A Gift that Grows<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Summary – Marty Johnson is spunky, talented, and a dreamer. After attending art school in San Francisco, she returns home to her grandfather who is now living in Virginia City. These are two short WHN stories for <\/span>The Way Station<\/span><\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n In <\/span>Chasing Rainbows<\/span><\/em> – Marty settles into her new home and has a new dream. Will this one come true, too, or is it just another elusive rainbow? <\/span><\/p>\n In <\/span>The Art of Life<\/span><\/em> – Someone is leaving anonymous gifts around Virginia City and Adam Cartwright\u2019s curiosity is piqued to discover who and why.<\/span><\/p>\n Rating: K <\/p>\n Chasing Rainbows<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 1<\/b><\/p>\n The stagecoach rolled and bounced along the rut-filled dirt road close to Virginia City, Nevada, rocking its passengers side to side and front to back. Two business men talked quietly to each other, discussing some papers in their laps. The third passenger, a young lady, looked out beyond the window shade at the snow capped mountains and tall green pines, her eyes widening with excitement and anticipation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This was the last leg of Marty Johnson\u2019s long journey which began two years prior as she boarded a stagecoach from Virginia City to San Francisco.\u00a0 Now she was returning home, ready to begin a life she had only dreamed about. While the stage rolled on, her mind filled with more excitement as she looked forward to being reunited with the one man who had made it all possible.<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n After settling his black gun belt around his hips, Adam Cartwright bent over to tie the string around his thigh.\u00a0 Straightening up he reached for his hat just as his father called from the breakfast table.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, are you sure I can\u2019t convince you to let one of the hands go to town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes, knowing his father couldn\u2019t see him. \u201cYes, Pa.\u00a0 I told you Jesse can\u2019t meet the stage since that mare stepped on his foot so he asked me to do it for him. You know how important this day is.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben came around the corner smiling at his son, coffee cup in hand.\u00a0 \u201cI know.\u00a0 I guess we\u2019ll just have to work on those contracts later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam smirked as he headed out the door.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get Joe to help you?\u00a0 He could use the practice.\u201d\u00a0 He walked quickly to his waiting horse as his father followed him more slowly with a grunt.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHrmph!\u00a0 Not these timber contracts. You know how complicated they are.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let him deal with the railroad next month.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam focused on adjusting his saddle, purposefully ignoring his father\u2019s steely gaze. He was confident in Joe\u2019s abilities to handle the contracts but that conversation with his father would have to wait for another time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben noticed his son\u2019s sudden silence so let the matter drop, for now. He gulped down the last of his coffee. \u201cYou\u2019re not taking the buggy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam paused in his work to look over the saddle at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cNope.\u00a0 You recall you wanted me to check out the herd in the northern pasture before roundup. I\u2019ll rent a buggy in town.The stage arrives around ten o\u2019clock and I thought I\u2019d pick up a basket of food to take to Jesse\u2019s for lunch.\u00a0 I\u2019ll check the herd on the way home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLunch is a nice idea.\u00a0 Well, enjoy yourself. And make sure you\u2019re back in time for dinner or Hop Sing will have your hide.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stepped back as Adam mounted Sport and tightened the reins to control his excited horse.\u00a0 \u201cOh, and don\u2019t worry about me, son. I\u2019ll just be slaving away on those timber contracts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t miss the sarcasm nor the glint in his father\u2019s eyes. He touched the brim of his hat before nudging Sport into a canter out of the yard.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ben shook his head and returned to the house, a warm smile on his face. He didn’t mind teasing his son about this special day. Adam had been talking for days about welcoming Marty Johnson home from San Francisco.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n Upon arriving in Virginia City, Adam quickly exchanged Sport for a buggy at the livery and picked up the lunch basket.\u00a0 Now he leaned against a post about twenty feet from the back of the stage.\u00a0 It had just arrived in a cloud of dust and Adam decided to wait for Marty to disembark before he revealed himself.\u00a0 He watched two businessmen step down, retrieve their bags and head for the hotel down the street. Growing a bit concerned that no one else was exiting the stage he straightened up just as the full skirt of a dark blue traveling suit floated out of the door.\u00a0 Next he saw her head as the driver helped her down to the street.\u00a0 Adam waited a few moments to enjoy watching Marty take in all the sights.\u00a0 Her dark brown eyes were as full of wonder as they had been when she\u2019d left but now she seemed different.\u00a0 More mature, that was it, Adam thought.\u00a0 Marty had grown up in the last two years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adam\u2019s long strides helped him close the distance to the stage while he signaled the driver to remain quiet.\u00a0 Standing right behind Marty with his hands clasped behind his back he spoke softly, a smile in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMay I be of service to you Miss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Marty spun around, not quite believing that the owner of that familiar voice was right behind her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d She squealed and threw herself into his waiting arms.\u00a0 The two friends hugged for a moment before Marty pushed away, concern replaced her smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s grandpa? Oh Adam, nothing\u2019s happened has it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShh, he\u2019s fine Marty.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rested a hand on her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cHe injured his foot last week, so he asked me to meet you today.\u00a0 I have a buggy across the street and I\u2019ve picked up a basket of food for us to enjoy at your grandfather\u2019s house.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get your bags and we\u2019ll be on our way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The driver offered to take the luggage to the buggy so Adam offered his arm to Marty and the two strolled across the street, Marty looking every which way, taking in all the changes to the town. Despite her outward excitement, deep down she was quite content to be walking alongside Adam once again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n Adam pulled the buggy up to Marty’s grandfather\u2019s house, a small but well kept cottage. It was located in a quieter part of town but near almost everything Jesse would need.\u00a0 A couple of months after Marty left for art school in San Francisco, Jesse decided to retire as a way station attendant.\u00a0 He asked Adam to help him move to Virginia City.\u00a0 Once settled there, he found a part time job at a livery just a few blocks from his home.\u00a0 The job kept him busy most days but also gave him the free time he wanted after years of working at a way station.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Jesse had worked hard to get the little house ready for when his granddaughter would return home.\u00a0 Now it looked welcoming with a picket fence at the street, a small front yard, and a couple of rocking chairs on the front porch. As Adam drove up a familiar person rose from one of them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Marty squealed and jumped from the buggy.\u00a0 She ran up the walk and into her grandfather\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Adam did his best to give them privacy as they hugged, wept and laughed over Marty\u2019s homecoming.\u00a0 While he pretended to check the harness Jesse called from the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, what in tarnation are you standin\u2019 down there for?\u00a0 Marty tells me you brought lunch.\u00a0 So get on up here and let\u2019s get to eatin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam cheerfully complied, grabbing the basket and following Jesse and Marty into the house.\u00a0 After a tasty lunch, and lots of talking and catching up, Jesse suggested they move to the parlor to have coffee and visit some more. Adam tried to explain he had ranch work to get done but Jesse insisted he stay just a little longer to discuss the plans for Marty\u2019s art shop. Marty\u2019s eyes lit up at that topic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfter my teachers suggested I set up a studio to show my work and hopefully sell them, I couldn\u2019t wait to write to you both. Have you had any luck finding a place?\u201d Marty perched on the edge of the sofa, her hands clasped tensely in her lap while her eyes darted\u00a0 between her grandfather and her friend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, Adam, quit tryin\u2019 her patience an\u2019 tell her what ya found.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adam lifted his eyes to meet Marty\u2019s. \u201cIt took awhile to locate a suitable place but I did finally find one. It\u2019s an empty store about two blocks from here. I helped Jesse set up the lease for a year, and we got it all cleaned out. All that\u2019s left is for you to move in and set it up the way you want it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Marty leapt off the sofa to hug her grandfather then Adam. \u201cOh, thank you. Thank you both. Well, what are we waiting for? Let\u2019s go see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNow just settled down, young lady. Adam\u2019s already said he\u2019s got some work to get to an\u2019 you need time to rest. Adam do you think you could take us over to see the place t\u2019morrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBut Grandpa –\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMarty, Jesse\u2019s right. Now\u2019s not a good time. I\u2019ll pick you both up at ten tomorrow and we\u2019ll help you get it all set up. How\u2019s that sound?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh, I guess it will have to do. I do feel rather tired and I\u2019ve kept you from your work long enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Slipping his hat on, Adam picked up the empty food basket and bid farewell to his friends.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As he set the basket in the seat and started to climb up, Marty called from the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, wait. You forgot the cloth and some dishes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI see I have.\u00a0 Thanks Marty.\u201d\u00a0 He placed the items in the basket and climbed into the seat.\u00a0 Picking up the reins, he turned his head toward Marty when he felt her hand on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n She looked up at him shyly as she made eye contact with him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I know I\u2019ve said this many times but I really am grateful for all you\u2019ve done for me and Grandpa.\u00a0 I\u2019m so excited to have a dream that can finally come true. I feel like I’ve been chasing rainbows most of my life and now I’ve found the one with a pot of gold at the end.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to open my shop and see what happens.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She paused as Adam smiled gently and spoke in a soft voice,\u00a0 \u201cMarty you\u2019ve grown into a beautiful young woman in the last two years and I\u2019m pleased to see how far you\u2019ve come.\u201d\u00a0 He laid his hand over hers.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a bright future ahead of you and I\u2019m glad to be a part of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Without warning, Marty put her foot on the buggy step to rise up and give Adam a long, warm hug which he gently returned.\u00a0 Before releasing him she gave him a lingering kiss on the cheek..\u00a0 \u201cSee you tomorrow, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 A big smile lit up her face as she stepped down to allow him to pull out into the street.<\/span><\/p>\n Taken aback by the hug and kiss, Adam could only nod and turn his attention to the horse.\u00a0 With his back to her as he drove away, Marty didn\u2019t see the furrowed brow or the look of confusion on his face.\u00a0 When he turned the corner and disappeared, she bounced back into the house.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa, I\u2019ll be in my room.\u00a0 I need to unpack and organize my drawings before tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Jesse watched Marty head to her room then turned to look through the screen door.\u00a0 Giving his mustache an absentminded brush, he tried to make sense of what he\u2019d seen take place between Adam and his granddaughter, considering she had just gotten home.\u00a0 \u201cNow just what\u2019s goin\u2019 on between those two?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n Late at night on the Ponderosa, Adam remained wide awake as he scrutinized Marty\u2019s actions that afternoon. She had a sweet and trusting personality.\u00a0 He\u2019d been pleased to help her reach her dream with her art and to assist her in getting her shop up and running.\u00a0 But now he wondered if she was mistaking his help for something different, perhaps even something romantic in nature.\u00a0 That thought had given Adam his fitful night.\u00a0 Sleep finally claimed him after he\u2019d decided to watch his words and actions carefully, and to see if Marty was expecting something more than friendship between them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/b><\/p>\n The warm air and bright sun added to the exuberance already present as Marty, Jesse, and Adam stood outside the empty store, soon to be The Sierra Art Shop, Marty Johnson, Proprietress. Marty\u2019s excitement oozed out as she patted tears away and fingered the locked door. An aged arm appeared over her shoulder, dangling a shiny silver key.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead, Marty. Open it up.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She lifted her head to look first at her grandfather, then over his shoulder at Adam who gave her a smile and wink.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With shaking hands she slid the key into the lock and turned it. A quiet click was heard and the door swung open on well-oiled hinges. Small steps led to bigger ones as Marty entered the large interior. Within moments she was flitting around the room and talking a mile-a-minute about where everything should go. Adam and Jesse remained just inside the door with huge grins lighting their faces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As lunchtime approached Adam was installing shelves around the shop as Marty unpacked her trunk and hung a few drawings on the wall behind the counter.\u00a0 Marty had been thrilled to see the shop in such good condition when they arrived, and immediately began giving directions on where she wanted things to go.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Jesse sat with his foot resting on a low stool, all the while offering suggestions to Marty on where to hang her pictures. After Adam finished setting up the shelves, it was Jesse who suggested they stop for lunch, so Adam retrieved a basket from beside the front door and they all sat around a table and shared in the meal which Hop Sing had prepared for them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By the end of the day, everything was in place and the shop was ready to open in a couple of days, since the next day was Sunday.\u00a0 Three exhausted but satisfied people locked up and headed back to Jesse\u2019s house for a light dinner before Adam headed home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After he had washed up, Adam sat in the parlor alone while Jesse freshened up and Marty worked in the kitchen to prepare dinner.\u00a0 He had time to reflect on the day and felt all seemed fine between him and Marty.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t say anything about the kiss and didn\u2019t seem to act any differently.\u00a0 Adam was beginning to think he\u2019d imagined the whole thing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dinner was a quiet affair with little talk since everyone was so tired.\u00a0 Adam asked if they might be at church the next day but Jesse said no, due to his injury.\u00a0 Adam nodded in understanding.\u00a0 He did mention that the following Sunday was the monthly church picnic at Washoe Lake.\u00a0 He invited them to join his family after services as a way to welcome Marty home.\u00a0 Jesse and Marty were pleased to accept.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the sun began to set, Adam bid farewell and headed outside.\u00a0 Marty went with him to see him off. They stood on the porch for a moment, watching the first stars come out.<\/span><\/p>\n Marty sat down on the porch step.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so different here than in San Francisco.\u00a0 So much quieter. I\u2019d forgotten what it was like to see so many stars at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam sat down beside her, draping his arms over his knees and fiddling with his hat.\u00a0 \u201cDo you miss the city?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh no, not in the least.\u00a0 Oh I had a good time and enjoyed my classes but everyday I missed you and Grandpa.\u00a0 The letters helped but,\u201d she sighed and looked at Adam with her big doe eyes, \u201cit\u2019s not the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI know what you mean.\u00a0 I felt the same way when I went to college.\u00a0 Those four years were the longest in my life, and the most exciting.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u00a0 You do understand, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 She leaned against his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n Adam put his arm around her shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. \u201cWell, it\u2019s good to have you back home, Marty.\u00a0 Your grandfather is a different man now that you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Marty looked out at the darkening sky.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what about you, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Surprised by the question Adam looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAre you glad I\u2019m back home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d\u00a0 Becoming uncomfortable, he stood to leave, slipping his hat onto his head.\u00a0 \u201cListen I\u2019ve got to get home.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you on Monday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Marty stood as well, and watched him walk away.\u00a0 Her heart was pounding as he climbed into the carriage. She ran up to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam, do you think we could have a picnic tomorrow? After church is over of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam turned to look down at her.\u00a0 She looked so hopeful, so innocent, so…lovely in the twilight.\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes for a moment, unsure what to say. \u00a0 \u201cI wish we could Marty but Pa and I have to catch up on some paperwork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh, of course.\u201d\u00a0 Her countenance fell for a moment, but she perked up again. \u201cI understand.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you on Monday for the grand opening.\u00a0 Have a good trip home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He nodded and clicked to the horse. He gave a sigh of relief as he drove away, but concern filled his head that Marty had definite feelings for him.<\/span><\/p>\n Marty watched as he disappeared into the darkness then turned to go into the house.\u00a0 <\/span>He\u2019s so easy to talk to,<\/span><\/i> she thought to herself.\u00a0 <\/span>I hate being away from him.\u00a0 Oh, I can\u2019t wait for Monday, and then the picnic next Sunday.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 With that thought, Marty entered the house and said good night to her grandfather. She headed to bed with great enthusiasm for the upcoming week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n The air was full of excitement early on Monday morning as Marty flitted around her shop, double and triple checking everything.\u00a0 Adam and Jesse eyed each other and shrugged.\u00a0 Both knew she wouldn\u2019t last the day if she didn\u2019t settle down.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMarty, for Pete\u2019s sake, come over here an\u2019 sit down.\u00a0 You\u2019re wearin\u2019 me out jest watchin\u2019 you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOh Grandpa, I\u2019m just so excited.\u00a0 I want everything to be perfect when I open the doors in a few minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Adam walked over to her and placed his arm around her.\u00a0 \u201cCome here young lady and sit down.\u00a0 Everything\u2019s ready and you need to calm down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Marty took a deep breath and leaned into Adam as they walked over to the bench Jesse was sitting on.\u00a0 She gave Adam a brief hug then sat down.\u00a0 A bit taken aback, Adam glanced away then noticed several people had gathered at the door.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMarty, I think it\u2019s time to open the doors.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~~~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n The day flew by.\u00a0 Adam and Jesse greeted the first customers while Marty circulated around the room answering questions and making sales.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s family came in just after lunch and agreed to have a family portrait made at a later date. Hoss and Joe left to run errands and get a couple of beers.\u00a0 Ben remained to keep Jesse company as Marty and Adam attended to customers.\u00a0 Some of the subtle looks from Marty toward Adam and her quiet actions of touching his arm or shoulder weren\u2019t lost on the older men.\u00a0 Both men shared questioning expressions but neither had any answers. Knowing his son so well, Ben did notice that Adam didn\u2019t reciprocate any of Marty\u2019s gestures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After Marty closed the doors at the end of the day she collapsed beside Jesse onto the bench at the back of the small shop.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m exhausted.\u00a0 Oh Grandpa, I can\u2019t believe so many people came and how much they bought.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, why not?\u00a0 You\u2019ve got quite a gift and the customers know it.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud of you Marty.\u201d\u00a0 Jesse leaned over to kiss her on the top of her head.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adam, leaning against the counter, smiled and winked when she looked his way.\u00a0 \u201cWe better get the shop cleaned up so you both can get home to eat and rest.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not wanting to walk too much on his sore foot, Jesse cleaned off the counter while Adam helped Marty put away her art samples and lock up the money box.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He drove them home and tended to their horse and buggy.\u00a0 Marty gave him a warm hug before he headed to the livery to get Sport and head home himself. He was tired but pleased that all had gone so well.\u00a0 However, something about the day kept niggling at the back of his brain.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t fully understand what it was until next time he saw Marty.<\/span><\/p>\n Marty had decided to have the shop opened on Mondays and Thursdays to give herself time to learn the business side of running a shop, and to have time to work on her orders.\u00a0 Adam came by Thursday afternoon to see how she was doing.\u00a0 He was surprised to see the shop empty and Marty counting money.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHey, how did your day go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Marty looked up and a warm smile brightened her face when she saw Adam leaning against the door frame, hat in hand.\u00a0 She met him at the end of the counter and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek when he stepped inside.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt went very well.\u00a0 I only had three customers but two bought my drawings of the bay in San Francisco, and the other is bringing his family in on Tuesday for a portrait.\u00a0 I\u2019m so pleased.\u00a0 I\u2019m just finishing the books.\u00a0 Would you mind checking them to see if I did everything right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d\u00a0 Adam laid his hat on the counter and stepped over to study the books.\u00a0 Marty hovered close to him, occasionally brushing his arm as she reached across to point out an entry. He found himself losing his focus as she leaned against him and a delicate scent rose up to greet his senses.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cUm, everything looks correct.\u00a0 You\u2019ve done a very good job.\u00a0 Listen, I, uh, need to get going and finish some errands.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When he turned to leave he found himself looking straight into her dark brown eyes.\u00a0 She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.\u00a0 Locked in her embrace, he realized what was about to take place.\u00a0 Before he could react, Marty gently pressed her warm, soft lips against his.\u00a0 For a few seconds, neither moved until Adam carefully placed his hands on her shoulders and gently moved her away.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMarty\u2026\u201d his voice caught.<\/span><\/p>\n She tried to lay her head against his chest but Adam stepped back.\u00a0 \u201cMarty, I have to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n A bit stunned by his abruptness, she caught his arm as he reached for his hat and opened the door.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to the picnic on Sunday, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He nodded once then made his escape.\u00a0 The look on her face said way more than he was prepared to accept.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/b><\/p>\n Flustered and worried by Marty\u2019s kiss, Adam decided his errands could wait. He wanted to leave town quickly; he was in desperate need of some thinking time.\u00a0 As he made his way to the livery to pick up Sport, a well-dressed gentleman entered the shop.\u00a0 Marty was in the storage room when she heard the door open and close.\u00a0 She put the ledgers away and walked out quickly to see if it was Adam who had returned.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdam? Did you forget something?\u201d\u00a0 She froze when she saw the man before her.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHello Marty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Feeling lightheaded from the surprise, she leaned against the counter.\u00a0 \u201cDavid, what are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI came to talk some sense into you, Marty.\u00a0 You left without giving me an answer to my question, or even saying goodbye.\u201d\u00a0 David Cooper placed his hat on the counter and reached for her, drawing her into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI missed you so much.\u201d\u00a0 With two fingers he tilted her head up and gave her a soft kiss which she didn\u2019t return.<\/span><\/p>\n Stepping back David studied her face.\u00a0 \u201cMarty, what\u2019s wrong?\u00a0 Aren\u2019t you glad to see me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n As panic rose within her, Marty pulled away and drifted over to the large front window, catching a glimpse of Adam as he disappeared from view.\u00a0 David strolled over to stand behind her and saw a man in dark clothing turn the corner.\u00a0 He realized it was the same man that had left the shop just before he had entered.\u00a0 David spun Marty around.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWho is he, Marty, that man who just left here?\u00a0 You thought I was him didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDavid, please.\u00a0 That was Adam Cartwright, the man who helped me go to art school and open this shop.\u00a0 He\u2019s been a good friend to me and Grandpa.\u00a0 He\u2019s helped us so much.\u201d\u00a0 Marty’s voice trailed off as she realized David didn\u2019t believe a word of what she was saying.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s true David, Adam\u2019s just a\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNo Marty, I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 You have that look for him you used to have for me.\u00a0 Marty what\u2019s going on here?\u00a0 Are you in love with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Surprised to hear the words but made confident by them, Marty pushed her chin out and looked David in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cYes, David, I am.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry but what you and I had is over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe it is.\u00a0 I love you Marty and I know you love me.\u00a0 You\u2019re just running away because you\u2019re afraid to trust my love for you.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t do that.\u00a0 I love you and I want to marry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNo David, you\u2019re wrong.\u00a0 I love Adam and one day I\u2019ll marry him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cNot if I have a say in the matter.\u201d\u00a0 David grabbed his hat and stormed out of the shop.\u00a0 Marty ran after him but he moved too quickly.\u00a0 She realized he was heading in the same direction that Adam had gone.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nWord Count: 10,814<\/p>\n