Home Sweet Home

By Roy Ingham

Returning home is never an easy thing. How much worse when your father has been murdered and your brother killed. While your "friendly" neighbors are after your estate. Just who is and who is not on your side.

Elizabeth's life was ripped into two the day Edward disappeared, now that he has come home, does she really want to know why he left?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roy Ingham
• Release date: Sep 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310485657

Roy Ingham

I am an aspiring Christian author.Some get visions, I get stories, into which I incorporate the truth needed for the 8th day.

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HOME SWEET HOME

All characters, and events are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.

HOME SWEET HOME

Roy Ingham

Copyright 2015 TTI Enterprises

Published By Roy Ingham at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook 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’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters, and events are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

January 10, 1941

So how’s the new horse? Maxwell asked, as his son Edward stepped into the study.

He’s a dream, wild as a fire, and as sweet as a cinnamon bun Edward replied, I’m going to call him Crimson

I like it.I’m just so proud of you Maxwell replied, as he stood from the desk, and patted his son on the back, What with you graduating from Houston College, with a degree in Business Management, I can rest assured that Glennrich will have a great future

Talking of future, can we talk? Edward asked.

Sure Maxwell replied and together they sat at the chairs by the window.So what do you have planned.

Well, I’ve been thinking, how about we subdivide pastures 8 and 9, into two homesteads, for Oscar and me? Edward suggested.

Why Maxwell replied, Glennrich Acres will be all yours, and you have a fine place right here Maxwell pointed around the study referring to the house.

I know, but…Well, I was wanting to have a house of my own, and so I thought I could move into Grandpa’s old place, by the beach. We can build a place for Oscar, and we can share the pasture land. Edward explained.

That’s silly Maxwell said a little hot tempered. You have a good home right here

Yeah, but it’s your home, and I was, well… I was thinking of having a place of my own now.I’ve graduated college, Oscar’s graduated high school.It’s time to move on Edward continued.

What’s got you so keen to move, out? Maxwell demanded, Who’s pressuring you to do what?Is it Oscar?

Edward could see this conversation was not going as he had planned, so he tried to calm things down. Dad, I’m 22, Oscar’s 18, It’s not you but we can’t stay here Edward pointed to the house, all our lives, It’s just well I’m wanting a place of my own Edward stated, as calm as he could.

Has this got anything to do with that Davis girl? Maxwell demanded his temper now about to boil I’ve warned you!, stay away from her

Well… Edward tried to explain.

So it has Maxwell declared and stood up and paced. I’ve warned you stay away, I know grandpa liked them, but I don’t

Look! Edward exclaimed and stood to face his father, not liking the way his father was using their seated and standing heights as a means to control things as he always did.Elizabeth and I are friends, we’ve practically grown up together. I just wanted a place of my own, for…

No! Maxwell demanded cutting him off, which further upset Edward that Maxwell had stood to challenge him.You have the whole of Glennrich Acres, and the house here is going to be yours one of these days, there is no need to waste manpower, and have you out there.Maxwell pointed to the coast, Your place is here, as the rightful owner of Glennrich

Edward stepped back, wanting to calm this argument down so they could talk rationally. Edward paced to the desk.I know Glennrich will be mine, and I don’t intend to change things, you still have a long life ahead of you. I just….. I just want a home of my own, where I can raise my family Edward tried calmly.

Family! Maxwell, demanded, Family, with whom?

I was going to ask Eliza… Edward started to replied.

No!!I will not have it !!NO!You just get that girl out of your head Maxwell demanded, I would have thought spending four years in Houston would have set you straight about things, But obviously they did not.

Edward was now mad too, not that it was going to help matters, two mad Morgan’s, never boded well.I’m in love with her, and there is nothing you can say or do to stop that!! Edward commanded back.

We’ll see about that, I will not have you ruin your life because she! has pushed you into things Maxwell demanded.

She!Her name is Elizabeth, is that too hard for you? Edward demanded, Just like mother, Elizabeth

Maxwell slapped Edward’s faceDon’t you mention her and your motherMaxwell stepped back realizing his anger was getting out of control, Sorry, But your mother, God rest her soul, would not…

Don’t you dare! Edward yelled,Mother loved her, Grandpa loved her,I love her.You’re the only one who has something against her.

I will not allow it Maxwell demanded and slammed his fist into the desk, Now leave before we both say something we regret forever

Fine!! Edward demanded and stormed from the study, slamming the door, and stormed down the hall, slamming the front door.Edward mounted Crimson, steered for the northern hills, and set Crimson as full speed,Jaaaah, Jaaah

Leave, fine I’ll leaveEdward shouted to himself.Let’s see you run Glennrich without me. Edward took off like lightning.Edward sucked in deep breaths trying to calm himself down, while he wept, racing over the hills as full charge.

Edward was so sure, that his father would agree. His father had married his mother when he was just twenty, so it couldn’t be his age. His father was proud, that Edward had just completed college, the first Morgan ever, so it couldn’t be that either.Why, why does he have something against Elizabeth? They had grown up together, the three amigos, Edward, Ramon and Elizabeth.By the time Edward realized where he was, he was already at the outskirts of Houston, and dusk was setting in. Crimson was tiring, so Edward pulled back on the horse, no point continuing to take his frustration out on the horse. Even though, the horse had took to the chance to run with vigor.

Whoa, boy Edward encouraged Crimson, to slow down, Whoa

Crimson slowed, pleased the chase was over. Edward patted his side. Come on Edward walked Crimson, and headed for a college friend.

Edward tied up his horse, at the hitching post. Jack had a small plot on the outskirts of Houston. Five acres, but small when compared to Glennrich. Edward knocked on the door.

Jack answered. Hey!! Jack greeted Edward,What brings you back?You graduated remember!Come on in

Can you have someone take care of Crimson, I kind of pushed him to get here Edward asked.

Jack looked over Edward’s shoulder and noticed the horse blowing and sweating.Sure, come on in.Can you stay for supper?

If you don’t mind Edward apologized.

No, you’re always welcome here, you don’t need to ask Jack replied. Jack then had one of his staff, take care of Crimson, to use the empty stall, water, walk and feed the horse Jack instructed.

Come, Jack pulled Edward to the dinning room, Look who I found Jack declared to Emily.

Jack blushed, Man!!, I’m sorry let me leave, you…

Nonsense,Jack insisted and whispered into Edward’s ear,You crowd my style, but perhaps she’ll stay now that there’s another manJack was pleased

Eddy! Emily exclaimed and rush to give Edward a hug. What brings you to town, I thought you were going home?

Well I was Edward replied, I just…Well I just couldn’t stay away Edward deflected not wanting to get into his argument with his father.

You’re not planning on heading home again are you? Jack asked showing Edward to the open chair at the table.

Well Edward stated.

Nonsense, spend the night, your room is still open Jack insisted.

Can’t have you racing that horse back again in the dark Jack knew Edward’s love of horses. In fact just the fact that Edward’s horse was blowing and sweating, proved something was wrong, Edward would never push a horse like that.

Splendid! Jack insisted, since Edward said nothing it’s settled we’ll play cards, like old time sake

Emily smiled glad Edward was there, for the company.

Edward nodded.

It wasn’t planned but Edward actually enjoyed himself, a far cry from what he had had planned to do. Around 10:00pm the housekeeper agreed to take Emily home, and Jack showed Edward up to his usual room. Edward sat on the bed, the events of the day rushing by in his mind.He was so sure, his father would say yes, and agree it made perfect sense. But if his father had disagreed, would Elizabeth disagree too?Did she even care for him, beyond being a friend. They had practically grown up together. His mother before she died, encouraged the friendship, so did his grandfather, until they both passed away. They knew Maxwell didn’t care for the Davis’s much so they arranged for Edward and Elizabeth to meet at the cottage. Exhausted Edward fell asleep.

Hey! sleepy head Jack called, waking Edward Breakfast is ready!

Edward shook his head to wake up, and followed Jack to the dinning room.

Hey I know it’s none of my business, but if you want to talk about it Jack offered.

Thanks Edward mumbled, contemplating what to say.

You’re not leaving without explaining why you raced that poor horse so hard Jack stated, and left things alone.

Edward nodded, and when he was done eating, gave a quick highlight of his argument with his father. Jack just sat and listened. After a moments silence.

Well, It wouldn’t hurt to have him rest, and you know you’re more than welcome to stay. Jack suggested, Why don’t you stay the day, you can call home, so they know you’re safe, and perhaps with time, clearer heads will prevail

Jack such the optimist, but he was right let the air cool, and perhaps Edward and his father could talk, without getting so worked up. Edward agreed. Rather than spend the day indoors, Edward told Jack he was going to take one last walk around campus, fresh air, time and he would be good to set things straight back home.So Edward left, and walked to campus, just as if he was back in college.

Edward walked past the Business Management building, and stopped at the notice board, there was a new poster

The Army needs you!

Without thinking Edward decided this was his answer.So Edward headed back to Jack’sJack was out so Edward left him a note.

Dear Jack

I can’t thank you enough. I know it’s none of my business but Marry that girl. Don’t wait any longer, you may both regret it.

I’ve decided to join the Army, so I’m leaving Crimson here.I’m also leaving $800 dollars, for you to take good care of him.

It’s probably for the best, but it’s something I must do.

Please take care

Your friend forever

Edward.

Edward left the money inside the envelope, and placed it on the stand in the hallway near the door. Took one good look around, and headed to the stables.Edward patted and apologized to Crimson, and said goodbye. On his way to the recruitment center, Edward passed the telegraph office, and stepped inside.

DadSTOP

I’ve joined the armySTOP

Perhaps time will help us see eye to eyeSTOP

I love her and always willSTOP

Edward

Having at least let his dad know, Edward stepped into the new chapter of his life.

Chapter 2

Sometime in Summer 1947

Maxwell, approached the door, unsure but confident, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door and waited.

Hope answered the door and was more than shocked to see Maxwell Morgan standing at her door.

Good morning! Maxwell greeted.

Good morning Hope replied unsure if this was good or bad.

Is Beth....I mean Elizabeth home? Maxwell corrected himself.

Beth! Hope yelled back into the house, It’s for youHope closed, but left the door ajar.

A few minutes later and the door opened revealing Elizabeth, who was obviously cooking in the kitchen. She just stared in shock.

Good morning Maxwell greeted.

Elizabeth first checked to see who was standing beside or behind, Maxwell before answering. Good morning sir Elizabeth replied unsure of herself.

I know I’m the last person you expected to see today, But I was hoping we could talk? Maxwell asked trying to break the tension between them.

Elizabeth thought first, and then pulled the door open.

Not here, Maxwell stated, Mmmm,I mean in private Maxwell made himself clear,Ramon is in the truck Maxwell stepped back to show Ramon parked near the gate, Perhaps I could invite you to tea, in town?Maxwell suggested,Please

It had been what 6, no 7 years since Elizabeth had seen Maxwell, it wasn’t that they were complete strangers, but to find him, of all people here at her sister’s house. Something was up? Elizabeth was about to say no, but instead Just give me a minute Elizabeth replied, shocking herself just as much as Maxwell, who took a deep breath of relief.

Elizabeth closed the door and rushed back to the kitchen.

What does he want? Hope asked, I hope you told him to get lost!

I’m not sure, and no we’re going to tea in town, I’ll be back Elizabeth replied, taking her apron off, and dusting the excess