Riding the River (The Westerners, Book One)

RIDING THE RIVER

by

Jeanne Harrell

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 by Jeanne Harrell

Published by Jeanne Harrell on Smashwords

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All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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Thank you for downloading my book! I am happy that you have made it part of your library.

Dedicated to Western movie lovers the world over…

Other books by Jeanne Harrell

Rancher’s Girl

Whisperer

Always and Forever

Being Emma

The Darkest Hour

http://www.jeanneharrell.com

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

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CHAPTER ONE

The movie opened with a stagecoach racing down a long, dusty road in the big country. Two men were sitting atop, one holding the reins and whip of the six-horse team, while the other held a shotgun, eyes scanning the horizon.

Dust sprayed up all along the road under the horses’ flying hooves and behind the coach. A long distance shot of the stage hurrying along this lonely stretch of road emphasized the emptiness of the countryside and displayed the movie title,

‘Big Country’…

A close-up of the wagon wheels turning furiously throwing out more dust and dirt displayed the actors’ names. All of a sudden, the stagecoach was coming around a curve in the road, and then the camera panned to the horses’ legs galloping as fast as they could. The shot slowly moved up to the horses’ heads obviously straining at their leather collars pulling the heavy stage, giving certain majesty to their efforts.

The stage completed the curve, closer this time to the camera and then a wide shot of it from behind, as it pulled into the tiny town. The big country was emphasized again when the camera caught it from a ways out, making the town practically a speck on the landscape.

Pulling into town, excited children ran along behind, laughing and pointing. The stage stopped at a café and the driver advised his travelers to get out and stretch, while they changed horses. That’s when Gregory Peck, the hero of the movie, stepped from the stagecoach, in his gray Eastern suit and holding on to his bowler. He took a few steps and looked around him, then put on that hat. The few townspeople gawked at him, since he’s so foreign to them -- probably funny-looking too. Peck knows he’s out of his element. He’s a retiring sea captain from Baltimore and has arrived in this dusty town to meet the woman he loves.

Sarah practically swooned when Gregory Peck showed up on screen… Tall… handsome with dark, wavy hair… She’d been watching the movie and eating popcorn one afternoon at her apartment when her friend, Abby, showed up at the door. Abby let herself in… Coming around the corner, she stopped abruptly when she saw what Sarah was watching. Exasperated, she threw her hands up in the air.

I can’t believe it. How many times have you seen that crummy movie? Ten? Twenty?

Sarah sighed. "It’s such a great movie, Abby. I don’t care how many times I’ve seen it. How many times have you seen ‘Star Wars’?"

Abby had the good grace to grin. A few times…

Okay, I rest my case.

What case? It’s a beautiful Saturday in the fabulous city of Baltimore and you’re wasting it watching television. Abby folded her arms and frowned at her.

Abby, listen…

Abby sat down on the couch by her to listen again to what she knew Sarah was probably going to tell her. She could almost recite the speech with her, chapter and verse. But watching Sarah’s face light up, Abby knew that inner glow was coming from somewhere – but where?

Gregory Peck travels all the way from back East – Baltimore, by the way – to meet the woman he loves. He’s completely out of his element, which doesn’t bother him in the least, because he’s sure of himself and sure of his love for her.

Sarah stopped to reach for a tissue. She wiped her eyes… Abby rolled hers…

Sarah, you’ve got to quit idealizing these Western characters.

He’s not a Western character…

Yes, but he becomes one and settles down in the big country. I’ve seen this movie with you at least three times, that I remember.

I’m not idealizing.

Sarah. This is what you do with every Western you watch. The West is larger than life to you and as golden as it gets. It’s just a place, like any other… like Baltimore.

Sarah whipped her head around to confront her. Are you nuts? The West is nothing like Baltimore…

I didn’t mean they were just alike.

Baltimore’s huge. It’s a port city. There’s a history dating back to John Smith coming to the Chesapeake Bay… steel and manufacturing businesses.

Okay, so…

The Old West had and has a different kind of color, a different flavor. The big landscapes. There’s hominess about it, with friendlier people. Cowboys and ranches, roping and riding, sleeping out under the stars… Did I mention cowboys?

Sarah grinned at Abby who smiled back. Yes, you really have a thing for cowboys, don’t you?

… Don’t know. I’ve never met one.

Well, back to the movie, Gregory Peck isn’t a cowboy either.

No, but he becomes one, showing that being different won’t stop him from eventually fitting in. Sarah sighed again, then she looked angry. And he travels clear across the country – you know what travel was like back then—It probably took him months to get to his girl in the West.

Again…so?

I have a boyfriend who won’t drive two blocks to see me.

Abby grimaced. Yeah. Ben’s getting to be a problem.

Getting to be? she snorted. I think he’s only interested in me because of my family. There’s not much in the way of romance coming from that guy.

So break up with him.

She thought about that. I should, shouldn’t I? Pause. But Dad really likes him and Grandfather wants to use him in the next campaign. He’s a lawyer after all.

So who cares? Do you?

… I care what my family thinks.

Come on, Sarah. Let’s get out of here and go to that farmers’ market down by the water. I want some crab for dinner tonight. You joining me?

… Definitely.

No Ben this evening?

Sarah shrugged. He’s got a lawyer thing and not available.

Good. Grab your purse and let’s go have some fun.

Sarah got up from the couch and hit the button on the remote to turn off her television. Abby looked up at her.

… Listen, I don’t mean to cause friction with you and Ben.

That’s okay.

It’s just that he really isn’t the guy for you. He may be the guy for your family, but not you… You know that, don’t you?

Sarah slid her eyes away. Yes, I do.

Sarah, I’m sorry to say this, but you really need something in your life, something different.

What do you mean?

I don’t know… A shot in the arm, a new guy… maybe a new job… But something…

Sarah blew out a breath. I could go for a new job, for sure. She paused and looked over at Abby. Real change is hard.

But sometimes necessary.

Whew… Too serious. Let’s get that crab and have a nice dinner.

Great.

"Then I’ve got ‘Red River’ that we can see later."

Sarah…

You know, that great cattle drive movie with John Wayne?

Abby rubbed her forehead, like she was getting a headache and then laughed. All right, my good friend, Sarah. It’ll be crab night and a Western movie. Is there anything better?

No. Sarah beamed at her, as she grabbed her purse and they headed out the door.

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CHAPTER TWO

Charleston Restaurant was located in the Inner Harbor off Chesapeake Bay. Sarah could smell the water from the Bay a few streets over, and its moisture made her skin sing. No clouds in the sky and the sun felt warm on her face. Of course, her father had chosen one of the best restaurants in Baltimore for their dinner meeting and, of course, Ben was too busy to join them.

She walked along the street toward the corner, where she knew the gray stone exterior would lead to an incredibly elegant interior, and where her father waited. Sarah had worn her hair in a French twist and her loveliest dress with the full, pleated skirt. It was from some designer that she’d bought the last time they’d been to Milan. She was told that Italian fashion designers were the best. A dress was a dress to her, but it sure made a lot of difference to some people. Her father was one of those people.

Entering the restaurant, Sarah was immediately taken to the section where her father was seated. Robert Hughes was tall and handsome with a full head of lustrous, light gray hair. He always dressed immaculately in elegant suits purchased in London and was known to be quite a catch. She waved at him when she saw him, noticing how comfortable he was in the rich décor. When she was close, he stood up to kiss her cheek and pull out the chair for her.

Hello, sweetie. You look beautiful. That Italian dress does wonders for your lovely figure and face. His eyes sparkled at her.

Dad… Sarah was always embarrassed when her father dropped compliments all over her, but it didn’t dissuade him. She sat down opposite him and then he sat. A waiter came up to lay their napkins on their laps.

Would either of you care for water?

Yes, please, said Robert.

Would you prefer sparkling or flat?

Sparkling, please, Roland. Thank you.

Then he turned to admire his daughter. He smiled. You look so much like your mother, Sarah. She blushed. I mean it. You’re gorgeous.

Dad, you might be a little prejudiced.

I might be, but I’m not. Look at you… Beautiful blonde hair piled exquisitely on top of your pretty head. Those blue eyes could sink ships like Helen of Troy.

Sarah blushed deeper. Could we please discuss something else? Thank you for the compliments, but they’re not necessary. Really…

Robert laughed. If I can’t indulge my only child… All right, Sarah. But only because you say so… He looked around. Where’s Ben?

The waiter came up then to hand over wine lists and menus. He departed as quietly as he came.

Oh, he has a lawyer thing. Or a campaign thing with Grandfather… I’m not sure. She began to look over the menu. Robert gave her a sharp look.

You sound like you don’t much care either.

That got her attention and she put down her menu.

What would you say if I told you that I don’t – care, that is.

Robert put down his menu too. I’d have to ask, what’s going on with you, daughter? I thought he was the love of your life.

She shook her head, making her dangly earrings dance around her cheeks. Nope. Not even close.

So he isn’t?

No.

… Where’d I get that idea from then?

Probably from Ben...

Or your grandfather…

"Yes, I know he loves Ben."

But apparently you don’t.

Do you really want to discuss this right now in this wonderful restaurant on this beautiful day?

Yes, Sarah, I do. First, let’s order. What would you like? No, let me guess – franks and beans?

They both laughed.

My culinary tastes are not as fine as yours, Dad.

Okay. Well, the lobster soup with curry or the pan-roasted foie gras look good. What do you say?

Fine. The waiter had returned. Roland, we’ll have the lobster soup and the foie gras this evening.

Very good Mr. Hughes. Any wine this evening?

Sarah?

Sure.

Looking at the wine list, he made a selection. We’ll have the Chateanneuf-du-Pape, 2009. Thank you, Roland.

Thank you, sir. And the waiter left with their order.

You know, I would really prefer a beer.

He shook his head. Sarah, Sarah. What am I going to do with you?

She smiled at him. What did you want to see me about, Dad?

All right. Meeting first and then back to Ben.

Okay with me. She fussed with the napkin on her lap.

I know you’re not happy with your job, honey. Why don’t you come work with me in the Mayor’s office? You know we need computer people. You’d be a real asset there.

Sarah considered his request as the waiter brought first the water and then the bottle of red wine. She watched as he gracefully uncorked the short-nosed bottle and knew the wine would be only the best. Her father took a preliminary taste, nodded and Roland poured them both glasses. He placed the bottle on the table and discreetly left.

Sarah?

Dad, I love you for always wanting to help me. She paused and looked him in the eye. Don’t you get sick of it sometimes?

No. Honey, what are you really saying?

She sat back in her chair. I’m not sure… It just seems like everything I have is from you. My whole life is based on what you’ve given me. What have I done for myself?

Wow! You’ve been thinking lately. And you sound a little lost.

She blew out a breath. I think I am, Dad. I hardly know which way is up anymore.

That explains Ben…

Sure. Ben is so focused and driven that he leaves me behind in the dust. Besides, where he’s going is not where I want to go.

This is getting interesting. Finish that thought. Her father smiled indulgently at her. He rested his chin against one hand.

Sarah bit her lip and smoothed some flyaway wisps of hair. She straightened the folds of her dress and sat up straighter in her chair. She has no idea, he thought.

…Um.

Listen, sweetie. Let me tell you something first. You not only look like your mother, but your personality is so much like hers too. She wasn’t very happy in Baltimore either. She stayed because of me… You know that, right?

How do you know I’m not happy here, Dad? My God, I was born here as were you.

But your mother was from a small town not far from Reno, Nevada. She told you about Lovelock many times, I’m sure.

Yes, but…

She was a small-town girl, Sarah, and you just may be one too.

Dad, I don’t want to leave Baltimore for some tiny town…

Are you so sure? And it may be more about what you need and not what you want.

Ah…

Besides, he teased, you haven’t met him yet.

Who?

…Him.

Who’s that?

Gregory Peck.

Have you taken leave of your senses?

He’s Gregory Peck from that old Western movie you love. What’s it called again?

"‘Big Country’."

That’s it…

Dad. There’s no one alive like Gregory Peck. Abby tells me I idealize these things. Maybe she’s right.

Okay, so he’s not exactly Gregory Peck, but maybe a pretty decent copy.

She just looked at him mystified. She’d never heard her father talk like this.

Their food came out then. Hot, covered dishes were placed before them, Robert first and then Sarah. The waiter removed the covers from the dishes, wished them both ‘Bon Appetit’ and left again. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally taking sips of the delectable wine.

There’s something to be said for fine dining, isn’t there, Sarah?

You’re right about that, Dad. This is spectacular tonight…

He raised his glass to toast. She raised hers as well.

I think we should toast to fine living… Living a good life is the best thing you can do.

I agree, Dad, but I don’t know where to start…

Take a sip, Sarah. It’ll eventually come to you.

They drank their wine together. Sarah knit her eyebrows in confusion, while Robert smiled slightly and wondered where she was going with all this. Wherever it was, he knew it would be a great adventure and maybe the treasure would be