust, should be any day now."
"Good, good. The girls are dyin' to see the baby horse." Charlie chuckled.
"Well it'll be here in no time girls." Thomas said and kissed Lana and Sally on their full cheeks.
"Alright, come eat!" Vivian said.
Addie, Rachel, and Vivian sat on the front porch husking the corn they had picked just earlier. Lana and Sade were chasing butterflies and looking for bugs while their little brother sat picking blades of grass and putting them in his mouth. Addie loved husking corn; she loved the sound of it, and the way the delicate angel hair clung to her hands.
"How's the breakin' comin' Addie?" Rachel asked, picking out a caterpillar from the corn husk in her hand and flinging it aside.
"It's goin' well," She replied, smiling at her beloved friend's nonchalant manner of handling the bug, "I'm still workin' on getting a saddle to sit well with Maximus, but he's comin' along."
"Good. Pa says you've a heck of herd there; some good blood."
"Yeah, my Pa knew horses." Addie said, a sense of pride filling her.
Sally came running up the porch steps, her mouth open and tongue out, "Uh! Uh!"
"Ma! Sade ate a dandy lion!" Lana explained, running up behind her sister. Addie couldn't help but laugh; Sade's mouth and tongue were covered in white dandy lion seeds.
"Come here Sugar." Rachel laughed, and wiped out Sade's mouth with her apron. The girls were soon back to their play.
"Rache, remember when you ate a dandy lion that one time?" Vivian chuckled.
"Sure do." Rachel said with a smile.
"She'd picked the dandy lion and was trying to blow the fluffy seeds off it, but when she breathed in to get a good breath...Shoop! Sucked it right into her mouth." Vivian explained to Addie, who smiled at the vision.
"I used to suck on pebbles when I was little." Addie laughed.
"Heavens Addie, so did Sam!" Vivian exclaimed, "He said he liked the way they tasted."
"They taste like the smell of rain," Addie explained with a smile, pleased that Sam and she shared the habit of sucking on pebbles as children, "I love the smell of rain."
Vivian and Rachel were laughing at her, and it somehow made Addie happy.
Everyone was seated at the dinner table enjoying corn on the cob, biscuits, and fried chicken. The conversation thus far had been light and entertaining.
"Sam, did you know Addie used to suck on pebbles when she was young, just like you?" Vivian asked, winking at Addie, who blushed and took a drink of water to try and look normal.
"I didn't know that," Sam laughed, "Maybe we'll have to swap pebbles sometime, Addie." He winked at her. What an insinuation! Everyone chuckled knowingly. Addie cleared her throat and kept her eyes on her plate.
"Speaking of swappin' pebbles, Hensley and me..." Nate chuckled, thinking he was so clever, "We decided on a date for the weddin'."
"Oh, Nate!" Rachel said, her face beaming, "When will it be? I'm so very excited!"
"We're thinkin' three weeks from Firday," Nate was practically glowing, "That way the fourth of July will be outta the way, and you ladies will have time to plan whatever you want."
"Does Hensley have a weddin' gown yet?" Vivian asked.
"Yeah, she's wearin' her Ma's," Nate said, a softness in his eyes, "Hensley really wishes she could be there for the weddin'."
Addie looked to Rachel for an explaination.
"Hensley's Ma died a few years back from illness." Rachel told her.
"Oh." Addie mumbled, knowing all to well the pain in dear Hensley's heart.
That night as Addie was sitting in her bed reading from bible, a frantic knocking came at her door. She hurried up and opened it just a crack. Sam was standing there with near to four of this shirt buttons undone; his skin showing down to his sternum bone.
"I just went to check on the mare, she's in labor, you wanna come help?" He said smiling, Addie thought he looked somewhat like a giddy boy at that moment, and her heart did a little flip.
"Yes, of course." She said and pulled on her boots and a light shawl over her night gown.
They hurried out to the barn, where they had been keeping the pregnant mare. Thomas was there, watching calmly from a distance.
"She's on clean hay, and I wrapped her tail already." Thomas said quietly as Sam and Addie approached.
Addie had never seen the birth of a fowl; she was very interested. The mare was laying on her side, making small noises and moving her head every once in a while.
"Horse's don't need help havin' their babies, but sometime things do happen; so we're here just in case." Sam explained, leaning in close to Addie. She could feel his warm breath on her hair and it made her shiver.
"You cold?" He asked quietly.
"Oh, no not at all." Addie said, embarrassed that he had noticed her shiver.
"Well this'll take a while, so we might as well find a seat." Sam said and found three buckets for them to sit on.
"Should we wake Nate and Vivian? Would they want to be here?" Addie asked.
"Na, Ma's seen more fowls born than she can even count, and this stuff freaks Nate out." Sam explained.
"Oh," She said,"Well what's he gonna do when Hensley has a baby?"
"Heaven knows," Sam chuckled, shaking his head,"I guess that'll be the day he gets over his fear of births."
It was a long night, only a few hours really, but it felt long to Addie. She loved just sitting there watching the mare; watching a mother bare her child. But most of all she loved the time spent with Sam. Thomas had stayed silent and focused the whole time, but Sam and Addie had quietly conversed.
"Is this the first horse birth you've ever seen?" Addie had asked him.
"Nope, this'll be my fifth."
"Wow." Addie said; he must've had quite a few mares in his life time.
"Pa used to break horses," Sam explained,"When he was nearly killed by one, Ma begged him to stop; so he did, and started up with cattle...He likes it well enough, but it's feedin' his soul to have your herd here, and that you asked him to help you break em'." He smiled at her. Thomas sat a little ways away from them, so he couldn't hear them talking. Sam's gaze was intense, and held deep gratitude. Addie realized then how fully he loved his Pa. She'd known it before, but it was so clear now in his eyes. She smiled and looked back to the laboring mare.
"Tell me 'bout your childhood Addie." Sam said, and Addie loved that he said her name; she always loved when he said her name.
"There's not much to tell." She said in honesty.
"Oh, come on." Same encouraged.
"Well...it was pretty plain. I had no friends 'cause we lived so far from town, no siblings or ma, I learned how to sew and cook and clean and keep a garden. I found Chet when I was sixteen; he just wandered into my life as if Heaven itself had sent him to me. Caper was like an uncle to me; he worked for my Pa since I was born..." Addie said. She would keep her secret to herself, or at least most of it.
"What was your favorite thing to do? Where did you find comfort when your Pa gave you none?" Sam asked curiously. Oddly enough, the questions didn't pain Addie as they once would've.
"I loved to ride Chet, and go swimmin', and Caper taught me how to fish...and as for finding comfort...well as strange as it sounds, I had dreams. I grew up dreaming of the same boy, he was my best friend, even though he was only a dream. I would always look forward to sleep 'cause I knew that meant I would dream. We would go on adventures as I slept...and he would always reassure me that everything would be alright." Addie said, and smiled at Sam, for even in real life he had comforted her as he had in her dreams.
"You dreamed the same boy through your whole childhood?" He asked, intrigued.
"Yep," She took a deep breath,"And after."
"Do you dream of him anymore?"
"Nope." She answered simply.
"When did they stop?"
"Almost a year ago." She replied, not wanting to be too specific, for in fact, the dreams had stopped with Sam's appearance.
"How come?"
"I guess 'cause I wasn't in need of the dreams anymore." Addie said looking into Sam's dark, eternal eyes. I don't need them anymore 'cause your real now; not just a dream, She thought to herself.
Sam couldn't stop the shiver that ran up his spine. There was something Addie wasn't telling him about these dreams, but the shiver wasn't born of fear or bad omen; it was born of something beyond Sam's reach, something he couldn't quite grasp, but knew it was of great value. What a unique thing; Addie's dream friend. Sam silently thanked the dream boy for comforting his dear Adelaide when she was young and in need of it. He wished with all his heart he could've been there to comfort her. He sensed a growing protectiveness in him for this girl, and he knew not why. Yes, she was sweet, innocent, vulnerable, and beautiful, but those were not any of the reasons he longed to keep her safe. It was as if he'd known her for a very long time, as if he'd always been looking for something until she came into his life. In fact, he had always been looking for something. As a boy Vivian would find Sam digging a great hole in the dirt, and when she would ask him why, he would tell her he was looking for something. On one occasion, when Sam was about seventeen, he had woken up frantic. His mother had asked him what the matter was and he just kept telling her there was something missing, something he had lost and couldn't find. He had nearly torn the place apart looking for what he knew not; driven by the nagging itch in his brain that he must find the missing something.
"Why did you come to work for my Pa?" Addie suddenly asked, pulling Sam back to the present.
"I uh," He took a deep breath, and let it out,"I needed to get away for a while. I met Caper in town one day, we got to talkin' and two days later I was off to Henderson Ranch."
"Why would you want to leave your home and family?" She asked, genuinely puzzled.
Sam ran his fingers through his hair, "I was lookin' for something." He said, for in truth that was why he had left; the need to find the missing something.
"Looking for what?" Addie asked.
"I didn't know...just something."
The birth had gone smoothly, and by the end of the hour, the mare lay cleaning her new fowl. Addie had never seen anything like it; it truly had been a beautiful experience. She saw life in a new way; everything was born, everything was a baby once, even her beloved Sam. Life seemed more fragile to Addie then ever before it had, and she found herself wanting to bring life into the world; to have a child, a family. The pang in her heart was all too familiar; it was the one that came when she remembered that it was Samuel McCall who stood or sat next to her, and that she was only Addie, it was the one that came when she was reminded9 that he was out of her reach, unobtainable.
Addie sat in the wagon holding a pie in each hand, excitement making her feel anxious; this would be her first Forth of July get-together. In earlier years she had climbed to the barn loft by herself, opened the doors, and watched the fireworks burst in the night sky. But now she would be watching them at a much closer proximity, and with the McCall and Pollard family. Sam winked at Addie as the wagon came to a stop, and he hopped out.
"Put those down a second and I'll help you out." Sam said, smiling at her. She placed the pies on the wagon floor and allowed Sam's large hands to encircle her waist and lift her out.
"Thank you." She breathed, literally rendered breathless by the handsome man before her. He was so masculine and strong and capable; Addie felt more safe in his arms than she had in all her life. The left side of his mouth curved up into a crooked smile, and her heart lurched into a more rapid pace. Sam released her and grabbed the pies, handing one to Addie. Goosebumps waved over her skin when he took her extra hand in his as they walked. His hand was so big it made Addie's disappear, and she loved how calloused and strong it was. She marveled at how unguarded and happy Sam seemed this evening.
The Fourth of July get-together was always held out in Franky Simon's open field. Tables were set up for refreshments and quilts were spread out across the whole field. At the sight of the quilts, Addie remembered that she had forgotten her own in the wagon.
"Oh, I forgot my quilt. I'll just go back and..." Addie looked back to find Thomas was holding hers, along with his own, in his arms.
"Thank you Thomas!" Addie called to him, and he gave her a smile and nod.
"He's fallin' hard." Thomas said, smiling at his beloved wife walking next to him.
"Yes he is," Vivian chuckled,"She was gone on him a long time ago, but I think he's finally letting go and allowing himself to fall."
"You know, he reminds me of someone..." Vivian said looking up at her husband. Thomas laughed, knowing exactly who she was referring to.
"Yeah, he's my son alright; stubborn, focused, and doesn't make the same mistake twice," Thomas chuckled, "But him fallin' for Addie's not a mistake, she's not a mistake; she's a miracle."
Vivian smiled and nodded. Her husband had a sixth sense that she had learn to greatly trust and depend on; he just knew things, things that other people didn't. She stood on her tippy toes and kissed him on the cheek, oh, how she loved this man. Thomas dropped the quilts he was holding, gathered Vivian into his arms, and kissed her. He loved her more than life itself.
Sam was laying, belly down, on Addie's quilt--the one his mother and sister had made for her. He ran his had over a square of faded red fabric and smiled.
"I loved this shirt," He chuckled, "this is the one that got ruined when I was thrown from that horse and fell on the fence."
"What? This is your shirt?" Addie asked, running her hand over the fabric. She was sitting next to him.
"Yeah," Sam smiled, "all of these are." He looked to Addie's awe-stricken face.
"Ma didn't tell you? All the denim is made from all my old pairs, and these are all my ruined shirts," He said, rubbing his hand over the squares,"when I was little she told me she would make a quilt out of all my old stuff for my wi..." Sam suddenly stopped, realizing what he was about to say. His ma had promised to make a quilt for his wife...He hadn't even remembered that until just then. What Ma? Trying to give me a subtle hint? Sam thought to himself.
"For your what?" Addie asked, puzzled.
"Uh...nothin', just a silly promise my ma made me when I was younger." He mumbled, and swallowed hard.
Sam was grateful when Addie turned her attention back to the quilt.
Addie ran her hand over the quilt, instantly loving it even more than she had before. It was made of Sam; bits and pieces of his growing up years. This fabric had touched his skin; spent hours in his company, and she found herself feeling jealous of it. Addie chuckled at that thought: being jealous of fabric, but she was.
The Pollard family came and set their quilt down beside Addie and Sam's. Danny waddled over and sat on Sam's back, "Unkie Sam!"
"Addie!" Sade came and sat on Addie's lap and Lana came from behind and hugged her.
"Auntie Addie!" Danny said, pointing to her.
Sam and Addie's eyes met a moment, and she had the urge to beg him to love her and make her apart of this wonderful family--by name.
Rachel, Charlie, Thomas, and Vivian all laughed, but Sam's smile was soft, and his eyes held Addie captive.
"Hey everybody!" Nate hollered as he came running up, holding Hensley's hand, and the moment dissipated.
"Hey Nate, Hensley." Everyone greeted, smiling at the two lovebirds.
"Hi." Hensley said, beaming. She was a darling girl, and Addie was so happy for them both.
"Well we're sittin' with Hensley's family, but we just wanted to come say 'hi'," Nate explained, "and the Rally Brothers are settin' up, so we're gonna go settle down."
"Alright, love you both, have a good evening." Vivian smiled as Nate leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.
"Love ya too, bye now!" Nate and Hensley waved as they practically skipped, hand in hand, back to their quilt.
"Who're the Rally Brothers?" Addie asked.
"Five brothers that all sing and play the banjo; they make some mighty good music." Sam said, rolling over and lifting Danny into the air above him. Lana and Sade ran back to their mother after receiving a kiss on each cheek from Addie. She turned as music began to fill the air. There, a little ways away, were the Rally Brothers, playing and singing; serenading.
After eating and much light conversation, the sun was almost set, though the fireworks wouldn't start for another few minutes. Sam was lying on his back, hands behind his head, humming along with the tune the Rally Brothers were playing. Addie was again sitting beside him, watching people. She found that she like to watch people; to notice what others were too busy to notice, to see those special moments that made up people's lives. She took a deep breath and smiled, Life is beautiful, she thought to herself.
Sam stood up and offered his hand to Addie.
"What?" She asked, and took his hand. Sam helped her up and started pulling her in the direction of the Rally Brothers.
"Dance with me." He said and pulled Addie into a dancing position. She bit her lip and looked away from his mirth filled expression. She noticed the many sets of young eyes that were suddenly glued to her. She knew that after this night, practically every young woman in town would hate her. She looked up into Sam's black eyes, and was astonished at how she had come to be there in his arms. Her self-consciousness slipped away.
"How did this all happen?" Addie asked, smiling at Sam dreamily, "One day, I'm just a girl, hollow as a carved pumpkin, and the next day...I have friends...a family...and I feel full, of a life that I'm in love with living."
"You were never just a girl Addie, and never hollow." Sam said, his eyes intense.
"I felt hollow. . . well. . . I thank you Sam McCall," Addie said, running her thumb along his jaw, "for breathing life into me."
The touch of Addie's small thumb on his jaw, and her 'breathing life into me' phrase sent Sam's heart to beating. Careful ol' boy, he told himself, she's got a powerful spell. The slow song ended, and Eldon Rally hollered, "Happy Fourth of July ever' body!", as the first firework exploded in the sky. Sam walked with Addie back to their quilt, trying the whole time to keep under control his mounting desire for her.
She looked gorgeous this evening--she did every evening--but today she'd let her hair out of it's usual braid and let it hang loose down her back with two strands from the front knotted in the back. She wore a soft green dress that matched her mythical eyes. Sam clenched his jaw and sat down on the quilt.
"I've never seen them this close." Addie said, in awe.
Sam looked at her sitting next to him, the colorful explosions reflecting in her eyes. He grabbed her hand, their fingers entwining; he just needed to touch her, just touch her somehow and he would make it through the night. She looked at him, her eyes captivating, and with a soft smile she squeezed his hand three times.
Addie knew that Sam didn't know what the three simple squeezes meant, but it made her feel content to know that in a way she had told him that she loved him. She wanted him to gather her into his warm, protective embrace, she wanted to kiss him and speak the very words to him, but she simply looked back to the sky, knowing that Sam was a man with a guarded heart, he would not so easily love again. In that moment, Addie hated the girl who broken his heart two years ago; she hated her for hurting Sam, for breaking his trust. But what was done was done, there was no reversing the past, so Addie set her resolve; she would treasure those moments with Sam, no matter what the future held. She would not be afraid of what was to come, she would not hold her heart back in fear of getting it broken; for she had come to learn in the passed few months that, there is no life where there is no feeling. There is no life where love is selfishly kept; there is only loneliness. She had learned that the heart can only flourish when it is given; when it's love is given to family, friends, a lover, nature, children: Life! One's heart must be given to life for it to truly live it.
The night was late and Addie was rocked to sleep in the back of the old wagon, her head resting on Sam's shoulder. When they reached the house, he gently woke her.
"Addie. Addie we're home." He said as he stroked her cheek with his thumb.
She took a deep breath, and her eyes fluttered open. She sat up straight and looked around. Vivian and Thomas were making their way into the house, and Nate had taken Hensley home, so they were left there alone. Without saying a word Addie stood and prepared to get out of the wagon bed.
"Ope, hold it there baby, you seem a little wobbly; let me help you out." Sam chuckled, Addie seemed completely out of her sences.
He hopped out and lifted her down. She looked at his chest where a few of the buttons were undone, and ran her fingers over his collar bone. Sam shivered, and his heart raced.
"Addie, are you sleep walking? You awake?" He asked rather breathlessly. She only nodded and moved her hands to his neck.
"Addie." Sam said in a warning tone.
"Hmm?" She said, running her thumb along his jaw the way she had earlier.
"Stop..." He breathed; she really must stop or he would be completely undone.
"No." She said defiantly. What the devil had gotten into her? She's exhausted, that's what it is; she's not thinkin' straight, Sam thought to himself.
But as she leaned forward and kissed his collar bone, he was lost to any self control. He took her face in his hands and crushed his mouth against hers.
Addie didn't know what had gotten into her! She mentally took note to be cautious when she was tired, for she found she always did reckless things when she neared the point of exhaustion. Suddenly, Sam's mouth captured her own and she was rendered breathless. She could feel his jaw beneath her palms. She was afraid she would collapse as she had last time, but Sam's strong arms held her securely. His lips left hers, giving her time to breath as they gently kissed the side of her neck. She was sure she would burst apart; fly into pieces. Addie had never experienced something so euphoric as Sam's kiss, never been so physically effected either; her heart pounded, her stomach was wild with butterflies, her whole body seemed to quiver, goose bumps prickled her skin, she felt overly hot, she had a hard time drawing breath, and her muscles felt weak. She honestly wondered if she would ever recover. Sam directed his attention back to her mouth as her fingers weaved through is dark hair. Sam stepped away and swore under his breath.
"Go inside Addie...before I...before I...I need to put the wagon away." He was breathing rather hard and looked somewhat angry.
Addie's whole body fairly shook from the effects of his kiss, and she felt weak. But not wanting to upset him further, she went inside and to her room. As she readied for bed, she could hear two male voices; Nate must have returned home. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but the familiar, low rumble of their voices was soothing to her rattled mind and body. He can't possibly like me. . . can he? No one's ever liked me. But why would he kiss me like that if he didn't mean somethin' by it? Maybe he just gets restless. . . and I'm convenient? The thought made Addie sad, but she knew it must be true, for there was no way that Samuel McCall was falling for Adelaide Henderson. She accepted that; she figured it was better to be the recipient of his attentions even if they were not specifically for her, than to be invisible to him. Her heart ached at the thought that maybe he thought of someone else when he kissed her and held her hand? Maybe he thought of the girl that had broken his heart? Addie squeezed her eyes shut, trying to purge the disturbing thought. Oh, how I love him! She thought, before sleep claimed her.
"Two weeks Sam, two weeks and I'll be a married man." Nate was grinning ear to ear and leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Yep." Sam said distractedly, and took a gulp of water from the cup in his hand.
"Sam." Nate said.
"Hmm?" He asked and looked up at his younger brother.
"I think it's about time you settle down old man, you'll be twenty five come November."
Sam took a deep breath and let it out as he leaned back in his chair.
"I reckon yer right little brother," He scratched at his scruffy chin, "all in good time."
Nate chuckled and shook his head, "Either yer blind, or just plain stupid, Sam."
He knew he was referring to his relationship with Addie. A sad smile touched Sam's lips, "Or just scared maybe."
"Addie is no Terra Frank, Sam; she's not gonna leave you with your heart crushed in the dirt. Stop pushin' her away then pullin' her in; you'll give her whiplash. Either have her or don't."
Sam winced at the utterance of Terra Frank's name. It's not that he still loved her--for he didn't--but still the wound she'd left was tender; she'd broken his trust more than his heart.
"Yer only scared 'cause you know Addie's a hundred times more capable of breaking your heart than Terra ever was." Nate stated, and it was the truth; Sam was more in love with the little beauty in the back room than he ever had been with Terra Frank, and the fact frightened him.
"Don't keep yer heart from her, Sam, of all the people in the world, she is most worthy of it." Nate said, and patted his brother on the shoulder as he walk passed and to his room.
Sam rubbed his burning eyes; he needed sleep, he would sort things out in the morning, but right now he just needed sleep.
CHAPTER 8
Addie picked up the pile of weeds she'd just pulled and threw them into the larger pile located to the side of the garden. Taking a deep breath, she put her muddy fists on her hips and admired her work. The garden looked much improved; it had been in desperate need of weeding. She brushed a strand of hair from her forehead with the back of her hand. She then went to the well and pulled up a bucket of water to wash her hands with, the water felt so nice that she decided she needed a dip in the stream.
The walk felt nice, and Addie's skin itched with the anticipation of being cooled in the fresh water. She found a shallow place where the current wasn't too strong, and after stripping down to her camisole, corset, pantaloons, and one petticoat, she stepped into the stream and sighed. She released her hair from it's braid and, leaning over, shook it out.
Addie buried her hands in the soft sand of the stream bottom as she lay there, and for a moment she dipped her head back and let the cool water run over her. It was so peaceful under the there, and she fancied she wouldn't mind being a fish. After sitting up and wiping the water from her face, she just sat and admired the beauty around her.
An array of oak trees surrounded McCall Ranch, including the Bur Oak, with it's scattering of acorns at it's base; the Swamp White oak, with is white-bottomed leaves; the English oak, with it's pillar-like trunk, and the Chinkapin Oak, with it's glossy spiked leaves. Addie loved the variety! She often went on walks to search for fallen acorns and leaves that were in perfect condition, and now had a beautiful little collection in the small pine box beneath her bed. She took a deep breath, swiveled her hands in the water, and smiled at the delicious aroma of nature. She was reminded of a tune Caper Hall used to whistle quite often, Addie hummed, her eyes still closed, and soon began to sing as the words came to her.
O Nature! I do not aspire, To be the highest in thy choir,
-To be a meteor in thy sky, Or comet that may range on high;
Only a zephyr that may blow, Among the reeds by the river low;
Give me thy most privy place, Where to run my airy race.
In some withdrawn, unpublic mead, Let me sigh upon a reed,
Or in the woods, with leafy din, Whisper the still evening in:
Some still work give me to do, Only - be it near to you!
For I'd rather be thy child, And pupil, in the forest wild,
Than be the king of men elsewhere, And most sovereign slave of care;
To have one moment of thy dawn, Than share the city's year forlorn.
Addie smiled as she finished; it was a poem that Caper had put his own tune to. She remembered finding it odd that such a rough, hard-working man had loved the delicate words so much, she wondered where he had learned the pretty poem.
"I've never heard that one." Sam's voice nearly made Addie jump out of her skin.
Sam chuckled as Addie quickly pulled her knees in to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.
"For cryin' in a bucket Sam! You scared me so bad you 'bout made my heart stop!" Addie scolded.
"Are you sure it's not just 'cause I'm standin' here naked from the waist up?" He asked mischievously.
Addie rolled her eyes and stood up, "Get outta here and let me get dressed."
"You'll soak yer dress." Sam couln't help but smile, she was darling; her long, blond hair was dripping all over the place, and she was so darn cute in her underthings!
"Well I was planning on walking to dry them out. . . until you showed up. It wouldn't be very proper for me to go walking around in my underthings with you, now would it?" She asked, hands on her hips; she was embarrassed to the point of irritation, Sam could tell.
"Alright, I'll go; you can go walk your underwear dry." Sam chuckled, putting his hands up in defense.
Addie stood there all sassy-like, waiting for him to leave. He turned and laughed right out loud as he walked toward the house. What a hoot she was! He'd only seen her spicy side a few times, but boy was it entertaining!
Addie was mortified! Sam had caught her sitting in the stream bed in her underthings, singing to herself! She had been so completely humiliated that she'd turned to defiance; standing in front of him in dripping wet underwear. What had she been thinking? How improper! Why was it that he always found her in these situations?
Addie let out an exasperated breath, I will go 'walk my underwear dry', she thought, feeling all the more irritated. She left her dress and second petticoat where they hung over a low oak branch, put on her stockings and boots, and started walking; she would walk near the edge of the tree line, heading west, and then turn around and come back to dress when she was dry. She knew she must look a sight in her dainty underthings, hair wild, and boots, but she no longer cared.
The warm July breeze was drying Addie's clothing quite quickly, and her temper had cooled. She bent down and picked a Columbine flower and the Western Wallflower that swayed beside it. Twirling each flower between her pointer and thumb fingers, she studied them. The Columbine was white and lavender and of the most unique shape, and the Western Wallflower was such an orange as to remind her of an overly ripe pumpkin. Addie gazed out at the prairie, and all the different flowers that bobbed in the breeze. She could well name every single one of them; her mother had been very fond of flowers, and one day Addie had found a book in her mother's old chest that had drawings and descriptions of almost every flower in all of Colorado. She had treasured the book; studied it diligently, but the fire had consumed it, along with the other few things that she'd held most dear.
Addie took a deep breath to dispel the sadness that was beginning to collect in her chest. As she walked she began saying the names of the flowers aloud, "Cowboy's Delight. . . Fairy Trumpet. . . Poppy. . . Twinflower. . . Orange Paintbrush plant. . . Colorado Gaura. . . Showy Vervain. . . Calypso Orchid. . . Red Clover. . ."
She smiled; peace, contentment, and gratitude had returned to her heart. Addie had inherited her mother's love for nature.
When she reached the stream again, she finished dressing, and walked for home. Yes, Home, Addie thought, My home, and she smiled.
As she neared the house, Addie stopped by the Crabapple tree, gently taking one of the tiny, not-yet-ripe fruits between her finger and thumb, she kissed it. She had loved the tree's soft pink blossoms during spring, but even now it was beautiful. She made her way to the house and upon opening the front door, she was pounced upon by Sade and Lana.
"Hensley's here Addie!" Lana squealed, "For supper!" Addie laughed, and pulled both girls up onto each hip.
"Henswey and Nate are gettin' mawied." Sade told her as she wrapped her small arms around Addie's neck.
"Yes they are Sadie Bug." She said, and gave the now-four-year-old an Eskimo kiss.
Vivian, Rachel, Addie, and Hensley all worked together to get supper on. The men conversed, and Vivian had Sam chop up the potatoes. Addie burst into laughter upon turning and seeing him slowly cutting the vegetable with such a focused look on his handsome face, one would've thought he was doing an operation! He glared at her a moment, "I've got dirt on you baby; you watch yerself." He said, pointing the knife at her.
It was true, hadn't he seen her in quite a predicament just that afternoon? So, Addie bit her lip to stop her giggles, and turned back to her work. She couldn't help but smile at the way he called her baby.
"All done," Addie heard Sam say, "Where do you want them, Ma?"
"Just dump them in that pan right there, thank you dear." Vivian replied.
"MmHmm."
Addie gasped and spun around when a something poked into her bottom. Sam was stifling a laugh as he dumped the potatoes into the pan, still holding the knife. The knife! He had poked her in the bottom with the knife! How dare he? The brute! No one seemed to notice and Addie wasn't about to make them known to the fact, so she turned her focus back to the bread dough and tried to act unruffled.
All during supper Sam and Addie had had staring contests; Sam always won, since Addie would get nervous that someone would notice. What was he about? Addie was going to find out.
When everyone began clearing their plates, she grabbed him by the hand and nearly dragged him out the front door and to the side of the house.
"What were you thinkin' pokin' me with that knife in the. . .in the. . ."
"Bum?" Sam asked with an amused grin.
"Yes, in the. . ." She felt embarrassed to say the word.
"Bum," He replied again, "it's called a bum Addie."
Addie was blushing crimson; oh, he was such a. . . tease! Why was he getting on her nerves so much today?
"Oh, forget it." Addie said, and started to walk away; it was no use! Sam laughed as he grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug. She immediately tried to push herself out of his embrace.
"Oh, get off me. I'm mad at you Samuel." She told him, but he just smiled down at her, his arms not releasing her. Her stomach fluttered and her heart jumped, but she quickly reminded herself that she was upset with him.
"Don't look at me like that," She said, still struggled. Sam's smile just grew and he held her even tighter,"Sam!"
"You're all tight strung and sassy today, what's the matter with ya?" He chuckled.
"You," She told him, trying to ignore the powerful allure of his flashing eyes and smiling lips, "you are the matter with me."
Sam's eyebrows arched, "Is that so?"
Addie's heart began to hammer as his head descended toward her's.
"It's been four days since I last kissed ya, maybe you're just feelin' put off. . . in need of a good kissin'." He said in a seductive tone, his mouth just a breath away from her own.
"No." She said breathlessly. Sam's mouth was instantly entertaining her own in a passionate kiss. Addie's irritation dissipated, as did her will to resist him. Oh, how she truly had missed his kiss over the passed four days, how she had dreamed to have it again! And here she was reveling in it.
Sam kissed Addie's sweet little mouth, You shouldn't let it get all pent up inside ya like that Sam, he told himself, it makes for an explosion when it finally comes out. Sam had been keeping himself from kissing Addie for the last four days; trying to clear his mind so he could think straight on what to do. But quite frankly, all he'd been able to think about was this delicious little Addie Henderson!
Addie suddenly broke away from his kiss and held a hand to his chest, "Stop," She breathed, "I'm mad at you. . . what am I mad at you for? I can't remember." Dang, she was cute!
"For pokin' you in the bum with that knife." Sam smiled.
"Oh, that's right." She said, and pulled his face to hers. She instructed this kiss and Sam had the urge to throw her over his shoulder and carry her to his room! Addie again pulled away and put both hands on his chest.
"You're wearing a shirt." She said.
"Yes, I am." Sam chuckled.
"I'm still mad at you." She said and turned and walked back inside the house.
Sam took a deep breath, ran his fingers through his hair and chuckled. She's somethin' else, he thought, and smiled as he shook his head and went inside.
Addie was placing pies on the long tables out front of the Hankmans' home, that were already laden with food; all the women that had been invited to the wedding had brought some tasty treat.
"Oh, Addie, you look lovely! You're hair is divine all pinned up that way." Mrs. Rogers said as she placed a basket of rolls on the table. Mrs. Rogers was a mother of five wild boys and Addie simply loved her; she was so genuine.
"Thank you Mrs. Rogers." Addie said and hugged the woman.
"Addie come here, we need your help!" Rachel hollered from the front door. Addie rushed inside the house and followed Rachel up the stairs to Hensley's room.
"I'm not sure how to do her hair." Rachel explained. Hensley was sitting at her vanity, a bundle of happy nerves. Hensley had no sisters and her mother had passed away a few years back, so it was left to the McCall women and Addie to plan the wedding.
"Aright," Addie laughed, running her fingers through the bride-to-be's nut brown hair, "I'll see what I can do."
"Oh, Addie, it's beautiful!" Hensley cried as she looked at her hair in the mirror. Addie had pinned up the curls in a beautiful manner, and had placed White Evening Primrose flowers all throughout the lovely locks. Hensley squealed and hugged Addie.
"Thank you." She said, deep gratitude showing in her hazel eyes.
"You're welcome sugar," Addie said, and kissed Hensley on the forehead, "Now hurry on down stairs, Nate is waiting."
The wedding ceremony was beautiful. Nate looked so handsome in his white shirt and clean shaven face, and his bride was breath-taking in her mother's wedding gown. After the ceremony, everyone ate, talked, and enjoyed each others company.
"Iv'e told you before and I'll tell you again; your pumpkin pie is the best thing I've ever tasted Addie," Sam said as he walked up to her, "Besides you of course." He winked. She bit her lip and leaned back against the tree; she had been watching the goings-on from the edge of the clearing in front of the Henderson home.
Sam was so handsome it almost made Addie's heart hurt. His dark hair looked almost neat today, and his jaw was smooth. He was wearing a new white shirt, and it accentuated the sun-bronzed color of his skin.
She tried to normalize her breathing and pressed her hot palms against the bark of the huge English Oak.
"You wanna dance?" Sam asked as the band started to play.
"Sure." Addie smiled and took his open hand.
Old Riley Filler was hollering for folks to make their way to the open area, designated as the 'dance floor'. Addie laughed as they got into their position and the old man hollered to the beat of the music, "Men! Grab a partner and bow real low, now line up kids it's time to go! Doe-C-Doe, around you go, careful ladies, watch yer toes!"
Everyone twirled and skipped and Doe-C-Doed, and Addie had never had so much fun in all her life! Sam pulled her out of the dancing because they were laughing so hard that neither one of them could stand up straight!
"Oh, my stomach is aching from laughing so hard!" Addie attempted to speak through her giggles.
"Mine too!" Sam laughed and tried to breathe deeply to settle himself, but just then little eight year old Porter Daniel went twirling by, holding a beaming Sade in his arms, and set them into a whole new attack of laughter. Sam sat down hard on his haunches, and Addie joined him; they just couldn't seem to get a hold of themselves!
When finally they calmed down, wiping tears from the corners of their eyes, they both lied back in the cool, green grass.
"I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard." Sam said, his hands behind his head and face to the sky.
Addie smiled, "I never have laughed that hard."
Unexpectedly, Sam reached over and grabbed Addie's hand, his eyes finding hers. He was telling her something with those ebony eyes of his, something that he wasn't yet ready to say with words.
Sam swam in Addie's eyes; they were particularly blue today. He had so much to say to her, but the words wouldn't form. Somehow, he wanted to tell her that she made him immeasurably happy, that she made him laugh, that he enjoyed her company more then anyone else's, and that she had him thoroughly wrapped around her dainty, little finger. But the words seemed the be elusive; like steam or smoke that Sam couldn't quite grasp. So, he let them go, but he promised himself that one day he would tell her; tell her everything.
Nate helped Hensley up into their wagon, after tossing a couple small bags of luggage in the bed. The couple leaned in and kissed, the crowd of people cheered. They waved as they drove away, literally into the sunset. Addie felt a sense of longing blossom in her chest; she hoped one day that would be her riding away with. . . with Sam.
Later that evening, when almost everyone had gone, Addie started cleaning up the food tables. Sam watched her; her hair, that had earlier been perfectly place in many beautiful, swooping braids, had loosened and was beginning to fall out, her dark blue dress showed off her feminine curves, and her face seemed to glow with joy and contentment. He had noticed how all of the men--single and not--had eyed his little Adelaide that evening; she looked absolutely beautiful. He smiled as she began to hum the song she had been singing the day he'd found her in the stream. The memory made him chuckle.
"That's the song you were singin' the other day," He said as he walked up to her, "What's it called?"
"Oh, it's one that Caper used to sing; it was a poem that he put a tune to." Addie replied, as she gathered the table cloth into her arms.
"He taught it to you then?" Sam asked.
"Yeah, when I was little."
"Now that you say that, I think I do remember him whistlin' it a few times while I was there."
"It's his favorite." Addie said with a soft smile.
"I wonder what that old man's up to now days," Sam wondered aloud, as he walked beside Addie to deposit the table cloth in the back of the wagon, "Probably ranchin' somewhere."
"I don't think he could stay away from a ranch to save his life," She chuckled, "They just call to him."
"Yeah, Caper was good feller."
"Yeah."
They smiled at each other; it was nice to have the memory of a man that they both shared.
"C'mon, I wanna to show you somethin'." Sam said as he grabbed Addie's hand and began pulling her away from the house and through the trees. "But. . . I have to finish cleaning up," Addie stammered, "I can't leave your sister and ma to do it all." "There's hardly anything else to take care of, and I'm sure they won't mind." Sam chuckled. Addie allowed him to lead her by the hand, she never wanted him to let go. "Where're we goin'?" She asked. "When we were younger, Nate and I used to ride over here and fish and skip rocks. This is where Hensley and him met, a few years back, he's been crazy 'bout her ever since." Addie gasped as the trees ended and before them stretched a pond that looked as if it had been painted by a fairy's hand, and she thought she wouldn't have been surprised if she were to see the tiny mythical creatures flitting about. "It's beautiful!" She breathed. Sam smiled and released her hand as he bent and picked up a flat, round rock, and through it across the water; it skipped four times. "We used to have rock skipping contests," He said, searching for another worthy stone, "And there's a rope swing right over there that we'd always swing out on and drop in the water." "One time when we were little, Mr. Hankman caught us playin' out here; we thought he would run us off 'cause this is on his property. But he helped us fashion two rods, and taught us how to fish." Sam skipped another rock across the still water and turned to Addie, grinning mischievously. "Wanna go for a swim?" He asked. "No." Addie laughed. What was he thinking? "Yeah ya do." He smiled and walked toward her. "Sam," She said warningly, taking a step back, "this is my best dress. . ." "Then take it off," He said, "it's not like I haven't seen ya in yer underwear before." "But you weren't suppose to!" Addie reminded him, "if I'd known you come sneekin' around I wouldn't have gotten in." Sam was walking slowly toward her, smiling; like a predator stalking it's prey. "Sam," Addie said again taking another step back and holding out her hand as if to stop him, "don't. Sam don't you. . ." He lunged forward and grabbed her, throwing her over his shoulder, he headed for the water. "Sam!" Addie laughed, pounding her fists on his back, "put me down right this instant! Samuel McCall!" "You're goin' in either way, Addie, so you might as well take yer dress off so Ma doesn't get after ya for gettin' it all soppin' wet." He drew closer to the water's edge. "Alright, fine!" Addie hollered, "I'll take it off, just put me down, you brute!" She was more than thrilled at Sam's persistence; for in truth, she did want to go swimming. She loved the way he'd simply thrown her over his burly shoulder, and how now he took her waist in his hands and pulled her down to stand before him. "Alright," He nodded, hands on his hips, "start undressin'." The daring mirth in his eyes made Addie feel defiant, "Fine." She said, and started unbuttoning her blouse right there in front of him. Sam loved the way he could ruffle Addie's tail feathers. She was unbuttoning her blouse, looking at him all sassy like. She was a little feisty thing when she decided to be! Sam's heart beat increased, and he suddenly felt too hot; here she was undressing in front of him. What was he doing? We're just goin' for a little swim, that's all, and she can't go swimmin' in her nice dress, so clearly she has to take it off, right? No harm in that, is there? He thought to himself, but promptly cleared his throat and walked a little ways away to the rope swing, pretending to inspect it. Addie snatched the rope from Sam's hand and climbed up onto the huge fallen tree branch. I'll show him, She thought to herself. Taking the thick rope securely in both hands, she jumped, placing both of her bare feet atop the giant knot at the base of the rope. When she was directly over the pond, she let out a slight scream and dropped into the water. It was cool, but felt wonderful and refreshing. When Addie surfaced and wiped the water from her face, there was Sam, standing, staring at her with his jaw flapping in the wind. Sam couldn't believe it! She was a little dare devil! There wasn't one young woman he knew, save his own sister, who would've done what Addie just had. "Well are ya gettin' in or not?" Addie asked. "Oh." Sam said and stripped off his shirt, "yeah." He sat down and took off his boots and socks, depositing them next to where his shirt lay, draped over the branch. He looked over to see Addie swimming on her back. "Who taught you to swim?" Sam asked as he took the rope and readied himself to jump. "Caper; when I was tiny. He used to tell me I could swim better than a minnow." Addie smiled as she righted herself so she could watch Sam jump in. Splash! Sam loved water, as did Addie it seemed. He chuckled and swam over to her. "Perfect temperature." He said, satisfied. Addie smiled, and it made butterflies flutter in his stomach. "You said you used to fish in here?" She said as she leaned back in the water again, nearly floating atop it. He had the urge to take her little waist in his hands, pull her to him, and kiss the dickens out of her! But he resisted. "Yep." He said, watching her. "So there're fish in here?" "Yep." "Big ones?" "Yep." "How big?" "Big enough to drag you under!" He shouted as he took hold of her big toe, and diving down, pulled her under the water. Addie was taken completely by surprise! She came up laughing, "Sam, yer full of beans, you are! I bet there's not a fish bigger than my hand in this pond!" He was right out laughing! Think yer all hilarious? Addie thought. She dipped her mouth below the surface and filled it with water, then shot a long stream of the liquid into Sam's laughing face. "Caper taught me that too." She said, reveling in the shock on his face. But as the shock quickly turned to mischief, Addie felt not so cocky anymore and began to wade backwards. He smiled and started swimming toward her. She squealed and began swimming as fast as she could away from him, but in no time Sam had her by the ankle and was pulling her to him. She couldn't help but laugh; she felt so carefree and happy. He drug her to where the water was shallow enough to stand, but still reached her neck. Addie's smile faded and her heart raced as Sam took her face in his hands, his eyes burning into hers, and kissed her. Rachel grinned at what she saw before her; Sam and Addie were in the Hankman's pond kissing! Ma had sent her to go find the two, because they were getting ready to leave, and Rachel knew exactly where they would be. Though she hadn't expected to find them thus, it made her heart happy. They were healing one another; Sam was giving Addie the life and love and laughter she had missed growing up; and Addie was gaining Sam's trust, making him hope again, making his heart feel. Rachel was peeking from behind a tree, a little ways away from the pond. She silently sent a prayer upward, thanking Heaven for sending Adelaide Henderson to her family. Sam had been so hard the last two years; he had been cautious, mistrusting, guarded, and all together somewhat irritable. Of course, there had been those moment of fun and laughter, but he'd always seemed to stop himself abruptly, as if it were wrong for him to enjoy life. Ever since he had brought Addie home, Sam had become a new man. Rachel often found him humming, or smiling at nothing in particular. There was a light in his dark eyes that had been absent the passed few years, and he had again attained his mirthful, teasing ways. Rachel took a deep breath and sighed; her brother would be happy, and her best friend would be happy. Angel's, please keep them, she prayed, don't let anything happen that would tear them apart. And give Sam courage to surrender his heart, for I know Addie will keep it safely for him. Rachel smiled as she turned, leaving the two love birds; she would tell Ma, and they would leave Nate's horse at the Hankman's for Addie and Sam to ride home. Sam felt his wall crumbling; he could feel his heart reaching for Addie. He wanted to belong to her and have her belong to him. His heart trusted her with every beat of it's existence, but his mind was plagued with fear. Addie's fingers twisted into Sam's hair, her petite body pressed against his, and she returned his kiss with as much passion as he, himself, was feeling. It was all too much; he must get away from her before his defenses crumbled completely. If he waited a moment longer, stayed a second more in her arms, then he was sure he would falter; confess the words, and any shred of safety would be lost. For isn't that what his walls provided? Safety. Wasn't love the most dangerous thing of all? Sam broke from Addie and nearly fell back into the water; he hadn't realized how weak his legs had grown during their kiss. He stood there a moment, staring at her and trying to catch his breath. He thought she looked much like a water fairy in that moment; her golden hair wet and wild, her fair skin shimmering with moisture, her lips more red than usual, and her alluring eyes beckoning to him. He swallowed the excess moisture in his mouth, "We better go; they'll be missin' us by now." Addie could see the fear and confusion in Sam's brown eyes. She wished with all her being that he would trust her, but she knew that things took time, and so she would be patient and wait. She nodded in response to his statement, and walked out of the water to where her dress lay over a boulder. She noticed that Sam still stood in the water, unmoving. What had cause the abrupt change in him she wondered? Addie held tight to Sam's torso as they rode for home. The cool evening and her wet clothing made goose bumps prickle her skin. She closed her eyes and thought of the wonderful day just passed. Addie dubbed it the best day of her life, thus far. She had laughed harder than ever before, felt more free and comfortable than ever she had, and she had spent the day with--and kissed--Samuel McCall. Addie smiled at the flutter in her stomach. Pressing her cheek to Sam's warm back, she breathed in the scent of his shirt; leather, summer grass, wood. She turned her head and ever so gently kissed the fabric. Goose bumps raced over Sam's arms at the feather-light touch of Addie's lips to his back, and he sighed as her arms tightened around his torso. He wanted to have her ever near; her touch had a way of comforting and unsettling him at the same time. CHAPTER 9 Addie walked into the chicken house and collected the beautiful eggs left there for her. She had let the chickens out to spend the day eating bugs and grass, but at the back of the house sat a hen, protecting her egg. "What's this?" She asked the feathered creature, as if it would reply, "A setty hen. Vivian will be glad to hear it." Addie smiled; she had a fondness for setty hens, ones that were willing to sit on their egg in hope of having a chick. The not-setty-hens reminded her of those air-headed women in life that flitted about, placing value in frivolous things. Addie thought of herself as a setty hen, along with Rachel, Vivian, and Hensley; they were all setty hens. She chuckled at her musings, and left the hen to it's motherly nature. "We've got a setty hen, Vivian." Addie said upon entering the house. "Do we really?" Vivian asked excited, "Setty hens are my favorite." Addie smiled and put the egg filled basket on the table. She quickly washed her hands and started making scrambled eggs while Vivian put the bacon on to cook. "I swear I could smell that bacon from a mile away." Sam said as he entered through the back door with Thomas. The men ate their fill and hurried on their way. "Thanks for breakfast, Ma," Sam said and kissed his mother on the cheek, "Thanks, Addie." She slightly gasped as he kissed her on the cheek as well. He looked back and winked at her as he went out the door. Thomas and Vivian laughed, and Addie blushed. "Thank you fer breakfast Honey." Thomas said, and tenderly kissed his wife on the lips. He then nodded to Addie, and again chuckled as he left the house. "I'd say he's warmin' up to you." Vivian smiled. "Who is?" Addie asked, and busied herself with starting the dishes. "Sam," Vivian giggled, "I haven't seen him so relaxed since he was a boy." "Really?" Addie said, trying to sound indifferent. "Yes. . ." The woman said, then her smile faded, "Did I ever tell you about his escapades to find his 'missing something' when he was a boy? Actually they continued all the way until last December." Addie's interest was pricked, "No, but he mentioned something about that." She said, turning to face Vivian. "It was quite strange really, " She said, leaning back against the counter, her eyes looking passed Addie, "When he was little, he would go diggin', or huntin', or fishin', or just searchin', and claim he was lookin' for somethin'. . . and even as a young man he would grow furious for thinkin' he had misplaced or lost somethin'. . . he called it his 'missing something'," Vivian said, and looked at Addie, "That's why he went to your place; he figured he hadn't ever found it around here, so he would leave, and look for it somewhere else. . ." Sam's mother smiled meaningfully at her, "He's stopped searchin' Addie." A shiver made it's way up Addie's spine; there was great meaning in what the woman was saying. "Now, I didn't mean to frighten you, Addie," Vivian said, and took her face in her hands, "Iv'e just noticed it lately. . . and I don't think it's just coincidental that he stopped searching once you came into his life." It was too much; Addie suddenly felt exhausted. "D'mind if I go lay down for a spell?" She asked. "Not at all, Pumpkin." Vivian smiled understandingly. Addie lay, staring at the ceiling in her room, her mind racing. Her dreams, and Sam's 'missing something'. . .she found it strange. She didn't believe in soul mates; for how could two people in all the world end up finding each other and everything working out so that they ended up together? But she did wonder if Providence, Heaven, Fate--whatever it was--guided people to one another? Not like guiding soul mates to one another, but more, guiding a disheartened soul to one that could help it. Maybe Addie was there to help Sam trust again? She knew with all her heart that she had been brought to McCall Ranch for her own heart to heal, and to find herself, but it was hard for her to grasp that maybe she was blessing the lives of the people around her, particularly Sam's. Maybe God had a greater hand in the lives of his children than Addie first thought? After an early supper, the family, including; Vivian, Thomas, Addie, Sam, Hensley and Nate, and Rachel's family, were all sitting outside on the porch, watching the storm roll in. Addie stood, leaning against the railing, all the other adults were sitting, and Lana and Sade were falling asleep on their grandpa's lap. "Looks like it's gonna be a good one." Nate said, bouncing Danny on his knees as he sat in one of the kitchen chairs the men had brought out for seating. "Yeah." Thomas said, a rather worried look on his face. Addie wondered what could be bothering him, he pulled the two sleeping girls more snuggley against his chest. "The wind's pickin' up." Charlie said. There was a strange energy in the air, Addie noticed; apprehension? anxiety? foreboding? She couldn't quite place it or why it was there. Sam came and gathered Addie into a hug, unexpectedly. Her stomach exploded with butterflies. He held her tight, almost protectively. She melted against him, sighed and closed her eyes. Sam's heart beat loudly into Addie's ear; she smiled, loving the evidence that the man she loved did indeed live. "Pa, you don't think. . .?" Sam said, his eyes on the darkening clouds. "I'm startin' to think so, Son," Thomas said, "Everybody inside. . . that's a tornado comin'." Sam pulled Addie inside immediately, "A tornado?" She asked looking up at him. "Yeah, I thought we just might make it through the year without one. . . but I guess not." He went back out onto the porch and helped pull the chairs in. Worry was rising in him; what if it was a bad one? What if someone got hurt? What if Addie got hurt? He suddenly wanted to bury her! Get her out of harms way by any means possible! "Ma, Rachel, Hensley, Addie, get yerselves and the kids down in the cellar." Sam demanded. The women obeyed, all except Addie. She was looking at him with disbelief. "You boys get yerselves down their with yer families." She said sternly. "Addie," Sam said in warning tone, "Don't." "I will not take up any space down there; I'm not even part of the family. You all have yer family right here; and who knows, maybe this tornado will tear this place to shreds along with anyone not in that cellar. But by dang I'm not goin' down there until every single one of you are down there first." Addie was determined; she was not going to let Sam sacrifice his safety for her. He had a family! If he was hurt or even killed, many people would mourn, but Addie knew that if she were lost that the mourning would be less. She wasn't pitying herself by any means; she simply knew that it was true. "Addie. . . " Thomas began but was cut off by Addie's stern, "Thomas, go to Vivian; she needs you." She was surprised when Charlie, Nate, and Thomas each took their wives and ushered them to the back of the house to the cellar. "Sam, you know that cellar won't hold us all." Addie said. Sam's jaw was clenched, his breathing labored from controlled anger. "We'll all fit, Addie." He said as he walked to her, grabbed her arm, and started pulling her down the hall. "Sam, Sam," Tears pricked her eyes, "just let me try somethin'." "What?" He stopped and turned to face her. "You've read the bible, you know all the stories of the miracles wrought by faith and prayer," The tears spilled down her cheeks, "let me try, let me pray for a miracle." "Then pray!" Sam yelled, the wind was getting louder, "but yer coming down to the cellar!" "No, Sam," Addie said, trying to pull her wrist from his grasp, "we have to show faith; we can't hide." Sam started pulling her down the hall again, "Sam, please!" The plea in her voice made Sam turn and look at her; tears streamed down her face, her eyes pleaded with him. He couldn't let her go! He didn't care for faith at that moment, he only cared to keep her safe! She took his face in her hands and smiled slightly, "Let me do this Sam, He will hear me, and He will drive the tornado away, I know He will: I've already seen it." Sam didn't understand the last thing she said but he didn't care, "Why can't you just pray in the cellar? Will God not hear you there?" She raised herself up on her tippy toes and kissed him passionately on the mouth, then she ran. Addie ran out the front door and into the poring rain and howling wind, she could see the tornado to the north, headed her way. She could hear Sam yelling her name in the house, but the powerful wind had changed direction and was now pushing with all it's force against the front door, keeping Sam from opening it. She knelt, so she would be less likely to be blown over, and closed her eyes; she knew that her prayer would be answered for indeed, she had seen this before, in a dream not a month passed. As she prayed, rain hammered her body and flying debris swirled around her, but she prayed on. Of a sudden, the wind lessened, and the rain faded to a drizzle. Sam was immediately there, scooping Addie up into his arms, "Addie!" He looked up to the north; the tornado was moving. . . away. Sam stared in disbelief, it had been on a straight course for McCall Ranch. . . how could it have backed off so quickly? How had that incredible wind not blown Addie's small frame clean away? "It's a miracle." Addie said from the protection of his arms. She was smiling up at him, there wasn't a scratch on her; there should have been, for all the debris that was flying through the air, but her skin was untouched. "Yeah." Sam breathed, and buried his face into Addie's neck. The relief and gratitude that flooded his being was such he had never before felt. Thank you, he silently said, addressing the heavens. Sam realized in that moment that he had been angry with God for the passed two years, blaming him for his misfortunes. Forgive me, He pleaded, and quickly carried Addie inside the house. It was late at night, Addie was laying in bed staring out her open window into the starry night. It had been two weeks since the tornado miracle. Rachel and Charlie had returned home the next day to find their home and property undisturbed; they lived a few miles north of McCall Ranch, so they had expected destruction. Everywhere around their property was destroyed, it was as if a protective bubble had been placed over the Pollard's property; a miracle indeed. Addie remembered going to church the sunday after the tornado, Reverend Hanks had preached about enduring and she had loved the hymn they had sung at the end of the service. Now, as she stared out her window, she recited the last three verses from the hymn. "The works of God continue, And worlds and lives abound; Improvement and progression Have one eternal round. . . There is no end to matter; There is no end to space; There is no end to spirit; There is no end to race. . . There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might; There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light. . . There is no end to union; There is no end to youth; There is no end to priesthood; There is no end to truth. . . There is no end to glory; There is no end to love; There is no end to being; There is no death above. . . There is no end to glory; There is no end to love; There is no end to being; There is no death above." She loved the words; she found they gave her hope and belief in greater things. Yawning, for she was very tired, Addie rolled onto her back and let her thoughts stray to Sam. He had been uncharacteristically thoughtful since the tornado; as if he was always pondering something. He had kissed Addie a few times, but mostly he would just hold her hand for a moment, or embrace her for a few seconds. She wondered what he had been brooding over as of late. |
Sam was at war with himself over feeling unworthy, and yet wanting her more than he'd ever wanted anything. He kept telling himself to have faith; to walk out into the tornado, believing that all would be well, as Addie had so powerfully taught him. He took a deep breath, and rolled onto his stomach with a new determination to not fear his heart; to not fear the tornado.
Addie hummed a tune as she mixed the chocolate cake batter for Lana's birthday. She looked out the open kitchen window; it was beautiful end-of-July day, and the chickens were pecking away at the grass and dirt out front. She smiled, immensely happy with her life. Vivian and Thomas had gone on a walk--Addie adored the love they shared--and she was left to make the cake, for all the other food for Lana's birthday supper was all ready for cooking that evening.
Sam silently came to stand behind Addie and reaching over her shoulder, he dipped his finger into the batter and licked it off.
"Sam! Get your fingers out of that bowl!" Addie said as she turned and push him away. Sam chuckle.
"It looks like you've had a little taste yourself Miss Addie." Sam said as he wiped a smear of batter from Addie's cheek. His smile sent her heart racing, and she blushed when he touched her. She turned back to the bowl and continued stirring.
"I'm the cook; I'm allowed a taste." Addie said.
"Hm, then maybe I'll make the cake next time." Sam smiled.
"Oh, I'd like to see that." Addie chuckled as she tugged once on the collar of his shirt, then turned and pulled a cake pan from the cupboard, when she turned back around she burst into laughter. Sam had dipped his finger into the batter and spread it on his lips; the brown lips, and his swave expression was too good a combination!
Addie laughed and he wiggled his eyebrows at her. She shook her head and began poring the batter into the pan, but nearly dropped the whole thing when Sam's battery lips met with her cheek.
"Sam!" Addie scolded and he just laughed. Her hands were preoccupied.
"Wipe it off now," she couldn't help but laugh a little, "Someone's gonna walk in and think that. . ."
"That I kissed you on the cheek?" Sam interrupted, smiling at her.
Addie cleared her throat, "Yes." He wiped his lips off with the rag on the counter.
"Well I did kiss ya on the cheek Addie," Sam said moving closer to her, "and everyone already knows I like to kiss ya. Plus, Ma and Pa are the only ones here to see, and their out walkin'. Heck, they're probably sparin' too."
Addie bit her lip and turned back to her work, butterflies taking over her stomach. She swallowed hard and finished filling the cake pan.
"Addie." Sam said quietly.
"Yes?" Addie said, not looking at him and trying to seem as if she was entirely calm.
"Addie." Sam said again, his lips at her ear. Goose bumps rippled over Addie's skin. He took her chin in his hand, turning her face to him, and kissed her gently on the nose. . . then on her clean cheek, and finally he kissed her lips. She involuntarily sighed and wrapped her arms around Sam's neck, allowing her hands to be lost in his dark, soft hair.
Their kiss was cut short by laughter coming from outside, Sam pulled away, taking Addie's face in his hands, "We'll finish this later." He said with a wink and a grin that made her heart skip a few beats. He kissed her one final time, then went out the front door.
"Unkie Sam!" Addie heard Sade's little voice through the open door, "It's Lana's birfday!"
Sam's laugh made Addie smile, "Yes it is. I swear, Sadie Bug, you get bigger every time I see you! What're ya feeding this kid, Charlie?" Sam teased.
Addie quickly slipped the cake in to cook, and went to lean against the door frame, watching the scene before her. Vivian and Thomas were just returning from their walk, and Nate and Hensley were pulling their wagon up next to the Pollard's. It was a small family reunion taking place before her, and Addie smiled, feeling eternally blessed to witness it.
It was late afternoon, the family would spend the rest of the evening cooking supper and enjoying each others company. Rachel, who was holding Danny on her hip, came to Addie then.
"What is on your. . ."Rachel started, before she burst into laughter, "Sam, you rascal!" She called over her shoulder.
Addie had completely forgotten about the battery kiss mark on her cheek left by Sam's lips, "Oh, for cryin' in a bucket," She mumbled, "I forgot about that."
She went into the kitchen and dampened the corner of her apron. Rachel was right behind her, "Addie, it's so sweet; don't be embarrassed!"
"Is it off?" Addie asked, after rubbing at her cheek with the wet cloth. When Rachel giggled again, she rolled her eyes, which just started her dear friend into more laughter.
"There, it's off." Rachel smiled as she finished wiping the remainder of the batter off Addie's cheek.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Rachel grinned knowingly.
"What's that look for?" Addie chuckled, looking suspiciously at Sam's sister.
"Oh, nothing. . . just that you and Sam think yer both real sneaky, and yer not." Rachel laughed.
"We are not trying to be sneaky; there's nothin' to be sneaky about." Addie told Rachel, taking Danny from her and kissing him on the forehead as she placed him on her own hip.
"Alright, whatever ya say Sugar," Rachel said as she turned and headed for the front door, "But there's no foolin' me; yer both whipped!" She said with a wink and was out the door before Addie could make up some pathetic argument.
"What can I say Danny Boy? She's right!" Addie whispered to the child as he tugged on her braid.
CHAPTER 10
Two weeks passed. Life was happy for Addie Henderson. She loved the easy friendship she and Sam shared, but most of all she love the sweet moments when his kiss would render her breathless, or when he would take her into his arms and her whole body would warm from the inside out. In those moments Addie wished she could melt into Sam; be with him forever and ever.
One evening as she sat out on the front porch, breathing in the delicious air, Sam came out and leaned against the railing. With his hands clasped, his forearms resting on the white wood, Sam stared out into the bluing east. He didn't speak, didn't look at her, but Addie could feel him. She could feel how deeply he loved this land, everything from the dirt to the sky. She could feel how the hard work of running a ranch fed his soul; made him feel purposeful and content.
Her heart swelled to near bursting for her love for him. She wanted him more than the air in her lungs. He was so good; so wonderful and handsome. He was everything to her. Addie wiped a rogue tear from her cheek; would he ever be hers? Would she ever belong to him and he to her? Her whole body seemed to ache with wanting to be in his arms, and her mind was exhausted from wanting so powerfully, and from the uncertainty and doubt that plagued her mind.
He is Samuel McCall . . . and I am only Addie, she thought to herself, How could he ever love me? She knew that he cared for her, but her humble and unpretentious mind could not grasp the idea that maybe he did love her, that maybe the passion in his kissed was born of love and not just carnal desire. More than her mind, her heart was wary to believe such a thing as owning Sam's heart.
Many weeks ago, at the fourth of July celebration, Addie had made the decision to not be afraid of what was to come, but as time passed, she had fallen more in love with Sam than she had expected. Fear and angst had crept back inside her.
Addie wrapped her arms back around the back of the chair she sat on and hooked her ankles around it's two front legs; she worried that if she did not hold to the chair that her body might literally stand her up, walk to Sam, bind her arms about his waist, and spill all the contents of her heart.
Sam could feel Addie's gaze upon his back. His weary state from a hard days work, the cool, peaceful evening, and a certain woman's presence was a dangerous combination, Sam knew. He felt as if Addie had a lasso about his heart and nearly dragged him around by it; he was ever drawn to her, ever wanting to be closer, wherever she went his heart went with her. He finally admitted to himself that he loved her. Oh, how he loved her! He wanted to marry her, love her, raise their children.
But even still, something held him back. He felt as if there was an unfinished thing, and he could not move on until it was done with. Addie stood on the other side of this unfinished thing; it barred him from her. A sense of foreboding crept into his ever limb, and he stood straight and combed his fingered through his hair in attempt to dispel it.
"Good night, Addie." Sam said as he turned to go inside the house; he must not linger.
"So early?" She asked. He noticed the tense way in which she sat, as if fearful of him, and he wondered why.
"Yeah." He shortly replied, and went inside. The conflict raging within him made him feel tired and irritable.
Now, a week and a half later, not much had changed; Sam would kiss Addie, silently scold himself for being so weak and indecisive--then kiss her again. He enjoyed her wit and intelligent conversation, and each day it grew harder and harder for him to be both near and far from her. When he was close to her, he wanted to run away; save himself from her powerful allure. Yet, when he was away from her, all he wanted was to be with her! On occasion Sam wished someone would beat some sense into him.
Addie hefted the huge saddle off of Maximus's back and set it on the ground before taking off his bridle.
"Good boy," She told him as she scratched behind his ears. She had taken an early morning ride; the sun was just barely appearing on the eastern horizon. Addie had awoken in the early hours of the morning and, unable to fall back asleep, she decided to take Maximus out for some exercise.
Early morning was a time of incredible peace; Addie let it seep into her soul and fill her lungs. The large horse meandered away to nibble grass, and she chuckled when his tail swished in her face as he turned. She had broken the stallion, with the help of Sam and Thomas, and he now trusted and obeyed her. Addie smiled a sad, thoughtful smile as her father's image entered her mind. She lifted her face to the sky, "I love you, Pa . . . and miss you."
After hanging the bridle from the horn, she had to use all her strength to carry the large saddle back to the barn.
Addie came through the door, her hair hanging loose and windblown, and her cheeks rosy.
"Where've you been?" Sam chuckled from his seat at the kitchen table.
"I took Maximus for a ride." She smiled, and bit her lip when she noticed the admiration in Sam's eyes.
Rachel walked in with Danny on her hip and Charlie close behind her. She wore a light robe over her night gown and her hair still in the braid she'd slept in. The Pollards had stayed the night at McCall Ranch--by request of Sade and Lana. Rachel kissed Danny on the head, and handed him to a grinning Addie before she took the plate that her mother handed her.
"Thanks Mama."
"Yer welcome pumpkin," Vivian said, "Charlie." She handed him a plate of food as well.
Thomas came in through the front door then, and joined the family in eating breakfast.
"The girls still asleep?" Sam asked Rachel.
"Yeah," She chuckled, "They wouldn't go to sleep last night! Just kept gigglin and rollin around."
"Aw, I remember those days," Sam laughed, "remember that one time me and Nate went out night huntin fer coons, and you said you'd tell Ma and Pa if we didn't let ya come?"
He laughed again, "Then ya ended up trippin in that gopher hole and twistin yer ankle, 'n we had to carry ya back home, and the next day ya told Ma that ya just tripped over a hen while feedin um that mornin'?"
"Yep, I remember," Rachel rolled her eyes, "Ma, I can't believe you believed me; that's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard--trippin over a hen. Ha!"
Vivian smiled. "I trust my children, I believe they will always tell me the truth. Plus, I've tripped over a hen plenty a time. I even seen Addie trip over a hen now and again," She chuckled, and Addie blushed, "it's down right normal."
"Alright, I'm headin' to town," Sam said after breakfast was finished, "can I take the kid, Rache? I won't be long." He was referring to Danny.
Rachel suddenly had an idea, "Absolutely, just take Addie with you so she can hold him."
"Right-oh, let's head Addie!" Sam hollered as he walked out the front door, baby Danny on his shoulders. Addie looked accusingly at Rachel, who gave her a knowing wink. Rachel was determined for these two to get married, she was just helping them out.
Samuel hummed as the wagon bounced along to town. Danny chattered and flapped his arms as he sat in Addie's lap. Addie closed her eyes and lifted her face to the clear blue sky, soaking in the sun and scent of the air.
"Heaven on earth." Sam said understandingly.
She opened her eyes and looked at the beauty around her, "Yes. Look at this world, Sam. The way the wind blows the grass and picks up disturbed dust. The sun with its life-giving light. The flowers that come in every color and scent. The small creatures that hide from our view and then the lazy cows that stare at us as we pass," she laughed and looked at Sam, then continued, "the weather that has a mind of it's own but in every moment is beautiful in some way. Fire that can both heal and destroy. Water that in one moment could soothe a parched mouth and the next moment could drown you. Its all so amazing! This life, this world. There is so much beauty in it!"
Sam was is awe at the beaming Addie that sat next to him. He loved that she loved this land as much as he did. His heart swelled with admiration for her. He nodded, "So much beauty in it."
Sam and Addie walked into the mercantile store as their last stop in town. Addie switched Danny to her other hip and walked to the front desk as Sam grabbed a bag of flour and a new pair of boots. She greeted the young woman behind the counter, Addie guessed she was Mr. Rawling's granddaughter come to visit and help with the store.
"Oh, your son is perfectly darling!" exclaimed the young woman, "looks just like his father," she smiled at Sam. Danny did indeed take after the McCall line.
"Oh! He's actually no--"
"Sure does look like his papa doesn't he?" Sam cut Addie off and kiss the child on the head, who laughed and reached for him. Sam scooped Danny up and tossed him in the air, then after depositing him on his hip, he not-so-modestly kissed Addie on the mouth. The young woman stood in complete bliss at the romantic "couple" before her.
"Samuel McCall! You lying son of--"
"Ah-ah-ah," He scoldingly interrupted, "we have to keep up the act; she's still watching us."
They had just exited the mercantile and Addie was thoroughly astonished at what had just happened.
"You lied."
"Oh, come now, it did no harm. And that girl was in heaven watching us, I bet we just made her week." Sam laughed.
"What if it gets around town that you and I--"
"So what if it does?" Sam abruptly faced Addie. His eyes were intense and her heart jumped when he took her in his arms and kissed her. He's just keeping the act up, that girl is still watching. He doesn't mean it.
When Sam pulled away, mirth had returned to his eyes. Addie let out a little squeal as he quickly scooped her up in his arms, baby Danny and all, and set her on the wagon seat.
"Well wifey, let's head home!"
CHAPTER 11
Terra stood before Sam, a sickly sweet smile on her lovely face. Sam's stomach churned and he tried to turn and walk away, but he was frozen. He tried to cover his ears to the vile words that spilled from her mouth, but his arms would not obey. "You were never anything to me Sam; nothing but an accessory that made me look even better than I already did. You are incapable of love, for I have taken your trust, and we all know that a mistrusting heart can not fully love." Terra spoke, and Sam felt as if he might hurl, but still he could not will his body to move. Her poisonous words continued, "Alone Sam, that's what you are, even with all your beloved family around you, you are ever alone. It is as it should be, for trust and love are weak, and an invitation for immense pain." Silent tears slipped from his eyes and over his temples. Sam's heart seemed to stop as Terra's image morphed and changed until it was a harsh looking Addie standing before him.
"No!" Sam yelled, and sat up in his bed, his sheets damp with sweat, and his temples wet with tears.
The dream had set fear pumping thick in his veins; fear that maybe he was nothing more to Addie than a pretty face, fear that he was weak and ruined, incapable of loving as Terra had said in this dream, fear that the only woman he had ever truly loved would leave him. Sam brushed the tears from his temples, disgusted with himself for being so weak. Just then the door opened and Addie stood there, concern on her beautiful face, "You alright? I. . . I heard you and just wanted to make sure everythin' was okay."
Sam's whole body quivered at the sight of her, the sound of her voice.
Addie was concerned; she had heard Sam yell and had quickly gone across the hall to his room. She found him sitting up in his bed, breathing hard, and something akin to fear flashing in his dark eyes. What had disturbed and woken him? She cautiously went to him, stood before him, "Sam, what happened?" She asked.
He stared at her a moment, "Nothin', just a bad dream."
She could tell that it had not simply been a bad dream; it had been a nightmare. She couldn't help but reach out and place her small hand on his cheek, wanting with all her heart to be his comfort. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw, he looked angry. Suddenly Addie felt foolish and pulled her hand away, "I'm sorry." She stuttered, and left his room.
As she lay back in bed, tears flowed from her eyes. How foolish he must think her for attempting to soothe his pain, for believing for a moment that she could. No, she knew now that she did not mean to Sam what he meant to her. Even for all his kisses and flirtatious teasing, Addie knew that that's all they were: teasing. It did not mean that he cared for her anymore than a friend; the realization hit hard into her chest. Still, she couldn't keep her heart from loving him more thoroughly than ever before.
Days passed. Sam was solemn and guarded. Addie ached for his kiss, his touch, but never received more than a glance or a simple conversation. Friday morning dawned with a sense of foreboding apprehension. Vivian and Thomas had gone to visit Vivian's ill friend and Sam had ridden over to Nate and Hensley's to help get their fencing up before the heavy snows came, therefore, leaving Addie alone at the house.
She spent the morning doing her daily chores, and after lunch began making bread for supper that evening. The knock at the door puzzled Addie, for people rarely came to visit McCall Ranch. She quickly wiped her hands off on her apron and went to the door.
Standing before her was a gorgeous young woman with a young boy at her side. The woman had dark brown hair that was elegantly curled and pinned beneath a fancy bonnet. She wore a dress the likes Addie had never seen, she guessed it must be worth a small fortune.
"Hello, my name is Terra Frank. Is Sam here?" The woman named Terra sounded as if she was from back east. Addie suddenly felt wary of her; her flawless, freckle-less face and light blue eyes set Addie to feeling uneasy.
"No, he's at his brother's today. Can I help you with somethin'?" She replied.
"You must be Addie," Terra said and offered her dainty, manicured hand, "I've heard so many great things about you from the folks in town." Addie shook her hand and almost wanted to laugh at the woman's pathetically limp handshake, but laughter was evasive, for the feigned sweetness in her tone was painfully evident.
"Oh, what a shame it is that Sam is not here, I was looking forward to surprising him," Terra said, her bottom lip pouting a bit, "You see, he's never met Samuel Jr."
"What?" Addie said breathlessly.
"You didn't know?" Terra chuckled, "Sam and I have a son. The story is quite tragic, but I've a sure feeling that it is all about to turn into a happy ending." Terra smiled and looked down at the small boy who's hand she held.
"Can't you just see the resemblance?" She asked Addie.
Indeed, the boy looked very much like Sam; dark hair, dark eyes. Addie was feeling sick, Sam would never, she reassured herself, but Terra must have seen the uncertainty on her face, for she continued to speak.
"Sam and I were engaged to be married, but he simply couldn't wait. When we found out I was pregnant, he sent me away in hopes of preserving his good name. My family moved me back east, which is where I'm from originally, I lived with my great aunt. I was brokenhearted for two long years, until I received the letter from him."
"What letter?" Addie asked, before she had time to think.
"Oh, the one where he begged me to come back to him. He begged my forgiveness and told me to come to him. He also said that there was a girl living with the family, I assume he was speaking of you, and told me that she was small and plain and young. . . and that he needed me back."
Terra's words tore Addie's heart in two. She could barely breathe, and betraying tears slipped from her eyes.
"Oh dear, you really thought you had a chance with him didn't you?" Terra asked, artificial pity puckering her pretty brow.
"Leave." Addie heard herself say.
"Excuse me?"
"I said leave."
"It took me all morning to ride out here!" Terra's shrill voice made Addie wince.
"Well it's only noon, that means you'll make it back to town before dark."
"Ah!" The woman had let up on her acting.
"I'll let Sam know you stopped by and are stayin' in town." Addie calmly said, and shut the door.
For a long time Addie just sat there at the kitchen table, trying to sort out her thoughts. She knew Sam would never do such a thing, and yet, the boy resembled him and looked to be about two years old. Maybe Sam had been acting so strange lately because he had sent that letter? Maybe he knew that Addie was in love with him and he felt sorry for her because he didn't love her back, and now the woman he truly did love was on her way back to him? Fear and pain choked Addie. He could never love a woman the likes of the one she had just met, could he? What about all those moments when Sam had kissed Addie? Held her like she was the most precious thing on earth to him? Did he see Terra instead of her when he looked at her?
Oh, how foolish I was to ever have hoped that he could love me! She thought to herself.
With tears soaking her cheeks and trembling hands, Addie went into her room and found a paper and pen. She would leave a note for the McCall family; she could not leave without explaining. She sobbed as she wrote; she thought she might literally die for having to leave this family, for having to leave Sam, but she knew she could not stay. The time had come for her to move on, and though Addie had always wondered how it would come, she had never imagined it would be this hard.
Addie left the note on the kitchen table, and went to the barn. The only things she would take with her were her horse and the clothes on her back, for nothing else really belonged to her. Her heart broke anew when she entered the barn and saw the place where Sam had first kissed her that early spring night. She wondered if her heart would literally split. But Addie was stronger than even she knew, and she pressed forward.
She rode hard for town, making sure to take the long way so as to avoid running into Terra Frank again, who was also on her way back to town. It was late afternoon when Addie entered the town mercantile store, she was planning on asking Mr. Rawlings--the owner of the mercantile--if he knew of anybody who could offer her a job. Mr. Rawlings was a small man with tiny spectacles, who knew everything there was to know about this town. Addie saw the young woman, whom she and Sam had encountered the other day, peak around the corner in the back of the store.
"Well howdy Miss Addie!" Mr. Rawlings said, adjusting his glasses, "What can I do fer ya today?"
"I was wonderin' if ya knew of anybody. . ." Addie began, but was cut of by a low, familiar voice saying, "Adelaide Henderson?"
Addie turned to find Caper Hall standing there in the mercantile, beaming at her.
"Caper! What're you doing here? I thought you'd be long gone by now?" Even with her broken heart and low spirits, Addie couldn't help but smile at the man that had practically raised her.
"I've got myself my own place," Caper said, pulling Addie into a fatherly hug, "and I finally got myself married." He laughed.
"Yer married?" Addie couldn't believe it! Caper was in his forties and had never courted any woman, as far as she knew.
"Yep, to the sweetest Jane Ellis you ever met." He said as he pulled away and smiled down at her. He was silent for a moment, studying her.
"Ya look like you've been crying, what's the matter?" He asked almost protectively.
Addie shook her head and looked down as new tears spilled from her eyes.
"It's kinda a long story Caper." She chuckled, though there was no humor in their conversation.
"How 'bout you come over fer dinner and we'll talk? Jane would love to meet you."
Addie nodded, knowing she had no where else to go. She looked up to Mr. Rawlings, "Never mind Mr. Rawlings, you have a nice day." She said with a nod, and gave the man a kind smile to try an ease the concerned look on his face. She glanced at the young woman behind the store keeper and her heart squeezed.
Addie closed her eyes as she sat next to Caper in the wagon, Chet was tied to the back, trotting behind. She said a silent prayer of gratitude; she was so grateful that Caper had been there in the mercantile at that very moment. Once again, he was there for her, as he had been so many times in her growing up years.
Sam entered the kitchen to find his parents sitting at the table, bread dough sitting abandoned on the counter, tears streaming down his mothers face, and his father looking more concerned than he'd ever seen before.
"What's wrong? What happened?" Sam asked, then looking around he said, "Where's Addie?"
Vivian held out a paper to Sam, he warily took it and began to read.
Dearest McCall family,
I will never be able to thank you enough for all you've done for me. I cannot express in words how much I love you all. If I were to go into detail and thanked you each for all that you have given me, I fear my heart would break to the point of killing me. Please know that I leave with the heaviest of hearts, and only because I must. I love you all and will forever treasure your memory.
Sam,
Terra Frank came to the house today, claiming that the young boy with her was your son. My heart tells me that she must be lying, but my mind cannot make sense of it all. I know now that I am only in the way, forgive me for my intrusion upon you and your family, though I never will regret it. If you wish to contact Terra Frank, I assume she will be staying at the town hotel.
Forgive me for my weak show of gratitude, in truth I don't know how to fully express it. Just know that you alone have changed my life forever, I didn't know what life was before you saved me. I wish you the greatest of happiness. I must tell you that I love you more than life itself, that leaving you and your family is the hardest thing I have ever done.
All my love,
Addie
Sam's heart seemed to stop; ceasing in pumping blood through his veins. He stormed to the room that had earlier that day been Addie's; not one thing was touched, she hadn't taken anything with her.
"She's taken nothing with her!" Sam yelled, furious at her for being so blindly humble and selfless. He knew she had no where to go, no family, nothing! Panic made his muscles feel weak.
"Sam, Terra was here, she lied to Addie and she believed her," Vivian sobbed as Sam entered the kitchen again, "the poor girl."
Sam made it outside before the contents in his stomach came back up. The thought of Terra Frank being so close to Addie made him sick. Why had he been so guarded the passed week! He scolded himself severely for it. If he had held Addie close, told her how much he loved her, then she wouldn't have had any reason to believe Terra's poisonous words. I've driven her away with my own stupidity and fear, He told himself.
He rinsed his mouth at the well and went back inside. Going directly to his mother, he kissed her on the cheek, "I'll bring her home Mama."
As Sam rode into the chilled November evening, he battled to keep his hold on sanity; the dread and trepidation welling up inside him was overwhelming. Where would she go? Would she be safe? He rode, unsure exactly where he was going, but once again he was searching; searching for the only thing he had ever searched for.
CHAPTER 12
Addie woke with heavy eyelids and, as usual, an aching heart. The air outside her covers was cold, but the sun was rising and the day would not wait on her. She got dressed and joined Jane in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Addie, how're you feelin'?"
"Fine, thanks, how're you, Jane?"
Jane didn't answer, she just stood there, hands on hips, studying Addie.
"Let's go on a walk, honey, I've somethin' to tell you"
The snow was a foot deep, and if not for Caper's shoveling, it would have been a trick to tromp through. They walked the path to the barn and stopped in front of it, turning east to watch the sun rise higher into the sky.
"Caper and I both think you should go back and talk to Samuel, he deserves that much, Addie,"
Addie closed her eyes against the intense light and took a deep breath, "I can't, Jane, what would I say? What if it is too late? What if the little boy is his son? What if he is happy with Terra Frank? What if he doesn't love me back, Jane, what then?" She turned to face the tall, severe-looking woman next to her.
"Then at least you will know, Adelaide, and you can move on and continue life. But if you never ask him, never give him the chance to explain, then what is your love worth?"
Addie saddled Chet and set out for town, Jane was right, Jane was always right; she had to talk to Sam, give him a chance to explain. She breathed in the cold air, it felt good to her hot insides. She pushed Chet faster.
She made it to town by the afternoon and found Caper in the mercantile.
"I'm goin' to the McCall's Ranch, Caper, I'm going to talk to Sam. Jane talked me into it, bless her heart of gold."
Caper laughed, "She's a damned persuasive woman ain't she?"
"Yes she is, and smart too."
"Well I'm glad, Addie, it's the right thing to do," he kissed her on the forehead, "be safe and send word of the engagement."
Addie shook her head and Caper laughed, she left with a nervous smile and butterflies in her stomach.
Calburt watched from the saloon porch as Addie rode out of town, "How convenient," he mumbled to Sims, his partner in crime.
"What's convenient?" The small man asked the redhead.
"Grab yer horse Sims, we're headin' out."
"Caper?"
He whirled around at the familiar voice.
"Sam McCall! It's been too long son!" The two shook hands vigorously.
"Hey, Addie just left to go find you!" Caper laughed.
"Addie? You've seen her? Where is she?" Sam's face was instantly serious.
"Yeah, she's been living with us and today she decided she needed to talk to you, let you explain and all."
Sam stumbled backward and out the door, Caper followed only to see the boy jump on his horse and ride off toward McCall Ranch.
Addie heard the pounding of hooves behind her and twisted her head around to see two men riding hard after her. Adrenaline gushed into her blood stream as she recognized the red hair and hulking frame of the one. Calburt. How had he found her? Why was he following her? She leaned forward and gave Chet full rein. Just make it to the ranch, to Sam, just make it to Sam. And then the realization came that she could not lead this man to McCall Ranch, what if someone got hurt? No, she had to lead him away now. And though her heart and head pounded with fear, she cared only for the safety of those she loved.
Sam was confused at first when he noticed two riders making their way to his home, but as he gained on them he realized that there was someone ahead of them as well. His horse was fast and Sam pushed the animal to it's limits, his curiosity about the two riders piqued, and his need to see Addie making him anxious. He slowly gained on them and was perplexed when they turned North, circling around the Ranch. Where were they headed? And then he saw who they were following--blond hair, a female form and a sturdy, brown horse. Addie.
Sam now studied the two men. One was small and bald, the other was large and had long red hair and was wearing a cowhide vest. It took a moment for Sam to make the connection, and when he did, anger filled his veins, hot and red.
Addie led them into the trees where there was less snow, and up the mountain, away from McCall Ranch. She had no other plan except. . . away. Chet was foaming at the mouth and she could feel his exhaustion. The cold was sinking into Addie's bones, accompanied by Fear. She began to lead Chet across the stream that wove its way down the mountain, but when a gunshot rang out she gasped at the sudden burst of pain in her shoulder and tumbled out of the saddle.
The frigid water paralyzed Addies muscles and set the bullet wound in her shoulder on fire. She stumbled out of the stream only to meat Calburt's fist against her jaw.
"Stop runnin', gurl!"
Addie fell to the frozen ground, unconcious.
Sam leveled his gun as best he could while on horseback and shot at the bald man who was further behind Calburt. Miraculously, the bullet found its way to the man's thigh and he fell off his horse. Sam gathered the reins in his right hand and held his gun across his legs. He pushed the animal on. Sam yelled as he saw Calburt hit Addie and watched as she collapsed to the earth. The redheaded brute jerked his horse around and pointed his gun at Sam, "She's mine, boy!"
Sam came to an abrupt stop, the fingers on his right hand twitching on the gun across his lap. "Drop yer gun!" He had no choice--Sam knew he wasnt fast enough to pull his gun up and shoot Calburt before a bullet stopped him. Hate seeped its way into the young man's bones as he slowly pushed the gun off his legs and heard it land with a dull thud.
"Now get off yer horse and--"
Calburt was cut short by the bullet that hit him square in the chest. Sam spun around the see Caper ride into the trees, "Well, hell, boy, have I got good timin' er what?"
Sam dropped to his knees beside Addie and gingerly turned her face toward him--her right cheek was already beginning to bruise, and the wound in her shoulder was seeping blood.
"Caper--"
"I'm on it, son" He rode away, toward the Ranch--Sam knew Caper would have his ma prepare for stitching Addie up.
Sam carefully lifted Addie up onto his horse, and though her body drooped, he managed to hold her there while he got on. He rode hard for home, every foot of ground feeling like a mile. He felt sick to his stomach and wanted to throw up. He imagined what would come out; fear, hate, anxiety, sorrow, disgust, and more fear, all pouring out of his mouth in awful colors.
CHAPTER 13
Sam kicked the door open and went directly to the fireplace. He began stripping her clothing off when Vivian came in from the kitchen, a bowl in her hands.
"Addie, you come back to me, do ya hear me? Wake up." Sam told Addie as he rubbed her arms and back vigorously to try and make the warmth return. He kissed her; kissed her lips and her nose, her cheeks, forehead, and neck. The tears finally came.
"Addie!" Sam growled, and took her face in his hands.
Vivian set the bowl of warm water down and placed her hand on Sam's shoulder.
"Go get me some wool blankets, Sam, and a pillow" He sat there for a moment, staring at Addie's white face, then he set her down and did as his mother requested. When he returned with the items, Addie was in her undergarments and Vivian was undoing her corset.
"Thank you, Sam, now out with ya. Yer pa's getting a horse ready to ride to town with Caper to get the sheriff--why dont you go with 'em". "Ma--"
"Sam." The finality in her voice sent him to the door, and with one more glance at the young woman laying unconscious by the fire, he left.
The men brought the sheriff, who took Sims and his wounded leg back to the jail house and then took care of Calburt's corpse. It was evening by the time Sam, Thomas, and Caper made it back to the Ranch. The men were fidgety and anxious as they walked up to the front door, they had had no news about how Addie was doing.
They entered the living room and found Addie still lying next to the fire, Vivian by her side.
"I'm not strong enough to move her, will one of you boys take her to her bed?" Vivian looked completely exhausted, but non of the men moved.
"How is she doing?" Caper asked.
"She's alright, just sleeping now" Vivian said as she stroked Addie's sweat-soaked hair.
Sam walked to Addie's side, each step shattered the silence. He dropped to his knees and gently let his forehead fall onto her stomach. Her breathing was even. He then gently scooped her into his arms and carried Addie to her room.
Vivian followed her son down the hall and into the bedroom, then pulled the covers down so he could slip Addie underneath them. Earlier, Vivian had changed Addie into a wool night gown, and had put two pairs of socks on each of her feet.
"She's finally warmed up after fallin' in that freezing stream, but I'm sure she could use you lying next to her, Sam, why dont you take a rest with her."
Sam took off his boots without a word and climbed under the covers. Vivian kissed Addie's forehead, ". . .keep her here, son." She whispered.
Sam knew what his mother meant by 'keep her here'; she was begging him to keep her alive, here on earth, and more than anything, keep her with him . . . always.
Addie awoke feeling much too hot. She pushed the covers from atop her and moaned at the intense pain in her right shoulder. Next to her, Sam popped up onto his elbow, his other arm was draped across Addie's stomach, "What is it? What can I do?"
Addie smiled at Sam's tousled hair and large eyes, they movement made the right side of her face ache. She closed her eyes, "My face and shoulder hurt. You can go back to sleep, Sam".
Sam was puzzled at the smile that still curved Addie's lips. He wanted to take away the pain she was experiencing, but there was nothing he could do. He lied down again and scooted closer to her, his heart pumping profound love through every vein in his body. All would be well. All would be well.
Sam chuckled as Nate paced back and forth in the small living room, "Nate, you should go in and be with her,"
"I'll faint, I swear it I will" Nate said nervously.
"You'll be fine. Dont you wanna see yer baby born?" Sam asked with a smile and took a drink from the cup in his hand.
Sam laughed again when without a word Nate walked out of the room.
A good half hour later Sam heard a, "Lord Almighty! We've got a daughter, Hensley!" And so the McCall's acquired a new addition to the family.
The evening wore into night and Thomas and Charlie came in from working and joined Sam in Hensley and Nate's living room.
"Is it a boy or a girl, Sam?" Thomas asked.
"A girl" Sam smiled.
"Well I'll be darned, another girl" Thomas chuckled, "do we get to go see her soon?"
"It's been a few hours, I've already taken two naps, they better invite us in soon or I'm goin' to bed--and without supper too!"
Soon the men were summoned and all got to see the little baby girl--whom had been named Lettie Mae, after Hensley's mother. She had a full head of dark hair and dark blue eyes--the stormy kind that babies usually have.
When Sam and Addie finally made it home that night it was late and the spring air was drenched in the sounds and smells of new life. Crickets speaking, damp earth, cool breeze blowing through fresh, green leaves.
As he lay in bed with his new wife, his heart ached to bring a new life into his own, "Addie, I want a baby--boy, girl, I dont care--just a baby. Yours and mine. Addie smile and snuggled up closer to Sam, "Well love, what will we name him?"
"Name him? Well what if we have a girl?"
"It's not a girl" Addie smiled, she hadnt told him she was pregnant yet.
"Wait, you mean--"
"I'm pregnant, Sam, pregnant with a baby boy"
Sam popped up onto his knees, facing Addie, "We're havin' a baby?"
Addie laughed and knelt up in front of him, "Yes"
Sam was in awe--he gently placed his hands on Addie's still-flat stomach, "How do you know it's a boy?"
"Because I dreamt of him last year"
Sam nodded, understanding completely--on their wedding night Addie had told him about her dreams--and then he gasped, "I had a dream too, Addie. A little boy, 'bout two years old, with a head of hair darker than mine."
Addie smiled as Sam kissed her stomach, "We'll name him James, after your pa" he said.
"James" Addie said and closed her eyes, "We'll call him Jimmy." And so Adelaide Henderson knelt there, the man from her dreams holding her, and their baby growing inside her.
Dreams come true.
Remember: Lana is 5 Sade is 3. Porter Daniel
