Loving Hearts: Always and Forever

© 2013 by Nancy Ashworth. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/27/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4918-2407-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-2408-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013918069

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Contents

Exert From Loving Hearts

Author’s Bio

Thank You To:

Loving Hearts—Always & Forever

Character Descriptions

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

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Epilogue

This story is Dedicated to:

My wonderful sister Winnona Ronveaux and family

Pete, John, Roy, Sam, Sue and Tim

The family with many loving hearts.

Pete & Winnona always gave away as much as they kept… helping others was their approach to life.

John & Rose—our heroes who have always given so much in courage and actions.

Roy & Gail—love always triumphs when you are around.

Sam & Frankie—love and laughter are always present when you are.

Sue—caring & sharing life’s trials.

Tim—He gave the best Hugs.

EXERT FROM LOVING HEARTS

Elizabeth raises her eyes looking into Joe’s beautiful green eyes and melts against his chest. Her pulse races through her body like lighting striking as the familiar thrill of being in Joe’s arms always brings.

Joe looks down into her wide brown eyes groaning leaning down he kisses her red lips in a light butterfly kiss.

Elizabeth sizzles at his touch throwing her arms around Joe’s shoulders going up on tip toes to be kissed again. Joe lingeringly kisses Elizabeth’s soft lips and they truly touch for the first time in almost eight years. Their hands roam each other’s bodies as their passion flares.

This is what I have missed so much, Elizabeth thinks as she ardently kisses Joe back.

Joe raises his head looking down intently into her passionate face and suddenly wonders, How many men has she kissed while in St. Louie. I wonder how many other men have seen this passion in her. Joe’s desire disappears rapidly, putting his hands on her shoulders, he steps back from her.

Elizabeth stares dazed up at him for a minute reaching for him again she whispers, Please! Joe, don’t stop! Joe, please! I want you so badly.

Joe’s eyes narrow angrily as he states harshly, How many other men have you said that to!

What? Elizabeth stammers stunned putting her hand over her heart (as if in protection of it). What are you asking, Joe? she whispers in anguish.

How many men have made love to ya while ya’ve been my wife? Joe demands harshly.

No one, Joe! I am not a loose woman! Elizabeth states hotly.

Oh, I believe that! After a few kisses yar beggin’ me to take ya but in eight years ya’ve never slept with another man! How stupid do ya think I am! What about dear old Mr. Potter? I’m sure he’d want ta sample the merchandise before he buys ya! Joe growls out furiously.

Elizabeth’s right hand flies through the air making a loud smack against Joe’s cheek.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Nancy Ashworth

Nancy Ashworth is a country girl at heart. One of nine children growing up in Southwestern Oklahoma she learned early to love God, Country and family. Nancy has always had a great imagination which has grown into a love of writing. Nancy now lives in Missouri with her husband, John; son Jeff and grandchildren: Garrett and Payton. Nancy has written many newspaper articles and had many quotes in magazines and newspapers

Nancy would love to hear from you—her email address is: nancy.ashworth@yahoo.com

THANK YOU TO:

Thank you so much to: Bonnie Wheeler, JoAnn Uptergrove, Rita Greer, Lonna Baldinger, Laura Perkins and all my wonderful friends who read my story and gave me their input: Roxie Jones, Ikie Moon, Carolyn Head, Diana Reiter to name a few.

God Bless you All.

Thank you to John, Jeff and Payton for doing all the extra work at home so I could spend time writing and editing and editing and editing some more. I love you all!

I’ve found the moments I’ve treasured are the ones that seemed every day at the time. Time spent sitting on the front porch with Grandpa Ed and listening to his stories of being a cowboy and how my Grandma Mertie (a rich man’s daughter) liked living in a dug out home (for a short amount of time) when they were young. He talked about the loneliness, the beauty of Oklahoma and Texas, going hungry, doing without what we consider necessities, snakes and outlaws. He explained a lot about the cowboy way of life and that he would NEVER be a farmer and failed when he tried. He would start his stories with Long ago and far away… . Thank you Grandpa Ed Masters.

My mother and dad (Ralph and Ruby Patterson) taught us all that to have a good life you have to work at it. Find a job you like or do good at whatever job you find. Always give more than you take and always help the ones who need it. A little extra good goes a long way and the bad is never ending. My parents were born in the early 1900’s so mother made lye soap in the big kettle in the back yard and used a wringer washer. I remember helping the first 10 years of my life. I know all about hanging out clothes and hoeing gardens and some about canning food as this was our way of life as it was for so many that I grew up with. It was a good life with real values to live by. I believe God sends us where HE wants us to be so that when the time comes we are able to do the job He sent us to do. Love does Conquer all problems.

LOVING HEARTS—ALWAYS & FOREVER

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

YEAR—1850

GRAY’S (JOE) JOSEPH AUGUST GRAY—34—6’2" White blonde hair—green eyes—very rugged and muscular Cowboy Easy going—most of the time.Very fair minded and handsome. Owns the Rocking J Ranch.

(LIZBETH) ELIZABETH LEA ANN HAWKINS GRAY—31—5’7" Red curly hair with gold highlights, brown eyes, determined to have her own way in every situation. Very spoiled by parents. Beautiful—city girl.

(GLORY ) GLORIA GRAY—15—5’6"-long white blonde hair with green eyes—raised by Joe so is a very good cowgirl. Good Heart taught her how to fight like an Indian. Country smart… good tracker.

BETH ANN GRAY—12—5’3"-red curly hair with gold highlights, brown eyes, stubborn and head strong-raised by mother. Chubby. Extremely book smart.

(SAMMY) SAMUEL GRAY—8—4’5" blonde hair and green eyes Extremely slim and small. Stubborn and hard headed but kind hearted.

EWING’S (ZAK) ZAKARIAH EDWARD EWING—36—6’2" Black hair and brown eyes Muscular and good looking cowboy. Steady friend. Owns the EZ Ranch next to Joe’s.

(STEPHIE ) STEPHANIE CAROLINE EWING—34—5’5"—lovely Blonde haired and blue eyed—country born Lady—soft spoken & calm

(JAKE) JACOB MARK EWING—18—6’5" black hair and brown eyed Very muscular and BIG. Soft hearted and kind. Strong as a bull. Big tease.

(SHORTY) WESLEY RAY EWING—15—5’8" Brown hair and blue eyes—Only sees totally right or totally wrong. Stubborn to a fault. Slim muscular and tough. Loving and caring.

(CARRIE LYNN) CAROLYN SUE—12—5’3"—Blonde haired and blue eyed. Chubby. Kind and thoughtful but stubborn.

PAYTON YVONNE—7—4’ 2"—Brown hair and blue eyes—impish—loves Glory and wants to be just like her. Loves horses.Very tiny.

BLACK SERVANTS OF ELIZABETH’S FROM ST. LOUIS

BENNY FREED—30—5’9" Very slender and muscular Kind hearted and loving. Big smile. Very humble.

MINNY FREED—28—5’5"—chubby—strong minded and speaks her mind. Hard worker. Beautiful brown eyes with long lashes and ever ready smile.

ARTY FREED—10—4’8"—extremely thin but strong, very shy and good Hearted and loving.

INDIAN FRIENDS OF JOE’S & ZAK’S

GOOD HEART—30—6’2"—very muscular—long black hair and beautiful brown eyes. Loves horses and animals and heals them

YELLOW MOON—26—5’2"—a healer—long black hair small and delicate & lovely brown eyes.

RUNNING BEAR—11—5’5"—slim and muscular—looks like his father—is a great tracker.

JUMPING RABBIT—9—5’—slim and very smart

SMOOTH WATERS—6—very tiny & delicate—looks just like her mother

MORNING SUN—4—very small & lovely

BABY TO BE BORN—BRIGHT STAR

ST LOUIS FOLKS

POTTER FRANKLIN—60—5’5"—Owns Potter’s Bank In St Louis.—blondish/gray balding hair. Very fat. Large nose. Make snorting sounds when breathes. Mean spirited… loves power. Greedy.

ELIZABETH’S FAMILY

HAWKINS EDGAR—62—5’8"—very thin and wiry framed—bossy, small eyes that dart around all the time—sharp nose. Almost bald has a little gray—brown hair &.brown eyes. Very crafty. Greedy. Owns the Hawkin’s Mercantile in St. Louis. Father of Elizabeth

LORA GATES HAWKINS—60—5’5" tall, very thin and bony—sharp spoken—brown with a lot of gray hair—brown eyes. Married to Edgar. Mother of Elizabeth.

GATES (SKINNY) SAMUEL JOHN—76—6’—Owns large cattle ranch near to Joe’s Ranch. Gray Eyes & thick gray hair—Very thin—Very fair minded. Father of Lora Gates Hawkins.

WHITE (POKEY) ERNEST CHARLES—75—5’10"—Younger brother of Skinny Retired famous Sheriff—Very thin, Strong and wiry, faded blue eyes and balding gray hair—Right is right. Helps raise Lora so almost a father to her and grandfather to Elizabeth.

ROY REV MAX—74—6’—First Cousin to Skinny & Pokey—Circuit Preacher for the Cities of Roy, Ernest & John. Blue eyes. Shoulder length white hair with bright red beard… powerful voice. Soft hearted and kind.

CITY OF ROY PEOPLE

JAMES NONA BETH—52—5’6"—Owns Nona’s Café in the City of Roy Sturdily built. Brown eyes and red hair. Loves to tease people. Wonderful cook.

BOGGS HANK BOGGS—56—6’7"—Owns Livery Stable in City of Roy. Huge man—Strong as an ox. Blacksmith and builder also. Soft hearted. Loves to have children around him.

(MISS) ELLA BOGGS—55—5’8"—Seamstress—Aunt of Nona James.Has a bony thin frame… gray wiry hair. Loves people and especially children. Adopted Joe as her son years before.

BOGGS CHILDREN:

JOHN BOGGS—22—6’3" blacksmith like—helps father out. Big and strong but not as large as father—Carpenter and rancher

NELLY BOGGS—20—5’3" small petite black hair and brown eyes—kind

RALPH BOGGS—28—64—very muscular—Carpenter—wonderful laugh big tease

ROSIE BOGGS—25—5’5"—very shy but talented seamstress—embroideries beautifully

HOLT JERRY—41—510—Big and tough—ex fighter—very crooked nose from being broken so many times. Owns the Main Street Saloon in City of Roy.

OWENS FRANK OWENS—35—5’10"-Slim & Muscular—Brown hair and eyes—Kind hearted owns Owen’s Mercantile.

MARILYNN OWENS—32—5’5"—blonde and blue eyed—slim, beautiful and knows it. Spirited

O’NEAL (BELLA) BELINDA—36—5’2"—Dyed red hair and blue eyes—makes her living at the Saloon. Lovely. Large breasts and hips… sways when she walks. Very shrewd.

MARTIN DR. KENNETH—45—5’9"—widower—Graying blonde hair. Kind blue eyes. Tall and slim with a regal dignity, deserving respect. Always exhausted from helping people in all 3 cities close by.

CITY OF JOHN FRIENDS

BAXTER’S BOBBY JOE—36—6’2"—big and muscular. Brown hair and Eyes. Wonderful sense of humor. Loves his family most of all.

HANNAH—28—5’3"—small and lovely—kind hearted—Blonde and blue eyed. Very lovely.

ROBERT—18—6’ 3" brawny—son of Bobby Joe and Jaci. Tall and good looking. Brown eyes & hair. Very patient and kind.

JANA LEE—7—4’6" Sun streaked brown hair with brown eyes. Looks like Hannah… very motherly to younger siblings.

GRACIE ROSE—5—4’2"—Brown hair and blue eyed… little spitfire.

MARYANN—3—Red hair and brown eyes—shy & quiet-no confidence in herself—easily distracted

CHARLEY—1—brown hair and eyes—into everything—follows Jana Lee everywhere she goes.

EDGAR & FRANKLIN’S HIRED GUNS

SULLY PATRICK—38—5’9"—Irishman with unkept red hair—long and straggly very light blue eyes. Rough & short tempered. Is a bully.

DAYS LARRY—52—5’6"—small & wiry with faded blonde hair and brown eyes. Kind hearted just mixed up with the wrong people. Acts with kindness when he can.

RICKS BART—25—6’—young and stupid. Large muscular man… does what he is told… no matter what it is.

JACKS DEANO—45—6’—brown hair and eyes—large and lumbering, heavy set not very smart with a long shaggy beard. Follows orders well.

ROGERS JASON—25—5’9"—brown hair and eyes—thin and muscular.

CASTLE CLINT—25—5’9"—blonde and blue eyed—great sense of humor

PIPER PAUL—30’s—5’10-extremely handsome… Ruggedly built

EDGAR AND LORA’S COWBOYS FOR THE ELIZABETH’S TRIP

CAMERON MONTE—25—6’—brown hair and eyes—soft hearted but tough young man. Wonderful sense of humor and of fairness.

KIRK TIMOTHY—25—5’10"-blonde hair and blue eyes—fast with a gun—tough with a great sense of fairness.

JOE’S COWBOYS

RYAN PETE 62—5’5"—very thin & wiry. Strong. Takes care of the ranch when Joe is gone… seldom leaves the ranch at all except to go to town. Injured leg while working for Joe so walks with a limp.

RIOS GEOFF—19—5’10"—black hair and brown eyes—exceptionally good looking. Been with Joe since he was 15 and an orphan. Joe is like a father to him.

TEE KEVIN—20—5’9"—blonde hair and blue eyed—trustworthy and loyal Breaking horses is his favorite thing to do

MCDEE RANDY—34—5’10"—black hair and blue eyed—extremely handsome Best cowboy on the ranch with doctoring cattle and horses

SUNDAY DAVID—45—6’2"—brown hair and brown eyes—weathered cowboy Great with cattle and breaking horses

COE EARL—40—5’8"—brown hair and blue eyed—Slim and tough. Best friend of Joe’s since Joe was young.

SKINNY & POKEY’S COWBOYS CALLED BY NAME

RAY BRADFORD—20—6’2" muscular—Orphan that Skinny & Pokey found on the streets in St. Louis and took in. They are like family to him.

JAMES JAY—INDIAN—20—6’1" very muscular and very slim. Watched solders kill his parents and they left him to die at 10 years old and badly injured. Skinny found him and nursed him back to health. He is like family to Skinny and Pokey.

THE LETTERS

Chapter 1

Words can wound a heart quicker than an arrow.

OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF ROY IN NO MAN’S LAND 1850

Plopping down in the wooden kitchen chair, Joe stares at the letter in his hands while shaking his head in bewilderment. I cain’t believe Lizbeth would do this. Cain’t believe it! Try, just try, to take Glory away from me. She is MY child! She won’t leave me. I know her as well as I know myself. Sadly Joe shakes his head as he rereads Lizbeth’s letter for the second time:

Husband:

I have decided it is time for Gloria to come and live with me in Saint Louis. You have had her since she was eight years old so I’m sure she is more boy than girl. She is now old enough to marry and I want her to marry a man from the East and not some cowboy who will give her a joyless life. I am coming for Gloria before her sixteenth birthday. I intend to bring her home to Saint Louis to live with me and my parents. I know it will be a hard task to make her presentable to my friends but I acknowledge it is my duty as her mother to do so. Send me her clothing sizes and I’ll bring some clothes with me so she will be able to arrive in Saint Louis dressed properly. I won’t be bringing Beth Ann with me. She hasn’t seen you since she was little more than a baby and doesn’t remember you at all. I feel there is no need to subject her to such an arduous journey, for no good reason. Also I suppose it is my Duty to tell you that after I left you I found out I was with child and I have a son, who I named Samuel after MY grandfather. He was seven years old this past winter. I feel no need to bring him either. He is a little gentleman and I intend to keep him that way.

Lastly, I have decided I need a divorce. Since we have been separated I have been a good woman and have not sullied your name but I have decided to marry a Gentleman now so I want a divorce to marry him. Of course, most people think I am a widow so no one will need to know we are divorced. So Arrange the divorce with the circuit judge and Make Sure it will be finalized while I am there. I am sure you won’t mind taking care of this little problem for me since, I know you realize how You have Ruined My Life and it is up to You to fix it. Your Wife, Elizabeth Hawkins Gray

She has her nerve! She just picked up one day and returned to St. Louie. Left me a letter sayin’ she didn’t love me anymore and wouldn’t stay here in this red dirt for a minute longer. If Glory hadn’t gone with me that day, she woulda taken her, too. Joe’s face burns red for a minute then a slow smile lights his handsome face. I have a son named Samuel. A Son! Again Joe’s eyes narrow in anger at his wife for denying him his children. I can imagine what thar like from Lizbeth’s letter. A little gentleman! Huh! She means a prissy little boy! Little Beth Ann is probably afraid of her own shadow, too. Lowering his face to his hands and shaking his head in disbelief he mumbles, I have surely messed up my life—my own children don’t know me. Glory don’t even realize she’s a girl. She acts like a boy, and why not, I’ve always treated her that way. Why didn’t I just go to St. Louie and drag Lizbeth back here? Cause, ya fool, she’d made it plain to ya she didn’t want ya anymore. Pride! Man, yar a fool! But she was so lovely! When I first saw her lovely face she was almost sixteen years old. Then I married her when she turned sixteen. Glory was born before that year was out. I sure was proud of both of’em. But times were hard. We were so young and I was in love with her. Between the Indians, droughts, tornados, snakes and tarantulas—hell, man, it was too much for any woman brought up like a lady like Lizbeth was. I knew she’d be happier back east but I knew I’d just shrivel up and die especially working for ole Edgar. I just couldn’t do it and she wouldn’t stay here. What have I done? Shaking his head sadly he rubs his work worn hands over his teary eyes.

Walking into the kitchen Glory gasps seeing her beloved papa sitting bent over in the chair in despair. Papa, what’s wrong? Are ya sick? she cries in alarm.

Rapidly rubbing his hands across his eyes again Joe slowly looks up at his beautiful young daughter or rather she would be beautiful if her hair was combed and her clothes were clean. Joe motions for Glory to come and sit on his knee.

Glory instantly obeys wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing his bearded cheek. Ya alright, papa? Glory asks hesitantly again.

Hugging his precious little beauty to his muscular chest Joe answers, Yes, honey, I’m fine. But child we do have some problems acomin’. Yar ma writes and says she wants to come and get’cha and take ya back to St. Louie to live. Would ya like that?

Jumping up and putting her hands on her hips Glory stomps her right foot and defiantly states, No Papa! I won’t go and live with her! I won’t ever leave ya—ever! She don’t love me! She don’t love either of us and I won’t love her! I won’t go!

Easy, Glory, easy! I didn’t say I wanted ya to go. I just said yar ma wants ya to. Yar ma is coming for a visit and says she wants to take ya back with her. She says ya have a little brother who was born in St. Louie after she left us, Joe explains numbly.

A brother! How… when… why? Glory asks bewildered.

Glory, go out and tell Good Heart I won’t be out to hunt for a while then take Midnight out to the west pasture and look for Ole Bessie (wandering milk cow) for me, she’s loose again. Joe asks as he pushes Glory to the door.

But Papa… I don’t understand, Glory starts to say.

Not now, honey. I’ve got some thinkin’ and prayin’ to do, Joe quietly requests.

Glory runs swiftly over to Good Heart and Yellow Moon’s sod house calling, Good Heart! Good Heart! over and over. A wide shouldered muscular Indian man walks from the side of the sod house, hearing her call his name, and waves towards the young girl he has grown to love as his own, and waits for her to reach him. He smiles as he often does at this lovely young girl. She is day to my night in coloring, Good Heart thinks for the thousandth time, She looks like Big Joe with her white/blonde hair and green eyes and according to Big Joe her ma’s heart shaped face. She is tall for a girl, Good Heart thinks as he estimates she is five foot six inches at this time in her life and not fully grown either. Good Heart’s rare smile fades at hearing the anger in this beloved child’s voice. It is rare that Glory is angry and upset. She is normally such a sunny child, Good Heart thoughtfully ponders as Glory runs towards him. He opens his arms wide to her.

Glory immediately runs into his arms and cries her troubles out on his broad chest. Yellow Moon walks out of the sod house hearing Glory crying and pats the young girl’s head with her small red hand murmuring soothing words. Good Heart and Yellow Moon finally understand what Glory is saying through her sobs and hiccups, and exchange surprised looks as they both know that Joe loves Glory dearly, and they love her, too. Seeing a movement at the ranch house Good Heart and Yellow Moon watch Joe walk out of the house and over to the corral then saddle up his big black stallion, Devil. He leaps up and rides off toward the Ewing Ranch, which is about five miles away.

See Glory, Papa, go talk with Zak. Zak, good man! He hep Big Joe now, Yellow Moon states calmly then she turns and waddles back into the sod house.

Lifting her beautiful tear streaked face to Good Heart, Glory asks, Do ya think Zak will be able to talk Papa out of makin’ me leave?

Did Big Joe say ya go? Good Heart asks as he stares steadily into her face.

Well, no, he said ma wants me to go with her, Glory replies just as seriously.

Big Joe, he smart man. Ya wait till tonight and he tell ya, child. Now go do chores, Good Heart advises as he gives Glory a gentle push toward the barn.

Nodding yes, a very worried Glory slowly walks back to the ranch and completes all her chores, then walking into the ranch house she starts supper by cutting steaks and boiling potatoes.

Joe walks his stallion slowly over to Zak Ewing’s ranch thinking, What can I do? I don’t wanna lose Glory ever but I do wanta see Beth Ann! Oh God, I wanta see Samuel so badly.

Zak and Jake, his 18 year old son, are checking the fence line and looking over the cattle when Joe sees them. Riding over Joe smiles thinking, Jake has gotten so big and handsome. He is man size now, taller than me by an inch or so, and I’m six foot two. I sure hope he and Glory make a match of it. I’d surely have some handsome grandchildren. I don’t care if they are blonde like Glory or black haired and brown eyed like Jake. They’d sure be handsome young’uns. I’m sure Zak and Stephie think the same.

Howdy, Jake! Hey, Zak, could ya spare awhile to talk. I’ve got a big problem to sort out and would appreciate yar advice, Joe requests.

Good to see ya, Joe. Sure I got time. Son, see to those heifers over thar when yar through checking the fence here, Zak answers cheerfully.

Howdy, Joe! Sure thang, Pa, Jake replies before turning back to his work.

Joe and Zak slowly amble on a little way before Joe starts, Got a letter from Lizbeth today!

Lizbeth, why I never knew she wrote ya, Joe! Zak answers astonished.

Well, she ain’t afore except to demand more money but this time she says she is comin’ to git Glory and take her to St. Louie to become a lady! Joe explains stiffly.

Take Glory! To St. Louie! Why Joe we’d never see her again! Are ya gonna let her? Zak questions stunned.

That’s just the thang, Zak. Glory don’t even know she’s a girl most of the time. She don’t even comb her hair unless I make her. She don’t own but one dress for Sunday and no other girlie clothes. I don’t know as I’ve done what’s best for her keepin’ her here on the ranch. She could be a lady and a beautiful one like Lizbeth is—can I deny her that? But can I live without her? Joe asks with downcast eyes.

What did Glory say when ya told her? Zak asks with a sinking feeling.

She got all worked up and cried and stomped her foot sayin’ she didn’t wanna go. Oh Zak, I know she loves me. She’s been my whole life for over seven years. What should I do? Joe asks close to tears.

Zak sadly shakes his head knowing Joe will have to make this decision by himself but also knows he can guide him a little so he asks, What else did Lizbeth say? while thinking of a solution to Joe’s problems. Watching Joe, Zak is amazed at the sudden light that fills Joe’s eyes and wipes away the forlorn look.

Zak, I’ve got me a son named Samuel! Joe replies with awe.

But… but how did this happen? Zak asks astonished.

Lizbeth was with child when she left me and she never thought it important enough to tell me in the past eight years! Joe states angrily.

Why that little witch! I’d sure like to take her across my knee for fifteen minutes; she’d not be able to sit down for a month! Zak replies steely eyed.

Surprised and wide eyed Joe turns sharply looking at Zak asking, Zak, do ya beat Stephie? Oh, Sorry! I shouldna asked that, Joe gulps as he flushes a dull red.

Smiling and slapping Joe on the back with his good humor restored Zak answers, No, Joe, I don’t beat my wife or my young’uns. But on occasion each and every one of’ems been across my knee for a spankin’ or two. Heck Joe, didn’t ya ever spank Lizbeth or Glory?

No, cain’t rightly say I’ve ever taken anyone across my knee and spanked’em. I wanted to with Lizbeth a number of times but didn’t think it was right to do it. I’ve swatted Glory’s fanny a few times but I ain’t never swatted her more’n three times and she minded better after that. Are ya sayin’ I shoulda? Joe asks seriously.

Well, Joe, if Stephie had run off and taken my young’uns with her. I’da gone and got’em and she’da had a real hard time sittin’ down for the next month I can promise ya, Zak answers forcefully then seeing Joe’s face flush brighter red he slaps Joe on the back again continuing, Joe, we’re two different men with different wives. I ain’t never been as easy goin’ as you are but I don’t beat my wife or my young’uns. They know right from wrong and when they make mistakes they’s told again what’s right and wrong and when and if they continue to do what they ain’t supposed to be doin’ then I spank’em. It’s as simple as that!

My Pa used to take the strap to me all the time when I was a young’un and it hurt somethang terrible. I swore then that I’d never treat my young’uns that way and I never have, Joe explains solemnly looking down at his saddle as they talk.

I understand that Joe. My pa whupped me with a strap a couple of times when I done somethin’ real bad and it hurt real bad, too, but Ma she use to take us across her knee and, woowee, she could spank hard, but it’s a different kind of spankin’. Heck, Joe, me and you got big hands. It doesn’t take many swats from us to spank a fanny right proper. Do ya see now? Zak explains then asks.

Yep, I do. I wish ya’d been here then so I coulda talked to ya about it right after Lizbeth left me. Maybe, I’d have been man enough to have gone after her and made her come back, Joe answers wistfully.

Ya were hurting too much then, man, mentally and physically. It took a while to settle in that she weren’t comin’ back, Zak replies encouragingly.

Yeah, but she’s comin’ back now and bringin’ my young’uns with her! Joe states with determination.

MEANWHILE IN ST. LOUIS

Elizabeth Hawkins Gray is sitting in the parlor having tea with her lady friends when Minnie, her colored maid, slips in and hands her a letter. Glancing down Elizabeth is surprised at the quick answer and especially curious about the thin envelope with Joe’s handwriting on it. Glancing at the other ladies she nonchalantly slips the letter into her pocket. As soon as she politely can she hastens her friends off and hurriedly rips open the letter and reads it.

Dear Lizbeth: (How I hate being called that! Elizabeth fumes as she reads.)

Come and bring my young’uns. We’ll talk about a divorce then. I want to see BOTH my young’uns. Bring’em or no divorce. I sent ya an extra three hundred dollars to the bank for yar trip. Your Live Husband, Joe

Immediately furious Elizabeth’s first thoughts are, "The very idea to order ME to do anything! I’m a LADY! You are only a cowboy! A rancher, so he says. He could have sold those hundred or thousand acres, whatever it is, and moved to the city and became a gentleman. I don’t know why he is so stubborn. I told him a thousand times I didn’t want to be a rancher’s wife, that I am a Lady and need to be in the city where there are important people to see, plays to go to and shops to buy from. Oh Joe, you certainly did your hearts best to keep me on that ranch but I tricked you when I ran away. You never knew Father sent me money, my escape money, so I could come home and live the life that I deserve. I fooled you! Mother and Father knew I didn’t belong down there all those years and I told them so every letter I wrote and you mailed the letters for me. I am a good actress but you didn’t realize it until it was too late and I was gone. Humm. Joe is a good man but I’m too much of a Lady for him that is for sure! What fun he was though, especially romantic! He used to bring me flowers all the time. Elizabeth’s face softens and she smiles as she remembers the sweetness of their lovemaking and how kind and thoughtful Joe had always treated her. He was always so gentle," laying her hand to her heart, Elizabeth sighs deeply at the memories.

Lora Hawkins clears her throat loudly but delicately making her daughter jump with guilt and flush all the way to her neckline. So you are STILL thinking about Joe! I thought we’d convinced you he is NOTHING! He’s not good enough for you, Elizabeth! Never was and never will be so just get him out of your mind! Lora states sharply and hatefully.

Yes, Mother, Elizabeth replies demurely.

How many times… . Lora starts in again for the thousandth time then sits with her mouth wide open watching her daughter as she stands up.

Standing up Elizabeth looks her mother in the eyes stating, For the first time in my life, Mother, I’m standing up for what I want to do.

What do you mean for the first time? Lora sharply bellows then taking a deep breath quietly continues, You ran off and married that cowboy Joe something, Lora shakes her hand at Elizabeth as if to shake dirt from it.

You know Joe’s last name is Gray, Mother. You introduce me as Mrs. Gray all the time, so why act like you don’t know it. It is very irritating! Elizabeth states just as hatefully with narrowed eyes and thinning lips.

Don’t be so foolish Elizabeth. You are our child. We only want the best for you. Haven’t you been happy here the past eight years! Just like you were before you ran off? Lora whines ingratiatingly.

Taking a calming breath Elizabeth answers, I suppose I’ve been happy. Yes, but the children are so spoiled. You give Beth Ann too many sweets and Samuel is getting to be a handful at seven years old. I was never that spoiled. Why do you and father continually give them everything they ask for? I cannot imagine how they will turn out, Elizabeth sadly and thoughtfully shakes her head as she looks down at her feet.

Well, they and you are a lot better off than you were with your cowboy husband. Have you heard from him yet? Lora demands shrilly.

Elizabeth’s nerves grate on the shrillness but she dutifully replies, Yes, Mother, I received a letter today and will make my plans on my own. Thank you. She sails out of the room (as a ship sailing across the water) with her bustle bouncing as she walks.

Making plans without considering my feelings or your father’s feelings young lady! I think not! Lora mutters sarcastically.

As soon as Edgar Hawkins walks into his home his wife, Lora, immediately tells him about the letter and Elizabeth’s decisions. His face blooms bright red at Elizabeth’s attitude and starts in on her as soon as Minnie serves them supper. Well, Elizabeth, I hear you received a letter today and are going on a trip? Which YOU are going to arrange ALL BY YOURSELF! How is this? You can’t even order a decent meal to be cooked without help much less cook a meal. How do you think you will get yours cooked, just one person, all the way to that wilderness place called Roy—all by yourself! he demands harshly.

I won’t be going by myself, Father. The children will be going with me, Elizabeth replies firmly then jumps when her father slams his fist down on the table.

My grandchildren are NOT going into that wild territory to see Cowboy Joe! Edgar growls menacingly.

IF the children don’t go with me, Joe won’t give me Gloria or the divorce. He said only if I bring the children will it be given to me, Elizabeth pleads, brow beaten as usual, then continues, You know you want me to marry Franklin Potter, Father, so that I can be Mrs. Potter, President of the bank’s wife. I’ll be the most important lady in town then. You’ve been on me for years to marry Franklin and I finally said I would. Now I’ve got to get the divorce from Joe to be able to do that. He will only let me have the divorce IF I bring the children with me.

Calming down some Edgar sits calculating ways to get around the children going. Humm… I know from previous experience Joe Gray can talk Elizabeth into anything. I was in shock for a month after she’d eloped with him. I wouldn’t have thought she’d have fallen for an ordinary cowboy like Joe. I still can’t believe a lady like Elizabeth would prefer a mere cowboy to a Bank President like Franklin. Well, of course, Joe was tall and good looking and young while Franklin is short, fat, balding and much older, but a lady would care more about her Position than her husband’s looks. Lora had, hadn’t she! She could have married a better looking man but not a craftier one and she chose love over looks. I lead her to believe I loved her and she did love me then. We are accustomed to each other now and are content. I visit the brothel whenever I need excitement so Lora doesn’t have to worry about me bothering her anymore. What else could a lady like Lora or Elizabeth want for goodness sakes?

Beth Ann and Sammy are quiet, as usual, during the meal. Sammy isn’t very hungry after his grandfather yells at his mother so just sits there looking down at his plate until his Grandmother Lora hits his knuckles with her fork hatefully saying, Eat.

Tears aren’t allowed either so he sits there and forces a spoonful in his mouth thinking, But I’m not hungry anymore.

Beth Ann eats forkful after large forkful and doesn’t pay any attention to the adults at all. She is used to these heated arguments so just ignores them and keeps on eating. When Sammy slips his meat and bread to her under the table she takes it and eats it, too.

I don’t care if Sammy gets in trouble for not eating. I want more food, she thinks. When dessert is served she chooses a huge piece of pie and pours cream all over it.

Sammy is also given a huge piece and can only eat half so he is given another sharp smack for not eating more. I hate meals! Sammy thinks frowning and rubbing his sore knuckles.

Sammy and Beth Ann sit on one side of the dining room table with their Grandmother Lora across from Sammy and Grandfather Edgar on his right at the head of the table. Beth Ann sits on his left and her mother across from Beth Ann. Edgar and Lora constantly try to force Sammy to eat because he is small and slim for his age, so they constantly nag him about eating. Sammy’s mother, Elizabeth, never urges him to eat nor does she force him to, she has more important things on her mind.

Their maid, Minnie, has raised Sammy and Beth Ann since Elizabeth returned to St. Louis and is more of a mother to Sammy than Elizabeth is. Minnie is a common sense person and loves him and doesn’t try to force him to eat nor does she constantly slap and hit him. Beth Ann is rude and bossy to her but Sammy loves her and Minnie is the one who holds him and rocks him when he is upset. Elizabeth doesn’t take the time or ever see to the needs of her son. So again after the evening meal Sammy is sent to his room for not eating the huge portions of food on his plate and scolded for the hundredth time that day.

Sammy walks slowly up the stairs until out of sight then runs to his room and there is his Minnie sitting in the rocker waiting for him. The tears he has been holding back start rolling down his handsome little boy face as he practically leaps into Minnie’s lap to be rocked.

Minnie, I hate meals. All they do is hit me. I can’t do anything right, Sammy cries his heart out on Minnie’s soft shoulder while she rocks and coos to him then, as usual, she tells him a bedtime story about a mouse family and when he is calm once more she helps him into his night shirt for bed.

Looking down at the now sleeping child Minnie whispers, My poor little boy, yar too tender hearted for these uncarin’ people. Missy Beth Ann don’t love nuthin’ but food and is a greedy little girl and will grow up to be a greedy woman. Poor Missy Elizabeth, she is always rushin’ here and thar and never at home with her young’uns. Minnie sadly shakes her head and wonders again about Cowboy Joe. I’se never met the man but I’se shore likes what I’se heard about ya, Cowboy Joe. Silently she walks out the door and returns to the kitchen to help clean the dinner dishes.

Minnie is surprised an hour later when she is summoned into the Parlor. Putting her hand to her stomach (as the butterflies flutter all around) she sees her husband, Benny, in the room already. Looking fearfully at him she smiles slightly when he winks at her. Taking a deep relaxing breath she knows this isn’t bad news. Walking over to Elizabeth’s chair, Minnie stands silently waiting.

Minnie, Missy Elizabeth and the children are going south and I want you and Benny to go with them and take care of them. You leave in a week. I’ll hire two or maybe three men to guard you on the trip so you won’t need to worry about Indians or anything. You are dismissed, Minnie! Edgar states hardly looking up as he glances down at his notes.

Minnie raises her eyebrows in awe then looking at her husband is happy to see a big smile on his face. Quietly leaving the room Minnie’s mind is running on fast as she thinks: Goin’ South and meetin’ Cowboy Joe. Humm, better call him Mr. Joe. Gonna get out of dirty ole St. Louie and see some of the world! Lordy! This is excitin’!

A thoughtful Elizabeth walks into the kitchen and states to Minnie and their cook, Booty, Minnie, we will need to make some clothes for us to wear when we leave. It is hotter there and also tomorrow we will sit down and decide on what food to take and all the skillets, bucket, oh, you know what we will need. I do want to remember and get an extra pair of walking shoes for all of us. If it is like last time, we will do some walking to rest the animals. Father will find us a covered wagon so we won’t have to mix with the common people on the stage lines. Elizabeth wrinkles her nose in distaste at the thought.

After she walks out of the kitchen, Booty grumbles, These here Hawkins, who they think they be! King and Queens!

Yea, Booty, they shorely do! Minnie agrees then she happily walks out to the shanty she shares with Benny and their son, Arty. Minnie is so excited she can hardly wait for Benny to come home and tell his family all about their upcoming trip, Arty, can ya believe we will get out of ole St. Louie for a while! Lordy, this makes me happy!

Arty’s eyes are round in happiness and surprise. I don’t remember livin’ no where’s but this shanty and now we git to go south—wow—this is great, he laughs.

They wait impatiently for Benny to come home so he can tell them more about their trip, finally he walks in smiling happily. Lordy, Lordy, that Mr. Hawkins can spew out orders faster than my ole brain can catch’em. Ha ha. We’s gonna go south to a town called Roy and ezkort Missy Elizabeth and the young’uns to see their Pa. Then pick up the older gal, Gloria, and bring’em all back in two months. It’s gonna be a fast trip, I can tell ya that!

I reckon we might just meet up with Cowboy Joe and I’se been wantin’ to do that for a long long time, Minnie answers happily.

Nodding yes, Benny answered, Me, too!

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

Chapter 2

"The chosen few, who do the work of many,

are mightily blessed by God."

Everyone works hard and fast at the Hawkin’s house except for Beth Ann and Sammy. Beth Ann refuses to do anything and Sammy is told to stay out of the way continually. Minnie explains to him what is going on and that they are really going to see his Pa so Sammy is even more curious than usual to hear about his father. But his questions are met with slaps and pinches until he stops asking. Sitting in her elegant little parlor Elizabeth writes the following letter:

Husband,

Beth Ann, Samuel and I will leave on April 10th and should be to the ranch by May 10th or there abouts. We are traveling on our own in a covered wagon so as not to have to associate with people we don’t wish to meet. Of course, I am bringing a few servants to take care of us so we will number eight people. We will rest up one week there then start back to Saint Louis so we can get back in the two months’ time frame Father has allowed we could do it in. This should give you a few days with the children before we leave. Your wife, Elizabeth

This done she checks and doubled checks the supplies then adds an extra ten pound bag of sugar knowing Beth Ann’s sweet tooth. Finally they are all ready to leave and head out to the City of Roy.

Joe receives Elizabeth’s letter two weeks later and is elated to know he’ll soon see them all. Grinning he re-reads the last line thinking, Humm, we will see about that.

Glory walks in after finishing her chores so Joe hands the letter to her to read. Frowning she reads it then angrily throws it down on the floor stomping her booted foot defiantly saying, I don’t care what she wants Papa! I ain’t gonna go to St. Louie with her. I won’t go and leave ya and Jake, I won’t!

Looking into her stormy green eyes Joe sternly advises, Don’t talk to me in that tone of voice, young lady. Ya’ll not be disrespectful to me.

Seething Glory stomps her foot again in anger and that does it.

Swiftly Joe takes her arm and pulls her over to him and swats her bottom hard three times saying, Yar a big girl, Glory, and ya’d better start acting like it! Then feeling bad knowing she is frightened Joe hugs her and says for the hundredth time, Glory, little darlin’, I won’t make ya leave the ranch. Ya won’t have to leave yar home and yar horse and whoever else ya don’t wanna leave. Leaning her back, Joe looks down into her face (which is red) but she smiles up at him.

She calms down so standing up softly saying, I’m sorry Papa. I just get so scared about Ma tryin’ to make me leave ya.

Don’tcha worry about that now, honey. Now we have to get busy and fix up this place afore yar Ma gets here. Joe gets busy painting the whole house and fixing it up really nice. He even rides into town and brings back some glass panes for the windows downstairs and buys some pretty china dishes for the kitchen. Joe chuckles as he is unloading them and sees Glory’s face staring up at the large barrel.

Puzzled Glory asks, But Papa why do ya want these. They break and the tin ones don’t?

Laughing softly Joe explains, Glory, yar ma, she’s used to nice thangs around her so we will have some.

Shaking her head puzzled Glory answers, They will break real easy.

Joe chuckled again at her expression. The next thing on Joe’s agenda is making Glory wash her hair with rain water then getting all the tangles out of it. Glory winced as she pulls the wooden comb through her tangled hair saying, Ouch! Oh, that hurts! a number of times then exasperated her papa spends an hour trying to comb the tangles out. Finally Glory walks over to Yellow Moon and she finishes getting the rest of the tangles out and then tightly braids Glory’s white blonde hair putting it in some order. Both Joe and Glory are happy with it.

I don’t like it flying around in my face. This braid is very nice, better than the rawhide I’ve been usin’, Glory thinks as she feels the tight braid with her fingertips. Glory doesn’t like to wear dresses and seldom does, only to church services, so when Joe presents her with a new dress, he has just bought in town, she hangs it up on the peg on the wall in her room shaking her head in disgust saying, I cain’t wear that ridin’, ropin’ and chasin’ down steers. I cain’t wear it muckin’ out the barn. Why these britches are a whole lot better, I don’t need no ole dress.

Just try it on and wear it a little and get used to it, Joe insists.

Obediently she puts it on and walks awkwardly and has to take smaller steps and keeps pulling it from between her legs as she walks then pulling it out of the water trough, out of the door, and the darn ole wind keeps blowing the foul thing up in the air all the time when she wears it riding. Of course the next time she wears it riding, it blows up and since Joe is behind her he sees her cotton long johns under it and can’t kept from laughing to save his life. He laughs so hard that tears run down his face, which only makes Glory madder because she doesn’t like wearing the stupid ole thing in the first place. She turns round on Joe angrily declaring, Yar laughin’ at me when ya made me wear this thing! I hate it! Do ya hear me I HATE IT!!!! Yar a uh… . I can’t think of a bad enough word to call you! She sits red faced huffing and puffing in anger glaring at her father.

Looking sternly at her eye to eye Joe replies, Well, my darling girl, it is a good thang ya didn’t say a bad word or ya’d be getting’ yar fanny spanked again Gloria Gray.

Glory gapes at him, with tears rolling down her red face, she whirls her horse around galloping off with her dress billowing out behind her in the wind.

Shaking his head sadly Joe murmurs, I know it’s more than the dress, darlin’, time is gettin’ closer every day. I’ll let’cha stew about it awhile and ya’ll be fine.

Glory angrily mutters to herself all the way across the pasture. I wanted to say damn fool. I really did. But Papa woulda swatted me again if I had. He has swatted my fanny a couple of times lately and he’s never done much afore. Gosh, I guess I’ve been really naughty. I just don’t wanna go away from home. Tears run down her now pale face as she looks for the wandering milk cow again.

The week before Elizabeth is expected Joe notices how bad Glory’s table manners are and realizes, "If’n I don’t change them afore Lizbeth gets here then she’ll make Glory miserable pickin’ on her and I don’t want Glory to be treated that way. Lizbeth taught me years ago and even though I ain’t practiced’em for quite some time there ain’t no reason I cain’t start today. Glory used to have better manners when she was smaller but we’ve just gotten outa the habit of usin’ good table manners."

Later that evening as Joe and Glory talk he explains saying, Glory, tonight we’re gonna start usin’ good table manners. Yar ma’s gonna think yar a wild one and uneducated if’n ya don’t eat the way they do, Joe explains a little more, smiling sadly at her.

Papa, I eat the same way you do. There ain’t no reason to change, Glory replies firmly and stubbornly.

Well, darlin’, yar ma, she’s right particular in many ways being a lady and all, so I’m gonna teach ya the right way and we’re gonna eat that way every meal, Joe states firmly making Glory look him directly in the eye.

Gritting her teeth angrily Glory asks, Papa, why don’t she just stay in St. Louie and not come here tryin’ to change us! We’re happy without her!

Don’tcha wanta to see Beth Ann and Sammy? Don’tcha ya want to see yar ma again, Glory? Joe asks surprised at her anger.

No, I don’t! She didn’t want us. She left us behind! Why should I care at all what she wants? Glory states angrily stomping her booted foot ( as has become a habit very quickly).

Well, missy ain’t we in a temper. Seems me like I’ve had to swat yar fanny a number of times lately. Do ya think a hard spankin’ would stop yar fits of temper, Glory? Joe asks seriously as he sits back in his chair folding his arms across his muscular chest.

Backing up from him Glory protectively puts her hands over her bottom (as if to protect it) then with shoulders slumping asks, Papa? Ya ain’t ever spanked me terrible hard and I don’t want ya to either. Tears starts flowing down her flushed face as she stammers, I’m sorry, Papa! I don’t mean to be naughty. I’m just so afraid she’ll take me away and I won’t ever see ya again! She looks up hesitantly at her papa and Joe holds out his arms to her and she rushes into them sobbing.

He rocks her calming her down then tells her to go up to bed repeating for the thousandth time that he won’t make her leave if she doesn’t want to.

Sniffling she climbs up the loft ladder then tumbles into her narrow bed falling asleep immediately due to her exhausted feelings.

After cleaning up the supper dishes Joe walks around the yard thinking about a number of things he is going to say to Lizbeth. He rubbed his hands together and states into the night, Lizbeth if ya were here right now I’d give ya the spanking of yar life for what’cha doin’ to Glory. He kneels down in the cool evening grass praying: Lord, I wanna do what is right and I’m not rightly sure what it is. I need yar guiding hand on my shoulder, Lord. I’ll not be able to survive this heartbreak of seein’ Glory torn from me or Beth Ann and Samuel both hatin’ me. Help me be a better man, Lord. Please show me the way to go. In your precious Son’s name, I pray. Amen.

THE TRIP TO JOE’S

Chapter 3

"The things you do for others are returned tenfold."

The trip from St. Louis is a hard one. Elizabeth and Beth Ann grumble constantly about everything. The red dirt, slow moving animals, smoke in their faces from the camp fires, too hot in the daytime and too cold at night, it is always something. Sammy loves it. He and Minnie’s son, Arty, run beside the wagon, ride the horses pulling the wagon and generally have a lot of fun. Sammy doesn’t have his grandparents constantly slapping and swatting him,