The Age of Love

By Alisha Jones

Josh Randall’s life is filled with women. He has four daughters, his mother, and an old heifer living on his farm. However, when his girls find a woman hiding in their barn, he realizes that adding one more female to the family is just about all he can handle. The girls decide to make the new woman their sister, but there is one important problem. Josh has realized that he’s fallen in love with her.
Olivia Barrett ran away from her abusive father and traveled through the mountainous forests for a month before ending up in the Randalls’ barn. She doesn’t trust Josh Randall or his brother, but his daughters have taken her under their wings.
With the vast age difference between the two of them, can Josh and Olivia find love? Or, will a past life come back to haunt her and ruin everything?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370268061

Book preview

The Age of Love

By: Alisha Jones

I’d like to dedicate this book to my daddy. Your stories, from days long past, were my inspiration for this book.

Love and Hugs, forever.

Copyright © 2017

Chapter 1

Unable to bear life’s cruel blows any longer, Olivia Barrett fled down the steps of her father’s house. As she ran wildly into the nearby forest, her heart ached for all she had known; her happiness, her love, her Ma. All of these, life had teased her with, and when she had finally thought herself at peace, life had snatched it from her clutches.

She ran until her feet would go no longer, then she lay down to rest, and possibly to die. If life was truly out to get her, then she would just lay down and let it take her away. Perhaps if she were lucky, it would take her to the same place it had taken her Ma. If there was a hereafter and an eternal being up in the heavens looking down on unfortunate souls, he surely hadn’t been interested in the comings and goings of Miss Olivia Barrett. She’d certainly never given any kind of god much thought. That is, until her mother was so cruelly taken from her.

Her mother was the most beautiful lady anyone had ever seen. Everyone told Olivia so and she’d always thought how proud she was to have such a raving beauty in her own family. Her own pale, blond hair paled in comparison to her mother’s golden tresses. And, the woman had always carried herself like the perfect lady. Olivia never begrudged her mother any kind of praise, for she knew that beyond her beauty, her mother’s spirit was just as beautiful. How many nights had she dreamed of her mother since her death? Too many to count. Angry and bitter, she cursed the day her mother had fallen in love with her father. For, that was the beginning of her destruction, and ultimately, her death.

Olivia awoke mere hours after her flight from her Pa’s home. The moon shining through the trees almost seemed bright enough to light her way. Should she really forget all her training and try to sneak her way through the forest at night? She really shouldn’t, but since the moon seemed almost as bright as the sun at the noon hour, she decided to give it her best shot. She’d grown up practically traipsing through the woods like a deer. Her fondest memories were of her and her mother frolicking through the tall grasses and seeking shelter under a large oak when caught in a thunderstorm. She knew she would have to be careful of the cliffs and rocks, but she could do it.

Pushing up on her hands and knees, she managed to get to her feet. The cold, night air had settled into her bones and made her skin feel like leather, but once she worked the kinks out of her body, she began to move a little more freely.

After an hour or so of walking through the darkened forest, her stomach began to complain about its lack of nourishment. She knew she should have thought this through and packed herself some food, but she was in too much of a hurry to get away. And, once she had made up her mind to run, she didn’t dare look back for fear of being caught. Her rebellious stomach would just have to wait until she happened upon someone who could help her. However, she had to get as far from her Pa as possible before she stopped for any reason.

A few more hours slipped by before Olivia stopped to catch her breath. She toppled onto a large log, probably left behind by a logger, and sagged onto it. As her mind fell into a fitful sleep, she longed for some small comfort; a pile of hay, a pillow, even a blanket would be a blessing.

The sun crept behind the hill and lit the whole countryside with its beautiful glory. As a small ray flitted into Olivia’s eyes, she squinted against its intrusion. Oh, my head. Clearing the grit from her eyes and the cold from her bones, she stretched her limbs and stood. At the insistent rumbling in her belly, she said, Believe me, I know how hungry I am. You don’t need to keep reminding me. She searched around for some kind of nourishment; berries, dandelion flowers, or a small squirrel would satisfy her. As she hunted, she finally did spot some wonderful blueberry bushes. She grabbed at the bushes so forcefully that she scratched her hands on the twigs. When she’d eaten her fill, she stood and began walking. She had no idea where she’d end up, but she was sure that she could take care of herself. She just had to.

Chapter 2

Pa! Pa!

Josh Randall heard the scream coming from the house and jumped from the wagon as fast as he could. Racing toward the house, his heart pounded and his mind whirred with the possibilities of problems. There was no shortage of accidents on a farm.

Evie?! he hollered as he ran in through the back of the house. Hearing no response, he begged again, Evie?!

In here, Pa.

Running to the front toward the kitchen, he dreaded what could be the cause of such a terror-filled shriek from his youngest daughter. As he entered the kitchen, his heart stilled at the sight before him. He swallowed down the bile of fear that had risen on in throat.

Happy Birthday!

What in the world? Josh wondered aloud.

It’s your birthday, Josh. It’s your birthday, Sammy smiled.

Josh looked into the innocent eyes of his brother with pride. At thirty years old, Sammy was the biggest man Josh had ever known. He towered over every other man in the township and his hulking figure would scare even the bravest of gunslingers. But Sammy still had the mind of a child. I know, Sammy.

Sorry for the scream, Pa, Evie smiled. It was the only way we could think of to get you in here in a hurry, without rousing suspicion.

Josh eyed the cake before him, laden with dripping candles and fresh strawberries. How did y’all do all this?

We’ve been planning for a while, Pa. Elaine sidled up next to her Pa and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek.

Josh gladly accepted the affection from his third daughter. I can’t believe you did this. His smile stretched from ear to ear as his face blushed from both adrenaline and embarrassment. Did your Grandmother have anything to do with this?

Who me? Miriam Randall asked as she stepped through the shadows, facing her son with a warm smile. I had very little to do with it. The girls wanted to give their daddy a surprise for his birthday and I simply helped. Craning her neck to stare into her son’s warm, green eyes, she smiled, Happy birthday, son.

Thanks, Ma, he smiled again. But y’all didn’t have to go to so much trouble.

Oh, c’mon, Pa, Eleanor grinned churlishly. You only turn forty once. She kissed his cheek sweetly and stepped aside for her other sister. Except in the case of a couple of those women at church, she snickered. I hear a couple of ‘em have been forty for a few years already.

Well, I think once is gonna be enough for me, darlin’, Josh chuckled. Thirty-nine was bad enough.

Oh, it wasn’t that bad, Pa, Elizabeth claimed. Happy birthday. She plunked a kiss on his cheek and smiled, Besides, how many men in this world can say they have four of the prettiest daughters this side of the Mason-Dixon?

Not a single one I know of, he grinned as her sweet kiss warmed his heart. I am, indeed, one blessed man. Spying the cake’s melting cream, he wondered, What’s a man gotta do to get a slice of that cake?

Before supper? Miriam chuckled. All he has to do is ask.

Please? he begged as the strawberry smell wafted his way. When his mother slid the cake in his direction, he joked, Thanks. Now, what are y’all gonna eat?

Oh, Pa, Evie giggled and slapped his arm playfully.

As the girls gathered the plates, forks, and cloth napkins, Josh’s mind wandered back to the time each of them were born. How proud he and his Rosie had been to have been blessed with their girls. Elizabeth, already nineteen years old, was blossoming into a fine woman and would make some man a fine wife. That is, if she could learn to take care of a household, instead of plowing the fields.

The same could be said for Eleanor. Only a year younger than Elizabeth and she could do as much work as any man he’d ever known. But, the simple task of setting the table seemed to elude them, considering they were scattering the plates and forks in a haphazard pattern.

Elaine, now sixteen years old, was wily and adventurous. She would have made the perfect boy. In fact, the only time he’d seen her act like a girl was when she dressed for Sunday worship. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, knew she would be more suited to being a girl. Someday, she would find herself a man who would need a gal such as she.

And, then there was Evie. The youngest of the brood at only fifteen, she’d already begun changing into a lady. She preferred wearing dresses to the overalls she had to wear in the fields. She enjoyed the ribbons and frills that the other girls only tolerated. Oh, how he wished they had been able to keep their mother. Rosie would have been able to teach them everything they needed to know about caring for a husband, a home, and children. His mother had done her best to teach them a few things, but since the girls had to be in the fields from morning to night, she hadn’t been very successful. Maybe that was his fault. Maybe he should hire some men to work for him and make them stay home. As the thought struck him, he prayed, God, You, alone, know the thoughts of my heart. These girls need to learn how to become ladies and know how to take care of their own families. Please send me a sign that I should hire some hands for this ranch. Amen.

Okay, who’s ready for cake?

Josh patted his stomach and grabbed his hat from the peg. I’m’ll go check the barn; make sure all the animals are locked up tight.

Oh, Pa, let me do that for ya, Evie begged. It is your birthday, after all. You should rest.

You sure you don’t mind?

Course not, she beamed. Be right back.

Josh smiled at the willingness of his girls. He had to admit that even if they weren’t current on the rules of being proper ladies, at least they had willing hearts. He kicked off his shoes and settled into one of the old rockers. As he grabbed his old, worn out Bible, he heard another of Evie’s shrieks, this time from the barn. He glanced to the other girls for any sign of another surprise, but when they shook their heads, he grabbed his boots and thrust his feet into them. With the girls running ahead of him, he warned, Stay back until I go in. Instantly, they obeyed. His heart hammering against his chest, he grabbed the handle of the barn door and flung it open.

Pa, look, Evie demanded as her Pa entered.

Josh looked toward the direction his daughter was pointing and his heart sank into his stomach.

Chapter 3

Olivia’s body had betrayed her. Either that or her mind was playing tricks on her. After a month of traveling through heated days and freezing nights, sleeping in smelly barns or slimy ditches, skin drying from the sun and wind, her mind and body were telling her that she was in a soft bed with blankets atop her, and a warm fire somewhere nearby teased her senses. Oh, she moaned as she tried to open her eyes.

Pa, she’s awake.

Someone was talking. She could hear the jumbled sounds but couldn’t quite make out the words. She tried again to open her eyes and finally succeeded in prying one open. Wha-?

Sshh. Don’t try to talk. You’re safe now.

Where am I? she wanted to scream, but her voice squeaked out as a whisper.

You’re on the Providence Ranch. Now you just lay still and I’m gonna get you some water and some broth.

Provi… What? Olivia begged her mind to keep up, but she could barely make her mouth form the words. Her mind and body was so tired she wasn’t sure which day it was, or the month, for that matter. Her body practically screamed at her mind for even trying to cooperate.

Sshh. All you need to know for now, is that you’re safe. Can you swallow some of this?

Olivia felt a hand under her neck and her head lifted from the soft pillow. She groaned at the loss of the contact for a brief second. That is, until she tasted the liquid on her lips. As the broth slid across her tongue, she tried to lunge for the bowl to glean all she could of the tasty liquid. However, her arms seemed to be paralyzed and rebelling against her wishes.

Easy now, Miss. I’ll give you all you want, but you’re gonna get sick if you drink this too fast.

Feeling as though her lips were wrenched from the bowl, Olivia could feel her stomach soaking up every, last drop of the salty stuff. Again, her head was raised and she tasted the flavorful broth.

Good?

Olivia could only nod once in extreme approval. If she could have made her limbs work, she would have grabbed the bowl and drank the entire contents in one swallow. But, once again, she was laid back onto the pillow and she sank into its depths. Her body relaxed and after a small moment, her mind went black.

Is she gonna be okay? Josh asked after he’d sent the girls to bed. The excitement had claimed their spirits and it had taken everything within him to make them go to sleep. But, bless their hearts, they wanted to help the pitiful lady.

‘I think she will be, Miriam claimed as she sat by the bedside keeping vigil. Poor thing. I don’t think she’s eaten in quite a while. She rubbed the girl’s forehead lightly, then turned toward her son. It’s gonna be a long night, Josh. Why don’t you go get some rest? I’ll wake you when she rouses again."

Are you sure you’re up for it, Ma?

Oh, fiddle, Miriam protested. I may be seventy-five years old and my ticker may not be as good as it used to be, but I can still look after this girl. I don’t plan on running laps around the bedposts. For pity’s sake, you’d think I was volunteering for a marathon.

Shaking his head, Josh consented, If you say so, Ma. Let me know if you need me to come sit with her while you rest.

I will. Now go on and sleep. Someone has to run this ranch tomorrow. Besides, this sweet thang is liable to be out for a few days. As Josh left the room, Miriam prayed over the girl’s body and tucked her blankets tightly around her. Wiping the sweat from the girl’s brow, she smiled as she heard footsteps shuffling behind her. Only one person walked like that. Her youngest son could rival any elephant’s stampeding footfalls.

Is she okay, Ma? Is she okay?

Oh, sweet Sammy, Miriam crooned. She’s gonna be just fine. She just needs a couple of days of rest is all. Why are you up so late?

Can’t sleep. Can’t sleep. Sammy sat on the floor beside his Ma and laid his head in her lap.

Still so much the child of my youth, my sweet Sammy. Want me to sing to you like I used to? Miriam wondered. Oh, how she loved this boy! In appearance, Sammy was a giant, thirty-year-old man, at six feet four inches and weighing about two hundred and seventy pounds. But in his mind, Sammy was still only ten years old. And, he had some quirks that left other folks nervous as hens with a fox in the house.

Yes, Ma. Yes.

Miriam smiled at her baby boy and began to sing a soft lullaby that she’d made up when he was born. Oh, my Sammy, soft and sweet. How green your eyes, how soft your cheeks! Tiny fingers curled ‘round mine, and hair so lovely and so fine. How precious you are, my Sammy sweet, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. She sang the same words over and over, until she heard Sammy’s breathing become soft and shallow. Sammy, why don’t you go on to bed now, sweetie.

Sammy crawled from the floor and kissed his mother on her cheek. ’Kay. Night Ma. Night Ma.

Goodnight, son, Miriam watched him walk away knowing that she was so blessed to have such a child as this. With the song now stuck in her mind, she continued to hum it softly while ministering to the young lady in her bed. Father, you know all about this girl and how she came to be with us. Please help her mind and body to heal and please me to have the strength to help her. Amen.

Chapter Four

Josh sat up and attempted to roll the kinks out of his back and neck. His shoulders were stiff as an old oak and his thighs burned from being cramped on his couch all night. The pretty wanderer had taken up his bed and he regretted his attitude about it. He knew the woman looked as if she hadn’t slept or eaten in a month, and he should be happy to supply her with the rest she needed. And, last night, he was happy. However, this woman wasn’t the one who would have to work in the fields for twelve hours today. Immediately chastised, he prayed, Father, forgive me for my attitude this morning. I know this woman needs us and I pray that you’ll help me to keep my attitude in check.

He crawled from the couch and stood up slowly. Tip-toeing into the washroom, he turned on the shower and allowed the hot water to relax his tense muscles. God, I’m gonna need some extra help if I’m gonna get these fields planted today. Please touch my body and give me strength.

After he had showered, shaved, and dressed, he slipped quietly into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. As his mother made her way into the kitchen, he forced a smile and asked, How’s the girl?

Oh, she tossed and turned all night long, the poor thang, Miriam explained as she sipped her coffee from the mug her son had given her. I can’t explain why, but I’m positive that girl’s gone through something we can’t even fathom. She’s terribly skinny and she started running a fever late in the night.

How do you know she didn’t just run away from home? he asked.

Miriam sipped her coffee slowly, savoring the flavor. I’m fairly certain that’s just what she did. But, she was calling out last night for her Ma and I can’t help but wonder what, or who, could strike such terror into her heart.

His mother’s face made him wary and again, he begged forgiveness for the ungrateful attitude that he’d awoke with. You think she’ll be okay?

I think it’s gonna take some time to get past all the nightmares and horrors that she’s had to endure, Miriam claimed, but, I think, with God’s help, she’ll be okay. She placed her mug on the counter and asked, How about some scrambled eggs and toast this morning?

Sounds great, he smiled but it still didn’t reach his eyes. But, shouldn’t you be resting? You’ve been up all night and you won’t have any help today with me and the girls being in the fields all day.

I’ll take a few short naps throughout the day, she claimed and tried to cover the small yawn that escaped her lips. Then turned toward the refrigerator and snatched a couple of eggs. Slathering some butter into the frying pan, she fried his eggs to perfection and grabbed three slices of bread.

Josh sat in his chair and bowed his head over his mug of coffee. God, thank you for this woman who has always provided for me. Give her strength today to take care of our guest.

After a few minutes, Miriam slid a plate of steaming eggs and toast with marmalade in front of her son. Smiling at his bowed head, she begged, Say one for me too, son.

This time, Josh’s smile did reach his eyes. Already did, Ma. As she kissed the top of his head with a quick peck, he smiled again, remembering how she used to do the same thing when he was a kid. He could recall vividly when she’d kiss him before he left for school each morning. Always a tiny peck either on the cheek or on the top of the head. He shook his head remembering the first time he’d felt embarrassed by her affection in front of his friends.