Now, Heather

By T D Worley

Heather comes of age. Whereas, Red and Tex have started a family and she doesn't fit in , She must go in search for what's right for her in life and it cannot be found in Marathon. Just as she finds stability and a purpose in life, she is drawn back into the live's of her friends in a traumatic way. Treachery and deceit from the most respected circle brings about death and injury to those she loves.. Fast paced with a lot of action is continued in the sixth book of the Second American Revolution..

• Language: English
• Publisher: T D Worley
• Release date: Mar 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310445774

T D Worley

Worley is a retired construction manager. He has traveled extensively throughout the United Sates and Europe. He worked in Mexico, Puerto Rico, France, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.He has a Master's degree in Political Science from Stephen F. Austin University, and his thesis was published,Worley is married to Susan Hosack and they have grown three daughters, Julie, Caitlin, and Breona. Tommy and Susan live on Cedar Creek Lake near Malakoff, Texas

Book preview

Now, Heather

By T D Worley

March, 2015

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Now, Heather

By T D Worley

Copyright 2015 by T D Worley

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords 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 recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodies in critical articles and reviews.

About the Author

T D (Tommy) Worley is retired and lives with his wife, Susan, on Cedar Creek Lake, near Malakoff, Texas. They have three grown daughters, Julie, Caitlin, and Breona.

Tommy worked in the power industry for nearly forty years as a construction manager and through his job traveled extensively throughout the states. He also worked in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and France.

Tommy has a Master’s Degree in Political Science and wrote his thesis on constitutional law.

Writing started for him as an effort to delete one more bucket list item. While dealing with the onset of cancer, he found writing to be a refuge from the daily pressures of treatment. ‘Now, Heather’ is the sixth novel in his series: The Second American Revolution. His next book, ‘Baptist Girl’ is about a young man maturing in the turbulent sixties, and is a change in pace from his first six books. It should be ready to e-publish by early summer.

"We are not going to have the America we want

Until we elect leaders who are going to tell the

Truth – not most days, but every day."

Ann Richards, former governor of Texas

Chapter 1

Heather got out of the Yamaha and and walked to the edge of the mountain. The sun was looming over the plains to the east as she looked down at the ranch house and outbuildings, thinking about the past years she had made it her home. Tears formed in her eyes as she thought of leaving all of this behind. She loved Tex and Kay with all her heart, but it was time to move on. They had their baby and new life to contend with, and Heather didn’t see a place for her in that life. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do or where she was going, but her future was no longer in Marathon, Texas.

Wiping the tears away with the back of her hand, she got back in the Yamaha and drove slowly down the mountain, contemplating what she would tell her friends. I’m going to miss all this, was all she could think. A new life was ahead of her. Tom wanted her to consider moving to either Oklahoma City or Atlanta and assume the responsibility for either of these two regions. It would be a great opportunity to have the additional responsibility, but Heather wasn’t sure she wanted to do it. She had forfeited her personal life for years to safeguard her friends, and it was the only life she knew. I’m going home and see Mom and Dad. Maybe that will help me get my bearings, she thought to herself.

Heather parked in front of the porch and slowly walked into the house. Tex was sitting at the kitchen table, holding little Jake. You are up early, Heather. What have you been up to?

I wanted to visit your special spot and see the sun come up, replied Heather. I see why you like it so much up there. It is beautiful watching the sunrise.

Yeah, I love the place. To me, it’s all about the beauty and serenity I find when I’m up there, replied Tex.

Red walked in the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. How long has little Jake been asleep? she asked.

A few minutes, replied Tex. He didn’t last long after I gave him his bottle.

I’m going to miss him a lot, said Heather. He got the best of both of you.

I have been wondering when you were going to make that decision, Heather. I know it’s been on your mind a long time. You know you don’t have to do this, don’t you? asked Red.

Sure, but it is time. I’ve been the fifth wheel for too long, and I need to work out things for myself. It won’t be like I won’t ever see you again. I’m going to start out by going back to Hill County. Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger, so I want to spend some time with them. Maybe I will take one of the jobs Tom has offered, but I need to think about that before I make a decision. I’m glad he is sending Caleb back to Brewster County. I won’t worry so much about you guys knowing he is here, replied Heather.

Caleb is good, but he will never take your place, said Tex. I can never tell you how much you mean to us and appreciate what you have done for us.

Red added, Before you go, I have a surprise for you. You and I are going shopping in Alpine. It’s about time you trade in that old jeep for something else. You pick out what you want, and it’s yours.

I can’t let you do that, responded Heather. My God, you have furnished me food and a place to sleep for years.

I won’t take no for an answer, said Red. What else do I have to spend my money on, if not my friends, and, Heather, you are a lot more than just a friend. You are my sister and I couldn’t love anyone more. Red set her cup down, reached over and hugged Heather and kissed her on the cheek.

That morning, Red and Heather drove to Alpine and Heather picked out a Ford truck similar to the one Kay had. Heather had already begun packing her things, so when she got back to the ranch, she started loading the new truck. Her plan was to leave the next morning now that the decision had been made. I have to do it quickly or I will change my mind, Heather thought to herself. Every time she put a bag in the truck, her heart crumpled a bit more.

There wasn’t much conversation at dinner. All three were despondent with Heather’s decision. Heather held little Jake and fed him his bottle, knowing it would be sometime before she would ever be able to do it again. Red offered one more thing, Heather, if you want him, I would like for you to take Johnny Depp with you. He is really your dog, anyhow. He sleeps with you and follows you everywhere. It is only fitting that he goes with you.

Heather began to cry as she handed little Jake to Tex. God, I love you. I never could have anyone who means more to me than you. She rose from the table and went to her room without saying anything else. Closing the door, she lay down on her bed and silently cried herself to sleep.

The next morning, a very somber Red and Tex sat at the kitchen table waiting for Heather to appear. Both wanted to talk Heather out of her decision, but each knew that Heather had to do this on her own. She was entitled to her own life and it wouldn’t be right to stand in her way. Heather, followed by Johnny Depp, came into the kitchen. Her eyes were still red from crying, but she put up a good front by smiling, I’m going to have a cup of coffee and hit the road. I will let you know when I get to Hill County tonight.

The three walked to Heather’s new truck. Jacob had Heather’s overnight bag in his hand and he placed it in the back seat. Heather took little Jake from Red, hugged the baby and kissed him before handing him back to Red. Tex wrapped his arms around Heather and kissed her, without saying a word. Red kissed Heather a final time and managed a smile, Be safe, little sister. Let us know where you are and how you are doing.

I will. I’ll call often and if anything comes up, I’ll be here in a heartbeat. You guys are still my responsibility, she replied with a weak laugh.

Johnny Depp jumped in the front seat and curled up in a ball, as Heather got in the driver’s seat. Heather waved at Red and Tex, and drove slowly down the gravel road. I don’t know what is about to happen, but I’m ready, she thought to herself.

Chapter 2

When Red and Tex announced to their friends that Red was pregnant, it had not come as a great surprise. Kay told Heather a couple of weeks after telling Tex. Heather had anticipated Kay would get pregnant since Kay was now approaching thirty years old. They had talked on several occasions about Red having a baby, and Heather knew her sister was ready for motherhood. The wistful look in Red’s eyes every time she held or played with Sophie was all it took for Heather to understand Red’s longing for a baby.

The night Red told Tex indirectly she was pregnant, he was ecstatic about becoming a father. They stayed awake for hours talking about the baby. The change in their lifestyle was going to be dramatic, but both were comfortable in accepting the challenges and responsibility.

Heather was on the verge of leaving Marathon when she learned about Red’s impending motherhood. She decided to delay her decision to leave and stay with Red throughout her pregnancy. She wanted to be a part of this momentous event in Red and Tex’s life, and should there be complications, she would be there to help. Heather and Red read everything they could find about pregnancy, and it was exciting to watch as the baby grew inside Red. Heather took on the role of big sister and cautioned Red about weight gain, the necessity of eating properly, not drinking alcohol, and doing light exercises to keep her body in good shape.

The biggest project was turning one of the guest bedrooms into a nursery. Choosing the bedroom across the hallway from the master bedroom, everyone pitched in with ideas. Red and Heather made several trips to Alpine and two to San Angelo to choose furniture and decorations. Tex had to admit they did a beautiful job by keeping it neutral so it would be suitable for a boy or girl. Jim Bob contributed by installing an intercom system throughout the house so Red and Tex could hear any sounds from the nursery. Juanita brought several loads of clothes and baby items that Sophie had never used. Sophie was old enough to understand that she would soon have a new baby in her life. She told Aunt Red and Aunt Heather she would teach the baby to swim as soon as it arrived.

Red and Tex found a doctor in Alpine to monitor Red’s progress, and Red followed his advice. She was serious about doing the things necessary for bringing a healthy baby into the world. The one thing the doctor suggested was to do an ultrasound to see the gender of the baby. Red and Tex told him they wanted the sex of the baby to be a surprise and decided against doing the scan. They did follow the doctor’s advice about doing the tests necessary to determine the fetus was healthy in all ways.

Red continued working at the ‘Ladder Foundation’ until her eighth month, before she finally gave into Tex and Heather’s demands for her to stay at home. Red was still driven by Stephen’s betrayal, and the Ladder was her way of coping with her loss. A positive that emerged from the events at the ranch was that Red and her half-sister Susan talked at least once a week and sometimes more. Red found her half-sister to be interesting and knowledgeable. Susan knew all about Jacob and followed him with interest. With the things she had learned from Stephen, she knew all about the ranch, the Ladder, and other activities Red and Tex were involved in. While Susan was still somewhat aloof, Red was determined to bring her half-sister closer. If Susan wouldn’t come to Marathon, she and Jacob would go to Virginia.

Vain about maintaining her body, Red did her exercises and used cocoa oil to rub on her skin to avoid as many stretch marks as she could. She and Tex continued their sex lives into Red’s eight month. For whatever reason, Red felt passionate all the time and Tex teased her for wanting sex nearly every day. It must be the hormones, said Red.

No. I think you just like taking advantage of me, teased Jacob. Sweetheart, pregnant or not, you are still the sexy woman I met in Washington. You are at eight months and have only gained twenty-two pounds. You’re doing everything just right.

At eight months and three weeks, Red went into labor at one o’clock in the afternoon. Tex and Heather rushed her to the truck and put her in the backseat. Heather got into the back with Red and made her as comfortable as she could. Tex was on his phone to Red’s doctor as he drove to the highway. He told the doctor’s nurse that Red was in labor, and he would have his wife at the hospital in less than half an hour. Red’s water broke on the way to the hospital, and Heather realized how close Red was to giving birth to the baby.

Pulling into the emergency room lane, Tex rushed inside to get a nurse to help him get Red into the hospital. Two attendants grabbed a wheelchair and followed Tex to the truck. They took charge of Red, and lifted her onto the wheelchair, quickly rolled her inside and down to the delivery room. Heather parked the truck and went to join Tex in the delivery. Red said, I guess this is it, honey.

Tex held her hand and responded, You are doing great, Red. Are you hurting?

Nothing I can’t handle, replied Red. Looking at Heather, she continued, Remember what we read. It’s about double that.

Heather pushed a strand of hair from Red’s face. It’s going to be worth the pain, sweetie. When you hold that new baby for the first time, you will forget all the pain you have had to endure. Heather took a towel and wiped the sweat from Red’s forehead.

Two nurses walked in the room. One asked, How many minutes between contractions?

Red looked up and replied, Maybe a minute or two. She grimaced and cried out as the next contraction roiled through her body.

The doctor is on his way. Do you need a painkiller or are you doing a natural birth? asked the nurse.

Natural, replied Red, as the pain increased.

The doctor entered the room and asked Tex and Heather to move behind the glass wall as he prepared Red for the birth of her baby. Examining Red, the doctor looked up and said, It will be within the half hour. She is fully dilated and now we wait.

One of the nurses took Red’s right hand and held it as she coached Red to breathe in and out to relieve some of the pain. The other nurse used a damp towel to wipe Red’s face and comfort her. Tex and Heather watched intently, and unconsciously, Tex slipped his hand into Heather’s hand and gripped it tightly.

Heather said, She is doing fine. Are you ready to be a daddy, Jacob?

Ready as I know how, replied Jacob.

The doctor used his hands to grip the baby’s head as it appeared and all of a sudden, the newborn baby was in his hands. Mrs. Collins, you have a boy. He quickly cut the cord and handed the baby to the nurse, who cleaned the blood and fluids from his face before laying the baby in Red’s arms.

The doctor motioned for Jacob and Heather to come inside the room. Jacob was so excited he pushed Heather aside so he could be with his wife and son. Heather smiled as the new parents, with their baby boy, made the prettiest picture she had ever seen. Red and Tex both had tears of pure joy in their eyes as they admired the boy in Red’s arms. Can we name him Jake, honey? asked Red.

I can’t think of a better name than Jake Stewart Collins, replied Tex.

Red started crying when she realized her husband wanted to honor her father, as she wanted to honor his. In her heart, Red knew from the minute she realized she was pregnant that the baby’s name would be Jake or Pam. It was a given. No other names would be acceptable.

Heather knelt beside Kay’s bed and touched little Jake’s head. Red, you did good. He is as handsome as his dad and his grandfather. May, I hold him?

Sure, replied Red, as she moved little Jake into Heather’s arms.

Heather clasped little Jake against her bosom and couldn’t take her eyes from the baby. Heather thought this could have been her baby if she had made some different choices when she was eighteen years old. It is what it is, she thought to herself. I made the choice, and I have to live with it.

Jacob looked at Red and said, That is quite a Valentine you gave me today. You do realize little Jake was born on Valentine’s Day, don’t you?

I didn’t realize it, answered Red.

Heather handed the baby to Tex who had a look of wonder on his face. I have a lot to learn and more to teach you, Jake, he said to the baby.

Red spent two nights in the hospital and Tex never left her side. He helped as much as Red and the nurses let him, and he was content to sit and watch with amazement as his wife nurtured their son. It was as it was supposed to be. Red took to motherhood as a duck took to water.

Tex posted the announcement of the birth of Jake Collins on his website with a picture of the baby. The response was immense. Red and Tex received messages from all over the world. They made a point to their well-wishers that little Jake had everything he needed, and if individuals felt a need to give gifts, they were asked to donate to a local charity of their choice. Via Facebook, Tex wrote messages to his friends and followers every day giving them an update on Kay and little Jake’s progress.

Tex called Red’s mother as soon as little Jake was born, and then he called Aunt Clara with the news. Heather told Jerri about every step of the pregnancy, and when Heather called and told her that Red had a boy, she was excited as Heather. Red’s mother arranged to fly to west Texas so she could stay for a week or two and help when Red got home. Heather drove to Odessa the day after Red got home and picked her up. Mrs. Allen was more than helpful. She took over, and Red and Heather quickly learned what they had read didn’t fully prepare them for all the work to be done. From bathing little Jake to cleaning dirty diapers, Kay and Heather got plenty of hands-on experience. Tex surprised Kay with a present the third day she was home. It was a handmade rocking chair constructed from western cedar. He picked up cushions so it would be comfortable for who ever wanted to rock baby Jake.

Mrs. Allen soon had Kay organized in the basics of taking care of little Jake. The baby settled into a routine of sleeping, waking to be fed, cleaned, and then back to sleep. Red found it easier to take little Jake to bed with her and Tex around midnight, so when he woke she could nurse him immediately. Kay decided to breast feed her baby after reading about the benefits a newborn reaped from a mother’s natural milk.

Kay’s mother noticed the copy of Spock’s baby book on the nightstand, and said, This is really a piece of crap, and threw the book in the trashcan. Much of what has been wrong with the last three or four generations of children stemmed from believing what Spock wrote. Use your own instincts and Jake will turn out as good as his mom did. With that, she sat down beside Kay and gave her daughter a hug that lasted forever. I never told you enough of how proud of you I am.

I could not have done it without you, mom. You set me on the right path and I may have wavered from time to time, but I always got back to what you taught me, replied Kay. I know your real estate keeps you busy, but I want you to promise that you will visit often. You are Jake’s only grandparent, and he will need you in his life.

How about we alternate visits when Jake is old enough to travel? I’ll come out here for a week or ten days every couple of months, and you bring Jake to Augusta for a visit, replied Mrs. Allen.

That’s a plan we both can live with, mom. I have unlimited access to the Gulfstream so neither of us will have to fly commercial. When you can schedule a visit, just let me know a few days in advance; I’ll have Lefty pick you up in Augusta and deliver you to Alpine, said Kay.

Wow, replied Kay’s mom. I’m not use to that kind of service.

Get used to it, Mom. If there is anything you need or want, just let me know. I don’t deserve all this wealth so I’m going to share it with family, friends, and strangers. The Ladder has been successful in helping a lot of people, and I want to continue sharing through it, said Kay.

When Mrs. Allen had to return to Augusta, little Jake took his first trip in a car seat. It wasn’t entirely successful, and Jacob pulled over frequently so Kay could comfort the baby either by nursing him or changing a diaper. Jacob stayed with Jake, so Kay could walk her mom to the security gate. Kissing her goodbye, Kay thanked her mom for all the help and advice. We are looking forward to your next trip, said Kay.

Same here, honey, replied her mom.

When Kay returned to the truck, Jacob had Jake in his arms. He was singing along to a George Strait song playing on the radio. I think Jake likes my singing, chuckled Tex. He held Jake up and was totally surprised when Jake gurgled a laugh towards his dad. Did you see that, honey? He laughed with me.

Maybe, he was laughing at you, silly, Kay replied. Hand him to me so I can put him in his car seat. I think I will sit back here with him and see if I can keep him quiet.

Do you want to get something to eat before we head home? asked Tex.

Find a drive-thru and get me a burger/basket. I don’t think Jake is ready for inside dining, said Red.

Tex found a What-a-burger and ordered for both of them. He pulled over after getting on the highway to Alpine and got his burger and his fries laid out on the console so he could eat and drive at the same time. He found a Van Morrison cd and pushed it in the player. Tex liked all kinds of music. While he liked to dance to country music, he liked to listen to everything from R&B to 50’s doo-wop tunes. He frequently was caught by Kay singing along and gave her a good laugh since he didn’t sing very well and often was out of tune. Put on an Emmylou after Van is through, and I’ll sing to Jake. I guarantee you he won’t laugh at my singing, said Kay.

Tex ejected the Morrison CD and shoved an Emmylou Harris CD in the player. Knock your lights out, sweetheart, laughed Tex.

The rest of the trip was a continuous banter between Jacob and Kay as each sang along with various artists. Tex found it hard to admit how well his wife could sing. She had a beautiful voice and was never off-key. To his chagrin, Jake seemed to like his mother’s voice more than his. Little Jake buried his head in his mother’s bosom and went to sleep listening to her sing. I think we have discovered the secret on how to travel with Jake: Lots of music and your singing seems to do the trick, said Tex.

The sun was setting on the top of the mountains when they drove up to the ranch house. Heather was sitting on the front porch nursing a glass of wine. How did this first trip go? She set her glass down and took Jake from Red’s arms. Pretty boy, did you have a good time? I missed not having you here with me. She rocked