The Homestead - Book 1 - Part 4

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The Homestead

by: Anon Allsop
Book One - Part 4

Chapter 16

When I got back to town, I fell into my routine and kept putting off going back to the homestead for nearly a month. Finally, I felt a great void in my heart, seeming to draw me toward the old farm. I bid Grandfather goodbye and headed back out, sneaking some food and a crate containing a few chickens from our own large stock.

I pulled the wagon into the barnyard and sat still upon the high seat I listened, trying to identify whether she was still there at the farm. I climbed down and unhitched the horses from the wagon, slowly guiding them into the corral. Once done, I closed the gate and carried the crate of chickens toward the coop.

The old coop's chicken-wire still looked good, the frame still sturdy. I pushed against a pole taller than myself, and erected to keep out varmints. I began testing the strength of each pole, continuing to do so until I had checked every one. Feeling that everything looked in order, I tossed each chicken into the pen...there were six. I realized that they needed some fresh straw in the coop, and decided that I'd gather some prairie straw for them after I had a look around.

I walked up to the porch and lightly rapped against the closed door, "Just a minute." I heard Sam's lilting tones coming from the other side only moments before she opened it up. My heart began to beat more quickly at the sound of her voice.

"Hi Quin!" she said smiling as soon as she recognized me. I was stunned, because she was wearing a dress!

"You look nice." I said with a large smile. "I...I thought you said you'd never dress..." My voice grew quieter as I realized that my comment may set her off again.

She shrugged and replied, "Something you said that day in the pond got me to thinking."

"Oh?" I wondered aloud. Completely unable to recall what I said at the time.

"Well, facing what you had said, and actually outgrowing my 'boy' clothes," she added, "This is the one of the few dresses that I have, I've been washing them every three days at the pond so they will stay relatively clean."

I happened to notice the kitten as it was cradled in her arm. "You come up with a name for him yet?"

She glanced down, "I've been calling him 'Boots' ...on the account of his fur pattern on each leg." I nodded as I saw that the name fit. I reached out and scratched his neck and pet him, conscious of my hand being so near to the fullness of her bosom.

I again indicated the dress, "I like seeing you in a dress, even if you don't really like it." She glanced upward at me, but said nothing. "Would you like me to bring you out an outfit when I come back next week? It wouldn't be a problem."

"That would be okay, but I don't have much money." she replied, smiling.

"What do you want, male or female clothes?" I was watching her as I spoke, hoping that my question wouldn't offend her.

"Anything is fine."

"Anything?" I said, smiling, but she only shrugged her reply. I looked into her beautiful eyes; it was apparent that she hadn't cut her hair since I had been gone. It had grown long enough to rest upon her shoulders, almost a full inch...maybe more.

She slowly glided to the rocker that was sitting in the corner, and as she sat down the kitten curled up upon her lap. "So, what brings you back out here?" she asked softly as she petted the kitten.

I nodded outside, "I brought some hens and wanted to do some minor repairs to the coop. Once the six of them get comfortable, they should start laying eggs within the week."

"Eggs would be nice," she smiled, her gaze steady upon me.

I gave her a puzzled look, "Are you okay, Sam?"

She smiled and nodded, "I'm doing my best to take your advice."

"And what advice was that?" I asked.

"You wondered why I couldn't accept my change and try to be the woman I had become...I decided that I would give it a try." She shrugged slightly; the movement caused her bust to rise. "It's really not very easy, but I promised you that I'd try."

"That's great news to hear, Sam! I have a feeling you won't be sorry." I silently was extremely happy to hear of her acceptance!

"There's one thing I have to ask...for this to work." She looked at the floor.

"What's that?" I asked.

With a deep breath, she looked up at me, "You have to treat me fully as a woman, including...using my feminine name."

"Samantha?" I asked.

She nodded, "It's the only way I can see to figure out, if I could live the life that fate has chosen for me." She placed the kitten on the floor and stood up.

I rolled the brim of my hat in my hands, "I don't look at it as 'fate'...I think of it more like...destiny."
"We'll see," she said softly, as she stood before me like a regal princess.

I walked into the kitchen and lightly touched the side of the coffeepot, which was still warm. Taking down a cup, I poured myself a drink. "Would you like some?" I asked, holding my cup in the air.

She shook her head 'no'. "I bet you're wondering why I've come to the conclusion to accept being a female..."

I took a drink from the cup, the lukewarm coffee still tasted pretty good. "Well, actually I am, especially when you were so vehement about it only a month ago."

She sat down at the table, the kitten raced along behind her. "Ever since I was on that mountain, I have been 'blessed' with that...woman's curse. Once a month I have been reminded that I was a female, knowing that this body was reshaped for an entirely different role than when I was male...and younger." With one motion, she gathered her kitten and again placed it upon her lap.

She began to stroke the kitten as she spoke, "Just after you left, I again had that...visitor. I assume that was the reason that I was so moody with you."

"It's okay...I understand," I stammered, embarrassed to be speaking to a woman about something so personal.
"Thank you for being so patient with me, I really appreciate it, Quin."

I smiled and shrugged. "I like you better as you are; you make a very pretty woman." She smiled, and as she did, her face reddened. I took in a deep breath and rubbed my hands upon my thighs, "Uh...well, I need to unload my supplies and get busy on the coop. Tomorrow, I plan on making a bed so I can set it up in the other room."

"That's good. I didn't like thinking of you sleeping on the cold floor."

A quick flash swept into my head, the image was of me sleeping in the big bed with Samantha. Now it was my turn to redden, I think she knew what I was thinking as she quickly turned her attention back to Boots.
I began to slowly back out of the door, "I...uh...I need to get started on the chicken coop...uh...we can talk later."

I focused my entire attention to the coop, afraid to think of anything else I found myself done in only a couple of hours. I stood back and admired my work when Sam...antha came walking up.

"I'm all done inside of the house. Do you need any help?" She had her slender arms behind her back, almost emphasizing the size of her breasts. I fidgeted, while gathering my tools. "I can help you get the prairie straw, if you want me to."

"Uh...that would be fine," I stammered. "I appreciate the offer."

She walked beside me as I took the tools into the small shed, with each step she took, her dark blue dress swayed. While I was putting the tools away in their proper places, she was emptying a great burlap bag of the dust and dirt collected over time. "How much straw do you think we'll need?"

I glanced up, "Maybe that bag, clear full."

She held it out and nodded, "And where will we get it?"

I pointed toward the area where we culled the logs, "It's just wild grass that grows and dies...it can be cut and used for bedding, and it comes in real handy during the winter."

She paused and looked around, "Will we need any for this winter?"

I froze in place. "Are you planning to stay out here during the winter?"

She replied, "I thought I would. Why, is that a problem?"

Her comment got me to thinking, if she stayed here, I would have to lay in a bunch of wood so she wouldn't freeze. To do that, I would have to be here quite a lot from now until October. She was looking at me, waiting for an answer when I noticed her expression. "Winters are bad here, almost like what you saw when you were on the mountain with Kodiak. It'll be really hard to get everything ready before then. You feel you're up to it?"

She smiled, "if you'll help me, I'll give it a try."

I looked at her intently, pursing my lips in deep thought. "Trying won't cut it. Out here, it's either you're all in, or they'll be someone burying you in the spring. As I see it, you only have two options... and you already know one of them."

She grew quiet. "If we can't get this place ready for winter...what's my other option?"

I looked directly into her glorious eyes. "You may have to move into town if we can't get it ready enough." She slowly closed her eyes, as if contemplating the choices.

"Between you and me, I'd like to make a go of it out here. I'm not comfortable around people just yet; you understand don't you, Quin?"

I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "We'll give it a go, by October we'll know if we can make it or not."

"Are you going to continue helping me?" She asked. I could melt from the precious gaze that she held me in, at the moment; I would do anything for Samantha.

She turned out of the shed and began to move into the direction I had indicated; she hesitated while waiting for me to retrieve the big scythe. "So Quin, I've told you all about myself...what do I know about you?"

"There's not much to know," I said shrugging and resting the long handle over my shoulder, the blade hanging behind both of us. "I've been living with my grandfather ever since I came west."

"Surly there must be a girl out there for you?" She looked at the ground and continued to speak. "Perhaps there’s a sweetheart that I'm keeping you from?"

I smiled. "No...not really," I replied, knowing that deep down she was really the only one I had cared to shown any interest in. From the corner of my eye, I was sure that I saw her smile.

Chapter 17

As we reached the tall swaying grass, she held her hand out and brushed the very tops of the golden shafts. I placed the blade of the scythe on the ground, "You may want to move off a bit so I can cut." She backed away for several feet and took a seat upon a fallen tree.

"I'm glad you know what you're doing," she laughed and brushed a strand of blond hair from her face.

"If you catch this early enough, it keeps much of the moisture in it and makes really passable hay...at least the animals wouldn't complain too much." I began to draw the long curved blade toward me, she watched as the tall, thin dried grass fall.

She pulled her feet upon the log, resting her chin upon her knees. "Do you suppose you'll ever marry?"

I hesitated for a split second, "I guess so...someday." I glanced up, still cutting the grass. "What brings that question on?"

She shrugged, "Although I said that I would try, I'm a bit afraid of what I'm doing, and I'm not sure if I can pull off living like a woman."

I smiled, "Well, you're doing it good enough to fool me!" I kept moving slowly around, widening the area I have cut even more with each swath of the blade. "I imagine you'll find someone eventually."

She looked toward me, squinting into the sun. "I suppose you're wanting a bunch of children?"

I nodded, "Two, maybe three, not more than four. A fella's got to have some sons around to help him on the farm."

"Oh...you want sons." She scooted backward on the log, moving to where a shadow could shield her eyes.

"Just a couple. I'd suspect that a few daughters would be fine for the Misses, she'd probably appreciate the help."

She laughed, and then grew quiet for a minute before speaking again, "Do you figure that you'll be living on this farm after you marry?" She rested her slender hands upon her lap as she spoke.

I dragged the big scythe through the thin grass, which fell slowly toward the earth in its wake. "I guess," I replied.

Straightening up, I stretched out my back muscles with a groan, and then looked at the large area of cut grass. "I'm figuring that this will be enough for a few old hens." I said, leaning the scythe against her fallen tree, and began to stuff the bag she had been carrying with the dried grass.

She dropped down beside me and was also pushing the golden stems into the dusty bag, as she did, I couldn't help but watch her work. I swallowed hard, I wanted to take her right there and smother her with my adoring kisses. She glanced up and paused. "What?" she asked.

"Oh...uh...nothing!" I stammered, quickly looking down at the bag.

"You were going to say something...what was it?" She put her hand on her hip and gave me a studious glance.
"No. Nothing...really," I lied.

She squinted at me; her look was both cute and scrutinizing. "Okay, you just be that way." I smiled and pushed more straw into the bag, filling it to the top.

"Let's take this back up and unload it, and we can come back for the rest if we need more." I stood and offered my hand to her; she was hesitant, but finally placed her small, demure hand into mine. "Thank you," she replied softly. Her hand was soft and cool to the touch.

She was quiet for the better part of our walk back to the farm, making me unsure of whether I had upset her or not. Finally bored, I began to softly whistle the hymn that I had heard played on the piano on the day that I met Sam.

She glanced over at me, "That's a nice tune. What's it called?"

I smiled, "Blessed Assurance. I heard Mrs. Corduroy play it the day I met you, back when I thought you were a boy."

She looked at the ground and nodded, "Back when my life wasn't so confusing."

Her comment puzzled me. I wanted desperately to ask her what she meant by saying it, but decided it was better to just let it go.

We paused on the lane; the spot was strewn with wild daisies and tiger lilies. She hesitated and glanced up, her dress was dappled with the shadow cast from the large trees that stood at the edge of the farm. "You need to stop being so down on yourself!" I offered, "You're a stunningly beautiful girl and you should be proud of what the good Lord gave you!"

"I'm trying, God knows I'm trying! But sometimes it's just too damn hard to accept this feminine life that I've been forced into!" she cried and folded her arms. "Everything that I knew growing up...has been turned on its head!"

"Like what? You can still do anything as a woman that you could have EVER done as a man!" I shot back in frustration.

"Oh really?" She rolled her eyes in disdain, turned and began walking on toward the chicken coop. As we both continued, she turned her head and spoke; "What about getting married, owning a farm...children! Everything I had dreamed of has been shattered by that asshole in the coach almost a year and a half ago!"

"What are you saying? You can still get married, own a farm and have children!" I growled, "Look around you, everything you need is already here!"

My words seemed to echo from building to building, Samantha stood there with her beautiful mouth agape. "Wh...what...what are you saying? That I stay here and...and make a life...with you?"

I dropped my arms to my side, not believing that I had said...what my ears heard. "Okay, so I said it." I rose up to my full height, "And I'm damn proud I did! Any red blooded male would be proud to take you as a wife, Samantha!"

She still stood there with her mouth open, "I don't believe it! Just how do you expect me to answer?"

I stared at her for a few seconds, and then replied softly, "I guess you're supposed to say 'yes'?"

"And you're calling THAT some kind of proposal?" she wiped her forehead with a trembling hand. "I...I don't think I could," she stammered, her voice shaking with the fear of the unknown.

As we stood before the chicken coop, I indicated the farm with a sweep of my hand, "Why do you think I've been coming out here all of these weeks?"

Her eyes slowly dropped toward the ground as if in a daze, "I...I just thought you were trying to help me out?"

"I was, at first." I sat the bag on the ground near my feet. "But, somewhere between that first day and today...I began to fall in love with you."

Her touch was delicate, as she brushed against my hand. I felt a shudder of excitement race through my body. "I'll take that," she said softly.

I let the bag go as she and I continued on for a few steps, neither of us saying anything. Finally I leaned the scythe against the coop's fence. Samantha carried the straw inside, filling the little roosts. I entered and began helping her by holding the bag, when I looked around Samantha was gone, having taken the scythe with her.

I headed toward the tool shed in a hurry, entering where the door was ajar. Inside I found her struggling to hang it back upon a high hook; she was trying to put it away for me. I smiled and gently helped her ease it over the hook, "Good thing you came when you did, I was having a tough time reaching the nail."

I smiled and hesitated from removing my hand from where it overlapped hers, "That's okay, I'm glad to be of assistance."

She smiled and looked out the door, patiently waiting for me to pull my hand down...which I finally did. "So...what's next?" She asked.

I removed my hat and scratched my head. "I guess I have to be making that bed," I quickly glanced at her. "Oh...I uh." I looked away quickly and felt my face grow warm. "I shouldn't be speaking of something so personal around a woman."

"We're just talking about a bed, Quin. That's all, just a bed," she laughed and stepped out into the sunlight. I rubbed my temples, trying to massage my stupidity away before coming again into her presence.

Chapter 18

As with the corral, she helped me fell two young saplings. Working quietly to strip the limbs from each, she stood beside me for the entire time that I was there. Finally I took one in each hand and started dragging them up the hill toward the farm. Behind me, Samantha carried the axe and hatchet.

As we neared the house she paused and was studying the edge of a treeline. "What's that?"

I looked to where she indicated, "I'm not sure of what you're seeing." I continued to scan the horizon.

"That cross over there? One of your relative's buried there?" She pointed at a small cross just inside the clearing.

I laughed, "No relative, It's where Grandpa and Grandma buried their old dog 'Mister Buck'."

"Mister Buck?" She laughed as I continued to go on toward the tool shed. "That's an odd name for a dog."

I shrugged, "He was a good dog..we still have his old mate 'Gypsy'. She's got to be close to 15 years old now." I replied as I entered the shed.

"I like dogs...someday I'll have one of my own." She pushed a straying hair aside and followed me in.

I smiled back at her, "And I took you for a cat person."

"Oh I like them both...but there's something about a boy and his dog." Her face suddenly grew pained almost as if she reminded herself of what she lost. I said nothing, I didn't want to pour salt into her wound.

Dropping the long poles beside the sawhorses I took the sharp tools from her and quietly put them away. Meanwhile, she was watching me closely. "Do you think you'll need any more of my help?" she asked, gently picking at the bark of the small sapling that she leaned against.

I shook my head, "I don't think so, cutting this will be pretty easy."

"Okay then, I'm going to go inside and fix us something for supper." I watched her walk away, the gentle sway of her hips filled my mind with lustful images. I shook them loose and picked up the saw I had returned from the shed with.

Through one of the little glass windows beside the kitchen, I could see her moving about. Each time she would pass, I couldn't help but admire her feminine form. Thankfully, this project would rescue me from my torment until I was finally able to remove myself from this view.

Inside the tool shed once again, I tightened one of my cut pieces into the vise and using a rotary hand drill, began to bore holes in an interval of about two inches. Once done and built, a strong rope would be threaded through them and drawn tight.

Focusing deeply into my work, I never heard her step up behind me. "You going to be much longer?"

I felt my heart jump, turning I shook my head, causing her to giggle. "Okay, that just about killed me!"

She snickered and handed me a cup of coffee, "Thought you might appreciate this."

I smiled and took it from her, took a drink and set it upon the bench beside me. "So, what do you think?" I indicated the bed frame I was working on.

"What is it?" she laughed.

"It's the bed frame, well...part of it." I picked up one that I had already finished, "This is one of the end rails. The side rails are leaning against the wall." She turned, and touched the long rail gently.

"Why all the holes?" She turned and smiled, watching me take another drink of coffee.

"You'll see. I'm almost done." I began to release the vise, pulling the last of the frame rails out. "I'll bring it in when I've got the frame built."

"That's good, because supper will be ready in about a half hour." She grinned and started out the door, pausing as she glanced back. "Don't forget to bring in your cup when you come inside."

"Not a problem, Samantha, thanks for the coffee!" I said as she smiled, turned. I watched her walk back toward the house.

After finishing fastening the frame, I carried it to the house and leaned it against the porch. Opening up the door I hung my hat and sat the cup on the table, saying, "Smells good." I said, closing the door behind me.

She pointed toward a basin full of water, "You can clean up before we eat." I nodded and went to wash up. "Did you finish your frame?"

I waited for the water to drip from my face before answering, "It's outside. I'll put it together after we eat."

"Will you need any help?" she asked as she moved the food to the table.

"Sure, you can help." I began to dry my face and hands, "I'll never turn away good help!"

Samantha smiled and continued to set the table, "Where you going to set up your bed?"

I pointed toward the room where she was sleeping, "It'll go there. I'm going to take your bed and move it to the smaller room down the hall. Once I have a bit of time, I'll try and fix it up too."

She followed my finger with her gaze, "So, I'll be moving down the hallway?"

"No. I'll be moving down the hallway, you'll stay put and sleep in the new bed." I said, laying the towel upon the table beside the basin. She walked around me and quietly folded it, placing it back where I had removed it from earlier.

I smiled and waited at the table for her, holding onto the back of her chair. "Ma'am," I said as I pulled it back slightly.

She looked at it and then me. "Do you really think that's necessary? I can pull out my own chair."

"Not as long as I'm still breathing," I said as I waited for her to sit. "I've always been taught to hold a chair for a lady."

"Is that what you think I am?" she laughed.

I gently pushed her in and moved to my side of the table. "Most definitely," I said as I sat down. "You may find this very hard to believe, Samantha...but I've never met anyone like you ever before!"

"I don't find that at all hard to believe. Where else would you have met a sixteen-year-old boy, who was somehow transformed magically into a sixteen-year-old girl, all by a fictitious medallion?" She shook her head and placed a cloth in her lap.

"You're no girl," I said, "You're a woman."

She rolled her eyes and laughed; "Now you're splitting hairs."

I looked at the dishes sitting on the table, "So...what are we having?"

She carefully removed the lid from a medium sized pot and began to spoon several scoops of a thick soup upon my plate. "Stew. I used some of the dried beef and other items you brought with you. Hope you don't mind."

I shook my head, "That's what they were brought for. Looks and smells really good!" I said as I filled my spoon with the thick stew.

She waited until I took a bite and began chewing, when I had taken a second, she smiled and began eating as well. Finally I paused and took a drink, "Back there, when you were asking me about kids, I never got around to asking you about what you wanted."

She shrugged, "Sure, I wanted a couple of kids, I just never imagined that they would grow inside of me...I don't know if I could ever carry a child...as a woman."

"Sure you could...and you'd most likely do a great job of it too!" I said, almost causing her to choke in her cup while drinking, "I'd bet you would...your body knows what it's supposed to do, whether you do or not."

She laughed, and set her cup down. "I suppose, but I don't know if I could handle getting to that point...of bearing children."

I took another drink from my cup, then began to dip some hard crusted, buttered bread into the soup broth that was left, "I'd bet you'd surprise yourself."

She again laughed, "Who in their right mind would want anything to do with me, I'm a freak!" She giggled to herself as she pushed around a potato, "I just don't think I could wrap my mind around being a...mother."

I sat down my spoon, "Samantha, you could, and you know something...I'd gladly be that man, if you'd let me." She closed her mouth, apparently forgetting our conversation earlier in the day.

"You're crazy," she sighed shaking her head.

"Sure...crazy for you," I replied, reaching out and touching her fingers. Her eyes fell to my outstretched hand.

"I...I don't know," she stammered. "How could you live with yourself, knowing that I was once like you...a man."

I smiled, "Who else will take care of you like I can? Samantha, I never knew another girl that I'd rather spend the rest of my life beside as much as I want to with you. Please say you'll marry me!"

She slowly pulled her fingers away, saying "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask, just a chance to hear you say 'yes'." I drew my hand back to my side of the table.

"I never said...yes. I said, I'd THINK about it." She took a drink, and I could see her hand trembling.

She sat quietly, staring past me to the window. She had concern, furrowing into her brow, creating a worried look on her beautiful face. For almost a full two minutes, she would start to say something and hesitate, unable to form the words she was thinking. Finally, she cleared her throat and said, "I...I just don't understand it, Quin. I've told you all about myself, and you still seem interested in trying to woo for my affections."

I gave her a smile and took a drink as she continued, "Doesn't it bother you, knowing that I was once a male? You knew that I slept with a grown man, Kodiak, whom you know personally! Doesn't that bother you in the least?"

I looked at her quietly then I gave her hand a pat, "First off, I never knew you as a male," I answered, still unsure if her story about the transformation was true or made up in that beautiful, confused head. "Secondly, tell me the truth, did you ever make love to Kodiak?"

Her eyes suddenly dropped, looking down at where my hand was again touching her fingertips. "N...no," she said blushing, and then eased her hand away. "I like you, Quin. I really, really like you." She looked away sadly and stood up, as she walked away from me she spoke, her words were carefully measured so not to hurt my feelings. "I just don't know if I can go where you want to take me. Part of me, 'the female' in me, wants to say 'yes' to you, but the other part...the one who is still Sam, wants to run and hide!"

I sat up, dazed, "I thought..." Suddenly all of what I had imagined was only that...my imagination. "I thought you were flirting with me. When you came out wearing that dress, I thought you were doing that just for me." I suddenly felt so stupid! I ran my hand through my hair and shook my head. "I'll leave after I get your bed built..."

"No, you don't have to do that! I like your company, you make me laugh!" She moved around the table and crouched at my knees. "I just don't want to take our friendship any farther than it is right now, perhaps someday, then maybe..."

I hung my head with embarrassment and some sadness, "The way you were wanting to help me...just being around...I thought..." I sighed and looked down at her face. "Whenever you're ready, Samantha, IF you're ever ready, the offer's still open." I stood and walked toward the rails of the new bed. Without a comment, I busied myself with the work at hand.

I set up the bed in her bedroom, after removing the old one that had been Grandfather's, and began to thread the rope through the holes. While I was working, Samantha came in and was watching. "So the rope netting, is acting like the springs of a store-bought bed?" she asked, trying to draw me into a conversation.

I nodded, "When it's pulled tight, it will actually be a whole sight more comfortable. At least, that's my opinion."

"Clever," was her only reply.

Once done, I tossed the mattress with the straw ticking over the rope. I gave the bed a wave of my hand, "My Lady, your comfort awaits."

She sat down upon the edge as I fluffed a corner of the mattress with my hand, after a moment of bouncing, she lay backward. I sighed softly and continued to watch her lying upon the straw mattress. Watching the slow rise and fall of her young breasts...how I had wished to see her lay upon a bed like that, only...I wished it'd have been my bed.

"It's very comfortable," she laughed. "Much better than the old one!"

"Uh...thanks," I mumbled, silently wishing that she wanted me as much as I did her. "I...I think I'll go outside and see to the horses. If you need me, I'll be in the barn."

She sat up and smiled, "Thanks, Quin. I appreciate the bed."

Once outside I walked quickly to the building, a small door led into the corral that was attached to the barn, so the horses could be led inside and out. I stepped through the little doorway and leaned against the weathered siding, far into the distance the mountains seemed to glisten in the late evening sun.

I was so flustered; never before had I wanted anyone as I wanted her! She could arouse such an excitement in my loins and yet, she seemed so oblivious as to what she was doing to me. I looked up into the sky, the bright pinks and yellows of the setting sun seemed to make the nighttime glow, almost as if a painting done by one of the ancient masters.

I inhaled deeply and walked to the horses, my mind worked as a timepiece in a big city courtyard; always moving, always working to keep me from thinking of the girl only a few feet from where I stood now. How could I go back into that house and spend the night, knowing that not far from me was the object of my desire...just out of reach? I sighed heavily and pulled down the bucket, filling each of the feedbags with enough for the night. I hooked them onto the horses one at a time, then settled down to curry them for the evening.

I finished in the barn by pushing around some old straw that was still dry, giving the bedding a once over. I hung the pitchfork back on the wall and reluctantly, looked toward the house. It was dark now, as I made my way to the door. I pushed it open and stepped inside, again hanging my hat on the nail. I glanced up at Samantha, as I was closing the door. She had a pained expression on her face as she walked; it was then that I noticed she was limping.

"What did you do?" I asked, moving beside her.

"While you were in the barn, I went out to the privy, when I came back toward the house, I turned my ankle on a stone, then fell and banged my knee." She winced and I lifted her up and carried her to the rocker.

"Here, sit down and let me take a look at it." I waited, not wanting to be the one to raise her dress. "Uh...you may need to hike that up a bit...just so I can have a look at it."

She nodded and slowly raised it up; I carefully removed her shoe and sat it next to me. Gently, I worked off her stocking and held her small foot in my hand. I looked at the ankle first, which had a bluish cast to the pale skin, and it had a slightly swollen look to it. "Yeah, it's sprained alright. It'll hurt a might for a few days, best thing would be to stay off it for awhile." I let my eyes slowly wander up her glorious leg and onto the small cut upon her knee.

"Let me get a clean rag, we'll get you fixed up here in a jiffy!" I hurried and got what I needed and returned. Carefully holding the back of her calf, I began to clean the wound on her knee. All the while I couldn't help but admire the softness of her sleek leg. The thin, almost negligible hairs that grew upon its surface, made me want to caress my cheek against it.

Reluctantly I let her foot down upon my own thigh for support; she was leaning forward so she could see the damage for herself. I could detect the flowery smell of her as I inhaled; drinking in the scent of the woman I loved. I glanced upward quickly, noticing she was only a few inches from my own face.

Before I realized what I was doing, I leaned in and our lips touched. It was like a fire was set off inside my loins, suddenly flaring up before I could place myself in check; I backed away and let my eyes dance upon her startled face.

Again, I felt our lips touch, but was unsure whether it was Samantha or I who leaned in. We only held our kiss for a moment. Slowly, almost reluctantly, I backed away. "I...I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that."

Her face was bright red, thankfully it wasn't from anger. "I...I understand." She gently let her dress fall; it covered my hands as they still hovered near her slender calf. Once I realized what she had done, I removed my hands and slowly guided her foot to the floor.

I stood and looked away from her, "I can't believe I just did that!" I groused, running a trembling hand through my hair.

"It's okay, really," she whispered.

"I promised myself that I would never do anything to take advantage of you...then I go and do something like that!" I frowned, angry at myself, still facing the wall.

I slowly turned. Her face blushed and she looked at the floor, "Maybe, it was I who allowed you the advantage." I swallowed hard, realizing what she may have been meaning. "Maybe I wanted the kiss...to see."
I knelt down and took her hand, "Really? Then, there's a chance?"

She leaned forward, "You have more than a chance, Quin. But, this is all going to take some time."

I smiled and drew her slender fingers to my lips. I closed my eyes I prayed that she would make her decision soon. So much did I want to take her for my bride, to hold her in my arms and love her as she needed to be loved! But I could wait. I would wait. If it took forever, I would wait out time itself for a chance at Samantha's love.

Chapter 19

It was late September that found me riding up the lane toward the old homestead, and my mind was occupied with the list I had been mentally checking off to be done before winter. For the last three weeks I had been able to leave the buckboard behind, finally finished with hauling supplies to the farm.

I reined up at the end of the barnyard. There was a strange horse tethered to the rail on the porch, so I cautiously climbed down and wrapped my own reins around the fencing. With steps as silent as a whisper, I approached the side of my house.

As I peered around the corner I saw Samantha on the porch with her arms folded, and in front of her upon the ground was a short paunchy drifter with blackened teeth. The looks he was giving her made me feel certain that she might be in danger. To my right rested the axe where I had anchored it into a log only a day earlier. Samantha wasn't expecting me, but I felt reasonably certain that she would be thankful for my sudden appearance.

I wrenched the axe from the log and lifted it to my shoulder, with bold steps I rounded the house and stepped quickly up onto the porch. I glanced down at the little man and leaned my axe against the porch rail. The man's eyes darted quickly behind me toward the woodpile, I was sure he had checked it out before he approached the house. There was a nervous shuffle of his feet as I smiled and left go of the axe's handle.

Samantha stepped quickly to my side and touched my elbow, "This is my husband, Quin." My eyes flashed her a surprised look, but nothing the man could see. She leaned in to my shoulder and smiled. "I think Quin would be the one to answer your question, sir." She looked into my amused eyes and gave me a pleading look. "Quin, dear, this is Mr. Ambrose...he would like to sleep in our barn tonight."

I looked down at him and remained silent for several seconds, the pause was just enough to set the little man on edge. "You just passing through?" I asked, keeping my voice calm.

"Yes sir! Be heading out in the morning, just as soon as I can get some rest." He looked down quickly, unable to withstand my steady gaze.

I pushed back my hat, and pointed toward the west. "There's a small abandoned cabin at the edge of the woods, it's about a mile from here. You can stay there...it isn't much, but it's dry."

He glanced toward the barn, "But, all I need is a night in the ba..." I never let him finish his sentence.

"Mr. Ambrose is it?" He nodded as I continued, "My wife here is a beautiful woman...but she has one downfall." I could feel Samantha looking at me, afraid of what I was going to say. I leaned against the rail, playing with the handle of the long axe. "Yes sir, that downfall really isn't with my wife at all...it's more MY problem."

The little man swallowed hard as his eyes darted down to the axe handle as it spun under my grip. "You see, she went and married a very jealous man."

Samantha shot me a quick look, "Yes Mr. Ambrose...it might be best for your own safety to stay in the little cabin. I'd hate for my husband to go after you like he did..." She pointed to the old grave of my Grandparents dog. "Poor Mister Buck."

I gave her a stern look and then turned back toward the little man with my gaze. "He just paid a little too much attention..."

"No...no...I'm thinking that old cabin of yours will be fine." Mr. Ambrose said as he backed away with his horse, the fear evident in his eyes.

"I can show you the cabin if you need me to," I shouted to him as he mounted his ancient horse.

"That's right neighborly of you...but I think I'll find it just fine." He never waited for me to answer. Instead, he threw his heels into the old horse and raced on down the lane, heading west.

I watched him disappear just over the rise, turned and gave Samantha a smile. "So, we're married now, are we?"

She held her hand to her eyes, blocking out the sun while we watched the drifter disappear into the distance. "I said that to get rid of him."

"You made me an axe murderer!" I laughed.

She pointed toward the dog's grave. "Yes poor, poor, dear...Mister Buck."

She laughed and followed me to retrieve my horse. "I thought you weren't planning to come out here on a Sunday?"

"I couldn't stay away from my wife...now could I?" I chuckled as I untied the horse. Together we walked him to the corral and led him in, and then I pulled my saddle from him and hung it on one of the stall railings. "How long was he here anyway?"

"Probably fifteen minutes, no more than a half hour, I was getting worried." She fingered the saddle horn, "I was actually thinking he might try and have his way with me, I was never so happy to see you come walking in!" She reached up and gave me a hug, a light kiss was dropped upon my cheek.

"And you weren't worried that I might try the same thing?" I smiled, changing the subject, "I brought you another dress." I handed her a small package that was pulled from my saddlebags.

"You have to stop doing this; it makes three that you've bought me!" She frowned, yet still opened it. "Oh Quin, it's beautiful!"

"Just like you..." I said as I watched her hold it up to herself, "I've been aching to see it on you."

Her eyes twinkled as she looked back to me, finally, arm in arm we headed back toward the old house.

As we stepped up on the porch I paused, looking toward the woodpile, wondering how much more I'd need to split before winter. Samantha paused and leaned against the rail, "How's your grandfather doing?"

I shrugged, "He's fine, but he keeps wondering what I'm doing out here."

"You haven't told him about me?" She lightly touched her breast.

I shrugged, "I wasn't sure if I should, because I didn't know how you'd take it." I reached out and took her hand, drawing her nearer to me. "I'd really like for you to meet him, because I think you two would get along really well. Although, his humor is sometimes suspect."

"Maybe I could make supper for him sometime," she said smiling. "I could show up with a picnic basket or something."

I smiled and gently held her, "You'd do that for me?" She never responded; she didn't have to. Her eyes were twinkling up at me, a slight smile played upon her soft lips. I couldn't help myself; I leaned down and kissed her upturned mouth tenderly.

Again, she said nothing, her face flushed and she quickly turned into the house. I followed her inside and hung my hat back on the oh so familiar peg. She quietly closed the door behind me and headed toward the kitchen.

With her back to me, I couldn't help but notice the feminine form that she projected; beautiful and womanly, begging to be loved.

She turned back toward me and caught me with a stupid grin upon my face; I felt my cheeks grow warm as my eyes dropped quickly to the floor. "Caught you!" was all she said, and I could only respond by smiling, followed by a shrug.

As the light disappeared in the western sky, Samantha sat quietly reading from a book. I sipped coffee and admired the woman I loved, bathed in the soft glow of the fireplace. She quietly stroked the kitten, only pausing long enough to turn each page. I sighed contently; enjoying the view I was offered, wishing that I was that kitten. She glanced up and smiled at me, her golden hair framing her face like a halo. I returned her smile, giving her a playful wink. She shook her head, laughed, then smiled and returned to her story.

As the evening drew to a close, I found myself stretched out in the little bed that Samantha once used. I was listening to the crackling fireplace down the hall and thinking of the beauty that once had slept in this very bed. I lay awake looking at the ceiling, studying the rafters above my head, some of them still with the bark on. I rolled toward the wall and gently let my hand glide over the flattened surface; it was a caress of a love that I wanted to explore; as if I was trying to reach through the wall, breaking down the barrier between Samantha and me.

Not far away lay the woman I loved, unsure of her place in my heart, unable to fathom the great gift that God had given us. I wanted her as my bride, to spend out my days, sharing our love for each other until the end of time. Could she ever get past her longing for a former life? Could she ever finally appreciate what she does to me, or the power that she holds over me? I doubted it, but somehow...I would continue until she was mine, both in heart, body and soul. As long as there was a shred of a chance, I'd never give up on her...on MY Samantha!


To Be Continued in Part 5

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Comments

Aww, so sweet. It's oh so

Aww, so sweet. It's oh so romantic, Anon! More pweeze!

Even with the often

Traumatic things that happen to your characters, your stories are very gentle when it comes to their adjusting to new lives even if things don't all go right for the people. Very nice read.

Maggie

I try to write with emotion...

I try to place myself in their shoes, it's an attempt to see how I would react in their situation. Then I just try to create dialogue to fit those feelings that I would assume they would have...once I have that all figured out (ha), I just type and let them tell their story through me. It may sound odd to say but I feel that a writer needs to have an emotional soul to be able to write believable dialogue. I've been accused of being way too sensitive. Thanks for reading!

Anon Allsop

way cool chapter

I liked the little episode with the gentleman that wanted to sleep in the barn. Here's hoping things work out for the young couple here.

My, what a winsome story.

Most of us have to adjust to and accept circumstances in life that we don't like or are unfair. Perhaps we even caused those circumstances. This is s a lovely story.

Gwendolyn

Sweet and Heartwarming

littlerocksilver's picture

A wonderful story. Makes me feel warm all over. Did I miss something? What happened to Kodiak?

Portia

Portia

He is done with the remainder

He is done with the remainder of 'The Homestead', after he escorted Sam down the mountain per her wishes...but he will return in the second half of these posts in his own story called 'Kodiak'.

Anon Allsop

Excellent chapter Anon.

Her reticence is playing into her hands, although it is not planned.

He will wait until she is ready to commit although I don't see this any different from a lot of relationships.

The winter will bring them closer and test their love.

Anyway he probably can't find it if it's that cold? (Ha, Ha)

Thanks Anon, great story.

Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
(Mark Twain)

LoL
Rita

Best chapter so far...

I've been enjoying this story quite a bit, but this is the best chapter so far. It's sensitive and romantic. It has the same kind of feel as the Little House on the Prairie stories or Sarah, Plain and Tall. Very well done.

Kaleigh Way