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    Innocence
    Innocence
    Innocence
    Ebook244 pages5 hours

    Innocence

    By Therese A Kraemer

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Madison Adair travels to Kansas to fill a school teacher’s position. The first person she encounters is a small child fleeing from a store owner for stealing penny candy.
     She discovers that the dirty faced ruffian is a seven year old girl who offers Madison a handful of pennies to be her mother.
    When the girl’s father shows up, she scolds the handsome blond, blue eyed man for letting his daughter run dirty in the streets.
    Although the woman is beautiful with green eyes and black hair, Blair Cody, a widower takes an instant dislike to the lecturing stranger.
    He vows never again to wed but his daughter has different ideas and is determined to change his mind about her new teacher.

     

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSpangaloo Publishing
    Release dateMar 26, 2015
    ISBN9781507047279
    Innocence
    Author

    Therese A Kraemer

    Because I am dyslexic, I find writing a challenge, but my love of writing has inspired me to write more than sixty children’s stories, over two hundred poems and thirty-seven Romance Novels. I have also illustrated two story books used by primary teachers and students as a part of a vocal hygiene program at University of Arizona’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences.My credits also include four stories published by McFadden Publishing Co. in NYC. I wrote, illustrated and published two books of poetry used as fund-raisers by the Leukemia and Multiple Sclerosis organizations. I wrote illustrated and published in one book, forty-two children’s stories.I had an exhibition at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Fl of my pen and ink drawings of animals. Recently, I have had three E-Book Romance Novels and a book of short stories published on the Spangaloo.Com website and another on the Smashwords.Com website. I make my home in Melbourne, Florida where I continue to write and illustrate

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      Book preview

      Innocence - Therese A Kraemer

      PROLOUGE

      Innocence is in the heart of the young,

      It was there when life had begun.

      If only it could be bottled in our soul,

      To keep and treasure when we are old....

      ––––––––

      Philadelphia, 1851

      "Once upon a time, there was a sad little angel that sat on a cloud and cried. Madison Adair listened to her mother, Edna telling her the story.  Her mother smiled at her as Madison listened with curiosity and drowsiness. She yawned but was too intrigued to succumb to sleep.

      Why was the little angel sad mama?

      Well pumpkin, it seemed that one of his wings was broken, and he couldn’t fly. And in order for it to heal, he had to do a good deed.

      Oh, that’s dreadful, another yawn. I mean the broken wing.

      Yes, it was dear, especially when a colorful butterfly flew by one day and asked the angel if he wanted to play. How can I play was the angel’s reply, for I can no longer romp or fly?

      She giggled. Do angels romp?

      I guess they do, answered her mother and tapped her nose. Now hours went by when a bumblebee asked if the angel wanted to look for honey.

      I hope the bee didn’t sting the sad angel, Madison chirped.

      Of course not, the angel simply told the bee his problem, and that he was in a quandary for he didn’t know what to do.

      Do angels eat honey? she was very persistent.

      Her mother smiled. I can’t imagine why not. The next morning a bird fell on the angel’s cloud crying for help.

      Oh! What happened? she was now wide awake, and her ears perked up.

      Now, you must be patient sweetie. It seemed the bird also had an injured wing. And of course the angel could understand, and he held the poor bird in the palm of his hand. For weeks, he took care of his new friend, forgetting about his own broken wing. And one day the blue bird was well, and he sang, thanking the angel as he flew away. It was then the angel realized that a bird with a broken wing would die, but he could always get by. And feeling sorry for oneself was not the way to earn a new wing; it was his good deed, and that was the thought that mended his own broken wing."

      Oh mama, I love happy endings. When I grow up, I shall have many children, so I can tell them this tale and all your other stories.

      Her mother hugged her and tucked her in. You’ll make a wonderful mother someday. And she sealed her promise with a kiss.

      ONE

      Remembering me at six,

      Playing pick-up-sticks.

      When time went but with lazy tocks,

      When my hair had virgin locks.

      Remembering me at ten,

      When all my happiness came to an end...

      It’s strange the things one thinks about at the oddest moments. Nearing Southern Nebraska, Madison sat in the coach recalling one of the many stories her mother told to her when she was a child. Eighteen years had flown by, and now, at twenty-six, she was on her way to answer a newspaper advertisement for a teaching job. Her eyes misted remembering the past twelve years she spent with her spinster aunt after the death of her parents. They had gone sailing with friends and never returned and the authorities assumed that the small craft had capsized. Her life was by no means the same; she especially missed her mother’s tales.

      She had no idea about life in the west other than what she had read. Surely, the town of Hayes City will take a lot of getting use to after growing up in Philadelphia. Not only had she left behind her home but many college friends. Her aunt had insisted that she get a good education and she loved going to an all-girl school that consisted as many as forty-two females. But that did not stop her and her best friend from sneaking out to meet boys.  She wore black for the year of morning but she knew it was what she believed in her heart, not what she wore; but it was what was expected of her. A year to the day of her parent’s deaths, she burned the drab garments and wore more cheerful clothes. But her good friend, Alicia kept reminding her that grays and muted colors were not much more cheerful than black. 

      Oh mama, she sighed. I’m still a single woman who will probably wind up an old maid like father’s sister. But I’ll have many children, a class full and I’ll tell them all your wonderful fables. Although Aunt Betty died penniless, she had a wealth of love for me.

      The coach stopped and dust wafted into the open window. The oil cloth fastened there, did nothing to keep out the heat and red dust as she traveled. A thin elderly gentleman, his nose red from irritation, coughed into a handkerchief and a crude cowboy hacked then spat out the window. Madison placed her gloved hand over her nose to keep from chocking. Thankfully the door opened.

      Okay folks, yelled the driver. Where here. Hays City, Kansas.

      The rude cowboy jumped out first but surprised her by offering his hand; she smiled and accepted the kind gesture. Once outside she thanked him and wiped the dust from her eyes. Looking around she spotted a sign saying, The Tumbleweed Hotel; it was across the muddy street.

      Madison was anxious to settle in, and get a decent meal and bath before the interview later, but not necessary in that order. The long ride left her grimy and smelling offensive but her traveling companions weren’t any better, especially that cowboy.

      Madison shaded her eyes and looked up at the driver who was tossing down carpetbags and luggage. Please sir, she yelled up, can you have my trunk delivered to, the hotel? She nodded in the general direction and he acknowledged her request with a nod.

      Can do, ma’am, his words whistled through a large gap in his front teeth.

      Thank you, she replied and then picked up her skirt and cautiously walked around the deep puddles and horse dung. She had just stepped onto the wooden sidewalk when a young child ran into her almost toppling her over.

      Come back here, ya little thief! A stout man wearing a white apron came charging after the tyke. He was waving a frantic hand and running towards her huffing and puffing; his face beat red with rage. The youngster ran behind Madison and clung to her skirt whimpering.

      Please, the small voice cried, don’t let that mean old man get me.

      The irate man stopped before Madison, raising his fist wildly. When I get a hold of ya—-

      Sir! snapped Madison, what seems to be the problem here? She folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot as if she were scolding a child.

      The man took a deep breath and rasped, That scallywag stole candy again and I’m tired of it! That thief needs a good tanning.

      That may be, agreed Madison, although annoyed. But I believe that’s a job for his parents.

      Bah! That brat’s spoiled. If’n that little imp was my kid I’d...

      Madison placed her hands on her hips getting mighty peeved herself at the store keeper’s harshness. She only got a quick glimpse at the lad but she saw the frightened look on his dirty face. He was probably a poor street urchin who was merely hungry.

      That may well be but thankfully he’s not your child. How much did he steel? she inquired coolly.

      He harrumphed, This time three pieces of penny candy.

      She tactfully reframed from saying that he was making a big scene over pennies and opened her purse. Here, this should cover it. She handed him six copper coins. Now go and don’t forget that he has three cents credit.

      He tightly closed his greedy, fat hand over the money and grumbled, but left.

      Thank you, ma’am, the voice from behind said. The child walked around to face his savior. Big turquoise eyes looked up at Madison. Eyes that could melt a heart and it did.

      Madison smiled down at the lad and asked, What’s you name sweetheart?

      Max, he answered. You’re pretty, he added with a toothless grin.

      Why thank you, she pinched his dirty cheek. You’re kinda cute yourself, young man. He giggled and removed the tweed cap. Long, butternut braids fell out. Madison gasped and blinked. Oh my, but you’re a girl.

      Another giggle erupted. Yep, but I wish I was a boy, they have more fun.

      Madison’s brow rose, she couldn’t believe that the girl could get her little face to appear any more despondent. She had a hard time keeping her laughter under control. You mean like stealing? she scolded lightly. Where is your mother, Maxine?  It is Maxine?

      The girl stuck out her lower lip. No, it’s Max! she insisted.

      She gave a long, resigned sigh. All right, Max it is. Now answer me please.

      Max studied her feet. Mama is living with the angels in heaven.

      Madison could’ve bitten off her tongue. Oh honey, I’m so sorry.

      The child lifted her small shoulders with indifference. I do have a papa and he always pays that old grouch for the candy I swipe anyway. So I don’t see why he gets so pis... err, angry. She shrugged her small shoulder and blushed slightly. And besides, papa gives me a penny a day for helping around the house.

      He does? So why do you steal it? Madison had a hunch she knew the answer.

      Aw, because it’s fun, Max grinned.

      She folded her arms. I think there’s more to it. Fess up.

      Max put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a fist full of coins. I’m saving up to buy me a new mother. Here, she put out her hand. I like you, would you be my new mother? Is it enough?

      Madison could have wept. The child’s eyes were wide with so much innocence her heart constricted with tears and much pity for the girl. She knelt on one knee and touched Max’s arm.

      Oh sweetheart, I am honored that you’d like me to be your mama. And I’d give anything to have a child like you, but you cannot buy a mother, sweetheart. A tear escaped making a muddy track down the small cheek. That was too much for her and she hugged the precious child. She knew what it was like to lose a parent; she had lost both at the age of fourteen. This little tyke with beautiful blue-green eyes had wormed her way into her soul.

      Honey, she touched the small shoulder with a gentle squeeze. The woman who will eventually be your mother will be the luckiest lady alive, but you see, she’d have to love your father as well as you. Sad little turquoise eyes looked up at her and she knew she wasn’t making any sense to the girl.

      Ahem! A deep voice behind her broke the loving spell. Releasing the child Madison quickly straightened herself to her full height. She turned to look up at a good-looking cowboy with eyes matching Max. This was undoubtedly her father, but he appeared as if he had swallowed a lemon. What a sour countenance; handsome but threatening.

      Papa! cried Max. She ran to him and hugged the man’s long, muscular leg; a fact that did not go unnoticed to Madison. He wore pants that hugged his slim hips and a plaid shirt did didn’t hide his broad shoulders. The sleeves were rolled up over bulging biceps. She hoped her face did not show her embarrassment when she realized that she had stared too long at his body. She fell back to earth with a thud when he spoke.

      Who is this woman? he inquired his tone not overly friendly.

      She flinched and stepped back at his expression. The question was tossed at the girl, but his gaze remained on her person. Something was flickering far back in his eyes, and she became more uncomfortable by the minute. Gathering her wits, she thought, well he might be handsome, but he’s not too pleasant. And why did he let his daughter run amok on the streets dressed like a boy and filthy to boot? She decided she didn’t like this stranger and lifted her chin ready to do battle.

      Hands on her hips again, a stance she leaned from her mother which meant she’d take no nonsense, she said, in no uncertain terms, For your information sir! I’m Madison Adair and your child runs around unsupervised and...and could use a bath! She knew she was overstepping her boundary, but he had started it with his unfriendly attitude and..." She watched him push back his Stetson with an index finger making him look rakish. She suspected that he had a few words of his own. His lips twitched ever so slightly but it was not a pleasant smile; more of a bitter twist.

      I thank you Miss Adair to mind your own business, he commented sharply.

      Madison gasped, her nerves tweaked with the inflection of his voice. No man had ever talked to her in that manner. Why did he have to be so good looking? There should be a law against it. As angry as she was, she so wanted to brush that lazy blond curl off his forehead. She had to stop this nonsense; you’d think she’d never seen a handsome man before.

      Stiffening her spine and ignoring the fluttering of her heart, which she blamed on anger, she looked him square in the eyes and said, Maybe you should mind your business a little closer. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that Max stole candy again but she didn’t want the child to get into more trouble. No telling with his temper what he would do to Max. It was then she noticed a scar that ran across his cheek becoming more prominent when he flushed.

      The rude man’s temples pulsated, and he grabbed his daughter’s arm and marched off. Max was trying her best to keep up with his long strides and she did manage to turn to give Madison a sorrowful glance.

      Madison smiled wryly and shrugged thinking, poor little tyke. She’ll never get a mother with a father like that.

      She stood there silent and feeling sadly defeated.

      Blair Cody, who answers only to Cody walked away from the most beautiful young lady he had seen in quite a while, although a little prudish. But beauty be damned.

      What right had she, a stranger, to tell him how to raise his daughter? And Lord knows he tried his damnest to tame the little hellion. Since her mother’s death, he could no longer handle her. He hadn’t the heart to strike Max on her fanny, though there had been times she rightly deserved a spanking. Max had enough sorrow in her life; he couldn’t bring himself to punish her. His daughter definitely needed a mother’s hand but two years ago his wife, Jenny’s death still pained him. He could never love again. How could he when his heart was still not whole?

      He was now a bit sorry to come off a bit hasty before, but no one should tell him how to raise his daughter. He saw green eyes, the color of grass turn shades darker. Her complexion had a honey tone and he suspected that she liked the outdoors. It made a striking contrast against her lovely eyes. Damn why was he praising her beauty? But his eyes had a will of their own and the black curls that peeked out from under her bonnet tantalized him. The buttoned up bodice left him imagining what lay under her modest dress. But with an hour glass figure, he was certain she had a... Shit! He was doing it again.

      TWO

      My thoughts go back to one lovely day,

      When under a tree my love and I did lay.

      Watching leaves play peek-a-boo with the sky,

      Designing cloud slowly drifting idly by.

      So many dreams are part of this tree,

      So many memories of you and of me....

      Ouch! Papa! wailed Max rubbing her eyes. You got soap in them again.

      Hold still Puss. How on earth can you get so dirty in one day I’ll never figure out. he groused, scrubbing her hair. You, young lady are seven next week and I think it’s time you acted like your age. A new dress for your birthday... Max slammed her tiny fists into the wooden tub of water splashing Cody.

      No dresses! she pouted adamantly.

      Cody sighed heavily. I’ll be glad when Mayor Slater hires a new school teacher. He did say a young man answered the advertisement. I’ll be happy when you go to school. Hiring a man was a good idea. He can’t get in the family way like the previous teacher, Mrs. Redgrave and leave, he thought.

      I’m going to hate school, informed his daughter sourly.

      He picked her up and wrapped a large towel around her dripping body. Well, Puss, there’s lots of things I hate, but I must do. Stop squirming. He towel-dried her hair and kissed her cheek.

      When I’m seven, I’m taking my own bath and washing my own hair, Max informed him in her best grown-up voice.

      His brows rose. Well see, was all he said.

      If I had a mother...

      He rolled his eyes and groaned. Let’s not start that again, he scolded. You know I could never love another woman like I loved your mama. And neither could you. Subject closed. He carried her to her bed placing her on it.

      But we could love her a little, couldn’t we? she pouted.

      Maxine! Cody made sure his tone told his daughter that he would not take any sassiness and to drop the subject.

      Yes, papa, she sniffled and put on her nightgown. Tell me a story, papa.

      He brushed her hair removing the tangles caused a lot of complaining. Aw, honey, you know I’m not very good at making up tales like your mama. But I’ll read you your favorite book.

      Max grabbed her rag doll and sulked. That’s okay. I’m too tired anyway. She kissed his rough cheek. Good night, papa.

      Cody poured himself a drink mulling over the idea. Max needed a mother. Maybe he should get married for her sake. She was right, he didn’t have to love the woman the way he loved Jenny. He touched the scar bringing to mind that awful day. It was that same day he later quit his job as sheriff and turned in his badge. Only two years ago but he could still remember it as if it were yesterday. His wife had come into town with little Max carrying a picnic basket. It was a lovely warm day and she insisted he take time to be with his family. They rode out to the lake and ate lunch under a tree; the same big oak that he caved their initials in when he courted her. Max was a few yards away trying to catch a fog

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