Rosewood

By Johnny Jones

Rosewood came from an idea that came about as a way to keep myself entertained. I enjoyed the story to the point that I decided to write it down. The story is about the romance of two people, Brad and Beth, who were set up by a mutual friend. Their interactions with each other, their family, their children, and their friends which were born out of their love for God and each other, set them on a journey that nether one expected. Their daughters are starting their first year of college and Brad is taking a look back over his life with Beth. I asked a friend of mine, who is a woman about 50, to read Rosewood and she told me that she enjoyed it and would recommend it to her friends. This is why I decided to publish Rosewood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Johnny Jones
• Release date: Jul 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310646942

Johnny Jones

Johnny served 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, 63B10C and achieved the rank of E4/SP4. Johnny was also a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Star Scout. He has been a Boy Scout leader, a Girl Scout leader, a 4-H leader, and has served in his local Church.Johnny L Jones Lives in Kansas with his wife of over 30 years whom he met while in the Army. They have three adult children, two Sons who live and work in the Midwest, and a Daughter who is seeking higher education in the North. They also live with Buddy, a Cocker Spaniel and former show dog.You can contact Johnny L Jones at [e-mail]

Book preview

Rosewood

Written by

Johnny L Jones

All rights reserved

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Copyright © 2016 by Johnny L. Jones

ISBN: 978-1517000783

Smashwords Edition

Acknowledgments

To my beautiful wife, Gail Jones: Thank you for the editing, your

encouragement and believing in me that

I could write thisstory.

To Michelle McDaniel: Thank you for putting up with all my silly questions while I was writing this story.

To my very good friend Susan Merrifield. Thank you for helping me make this story enjoyable for others. Sometimes what made sense as I was writing might not make sense to others. You helped me to see this.

To Elizabeth Groote, Thank you for doing the cover art

To Davis Professional Imaging, Thank you for doing the graphics.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Courtship

New beginnings

Kori, Kelli, and Amy

Welcome to Violet

A day at the beach

Reunion

Chapter 7, for lack of a better name

Jasmine Stone

Nurettans Syndrome

Epilogue

Courtship

My life with Beth has been one joy after another. Let me tell you a little about the two of us. My name is Brad and I lived in Rosewood Province in the small town of Violet. Rosewood is centrally located with lush green rolling hills. Most of the cities are named for flowers or trees. I’m 5’10 with brown hair and green eyes. I worked for a local manufacturing company called Back Trail Gear in purchasing. They make camping equipment. Beth is 5’2 with blond hair and blue eyes. She was an actress/model. She worked for an agency called The Rose Modeling Agency doing local TV ads and other modeling in and around the city of Rose which is about 20 minutes north of Violet. Rose is Rosewood Province’s largest city. When we met Beth also lived in Violet. Neither Beth nor I have brothers or sisters. However we do have two beautiful daughters. Because of the railroad, Violet has the distinction of being the smallest town in the country with two high schools. I was an East High Titan; Beth was a West High Stallion. Our schools run from grade one to grade thirteen. As with any relationship we’ve had plenty of highs and lows. I have chosen to concentrate on the highs. That being said, one low I will mention here and refer to later but not go into detail on is that after our girls were born Beth got very sick. The doctors still don’t know what she had but it settled in her reproductive system. After a hysterectomy she made a full recovery. We now live outside Beaver Creek, Durango Province at a place called The Caves.

The receptionist for Back Trail Gear, Sera is a good friend of mine; we had seldom seen each other outside of work before Beth and I met. I had set Sera up with my best friend Roger. Sera and Roger were together until the company Roger worked for transferred him out of Province. Sera and Roger kept in touch but the long distance thing just wasn’t working for them. Sera kept telling me she was going to have to pay me back. I told her thanks but that wasn’t necessary.

Sera had a party to celebrate her birthday. At the party she introduced me to Beth, her best friend since grade one. She is absolutely beautiful. Her natural blond hair came down to the middle of her back. She has the deepest blue eyes I have ever seen. She was wearing a green V-neck sweater and a short red skirt that showed off her natural charms very well. Both sets of nails were polished ruby red. They showed well at the end of her slender fingers and her black sandals with five inch heels. Around her neck she was wearing a necklace that held a small pendent that held a small ruby. She was also wearing ruby earrings and a small ruby ring on her right hand. I had decided to dress casual, a short sleeve button down shirt and a pair of slacks. We complemented each other quite well. For the rest of the party Beth and I monopolized each other’s time. We left the party together and eventually watched the sunrise together as we walked along the river walk. As the sun broke the horizon we shared our first kiss by an art sculpture designed by a local artist. The sculpture is geometric shapes and has five legs. Then we walked to the local coffee shop where we had breakfast together. After dropping her off at her car and heading home I started kicking myself for not getting her number. I figured I could get it from Sera on Monday.

Monday, however, was a very hectic day at work and I only saw Sera in passing. Tuesday I had a vacation day and went to the city of Rose with my parents. They had just retired and bought a house in one of the southern Provinces on the beach and mom wanted a family portrait done before they left. Melvin, my dad, Helen, my mom, and I went to the portrait studio at the big shopping mall in Rose.

I was hoping there would be at least four of us in this picture by now, maybe even six. Mom said.

In time Mom. I said. In time.

When we finished we decided to get something to eat. The mall had the usual fast food court and one nice restaurant. We went to the nice place. The seating hostess told us there were two dining rooms. One with a fifteen-minute wait and the other we could be seated right away; however, there was a TV ad being filmed. If we chose that one, we were to not look at the camera and act as if that were normal. Dad said he didn’t care where we ate and we were seated right away. When we walked in to the dining room I noticed a man sitting next to a camera looking bored. Two men were standing next to a table talking to a third man who was seated, and sitting across the table from him was Beth. She looked up. I smiled and nodded to her. She smiled back and then turned her attention back to the others.

When we were seated mom asked Who is she?

Her name is Beth; I meet her at a party last weekend. I replied.

Did you have breakfast with her? Dad asked.

Melvin! Shot Mom.

It’s ok Mom. He’s just trying to rile me, and as a matter of fact, we did have breakfast together. I said. Both mom and dad stared at me in surprise.

Just then the man sitting at the table with Beth stood up and shouted I’VE HAD IT! I QUIT! Then he stormed out.

Our waitress came and took our drink order. When she left to fill it I looked up to see Beth coming over followed by the two men.

Beth said Brad it’s really great to see you!

It’s really great to see you too. Beth, I want you to meet my dad Melvin and my mom Helen. I said. She shook each ones hand in turn.

Having a little trouble over there? I asked.

Yes we are. Beth replied. That’s partly why we came over. This is Mike my boss and director and Steve the owner of the restaurant. I nodded to each as they were behind Beth and she was on the other side of the table from me.

Mike asked Have you ever done any acting before?

Only in high school, and not very much. I replied. Dad and Mom looked at each other and smiled.

Mike said All we need for you to do is read a couple of small lines and enjoy the pie we are selling. I will pay you 25 for your trouble.

Both Steve and Beth turn to Mike in shock. If this man agrees, he is getting you out of a bind. If you expect me to sign off on the ad and pay you, you will pay him a fair wage. Steve said.

Like what? Mike asked. Then he added He doesn’t do this kind of stuff every day.

You’re paying me 85. I believe you were going to pay Jo 85 also. I agree that the 100 he wanted was too high, but 85 is a fair wage. said Beth.

That is a good wage and one I’ll pay on. Steve said.

OKAY! Mike said 85 then.

I’ll also throw in a steak dinner. Beth said.

Then I asked Is there anything else I would need to do?

You would need to pretend you like being with me, Beth replied.

Well I don’t know if I could pull that off. I said.

Beth smiled and Mike was shocked. But…

Beth cut him off short Relax Mike, he’s joking.

Mike asked So you’ll do it then?

Yes I will. I replied.

You and your party’s meals are on the house. Anything you want. Steve told us.

The three of us walked over to where they were shooting. Beth and Mike went over what they wanted with me. We did the ad in one take and Mike offered me a job. I turned him down then thanked him.

It is I that needs to thank you. said Mike. Then he handed me a check. Both Steve and Mike shook my hand and thanked me. Then Steve went back to his kitchen and Mike helped the cameraman pack up and go. Beth and I walked back over to where my parents were seated.

What are your plans for the rest of the day? I asked Beth.

I’m done for the day. She replied.

Would like to join us. Dad asked.

Are you sure? Beth asked

Definitely sure. Mom said.

We enjoyed a good meal and got to know each other better. My parents even told her about their moving. Beth lived with her mom to take care of her and keep her from being lonely because her dad had passed away a year earlier. Then I found out she lived just three blocks from my apartment. With that information mom and dad gave each other a look.

Then dad asked Beth would you mind taking Brad back to town? We have some things to wrap up before we head south and Brad would be so bored the rest of the day.

I would love to. Beth replied. With that we bid my parents farewell and headed in to the mall.

We spent most of the rest of the day looking around in the three story mall. Early evening we headed back to Violet. It was about supper time so she took me to the local steakhouse. While enjoying the rest of my pay we decided to date.

I want to stay with my mom. Beth said.

That’s was fine with me Beth. Besides, there’s not much room in my apartment. I said.

Beth paid the check. The only time she ever paid. Then she took me to meet Silvia her mom. Silvia and I hit it off as well as Beth had with my parents.

After about an hour we headed over to Sera’s place to tell her the news. I just knew you two were perfect for each other. Sera said. Then she added I told you I would pay you back didn’t I Brad.

I asked For what?

Sera replied For Roger of course! After a short visit Beth took me home.

When I got home the following Friday after work Beth came by my apartment. I lived in a studio apartment which didn’t offer much space. One corner of my living room I used to store my camping equipment. I offered Beth a glass of ice tea and when I brought it to her she was looking over my camping gear.

Do you go camping a lot? Beth asked.

I replied Some, but not as much as I would like to. Then I asked Do you ever go camping?

No. I don’t like crawling things. She said.

It’s not that bad. I told her Most of them are more afraid of you than you are of them. The rest don’t even know they are crawling on you. Just shake them off. Beth and I changed the subject; however Beth kept looking over at the camping gear.

Finally Beth said Brad if we’re going to make this work I need to do some things you like to do. Then she asked Would you please take me camping?

I will if you want to, but only if you really want to. You don’t have to go camping to impress me. You’ve already done that. I replied.

I really want to Brad. I’ve never wanted to before but I want to go with you. Beth said. Then she asked What would I need to buy?

You’ll need a sleeping bag and a pack for your clothing. I have everything else we’ll need. Let me talk to Clayton or Pete, friends of mine, and see if one of them will loan us what you need. Let’s see if you like camping before you buy anything. I said. Then I asked What about your mom?

Our next door neighbors George and Betsy have told me if I ever want to get away to let them know and they’ll look after mom. Beth replied.

Afterward we went out for supper.

When my parents got settled into their new home Beth and I went to see them. We were a little surprised to find a full sized bed in the guest room.

Melvin, are you sure you want us to share a room? Beth asked.

We decided to get that bed after the two of you left the restaurant. We don’t have much space here, and you can call me Dad. He said.

After we settled in we found mom in the kitchen. Beth asked Helen, may I help with anything?

First it’s Mom. I pretty well have things in hand but if you would have a seat I would enjoy the company. Brad, your dad is on the back deck. Mom said.

Dad and mom moved outside of Manatee, Coral Province. Coral is named for the coral reef that follows most the coast line. Most of the cities are named for marine life. A peninsula jets about 15 miles from the main coastline and is about 10 miles at its widest point. Manatee covers most of the northern part of the peninsula. My folks lived at the southernmost tip. There’s a lighthouse not too far from where they lived. They lived in a small white house with blue shutters. It reminded me more of a cottage in the woods rather than a beach house. The house had a living room, kitchen, full bathroom, utility room, and three bedrooms. A master bedroom, guest room and one they were using as a storage room. Their back deck was about 20’x40’ and sits at the edge of the beach. A planter ran the full length of one rail cap on the east side. From the back deck most of the year it appears the sun rises up out of and sets into the sea. They had a white metal table with a Plexiglas top and four white metal chairs on the deck.

I sat down and dad asked So, what are your intentions with that young lady?

We’ve been dating about a month. Right now we’re taking things one day at a time. However I do love Beth. I replied.

We sat in silence for a little bit watching the sunrays dance off the few clouds and the water as the sun started to set.

Then dad asked I’m getting some ice tea, would you like a glass?

I replied Yes, thank you. Just then Beth appeared with two glasses of ice tea.

I love the service here. Hey miss would you be a dear and see if the house has any lemon for the tea? I asked.

Beth replied Oh I am sorry sir, but this is not my table. We kissed then Beth went back inside to help mom bring out supper.

As soon as the door closed behind her dad looked at me and said If you’re smart you’ll hold on tight to this one.

Mom and Beth brought some more things out. Would you like some more help Mom? I asked

I think we got it. She said.

When they came back out again they each had a plate of food in each hand. Beth set down the plates for her and me. Then I got up to help her with her chair. As I sat back down I noticed dad and mom staring, mom still holding both of her plates.

Beth asked Is something wrong?

Dad asked Does he always do that or, is he showing off?

Brad has always done that from the first day we met. If you remember he did so that day at the restaurant. Beth replied.

Yes he did. Mom said. I guess we raised a gentleman after all. She said to dad.

I talked to Clayton and he agreed to let Beth borrow a sleeping bag and pack. Outside of Violet there are some woods at the edge of a lake. A couple of weeks after we got home from dad and moms, Beth and I went camping. We went to the lake after work on Friday. We were setting up the tent when a herd of deer came to the lake for their evening drink. Beth was in awe of the site. No wonder you like to go camping. Beth said. I built a fire and set up the camp stove to cook super. I told Beth to relax and I cooked steaks on the fire and noodles and a vegetable on the camp stove. I also made an apple cobbler in a Dutch oven. Beth was impressed. She didn’t think we would eat so well. It was after dark when we finished eating. We cleaned the dishes together then we talked and listen to the sounds around us. We decided to sleep under the stars. Beth went into the tent to change for bed and when she came out I then did the same. We kissed goodnight then went to sleep right away. The next morning I woke first. I dressed and started coffee and breakfast. When Beth woke she was surprised by all the wildlife coming to the lake for a drink. We had breakfast then hiked in the woods. After lunch we went fishing. We heard a truck pull up next to mine. Clayton came out to see how Beth was handling her first camp. He brought his new girlfriend Debby with him. Beth and Debby hit it off right away. Beth and I had caught several fish so we invited Clayton and Debby for supper. After supper they headed back to town. As we talked and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the evening, a snake came through our camp.

Beth came running into my arms. Don’t worry Sweetheart he’s harmless I said.

I am sorry Darling Beth said.

You are very brave. I told her. Then we kissed. Hey, next time ask if you can come through our camp. You should know better than that. I said to the snake.

Beth laughed. Then said I guess you told him. The next morning after breakfast we cleaned up and then we went home. When I dropped Beth off at her house she asked Would you please take me shopping so we could go again?

The first time my parents came to visit, Beth and I introduced them to Silvia. Our moms hit it off right away and became fast friends. Keeping in touch with letters and phone calls, no visit together was complete without a shopping trip.

Several of the trips we took to see my parents, we took Silvia with us. The first visit with Silvia I volunteered to sleep on the couch.

Beth woke me in the middle of the night Brad…Brad. She whispered.

What wrong Beth? I asked.

Beth replied I know we don’t do this at home, and it may sound silly, but here, it feels wrong not sleeping in your arms.

It doesn’t sound silly because I was having trouble sleeping too. I said. I moved to the floor, Beth cuddled in my arms and we both fell into a deep sleep. The second visit with Silvia dad produced a self-inflating air mattress. Beth’s job was flexible enough that she could take her mom on short trips from time to time. They even went to visit my folks without me a few times.

For the next two years life was good. Beth got along with my family and friends and I with hers. Beth and I were more in love every day. I could not see my life without Beth in it. I decided to ask her if she would join me in marriage. The first step was to ask Silvia. I waited until a day Beth would be working late. After I got off from work I went to ask Silvia for Beth’s hand in marriage I was wondering when you would get around to that? What took you so long? Silvia asked, and then she said I already see you as my son. It’s about time you two made it official. I had a feeling Silvia was calling my mom before I got in my truck to head home.

The only other person I told was Sera, and that was only because I wondered if there was a way to get Beth’s ring size without her knowing why. As luck would have it, it’s the style in our Province for girls who are best friends to wear some sort of matching jewelry. Beth and Sera had never really done this. Sera invited Beth to a jewelry shop in down town Violet. Sera said she wanted a ring. Beth was more in favor of a necklace. Sera suggested they look at both and then decide. It worked. They decided on matching necklaces; however Sera had gotten Beth’s ring size. Sera said she wanted to pay for the necklaces as a thank you for something Beth had done for her.

As Sera went to pay Beth went to look at wedding rings. See one you like? Sera asked as she walked over to the counter.

I would love to have that one. Beth replied as she pointed to a ring set. The engagement ring had two small stones, a diamond and a ruby while the wedding ring had two ruby chips with a diamond chip in between.

Has Brad said anything? Sera asked.

We’ve never talked about marriage, but I can’t see my life without Brad in it. Beth replied. Sera smiled to herself.

Beth had to leave to take her mom shopping. Sera stayed and when Beth was gone she asked the jeweler to see the ring. It was the right size. Sera then gave the jeweler my name and asked her to hold it for me. Sera called me and told me what had happened. I went down to the jewelry shop and bought the ring.

That weekend Beth and I went to see my folks. We got there late Friday night. We then got up before dawn Saturday morning to walk along the beach and watch the sunrise. This is one of our favorite things to do at the beach. Usually no one else is around and it feels like we have the whole world all to ourselves. As the sun was fully up and resting on the horizon I embraced Beth and kissed her deeply. Then I said Sweetheart, I love you and I can’t imagine life without you. Her eyes widened. Then I asked Beth will you marry me?

Beth shouted YES YES!!! We kissed again. I then