A Texas Tale

By Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg

Jessie Joe, a tall blonde haired gentleman looking for a fresh start left california on a horseback for a long journey to texas where he meet up with Julie Saunder a farm girl whom he helped in making the field ready for the planting of the winter season. He then finally meet up with Julie s Dad who proposed him a shelter since he wanted to explore the region. Julie got drawned to the gentleman and falled in love with him. A texas tale is a story about love and passion and how two strangers meet and falled in love and how they destiny were inclined and joined at the same time. It s all about forgiveness and second chances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg
• Release date: Jul 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463608265

Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg

Born in 1984 in the Kwazulu Natal South Africa, at the age of 14, Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg moved to East London still in South Africa. He had a passion for music and books writing so at 18 years old that when he started writing songs and books with is first fiction book which you just read called The Mysterious Death of Martha Scott.

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A Texas tale

Copyright 2019 Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg

Published by Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg at Smashwords

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Table of contents

Chapter one- A stranger comes to town

Chapter two- Jessie goes to town

Chapter three- Jessie lets outs the skeletons

Chapter four- Learning to dance

Chapter five- Time to dance

Chapter six- The abduction of Julies Saunders

Chapter seven- The teachings begin

Chapter eight- Seeing is believing

Chapter nine- A Journey begins

Chapter ten-Danger waits

Chapter eleven- No time to spend a night in Iowa

Chapter twelve- The long road ahead (with friends and brothers)

Chapter thirteen- Operation search and destroy

Chapter fifteen-A risky move but worth it

Chapter sixteen-In the nick of time

Chapter seventeen -Back to New York (to rescue the Joes)

Chapter eighteen- The plans fall through but something almost goes wrong

Chapter nineteen- A happy reunion and deadly surprise for Herman

Chapter twenty- At the farm at last

Chapter twenty one- Herman escapes

Chapter twenty two- The great feast and new title for Jessie

About the Author

To be expected very soon by Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg

Connect with Rhyno Janse Van Rensburg

Chapter one

A stranger comes to town

It was the summer of 1865, the sun was out and the birds were singing. Julie Saunders was making the fields ready for the planting of the winter months when she noticed a horse drawn carriage approaching.

So immediately she ran inside the house and got her daddy’s rifle unaware it was empty. Startled, the tall blonde haired gentlemen shouted; don’t shoot, I’m just passing through and mean you no harm. What’s your name and what are your intentions. She shouted.

For there was a moment of silence, and then the man said; my name is Jessie Joe and I hoped the people here were friendly (he chuckled). So Julie lowered her rifle and said; I’m sorry Jessie...

Don’t be, I would have done the same and by the way the rifle is empty.

Embarrassed, she said; you can be lucky my father isn’t around today, for he would’ve done a number on your handsome sculpted face (which she said with a smile). So they both had a good laugh and then he asked; are you certain that you can have the fields ready on your own in time?"

So she replied of course I can, why do you ask? Well maybe, I could offer my assistance, I’m sure daddy dearest won’t mind. He said with a smile.

Julie watched the man, who claimed that he was just passing through as he worked the fields with such ease and those muscular arms and beads of sweat dripping down his fair skin, ‘amazing’ she thought to herself. What secrets did this hunk of a man have, and was he really just passing through like he said he was. And if there were secrets, were they good or were they of a sinister nature, but why spoil such a perfect view of this stud of a man she thought.

About an hour passed, she got so preoccupied with the thoughts of this man, that she didn’t notice her father standing behind her. (Clearing his throat) I thought you were supposed to be doing the fields and getting them ready my girl? Julie got such a fright and said; oh daddy you back, and yes I was suppose to but this gentleman offered his assistance with a sigh her father asked; what is his name? Daddy, meet Jessie Joe

Now Tom was a strict, yet good hearted person so he walked toward the fields, where Jessie was working and said; I believe thanks are in order for helping my daughter out with the fields, it would’ve taken her forever to do these fields. It’s a pleasure sir, it wasn’t my intention to intrude on the task your daughter was supposed to do, and if you want me to go I can. No, don’t be silly Jessie I haven’t got a problem with it. How can I repay you for what you did for me and my daughter?

Well it would be nice to stay a while and explore the town, for I am looking for a place to settle and I have come a long way, I’ve been travelling for a number of months from California and decided I need a fresh start. So I packed the only belongings that I had at the time and hit the road, so to speak I see, well welcome to Texas son

After the formal introduction, he asked for a bucket of water so that he could bath himself before dinner and Tom said; no you can bath inside the house and we’ll give you a place to sleep as well thank you sir No, thank you my good man

At the dinner table things were quiet, a little too quiet for Julies liking, so she asked; what made you travel all the way from California to Texas? Julie how can you just bluntly ask him a question like that, have you no shame?

Sorry father I was just trying to make conversation, and you know I hate it when things are to quiet, and besides a guest must always feel welcome and not feel left out.

So Jessie spoke and said; It’s a long and boring story, most likely for a campfire, or better yet, for a fishing trip or what say you sir? Well my boy I think that’s a splendored idea. Julie could see he didn’t really want to talk about his past and why he left California on a horse drawn carriage, instead of a car, maybe this man was not who he said he was, or maybe he had a price on his head for some or other reason.

But she was too tired to think of what this man had to hide and why he decided to come to Texas, so she was going to do her own fishing so to speak. The question was how she would get this man to talk about whatever he was hiding or hiding from. Well I’m off to bed he said while yawning. So while Julie was clearing the table from dinner Tom asked; ok tell me what you up to my girl, you remind me of what your mother was like, when she was still around oh daddy I have no idea what you on about, so let’s just drop the subject and get to bed. Though her intentions were not to sleep yet, her mindset was in the other spare room where the handsome blonde man lay.

As Jessie was getting undressed he heard footsteps coming toward the door of his room, so he pulled out his chromed smith and Wesson and cocked it. Then just like that there was a knock and the door slowly opened up with a creaking sound, and to his surprise he saw Lady Julie standing in just her lacy underwear. I could have shot you Jessie shouted. But you didn’t, you knew I would come to you she said with a smile. Just tell me, how old you are? then she replies how old do you want me to be hmmm? Stop playing games and tell me your age. He whispered hoarsely. Ok you win I am 20 years of age, now it’s your turn to tell me how old you are Mr Joe. She said in an arrogant tone of voice.

Well I have you know that I am 32 years of age me lady, so excuse me for been so blunt but I won’t be intimidated by you, what so ever. So she slapped him through the face and before he could register what happened, she pulled him close and kissed him long and hard, and then just pushed him away. Flabbergasted at what just took place, he took a few steps back toward the window and opened it to get fresh air, and with a raspy voice he said; Wow, what the hell was that for? Just to show you that I am in control of this place and I won’t be spoken to in a way that makes me feel inferior. Then tell me your intentions, what made you come to my room wearing nothing but under garments?

There was a moment of silence, then she spoke and said; "Ok fine, I came to your room to massage you, for you worked so dam hard in that field with the hot summer sun beating down on your fair skin, and I just wanted to rub your back and shoulders, and besides what’s the harm in that hmmm?

Oh ok, I see. Though in the back of his mind, he knew already what her intentions were and that was to get the truth out of him, which eventually he will tell her but not just yet for the timing was not right and he whispered into her ear; All in good time me lady, I promise. After that they stood gazing in each other’s eyes and kissed passionately.

When they were done making out, she gave him one last passionate kiss goodnight, and left Jessie standing in awe and amazement at the beautiful and sensual woman that was just in his room. So he lay on his bed and drifted away with just Julie in his mind. As Julie got to her room, her father looked at her and said; How could you be so naive my girl? I’m sorry father, but I just went there to help him relax so I rubbed his shoulders, back and neck. Forgive me daddy. Oh my dearest, I don’t want to lose you like I had lost your mother and her unborn child. For it will be the end of me....

Chapter two

Jessie goes to town

It must have been round bout 4 am that morning when that dam rooster crowed, to Jessie it reminded him of the farm he lived and worked on in New York, that was long before he even thought of going to California. Yet he was born and raised in Ireland and stowed away on a ship at the tender age of 10 and ended up in Los Angeles and hitched a ride on a farmers wagon all the way down to New York.

While Jessie was lost in thought, he didn’t notice Julie standing in the door. She cleared her throat and said; Penny for your thoughts, handsome. How long have you been standing there me lady?

Long enough to know that something’s bugging you my dear. Just drop it for now, please I beg of you Jules. Oh, am I being pushy again? Well I’m sorry Jessie, but you’ll get to know me, I’ll grow on you. She said with a grin.

So he faked a smile and asked; What are the plans for the day darling? Well today, we going to get you some brand new clothes Hell no, I couldn’t accept that. Well you have no choice Mr Joe. And she laughed at the expression on his face, and then eventually he too began to laugh. First things first, we going to have a good and hearty breakfast, then we get ready to go to town. Oh and by the way, you need to shave because you look old. She said with a smirk on her face.

While the breakfast was been prepared, Jessie and Tom were standing outside, so Tom asked; How did you sleep last night son? Well sir, now that you mention it, I slept like a corpse out cold. Yet Tom already had an idea of what happened last night in the room. Well you see sir, nothing happened between your daughter and me. You a good person and I trust you, so tell me where did you come upon that piece you wear around your waist?

Honestly sir, it belonged to my father in Ireland, when I was just a young lad, he taught me how to use it for he was part of the I.R.A, and before he passed on, I took the liberty of owning it. But you obviously know that that gun was made in America. Before he could answer that, Tom said; You must have great stories to tell, but just know that whatever secrets you are hiding, they are safe with me and my daughter, you have my word. Thank you sir.

Breakfasts ready, come and get it while it’s still hot. Julie shouted out. That’s my girl. And they all had a good laugh and sat around the table. So who’s going to say grace? I shall. Said Jessie with a smile...

After that was done, they got stuck into the wholesome breakfast that was made with love by none other than Julie Saunders. So, you were born in Ireland hey? Yes, but that was a long time ago.

Julie smiled and said nothing further about what she overheard outside while he was confiding in Tom. After breakfast Julie cleaned the dishes, while the man she fell for was cleaning himself up ever so finely, for he wanted nothing more than to impress the young and most beautiful Julie Saunders.

As they went outside to the truck, the Caxton twins tried to surrounded Julie and bad mouth her. Before tom or Julie could say or do anything, Jessie stepped in and took them both on and did a number on them. The Caxton boys were none other than James and Joey, they took off in such a rush that they almost fell over their own two feet, so to speak. Astound Tom said; "that will be the last time that they ever come near Julie for a while. Where on earth did you learn... let me rather not ask just yet. And they all broke out in belly aching laughter.

On arriving in town, everybody stared at Jessie and was astound that he was not scorched by the sun because of his skin. As they stepped out of the truck, the Thompson sisters (there were 4 of them) came running to see this hunk of a man, which was with the not so popular Julie Saunders.

Hands off, he’s mine. I’m warning you bitches, I’ll fight you all if I have to. How rude of you not to introduce us to this handsome, fair skinned and green eyed stud. They all said in 1 voice. Why they had to speak at the same time, Julie could never understand.

As they entered the store (where you could buy just about anything), an old lady peered through her beady eyes at Jessie and knew who he was for some or other reason, but she let it slide for she was waiting for the precise moment to approach him and to tell him that she is his great aunt Gretchen o’ Reilly. At that moment the lady looked away, Jessie had that distinct feeling that he knew the lady that was watching him. But he couldn’t let anything jeopardise everything to fall apart, all the secrets and all the cover ups, cause if Julie new his whole life and the things that happened, she’d leave him in the dirt or worse, his past would catch up with him and all harm will come to those who got to know him in this new town. For he would never be able to live with himself, for he loved this new town he had come to.

When they got to the counter to pay for the clothes, the lady behind the counter said; I hope to see you and this fine young gentleman at the annual ball at the town hall. I can’t dance to save me life. Jessie said with a smile and a chuckle. I’m sure you can learn in three weeks hmm? I will try my best, but I very much doubt it.

Upon their way out, the sheriff of the town bumped into Jessie and he went more pail than what he was already, so the sheriff said; I believe that you helped Tom and Julie work that whole land within a day, that’s an incredible fete I don’t think I’ve ever met a young, hard working and according to the ladies drop dead gorgeous person like you. He felt a relief come over him, for he thought he was in trouble (and that’s the last thing he needed). Then he answered; Ha ha, I’m sure they were exaggerating, and they can forget about having me as there dance partner, because dear Miss Saunders over here is my partner. There’s a saying that goes, you snooze then you lose. I see well then welcome to Texas, oh and try not course any more trouble. I’ll try my best sir. He replied with a smirk on his face.

Let’s go see if my father is in the bar and we can join him for a whiskey or beer. She said with a twinkle in her eye. Sounds like a great idea; it’s been a while since I’ve had a good shot or two of whiskey. Although he knew what she was trying to accomplish, he had other plans yet he still played along.

When they entered the bar, Julie immediately grabbed Jessie’s hand as if to say ‘leave me alone I’m taken.’ And to her surprise, her hand fit like a glove in Jessie’s hand and she felt calm and safe while he was next to her. To her surprise Jessie pulled her close and caressed her lips with his and soon after they walked toward where