Log Mountain Emeralds

By Bobi Vickery

Natalie Houston has lost her family, her home, and practically everything else she owns. Through necessity, she starts fresh in a new town. She is lonely and angry with God, but is determined to make it on her own.

Her new neighbor, Peter, attempts to draw her out of her depression and suggests she use her talents to try to make ends meet. He tries to help out to make her new home more comfortable, but Natalie resents his intrusions. Will Natalie ever fully understand that God has not abandoned her? He has provided her with not only a home and a job, but with friendship and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512718454

Bobi Vickery

Bobi Vickery was born in Kentucky. She has a certificate of completion from the Institute of Children’s Literature in West Redding, CT and has been published in a Poetry Anthology. She and her husband have three children and live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more at www.bobivickery.com.

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Copyright © 2015 Bobi Vickery.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

WestBow Press

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-1922-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-1845-4 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/17/2015

Contents

About the Author

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

To my Savior and Redeemer to use as He pleases

"Commit your works to the Lord and

your path will be established."

Proverbs 16:3 NASB

I give thanks to my parents and family who have encouraged me from the beginning. Thank you to my friends and co-workers, especially Ginny B. who accompanied me on a weekend research trip. To the late Mason Combs, a retired pharmacist at Flocoe Drug, artist, and Pineville historian. Finally, to my husband and our children for believing in me and putting up with me all these years with love.

About the Author

Bobi Vickery was born in Kentucky. She has a certificate of completion from the Institute of Children’s Literature in West Redding, CT and has been published in a Poetry Anthology. She and her husband have three children and live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn more at www.bobivickery.com.

Chapter One

Natalie Houston’s home was the only home she had ever known. It was hidden from the streets of Lexington by a thick wall of a tall, unkempt boxwood hedge. The once beautiful white columns, which seem to hold up the stately structure, were now dingy and in desperate need of painting.

The solid oak door with its unpolished brass knocker held an attached notice of FORECLOSURE. Natalie has less than thirty days to move, but to where she had no idea. The depression years had taken their toll on the Houston household in more ways than one.

Her father was the only man she ever truly loved. He died just after her fourteenth birthday. His furniture business was doing well, despite the troubling news of the surrounding counties where other businesses were going bankrupt. He was making a deposit at the First Bank of Lexington when masked men overtook the teller and bank manager robbing them of everything. Shots were fired and one man was fatally injured, Ethan Houston. At the tender age of fourteen, Natalie could not understand why God had to take her father. She went through the Sunday ritual of attending church with her mother through the years, but her heart was hardened by her loss.

Now, just six years later, her mother lay dying of cancer. The doctor said yesterday, Just any time now. He had given her more pain medication so she was finally resting. The night before had been long and strenuous. Between Natalie and Amanda, their longtime friend and housekeeper, the care of Kathleen Houston was shared.

Natalie sat on the cushioned window seat in her bedroom overlooking the flower garden. The September breeze blew through the opened window and breathed in deeply. Fresh air. She had not seen the outdoors in several days. She decided to go out to see if any blooms had survived the neglect of the summer months. Priorities had taken control and unfortunately the garden had suffered. She pulled back her long auburn hair and secured it with a felt ribbon. Natalie took the back stairs that led to the kitchen being careful not to awaken Amanda. The poor soul took the last shift with Mother and was simply exhausted.

There was an iron gate of filigree design surrounding the circular shaped haven. There were four sections divided by a cobblestone walkway with a small birdbath in the center. Natalie sat on a bench and watched as two sparrows splashed each other in the ceramic bowl. The pink and white impatiens were still doing fairly well, but most of the flowers were past their season. Natalie thought of the many times she and her mother would work in the garden. They had a gardener who would do any heavy work and the general maintenance of the lawn. Kathleen had to let him go a few years ago because of the financial strain. The flower garden was a special part of their lives where mother and daughter would work side by side. It was a place where memories grew along with the flowers.

It would be hard to leave this place that holds so many memories, but she obviously had no choice in the matter. With the downfall of the economy Houston Furniture Company closed only two years after Ethan died. The bills kept pouring in and the Houston fortune was soon depleted. They even had to sell several pieces of furniture out of their home to help make ends meet.

Where can I go? Natalie spoke aloud as if the garden could give her the answers she needed. This is my home, my life is here. What kind of a life will I have now? What about Amanda? She has no family of her own. I can’t imagine life without her. These were all troubling questions weighing heavy on her mind.

She lost track of time and was startled when Amanda touched her shoulder from behind. Natalie, lunch is ready, you really should eat something. You need to keep up your strength, dear. Sam Culpepper will be here soon, he said he has one last paper for your mother to sign.

Reluctantly she followed Amanda inside and sat down to a bowl of hot potato soup and a ham sandwich. The meal did her more good than she realized. It filled her empty stomach, which had not seen anything since the dry toast and applesauce she ate the night before.

Natalie went up to check on her mother before freshening up to meet Sam Culpepper. As she entered the bedroom and saw the beautiful four-poster bed Natalie again remembered the past. When she was a young girl she loved to crawl up on the soft, down mattress between her loving parents and they would take turns reading her bedtime stories.

Kathleen’s once beautiful face was pale and drawn. She shifted her frail, weak body and turned her head to see who had entered. She patted the bed beside her and struggled to speak. Ah, my bonnie lass, come sit with me a while, now, she said with her Irish accent that still surfaced occasionally.

Can I get you anything, Mother? Amanda said she will bring you some broth in a little while.

No, lassie, but there is something I want to give ya, Kathleen said as she looked toward a tattered book on her bedside table.

You’re Bible?

This is my most treasured book of all. It encourages me, calms my fears, and it gives me hope. All I have to do is trust in the One who inspired its words. It can do the same for you too, my lass, if you will only allow him to enter your heart.

Natalie took the precious book and held it to her heart as a tear escaped from her eye. Kathleen started coughing fiercely and Natalie helped settle her head again on the feather pillow. After a few minutes she began speaking again. There is so much I need to tell ya, lass. I regret I will never see ya marry, or to hold your wee ones on my lap. But you have a good head on those bonnie shoulders, you have. I have no doubt you will find the right man for yourself. If you find a man who loves God, is good to his mother and cares for her as a priceless jewel, you’ve found a good man.

Natalie fell in tears to her mother’s neck and remained there for some time. Kathleen’s heart was breaking at the thought of leaving her daughter alone. Her breathing was becoming labored, but she knew she must say one more thing. Don’t fret now child, I’m going to a far better place, I’ll see your faethar again. Stay close to Amanda, lass, she has been a good friend through the years. She has a wealth of knowledge that I’m sure she would be willin’ to share with ya. She’s not one to push herself on ya though, child, ya have to ask.

Natalie raised her puffy, tear stained face with questioning eyes and pushed her hair from her face. Mother, you need to rest, no more talking now. I will come back to check on you later, she said, while she straightened her covers.

As Natalie quietly closed the door Kathleen breathed the same prayer she had prayed many times. Lord, guide her steps towards you. Then she closed her eyes in sleep knowing she would need to regain her strength to endure the day.

Natalie went back to her room and placed the Bible in the trunk at the foot of her bed and closed its lid firmly. As she splashed cool water on her face from the porcelain basin she heard the doorbell assuming it must be Sam Culpepper. Sam seemed more like an uncle rather than their attorney. He stood by them and advised them on all their legal and financial needs asking nothing in return since the death of his close friend, Ethan Houston.

It was not Sam’s voice she heard coming from the parlor as she came down the staircase, but it was her actual uncle. James Leaton was such a gentle, caring man. Maureen Leaton, Kathleen’s older sister, on the other hand, was a very sophisticated, self-centered, conniving individual. How the two were ever paired Natalie had never understood.

Uncle James, what a nice surprise, Natalie said as she entered the parlor.

Hello, Natalie. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. I had some business here in the city and thought I would check on you before we go back home.

We? Did Aunt Maureen come with you? She walked toward the window and pulled back the drapes to look outside.

Well, yes, he said somewhat embarrassed. She had some shopping she wanted to do. Mount Sterling has some nice shops, but not the variety that Lexington has, or so I hear."

There had always been an uncomfortable tension between Maureen and Kathleen. Years ago when their own mother died, Maureen, being the eldest, did not receive the treasured emerald brooch as tradition dictated. Instead, it was given to Kathleen, and Maureen received a strand of pearls and an opal ring. Lovely as they were they did not compare to the exquisite brooch. It was fairly small to be considered a brooch but very dainty. The setting was a faceted oval emerald surrounded by small diamonds. Embers of bitterness stirred in Maureen’s heart towards her younger sister since that day. Several times Maureen tried to secretly gain possession of the jewel, not realizing that her sister kept it in a safety deposit box at the bank. Although Kathleen never understood why it was given to her, but she intended to continue the tradition of the legacy.

James walked over to the cherry Kimball piano and ran his hand over the carved music stand. I’m glad to see you haven’t sold your piano yet. You know, young lady, you have a wonderful talent. I’ve always loved to hear you play.

I’ve had several offers, but I just can’t let it go. As badly as we need the money, some things hold too many memories and one of them is this piano, Natalie said as she allowed her thoughts to drift. This beautiful instrument had been her closest companion since she was six years old. Never once did she have to be reminded to practice. Its keys gave her joy and fulfillment. Precious memories came to mind of her mother and papa applauding after an evening of overtures played entirely for their enjoyment.

Amanda brought in a tray of coffee and nut bread and placed it on the serving table. It was too tempting to pass up, so the two helped themselves to the tasty treat. Natalie sensed his hesitation. Is there something you wanted to talk to me about, Uncle James?

Natalie, I’m concerned about you. I’ve been wondering if you’ve decided whether to accept my offer of sending you to college? You’ve not allowed me to help with any of your financial matters, please, this is the least I can do.

Natalie shook her head as she lowered the cup to her lap. Uncle James, I just can’t, I . . .

Now wait, hear me out, he pleaded, you’ve been taking care of your mother for over a year now and I’m sure she would want you to continue your education if you had the opportunity. James stood and began pacing across the Oriental rug. You have to be realistic. I know you said you want to be self-sufficient and you could not accept my money, but what kind of a job can you get that will pay enough to support yourself? If you have a college education you will be more apt to find a job that will provide you with a decent living. He sat on the sofa facing his niece and leaned forward with elbows on his knees. Genuine concern etched his face. Please, allow me to do this much for you.

Natalie set her cup down on the coffee table and spoke with a heavy sigh. I’m so confused right now I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, Uncle James. I do appreciate your generosity.

Natalie, I understand why you don’t want to come and live with us, but you will need to go somewhere, dear. This is a time when you need family. I just cannot bear the thought of you going to a lonely apartment right now. At least come and stay with us until you can sort things out. As he rose to leave he said, think about it, okay? You’re my only niece. Let me take care of you, even if it is just a little while.

Thank you, Uncle James. She walked him to the door and hugged him with the promise to give it more thought then closed the door after him. Natalie leaned her against it and closed her eyes, pushing out still another tear. She knew this was her only immediate alternative and must make plans in this direction. Maybe she would be able to think more clearly in a different environment. Uncle James was a wonderful man, but Aunt Maureen and Cousin Suzanne were difficult to be around to say the least.

Natalie returned to the parlor and sat down at the piano. She fingered the keys softly allowing her mind to drift. I must come to a decision, she thought, forcing herself to focus. She turned when she heard a shuffling across the room and the music stopped abruptly.

Oh, don’t stop playing, it was beautiful, Sam Culpepper said, as he set down his satchel. I didn’t mean to startle you, Amanda let me in.

Natalie waved a hand at him. No need to apologize Sam, I just thought I was alone. Are you in a hurry or can you visit for a while?

As a matter of fact, this is my last stop for the day. How is your mother today?

Not good, Sam, she can put up a good front though. She coughs so hard and she can hardly swallow at all. She’s ready to go and I think she’s even looking forward to it.

Well, Natalie, she has had to withstand a lot of pain lately. If it were me, I’d be ready for the pain to stop even if it meant death, he said as tenderly put his hand on her shoulder.

It’s more than just that, Sam, I can’t explain it. Both frustration and confusion strained her words. It’s as though she feels it’s not the end at all, but rather the beginning. She wore herself out talking to me today. I almost stopped her, but she was so determined. I know she was trying to say goodbye. The tears came again and Sam pulled her close to console her.

Amanda quietly entered the room. Not wanting to interrupt, she stood back and waited, wiping a tear of her own. She did not mean to eavesdrop, but naturally hearing the end of their conversation she wondered. All those times a child Natalie attended church with her parents and yet she still did not understand Christ’s love for her. Her heart broke to realize Natalie had turned away from God after her father died. Recently she seemed to have drifted even further.

Amanda cleared her throat. Mr. Culpepper, Kathleen is ready to see you now, but she is very weak.

He picked up his satchel and headed for the staircase. I won’t keep her but a minute.

Sam, could you stay for dinner? Natalie asked.

He turned and replied, I’d love to, if you are sure you’re up to some company.

It’s settled then. Amanda I’ll come and help you in the kitchen.

Just as Amanda was placing the chicken in the oven Natalie spoke hesitantly. Amanda, I know we’ve not really discussed it, but I was wondering if you’ve made any plans for yourself. I mean . . .

I know what you mean, dear, Amanda said gently, trying to feel her own way. I don’t mean to be presumptuous. I would never do that. I made a promise to your mother that I would stay with you as long as you need me.

I don’t know that I’ll ever not need you, Natalie almost whispered. The two embraced, each trying to gain strength from the other.

I’ll be here to help you with anything you need me to do, Natalie, anything. Why don’t you go up and sit with your mother? I’ll call you when dinner is ready.

Natalie met Sam at the top of the staircase and his eyes had a certain misty look. He cleared his throat as they drew closer. She touched his arm as they passed. You are welcome to use Papa’s study if you have paperwork to finish. Dinner is not quite ready. I’ll be down in a little while.

Thank you, he said in a husky voice and continued downstairs.

Kathleen was resting, but Natalie sat beside her and held her hand knowing it may be the last time. She remained there for a while trying to remember the happy times they shared. Before leaving she bent to kiss her mother’s brow and whispered, I love you.

Dinner was a solemn occasion, each knowing the other