She told Lucy ...We met your sister Ruth in Fort Graham . Lucy's face scrawled up . Lucy said ...We can't get along ! I want nothing to do with her ! Wade said ...It's time for ya'll to bury the hatchet Lucy ! There is no purpose served to hate each other . She told Lucy ...I promised her you would send her a nice letter and she promised me she would send you a nice letter too . I know time is short before we leave to go back to the ranch . I want you to write it and post it before we leave . If you have packed up your pen and paper then the Staley's would gladly let you use theirs . You have no excuse to not try and end this between you and Ruth !
Lucy looked vexed by this new thing and was quiet . Wade said ...Either of us would help you write it Lucy , do this to give yourself peace and forgive Ruth ! Even if Ruth will not try to forgive ...you will know you did the right thing .
Lucy said ...It's hard !
She told Lucy ...A lot of times doing the right thing is hard . You two are given an opportunity to settle this...you have no excuse not to try . You said you wanted a new life .
Tumbleweeds
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed and the young Range reached Midland . It was a tiny town in the middle of no where . As they dismounted and tied their horses at the small general store Ed asked ...What's your name son ? The young Ranger said ...My name is Joy Stevens . They went in the store and bought a pound of coffee and salt crackers . The store owner said a troop of cavalry had past through yesterday headed for the Lano in a hurry . Ed just shook his head and asked ...It's near dark . We are Rangers and need a place to sleep and eat . The store owner said ...There is a little church going out of town on the south side of the road . The pastor and his wife live next to it . They put up travelers all the time . Ed thanked him .
They found the church and the pastor who welcomed them to sleep on the floor in their house . He was a young man , had a wife and a baby . They stayed with them overnight . She made them all a simple meal . It was easy to see they didn't have much to give but they did the best they could .
After they had cornmeal mush and coffee in the morning they saddled and left still heading east to Big Springs . As the pastor's wife picked up the dishes there was a twenty dollar gold piece under a coffee cup . They were surprised .
As they rode side by side Ed asked ...Who is GOD son ? Joy quickly said ...He is the one who made me . Ed shook his head yes .
They found the church and the pastor who welcomed them to sleep on the floor in their house . He was a young man , had a wife and a baby . They stayed with them overnight . She made them all a simple meal . It was easy to see they didn't have much to give but they did the best they could .
After they had cornmeal mush and coffee in the morning they saddled and left still heading east to Big Springs . As the pastor's wife picked up the dishes there was a twenty dollar gold piece under a coffee cup . They were surprised .
As they rode side by side Ed asked ...Who is GOD son ? Joy quickly said ...He is the one who made me . Ed shook his head yes .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed asked Joy ...Where is GOD Joy ? Joy drew up and said ...I think he's in heaven but I don't really know . Ed said ...GOD is right here with us son . He's been waiting for you to find him but you have to be looking . GOD loves you son .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Ed rode thinking . He had no idea what was happening at the ranch . he figured they had the bunkhouse and cabins built by now if there hadn't been trouble or problems . This Comanche horse was a good horse , he was a mustang and they always had a lot of stamina and did well living on the trail . He would give the horse to Claud seeing as he had none now . A Ranger had to provide his own mount , the remounts the ranger headquarters kept were just a loan until you got your own . You needed a horse you could depend on .
He thought about Lucy and sitting on the porch spitting tobacco with her and smiled . He remembered her laying her head on his shoulder and telling him she liked him . He wondered how much she would like him when he told her how many men he had killed . He had lost interest in keeping count long long ago . She might not take him as a husband and if she did what could he offer her ? He thought maybe he liked Lucy because he knew she had trouble in her past like he had .
He thought that he had asked Zeke to room with him and Zeke liked the idea . If he married Lucy Zeke might be unhappy about it . He thought about Don ….Don had great promise ! He was taking responsibility and changing his life . Steve and John were shaping up but had a ways to go . He considered Wade and her getting married , he saw nothing but good coming from it ! They all wanted them to get married ! And Zeke , he knew Zeke would just keep helping everyone and encouraging . Zeke was the quietest force at the ranch , he was a rock and there to help all . Then there was her , she was the draw ! Wade had strength , he feared nothing . He would give his life for a friend . Wade needed moderation and to use that strength wisely , she could provide that . She was the reason Ed came back went he rode away afraid of becoming involved with people again . She was the one that frightened him the most . She accepted you unconditionally and flawed .
He wanted to get back home .
Ed thought on it and he had no regrets about coming back .
He thought about Lucy and sitting on the porch spitting tobacco with her and smiled . He remembered her laying her head on his shoulder and telling him she liked him . He wondered how much she would like him when he told her how many men he had killed . He had lost interest in keeping count long long ago . She might not take him as a husband and if she did what could he offer her ? He thought maybe he liked Lucy because he knew she had trouble in her past like he had .
He thought that he had asked Zeke to room with him and Zeke liked the idea . If he married Lucy Zeke might be unhappy about it . He thought about Don ….Don had great promise ! He was taking responsibility and changing his life . Steve and John were shaping up but had a ways to go . He considered Wade and her getting married , he saw nothing but good coming from it ! They all wanted them to get married ! And Zeke , he knew Zeke would just keep helping everyone and encouraging . Zeke was the quietest force at the ranch , he was a rock and there to help all . Then there was her , she was the draw ! Wade had strength , he feared nothing . He would give his life for a friend . Wade needed moderation and to use that strength wisely , she could provide that . She was the reason Ed came back went he rode away afraid of becoming involved with people again . She was the one that frightened him the most . She accepted you unconditionally and flawed .
He wanted to get back home .
Ed thought on it and he had no regrets about coming back .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She awoke and got dressed quietly , Willow Mae was still sleeping . She went downstairs and lit the lamp in the kitchen and made coffee . She sat and drank coffee by herself knowing everyone would be in soon .
Today they would be married , she would be Mrs. Mclellan . She still wondered about how things would work out but she didn't regret anything . She looked forward to Wade being her husband and Nate's father . Wade was a good man and she knew he would take care of them all . Tomorrow they would head back to the ranch with so many things they needed and could use . Everything was busy and hectic but it was being figured out and done . They had a good group of people behind them . The backdoor of the kitchen opened and she turned to see who it was .
Zeke stepped in and quietly closed the door . She got up to get him coffee and said ...You are early ! Zeke said ...I thought you might be up . I wanted you to know I'm here for you . She sat his coffee in front of him and held him . She said ...You have always been there for us Zeke .
They talked .
Today they would be married , she would be Mrs. Mclellan . She still wondered about how things would work out but she didn't regret anything . She looked forward to Wade being her husband and Nate's father . Wade was a good man and she knew he would take care of them all . Tomorrow they would head back to the ranch with so many things they needed and could use . Everything was busy and hectic but it was being figured out and done . They had a good group of people behind them . The backdoor of the kitchen opened and she turned to see who it was .
Zeke stepped in and quietly closed the door . She got up to get him coffee and said ...You are early ! Zeke said ...I thought you might be up . I wanted you to know I'm here for you . She sat his coffee in front of him and held him . She said ...You have always been there for us Zeke .
They talked .
Re: Tumbleweeds
After breakfast Wade told Zeke ...I want you to stand with me after you give her away Zeke , you mean so much to me I can't even put it in words . Zeke agreed quickly and said ...I will be so glad when ya'll are finally married ! I have been waiting for this a long time . Wade you are to never hurt her and if you ever decide you don't want her you will bring her back to me .
Wade put his hand on Zeke's shoulder and said ...Zeke you know I love her brother , we are all family and our family is growing . I'll always take care of her and Nate , I swear that to you .
Zeke said slowly … I never took a last name when I became a free man after being a slave for over fifty years . Would you allow me to take your last name . We would all be McLellan's . Wade was stunned and said ...Zeke you would honor me ! The idea of us all being McLellan's is amazing ! Thank you !
Wade put his hand on Zeke's shoulder and said ...Zeke you know I love her brother , we are all family and our family is growing . I'll always take care of her and Nate , I swear that to you .
Zeke said slowly … I never took a last name when I became a free man after being a slave for over fifty years . Would you allow me to take your last name . We would all be McLellan's . Wade was stunned and said ...Zeke you would honor me ! The idea of us all being McLellan's is amazing ! Thank you !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Wade had a list of supplies he gave Ed and needed to get loaded so they could go to Lucy's and finish loading what they could . Ed said ...I'm sure you have taken care of it but you did get her a wedding ring didn't you ? Wade's blood ran cold and he said ...Oh Lord Ed ! I never thought of it ! It will kill her that I didn't even remember to get her a ring ! Ed waved him down with his hands and said ...Wade ! Wade ! I carry a simple gold band here at the store in four sizes . We are still good ! He sat out a small tray with the rings in it . Ed said ...As I said they are just plain bands but if you wanted you can get her a nicer one later and tell her you wanted her to choose it ! Wade said ...Ed you are a lifesaver ! Wade picked out one he thought would fit and Ed said ...There is no charge , it's a gift . And I'm going to get my wife to ask her like I did you and let her pick a ring for you !
Wade thanked him ! Wade said ...I was going to ask you if you would stand with me when we are married Ed . I consider you a good friend . Zeke will give her away and stand with me also . Ed said ...I would be proud and honored to stand with you ! My wife and I are so glad you two are getting married !
Wade thanked him ! Wade said ...I was going to ask you if you would stand with me when we are married Ed . I consider you a good friend . Zeke will give her away and stand with me also . Ed said ...I would be proud and honored to stand with you ! My wife and I are so glad you two are getting married !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Mrs. Staley told her ...The other two ladies that helped make your dresses are coming by this morning . I know you have a lot on your mind but they will expect you to model your dresses . They are nice ladies . She said ...It's not a problem at all , I want to meet them . Mrs. Staley asked ...Did you get Wade a wedding ring ? She said ...No . but I thought about it . It's too late now . Mrs. Staley said ...Come with me !
Re: Tumbleweeds
The two ladies that helped with the dresses came to the store and Mrs. Staley lead them upstairs . Her and Willow were talking when they came in . She met them and they both said ...You are beautiful just like they said you were ! She put on the dresses and showed them how well they fit . The ladies said ...You will dress in the meeting house by the grove of trees . Let us help you get dressed and fix your hair ...Please ! She said she would like that but she would wear the simple dress and only put her hair in a ponytail like she always did . The ladies insisted she wear her hair up and Mrs. Staley jumped in and said ...No . It's her wedding day . She makes all the decisions . She is beautiful in a ponytail ! We are here to do what she wants . They quickly agreed and said they would be there early .
After the ladies left she told Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley ...I want both of you to stand with me when we are married and I want Lucy to stand with me also ! Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley were excited ! They thanked her and said they were glad and proud to !
After the ladies left she told Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley ...I want both of you to stand with me when we are married and I want Lucy to stand with me also ! Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley were excited ! They thanked her and said they were glad and proud to !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Simon came to the store to get the wagon to load at Lucy's house . He asked Wade about taking his family back when they went . Wade said sadly ...I have thought much on it Simon but not this trip . There's no room to take your things . There is not a decent place to keep all your family . We need to build all of you a decent cabin before you bring them . If you think about it you'll know I'm right . We will start building more cabins as soon as we get back ...I promise . And I will see to it all the families have a place and are escorted to the ranch .
Simon agreed with Wade and it was settled .
Simon agreed with Wade and it was settled .
Re: Tumbleweeds
The bedroom was done ! All it needed was furniture and they would let her and Wade figure that out . Juan came in to cook breakfast and kindled a fire in the fireplace . Claud said ...Why don't you use the new cookstove Juan ? Juan said ...I thought about it ! But we should let her and Lucy be the first to use it ! They will be excited to try it out and should be back pretty quick .
Claud and Ray agreed . Juan made a good breakfast and Don put everyone to work including himself . Juan was to watch Claud and Ray while getting more firewood cut . Don went with the rest to the river felling trees , the logs were adding up at the river .
Claud and Ray agreed . Juan made a good breakfast and Don put everyone to work including himself . Juan was to watch Claud and Ray while getting more firewood cut . Don went with the rest to the river felling trees , the logs were adding up at the river .
Re: Tumbleweeds
Lucy came to the Staley's and wanted to see her . Lucy gave her a letter to send to Ruth . Lucy looked unhappy and she asked her what was wrong . Lucy said ...She probably lied to you ! Ruth hates me ! I bet she don't send me no nice letter !
She talked to Lucy a while and got her feeling better . She asked Lucy ...Will you stand with me when we get married ? Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley are going to stand with me too ! Lucy said ...Dang right I'll stand with you sweetie !
Lucy went home to bathe and get ready and was a lot happier .
She talked to Lucy a while and got her feeling better . She asked Lucy ...Will you stand with me when we get married ? Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley are going to stand with me too ! Lucy said ...Dang right I'll stand with you sweetie !
Lucy went home to bathe and get ready and was a lot happier .
Re: Tumbleweeds
She bathed and washed her hair . She put on her fancy new dress to wear to the wedding . She carried her pretty simple dress and a blue hair ribbon in a clean flour sack to take them to the meeting house . Willow Mae and Mrs. Staley would ride with her in the cart . They looked pretty in their Sunday dresses . The black mule was hooked to the cart out front . Ed would close the store the rest of the day . Everyone in Eliasville would be at the wedding . They had heard of her and Zeke killing the outlaws , the big fight at the river with the Comanche , the fact that Ed Rawlins was living at the ranch ! Wade was an ex cavalry officer , Ranger captain and an ordained pastor . The Black Mule Ranch already had a big name and news was spreading !
Wade was wearing the clothes Lucy gave him . Dress shirt , nice dress pants and vest . Lucy told him he looked good it it when he got ready to leave her house . Zeke wore his new pants and shirt . Steve , the freighters and her would ride there on their horses .
Only a few more hours till the wedding !
Wade was wearing the clothes Lucy gave him . Dress shirt , nice dress pants and vest . Lucy told him he looked good it it when he got ready to leave her house . Zeke wore his new pants and shirt . Steve , the freighters and her would ride there on their horses .
Only a few more hours till the wedding !
Re: Tumbleweeds
Lucy , Wade and Zeke with Steve and the two freighters got to the meeting house early .
Stella Bennet the town gossip was talking to three ladies listening to her . The three ladies looked amazed . Lucy walked up behind Stella as she was talking to the three women and Stella said...
And I hear she was living with that big black man out there in the middle of no where and her with a white baby ! Then her husband comes up dead ! They say the black man and that old black woman staying at the Staley's are going to be in the wedding ! We can't put up with this !
Lucy laid hands on her and spun her around grabbing her by the front of her dress holding her With her face inches away from Stella's she said ...YOU LYING RAZOR TOUNGED OLD HAG ! ALL LIES ! ALL LIES ! YOUR NOTHING BUT A DECIVER ! YOU SPEW YOUR FILTH WITHOUT REGRET ! I"LL RIP THAT BLACK HEART OF YOURS OUT OF YOUR OLD SKINNY BODY WITH MY BARE HANDS ! GET OUT OF HERE NOW OR I"LL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND !
Stella took off running to her wagon to leave . One of the three ladies said ...Thank you Lucy ! We knew she was lying like always . Wade and Zeke had run up in case Lucy ...did something but they stood down when Stella left .
Zeke put his hands on Lucy's shoulders and asked ...Are you alright Lucy ? Lucy said ...No one will spoil their wedding ! Zeke put his arm around her and took her to the meeting house telling her ...Be with her Lucy and let her know your here . Lay it down and lets enjoy this day . Lucy hugged Zeke and went in .
Zeke started walking back to the trees and said to himself ...Oh Lordy !
Stella Bennet the town gossip was talking to three ladies listening to her . The three ladies looked amazed . Lucy walked up behind Stella as she was talking to the three women and Stella said...
And I hear she was living with that big black man out there in the middle of no where and her with a white baby ! Then her husband comes up dead ! They say the black man and that old black woman staying at the Staley's are going to be in the wedding ! We can't put up with this !
Lucy laid hands on her and spun her around grabbing her by the front of her dress holding her With her face inches away from Stella's she said ...YOU LYING RAZOR TOUNGED OLD HAG ! ALL LIES ! ALL LIES ! YOUR NOTHING BUT A DECIVER ! YOU SPEW YOUR FILTH WITHOUT REGRET ! I"LL RIP THAT BLACK HEART OF YOURS OUT OF YOUR OLD SKINNY BODY WITH MY BARE HANDS ! GET OUT OF HERE NOW OR I"LL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND !
Stella took off running to her wagon to leave . One of the three ladies said ...Thank you Lucy ! We knew she was lying like always . Wade and Zeke had run up in case Lucy ...did something but they stood down when Stella left .
Zeke put his hands on Lucy's shoulders and asked ...Are you alright Lucy ? Lucy said ...No one will spoil their wedding ! Zeke put his arm around her and took her to the meeting house telling her ...Be with her Lucy and let her know your here . Lay it down and lets enjoy this day . Lucy hugged Zeke and went in .
Zeke started walking back to the trees and said to himself ...Oh Lordy !
Re: Tumbleweeds
They dressed her and gave her a damp cloth to wipe her face and arms . They brushed her hair shiny and made a long pretty fluffy ponytail with a pretty blue ribbon tying it with a perfect bow . One of the ladies said ...I brought some rouge and face powder . But Mrs, Staley said ...NO ! She needs nothing on her face we leave it like it is ! She gave her a mirror and said ...You are perfect !
A table had been carried out of the meeting house and placed under the trees . There were three big cakes and all manner of deserts on it . Everyone brought food to eat and share . Rosa and her family came and Rosa ran to the meeting house to find her . She told Rosa ...You stand with me and hold Nate . Rosa was excited she told her ...You are so beautiful in your pretty dress !
A table had been carried out of the meeting house and placed under the trees . There were three big cakes and all manner of deserts on it . Everyone brought food to eat and share . Rosa and her family came and Rosa ran to the meeting house to find her . She told Rosa ...You stand with me and hold Nate . Rosa was excited she told her ...You are so beautiful in your pretty dress !