Daffodils

By J. Lennington

Carly Brooker is a breeder of thoroughbred horses. The last winter was harsh.
He lost his mother and youngest brother. However, it did bring his beloved Julia and her
two sons to live with them. Carly and Julia married and now she is part of his
dysfunctional family. Carly's father, Murphy Brooker, has always favored Carlys siblings
over Carly. Every effort to please Murphy has ended in failure. Carly is hoping this
spring will be better; after all, it is his favorite time of year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479781645

J. Lennington

About the Author The Innkeeper is Judy Lennington’s twelfth novel to date. She grew up listening to stories told by her father and grandfather and hopes to keep the tradition alive by sharing her stories with others.

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Copyright © 2013 by J. Lennington.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

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without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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A special thanks to Donna Babinka and David Lennington. The Lord has blessed me with special people in my life.

I would like to dedicate this book to Genevieve and Paul Lennington. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

I would like to express a special thank you to David.

You are the one true joy in my life.

Carly stood watching Gabby and her colt run in the pasture. He leaned against the white fence, resting his right foot on the bottom rail as he chewed on a stem he had pulled from a bale of hay earlier. He pulled his collar up around his neck as he stood watching them. The air was warm today for spring had finally arrived. They had just had the harshest winter in fifty years in Kentucky. Carly didn’t like the winter weather. He was glad it was finally over.

He smiled as Julia came to mind. It was because of the bad winter storm, that Julia and her two sons came to stay with Carly at the farm. Carly had been going into the All Day Diner for pie and coffee every morning. It wasn’t because he liked the pie so much, for no one made better pies than their housekeeper Janet. It was just an excuse to see Julia.

Julia had gone to high school with Carly. She was the same age as Jennifer, Carly’s ex-wife. Julia had married right after graduation and had two sons, Robert and Jeremy. Her husband deserted her, leaving her and the boys to fend for themselves. Julia had no family, being an only child, and had no one to turn to. She worked as a waitress at the diner to support her two sons and herself. Carly admired this about her.

Carly had married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer. They had a daughter, Marla, who was now twenty years old. Jennifer hated life on a horse breeding farm, so to please her, Carly bought a condo in town and drove to the farm to work every day. Carly and Jen were married for eighteen years. Jennifer took Marla and left for Tennessee. There, after divorcing Carly, she married a CEO to an oil company. Carly had no contact with Marla for two years, until she just showed up on their doorstep one day, and stayed.

Carly lowered the brim of his hat to shield his eyes from the bright sunshine. Gabby approached him, bobbing her head up and down. Jasper was growing like a weed. He was skittish around strangers, but had become friendly with Carly. Carly reached into his pocket for a dried apple chip. He held out one for each of them. After taking the treats, they both burst into a full gallop around the pasture once again. Carly’s mind began to wonder again.

Carly thought of his relationship with his father. Over the years it had been strained. Carly drifted into depression from time to time. He could not talk to his father. He avoided contact with him whenever possible. It was his brother Paul, who Carly turned to at his most vulnerable times. Paul was his younger brother, but he had always been Carly’s rock. He stood up to Murphy Brooker on Carly’s behalf many times. This past winter had changed Carly’s relationship with his father as well.

Murphy Brooker had an affair when the children were young. Edward was still in diapers. He had an affair with a real estate broker in town. Her name was Celia Garfield. When Carly’s mother, Allison, found out she set out on a mission to destroy them both. Murphy broke off the affair and spent the remainder of his years trying to restore his marriage, while Allison continued to make Murphy pay for what he had done. She took to drinking. She drank a lot. Everyone in town knew of Murphy’s involvement with another woman, for Allison broadcasted the affair at every available moment. Celia, the real estate broker, moved away out of shame. Murphy took the embarrassment and shame. How he took it, Carly never knew. However, it did make him angry and gruff. No one knew how much so, more than Carly.

This past winter, Allison Brooker’s drinking brought about her demise. She died upstairs in her room, after slipping into a coma, with her attending nurse at her side. Carly frowned as he visualized his mother sitting near the garden window reading her book. She would smile up at him and wave her hand in a manner he had seen so many times over the years.

Carly made a mental note to visit the graveyard this spring and put fresh flowers on her grave. He would also put flowers on his youngest brother, Edward’s, grave. Edward had been going to college to be a lawyer. Murphy did not want Edward to work on the farm. He pushed Edward into Law School. It was while Edward was home visiting that he accidentally killed himself. Carly can still see that belt lying on Edward’s bed. They found it around Edward’s neck. It was some kind of fad the college kids had been doing. They pulled the belt around their necks tight, cutting off the blood flow to the brain. They got some kind of rush from doing this. Eddie had passed out. The belt was supposed to slacken and the blood flow was supposed to resume, but this time that didn’t happen, and Edward died.

Carly took a deep breath. Gabby was back for another treat. He stroked her head and spoke softly to her. Jasper was pawing at the wet grass. He turned and ran, kicking his hind legs high in the air. Soon he would be leaving. Carly had a buyer for Jasper and they would be coming for him soon. Carly would miss him, but he needed the money he would make off of the sale.

Carly’s brother, Paul, kept his horses on the premises as well. He kept his in the lower end of the stable. He used to house his horses at the track. Paul got himself into a bind this past winter, when he started gambling. He nearly lost everything. It was Carly and his father who bailed him out. As a result, Paul nearly lost his family. His wife, Darla, struggled with leaving Paul. In the end, she stood by her man, and their marriage survived. Their three children, Murphy II, Paul Jr., and Sara, never knew how close their parents came to breaking up. Paul sold some of his best horses and moved the remainder of them to the farm. As far as Carly knew, he hadn’t been back to the track. At least Carly hoped not, for it cost him and his father nearly a year’s profit to get Paul out of his jam. They did not talk about it much. That was fine with Carly. He loved his brother and wanted him to be happy.

Then there was Dana. She was a super model in New York. She left in a huff last winter and had not bothered to call. Dana had an affair with a low life actor who just happened to be married to the very prominent actress, Ashley Cain. She came home when their mother got sick. They had reporters camped out on their lawn for weeks. It wasn’t until Ben Cain was reported to be having an affair with several women that the reporters left. While Dana was home, she started seeing Jason Hart.

Jason Hart was a breeder also. His father before him was a very successful breeder and raced at the track. They had money and Jason went through it foolishly. Murphy Brooker hated the Harts. They were shrewd. They treated their employees cruelly, and had been investigated for drugging their horses several times. When Murphy found out Dana was seeing Jason, he confronted Dana. It all happened around the time Carly’s mother had passed away. Dana left after her mother’s funeral and swore never to return as long as her father lived.

Carly shook his head. Murphy never had a sensitive side when it came to his children. Only Paul and Edward seemed to find a way to gain his favor. Now Edward was gone. Paul had made a terrible mistake when he gambled and Murphy still watched him closely. After Carly and Julia married, Murphy seemed to soften up to Carly. He retired, leaving the entire business to Carly.

Murphy spent most of his time upstairs in his room. He had gained considerable weight over the years and found it difficult to go up and down the stairs. Carly had seen a change in his father in the past few weeks. He had aged considerably. Carly thought it was possible that he would not see another winter. He shook his head and tried to think of other things.

A cloud passed overhead and cast a shadow across the pasture. Something caught Carly’s eye off to the left, toward the stable. It was Black Onyx. Carly had purchased him from Dennis Hershey last winter. He was a beautiful black stallion. His sperm had already been collected and stored for breeding. A woman named Donna Parsons was willing to pay top dollar to breed one of her thoroughbreds. Carly needed that money badly. The money he had to come up with to bail Paul out of his gambling debts had cost him a year’s earnings. He had a family to provide for now. Black Onyx and Gabby were the light at the end of Carly’s tunnel.

Carly tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans and turned to walk back to the stables. He saw Randy come outside and look around. When he saw Carly he began to approach him. Randy was the youngest son of Donald Dillon. Donald had worked for Murphy Brooker for years. Donald and both of his sons, Phillip and Randy worked here. They were faithful, hard-working hands, and the Brookers thought of them as part of the family. Donald lived in a small apartment behind the office, inside the stables. Both of his sons lived off premises with their wives and families.

Hey there Carly. Randy said as he approached. That Parsons woman called. She said she has her check book open and all she needs is for you to name a price. I told her I would pass the message along. He said.

Carly smiled. Thanks Randy. I’m heading that way now. I’ll give her a call back. Carly replied. They walked side by side back to the stable. Before entering the door, Carly looked up at the house. He saw his father standing on the veranda outside his room watching them. Carly waved. Murphy turned and went inside. Carly lowered his gaze and entered the stable. Old fart. He mumbled to himself.

Inside the stable, Carly hung his jacket on a hook inside the door. He removed his ball cap and stuffed it into his back pocket. He went into the office. He found his brother Paul sitting at the desk, talking on the phone. Carly went to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup of black coffee. He went to sit on the edge of the desk just as Paul was hanging up.

Hey there Carly. Paul said. That was Darla. She is taking Junior out for an hour or so to clock up some time on his learners permit. Reluctantly I might add. He laughed.

Carly smiled, Yeah, guys just don’t want to be seen driving around with their mothers in the car do they? He asked.

Yeah, somehow it takes all the fun out of it. I might try to get out of here shortly so I can take her place. He said.

Do you have anything going on? I can always fill in for you here. Go on and give poor Junior a break. Carly said.

Paul stood up and stretched. He twisted from side to side, wincing in pain. My back is killing me today. I think I twisted something when I was tossing those bales of hay around. I might just take you up on that offer. Do you need me to wait for you to do anything? He asked.

Carly shook his head as he replied, No. I’m just making a phone call. That’s all I have to do.

Paul nodded as he walked around the desk. He slapped Carly on the back. Thank you Carly. Paul Junior thanks you too. Then he left the office.

Carly walked around the desk and sat down. He finished his coffee and picked up the telephone receiver. He pulled the rolodex to him and dialed Donna Parsons’ phone number.

A female voice on the other end answered. Parsons stables. She said.

Carly smiled and replied. This is Carly Brooker calling for Ms. Parsons.

One moment please. The voice said.

Carly tapped his pen on the desk until he heard the receiver being picked up on the other end. Carly Brooker, this is Donna Parsons. How are you? She asked.

I’m fine Mam. And you? He asked politely.

Oh I am fine Carly. I am anxious to breed my mare with that Black Onyx of yours. What do you say? She asked.

Carly paused. He took a deep breath and replied, I think that is doable enough. He is a beauty at that. It’s going to cost you though. He is one of the best I have.

Oh I know how good he is, Carly. I had my eye on him, but you got to him first. I talked to Dennis right after he sold him to you. If I had just been fifteen minutes earlier, I would have had him myself. I’m willing to pay any price you name for the fertilization. My Carmella is almost identical to Onyx. I can’t wait to see their offspring. Donna Parsons said laughing.

Carly smiled. Well, you’ll have to send me some pictures. He said. They concluded their business and Carly hung up. He went out into the aisle just as Randy and Phillip were bringing the horses back inside to be fed and bed them down for the day. It was about time for the boys to come in from school. They helped with the barn chores every afternoon before dinner.

Donald came leading Gabby through the indoor arena. Jasper followed. By now he was familiar with the routine. He did not have to be led, for wherever his mother went he followed. That would not be the case soon. He was growing. Soon Gabby would wean him and he would become ornery. The boys had managed to get a halter on him and he would soon be going to a stall all his own. Then his new owner would be coming to collect him. He was beautiful, like his mother. He has three white socks and a white blaze on his forehead, just like Gabby. Only Jasper had a white mark on his chest. It resembled a small cross. His mane and tail were a shade lighter than Gabby’s. He strutted about with an attitude that made Carly laugh.

You know you are handsome, don’t you Jasper? Carly said as he reached out to stroke the colt as he passed. Jasper jumped to his right, away from Carly. He made a squealing noise as he rushed past his mother into the safety of his stall. Carly continued to laugh. Yeah, you know. He said.

Carly turned when he heard the stable door open. It was Robert. He was hanging his jacket on the hooks just inside the door. Carly watched as he approached him. Where is Jeremy? Carly asked.

He’s coming. He was finishing up Janet’s chocolate chip cookies. I told him he wouldn’t want any dinner. Wait till Janet finds out they are all gone. Robert said laughing.

Carly laughed. He watched Robert as he walked toward him. He was about to finish his last year of school. He had begun to fill out and he was looking more like a young man. He had a heavy five o’clock shadow under his nose, and Carly wondered if he was trying to grow a mustache. Just then the door opened and Jeremy entered.

He was hanging his coat on a hook when Phillip called out to him, Hey there Jeremy. You better watch eating all of Janet’s cookies. You are either going to be too fat to ride Dollar, or Janet will break your fingers and you won’t be able to hold the reigns.

Robert and Carly laughed. Jeremy was smiling. I can’t control myself. She makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Jeremy said smiling.

Robert had grabbed a pitch fork and was already pitching hay into Andy’s stall. Carly handed Jeremy a pitch fork and he reached for a third one. They split up and began doing their chores. Soon they were all gathered at the office door. Paul was inside the office on the phone. He emerged to join them.

What’s going on at your place? Carly asked his younger brother. I thought you were going home to take Junior out driving for a couple of hours before dinner.

Paul smiled and nodded, I was, but Darla said he came home with a C on his report card. It looks like there isn’t any rush to get his license. He will be grounded for a while.

Carly nodded. He glanced at Jeremy and Robert as he said, They have to keep their grades up or they will be walking or riding the bus.

The boys remained silent. Carly knew it would not be a problem with Julia’s boys because they were both on the honor roll. Marla was struggling with her college courses, but Robert and Jeremy seemed to have no problems at all acing their classes. This was their final semester. School would be out in another week or less. Robert would be graduating this year. So would Paul’s son, Murphy II. Julia and Darla were planning a big graduation party for them. They were renting a Banquet Center in town.

The house phone rang. It hung just inside the outside man door. Paul lifted the receiver. He smiled and nodded as he spoke into the phone. When he hung up the receiver he called out to Carly, That was Julia. She said she is going into town for some things and if anyone wants to go along to meet her at the back door in five minutes. Paul said.

Jeremy went to the hook and lifted his jacket off. He began to pull the sleeves up over his arms as he said, I need some notebook paper and ink for my printer.

Robert waved at his brother as he leaned against the door to the office. He looks so grown up. Carly thought to himself.

Well, I am finished out here. I think I will go in for a shower and a glass of brandy before dinner. He said. He lifted his jacket from its hook and followed Jeremy to the back door.

Inside the kitchen Carly found Jeremy removing his sneakers. Carly remarked as he began to remove his coat, Jeremy, you really ought to consider wearing some kind of boots when you go to the stables. Those shoes don’t offer much support.

Jeremy stood up straight and looked down at his feet. I suppose you are right Carly. I guess we wear these most of the time, and I just never gave it much thought.

Carly squeezed Jeremy’s shoulder and asked, What do you kids have going on tonight?

Jeremy had slipped his feet into his slippers. He stepped back and waited for Carly to finish removing his boots. He said, We don’t have anything going on as far as I know. School is out in a few days and they haven’t been giving us any homework. Mom said she might let me drive her car some tonight. Is that alright?

That’s alright with me. I want you to know that as soon as we get our finances squared away, we will be looking for a car for you. I won’t forget. Marla will need her own vehicle too. She can’t drive Father’s Cadillac forever. Carly said as he put his arm around Jeremy’s shoulders. They walked toward the swinging door that led into the dining room. They met Janet on her way back into the kitchen.

Oh Carly, Jeremy, you scared the heck out of me. I did not hear you come in. She said.

Carly laughed, Your hearing must be failing you Janet. They say it’s the last to go. He teased.

It’s not the last, Pet. Trust me, I know. Janet replied.

What’s for dinner? Jeremy asked.

Janet smiled over at him. Pot roast, Jeremy, just the way you like it. Now go upstairs and get cleaned up for dinner. Mr. Brooker has announced that he will be joining everyone in the dining room for dinner this evening. She winked at Carly as Jeremy turned and went up the back servant’s stairs in the kitchen.

What brought that on? Carly asked.

What? Your father? He’s been fussing about his diet for a month now. I think he thinks he can do better by coming down and eating with the rest of us. I have a surprise for him though Janet said placing her hands on her hips.

Don’t tell me we are all going to be on a diet now. Carly frowned at the thought.

No Dear. Lord knows you don’t need to diet. You are thin as a rail. I am just giving him a smaller dish. Janet said smiling.

Oh Janet, he is going to be furious about that. Carly warned.

He will be furious alright, but he will lose that weight if I have to cut it from his bones myself with my carving knife. She said nodding her head.

Carly laughed. He hugged Janet and said, I wouldn’t want to trade places with you for all the money in the world. He turned to go through the swinging door as Janet continued on into the kitchen.

Jeremy was coming down the front stairs. Julia was at the front closet getting her purse and jacket. She turned toward her son and asked, Are you riding into town with me?

Yeah, I need some paper and printer ink. Jeremy said.

Julia looked up at him as she pulled her hair out of her collar, You shouldn’t need much more paper. School will be out this time next week. She said.

I know, but I have been borrowing off of Tim Miller. I think I should get some of my own and pay him back what I owe him. Jeremy said.

Julia nodded her head and said, Okay, let’s go. She turned to Carly and said, We will only be a short while. I will be back before dinner. She kissed him lightly and smiled up at him.

Carly brushed a loose hair from her lip. You be careful out there. You’re my special girl you know. He kissed her again.

Julia and Jeremy made their way toward the swinging door. Carly heard Jeremy ask as they passed through, Can I drive, Mom?

Carly smiled. Jeremy was such a good kid. He truly was lucky. He had a wonderful wife, and two wonderful step-sons. He also had his daughter back home after two years of not hearing anything from her. Of course he knew that was his ex-wife’s doing. Jennifer could really be a bitch at times. Well, actually most of the time. Carly went up the front stairs to his room. He paused at his father’s bedroom door and listened. He could hear Murphy breathing heavily. He must be dressing for dinner. Carly thought. He ventured on to get showered and ready for dinner.

Janet served one of her famous pot roast dinners that melted in your mouth. Carly wondered where the boys put all of that food. Murphy had been grumbling all through dinner about his smaller plate. He took it much better than Carly had expected. Finally, Julia and the children had helped Janet clear the table and the adults gathered near the garden sitting area that overlooked Carly’s mother’s patio and garden. The sliding door was just slightly ajar and the scent of the daffodils filled the air. Even Murphy had decided to join them tonight. He poured himself a glass of brandy and sat down in his favorite chair.

You appear to have lost some weight, Father. Carly commented.

Murphy sat his brandy on the stand next to his chair and said, It’s no wonder with the little snacks Janet has been feeding me for meals. He grumbled.

Carly smiled and replied, Well, it seems to be working. Perhaps you will get your legs back.

Julia remained silent. She knew Carly was pushing his luck on the subject and she certainly didn’t want anything to ruin the evening. She smiled over at Carly as she took a drink from her wine glass. Carly sighed and changed the subject.

The horses are really looking good. Someday when you are feeling up to it, maybe you would enjoy a trip out to the stables and have a look around. Carly said.

Don’t hold your breath. If I do manage to lose the weight it will be because I’ve been starved to death. Murphy complained. He wiggled until he was on the edge of his seat. He drank the last of his brandy and said, I’m going back up to my room. You two can have your desserts now. He stood up and slowly lumbered toward the stairs.

Julia was smiling. Poor Father. She said.

Carly laughed. I’m going to see what the kids are up to. He said as he stood up.

Julia nodded and stood up also. They walked together toward the living room where they could hear the television playing. Jeremy was lying on the floor with Bitty tucked under his arm. Bitty and Betty were two King Charles Spaniels that Carly’s mother had purchased just a few years before her death. Now they belonged to Jeremy and Robert. They were their constant companions whenever they were indoors.

Where’s your brother? Carly asked.

Jeremy shrugged his shoulders. He was here a minute ago. He went toward the kitchen. Jeremy said.

Carly turned to go toward the swinging door that separated the dining room and kitchen. Julia followed him.

In the kitchen Carly found Janet and her friend, Charlie Lock, playing cards at the little table along the wall between the back stairs and the back door.

Hey there Carly. Charlie said.

Hey there yourself, Charlie. How are you this evening? Carly asked.

I’m losing my shirt to Janet here. Carly laughed.

Are we playing strip poker Janet? Carly teased.

Janet swung at him and then she swung at Charlie. Julia was laughing from behind them. Carly reached over and grabbed Janet’s hands. He hugged her briefly and then let her go. She picked up her cards again.

Have you seen Robert or Marla? He asked.

Marla is in her room talking on the phone. Janet said. Robert just went up that way.

Carly turned to look back at Julia. She smiled and said, I’ll see what he is up to, you check on Marla.

They went up the back servant’s stairs which came out to the right of Marla’s room and to the left of the door that led to the third floor where the boys had their rooms. School was ending next week. Marla would be going to college next year right here in Kentucky. She had been down in the dumps lately over her mother’s constant calling. Jennifer did not want Marla to stay with her father. In fact, if Jen had her way, Marla would not have any contact with her father or his family at all. Jennifer’s second marriage was failing and she complained that she needed Marla by her side. She played on Marla’s emotions.

Marla knew her mother well. It hurt knowing her mother was only trying to get her way. Jennifer was not used to being told no. She refused to accept no for an answer. It was a challenge to do whatever she could to turn it around and be victorious. That was all it was to Jennifer. A game. Marla was terribly hurt. She wanted to stay with her father and go to college here where she felt she belonged. She knew if she went home with her mother it would just go back to the way it was. Marla would be left to fend for herself while Jen went off doing anything and everything she wanted. Her social life was more important than anything else. And nothing would stand in her way.

Carly put his ear to the door. He heard Marla sobbing softly from behind the door. He tapped lightly. Marla, its Daddy. He said.

It grew quiet behind the door. The door opened and Marla stood before him in a pair of sweat pants and a T shirt. Carly’s thoughts went to the night he entered his brother, Edwards room. He was dressed in sweat pants. Carly sat on the bed playing with the very belt Edward used to kill himself. Carly smiled. Can I come in for a little while? He asked.

Sure Daddy. Marla said opening the door wide and stepping back to allow him to enter. I just got off the phone with Mother.

How’s that going? Carly asked as he sat down on the bed. Again he thought of Edward.

It’s going okay, I guess. Mother said she might go to Italy for a few weeks, until the divorce proceedings get started. She’s asking me to join her. I told her I couldn’t get away right now because I was trying to get a summer job. Marla sat down next to Carly. She was wringing her hands as she spoke.

Are you looking for a summer job? Carly asked.

I thought it might be a good idea to keep myself busy. It is also a good excuse. She said smiling at Carly.

Carly put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. What kind of job are you looking for? He asked.

I don’t know. I thought maybe a job in one of the offices down by the mall. You know how I like to go to the mall. Marla was smiling now.

Carly shook his head and laughed, If that is what you want Honey, I can’t think of a reason why you can’t. But you already have a job at that women’s store at the mall. How are you going to manage two jobs? He asked still laughing.

I know. I only work three days a week now. I think I can handle another part time job as long as they are willing to work with me on the scheduling. Marla said. She placed her head on Carly’s shoulder. Julia was standing at the door.

Is everything okay in here? She asked.

Yeah. Marla was just telling me she wants to get a second job for the summer. Carly said.

Julia laughed and shook her head. I’m not saying anything. That is her choice to make. She too continued to laugh.

Hey, Carly began as he slapped Marla on the leg, What do you say we go downstairs and have a bowl of Cookie Dough Ice Cream?

Ooh Daddy, what a wonderful idea. Marla said.

I’ll go back upstairs and tell Robert. Julia said. Make sure you use the back stairs. Don’t let Father find out what we are up to. It will just make him grumpier than he already is. She said. She turned and went back through the door that led to the third floor.

Marla and Carly went down the back stairs. Janet and Charlie were still playing cards. Carly told Janet what they were planning and she and Charlie decided they would have some ice cream also before Charlie left for the night. Carly went through the swinging door that led into the dining room and on into the living room. Once again he found Jeremy lying on the floor playing with the dog.

Jeremy, we are all having a bowl of cookie dough ice cream in the kitchen. If you want some take Bitty upstairs and put her in your room before you join us. Carly said. She will follow you, and you know how Janet feels about the dogs in the kitchen.

Jeremy jumped to his feet. He bent over and snatched Bitty into his arms. Come on Bitty Baby. You’re going upstairs for a little while. He said. He went toward the front stairs carrying the dog.

Try to be quiet as you pass Father’s room. I don’t want him to know we are eating dessert when he can’t have any. Carly said with a grin on his face. Then he turned to go back through the swinging door.

They all gathered around the small table in the kitchen with the exception to Murphy. He was no doubt reading or watching his television in his room. Janet was invited to join them for a bowl of ice cream. She passed on the dessert but did have a cup of tea with them. When they had finished she cleared the table, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and retired to her room for the evening after seeing Charlie out.

After their snack, the children went back to their rooms for the evening. Carly and Julia went to the living room to watch some television before retiring for the night. Julia had some details about Robert and Murphy II’s graduation to go over with Carly. Carly didn’t know anything about such things, but he appeared to take an interest, leaving it all up to Julia in the end.

Carly held Julia in his arms that night until sleep overtook them. The next morning he woke before the alarm. He found Julia gone. He dressed and went down the back stairs into the kitchen. Julia was sitting at the little table with her sons eating breakfast.

You got up early. Carly said as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

Janet appeared from the pantry. Good morning Pet. I’ll fry up a mess of scrambled eggs and toast for you in a jiffy. Just sit yourself down over there and relax. She said as she turned her attention to the stove.

Carly sat down with his back to the servants stairs. Julia sat to his right. Jeremy sat beside her and Robert sat on the other end of the table. The boys had already eaten their breakfast. They would be leaving for school soon. They only had a few days left. Robert would finish up the end of this week as he was graduating next Saturday. He drove the two of them to school every morning. Carly and Julia had bought him a Tahoe for his last birthday. Due to the financial crunch they were experiencing at the present, Jeremy would have to wait for his own car.

Carly’s brother Paul used to keep some of his horses at the track. He raced a couple of them there. He had a thoroughbred named Marvel that had made Paul some good money. He had become quite successful, until he started betting at the track. It was all harmless in the beginning. Then he borrowed to place his bets. The interest mounted too fast for him to pay his debts. There were some shady characters looking for Paul, when Carly found out what was going on. He went to Murphy, and the two of them bailed Paul out to keep him from losing everything he had. The only condition was that Paul had to come clean to his wife Darla. It nearly caused him to lose his family. He sold what he could and moved the remainder of his horses to the Brooker’s stables. He worked from here now. He had promised never to get tied up with gambling or racing again. Carly hoped Paul kept his promise, for he had put everything on the line for his brother. He would have to watch his spending until this passed.

The boys were leaving. Janet had set a plate in front of Carly. Julia refilled his coffee cup and topped her own cup off too.

What’s going on in the stables this morning? Julia asked.

Nothing special. Today is just another day out there. Carly said.

Julia smiled and said, I thought I might come out there for a while. I haven’t seen Candy in a while. I’ll bet she is big enough to ride by now.

Carly laughed as he sat his coffee cup down. He said, Not quite yet. She is growing, but it will be a good year before she carries any weight on her back. He reached over and covered her hand with his own. He said, Although you aren’t much weight.

Julia burst into laughter. Nice save, Carly. You pulled that one out of your back pocket fast enough.

Carly smiled. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. I love you Julia. He said.

I love you too, Carly. Now eat your eggs before they get cold. I’m going upstairs to get dressed so I can go out to the stables with you. I will be right back. She said. She rose from the table and went for the back stairs. She said over her shoulder as she began to climb the stairs, Thank you for breakfast Janet.

You are quite welcome Miss Julia. Janet said.

Carly and Janet were left alone in the kitchen. Janet poured the last of the coffee in Carly’s cup. Carly asked, How is Charlie these days?

Janet smiled. He is fine. He is stopping by this evening after dinner. We might go for a ride. She said.

Are things getting serious? Carly asked.

Janet looked up at him and shrugged her shoulders. Her face was flushed.

He isn’t taking you away from us is he, Janet? Carly asked.

I would never leave this family. Even if I were to marry Charlie, I would never give up my duties to this family. I have made that quite clear to Charlie. Janet said.

Carly raised his eyebrows as he said, Oh I see. Then the subject of marriage has come up.

Janet turned her back to Carly so he could not see her blushing. Perhaps it has. She said. Like I told you, we have discussed my position here, and I have made it quite clear that my leaving this house is not an option.

Carly frowned and said, Janet, it wouldn’t be fair of us to stand in the way of your happiness.

Janet turned to face him. Who is going to take care of my family? I certainly would never be happy with a stranger in my kitchen. It is final. That’s just the way it is. She said.

Well, maybe we could find something here for Charlie to do. He could move in here as well. Carly said staring into his coffee cup.

What? Janet turned to look over at Carly. What kind of work could Charlie do? He is too old to work in the stables. He’s even older than old George. I don’t see where he would be useful here. Janet said.

Let me think about it, and then I will talk to father. Perhaps he can think of something. Carly said.

Oh Pet, not Mr. Brooker. He would never stand for it. I don’t want to make him angry. Janet said.

Don’t you worry about that. I’m not going to say anything until it becomes necessary. I just don’t want to be the reason you are putting off starting a new life with someone you care for. Let’s just take it a day at a time. If you decide to marry Charlie, we will deal with it then.

Janet hugged Carly. You’re a good boy, Carly. You’ve always been my favorite. She winked at him.

Carly could hear Julia coming down the back stairs. It’s time for me to go to work. He said back at Janet.

Julia appeared wearing a pair of blue jeans and a flannel shirt. Her hair had been brushed