Overlooking The Brazos

By John Davis

A young bashful Texas boy, named Jesse, right off his parents ranch, moves to Atlanta to discovery if he can make it in the big city. Jesse just graduated meets a big brown eyed girl, both new at the same company. New jobs, both bashful, they meet at work, what takes place to these two new employees, carried them both back to the cattle ranch in Texas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Apr 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9781665758840

John Davis

Author, self-taught electrical engineering designer, worked for 50 plus years, finally retired and always wanted to write a book put his fingers to the keyboard. The words of this book poured out from his life experiences, lost loves, friends, grandparents and family. A fictional book with touches of true life and life long characters from his past.

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Copyright © 2024 John Davis.

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

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

Archway Publishing

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

844-669-3957

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

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5883-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6657-5884-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024907173

Archway Publishing rev. date:  04/08/2024

I’d like to thank everyone in my life, for giving me examples of how life should be lived. For God being such a warrior in my heart and mind, and steering me along life’s path. My Nanna and Papaw especially for their love and guidance and the life they gave me and my brothers.

A loving family and special wife that God brought into my life, as well as many special friends I’ve made along the way.

Special thanks to the fond memories of Tim Connors, who actually did hike the Appalachian Trail. A football coach, teacher and a great example of how we should walk with God. We lost Tim after a long and brave battle with cancer. Tim was one of God’s special warriors placed on this earth. We all miss you Tim.

Thank you one and all.

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

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Epilogue

CHAPTER

1

Jesse Beck was from Texas, where his parents had a ranch on the Brazos River. The Brazos being one of Texas’ largest rivers, sometimes used to mark the boundary between East and West Texas. On the ranch his family primarily raised cattle, and horses. A fine area of Texas with slow sloping hills, trees and plenty of grassland for the herd to graze. He moved to Alpharetta, Georgia right after his college graduation. He spent the summer before working as an engineering intern for an established consulting company just outside Atlanta. The firm housed him in a local hotel for the eight-week internship. He was being paid minimum wage, along with the hotel and meals being covered by the company. They were very interested in Him coming to work for them after graduation. This was actually the first time Jesse had really been that far away from home and his parent’s ranch. Going to the University of Texas wasn’t really that far from his home. After graduating in the Fall, He was offered several jobs, but He really liked the area and the people He had met working in Georgia. It sounded good that they would reimburse his last year of school tuition if he came to work for them. Win, win, and it was less than 12 hours from home where He lived in a small town just South of Houston. The 800 miles didn’t seem like a lot to Him, drivable in a good day. The ranch his family owned and where his mom, Brenda, and dad, Brad had raised him and his two brothers. He was the youngest in the family, the third boy of three brothers.

Older brother Billy was over six foot four. He had been their brother’s protector growing up. The oldest and the biggest of the whole family. He was by far the biggest boy in school, but easy going and friendly. When his younger brothers came along, He took care of them. Trouble never happened at school when He was around, Billy stopped it before it ever got started. He kept his brothers on target at school and at home, getting their homework started so they could finish up before running outside, Billy was the the leader of his two brothers.

Jesse’s middle brother, completed dad’s band, naming him Joel. Not his band, but Mister Piano Man’s music was always being played around their house. Mom and dad loved the man’s music. Joel was a bit shorter, barely six feet. He was always getting into trouble. Nothing big but; Joel you didn’t close the gate, the cattle are out, or why didn’t you feed the horses this morning. Maybe a bit forgetful, Dad had to always remind Him to do his chores. Joel was big hearted and loved being the center of attention. Maybe too smart for his own good sometimes, trying to figure a way out of work rather than just doing it. But when Joel applied himself, he could be the best of them.

Then came Jesse, the youngest of the trio. By the ninth grade Jesse was six feet two, big strong and tender hearted. He was just a bit above normal in everything his brothers were doing. He could out run them. Out shoot them. Outride the guys on horses. Always got his chores done ahead of them. Jesse had his life planned out or so it always seemed that way. So, when he announced, he was going to move and take the job in Atlanta away from the family and the ranch, no one was really surprised. He studied electrical engineering while his brothers graduating college ahead of him. Billy graduated with a business degree and Joel was just finishing his internship as a veterinarian. Joel loved animals and Billy loved keeping the ranch going with dad and just wanted to finish college to satisfy mom and dad and get back to the ranch. Jesse, when he graduated had a double degree, electrical degree and an associate engineering degree, a new applied combination of mechanical and chemical engineering, making him a very desirable choice for any engineering firm.

Their mom and dad always wanted the best for their boys, letting them make those kinds of decisions. Mom kept the family close and their dad was the one who breed independence, having confidence and self-worth into his sons. They raised their boys to be strong, well-mannered young man. They had fun when it was time to play, but they knew when dad wanted the work done, the work got done. The boys loved their parents, and each other. They all could count on each other.

So, after Fall graduation, Jesse moved to Georgia to work for the company who had the most interest in him. He was sure what he wanted, but always sought out his dad’s advice. He remembered who he was and where he had come from, and the life lessons he learned from his parents and grandparents on the ranch along with his brothers. His dad told him to go see what life in Atlanta has for him, but to remember this is and will always be your home. Making this decision came after weighing all his choices with his parents. He told his mom, and dad, he wouldn’t know unless he went and tried to see what the world offered him. They agreed, offering their help, but he was determined to take that step outside his comfort zone by himself. He stayed at the same hotel for a few weeks, until he could find a place.

He liked his job, the work and the people he worked with. He felt satisfied with his move and new job. The hours were good leaving him time to house hunt. Working a four-day work week, and off on Fridays gave him plenty of spare time. He found a house and moved quickly. He found an older home, a house needing some repair in a nice enough neighborhood. He met his neighbors and felt at home settling into his new life. Jesse was the friendly type and liked being in his new surroundings. He missed his brothers, mom and dad, but wanted to meet his new life head on and make it on his own. A bit independent, but still much a family guy with a touch of home sickness, calling home usually on a weekly basis. He worked and filled the rest of his time fixing up his new place. He knew how to do most anything from dad and his grandfather. He felt the time repairing and fixing the place up would keep him busy and therapeutic for his home sickness. So, he moved the few things he had and settled into his new home. He knew he needed a plan and began making details and floor plan designs on his new fixer upper.

A few months had passed by, work and house repairs kept him busy. Then one early Monday morning a new person was brought around the office. He was introduced to Joan Mitchel as his supervisor came by his cubicle. Jesse was caught off guard and half said Hi and a glad to meet you as he swallowed real-big. A bit embarrassed he shook hands with Joan. His boss Carl told Joan, Jesse Beck is from Texas, and is new in town. Carl explained to Jesse that Joan is a local girl from Alpharetta, and then moved on to the next cubicle. Jesse watched as they moved down the row of cubicles, then slowly sat back down. What was her last name? Did Carl say her name? Jesse was dumb struck, as he thought about her and their introduction.

Joan was a very beautiful girl, five foot eight with short shoulder length light brown hair and big brown eyes that seemed to swallow you. Graceful, slim and always had a smile on her face. She would speak, but shy about just walking up to a guy and talking. Not afraid, but not the one to make the first move. She was cautious but friendly. Joan was smart, self-assured and confident about herself and what she wanted. She graduated that same Fall as he had, but from a college near home. Her mom and dad had always lived outside of Atlanta, and that was her home. Being independent, she wanted to be on her own, and mom and dad supported their only child in everything she wanted. A very loving and close family.

Joan, knowing he was new in town thought he was a very nice and handsome guy. Patti who sat next to her in the cubicle in front of hers, told her Jesse was from Texas. She said, that’s what Carl told me.

He had met a few people and made friends easy. But he seemed to be shy about girls and dating. But when Joan started working in the office, he seemed to take special notice of her. As she did, if she saw him head toward the coffee room, off she went too. And if Joan went to the coffee area, Jesse made it that way also needing a refill of coffee. They both worked in the same department, but in different groups and projects. Sitting across the wall and in another roll of cubicles from each other, so they saw when the other was moving about the office. Not that they spied on one another, but knew what was always happening during the day.

They’d talk in the coffee room. Saying Hi and a bit of small talk. She loved dogs, but did not have one at the moment, and how he also loved dogs. Even thought, as he told her, his dog Scotty had died a few years ago while he was away in college. Joan and Jesse seemed to always be talking in the coffee room. There seemed to never be a dull moment between them. Many of the people in the office just knew Jesse would ask her out. They looked like a pair always standing and talking. He probably would have, but never found the right moment to ask. There was always someone walking into the coffee room on them. Excuse me, may I get in there for a refill or I need my lunch from the refrigerator please. Sure, he said and she would go back to her desk and he would turn and go back to his cubicle. That seemed to be their days at work. They both were always out of the office on Fridays, but this particular Friday they both were working. He overheard Joan talking to Patti about the work she was trying to do at her place. Jesse had walked over to her cubicle as they were talking.

He listened for a moment as they talked, then he spoke up, I can help you with that Joan. I’d be happy to help you. What time do you need me tomorrow he asked Joan.

He had asked her so quickly, she really didn’t have time to think, and said, maybe 10:00 o’clock?

But Jesse surely you have other things you want to do on your day off?

No. Not really. I’ll be there at 10:00 or maybe just a few minutes late. I do have one thing I’d like to do Saturday, but I’ll be there. Do I need to bring any tools when I come?

No, I just need some muscle power for moving things at my house for this project I’m doing. Just your muscles will do. Then she blushed.

He said, well ok, I’ll be there then, as he to blushed. Give me your address and I’ll GPS it on Google maps.

Patti said, you two won’t do. Have fun. As he walked off, Patti whispered to Joan, I want details on how it goes on Monday.

Ok, Patti. It’s just a work thing.

Sure, sure, it is, as they both laughed.

Joan, called her dad, I have a friend coming over to help with the patio. So, you and mom go on up to the cabin like you planned. I’ll come up for dinner after we get through.

Are you sure Joan? We haven’t packed, anything, we’ll probably just stay here. So, dinner tonight will be here at home.

OK dad. Not sure of the time, but I’ll see you guy’s later for dinner.

Saturday morning came and she got up early. With Jesse coming, I want to look extra special. She showered, dressed and did her hair. She put her hair back in a ponytail, to stay cool and keep it off her neck. Looking in the mirror, she thought, I can’t wait for Jesse to get here. She was ready early and sat at the kitchen table where she could watch the driveway from the window. She watched the clock. It’s still twenty-five minutes till the time they had discussed, and she thought why am I so nervous. It’s just Jesse? Yes, Jesse was really coming over to my house. She really liked him. They worked together, and she saw him every day. That’s all true, but now, he is coming here to my house. Nervous, I’m so nervous, she thought.

As she said that to herself, Jesse drove into her driveway. She looked at the clock again, he’s early. He said he might be a bit late, but he’s early.

He went to get his oil change, but decided because there was a line, he’d skip it so he would be on time, and didn’t want to be late. But just then looking at his watch, he realized, I’m nearly thirty minutes early. She might not be ready?

But Joan ran out the door as she saw him getting out of his truck, you’re here already, she shouted.

I’m a bit early is that ok Joan?

Oh yes, I’m glad you came early, we won’t have to rush. Jesse, we can have plenty of time together. Then she thought I need to calm down. He’s going to think I’m crazy or something.

She was trying to explain the work they were going to do, then she said, Jesse just, walk with me around to the back and I’ll show you.

There in the back of her house was two beautiful medium size tree’s that made such a lovely shady and secluded spot, he was amazed and said, "how beautiful it is back here Joan.

I’m putting in a patio for us. I mean for me to entertain back here.

For us Joan?

She blushed a bright red. Joan I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but I liked it when you said, us, then he turned a bright red to.

We make a pair, we both, embarrass way to easy.

They worked tirelessly side by side, raking the area with sand and arranging the brick pavers in a herring bone pattern, planting new flower pots, trimming a bush or two, cleaning and doing all of the projects and the work she had planned. While he finished up the last bit of moving and arranging of the patio furniture, she said, I’ll be right back and disappeared into the house.

Coming back out minutes later carrying a tray, she said lunch is served.

Earlier she had made them both a sandwich and a pitcher of sweet iced tea. I hope you like potato salad, it’s my, Mom’s recipe. My mom is a great cook.

Sitting at the table on the new patio they had been tirelessly working on, they enjoyed each other’s company. They ate and sipped on their tea, and talked and talked.

Would you like more Tea Jesse?

Sure, I’d like some Joan, as he drank the last sip of his glass. I’d love some more. I am a bit thirsty.

They laughed and talked, enjoying a special time together, and the new patio.

I’ve wanted to make this spot in my yard into a patio since I saw this house before I bought it, and there’s no way I could have been able to place all of these pavers by myself. My dad came over last weekend and helped me with getting it level. He called this week to offer his help again, but I told him I was ok, that I had a friend coming to help.

This is a great location for a patio. It’s so beautiful and shady and private, and so unique in your yard. It will be an extra special place because you and I did it ourselves. I’m glad I heard you and Patti talking. But you know what’s missing, a water feature. Maybe we can add that to this area one weekend.

Your right, the sound of a water splashing would just be magnificent. We just got to run an electrical circuit out here.

Absolutely! Also put a few lights in when we do.

I’m so glad you volunteered to help me. I just love Spring. Don’t you love the start of Spring time Jesse?

Yes, I do Joan. Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons of the year. It is really nice under these shade trees. We might need to put a fire pit right over there, for us this Fall.

Right next to the pond-less waterfall. We can listen to it as we smoke ourselves out from all the smoke from the fire pit.

Then they both laughed out loud. And you guessed it a bright shade of red.

Are you planning more projects for us Jesse?

Yes. And I want to come help. It’s a beautiful day and great being here working with you. It was really a great idea. Tell your dad thanks for getting the biggest part of the job done. I wish I had a spot like this at my house, and your right Joan, we did a great job. We work well together, and yes, I loved spending this wonderful Spring-day with you. Is that what you meant?

She blushed, and said you’re exactly right. That’s exactly what I meant.

Maybe we can plan to build you a patio too. I’d be happy to help you.

I’ve got more projects going at my house before I can think about building a patio. But yes, maybe we can.

What are you doing?

I purchased a fixer upper. Not to run down, but it wasn’t really in move in condition either. It wasn’t falling down or nothing. Good structural condition, but needed a little tender loving care. I’ve started redoing the kitchen. I’m replacing all the cabinets and redesigning the floor plan just a little, opening up the layout some. I need to paint, replace the floors, and then start on the bathrooms. I’m just taking it one room at a time.

Where is this mansion?

No mansion. Believe it or not, I think it’s not more than a mile or two over that way to the East. You know I’m still learning my way around here.

That’s right. Your, from Texas. I can paint. Let me help you when you are ready. And I’d like to learn some of the other stuff to. I’ve always liked helping my dad do stuff around our house growing up. My mom likes doing stuff to.

Sure. I’d love some help. Are you really sure? You don’t know what your, getting yourself into.

Sure, I do. I’d be with you helping and returning the favor. She blushed again after she said, "I’d be with you.

Well Joan, I really love being with you too! This time not blushing, just all smiles.

Their lunch and talking, which seemed just like an hour, had really been over two and a half hours.

Oh, Jesse I hate to say this, I had no idea what time it was. Joan just happened to glance at Jesse’s watch. I’m having dinner with my parents later, and I need to start getting ready. I would have canceled going, but I just never thought. Pease come with me and meet my parents? I’d love for you to come.

Oh Joan, look at me. I’m all dirty and sweaty, I’m a mess. I’d have to run home and shower, and then make it back here, I’m afraid I’d make you late.

No, Jesse we’d have time. I have to shower and get ready too.

Would you give me a rain check and I’ll come another time? I’d really like to come, especially to meet your mom and dad. I’d like to tell her, that her daughter is a good cook too, and I love her potato salad recipe. And thank your dad for his work getting the patio area level and ready for us.

She laughed; I have a long way to go to be as good a cook as my mom. My Dad will tell you that. He thinks I need a lot more practice. You can tell them when you meet them. I think you should come, but I understand. You have a never ending rain check to come and go with me anytime.

I don’t know about you needing the practice part, unless you want to practice on me. Then he turned red. But, if you promise