The Mist of Matson Creek: Oregon Valley - Matson Creek Series, #6

By Beverly Kovatch

How could one night change someone's life so much. A disagreement with Roy Walker the man she loved, and a unusually strange mystic night with an Indian named Daniel White Hawk left her married, a widow, and surprisingly pregnant. All the things she thought she would never be.  Daniels father Red Hawk presented Maggie with an alternative. He chose someone to be the father of his grandchildren. Her life with Parker became her salvation until an accident brought Roy back into her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beverly Kovatch
• Release date: Apr 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781544866062

Beverly Kovatch

This Author is about as unknown as one can become. She sometimes lives in the past, sometimes in the future, sometimes right in the middle of the present. Her mind wanders from what was to what is to what could be. That is the power of the written and spoken word. There are so many opportunities for so many people, and she wonders why no one seems to seek them out. She lives on a farm in what was once a vast farmland area. A few people still believe in farming, but each year, there seem to be fewer and fewer of them. This past year, it appears that the moral background of the world is rapidly disappearing. It takes hard work to be a farmer nowadays. It is a lot easier to sit back and watch others do it. People have taken this place we call home for granted. The pandemic threw us all for a loop, but it also made some realize that unless we fight for what we believe in, our country, the one we all grew up in, could be lost. It took hard work and determination for us to be where we are, and all of it started with a small dream. You see, everything in life begins with a dream. This Author once dreamt she could one day write a book that others might enjoy reading, and here she is. She has written not one book but more than twenty books. Some people dream of owning just a small piece of land, owning their own little business, raising their families in a free land, a place where we are allowed to say what we feel in our hearts, fight for what we believe in, worship at the church of our choice. These past few years have taught this Author that there is power in our words. Once our words are silenced, we have given up one of our most treasured rights. It is my hope, my dream, that the power that you, my readers, have within you will never be silenced. The dreams you hold inside will always be fulfilled, and that you will always and forever … Keep on Dreaming!

Book preview

Prelude

Maggie and Parker arrived at the mansion for her mother’s charity party. They were greeted by James and Liza and ushered to adjoining rooms for convenience.

Come on Parker, She ordered. Parker found Maggie to be different when she was close to her mother. She became more aggressive and anxious, yes; those were the two main words he would use to describe her at this moment. In this house she seemed out of her element. She was easy going and relaxed at home, here she was tense and on edge.

I am coming Maggie, what is the big hurry?

We have to get proper clothes for this party; mother will not allow us to just wear anything,

What do you mean? I brought my good suit.

Suit, oh Brother Parker, you need a tuxedo not a suit for tonight’s affair.

"Tuxedo, are you kidding me?

No I am not and we need to have it tailored, so let’s move it.

His feet were hurting by the time they returned home but he had a tuxedo that fit perfect, new shoes, and she even sat and semi braided his long hair to make him so called Indian presentable.

She picked out a long flowing, Celtic green, chiffon dress that perfectly accented her long curly red hair. To him, she was absolutely the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He held his breath when she walked out in that dress, and by the look on his face she knew she had chosen the right one.

He was amazed. They were actually having fun. They laughed and joked all afternoon as they shopped, but he told her she had been on her feet far too long, and she needed to rest before the party.

She agreed to his demands just to keep him from driving her crazy, and just to make sure he lay on the bed with her until they both fell asleep. That was until the sudden and frantic knock on their door.

Miss Maggie, your mother is home and wishes to see you immediately. James hollered through the door.

James sounded panicky. The last time she heard him like this was one of the nights he caught her sneaking back into the house. Her mother had been waiting up in the library, and he tried to warn her of the danger.  Well, those days were long gone she was no longer frightened of her mother. She could stand toe to toe with Maureen Kelly McIntyre. There was no doubt about that any longer.

What’s wrong James? Maggie asked as she opened the door.

She seems to be in a frightful mood something about your dress and hair for the party. She arranged for some people to come and they seem to have cancelled out on her.

Everything is a major crisis for mother. I will take care of it James.

Maggie walked carefully down the long winding staircase. She hadn’t noticed how many of them there were to walk down until now that her belly protruded, and her feet were swollen like balloons. She almost wished for the elevator that her father had mentioned putting in years ago.

Mother, what seems to be the matter?  James says you’re in a tizzy.

"That girl Carmella, she said she would be here at three o clock to help you get ready for the party. She was to do your hair, and assist you in getting ready. She just called and said she was going to be delayed by an hour.

Now no one will be ready on time, and I have very distinguished guests coming tonight."

Mother, it is not like I cannot do my own hair or get dressed by myself. I am a big girl not five years old anymore.

I just wanted everything to be perfect for your announcement.

Announcement, what announcement are we talking about mother?  This is a charity party, for handicapped children correct? Please tell me that you did not do something crazy.

No, it is still a party for the charity, but your father and I wanted to announce your engagement to Parker tonight too. We wanted to surprise you both, and I wanted you to look beautiful and elegant. Carmella has spoiled everything. I will just have to fire her.

Mother, you must stop right now! Parker and I will be ready I promise you. We will not disappoint you.

It just won’t be the same.

Yes it will mother, I promise, stop worrying about the small stuff. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack at this rate.

You just don’t understand Magdalene, you never have. You are so like your father.

Thank God, Maggie whispered under her breath.

We will be ready mother. I promise. I will tell you though we are not going to appear until after all the guests have arrived ok? I promise we will make a grand appearance for you down the staircase. Will that help?

Yes, that will be perfect.

If Maggie knew one thing about her mother it was that grand appearances meant everything to her.

Her mother would never forgive her for tripping when she came down the staircase at her grand cotillion.

She hated to disappoint her mother, but she knew that her informal Indian wedding to Parker was not going to be the grandiose affair that her mother had in mind. She would have to outdo herself tonight to make up for the future disappointment’s that lay ahead for her mother.

......

Maureen sent Liza in to help Maggie get ready for the party.

I am sorry miss, but your mother; well she said I had to assist you.

No problem Liza, I may need a little help. Liza smiled she loved helping Maggie.

Maggie had decided to wear her hair down it just felt right. Soft and as free flowing as the chiffon dress she had purchased. 

Oh my, Miss Maggie you look so beautiful.

Thanks Liza, I hope mother is going to be pleased with mine and Parkers choices.

"Your hair is stunning and we just need to add a few sparkles to it

Your mother has some pearl and diamond clasps that will just be the perfect for the finishing touch. Let me go ask her to get them."

Fine Liza, check on Parker for me too.

Oh you don’t have to worry about Mr. Parker he has James attending to him."

Maggie laughed. She knew he was in good hands with James.

Maggie looked in the mirror. What she saw back amazed her. It was a sight she never thought she would see.

The flowing green chiffon dress gently caressed her pregnant belly. As large as she was with the twins her face seemed to glow. Maybe it was just the pleasure of knowing soon she would have two babies to hold in her arms, two babies who were all her own.

Her wavy red hair flowed elegantly down to her waist. At home she always wore it up in a ponytail or wrapped around her head to work.

She hadn’t worn it this way in a long time. Liza returned with the two clips and placed them in her hair.

Oh Miss, you look so beautiful. You are going to take everyone’s breath away tonight.

Thank you Liza, but I think I am over the days of being the belle of the ball.

Oh no Miss, you are definitely the belle tonight.

They laughed and Maggie gave Liza a big hug.

Is Parker ready?

I will check on him Miss.

......

I FEEL LIKE A STUFFED pig in a strait jacket James. Are you sure this is how a tuxedo is supposed to feel?

Yes Mr. Parker, a stuffed pig in a strait jacket is about the right feeling I would say.

Well, I would much rather be in my jeans and a flannel shirt.

Wouldn’t we all like that sir. James chuckled.  You look perfect sir.

Is Maggie ready? I hope so cause I am hating this already and can’t wait for tonight to be over.

Oh she is definitely ready Mr. Parker Liza smiled as she entered the room. Just wait until you see her, and I am almost certain that you will change your mind about tonight.

James turned as Maggie walked through the door.

Oh my Miss Magdalene, you are a beauty tonight. James held out his hand to escort her into the room.

Parker’s mouth almost dropped to the floor at the sight of Maggie.

Close your mouth Parker. She said as she turned to show him how the dress flowed.

Wow! he stammered.

"It is grand entrance time Parker, are you ready?

I am not sure. What do you think?  He turned himself around to imitate her.

The tuxedo clung to his body in a tight fit. It showed off every muscle in his chest and arms. The tan from working outside just added to the mystery of this man.

You are the most handsome Indian in this place, and that I can say is a definite fact.

Well sweet lady let’s make our presence known before your mother sends out a search party for us.

Oh Parker, we’re just being fashionably late. She chuckled. He was so delightful to look at she couldn’t help the smile that beamed across her face. She would hold her head up high tonight. Not one of her mother’s elite guests could possibly spoil how she felt at this moment.

They both laughed as they walked hand in hand down the long winding staircase. She felt as though she were a princess being escorted down the long staircase by the Prince.  She felt as if all eyes were on her and Parker as they descended the staircase. 

Her mother looked well pleased as they entered into the grand ballroom filled with her most prominent friends.

I have to say this is the largest party I have ever seen in my life. It even tops the New Year’s Party I think. Parker said as he looked around the ballroom at the crowd.

You should have been at the last charity party my mother gave. I think she has downsized some.

Parker stared at her in disbelief and she couldn’t help but laugh at his expression.

Come on we need to make our presence known to mother so that we’re not on her bad list. She is probably fidgeting already because I am not there greeting her wealthy contributors.

"Magdalene, Parker, finally I was beginning to wonder where you two had gone off too.

My dear, you look absolutely ravishing. Parker, you look quite distinguished in that suit.

Why thank you Mrs. McIntyre, I was hoping that you would approve.

You look quite the gentleman tonight.

Maggie knew her mother was saying all that while gritting her teeth. She had wanted Parker to cut his long hair and make himself not quite so Indian looking.

Truth was, he looked very dashing with his long braided hair in the tuxedo, and Maggie was quite satisfied.

Parker, can you get me something to drink? Water or something non-alcoholic I am quite thirsty.

No problem Maggie, I will try to find my way back through this crowd.

I will put out a distress flag.

Magdalene dear, please come here and where is Parker going?

Mother I asked him to get me something to drink. He will be right back.

Well, I have some very important people to introduce you too.

"Ok mother, if you want I