Clean Inspirational Romance: Escape to Paradise (Inspirational Happy Sweet First Love Second Chance Romance) (Contemporary New Adult Love Inspired Holiday Short Stories) (32 page)

“Yes, sir.”

“Now then, what is it that is troubling you today?”

I hesitated, and after searching his face, decided against my initial thoughts of creating a fictional tale. And then I shared with him our most recent conversation, and as I spoke, I felt more and more confused.

Mr. Honeyfield, to my surprise, was smiling at the end of my tale.

“It seems to me that there might have been slight miscommunication that occurred.”

“I don’t understand, sir.”

“Let me see if I understand. You have been afraid of my reaction to your relationship with Miss Bannerman, correct?”

I tensed slightly at his words, but I nodded in reply.

“And you believed that by keeping your relationship in the dark, that you were honoring her and ensuring that her reputation would remain spotless to the public eye?” He smiled. “Miss Bannerman, it seems, was hoping for something else.”

“I do not know what you mean, sir.”

“Have you ever considered proposing to her?”

Dumbfounded, I could only stare at him. Here we were, master and servant, speaking so very plainly about matters of the heart. How was it that he was so perceptive? Was it that apparent? Were my feelings written on my face as plainly as if they were in the book he read?

“You would have my blessing, you know. I planned to offer you a small home just outside the estate once I returned from my stay in Bath. It appears as if this is as good a time as any.”

“But sir…” I my words caught in my throat. “Sir, she may not want anything to do with me any longer.”

“Nonsense, my boy,” he laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “Certainly you must see now that this is what she was hoping for? She was attempting to maintain civility, but I am certain that a proposal is what she meant by ‘a change’.”

My heart stopped beating for a moment. Could it be? Could I dare to hope for it?

“How can you be so certain, my lord?”

“I was married for seventeen years, Mr. Clarke, and have two daughters. I am fluent in the language of women,” he smiled at me more broadly.

“Will you accept my offer? I expect two of my best employees to be at their best at all times, and if that means providing them a means so they can be together, I am happy to do it.”

“Sir…” I said, unable to find the words to say. My gratitude surely would not be enough. “You are a great man, going to such lengths for us servants in such an extravagant manner.”

He smiled and shook his head. “I do it because I care about you, all of you.” He looked me in the eye and said, “You are like family to me. And I will always care for my family.”

I never had a brother, and my father and mother were often far too busy to be able to spend much time with me. Family was a concept that I had noticed from afar. But I believed Mr. Honeyfield. I realized then that I had been incredibly blessed to be admitted into this home, a place where all were treated with kindness and honesty.

I nodded. “But what do I do about Miss Bannerman?”

“Speak with her, of course. Tell her what I have offered.”

“What if she refuses me?” I said, unable to conceal my fear. It was all that prevented me from embracing my joy with open arms.

“I think you will find that she will not.” He gestured to the door. “Now go. I will see you when you are ready to accept my offer.”

I couldn’t believe it. I simply stared at him, smiling so wide that my face felt as if it might stay that way forever.

“Go,” he said once more, laughing as he did. And so I did.

I ran through the doors, out into the halls, and called her name as I ran. Many of the staff peered out of rooms and doors as I passed, but I cared not. I had to find her, and tell her the good news! I had to make things right, and I wouldn’t let her go so easily.

I finally found her, standing beside a window in the eastern stairwell, staring out into the night. The light from the candle she carried hid some of her features in shadow, but I could see the trails that the tears had left down to her chin, some still shining fresh.

“Abigail.”

She did not turn to look at me.

“Abigail, I was a fool. I did not understand what you had meant when we spoke earlier.” I walked up beside her, but still she continued to look out the window into the night. The candle flickered.

“I meant what I said, however. I have been the happiest in all my life, but that had nothing to do with our circumstances. It was simply because I knew you, and that you were in my life every day.”

I watched the back of her head, but still she would not look at me.

“I said I never wanted it to change because I could not imagine my life without you in it. I couldn’t imagine a day going by without seeing you smile, or hearing your laugh. I never wanted it to change because I never will be able to stop loving you, but what I want more than anything is for your love to remain, and for you to always love me the way you love me now.”

At these words, she turned to face me.

“I never wanted you to think that I didn’t wish for our relationship to progress. I had contented myself with the idea that we may never be able to be married. But I was content with that, because it still meant that I could be with you. I would rather have you in my life than not. Can you understand that?”

Her eyes stared into mine, and I felt my strength waver. I blinked and pressed on. “But that reality is not one we must live in! Mr. Honeyfield has offered us a house, Abigail! A place for us, beside the estate, so we may be married!”

“What?” she breathed, her face pale, her eyes wide.

I stepped closer to her and took her hands in my own. “I apologize for being a thick-headed fool, but I love you more than words could say. I wish more than anything for you to be my wife, I always have. I just never knew how it could be, so I never wished to give you any false hopes.” I bent down on my knees. “Miss Bannerman, I love you with my whole heart, body, and soul. Would you please end my agonized suffering and be my wife, so that we may continue our life out in the light, and away from the shadows?”

She threw her arms around my neck, bending down level with me, and she cried loudly into my shoulder.

“Yes!” she shouted, between sobs. “Yes, you fool. Yes!”

I laughed out loud, and felt tears in my own eyes. “Then come, we must go tell Mr. Honeyfield!”

We were married underneath the lilac trees behind the house, with all the staff and the Honeyfields in attendance. Miss Judith cried profusely, and Ms. Henrietta even appeared to be moved. Mrs. Gardener had prepared a phenomenal meal for us all, and as I stared at my dear wife, Mrs. Clarke, I suddenly felt as if for the first time that my life was made entirely of golden sunlight, both without and within.

THE END

Bonus Story 9 of 10

I hear the men’s voices before I rush to the window to see them. I shouldn’t rush, really. There’s no need any longer. I know exactly who my Father is speaking to on our deck. And, I know what they are speaking about.

I rush to the window anyway, if only to confirm my suspicions. As I do, a very familiar and welcome voice meets my ears.

“It’s the third time this week!” he says angrily. “The first time I was prepared to overlook it. It may have been a simple misunderstanding. But now, there’s no mistaking that it’s deliberate.”

Though his words carry venom, I can’t help but smile as I stare out the window at Gideon Elison. The man I hope one day to marry. Even when his face is red with anger and his dark brown eyes are glaring daggers, he’s the most handsome figure I have ever seen.

“I was under the impression,” a lazy, high-pitched voice retorts, “that I could put fences where I liked on my land.”

This voice is far less welcome. Fred Johnson’s son, Ben, is staring back at Gideon, wearing that horribly smug smirk that never seems to leave his face.

“It is not your land and you know it,” Gideon retorts moving towards Johnson.

“Boys,” my father says, coming between them. Father has always been the peacekeeper between the farmers and the cattlemen. It was that way before I was born. He’s the one the men go to when they would rather not deal with a courtroom.

“There is no reason both of you cannot be reasonable about this. Now, Ben, where exactly did you set up this fence?” he asks.

“It’s just a simple one,” Ben says. “It’s on the edge of our farm.”

“It’s just over the edge of your farm,” Gideon growls. “And, it’s blocking my herd’s path to the stream.”

I’m not sure whether to laugh or shake my head when I hear the threat in Gideon’s voice. It has always been easy to get him riled. It’s gotten him into a good deal of trouble on more than one occasion.

“The stream was supposed to be on my father’s property,” Ben insists. “The only reason it isn’t is because your Father was friendly with the judge.”

“That’s not-” Gideon begins, his voice rising. He steps closer towards Ben.

“Regardless,” Father says, putting out a hand to stop Gideon's movement. “According to the law, the land belongs to the Ellison ranch. Ben, you’ll have to tell your father to move the fence.”

“It will not be that easy,” Ben says. He’s crossed his arms and he’s now staring at Pa with a sullen look on his long face.

“You said that the fence was small,” Father reasons. “You won’t have to move it far. Just to the other side of the stream.”

Ben continues to stare at Father and Gideon for a long while. Then, an all too familiar smirk crosses his face. My heart constricts and I know what Ben is going to say next.

“The thing is,” Ben says slowly. “I’m not altogether sure if that’s what the law says or just what you say.”

“You’re welcome to take it up with the judge,” Pa says. Something in his face tells me he knows the game Ben is playing too. And, he refuses to play along.

“See, therein lies the problem,” Ben says. I see Gideon’s hands ball into fists. He’s readying himself for a fight. I promised myself I wouldn’t let him fight again.

“The judge favors Elison's father,” Ben says. “And you favor Gideon here. All because he’s courting your daughter.”

“This is between you and me.” Gideon growls, moving towards Ben. “Leave Emily out of it.”

“It wasn’t me who made her part of it,” Ben says, the smirk still present on his face as he stares Gideon down. “It was Mr. Porter here who didn’t think I was suitable for his daughter.”

“Ben, that’s enough,” Father cuts in. He doesn’t move towards Ben as Gideon did, but his face has turned hard and cold. “It was Emily’s decision, as you are well aware.”

“Are we sure about that?” Ben asks, not taking his eyes off Gideon. “Which do you think is more likely, Elison? That Emily turned down the son of the wealthiest farmer in the territory all on her own? Or that old man Porter here forced her hand?”

I feel my own face grow hot at the suggestion, which is not at all true. I would not have accepted Ben Johnson’s offer of courtship if his Father had been the wealthiest man in America.

I see Gideon’s face grow a similar shade to mine as he moves towards Ben once more.

“You’d best watch your tongue,” Gideon says quietly.

“I see that I’ve struck a nerve,” Ben says, his smile widening. “Do you think we should call Miss Emily out here, find out the truth once and for all? Should we find out if it’s you she wants? Or, maybe, Mr. Porter is just waiting for your old man to die so that he and his daughter can take your land.”

Before Ben has finished the sentence, I’m flying to the door. Before I open it, I hear Gideon’s fists smacking against Ben’s flesh.

In seconds, I’m at Gideon’s side helping my father pull him off the smaller boy.

When I catch a glimpse of Ben’s face, I’m shocked to see that he is still smiling through a bloody lip. I glare at him as I take Gideon’s arm and lead him aside.

Pa helps Ben to his feet and, still smiling, he looks around at all of us. It’s as though he’s admiring his handiwork.

“I suppose this is where I’ll take my leave,” Ben says, as though he just finished a polite and amusing conversation. “Before I go, I will give you a word of caution Mr. Porter. Don’t be surprised when the Elison’s turn on you. Every farmer knows you can never trust a cowman.”

And, with a glance and chuckle in my direction, he turns and walks away. Gideon by my side, I watch him go down the long path, wondering what other surprises Ben Johnson has in store for us.

*****

“Will your Pa be all right?” Gideon asks me. I’ve seen Pa into the house and practically forced him to lie down. Gideon and I agreed to take a walk together around the farm while Pa rests. “I know his heart’s not been doing well lately.”

“I’m sure he’ll manage,” I answer. “He’s seen far worse brawls than that in his time.”

I say this mostly to reassure Gideon. The truth is, I have been worried about Pa’s health for a while now. He is not nearly as strong as he used to be. Even on the farm, our two hired hands have had to take on the bulk of the work. Pa used to run the farm practically on his own. With occasional help from my Brother, Andrew.

But, Andrew went away to school years ago. He got a job as a clerk in Kansas City, and has rarely returned home since. That leaves only me to look after Pa. And, truth be told, I am not always sure I’m up to the challenge.

“I am sorry about that,” Gideon says to me. It takes me a moment to realize that he is apologizing for the brawl on our porch.

“I know I promised I wouldn’t fight anymore,” he says. “But, when he started talking about you, and my father, and your father, I-”

“Don’t worry, Gideon,” I cut him off. “I can forgive this one indiscretion. Especially since it was partially on my behalf.”

“I see,” he says, looking down at me with a smile. “So, I am permitted to fight if it’s on your behalf.”

“That’s not what I said,” I tell him sternly. “I said I could forgive that one incident. Anything else, I will not be so quick to overlook.”

“Emily,” he says, “you cannot honestly expect me to stand by and let accusations like that stand.”

“I would rather you stood by than end up injured or worse,” I answer. We’re passing the cornfield and moving towards the orange grove. The smell of the fruit helps to calm me.

“And, what if I promise that won’t happen?” he asks.

“Gideon, you cannot promise that. You know you can’t,” I tell him. I stop walking next to the largest tree in the orchard and turn to face him.

“One day, I fear,” I begin, “someone much more dangerous than Ben Johnson will insult you. When that happens, you cannot guarantee your own safety.”

I look into his eyes as he looks to me and heaves a heavy sigh. He looks away from me towards the large plains over our fence.

“This is very important to you, isn’t it?” he asks finally, turning back to me.

“It is,” I tell him urgently.

He takes my hands in his and heaves another sigh.

“All right then,” he says. “I cannot refuse a request from my future wife.”

My heart begins to pound in my chest and my mouth begins to go dry. I pray to god that this means what I desperately hope it means.

“Emily Porter,” he says. The pressure of his hands press more closely against mine. “Will you marry me?”

I feel a huge smile spread across my face. My eyes fill with joyful tears and I desperately try to form a sentence.

Gideon stares at me, his face beginning to fall. I realize that I am keeping him in suspense.

Still not trusting myself to speak, I nod my head. Finally, I open my mouth and force myself to say:

“Yes! Yes, I will marry you!”

My smile is mirrored on Gideon’s face as he lets out a buoyant laugh and gathers me in his arms. I feel my feet lift from the ground as Gideon spins me around once.

I barely have time to catch my breath as he places me back down on the ground and his lips have met mine.

I am surprised for only a moment before I wrap my arms around him in turn and return his kiss.

His lips on mine are soft and warm and just as sweet as I always imagined they would be. It is the most intense feeling I have yet felt in my life.

It is difficult to say which of us pulls away first. When I finally open my eyes and see Gideon’s face, I see a beautiful contented smile lining his lips. I know the smile matches my own.

We stare at each other, smiling, for a long moment before Gideon speaks.

“I suppose we should make our way back to the house,” he says. “After all, we have some good news to share with your father.”

“We do,” I answer.

He takes my arm and leads me away from the sweet smelling oranges, and back to the whitewashed form of our little farmhouse in the distance. As the house grows larger in the distance, I feel my heart swell with a joy I was beginning to fear I would never feel.

Of course, we still have to ask my father’s permission. But, I am certain he will give it gladly. He has always liked Gideon as well as Gideon’s family.

As I revel in the feel of Gideon’s arm splayed against me, and the taste of his kiss still fresh on my lips, I cannot help but think that this is a perfect moment in my life. Now, I am almost positive that no one, not even horrible Ben Johnson could steal this happiness from me.

*****

I wake up the next morning to yells and screams from outside my window. Immediately I throw the covers off, and jump out of my bed. As I put on my dressing gown, my heart begins to thump in my chest.

My very first thought is of my father. When there is commotion on the farm, I always worry that Pa has had another heart attack or collapsed of some other illness.

I head out the door and rush to the deck where I can see my father standing at the bottom of the steps. He is erect and looks healthy enough, but there is something troubling in his stance.

“Pa?” I ask gently, moving down towards him. Jacob and Tom, our hired hands are still calling to each other. I hear them by the cornfield. Pa is looking in their direction, his face is pale and his eyes look as though they will never see again.

I move my gaze where my Father is staring. I gasp in horror when I see the corn crop for the year. Or, to be more accurate, what is left of the corn crop for the year.

“Trampled,” Pa says so quietly, I barely hear him. “The fence was mowed down. The crops were all trampled. Jacob and Tom are checking on the livestock now.”

His voice begins to shake and I realize to my horror that my father is about to cry. I have not seen him come even close to shedding tears since Mama died. That was nearly ten years ago.

“There’s nothing we can do about it now, Pa,” I say, trying my best to keep my own voice from trembling. “Why don’t we go inside? I’ll get breakfast started a bit early.”

Pa does not say anything, but allows me to put my hands on his shoulders and steer him inside the house. He goes into his bedroom and closes the door behind him without a word.

I pad to my own room and get dressed. When I emerge to start breakfast, just before the sun has risen, I can’t keep my eyes from traveling to the now useless corn field.

Just yesterday we had a promising crop. The stalks were bright green and had begun to sprout the first fruits. Now, there is almost nothing left. I doubt we will have enough to go to market. And, there will certainly not be enough to sell in order to repay our loan from the bank.

I find that I cannot keep my hands from shaking as I prepare breakfast. By the time I’ve called my father to the table and begun serving, I have calmed myself a good deal. I have almost convinced myself that I will be able to make it through the rest of the day.

Then, Jacob and Tom enter and give me and Pa news that causes my hands to shake again.

“It was Elison,” Jacob says, as soon as he sits down to the table.

“What do you mean?” I ask him quickly. I nearly drop the plate of eggs I was carrying to him, and I am very aware that every eye in the room is staring at me.