Diamonds on the Water

By Jo Ann Surrey

Diamonds on the Water by Jo Ann Surrey

__________________________________

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636305233

Book preview

Chapter 1

Her senses were euphoric as the beautiful palomino beneath her galloped across the meadow. Her body was in sync with the horse as his long legs stretched in rhythm. His breath was strong as mist formed from his nostrils. The full moon lit the way, making the moist grass beneath them glimmer like small gemstones as it was crushed beneath them. Jesse just knew they could gallop right up to the moon, finding an entrance to the heavens. Then she heard it—a cry, a deep sobbing cry. No, I won’t stop, she shouted. I cannot let go of this moment. Reluctantly, Jesse opened her eyes. If only the dream could have gone on forever.

Reaching for a flashlight, she slid her feet into a warm pair of soft moccasins. Instinctively, she knew where to go. Slipping into the hallway, she made her way to the crying. Silently she opened the door and approached the sobbing girl. Reaching around her as she brushed the curly auburn hair from her face, she held her close. Soon the sobbing ceased when the girl looked into her eyes with the same question as always. Why did they make me do it? Why, Aunt Jesse?

I cannot answer that, child. Try to forgive them, or you will never find peace.

I do not want to find peace. I don’t deserve it.

Try not to think that way. We have all done things that are not deserving of forgiveness, but we have it. You need to pray about it. Look to Jesus for your peace.

Please don’t leave me, Aunt Jesse. Please stay here with me.

Of course, child. Jesse dutifully tucked the sheets in around her, pulling the blanket up to cover her thin frame. Finding another blanket, she settled in the rocking chair beside the bed.

All too soon, the smell of coffee beckoned her awake. Stretching her fifty-five-year-old body as she slipped into her moccasins and fleece housecoat, she stumbled out into the hallway, quietly making her way to the kitchen. The kitchen always seemed full of good smells as Chief filled it with his style of good country cooking.

He did not seem to notice as Jesse headed straight for the coffeepot, reaching for a mug and filling it to the brim. He was from the tribe of Chickasaw Indians, always seeming in tune with his surroundings, seldom showing a hint of interest. Jesse felt that his dark eyes, almost black, held secrets that only he and his ancestors knew. He stood proud, as you would imagine an Indian chief would stand in front of his people. What his real name was she wasn’t privy to, but Paul, her brother, always called him Chief.

Taking a sip of the dark brown liquid, she already felt better. With a greeting to him, she found her way to the patio. The patio was situated to look over a lake down the hill from the house. The breeze was strong enough to cause small waves. The sun was rising with a pink glow in the sky that reflected in the spring waters of the lake. It was as if the lake was a mirror for the heavens above. She breathed in the fresh air scented with the cedar and pine, feeling the tension ease from her body. God has a way of making everything seem better, she thought to herself. Paul’s voice, deep with a distinct Texas accent, filled the room behind her.

Good morning, sister. Hope you had a good night. Not ready to tell Paul of Barb’s almost nightly sobbing, she replied with an affirmative nod. I see you had no trouble finding the coffeepot. Chief will be in shortly with breakfast. I told him to bring it out to the patio. Where is Barb this morning?

She was tired and still sleeping when I looked in on her.

‘I’ll tell Chief to keep breakfast warm for her. I have to meet with my ranch manager, Blake, this morning. Will you be all right? Maybe we can go riding this afternoon.

Wonderful. Jesse eyes lit up. Nothing can take away your problems like a good ride on a horse. I will probably take Barb for a walk this morning. It looks like a beautiful day. How has Blake been since his wife passed away? It has been three years, I think.

She was a special lady. Blake has gone on with his life, just as you have, Jesse. About your problems, I am willing to share them anytime you want to talk. She could hear the concern in Paul’s voice. Chief was bringing in pancakes, bacon, eggs, and hash browns in big platter.

Whoa, Paul, Jesse exclaimed, do you eat like this every morning? Chief chuckled as he walked out.

Paul, smiling with a teasing look in his blue eyes, filled his plate. Aw, Jesse, I’m still a growing boy.

Which way? laughed Jesse, knowing her brother could eat a whale without putting any fat on his trim six-foot body. She couldn’t help but wonder why her little brother, with his jet-black hair and expressive dark-blue eyes, had not been lassoed by some lucky woman. Paul was not one to discuss his love life.

You are avoiding my question again, Jesse.

Only because of a promise. You are so kind to open up your home to me. In time, I will explain why Barb is with me instead of Crystal.

Paul left after breakfast while Jesse sat there enjoying the peace and quiet. She missed the Texas countryside, having lived the city life since she had gotten married. She had no living children but loved Barb as her own. Perhaps that was why her sister had turned to her for help.

Morning, Aunt Jesse. Chief told me you were out here.

Barb, did you finally get some sleep?

Yes, thanks for staying with me. I hate being so much trouble.

Oh no, honey, don’t think of yourself as trouble. Now you eat up. Maybe we can go for a walk. I bet some exercise is something we both need. As if on cue, Chief came in with some more warm pancakes and bacon.

Good breakfast makes for a good day, remarked Chief as he encouraged Barb to fill her plate. Barb picked at her breakfast, managing only a few bites. Chief sensed there was something bothering this child. Pardon me, Ms. Jesse, but could you walk to the pecan orchard and pick up some pecans for me? Chief was standing with buckets in hand. I can show you which way to go.

Pecan orchard? I didn’t know Paul had a pecan orchard.

Belongs to our neighbor, Mr. Whitten. As long as I bake him a pecan pie, he lets me have all I need.

Be glad to. Right, Barb, give us the buckets. I think we are ready to go.

I’m ready, Aunt Jesse.

Chapter 2

The trail to the pecan trees led through a forest of pine and oak. This was new to her. The trail, though narrow, was easy to navigate. She let Barb take the lead, watching as the young girl seemed to enjoy herself. Barb looked neat and trim in her shorts and T-top. She always wore shorts at the proper length. They showed off her perfectly shaped legs. Her auburn hair was tied in a ponytail, for it reached to her waist when she wore it down; it swung in rhythm to her steps. She looked like a twelve-year-old, except for the sadness in her green eyes.

It took them about thirty minutes to travel when the trail opened up to an orchard of pecan trees. So many pecan trees. The path through the orchard took them by a creek that gurgled as it wound around to a lake they could see in the distance. They easily filled their buckets with pecans; the trees had a bountiful crop this year.

Walking back by the creek, Jesse, lost in the beauty of the scenery, did not hear the hoofbeats of the approaching riders. Aunt Jesse, watch out, shouted Barb. Just as Jesse turned, she saw a big black stallion galloping right for her.

No time to move, the animal stopped right in front of her, rearing up, his powerful legs pawing the air. Trying to move away, she felt herself falling backward. Grabbing at a tree branch, she missed and slid down the slippery muddy bank into the creek with a splash. She landed on her bottom as the cold water sprayed all over her. The horseman, sitting upon his black stallion with a scowl, stared at her. She managed to stand up, water soaking her jeans, her shirt caked with mud and her gray hair wet and clinging to her face.

What are you doing here? demanded the man.

The nerve of you, Jesse shot back. I didn’t come here to go swimming, that’s for sure.

For your information, madam, this just happens to be my land. That is also my creek you say you’re not swimming in.

I suppose that gives you an excuse to run people down. Jesse glared as she tried to keep her balance. Just then, a young man reached down, offering to help her up. In her anger, she had not noticed the other rider. Not knowing what else to do, she reached for his hand as he pulled her up the bank, putting her face-to-face with the horse that had caused her to fall. Not wanting to show any fear, she stood as tall as her five feet two would let her. It was then that she caught sight of the horse that the other rider came on. She couldn’t help but gasp.

There stood a beautiful golden-colored horse, a color she had only heard about. Awed by its beauty, she almost forgot the horse and rider looking down on her.

Madam, I would like to know what you are doing here?

Barb, feeling somewhat fearful, spoke up. My Uncle Paul’s cook sent us here. He said a Mr. Whitten would allow him to pick the pecans.

Chief, you say, told you to come here.

Jesse, still standing in front of the horse, said angrily, If you wish, sir, we will be glad to dump our buckets of pecans back under your trees.

Why, Chief wanted them, didn’t he? Then Chief can have them. If you will kindly move yourself, we can continue our ride. Mount up, Narsimha. Without another word, he rode around Jesse, saying only that he would be over to see Paul later. The young man, after checking to see if she was all right, jumped on his horse in one motion. Jesse nodded her head, still in awe of the beautiful golden stallion. He smiled at Barb as he took off, following the other rider.

Did you see that, Aunt Jesse? That young man is riding bareback. Barb’s voice was full of admiration. His name was rather strange, don’t you think?

All I could see was a rude, arrogant, gray-haired old man, Jesse spewed out. She wanted nothing better than to toss the pecans in his face. Wait till I tell Paul. Of all the nerve. He will certainly tell him a thing or two. She had to admit to herself that the horses they were on were both magnificent animals. Jesse had always been an admirer of horses. She rode as often as a horse was available. She wanted to see that golden horse again.

Did you see how magnificent he sat on that beautiful horse, Aunt Jesse?

Is that all you can talk about, Barb, that young man? Jesse was trying to smooth her wet hair back.

Sorry, Aunt Jesse. Barb was trying to keep a straight face. You sure stood your ground.

Humph. Jesse grimaced as her boots made a squishing sound with every step. I have never encountered such a horrible man. Just who does that old man think he is? The walk back seemed extralong.

Are you all right, Ms. Jesse? Chief was gathering towels to give her. Trying to keep her temper, she expressed dismay at her condition. Not wanting to upset her more, Chief restrained from asking