I'll Wait for You

By Shannon C. Miles

Love and Destiny. Chase Velasco fell for Justine Ashcraft when they were just kids. He had a chance the day before he left to join the Marines to take their friendship further but feeling noble he didn't want her to have to make promises to him at just 16. As the years pass, he can't seem to forget about her and as she goes about her life she can't seem to forget him either. Nearly two decades pass and Justine returns to Winnemucca, NV to finally take charge of her inheritance. She comes across letters and journals written by her great- aunt who left her with more than just wealth but tasked her with a mission to find justice for a crime that occurred more than 100 years before. She doesn't realize that someone else also has been tasked by a family promise to ensure that secrets remain secret. Justine and Chase will have to work together to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon C. Miles
• Release date: Mar 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310475917

Shannon C. Miles

I've been writing stories pretty much all my life. When I was 12 my parents bought me an electric typewriter. I would spend hours in my room writing stories but just as anything life sometimes gets in the way. I decided a few months ago that it was time to make that childhood dream of writing and publishing a novel come true. I have a degree in Social Studies Education from Ball State University. I am a bit of a history nerd and I love to travel. If the travel includes visiting historical sites then I am in History Lover Nirvana! Currently, I live in Indianapolis, IN with 1 very spoiled dog and 2 demanding cats. I am a sarcastic procrastinator. I find humor at inappropriate times (generally in the middle of funerals and other somber settings). I love the Cincinnati Reds and collecting magnets for every place I’ve visited- both are obsessions. I also enjoy hosting karaoke contest in my car- I generally win, only because I’m the only one in the car. One of these days I will grow up... hopefully not for many more years!

Book preview

Ashcraft Family Tree

Velasco Family Tree

Table of Contents

Ashcraft Family Tree

Velasco Family Tree

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

A Historic Makeover

Epilogue

Basque Words and Phrases

About the Author

Other books by this author

The Long Road to You Series

Connect with Shannon C. Miles

Prologue

May 10, 1909

20 Miles East of Winnemucca, NV

The train was rolling to a stop. William Swego Bill Coppy grinned although the thick blonde mustache and beard hid his glee. He stood with his broad shoulders thrown back and his hands resting on his hips. Bill was a man larger than life. He used his height and brawniness to intimidate weaker men. He may have been a man in his mid-40s, but he was still strong as a bull, and he knew how to get what he wanted. Standing on his right was Pedro The Saint DE Zamora. On his left was Juan The Baptist Baptista. The men were cousins.

DE Zamora was an excellent marksman. It didn’t matter to him that the ways of the old gunslingers were in the past. His dear mother had tried to push him into the priesthood when he was a child. To please her, he did attempt to become a priest. The temptation of women, booze, and a fast buck were too much of an allure. He left his studies and joined his cousin Juan and began terrorizing Texas. The nicest thing about DE Zamora was that he would give a man his last rites and a blessing before he put a bullet straight into his heart.

Baptista was the scarier of the two. Raised in the church as well, he never pretended to have lofty aspirations. Juan was the boy who would steal the communal wine and sneak behind the altar with a willing girl. A sharp rap on the knuckles for minor infractions was usual, but his mother was a wealthy woman in the little village in which they lived. She usually could make those in charge turn a blind eye to anything more serious. That ended when he got carried away one evening with one of the younger girls. She was just beginning to show signs of womanhood. She was a precious little thing. He couldn’t help it. He needed to know how it felt when the knife punctured the soft skin. The trickling of her blood was hypnotic. Her screams were muffled by his hand over her mouth, and he had his way with her. He used her blood and made the sign of the cross on her forehead. He murmured a prayer, the same prayer the priest used during the baptism. He felt powerful. He knew he had to leave.

He and Pedro left Mexico and made their way through Texas. They became notorious and highly wanted men. They moved North and ran into the Swego Gang. Bill recognized that the two men were beyond ruthless, but they also needed a strong hand to lead them on the right path. He took it upon himself to be that guide.

Once the train was at a complete stop, a grinning Irishman, George Washington Whaley, leaned out of the conductor’s window. He saluted the others and laughed out loud. Whaley joined the gang when he was a youth of 16. That was five years before. He was tall and lanky and one of the best fighters Bill had ever seen. Orphaned at age 10, George survived in the rough streets of New York City.

Good work, George, Bill said.

It’s all yours, Boss.

Pedro, Juan, start rounding up the passengers. Make sure they are all locked up tight. Do not kill any of them, Bill ordered. Don’t forget to cover your faces.

They both nodded. They didn’t look happy about the order.

He pulled the kerchief up over his face and boarded the train. George was still grinning as he joined Bill with the conductor. He pressed the gun to the man’s spine. Bill didn’t bother with his gun. He towered over the conductor. He used his size and his gaze to cause the man to be scared.

Take me to the gold, he said in a soft voice. He never had to raise his voice. The conductor nodded his head and led them to the secure car. He pounded on the door. Bill was ready for this. The gold was protected. He pushed the conductor out of the way, and he shot the lock of the door. He and George moved out of the line of fire and waited for the blasts from the shotguns on the other side of the barrier to subside. Bill used his immense size and barreled through the entry. George was right behind him. He was the first to violate his order. George was the second. The guards dropped to the floor. Bill turned to George and saw that the conductor was still outside the car cowering in a corner.

Tie him up then come back here. We’re going to take as much as we can carry. George nodded and moved to obey.

Bill looked over the bars of gold and silver stacked in neat pyramids. George returned shortly. His hands were full of saddle bags. He dropped them, and the two began loading up. They stuffed the bags as full as they could manage, Bill decided it was time to focus on the real job.

The gold and silver had just been an incentive. The real mark was the girl. He had been fascinated with her the moment he saw her. The boss wanted her home and too scared to ever venture away again. Bill just wanted her.

He made his way through the empty train cars and entered the dining car. The only people gathered in this car were those who had deeper pockets. He covered the bottom half of his face. He didn’t need her to recognize him yet. He looked around and saw Frank Ziegler and Montoya keeping the group under control.

He and Frank grew up together in Virginia. Even though they were born after the war, they were still influenced by those who told the tales. They both came from families whose lands were ravaged by the War of Northern Aggression. They both had bitter feelings towards those who raped their families’ livelihood. Bill knew he could count on Frank without a doubt for anything.

Montoya was an unknown. He had only been with the gang a couple of weeks. He was a quiet man- tall, dark eyes, long hair. Bill had a hard time determining the man’s nationality. He wasn’t as dark as Pedro and Juan. He could be an injun. Maybe Shoshone? He didn’t talk a lot. Bill was always apprehensive until a man proved himself. He would have to watch the man carefully to be sure he could trust him.

He glanced at the passengers. When he spotted her, he couldn’t look away. She was magnificent. Her hair glowed like gold in the afternoon sunlight piled on top of her head in the Gibson style. She was a tall woman with abundant curves. She didn’t need a corset to achieve the shape. She dressed as a beautiful lady should be dressed.

The other passengers were visibly scared, but she appeared indignant. He stopped in front of her and forced her to look at him. A glint of gold around her neck drew his eyes.

That is a lovely locket, he said brushing his fingers against the silk blouse and lifting the pure gold necklace for a better look. She jerked back and away from him. A surge of anger coursed through his veins. She denies him?

I said, that’s a lovely locket, he repeated angrily. He reached for the necklace again, but she took another step back.

You can’t have it! she declared. She covered the locket protectively with her hand.

You will discover, my dear, that I can have anything I want, he countered in a soft, smooth voice. He reached out and grabbed the locket and yanked hard. The delicate chain broke effortlessly. She lunged for it, but Montoya intervened. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away. Bill didn’t miss the look of loathing she gave Montoya.

Montoya and Frank had boarded the train as passengers in Sacramento. The plan had been for them to make sure the gold and silver were loaded onto the train and also make sure the girl stayed on the train. As he watched her with Montoya, he wondered how friendly Montoya got with her. Bill had seen how females turned when he passed. Bill studied them carefully.

He must give it back! It was my mother’s! she said turning dark blue eyes up to Montoya. He saw her expression soften for a moment. He thought he saw tears fill her eyes, but then she broke eye contact with the man and closed her eyes as she took a couple of deep breaths. She looked back up at him. The anger and indignation had returned. I demand that you hand over the locket!

Montoya forced her towards the back of the train and shoved her into a seat. If you are smart, you will shut up and stay down.

Why should I listen to you? she asked glaring up at him. Bill watched them interact. He couldn’t hear Montoya’s response, but it caused her eyes to narrow. She then looked away from him dismissively. Her eyes landed on him. You will not get away with this.

He moved swiftly and forced Montoya out of his way. The woman was his. He couldn’t take her now, but he could wait.

My lovely, he said leaning over her. He crowded her into a corner of the plush seat. We already have gotten away with this. He lingered a moment and saw when the façade of bravery melted, and the fear entered her eyes. His task was complete. He pushed away and turned to his men.

Let’s go. They hurried through the train. The horses were loaded down. The men mounted up and rode off. The Swego Gang had struck again.

May 10, 1909

Dear Finnian,

You will never believe what occurred today! I thought train robberies were something in the past or something we read about in a Penny Dreadful! Well, I had my first experience with a train robbery! It was scary and exciting at the same time. Thankfully, I never travel with a lot of expensive jewelry although I was upset when they took my golden locket. You know the one that my mother gave me. I nearly fought the slimy outlaw but then someone with a more level head than I intervened.

You don’t need to worry. I am fine. The only problem is that when the train arrived in the next town, well, I insisted on visiting the local sheriff to report the theft. You know how I can get. I ended up having to track the sheriff down to a saloon, and then I had to convince him to take the report. By the time I was done, the train had left. I am stranded in this little town in Nevada with barely enough money to get a room for the night and a hot meal.

Lucky for me the people of the town are very friendly. I have already purchased another ticket to continue home on the next train east which isn’t until tomorrow afternoon. I suppose that Father will be furious that I delayed his plans. You know how I feel about that. Maybe I can think of something to further delay my arrival. Of course, I wouldn’t do that. Not the dutiful daughter that I am. If only he would listen to me. I don’t want to marry Edgar. I hope that this last year has shown him how much I don’t wish to do so.

I’m going to post this in the morning. I will most likely be back in Chicago before it is delivered to you. I just wanted to reassure you that I am fine. I’ll write again once I’m home. Give my love to your wonderful family.

Your loving little sister,

Justina

P.S. Before you ask, yes, I also sent a scathing report to the Union Pacific office in Chicago. As well as to the authorities. Those outlaws will not get away with robbing innocent people! I don’t care how intriguing they are!

P.S.S. Ignore that last sentence. He was by far intriguing. He was a lying snake.

JUNE 15, 1993

From the Journal of Justina Ashcraft

Another summer begins. This is my 105th summer. I know there are some who are anticipating my last summer. I too wonder when that will be. Until that time comes, I vow to continue to live my life as I always have- the way I choose.

I am currently waiting for my great-great-great grandniece Justine to arrive and spend another summer with me. I look forward to her visit every year, but this year I also dread it. I have agreed to leave this house and return with Justine to San Francisco. I never thought I would leave this home. At least, not while I was still breathing. I’m not sure if I can abandon my Mikel.

I love Justine’s visits. Of all my nieces and nephews, she is by far my favorite. Oh, I know I shouldn’t say that. I’m an old woman, and I’ve been an aunt almost all my life. I think that makes me an authority on all things Auntie. The fact that she is named for me could be the reason for my feelings. Another reason is that she resembles me so much. When I look at her, I feel like I’m looking at a mirror to the past. I also just love how feisty she is! She has never been afraid to speak her mind, and I like that so much! I recall one visit when I overheard her telling the Velasco boy that one day she was going to marry him, and he was going to like it! I chuckled so much. I must say Chase Velasco took the news pretty well, for a seven-year-old boy.

I hope she has moved passed that awkward stage. For the last few years, I have been in fear that she would never grow into her feet. Although watching her trip on thin air last summer brought me hours of enjoyment. I have no doubt she will become comfortable in her skin. She has a similar build to me. She has never been a frail, weak girl, and she will not be a frail woman. She is a tall, sturdy girl, just as I was. I know her mother feared that she would always be called large or chubby. When I look at the girl, I see a child capable of surviving anything. Just as I was able to survive everything.

I better remember to call Jasper to remind his son to come to the house. Justine will be helping me box up the house in preparation for moving to San Francisco, and we will need Chase to do some heavy lifting.

I can’t help but imagine that my Mikel looked just like Chase when he was the same age. The other day, when Chase was mowing my lawn, I almost called him Mikel. His smile is almost the same. His hair is also the same shade of dark brown, and his eyes the same warm dark brown. I have watched that child grow from an infant. In fact, since moving to Winnemucca, I have watched every generation of Velasco’s grow from an infant to death. I am very thankful that Mikel’s family took me to their hearts. They have been my family ever since I met them all those years ago.

I had to stop and chuckle. It is hard to believe that I first came to Winnemucca 84 years ago. This town was barely a train stop, and yet it became the place where my heart belonged. I just wished I knew then that my time with my Mikel would be so fleeting.

I believe I hear a car. That must be Justine. I hear the clock ticking down my time in my home.

Chapter One

Summer 1993, Winnemucca, NV

Justine Ashcraft considered Aunt Justina’s house as a second home. It was a tradition that all the nieces and nephews would spend the summer with Aunt Tina. Not every family had a living legend. Not only was Aunt Tina the oldest member of the Ashcraft family, but she was also the feistiest. One would never know that she was over 100 years old! Justine loved visiting with her aunt and learning about the family history. It sparked her love of all things historical.

Sadly, this year, Justine was the last of the cousins who would spend her summer in Winnemucca with Aunt Tina. She was going to miss the old house. The house was built in the early 1900s. Aunt Justina told her at that time it was so far from town that it would take 3 to 4 hours by horse to get into town. Nestled close to Sonoma Creek, it was now just south of the municipal airport and an easy drive into town. Justine had seen an old photo of the house, and it had not been altered much from the original three-story, Queen Anne Victorian structure it was today.

Through the years, she had gotten lost in the many nooks and crannies. Rummaging through the trunks in the attic took hours. Aunt Tina didn’t seem to get rid of anything.

Justine was also going to miss the Velasco twins Gabrielle and Franchesca. The Velasco kids were as much family as her brother and cousins. Thankfully, not related at all considering Justine’s long-standing crush on Chase Velasco.

Last summer she had made a big fool of herself trying to get his attention. She had wasted so many hours and tears, but he never seemed to notice her, at least not as anything more than a distant relation.

Aunt Tina had caught her in a moment of teary melancholy, and she seemed to understand the root of the issue. That was the day she shared some of her wisdom.

My dear, she said taking Justine’s hands, When the time is right. When you meet the person worthy of all that you have to offer. You will not have to do anything but catch his eye. Until then, just be you. Learn to love you and never accept anything less.

Those words echoed through her head even after her visit was over and she returned home and to school. She spent the last year doing just as Aunt Tina suggested. She focused on her studies. Justine discovered that she excelled at soccer. She was friendly with the boys she grew up with, but she stopped trying to make them like her.

The result was that her GPA put her near the top of her class. Her childhood chunkiness had melted away, and she was now 5’8", with lean muscles, and voluptuous curves. Although she was still sturdy, and she would never be dainty, she was starting to get used to her height, and she enjoyed the attention her figure caused. She was still the same Justine, but perhaps a bit more self-assured.

She was sitting in Aunt Tina’s bright kitchen nursing a glass of orange juice and munching on toast when a loud knock came from the front door. She panicked. Dressed in her sleep clothes which consisted of cut off sweats and a tank top with a sports bra underneath. Her hair piled on top of her head, and her face was shiny and make up free. In other words, she was not dressed to open the door to anyone! Unfortunately, she didn’t have a choice because Aunt Tina was still in bed.

Reluctantly, she walked to the front foyer and peeked out the curtain and then moaned out loud when she saw who was visiting so early.

She opened the door and unenthusiastically greeted the star of all her girlhood dreams: Chase Velasco.

Well, well, well, Chase drawled as his eyes moved down her form and then back up. Look who decided to show finally.

Justine stepped back to allow him to enter the house.

Yep, I got here yesterday, she said clearly embarrassed.

Chase couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her. That was incredible how much change could occur in a year. Last year, he thought she was so young. It probably didn’t help that she was the same age as his sisters and that he had known her since they were all little children. As he looked her over, he couldn’t help but notice that she no longer looked like a child.

I’ll tell Aunt Tina you’re here.

I can tell her. She probably already knows anyway. That lady may be 105 years old, but I swear she has the ears of a cat. She never misses a thing!

Fine. I think she’s still in bed. After all, it is nearly dawn, she said pointedly and turned to head up the stairs.

I doubt that, he replied following her. She turned and held her hands out to stop him.

I need to get dressed. You can stay down here, she stated.

Chase and his sisters could come and go anywhere in Aunt Tina’s house. She welcomed them as if they were her kin. To be told in so many words that he couldn’t go upstairs gave him pause.

She seemed to understand and smiled politely, Make yourself comfortable down here. I’ll be back in a moment.

She turned her back and hurried up the stairs. He watched her ascend the stairs but called up to her before she reached the landing.

Hey, Justine. His dark brown eyes roamed over her again.

She stopped and turned to look down at him. Yes.

You are looking mighty good, he said catching her eye and giving her a wink.

She rolled her eyes and turned her back on him again. He didn’t see it, but as she continued up the stairs, a secret smile touched her lips.

During the month of June, if Chase wasn’t working on his Uncle’s ranch, Salazar Station, or at the family auto repair shop, he was at Aunt Tina’s house. Justine tasked him with helping her go through the old house and decide what needed to be boxed up for storage and what was going to go with Aunt Tina to San Francisco.

As they worked together, he found himself watching her more often. He noticed that her golden blonde hair was longer. He found himself wondering if it felt as silky as it looked. Every time she glanced up at him, he felt a little lost looking into her turquoise eyes. Then there were all her curves! She was built just like Marilyn Monroe. His fingers itched to discover just how soft those curves were. Every time she bent over, or reached for something, he couldn’t help but feel certain parts of him stir to life, and his mouth instantly became dry.

He needed to keep those thoughts away. He was going to leave for Marine basic training at the end of the summer, and she was still in high school. It wouldn’t be fair to get involved with her just to have it end when he left home. No matter how tempting.

They were in the attic. It was still early enough in the day that the stifling heat didn’t make it unbearable. Aunt Tina had decided she wanted everything in the attic cataloged. Chase tried to keep his complaints to a minimum. Justine couldn’t wait to get started.

Was it always filled with this stuff? he asked looking around trying to hide his horror.

I think so, Justine said.

Where do we start?

Pick a box or a trunk, she replied taking charge.

Do you know how long this is going to take? he whined slightly.

That much longer with you just standing there moaning, she stated.

Man, when did you get bossy?

I’ve always been bossy. You just chose to ignore it, she said with a grin.

He gave her a lazy, crooked smile and she waited for what was to follow.

Justine, baby, you don’t need me for this, right? he asked. He gazed into her eyes not looking away. She knew what he was trying to do. Too many girls had done his bidding based on that same smile he gave her. She would be the first to shoot him down.

Get to work, Chase, she demanded with her hands on her hips. He sighed and grabbed one of the plastic bins they had dragged upstairs to store any loose items.

Justine fought the urge to laugh. He may have been taller and broader than most of the boys she knew, but in other ways, he acted just like his 18-year-old peers. She allowed a moment just to look at him as Chase got to work. He let his dark hair grow out during the year. He currently wore it tied back, but sometimes in the early mornings, while she lay in bed, she wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through the long dark brown length. His arms and shoulders were so defined now from years of working on the family ranch and working on muscle cars. She looked forward to that part of the day when he would take his shirt off. Every time he did that, she became momentarily stupid. She forced her eyes away from him and got busy.

They worked all morning with some chit chatting. She became so engrossed in the chore that surprisingly she forgot he was even in the same space until he interrupted her when it was time for lunch.

When they returned to the attic after the break, the attic was significantly hotter than before. She dragged a box fan up the stairs hoping it would help a little bit.

She was sitting on the floor going through a bookshelf. Chase was sitting on the other side, shirtless of course. She was trying to keep from visibly drooling.

Have you decided on a college yet? Chase asked.

I don’t have a choice. It’s Northwestern, she replied.

What do you mean you don’t have a choice?

It’s a family thing. I don’t know exactly how it originated, but one person from each of Finnian Ashcraft’s lines, that’s my great-great grandfather, has to attend Northwestern University. The family scholarship pays the tuition. They are also required to participate in all Ashcraft family functions and become acquainted with our distant relatives.

This distant line of Ashcrafts, are they that important? he asked.

Ever hear of the Astors? she asked.

His eyebrows raised up. That important?

Yep. They are like a retail empire.

How come that empire doesn’t trickle down to you? he asked.

She couldn’t resist teasing him. Would I be more attractive if you knew I had a bulging trust fund?

He stopped what he was doing and looked at her. There wasn’t a hint of a smile on his face.

Your attractiveness has nothing to do with how much money you may or may not have.

She felt her face flame up, and she broke eye contact with him.

I was just kidding, she said humbled.

Justine, never joke about that, he said gruffly. She swallowed over the lump in her throat and then returned to the conversation.

To answer your question, my great-great-great grandfather Andrew Ashcraft started the family business. His son, Finnian was the black sheep of the family. He was the scholar. Around the turn of the century, Grandfather Finnian was offered a position at Stanford University, which was still in its early days. He couldn’t pass it up. He left the Midwest and took his family with him. My great grandfather Thor, his oldest son, was 10 when they moved to California. That’s how we ended up there.

Your great grandfather’s name was Thor? Like the God of Thunder? Chase asked trying to remain polite.

Watch it Chase Velasco! she warned. Grandpa Finnian was an instructor of Norse mythology and history. He named all of his sons after a Norse God.

How awful for them, Chase grimaced.

Only if they weren’t men enough to handle the names.

You’re right, he conceded, fighting to keep from laughing, I’m sorry. He was good for a couple of heartbeats, but then he couldn’t hold in the laughter.

She allowed him to laugh it off. She crossed her arms in front of her and chose to ignore him. When he finally settled down, she deemed to look at him.

Are you done? she asked raising a golden eyebrow.

I think so, he replied with one last chuckle.

Good.

So, your side was cut off from the family fortune.

Apparently.

Well that bites, he responded.

Not really. We all still get an education. We all get the scholarship. It’s just one from each line has to attend Northwestern and fulfill that proviso.

Did you volunteer or were you elected?

Well, it’s a bit fuzzy. I’m not too upset. Northwestern is a great school. I also get to go for free. It could be worse.

I’m surprised a California girl is willing to go so far.

She shrugged and selected another book from the shelf. I’m ready for something different.

There’s nothing to keep you on the west coast? he asked, this time, looking away.

She wanted to blurt out that she would wait at home forever if he just said the word. She didn’t though. She remembered Aunt Tina’s words.

Not currently, she replied. She shook the book gently and was a bit surprised that a folded piece of brown paper fell out of the old cookbook. She picked up the paper and gingerly unfolded it. She was trying to decipher what it was when Chase moved closer.

Find something? he asked in a hushed tone.

Maybe, she said unsurely. The paper was ripped in half. She shook the book a bit more, but nothing else fell out. She wondered if the other half was even in the attic. It could have been discarded decades before.

He reached for the paper, and she allowed him to take it. She picked a few more books from the shelf and flipped through the pages, but nothing appeared.

Just, Chase said, I think this is part of a map.

A map of what? she asked leaning closer to him to examine it.

Dunno, he said, But do you see this mark here? he asked pointing out a line of upside down Vs. She nodded. I think that indicates a mountain range.

What about those other marks?

Well I think this line here, he ran his long finger along a faint line with short interval dash marks, is a railroad.

This could be a river, she suggested pointing out another line that seemed to snake through the paper.

Without the rest of it, there’s no telling what it’s for.

It could be anywhere, she sighed looking around.

Yep, Chase said handing it back to her, It could also be nothing.

Justine shook her head. Aunt Tina kept it for a reason. I’m going to get a plastic bag to keep it safe. She stood up and took a moment to stretch after sitting for so long.

She glanced down and caught him examining her bare legs. She was glad she thought to shave her legs earlier. His dark eyes skimmed over her legs, and he lifted his eyes to hers. A slow grin drifted over his lips. It took every molecule of strength in her being to stop herself from tackling him to the ground.

What’s wrong? she asked her mouth dry.

Nothing, he said letting his eyes drift back down to her legs.

Then why are you looking at me like that?

Have I told you how much I like your legs?

No, she replied fighting to remain unaffected.

I probably should have, he said. He lifted a hand and gently ran a finger along her calf.

Why are you telling me now? she asked fighting off a shiver that ran through her from that touch.

Just thought about it, he replied grinning up at her.

She rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. How many other girls have you told the same?

You’re the first.

She scoffed, Really? I happen to remember your girlfriend last summer. You never told her she had good legs?

Hers were okay. Yours look better.

Chase, you are such a player, she said shaking her head and walking away. There may have been a bit more sway in her hips as she left him.

July began, and the house was starting to look more organized. Justine was discovering she had a knack for determining which items should be saved or donated. It took hours of arguments, but she had finally convinced Aunt Tina that particular items should go to the local county museum. The family had always chuckled that Aunt Tina was a bit of a hoarder, but Justine just realized how much stuff Aunt Tina had collected over the years.

The boxes of items Aunt Tina insisted went with her were moved to the garage which also housed her mint condition, black, 1937 V16 Fleetwood Cadillac convertible coup. The car was starting to get crowded by all the boxes, but Chase refused to allow the car to sit outside.

It’s just a car, Justine argued one afternoon.

It’s a classic. You do not put a classic in the elements.

That’s ridiculous Chas. It will only be for a few days.

My family has worked too hard to keep that car in pristine condition. I will not permit it, Justine! he replied, and there was no teasing or joking in his tone.

Justine knew that the Velasco family always made sure Aunt Tina was taken care of, but Justine was beginning to understand just how much they did for her aunt. It was apparent that Aunt Tina was not just the grand matriarch of the Ashcraft family. She was treated as the matriarch of the Velasco family. Justine had never questioned it before now.

My grandfather told me that he was with Aunt Tina when she ordered the car. You do know they stopped production on this series after World War II?

I didn’t know that.

She was my grandfather’s first customer. Grandpa Diego always said that if it weren't for Aunt Tina, the garage would have failed the first year.

When did he start the business?

He was 19 years old when he opened the shop. He converted an old carriage house to a one bay garage. It was pretty risky, but I guess Aunt Tina helped him a lot.

I suppose our family owes your family for taking such good care of her.

She’s as much our family as she is yours, he replied.

Justine paused in her work and asked, Why is that?

Chase stopped as well to contemplate the question. You know, I’m not sure. It’s just always been that way.

Justine thought to ask Aunt Tina, but the older woman was a tough task master, and whenever Justine remembered, her aunt thought of something else that needed to be done.

When Justine wasn’t working around the house, she was driving her aunt around town. Aunt Tina had a set routine for her errands, and she was adamant that she kept to her schedule. Part of that routine was making a weekly stop at the local cemetery. Justine wasn’t superstitious, but it was a bit morbid. Aunt Tina directed her to the same part of the cemetery every time. She refused any help and demanded Justine stay in the car. Justina would slowly make her way to a particular grave. It appeared as if she was talking to the headstone, or maybe she was praying. Justine could never tell. Then Aunt Tina would slowly return to the car. She would then direct Justine to the next stop.

Who do you visit? Justine asked. The last couple of weeks she had kept her curiosity to herself. She couldn’t contain it anymore.

Just a friend, Aunt Tina replied and then didn’t say more.

Justine wasn’t bold enough to pry. She didn’t ask the question again.

The evenings were Justine’s free time. The twins would pick her up and take her to all the local spots. Gabrielle and Franchesca may have been twins, but they were not identical. Gaby was taller than Franny. Franny was thinner than Gaby. Gaby’s hair was naturally straight and Franny’s curly. The only thing identical about them was that they both had dark brown eyes like Chase as well as dark brown hair. They had been Justine’s close companions since they were basically in diapers.

What’s happening tonight? Justine asked Gaby as they drove into town.

This is Winnemucca, Gaby replied.

Nothing is ever happening, Franny finished.

Justine didn’t know if it was a twin thing or just their thing. One always started a statement, and the other would finish. It took some getting used to but after a few weeks, one realized it was normal for them.

Where are we going then?

Red’s, they both answered. Red’s was Winnemucca’s version of Mel’s Diner. It was the place where all the teens congregated. Boys went to show off their cars. Girls went to see the boys with the cool cars.

Justine enjoyed Red’s. During her past visits she had met some of the local teens, but this was the first year when she was without her older cousins or a sibling. It was a bit odd not to have to compete.

In the course of socializing, a few of the local boys showed an increased interest in her. One of the boys just happened to be a cousin of the Velascos, Tucker Salazar.

On the days that Chase wasn’t able to help, some of the boys would show up to lend a hand. The only one she didn’t get annoyed with was Tucker. It didn’t hurt that he was almost as good- looking as Chase.

Aunt Tina thought it was amusing that there were so many boys vying for Justine’s attention. Justine just wished the one she wanted would pay as much attention to her.

July moved into August and the time to leave was getting closer. Chase was helping at the house again. He didn’t realize how much he missed being in Justine’s company until he was sitting at the kitchen table and felt a sense of calm. He had seen her, but it always seemed to be in passing. His eyes surreptitiously roamed over her. The sun shining through the window seemed to create a halo around her golden hair. Her turquoise eyes were brighter and appeared to glow whenever she glanced at him. Her skin was still porcelain, proof that she didn’t spend much of the day outside. His eyes began to traverse further south when Aunt Tina’s chuckle interrupted his thoughts.

I thought you were getting replaced young man, she said with a mysterious smile and a twinkle in her dark blue eyes.

Chase looked at her quizzically. Replaced where?

"Here, of course.