Noah Stone 2: On the Border

By Patrick M. Browning

Noah Stone is a man! The kind all men would like to be! He is like the famous 'Pardner' in that he too is the epitome of the 'Lover, Fighter and Wild Horse rider! We are going to follow him through his life. It is not always the typical 'Hero Fluff' most authors try to present. Noah's story is a more realistic tale of a bold and fearless man who

• Language: English
• Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
• Release date: Aug 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685367879

Patrick M. Browning

Patrick M Browning has spent his life Cowboying all over the west and deep into Old Mexico, managing some of the largest cattle and horse ranches in both countries. These many years in the saddle have given him the advantage of a perspective and knowledge of his subject matter, few writers of our generation have the benefit of drawing from. His works on Contemporary Cowboy life have a true to life feeling and flavor that only comes with actual experience. PMB, 'Lives the life he writes, and Writes the life he lives!"

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Copyright © 2022 by Patrick M. Browning.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Epilogue

CHAPTER 1

That evening, Noah drank with his wife, Rosa, and the three cowboys, Sid, Donnie, and Curtis. Arnold and his young wife, Shelia, were also there, and much to everyone’s pleasure, Pardner and Liz joined them. Rosa and Shelia drank red wine, Sid, Curtis, Donnie, and Arnold all drank whiskey, but Liz, Pardner and Noah drank Sombra Mezcal Joven! They were at Matt’s on Whiskey Row, in Prescott, Arizona.

All the time they were at the table, Pardner spoke to Rosa in Spanish, and she loved it. Noah could see how attracted Rosa was to Pardner, but Noah wasn’t the least jealous now that he had actually met him. Noah, too, found this legend to be very fascinating! He could not help feeling a bit prideful to have had this famous man honor him with such a gracious toast earlier!

Pardner and Liz already had other plans for the night, so after a few sociable drinks, Pardner stood and told Noah, It is an honor to have met you, my friend, I have been hearing about you for quite a while now and am very happy we ran into each other.

Noah stood up when Pardner had, and the two men shook hands.

Liz kissed Noah very passionately and said, I told you that I was looking forward to getting to know Pardner better! And she giggled.

Noah, here is a number you can reach me most anytime. If you are ever in Gila Bend, go to the 2 Sues and tell the ladies there that you are a close friend of mine! You won’t be lying! You will love Sue and Susie, and they will certainly both love you, I guarantee that! Rosa, Fue un placer conocerte! Buenas noches. (It was nice meeting you, Good night!) Pardner kissed Rosa like they were lovers, not like two people who had just met, then he walked Liz out and down the street.

He is magnifico! Rosa said, then added, Ese hombre es muy especial!

Baby, you are drooling a little! Noah said and smiled.

Damn! Shelia said sensually.

Noah and Rosa had one more drink, and then he asked, Which of the saloons that we have visited tonight did you like best? Noah asked again.

Where do you think Pardner is taking Liz? Rosa asked, being naughty.

He is taking her to the Hassayampa! We have a room there as well. Maybe we will see them later! Noah said, smiling.

That would be nice. Rosa said and then added, I really liked Ella at the Bird Cage, Noah! Can we go back there?

Absolutely, my love! Noah said. I really enjoy Ella too! She is a mess, but she is a lot of fun. Just so you are not surprised, she likes women as much as she does men.

I could see that, Noah. I very much liked the way she looked at me! Is that okay, patron? Rosa asked.

Yep! Stan might still be here! Noah said.

Stan? Which one was he? Rosa said innocently.

You remember him, sweetheart! His handprints are still all over your chest! Noah teased.

Oh, yes, Stan! He was very adventurous, indeed! Rosa smiled at Noah. You enjoyed it too, didn’t you, patron?

Yes, I did, my love! Keep in mind, if you ever push something too far, I will say ‘enough’! he said and then added, Afterward! He smiled at her with a very special smile.

She stopped on the sidewalk and kissed him with a bedroom kiss and said, I will never make you want to say ‘enough,’ ever! Rosa said and kissed him again.

They walked on up the block to the Bird Cage. Ella met them at the door and took Rosa by the arm and led them to a table close to the dance floor. You sit here, baby, so I can sit with you! Ella offered. Stan is still here and has asked a lot of questions about you and Noah!

That is one reason I chose to come back here! Rosa said sweetly.

As soon as they sat down, a waitress brought them drinks—wine for Rosa and Ella and a mezcal for Noah. Several men came over and asked Rosa to dance, and she danced with them all, and after a few dances, she asked Noah, Patron, do I look all right?

Yes, sweetheart! You look fantastic. Why would you ask that? Noah asked her.

We have been here for quite a while now, and Stan has not come over to ask me to dance yet! Rosa said sadly.

Maybe he is just tired, babe! Noah said.

It is my fault, Rosa. He was asking a lot of questions about you and Noah, so I told him what I knew about both of you. I suppose the stories about Noah killing all those men chilled his romantic aspirations. I am sorry, babe. I just wanted him to be careful not to be disrespectful of Noah while he was entertaining you! Ella explained.

Patron! I would like to dance with him some more! Rosa said like a little girl wanting more ice cream.

Perfect, my love! Go over and ask him for another dance! Noah said.

Do you really think that would be all right? Rosa asked nervously.

Do you want to dance with him again? Noah asked her.

Yes, very much! Rosa admitted.

Well, I am not going to ask him to dance with my wife, so if he is too afraid to ask, you are going to have to ask him! Noah teased.

I don’t believe I can do that, patron! Rosa said. Several other men came and asked her to dance, and she accepted every request. She took every opportunity to look at Stan, and he was always looking back at her. After several more dances, Rosa said, He is looking at me like he wants to, so why doesn’t he ask me to dance?

Sit this next one out, my love! I will be right back, Noah said and got up and walked toward Stan. The good-looking fellow looked like he was going to run. Hold on there, Stan. There seems to have been a misunderstanding. Would you like to come sit down and have a drink with my wife and me? Noah offered.

I think that would be very nice, if you are sure, you are okay with it? Stan said.

Yep! Noah said and turned to walk back to Rosa.

Now? Stan asked nervously.

Yes, you knucklehead! I am not going to ask you again! Noah teased this handsome man who seemed to be a good enough fellow; he just liked the feel of a beautiful woman in his arms. Noah could not be mad at him for that!

When they got back to the table, Noah said, Rosa, this is Stan. You may not remember him. You have danced with so many men, but he seems like a fine fellow and is going to have a drink with us. Will that be all right with you, my love? Noah said very formally.

I can’t say that I remember him. Stan, is it? Rosa asked and was playing the role perfectly. It is nice to meet you, Stan. Please sit down and have a drink with my husband and me.

Thank you, may I call you Rosa? I am not surprised you don’t remember me. We have only had one dance together. It was a wonderful dance, though! We danced to ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.’ It was very nice, Stan said, hoping Rosa would remember.

That is a very pretty song. I am glad you enjoyed the dance, Scott. Rosa intentionally getting his name incorrect.

"It is Stan, not Scott, Rosa," Stan said, sounding defeated.

Yes, of course it is, Rosa said.

After they finished a drink, Stan asked, Would you care to dance again?

No, thank you. If we danced to a wonderful slow song like that and I can’t even remember, I don’t think there is any point in a second one. Thank you anyway, Scott, Rosa said coldly.

Stan stood up and thanked Noah for the drink and told Rosa it was nice meeting her, then went back to where he had been standing. In just a few minutes, Stan left the Bird Cage.

Damn, girl! That was gruesome to watch! I loved every minute of it! Ella said.

Noah just smiled at this beautiful lady. You couldn’t have decided to do that before I had to walk over there and then buy him a drink? Noah teased.

Any man I let enjoy me as much as I allowed him to and then doesn’t have the nerve to walk over and ask to do it again when he saw me dancing with several other men is not worth the effort it takes to allow him another opportunity! Rosa said.

That’s my girl! I will bet you can find ten other men that would love to enjoy you as much as Stann did, sweetheart! Ella teased. I know of one woman that would certainly love to!

Why, Ella, that sounds absolutely delightful! Rosa said to both Ella’s and Noah’s surprise and pleasure.

They spent until closing time there and enjoyed every minute. Rosa danced with several more men and with Ella a few times as well. When Rosa was dancing with her, Ella was so busy exploring, she made Stan look like a very reserved dance partner.

Wow! That was something Ella! Rosa said, smiling.

Noah also danced with several of the women in the bar, and he danced with Ella some, but he mostly watched Rosa dance, flirt, and play with her many male partners. They were all having such a good time, even Ella was surprised when last call came. They all three returned to the table and had one last drink. Did you have a good time, Rosa? Noah asked.

Yes, patron, I had a very wonderful time. Did you enjoy watching me dance? Rosa asked sweetly.

Yes, sweetheart, I loved watching you! Noah said sincerely.

She stopped in the middle of taking a drink of her wine. Thank you, I really liked knowing you were watching, patron. Then she smiled sensually.

Perfect! Noah said.

How very wonderful. We will use that, patron! she said and smiled at him again a special smile, and he couldn’t breathe for a moment!

They both kissed Ella good night and walked out onto the sidewalk along Montezuma Street and past the Palace and the Jersey Lilly stairs, then past Matt’s and came to the Saint Michaels on the corner of Montezuma and Gurley. We could go up and see Shelia and Arnold if you want to," Rosa suggested.

I don’t think they will want or need any company, tonight, sweetheart! Noah said. He took Rosa by the hand and led her down the sidewalk and up the hill on Gurley to the Hassayampa Inn. We need to climb the stairs, my love. We are on the top floor. They spent a wonderful night alone, just like the many they had spent together at the ranch.

Lying next to him, she asked, Are you disappointed in me for wanting to go see Shelia and Arnold, patron? Rosa asked worriedly.

No, my love! I am very proud of you, I just wanted to be alone with you tonight! he said and kissed her passionately.

I love you, patron! Rosa said tenderly, then started to get passionate.

Thank you, sweetheart, but that can wait a moment, I want to ask you something, Noah said and went to the suitcase and dug around under the lining. He knelt down in front of her, and she lost her breath. Rosa, you are truly the love of my life. Will you do me the honor of marrying me? He held out a very simple ring and said, This ring had been my grandmother’s, and she wore it for sixty-two years. She gave it to me just before she passed away. I have never offered it to any other woman! I have been calling you my wife long enough without it being true.

Si, patron. Si, si, si y mil veces mas! Rosa said unquestionably! (Yes, and a million times more.)

Noah stood, and Rosa fell into his arms. This is the engagement ring, and there is a wedding band that goes with it when we get married. Rosa, I need to ask you if your first two marriages were annulled by the church, or was either one of them a sacramental marriage? If so, the church won’t allow you to be married again. If at all possible, I want to marry you where your family approves of the marriage! he asked.

You are so wonderful, patron! I love you more each day! I was never married, ever! I am not even sure who my babies’ fathers are. You see, I have entertained several men at the same time, many times before. Anna and Sophia are the results of a couple of those visits. I know you won’t want to marry me now, because of this, but I couldn’t let you go through with it not knowing what I have been! I want you to know that just your asking me is the most wonderful thing that has or will ever happen to me, patron, Rosa said, weeping, and handed Noah his grandmother’s ring back to him.

Put that back on your finger! If you lose that, I will kick your ass! Noah scolded.

Patron, you are not mad? Rosa asked, having stopped crying.

Yes! I am mad as hell! he said, and then added, Mad as hell that we didn’t go in to see Shelia and Arnold last night! Noah said, smiling, being very naughty.

I was afraid you would find out I had been a puta! I thought if you knew, you would not want me, patron! Rosa said.

I would like Father Joshua at the Tubac Mission to marry us in the chapel. We can have Juan and Henrietta and Ralph and Norma there. Is that all right with you, my love? Noah asked, ignoring her confession completely.

Absolutely! she said, and then asked shyly, Soon?

As soon as we get back, sweetheart! You have said yes. I don’t want you to have enough time to change your mind! he teased.

Nunca! she said. (Never.)

They gathered everything up and drove back down the hill to Wickenburg and went to the hospital. He went in to see Sandra and spoke with the doctor, who said she was dying from the effects of alcoholism.

Noah knew this binge drinking was brought on by the death of her baby sister. She blamed him for the death as he had claimed to be in love with both of them but left them anyway. Little Sister Ann was extremely bipolar, and in a depressive state, took her own life. Sandra went home and drank herself to death. She had not actually died yet, but the medical professionals said she would soon. There was nothing to be done but try to make her comfortable.

Sandra, are you feeling any better, sweetheart? Noah asked as he walked into her room.

Yes, a little, Noah. Isn’t this a hell of a mess I have gotten myself in? she asked rhetorically.

Yes, sweetheart, you have killed yourself! It is my fault, but you did it! Noah said.

Damn! So we are going to try tough love now that it is too late! Sandra said, and a trace of her old smile came back. So what are we going to do, Noah? I heard Dr. Simmons say you were paying for everything. What are you going to do with me until I die? Sandra said, fully understanding her situation.

Well, babe. I want to take you back to our house on the ranch, and you will live there with Rosa and I, and we will care for you and love you and make you as comfortable as possible, he explained.

Rosa? How wonderful. Have you married her yet, or are you just going to sleep with her until she hurts your feelings and then run off and leave her too? Sandra said harshly."

She is here and would like to see you, babe. Noah said.

I would love to see her too! Sandra said.

Noah stepped out and got Rosa. Hello, Sis, was all Rosa said as she wasn’t sure just what to say.

Have you two set a date yet? Sandra asked.

Soon, Rosa said.

You realize you are getting the best man that ever lived, don’t you? Sandra said, and Noah teared up some.

I know that you love him, and he still loves you too, Sis. I am all right with that. Will you be all right with him loving me as well? Rosa asked.

Yes, Rosa. I want to warn you, if there had been any chance of my ever getting out of this death bed, I might have tried to get a small piece of him back! Sandra teased, but started coughing a terrible cough and coughed up some blood.

Noah stepped out to get a nurse, and Rosa said, I see you noticed that I am wearing some of Little Sister’s clothes. I had so few of my own, Noah said I could wear these. Is that all right, Sis?

Sandra started crying and said, There is just so much I have to get used to, Rosa! Yes, I am proud you are getting some use out of her clothes. You look very beautiful in them, Rosa. He loves you very much! I can see it in his eyes. He used to look at me like that, but I ran him off acting shamefully about a man named Pardner! Sandra confessed.

We met that man! He said Noah was the bravest man he had ever met or even heard of and toasted him along with the entire bar! Rosa said.

You met Pardner? Was he wonderful? Sandra asked dreamily.

Yes, Sis! He is magnifico! He is very much man! Rosa said.

Just then Noah returned with a nurse, and she asked Noah and Rosa to leave. It is all right! I am going to live with them, and Rosa will be taking care of me and will see what all I have done to myself, Sandra said.

The nurse rolled her up on her side and took her robe off and gave her an injection of something. You could see every one of her ribs and her backbone stuck out hideously. They had put salve on her bed sores, and the nurse wiped her down and rubbed more salve on the open sores, put a clean robe on her, then laid her back down. The nurse made her take her pills and then left the room.

Can you handle all that, Rosa? Sandra asked.

Yes, Sis! I will be proud to help you any way I can, always! Rosa said, then added that they would be back in a few days to take her home and kissed her on the cheek. Noah kissed Sandra on the lips and told her he loved her and would do all he could do for her as long as he could.

You mean until I die? Sandra said, more lighthearted than one would think for the situation she was in.

Babe, Rosa and I are going to help you either get well or to be comfortable, and we are both going to love you every day you are with us. I give you my word, Noah said.

Noah, two more things. When the time comes, would you ask Ralph if I can be placed next to Ann? Sandra asked.

Certainly, babe! I will see to it personally. What is the second thing? Noah asked.

It may be too much, Noah, Sandra said, starting to drift off from the medication the nurse gave her.

Anything, babe. What is it? Noah asked.

Well, Rosa says Pardner is really hot and that you two are tight buddies now. Since my being a fool about him is the reason you ran off, I want to meet him! Can you ask him to come see me once you get me home? Sandra said and stuck her tongue out at Rosa, who thought it was pretty clever!

Absolutely! As soon as we get you settled, I will call him and ask him to come see you, Noah said without a trace of jealousy in his voice.

You realize that if you had not been such a baby, you would have still had both Ann and me living with you, don’t you? I am sure that by now you would have had Rosa living there as well! Sandra said and then added, Rosa, after her quinceañera, you be sure to keep an eye on Angelina! Sandra said and smiled a sweet smile at Rosa. She giggled a little, and they could hear her chest rattle and gurgle.

I will watch him, Sis. You can help me! We will keep him in our beds only! Rosa said so sweetly that Sandra cried. Rosa added, We may have our work cut out for us, Sis. My momma has her eye on him also! she said, teasing and smiling.

You stay away from Henrietta, or I will tell her what a scamp you really are, and she will stop making tamales for you! Sandra said. You two go back to the ranch and get married, then come back here in a few days and take me home please. Rosa, would you have this big goof stop by my place so you could gather up some things I will need when you get me home. If there is anything there that you think you might like to have, please take it and wear it. I would love to see you in it! Sandra said and had another coughing spell, but there was less blood this time, and Rosa caught it all with a towel. Then Sandra added, Or out of it! Sandra smiled, being a bit naughty!

That would have been cuter if you hadn’t had to stop to cough in the middle, babe! I will help you work on your smart-ass delivery when I get you home! Noah said and kissed her again, as did Rosa.

When Rosa kissed Sandra this time, it too was on the lips, and she whispered, I know he will always love you the most! You should know that as well, Sis!

CHAPTER 2

Their drive out to Sandra’s house was filled with Rosa asking what all they should take for Sandra to wear when they get her home.

Let’s see what all she has, babe. She will be in bed most of the time, but I want to get her outside some in the sun and fresh air. Once she is strong enough, we can take her to the pool so she can visit with Ralph and Norma a little, Noah said.

They stopped at the house and were surprised that Sandra didn’t have as many things as Ann had. Rosa gathered up everything and packed all the clothes with great care. While Noah packed some of Sandra’s jewelry, he said, remembering, Sandra always liked wearing jewelry. She will want some when she meets Pardner.

Noah made sure everything they left in the house and the barn was locked up good, and then just before they left, he walked over to where he had buried Sam! Samantha, you were as good a friend as I ever had. Please forgive me for letting this happen to you, because I will never forgive myself! He said this all in Spanish as he had the habit of speaking to his working dogs in Spanish as opposed to in English. With eyes full of tears, he walked back to the truck and Rosa, and then they drove away.

On the drive home, they talked about what all they needed to do for Sandra to make sure she would be comfortable. Babe, would you mind if we move our baby girls across the hall to the bedroom next to ours? I would like Sandra to have the one with the big window overlooking the barn and horse paddocks, Noah asked.

That would be very nice, was all Rosa said.

Noah could feel something was coming over Rosa, so he said, Do we want to buy you a dress to get married in, or do you have something already? We will stop on our way through and ask Father Joshua if he will perform the service tomorrow or as soon as possible, he said, just like he was telling her he was going to stop and pick up a loaf of bread.

Rosa started smiling and crying simultaneously.

What are you doing, you nut? Noah teased.

I thought you had changed your mind about wanting to marry me now that you were getting Sis back again, patron, she said.

No! I have not changed my mind. Now do we have something for you to wear that will work for you? Noah asked, smiling at this beautiful Mexican woman he had fallen in love with.

I have the one my momma was married in, Noah. I never thought I would get to wear it. It is plain and was not an expensive dress, but my mamma wore it on the happiest day of her life, and I would like to wear it on mine, too! Will that be good enough, patron? she asked.

That will be perfect! Here it comes! But, sweetheart, I don’t remember what Henrietta was wearing when she first met me! That is certainly the happiest day of her life that you are referring to, is it not? Noah teased.

What is it that Sis used to say, ‘Sir, you are a real pain in the ass!’ Rosa said and giggled.

The remainder of the trip was delightful, now that Rosa knew Noah had made his mind up and she was going to be Mrs. Rosa Stone! She was so excited she talked nonstop all the way to the Tubac Mission. They went in together, and Father Joshua was in the chapel doing whatever it is priests do in there, and Noah waited until the father was finished.

Padre! I would like you to preform our wedding service. It is short notice, but what do we need to have before you can marry us? Noah asked.

Father Joshua answered, The church requires you have baptismal certificates, a certification of Holy Communion and Confirmation, an affidavit of freedom to marry, a civil marriage license, and a marriage preparation course completion certificate.

Damn! Noah said.

My son, God only requires you love one another! I will perform the service tomorrow at noon, and we will figure out the paperwork later, Father Joshua said, lovingly.

Father, I have most all my paperwork, Rosa said, having been Catholic her entire life.

That will make this easier, my dear child. I will marry you to this heathen tomorrow, and you and I can spend the rest of our lives attempting to convert him! Father Joshua teased.

Damn! Noah said.

I am afraid we may need a little help, Father! Rosa also teased.

We will have God’s help! Your man Noah here is truly like David and is a man after God’s own heart! He doesn’t know it, but God has his eyes on him always! Father Joshua stated as fact.

Damn! Noah said again.

My son, you realize that is half a curse word, do you not? the Father scolded.

Yep! It took me years to cut it in half, too! Noah said and smiled at the priest.

They drove on home and unloaded all of Sandra’s things into the bedroom they were going to have her use and moved the little girls’ things to the one next to theirs. Come on, my love. I need to speak to your parents. They walked hand in hand to Juan’s, and he was home with Henrietta and the two little girls.

Juan, Henrietta, I would like to ask you for Rosa’s hand in marriage. If you will allow me the honor of taking her as my wife, Noah asked graciously.

It would be our honor, patron! You have just made us the proudest and happiest we have ever been, Juan said without consulting Henrietta.

Noah thought, I love these Mexican customs a lot! The wife does the rubbing and scrubbing, and the husband does the drinking and the thinking!

Henrietta took Rosa in her arms and held her, telling her how happy she was and that she would continue watching the babies for a while so they could consummate the marriage to prevent any chance of an annulment later!

We have made arrangements to be married in the Mission tomorrow at noon. I would like you two to be there please, Noah asked.

Tomorrow? How wonderful! Henrietta said and then added, "We have much to do, daughter!