Wildflower Valley

By E.D. Edwards

America’s next fictional writer delivers a spellbinding tale of love ,hate and justice. He will lead you on an action packed journey that will keep you enthralled all the way to the end. A spellbinding story of a woman's dreams that do indeed come true and the goodness she leaves behind. You will surely enjoy his creation of WILDFLOWER VALLEY.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728365947

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE WORLD is filled with powerful place’s that seem to have a presence that shoot’s through your body like a steady jolt of electric current, not that immobi1ize’s or cause’s pain. The kind that make’s one want to rejoice, dance, sing and bath in the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT.

The Wildflower Valley is such a place that GOD has touched and left his residue flowing within the heart of the Valley. It not only is felt by man, at time’s animal’s walk together, preditor and prey, side by side.

At a time when the Indian genocide was ending and the wound’s of the Nation were healing. Like minded people’s of all ethnicitie’s came together to form a town that’s very inception was built on love thy neighbor, love thy family, love thyself and most importantly, loving GOD.

In this little corner of Northern Oklahoma in the Cherokee territorie’s, GOD’s presence was felt by all and all lived in peace.

There, as with any place of peace, are trouble’s, heartache’s and extremely hard decision. But the Law of GOD and of man must be recognized in dealing with evil force’s. The town relied on prayer to let GOD lead them in the decision’s that were made for the protection of the people as a whole.

This story is an emotional ride through the hard time’s of the mid to late 1800’s, And the love of GOD that was ingrained in the townsfolk and beyond.

Payton and Ella Mae came here with dream’s of a cattle ranch. As they were getting started, other Christian’s on their way West, was offered a small place to start creating a Christian settlement. It was in a dream that came to Ella Mae on one of the long lonely night’s when Payton had to herd his cattle.

Open your arm’s and your heart Ella Mae…And they will come.

The dream spoke to her, to her soul. She knew then why she was led to this Wildflower Valley………..

Saddle up my friend’s and enjoy.

1

LET’S RIDE

JOHN WAYNE

Bang! Clang! Bang! With each strike of the Blacksmith’s sledge hammer, spark’s flew in all direction’s, the glowing hot iron bending to his will like warm butter.

Sinewy shoulder’s and powerful, bulging arm’s were forged from a lifetime of plying his trade as a Blacksmith, his father had been one and as he was taught he learned vigorously, as a result when he turned twenty year’s old, he could forge more than most.

His name was Liam Conner McVay, originally from Connacht, Ireland where war and threatening famine was likely to rear it’s head at any given day. There was talk of a new Country, still young with room for any who wanted to live free and prosper with hard work and determination, and he was good at both.

He and his wife Emily Kay packed their meager belonging’s and sailed to America with, like many, dream’s as high as the star’s.

Once they arrived in New York city, it did’nt take long for Liam to open his own Blacksmith shop and buisiness was good. Sometime’s too good, he worked many night’s to fill all the order’s. In the second year of their arrival Emily found herself with child and it could’nt have been a happier time than when she gave birth to a fat baby girl with flaming lock’s of bright red that were unruly and thick.

They named her Ella Mae, within the week, they had her blessed at the Catholic Church where they attended Mass regularly. Their belief in GOD was the main reason Liam had prospered so well, their Religion, it kept him honest and dedicated to his family.

Seventeen years later, with one of the best reputation’s in town as a hard working Christian man and his shop reflected the respect he’d earned. With the exception of Sunday morning in worship with his family, his time was consumed, night and day, at work. He was starting to tire as he grew older, he started thinking it was past due to hire some help.

After another back-breaking morning, Liam leaned against his anvil to take a much needed break that, until recently, wouldn’t have been needed.

With sweat dripping off of his nose, his arms trembling from exertion and his back throbbing from years of hard work. A good looking young man walked through the door of Liam’s shop.

He walked up to Liam with a smile as big as the wide West. He thrust his hand forward as he inquired about employment.

Good day sir. My name is Joseph Payton Edmonds, I’ve only just arrived to New York. I’m seeking a job, I’m a hard worker, an honest man, I’ll give you a day and a halfs work for a days wage, I’m also skilled in iron smithing. I’d be honored if you would give me the opportunity to prove my worth.

Liam noticed that the grip of this young Payton was as firm as a blacksmiths. Liam looked at Payton with a tired, somber, yet hopeful intensity, Whe’re a’re ye f’rom lad?

Wales sir. My father was also a blacksmith and he taught me the trade well, I think. Payton answered with gusto. Liam could tell there was a family pride that filled Payton’s eyes when he mentioned his father.

Liam had two other young men, that said they were experianced, and twice he was let down, miserably. But, there was something about this boy that Liam took a likeing to. He reached around, picking up a leather apron and threw it to Payton, he snatched it out of the air like a striking snake. Liam was impressed with Payton’s reflexes.

Put that on lad a’na make me a ho’rseshoe as fast as ye can. Which was the majority of his buisness.

As Payton turned and started to work Liam thought, Twill p’robably be anothe’r disappointment.

Liam was happily surprised as he watched Payton pound out the horseshoe as fast as he used to do when he was younger. Payton thrust the hot metal into the water bucket with a tssss, then turned to present his work. Liam stared at Payton with a serious, firm look. Then with a grunt and a nod said, Don’t stop now lad, I’ll not have me helpe’r a’standin’ a’round when the’re’s wo’rkthere’s work to be done.

Liam intentionally put on the mean man front as he went back to his own project, but on the inside he was relieved and so happy that he felt like jumping on top of the anvil and danceing a jig. Then he made a silent prayer, Thank ye FATHE’R, thank ye fo’r a’leadin’ this lad to me in my time of need.

Three weeks later, they had gotten comfortible with each other. Liam felt he could trust Payton with the keys to his shop, just in case. What had convinced him to trust Liam so much was the conversations they had. Payton shared his past and his future plans now that he was in America. Payton reminded Liam of himself when he had first come to the shores of New York. He really enjoyed Payton’s presence around the shop and often thought that Payton may be the man to meet his daughter, Emily.

Besides, he’d always wanted a boy and felt an urge to help Payton realize his dreams. Help him as much as he could. Because he knew too well how hard life was starting out with nothing.

Payton had that gift of gab that the customers loved, which gave them many more repeat customers, to the point it took both of them 12 to 15 hours a day to stay caught up.

Tell me lad, a’re ye a’comin’ along with ye’r savings as ye planned? It cost mo’re to live he’re than back home, eh. Liam said one morning before they got started.

Yes sir. It’s going to take much longer than I anticipated. It’ll take me a few years I’m sure, you know cattle are’nt cheap and if I’m to start my own ranch, well, I need every dollar. Payton answered still pounding on his project.

Tell ye what I’ll do lad. Clean out that back co’rne’r a’na put a cot the’re and ye ca’na sleep he’re fo’r f’ree if’n ye like.

Payton stopped for a moment in surprise at the offer.

YES SIR! I’d like that very much! Thank you sir. He turned and started to work in overdrive that showed his excitment of saving more money, almost every penny.

I’ll go alittle fa’rthe’r, I’ll hav’ me daughte’r Emily to b’ring ye ye’r lunch along with me own. I’ll also th’row in a little somethin’ fo’r you’r suppe’r.

I, I don’t know what to say sir. You’ve done so much already.

Tis nothing ‘really, but lad ca’na I give ye some advice?

Yes sir. My father used to tell me to always have an open ear to my elders, that sometimes their advice can be more valuable than gold. He’d say, son, your elders have already made the mistakes that you might be about to make.

He sounds like a good man ye’r da does. Well he’re’s what I’ve noticed, in the last few days, ye’ve been a’comin’ ta wo’rk with a few b’riuses. We’re not known as the fightin’ I’rish fo’r nothing ye know. I ca’na see ye’r in pain at times even though ye t’ry to hide it, I ca’na tell ye’ve been in a couple ha’rd fights lad. I’m not one to judge, but I know ye’ve been competin’ i’na the ‘rings at night. Am I ‘right lad?

Yes sir. And I’ve been doing good, it does pay good when I win.

That’s WHEN ye win lad.The’re will be that one that comes a’na hu’rt’s ye bad. Maybe so bad that it puts an end to ye’r d’reams. Do ye unde’rstand when I tell ye that the olde’r ye get the mo’re those old inju’ries will hu’rt ye?

I never thought about it sir.

What good will ye be with a cattle ‘ranch when ye can’t ‘ride a ho’rse?

Payton was silent.

Besides, I need ye st’rong an’ fit he’re. So’s I’m askin’ ye to stop. Will ye do that fe’r me lad?

Yes sir. I will, you have my word.

That’s the answe’r I was a’hopein’ to hea’r. Now, since ye do listen a’na actually hea’r, I’ll do anothe’r thing fo’r ye, to, ahhh, compensate fo’r the loss of p’rize money. I’m a’goin’ to give ye a ‘raise.

Mr. McVay, why are you being so kind to me?

I see ye as the son I neve‘r had lad. And it make’s me feel good with GOD by a’helpin’ ye in ye’r time’o need. I take HIS wo’rd to hea’rt lad, I hope ye do the same.

I do sir. I go to Church every Sunday morning.

Ye dooo do ye! Liam said merrily. Clapping his hands together. Ye just made me day lad! How would ye like to join me a’na me family one mo’rn?

I’d like that sir. Umm sir? May I ask you how much of a raise without being out of line.

Ye su’re c’na pa’rtne’r. Liam waited for Payton’s reaction.

Did you say partner sir? Payton said shocked.

Yes Payton, pa’rtne’r. I’m a’feelin’ ti’red a’na wo’rn out he‘re of late. A’na I p’romise ye, ye’ll be‘a ea’rnin’ the pa’rtne’rship. I need ye to sta’rt doin’ just a tad o’me wo’rkload. I’ll be a’needin’ one mo’re day off to ‘rest me old bones. Can ye handle that lad?

With pride sir.

A’na Payton, ye do’na hav’ to call me si’r all the time ye know.

I can’t do that sir. My father taught me to get respect you have to show respect to those deserving. And you sir are more deserving than most I’ve ever met. You are about as close to a father to me more than I could’ve ever imagined possible, sir. Your my best friend.

Well thank ye lad. Now, enough pleasent’ries.I’ve been a’watchin’ ye when Ella b’rings me me lunch. Is the’re sumtin’ I need to know?

I think she’s a beautiful woman sir. But I did’nt want to offend you by talking to her unless you say..

I thought as much. I have one thing to say about that lad! Liam said with a deep growl.

Payton swallowed hard thinking he should have kept his mouth shut.

Liam smiled and clapped Payton on his back and said, I think its high time ye come over fo’r suppe’r a’na meet’ he’r p’rope‘r. Now go get cleaned up, I’d like ye to come t’night. I’ll not take no fo’r an answe’r.

While Payton was getting clean, Liam saddled the horses. He was humming an old Irish tune that his mother used to sing when he was a child.

The sun was low and the sounds of the evening frogs and crickets were starting to come alive. A pleasant breeze was cascading down the slope of the hill leading up to Liam’s house. The sky was a soft light blue with streaks of fluffed clouds.

Payton took in the veiw of Liam’s house, he loved the way the roof was shingled with pine slats and the way cabin style tree trunks skirted the bottem with aged planks filling in the space between the timber and the roof.

There was a small wisp of smoke drifting lazily from the chimney. It was only a few miles out of town but after you crested the hill that hid it from veiw, Payton thought that it was one of the coziest homes he’d seen since arriving in America. He made a mental note to use part of its design on his own ranchhouse someday, Big dreams feuled his desire for a cattle ranch.

Surrounding the house were huge Elm trees with squirrel underneath being corn fed like chickens in a pen, by Ella Mae.

Payton’s heart skipped a beat and he was astounded by the fact that the squirrel seemed to be tame.

Liam, how does she do that, with the squirrel there, most of them stay as far away from people as they can.

Funniest thing about that, it sta’rted when two or th’ree fell out o‘the t’rees. Thei‘r eyes we’re’nt even open. Ella has a way with all the wildlife, it’s a gift it is. Anyway, da’rndest thing, she nu’rsed the little c’ritte’rs until they we’re old enough to live on thei’r own, they had thei’r own litte’rs, a’na they’ve been he’r pets eve’r since. Now Payton, do’na be su’rp’rised if’n Ella start’s a’p’reachin’, she does love the Lo’rd a’na shows it ‘respectfully ev’ery day.

Fine by me sir. There’s not a better subject to discuss.

Ye two a’re a’goin’ to get along fine lad, fine indeed.

Ye neve’r told me lad, what ye‘r denomination was.

I can’t say I have one sir. I’ll go to any Church that worships Jesus Christ.

Well, Ella Mae seemed to have been d’rawn to the good book since she sta’rted to c’rawl. She a’na Emily me wife ‘reads eve’ry day. She may well teach ye sumthin’! Hee hee, she may at that!

Ella Mae looked up at the sounds of the walking horses as the neared the house, she covered her mouth and ran into the house, one minute later Emily was standing on the porch with her hands on her hips and one foot tapping.

I think she may be agitated lad.

Liam McVay! Ye could’a told me ye we’re invitin’ company. Ella Mae and I would’a d’ressed fo’r the occasion.

So’rry luv, it was the spu’r of the moment.

She stopped tapping her foor and smiled, I’m glad ye b’rought the lad f’rom wo’rk Liam. She said, then looked at Payton, I’ve hea’rd much about ye lad. I’m glad to meet ye. She did a curtsey and added.

Get off’n that ho’rse a’na come in. Ye ca’na wash ye’r hands just inside the doo’r. Suppe’rs almost ‘ready.

Emily disappeared back into the house as the two men tied off their horses beside the water trough.

As they entered the house, just inside the door Payton and Ella Mae made eye contact, time stood still, the world around them faded away as they seemed to drink from each others spirit, down to the bottom of their souls.

Their actions did not go unnoticed, Emily grinned and elbowed Liam in his ribcage, he made an ooompf sound and glared at her. She said, The look of t’rue love is always noticible, aye Liam. They ‘remind me of the fi’rst time ye a’na I met.

Like most fathers, Liams throat tightened when he realized his little girl whad grown up, now a woman…Where did all that time go he wondered.

Even though he was prepared for this he still had a flash of anger that accompanies the fact that his little girls love is directed at another.

The anger disapated as fast as it had risen. He was glad that she seemed to have chosen Payton, he would be proud to have a son-in-law as good as the boy was. He could not think of a better man to court his daughter. He was comfortible with the idea and awaited Payton to ask his permission-as gentlemen do-for his blessings.

The sound of the McVay’s whispering broke the spell Payton and Ella Mae was under and reality rushed in like a huge vacume. They did’nt hear exactly what was said and probably would have been embarrassed if they had.

The whisper was from Emily when she told Liam, OOOH what a fine fellin’ it tis, doo ye ‘remembe’r it Liam? When we had tha same.

Iye, lass, I do. Liam answered and put his arm around Emily.

Liam said grace over the meal, then as they ate in mostly silence each couple exchanging glances. Payton and Ella Mae’s were timid and and bashful. Liam and Emily’s were humorous and quaint as they watched the two young folk’s awkward glimpses at each other.

After supper Liam invited Payton to the porch. As Liam lit his pipe and the rich cherry fragranced smoke swirled around his head. The sun hung not much lower than it had when they arrived but the evening breeze had cooled setting the mood for idle conversation.

Well, Liam, sir, I guess I need to go, It’ll be dark before I get to the shop as it is. Payton roze to leave.

Nonsence me boy. If I had’nt planned fe’r ye to get a good nights sleep on’a good matt’ress, I’d have waited ta do this anothe’r day.

Why do’na we feed a’na bed down the ho’rses a‘nd I’ll show ye me ext’ra ‘room. I know ye’r a gentleman of edicate a’na hono’r so I know that I’ll not hav’ to wo’rry about ye offendin’ me o’r the weman folk.

Thank you sir.

As they were walking back to the house Liam said, I noticed ye seem to like me daughte’r, is that t’rue?

Payton’s mouth went dry, Is it that obvious sir?

Emily noticed fi’rst, but yes lad it ’tis.

She is the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen sir. And your wife is a blessing to your home and family.

Thank ye lad, she is the glue that binds us that is fo’r su’re.

Back to your question sir. Would it be ok with you if I try to court Ella Mae?

Liam smiled and said, I was wonde’rng when ye’d get a’round to askin’ me that. And the answe’r is yes, ’tis fine with me, I think I ca’na speak fo’r Emily also. She liked ye ‘right off lad.

After a few months, Ella Mae and Payton were inseperable.

Liam watched with particular interest, he had a plan if they were going to wed. He was going to give them a wedding present of presents.

The day came when Payton asked for Ella Mae’s hand in marriage, the wedding was held in the McVay’s front yard. The reception filled the backyard as most of his regular customers and Church members attended.

They’d come to know Payton well and Ella Mae-even though she was a homebody-recieved more than a few wedding presents and blessings. A woman at her Church actually made her the wedding dress as a gift.

It was a day of celebration that would not be forgotten.

They had built a small one room cabin behind the McVay’s for the couple. Life was turning out far better than Payton could have ever dreamed, he only wished his parents were alive to be there. Before the wedding, as he done his daily prayer, he asked his parents to watch over them and asked Jesus to bless them.

A few days later, Liam and Payton were sitting on Liam’s front porch-it had become a nightly ritual after supper-Liam asked Payton if he still planned on going West.

Yes sir. I don’t mean to take Ella Mae that far away from you, but afraid I have to.

I’ve been a’meanin’ to talk to ye about that lad. Come i’na the house a’na help me with somethin’ will ye.

Payton followed Liam to Liam’s bedroom. On the way Liam winked at Emily, she realized what he was doing and winked back smiling.

Liam reached under the bed, and with great effort, pulled out a trunk that was locked with two padlocks.

Help me get this to the kitchen table lad.

Payton went to snatch up one end and almost yanked his shoulder out of socket.

What do you have in there sir!

Ye’ll soon find out lad. Liam said with a twinkle in his eye.

The trunk hit the table with a loud thump causeing Ella Mae to come running in the front door.

Is eve’ry one ok! She asked loudly, thinking one of her parents may have fallen.

Iye lass, come ove’r he’re, I’ve sumthin’ to show ye a’na ye’r husband.

They gathered around the trunk and Liam said, Payton lad, I know, f’rom what ye’ve told me, ye’r dreams as well as ye do ye’rself.Emily does too. We ag’ree that it ’tis a fine d’ream indeed. So fine, we’ve made it ou’r d’ream also, to see ye do well I mean. To build a p’rope’r ‘ranch lad it takes alot of ha’rd wo’rk as ye know and a good bit’o money.

Liam opened the trunk and the shine gleamed upon all their faces. Payton’s jaw dropped. Ella Mae’s eyes widened and Emily said, Liam, Ella Mae, this is ou’r lifes savings. Tis what we planned on ‘reti’reing on. We’ve made a decision that, if’n ye will ag’ree, we’d like to be a’pa’rt o’ye’r d’ream.We want to come with ye, if’n ye ag’ree, ye can use as much as ye want o’this gold.

Payton swallowed hard.

Well lad, what do ye think?

I was going to ask you to come anyway sir! Ella Mae and I already discussed it. But we had no idea…I mean…I was going to save the money to do it before we asked you sir! I don’t know what to say!

Say yes lad! Let’s go on this adventu’re togethe’r!

Payton looked at Liam with a mixture of pride and appreciaoion.To know that the man that had filled his ‘fathers shoes was behind him in a dream, that was now years closer to becoming reality.

Well lad? Deal o’r no deal? Emily said.

Payton grabbed Liam’s hand and almost yelled with excitment, DEAL!…SIR!

They all were laughing when Ella Mae got serious and said, Da, how did ye get all’o this gold?

I’ve been a’savin’ eve’ry piece’o gold that’s been given fo’r me wo’rk since befo’re we moved he’re to Ame’rica las, way befo’re ye we’re bo’rn. Emily a’na I al’ready decided to move away f’rom the city.The’re’s become too much thieve’ry among the people. And what bette’r way to do it. We ca’na move a’na help with ou’r child’rens d’reams all at the same time.

They put the strong box back under the bed and came back out to sit at the table as the two weman went to get the clothes off of the line.

So lad, when do we sta’rt this adventu’re?

Whenever you choose sir. I have my money at the shop, so it’s up to you…sir.

I say we close the shop this week. Let ou’r cutome’rs know that we won’t be’a openin’ up again. As fa’r as anyone should know is that we a’re only ‘reti‘rin’, not a’goin’ West as to not have any thieves on ou’r t’rail, how’s that sound?

Like a plan. I’ll get Ella Mae and me a wagon and supplies for us all this week, little by little, sir.

That night, Emily and Liam were knealt, side by side as every night, in prayer.

Heavenly FATHE’R, we thank thee fo’r all thy blessings, we thank thee fo’r a’leadin’ Payton to ou’r home, ye placed into ou’r lives a t’ruly good man. May ye bless this adventu’re we a’re about to begin. We ask ye Jesus to lead us to whe’re we should be, i’na Jesus’s name we p’ray, amen.

PART TWO

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE BUT IF YOU

DO IT RIGHT ONCE