Storms of Romance: The Sequel to Romance and the Rain

By B. J. Winkleman

Still set in the beautiful state of Wyoming around 1899, Izzy and Andy find that some more of their friends are having as much trouble as they did five years before, staying true to God as well as to themselves. They are finding it is not as easy as they thought that it would be, when they each meet someone who makes them feel more than they ever believed possible. They each find that when true love hits, then the attraction that follows is almost overpowering. Will these couples find the strength in themselves to do what is right, or will they give in to the great love that they have found?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514417690

B. J. Winkleman

The author B. J. Winkleman was raised in Elliott County, Kentucky. At the age of sixteen, she was married, and she and her husband have this year celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Mrs. Winkleman published her first book, Romance and the Rain, which was is set in the late 1890s in the beautiful state of Wyoming. This novel, Storms of Romance, which is its sequel, is set five years in the future from the first book. Betty believes that the message of both books still rings true today. The trials that men and women have when they truly love one another but still want to stay true to God by remaining virgins until they are married were as hard back then as they are today. This book speaks realistically to the feelings of these couples but does it in a way that the author herself does not have to be ashamed of. B. J. Winkleman hopes that the readers of her novel will enjoy reading her book as much as she enjoyed writing it.

Book preview

Storms of Romance

The Sequel to Romance and the Rain

B. J. Winkleman

Copyright © 2015 by B. J. Winkleman.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015917149

ISBN:                  Softcover                      978-1-5144-1770-6

                            eBook                           978-1-5144-1769-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, 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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/28/2015

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Contents

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

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty−One

Chapter Twenty−Two

Chapter Twenty−Three

Chapter Twenty−Four

Chapter Twenty−Five

Chapter Twenty−Six

Chapter Twenty−Seven

Chapter Twenty−Eight

Chapter Twenty−Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty−One

Chapter Thirty−Two

Chapter Thirty−Three

Chapter One

The summer of 1899 had more than its share of hot days. The little town of Hamilton Falls was quiet on this particular hot and dusty day in early August, when the train sounded it’s whistle, that it was coming around the last bend before it reached town. Of course, quietness was exactly what all the residents wanted, especially after all the trouble the year before.

It was dry and all too hot that day also, when an armed band of three men rode their horses up the dusty street and went into the bank, with their guns in hand. They were about to make their way out the door with most of the town’s money that was on hand that day, which was around five hundred and eighty-three thousand dollars. But Sheriff Jones saw what was happening when he started across the street and yelled to his deputy, Billy Henderson, who was inside the sheriff’s office. The other deputy, Gill Thompson, was off duty at the time and was not even in town to be of assistance.

The sheriff and Billy headed cautiously toward the bank and when all three robbers were outside, they yelled for them to surrender and throw down their weapons. The men only turned their guns on them and started shooting as they tried to get on their horses. The sheriff shot one of them in the shoulder, making him fall backwards off his horse. One of the others shot the sheriff, as Billy shot him and his cohort, leaving them both dead, lying in the street.

This foiled the bandit’s escape and saved the town’s money, but left Sheriff Jones, lying on the ground, bleeding to death from the gaping wound in his chest. After Billy made sure that the wounded assailant was cuffed and could not do any more harm and that the others were for sure dead, he went to Sheriff Jones.

The sheriff, who had been like a father to him, was already being looked after by Doc Rivers, who had heard all the commotion, when he, his wife, Suzie and their five-year-old son, ‘Little Sam’, were coming out of the general store. Doc looked up at Billy and just shook his head, as he held pressure on the wound that was gushing blood.

Billy knelt down over him with tears in his eyes, as the sheriff asked, Did we get’em all, son?

We sure did, sir; but don’t talk now. Doc will have you fixed up, before you know it, Billy said, trying to comfort the man, who, by then, everyone standing over him, knew was dying.

But the sheriff, who had been a good friend to everyone, looked at his closest friend, the son he never had and said, as he held his hand with his last bit of strength, Now, Billy, son, you know better. Take care of those two lovely ladies of yours and…, as he then closed his eyes and died.

Everyone who heard his last statement knew the sheriff was referring to Billy’s beautiful wife, Kelly and their three year old little girl, Julie Ann, or ‘Annie’ as everyone called her. This whole ordeal was desperately hard on Billy, as well as the whole town.

However, it really took its toll on Billy, who had almost lost his Kelly, when she gave birth to their baby girl. Kelly, who was a petite little lady, had a terribly hard time giving birth to the perfect baby of more than nine pounds. He never left her side for the almost two weeks that she was in danger, having ‘child birth fever’. She was only able to even let the baby nurse with help for those two weeks and then, just able to do so, alone, as she sat up in the bed for a couple of more weeks.

Her mother, Martha, as well as Billy’s mother, Rebecca, took turns staying with them, because Kelly was not able to do anything for herself, let alone, a newborn, which needed constant care. Her two best friends, Izzy and Julie, who their Annie, Julie Ann, was named for, also stayed as much as they could manage. But since both of them had infants of their own to care for, Kelly insisted, when she was well enough to start thinking clearly, that they stay at home more with their own babies.

When Kelly started doing better, she also insisted that Billy go on back to work. They loved each other dearly and she knew that him going back to work would help to settle his mind, having seen her almost die on more than one horrible night.

Gradually, as time passed, she began to regain her strength, and having a beautiful and healthy baby daughter, helped her spirits to stay high. By the time the baby was around six weeks old, they were finally able to stay by themselves at night with her at last feeling like and desperately wanting to do all the caring for her own baby.

However, physically, she knew her body still was not completely well. She would ask Doc each time he visited, when she could manage a private moment, when she would be able to be a ‘wife’ to her dear husband again. Billy, who was very loving and understanding about such things, had not been pressuring her for sex, she told the doctor, but she wanted to know, for her own peace of mind. He told her, after a quick examination during a visit to him, when the baby was about two months old, that whenever she felt that she was able, that it should be fine. But he also advised her not to rush it, because her body had been through a terrible ordeal and still was not back to normal.

She lay in her husband’s arms that night, crying on his chest with him holding her tightly. She wanted to be with him, but he told her to be sure she was able before she decided she was ready for them to make love again. He told her that he was just so grateful that he just still had her, that a little more time before they were able to be together in that way, would not matter because he did not want to hurt her.

Time passed and she grew stronger; so close to a month later, she asked if Billy’s mother and stepfather wanted to take their grand baby home with them for a few hours that evening. She knew that it was Billy’s evening off and that he should be home early. She wanted their time together to be special and uninterrupted.

When he arrived, she had his favorites prepared for his supper and the table set perfectly with their fanciest dishes and candles burning, which made for a very romantic setting. When he arrived and saw the special supper and all, he asked, Where’s Annie, sweetheart?

She’s with your momma and Will. I just wanted us to have some time alone, she said, as she came to him, as he sat down and began removing his boots.

He knew well the look on her face and was hoping for what he thought might be on her mind, but asked her, as she rubbed his shoulders and kissed his neck, Are you sure? I don’t want to, if it will hurt you.

Oh, Billy, I love you so much and you’ve been so patient, but I’ve got to have you. Even if it does hurt a little, I don’t care… I need you, Billy, she said, softly, as he began kissing her tenderly down her neck. Are you hungry, though? Your supper is ready, she asked him, as he began undoing the buttons on her dress.

Yes, I’m starved…but for you, he whispered, giving in to the passion that had been bottled up in him, for the woman he loved more than life itself. Then he pulled back and added, looking into her eyes, If you promise you will make me stop, if I hurt you, as she nodded in agreement.

They began slowly at first, making the months of time that it had been since they had each other, melt away. He watched her eyes, as he did on their wedding night, making sure that when they finally came together, that she was truly ready for every move he made. The sensual look on her face, as well as her every movement and sound, made him to know that she was totally ready for him, but no more than he was for her.

When they finally lay back in each other’s arms, he kissed her forehead as she laid her head on his strong chest. After a few moments of him stroking her bare back with the tips of his fingers, he asked, Did I hurt you, sweetheart?

You were wonderful, Billy. Just a little at first, but I wanted you so bad, I didn’t care, she said, as she rose up and looked into his eyes. I’m just sorry it took so long.

Don’t be sorry, sweetheart. It wasn’t your fault and if I had to wait even longer, I would have, because I’m just so glad I still have you, he said, his love for her showing in his eyes.

They lay together, talking; their naked bodies just holding each other, until it was almost time for his parents to bring the baby back home. Then, they got up, got dressed and ate their cold supper, which still could not have been any better, he told her with a wink. They were just about finished eating, when his mother and stepfather arrived, bringing home their beautiful baby girl.

After Will and Rebecca ate dessert with them, Rebecca, who thought she had known what was on Kelly’s mind, when she had asked if they wanted to take little Annie for the evening, was pleased to see the smiles and looks of utter contentment on her son’s and his wife’s faces. They had always been able to talk freely about anything, so while their husbands were playing with the baby in the parlor, Rebecca made an excuse of wanting to help with the supper dishes, just so she and Kelly could talk.

Well, I think I know why you wanted some alone time with Billy, Kelly, honey. So how did it go? she whispered, as they began working side-by-side at the sink. She knew by her and her daughter-in-law’s candid conversations, that she had not been able to make love, as of yet.

Oh, Rebecca, it was amazing. It only hurt a little, just at first, but he was so wonderful and gentle, she said, finding it easy to talk with her husband’s mother, who was also her dear friend.

I thought so; I could tell by the way the two of you looked, when we came in. I hoped you would be able to… not just for Billy, but for you, too. I know you’ve missed being with him, Rebecca said, knowing what a wonderful physical relationship that Kelly and her son had had since they were married. She and her husband, Will had the same kind of connection, since their marriage the year before, so she knew how important it was, to each of them.

Things got back to normal after that night, until the awful day of the bank robbery, three years later. Billy was beside himself with grief, having lost a second father. Will being there for him helped, because he had become his friend after he and Rebecca married, as well as a father figure. Kelly and little Annie gave him great comfort, as well as his two best friends, Andy and Bobby. However, when the day of the sentencing of the injured bandit, finally arrived, the peace he thought he would get from it, was not as immediate as he thought it would be. However, he did feel that justice was finally served, when the judge gave the man, who was not at all repentant over the whole ordeal, twenty years at hard labor.

The town needed a new sheriff, but Gill, who was older than Billy, had no interest in becoming sheriff, saying his wife was not nearly as supportive as Kelly was about the whole idea of her husband even being a lawman. So, the town leaders asked Billy to be the sheriff, saying that since there was no one who wanted to even run against him in an election and especially since he was the one who saved the bank’s money from being stolen, that he was their obvious choice.

Billy wondered at first, if he should even take the job, but Kelly asked him that night as they lay in bed and talked over the whole situation, if he could ever even see himself doing anything, other than being a lawman. His answer was slow about coming, but after a moment of study, he said that he could not.

She rose up in the bed, looked him in the eyes, as they lay together in the moon lit room and said, Then there is your answer.

He had always been so grateful for her support of his choice of being a lawman, even when they first were dating and he knew in his heart that she was right. He took the job, being sworn in the very next day, right after Sheriff Jones’ funeral and burial, with their families and friends all there for support.

He then set his mind to being the best sheriff that he could possibly be, which helped him overcome his grief. He knew that Sheriff Jones would have wanted him to go on and do his job to the best of his ability and to live his life as he had before…being happy with everything that he had been so blessed to have and not dwelling on his friend’s death.

Chapter Two

Billy was sheriff almost a year and liking the job quite well, when the train finally pulled into the station that day. Teddy Phillips, who was the middle of three sons of Zach and Abigail Phillips and younger brother of one of Billy’s two best friends, Andy, was in town that day, asking once again for a job, wanting to be Billy’s part-time deputy. Gill was still on the job, of course, and Billy had also hired another man in town, Greg Parsons, who was working out exceedingly well. He happened to be another friend of Billy’s and close to his age.

But since the trouble at the Phillips’ ranch, over five years before, Teddy could not stop thinking or talking about being a lawman. To him, is had all been very exciting, even though at the time, he had been ‘scared to death’.

Teddy, though, since he was now a man of twenty, preferred being called Ted, saying that ‘Teddy’ sounded too childish. Most everyone tried to oblige him, but sometimes they would forget, at which time he would frown, but still be polite when he promptly corrected them. He was a very handsome young man, who looked a lot like his older brother, Andy. The same dark hair and eyes, which made all the young ladies in town, simply swoon.

Billy and Ted were standing on the dusty street talking, having the same conversation they always seem to have, when the passengers started unloading from the train. They stopped long enough to watch, with Billy’s eyes always on the lookout for anyone who might cause trouble in town. He was a man who believed that he would not have to put a stop to trouble, if he caught it before it started.

But Ted happened this time to notice something very different, when a very lovely, dark haired, green-eyed young lady stepped down from the steps onto the wooden boards of the small platform of the train station. She was followed close behind by a nice looking woman, who did not look old enough to be her mother. Ted could not help himself from watching them, for a reason he did not really even understand, himself. He always had his eyes open for all the pretty girls, but his mind had always been too busy, deciding whether he was going to work on his family’s ranch or rather try to become a lawman, since his heart had not yet been taken by a girl.

He watched them as they gathered up their bags and headed across the street, after looking around for the hotel, he assumed. But when they got to the middle of the dusty street, the younger lady dropped her valise, spilling its very private contents out onto the ground. As he was starting toward them to offer his assistance, a wagon being pulled by a team of perfectly matched ‘Belgium’ horses, which were going much too fast for the driver to control, came barreling down the street. He knew that he had to act fast, if both of them were not to be trampled by the large beasts and heavily loaded wagon. Without really even thinking about it, he ran toward the ladies, shoving them out of the way, just before the team and wagon sped by them.

He asked them, quickly, being somewhat out of breath, Are you ladies alright? as he helped both of them to their feet.

Why, yes…thanks to you, the older one said, as she dusted off her dress and started picking up their baggage, hastily shoving their feminine undergarments into their carpetbags.

The younger girl still seemed stunned and a little embarrassed when she finally said, That’s exactly right. We could have been killed, if you hadn’t been here.

She and Ted were, by then, staring at each other timidly, as he helped both of them with their belongings, being careful not to actually touch any of their ‘unmentionables’. Billy, who had started talking with his father-in-law, Emmett Connors, in front of Emmett’s feed and grain store, came over quickly, after seeing what had just happened from across the street.

Ted, son, you didn’t have to show me up that way. But I’m glad you saw what was happening and were quick enough on your feet to make it in time, he said, smiling at all of them. If you ladies are alright, I’ll go have a talk with that driver about how to come through town from now on, he added, as the driver of the out of control team, finally calmed his animals down enough to stop, about half way down the street.

They nodded and thanked him also, with Ted then introducing himself and asking them where he could see them to. The nice looking, older woman, who looked to Ted to be close to thirty, said, My name is Mary Stanford and this is my niece, Patricia Williams, as she reached her hand out to Ted. He shook her hand and then reached for Patricia’s hand and gazed into her eyes, while they shook hands, with him holding onto her hand, just a little too long.

Patricia, huh? You look somehow familiar. Have you ever been here before? he asked as he stared at her, thinking that she looked to be around his age and to be very attractive.

No, never; I’ve lived in Casper, my entire life, Patricia said, feeling her face start to flush from Ted’s intense dark eyes on her.

We were headed to the hotel, but since you’ve offered, perhaps you could help us, Mary said.

Of course, Ted said, immediately. How can I help?

Well, I’m the new school teacher, so we need to see the mayor, I understand, about where we are supposed to live and such, she said. We were going to freshen up first, but there is really no reason why we should go to the trouble of getting a room, when I’m hoping that the house at the school is ready for us.

Well, I’ll take the two of you lovely ladies right to his office. I’m sure we can get the keys and be at the school in just a few minutes, so the two of you can get settled in, he said, charmingly, trying to be as helpful as possible.

Before long, they were at the mayor’s office and Ted had introduced the ladies to him. The mayor gave him the keys to the schoolhouse and the small, but nice house behind it, where the last schoolteacher had lived while Ted had gone to school there. The previous teacher had retired and had gone to live with her daughter in Texas, after the last school year had ended. The mayor told them that everything she needed should be already at the school waiting on her for school to start the next Monday morning. He also told her that he had received glowing reports about her when he received her references. This brought an immediate smile and look of relief to the nice lady’s lovely face.

The new school teacher, huh? Why were the teachers never as pretty as you, when I went to school? he asked with a handsome smile, as they walked the short distance to the school.

I do believe that you, Ted, are a flatterer, Mary said with a timid smile, knowing that he was just being considerate, since she was too old for him.

Well, I just believe in speaking the truth. Will your husband be joining the two of you later? he asked, having noticed the wedding band on her ring finger.

Her smile suddenly turned to sadness, as she lowered her eyes and answered, saying, No, Ted; he died a couple of years ago.

He said, quickly, I’m sorry, ma’am; I just saw your ring and assumed…

I’ve told her that she should take that thing off; and that she’s way too young to live the rest of her life alone, Patricia interrupted, as the schoolhouse came into sight.

I’m still sorry, Mary, he said. Then trying to change the subject quickly, he said, Since school starts next week, why don’t you two lovely ladies, both be my dates for the social and bazaar, that’s coming up tomorrow night, to raise money for the church? I’d be honored to take the two of you and introduce the both of you around, he said, looking intensely again at Patricia, who her aunt could tell, wanted her to say yes. I did just save your lives and all, Ted added, as he grinned a handsome grin, appealing to their gratitude.

Patricia, though she had wanted to come to Hamilton Falls with her aunt for a much different reason, was captivated by this handsome young man, who was so obviously flirting with her. She nodded at her aunt, not attempting to hide the fact that she wanted to go from Ted, who was glad to see the enthusiasm on her face. He hoped, though, that it was for going with him, not just going to the social, which interested her. He was actually surprised by how much he wanted her to be his date; although he knew he would have to pay just as much attention to her aunt, after making such a grand gesture as inviting the both of them.

Well, since you’ve been so helpful and since I would like to meet a few parents before school starts; yes, we would love to, Mary conceded, not needing that much convincing.

What time should we be ready? Patricia asked, quickly, as they got to the house and Ted opened the door for them and then handed the keys back to Mary.

He told them what time to expect him and then proceeded to help the two of them to open all the windows and remove the dust covers from the furniture and such, making the quaint, two bedroom little house take shape quickly. He then asked if they needed him to go and get them any supplies or food before he went on his way. They checked the kitchen quickly and saw that the cupboards had been stocked with the essentials, making for a welcome surprise.

After a few more minutes of helping them in the house, Mary then asked him, if he would tell the station manager that their trunks should be delivered there, instead of to the hotel, as she had informed him, earlier, as they had disembarked from the train. He said that he would see that their belongings were sent right away and then excused himself, after reminding both of them about their date for the next evening. He and Patricia smiled at each other shyly as she walked him to the front porch and they stood on the steps, where she thanked him again for all his help and consideration.

On his way out of town, after going to the station and making sure that their trunks were sent over to the house, Ted headed slowly toward home. He rode past Billy and Kelly’s house, where they happened to be sitting on the porch swing, swinging, trying, he was sure, to make a breeze. Billy had his arm around her, holding her tightly, even if it was a very hot evening. Ted was only fifteen when Billy and Kelly started dating and then married very quickly, all within a month; but he and everyone else could see what a special love there was between them.

He rode up to the fence in front of their beautiful home and spoke to their little daughter, who was playing in the front yard. She looked a lot like her beautiful mother with the same lovely face, blonde hair and blue eyes. He and everyone else always told Billy that as beautiful as she was that someday, he was going to have an awful time keeping the boys away. Billy would just laugh and say, Not if I have anything to do about it. Being her father, he did feel that way, of course, but he also knew in his heart, that if his daughter could find a love like he and her mother shared, then he would not stand in her way.

He and Kelly longed for another child, but the doctor had said that she might not be able to have another one, since the birth of Annie had been so hard on her. When Annie was about a year old, they each had hoped that she would get pregnant again, but they prayed that if she did, that the birth would be easier on her than the first one had been. They were both trusting in God for the best, letting whatever happened, just happen; which also made their intense physical relationship that much more enjoyable, for each of them.

Ted sat on his horse with his leg looped over the horn of the saddle and talked a moment with his friends, before going on his way. They asked him to get down and stay for a visit, but he told them that he should probably get on home. He really just was not in the mood to talk, because he could not get his mind off the girl, no woman, Patricia that he had just met.

Before he left, Kelly and Billy came to the fence, with Billy lifting Annie up to him for a sweet kiss goodbye. She said to him, with her cute little lisp, Tell Aunt Julie and Uncle Bobby and Aunt Izzy and Uncle Andy hello for me. She and all their children called them all aunts and uncles, because the six of them had been so close; as close as six friends could be who were not related.

He soon went on his way, shortly turning into the drive to Bobby and Julie’s ranch, the ‘Circle J’, which Bobby had named for his beloved wife. Ted wanted to deliver the sweet child’s message, though he would have rather headed for home. He thought as he rode his horse along the lovely, tree lined drive, toward their house, about Bobby, who had been concerned that people would think that he married Julie for her money. Ted looked around as he approached the house, thinking that Bobby had really made a tremendous improvement in the ranch since they moved in, after their wedding, a little over five years before.

As he got closer, he saw them and their son, little Seth, all resting in the shade of the side porch of their lovely home. Seth, ‘William Seth’, who was named for Andy and Billy, and also, Will, who was Bobby’s foreman and friend, was just two weeks older than Annie. He was a beautiful little boy and had his father’s sandy hair, but his mother’s big brown eyes. Julie, though she was almost seven months pregnant, again, was as lovely as ever. He and every other man knew that no one who truly knew Bobby and then saw Julie would ever think that he married her for money. She was so gorgeous, her beautiful face and deep auburn hair, as well as her voluptuous figure, when she wasn’t pregnant, of course, he thought to himself with a grin, was enough to make any man fall for her. But her heart was already taken by Bobby, years before he realized what a wonderful woman she was, even if she was rich.

He rode close, as he thought about these things, wondering if meeting a woman who made him take particular notice of her, was why he was even thinking about his friends’ romances. They asked him to get down and have a glass of lemonade with them, being very glad to see him. He was their friend, as well as the younger brother to Bobby’s best friend, Andy.

Bobby and Julie were even Andy and Izzy’s first child, Katie’s god parents; with Kelly and Billy, being their second child, Johnny’s. Andy and Izzy were little Seth’s god parents also, with his parents already asking Billy and Kelly to be their expectant second child’s. Billy and Kelly’s Annie had two sets of god parents, because her parents could never decide which couple to ask, especially since they thought that they might never have another child. They told them all that if they were ever blessed enough to have another child, that they would probably just flip a coin, to see which child got which set of god parents.

He accepted the lemonade, gratefully, it being as hot as it was, but told them that he should be leaving soon. He gave them their message from Annie, which they were pleased about, always enjoying her sweetness, as well as her parent’s friendship. He ended up telling them about meeting the new teacher, as well as her niece and the ‘almost’ accident in town. They both could tell by his demeanor when he spoke of Patricia, that he had a special connection with her. Bobby asked him, grinning, Well, is she pretty?

She sure is, was his answer, with his face turning red, which was unusual for him since most everyone considered him to have a special way with all the young ladies in town and him never being shy about anything. Bobby and Julie looked at each other, with both of them thinking that he was quite smitten with her, saying that they would be glad to get to meet her, as well as her aunt, at the social the next evening.

He left soon, but not before giving Seth a short ride up the drive and back, in front of him on his horse, which he let the boy guide. The ranch hands all gave Seth encouragement, as they went by the bunkhouse porch, where they were all resting from their hot day. They would say such things as, Give him a good kick, Seth, or Make him go faster, or such as that, as Ted winked and waved at them all as they rode by.

Little Seth gave him a hug before he got down and said, Tell Aunt Izzy and Uncle Andy hello for me, too, having heard Ted say that he was going to stop by there, also.

Before long, he was headed down the dusty road toward his family’s ranch. As he passed the McGill and then the Baker ranches, he was still thinking the whole, hot way about Patricia and how she somehow looked familiar to him.

Though not as large as his family’s, both spreads were really nice. The ’Box BB’, which was Bobby’s parent’s place had come along way, since the setback the family had experienced a few years before, when they lost their new breeding stock to ‘black-leg fever’. They had even been able to put indoor plumbing in the main house a couple of years ago, he recalled, which had made a big improvement in their day-to-day living, he had heard Bobby’s mother, Arvilla Baker say, on more than one occasion.

He decided that he would take the short cut on into his older brother, Andy and Izzy’s place, before he headed home, since he had two very special ‘hellos’ to deliver. As their cabin came into sight, he recollected how much it had changed, since the first year they were married. The spring after their darling daughter, Katie, Katherine Gail, who was named for Julie and Kelly, was born, they added on a bigger kitchen and a lavatory, with the water being operated by the new windmill he had also had built. After the birth of their dear son, Johnny, ‘John Randall’, who was named for Bobby and Billy, they then added on another bigger bedroom, which had its own fireplace, making it into the master bedroom.

As he got closer, he saw Izzy getting wash off the line and his brother playing with the two children in the water trough, outside the barn. They had evidently found a good way to get cooled off from the summer’s heat on this particular evening, he said to himself, smiling.

When the family saw him coming, the two adorable children ran to meet their uncle, Ted. They were both as beautiful as their mother was, just as Andy had said he wanted. Katie, who would be five in November, had a long, light brown ponytail and green eyes, just like Izzy. Then, there was little Johnny, who was just past two, with the same color hair, but big brown eyes, like his handsome father and uncle Ted.

Ted could not help but smile, every time he was with them. They were both a joy to be around, as well as deeply loved by his entire family. The Phillips’ started spoiling the little girl, from the moment she was born, having never had a little girl in the family. Their three sons were always blessings to them both, but Andy’s mother, Abigail, who had always wished for a fourth child, a girl, hopefully, was especially taken with her. But then, when little Johnny came along, she, as well as the rest of the family, adored him just as much.

When Ted had given them their ‘hellos’ and visited with them all for a little while, he told them about his eventful afternoon. His brother could tell that there was something on his mind, because Andy knew him well. They worked side-by-side most days on their father’s ranch; and alongside their younger brother, Cody, when he was home from college on his summer breaks.

Before he started home, the kids gave him a big hug and kiss. Andy then asked him if he could ride part way back with him. Andy saddled up and the two of them headed toward their folks’ place. While they rode, Andy finally asked him if there something that he needed to talk to him about.

Ted said, No, not really.… But then, before Andy could answer back, Ted added with a grin, Well, now that you mentioned it…I know that you fell in love with Izzy, quickly; but how quickly?

The first time I saw her, I guess. Why? Andy asked and then added, It’s that girl, Patricia, isn’t it?

Well, I don’t really know yet how I feel, Andy; but I do know there is something, well… really special about her. I can’t stop thinking about her, Ted said, with an almost embarrassed grin.

She must be really something. I’ve never heard you refer to any girl as special before. And that is saying something, as much as a lady’s man as you are, Andy said, teasingly.

Well, people say that, Andy, but I’ve never, ah, you know… had sex. I’ve heard enough of my friends talkin’ about their mistakes to want to take my time with that. Besides, I have always thought that since God’s word said that we should wait ‘til marriage, then that was what I planned to do. Ted said, which surprised his brother. Ted was almost whispering by then, though they were very much alone, as they rode slowly toward his home.

Well, I’m glad, Ted; and you’ll know when she’s the right one. And if you wait for that special someone, someone you want to marry and only be with her, and of course, hopefully, her only with you, then you’ll both be glad. Me and Izzy waited and it was very hard, but God helped us; and then we were both glad that we did wait, Andy said, trying to be as frank as his younger brother was being.

So, you did wait, huh? I’ve always wondered. And then everything was alright, you know… you knew what to do? Ted asked, almost laughing, with his face turning red again.

Ted, when she’s the right girl and you love her with all your heart, then nature, I guess, just sort-of, takes over. Sure, you learn some, from what men say and all, but when you have it that strong for someone, then I think instincts take control. You’ll both know what to do, hopefully waiting ‘til your wedding night, Andy said, talking openly to his brother. Then, he added, quickly, But if you want to know anything, you just ask me. And I do mean anything; I’ll tell you anything you want to know.

Anything, huh? Ted asked, simply.

Yep, anything, Andy answered back, half laughing.

They then stopped their horses and talked for a little while, with Ted asking his brother several frank questions. Andy also jumped in and offered even more information, when things came to him, during their very candid conversation that his brother might find interesting.

Before long, they headed slowly onward, with Ted thanking Andy for their talk and asking him not to say anything to their father about it. Andy told him that their dad had been very understanding, when he and Izzy got together and that they talked openly a number of times.

Ted was surprised, but in a good way, that his father would be open to such a conversation and said, "He has told me several times that I could talk to him about anything. Now, I guess I know what anything meant."

They both laughed at his comment and then Andy said that he should probably get back home, before it got dark.

As he went on his way, back toward his happy home, he was glad that he and his brother had been able to talk so openly. He also was remembering, so very fondly, how quickly that he and Izzy began to have very intense, passionate feelings for each other. This fact made him to know that ‘love at first sight’ was very possible and also made him want to take his brother’s feelings for the girl that he just met, very seriously.

When his house came into sight, he saw his wonderful wife standing on the front porch, fanning herself in the evening breeze. She waited there for him, while he put his horse in the barn and fed him. He then headed to the house, thinking of the first time that they came to that very spot, on their first ride together. They smiled at each other, as he came close, their love for each other ever growing stronger.

When he came up to her, they stood and talked quietly, with him behind her, while he held her around the waist. He could still remember so many of their conversations, when they first met, as though they had occurred a week before, rather than more than six years.

He finally reached down, gently grasped her hand in his and said, You know, Miss McGill, which was what he would always call her, when he was about to act out a scene from their past that he was remembering fondly. When I shook your hand at the party yesterday, I thought about kissing it.

She remembered instantly and said the exact words that she said, as well, I wouldn’t have minded.

He smiled, knowing that she also recalled their conversation and raised her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently, before turning it over and kissing the inside of her wrist, just as he had done before.

However, this time, he did not stop with that, as he did then. He continued up her arm, kissing her warm skin and then her blouse sleeve, until he reached her neck. His mouth was so moist and warm, sending