Page 36 of Westbound Awakening

"Thank you," she placed her hand over his, the warmth of it ran up his arm to settle in his chest. "Tell me about your day."

John nodded and looked into Mae's eyes only to find a mixture of curiosity and sadness. "My trip to town was to see about a property I learned was for sale. I found it to be a small piece of land with a small serviceable house. I plan to purchase it once my money is transferred to the bank in town. I will also repay you then as well."

"Elma told me this morning of your plans to. I would like to propose that until you are settled, Wesley remain here." Without giving him time to reply, she launched into the next statement. "He has been through enough John. Once you get your house into acceptable shape, you will be required to work long hours to get everything prepared for the winter. Then there is the matter of hiring a caregiver. You must find someone who is trustworthy to care for Wesley and see about his studies."

She loved his son. John settled back in his chair, enjoying the fire in her eyes as she made the case she'd no doubt practiced. Her chest heaved with every breath as her passionate pleas fell away from her lips. "John, please think on it, I am not asking for an answer this instant. I do understand it would be hard for you to be away from Wesley, but we can arrange to come and spend time with you or you can come and sup regularly. I don't want to take him from you…I just want…"

"I understand," John interrupted her. "And I'm grateful you care for my boy as much as you do. But you have to understand, the longer he remains here, the harder it will be for him to come away with me." He hesitated when tears sprang to her eyes. "Mae, it's going to be a painful transition for everyone involved. I am not so uncaring not to know how you feel. I will think on this and make a decision. But I have to decide based on what I feel will be best for Wesley." He covered her hand with his and once again was forced to hold back the need to move it further up her soft skin. "Thank you for loving my boy so much."

Mae slipped her hand from under his and stood. "Very well. Good night John."

* * *

"Senorita, there is a wagon approaching." Elma came into the front room where Mae sat mending the next day. She dropped her sewing into the basket at her feet and went to the window.

Indeed a wagon approached, a couple sat on the bench, the man guiding the horses toward the house.

"It's the Jacobs'!" With a shriek of laughter, Mae ran to the front door and out to meet the wagon.

No sooner did the wagon stop than Patty dressed in a red calico dress and matching bonnet, practically flew off of it and went to embrace Mae who was already standing to the side. The women hugged, stood back and looked at each other with broad smiles only to hug again. Ryan remained back and held the horse's reins, smiling at their antics while patiently waiting for Mae to turn her attention to him.

"Oh Ryan, thank you for bringing my friend to see me," Mae finally rushed to him and they also embraced.

Arms entwined around each other's waists, the women made their way to the house, while one of the ranch hands came to show Ryan where the stables were.

"Of course you plan to stay for a few days?" Mae asked barely able to get her breath, "I missed you so."

Patty wiped at tears of happiness. "If it's not an imposition, we brought provisions so we could stay in the wagon if necessary."

"I won't hear of it." Mae tugged her friend toward the kitchen where Elma was already preparing a light fare for the guests. "Oh Patty, I have so much to tell you, and want to know everything. I can't wait to hear about your new home."

Patty sat and accepted a glass of lemonade proffered by Elma and smiled up at her.

"Oh excuse my manners," Mae exclaimed. “Patricia Jacobs this is Elma. She was my father's caregiver. And she's remained here as a godsend to me."

Elma's puffed her chest with pride at her words. "Senorita Mae is a saint."

Alan came to announce Ryan remained in the stables visiting with John, so Patty ate a small repast while Mae kept her company bringing her up to date on what had transpired since they'd parted ways.

Patty then informed her they'd established into a small home less than a day's ride away. Ryan's father was having a hard time relinquishing the church over to his son. Instead of participating in the tug-of-war with him, she and Ryan were planting a new church near their home. Mae clapped at the news. They'd be closer, and she could see her friend regularly.

After Patty ate the small meal, they moved to the front room and continued their discussion. Patty's keen eyes took Mae in. "I notice a certain sadness in your eyes, in spite of your initial joy at seeing me. What happened between you and John?"

"It's what I've come to expect," Mae replied. "He's moving, taking his darling son with him. He's come to care for me Patty, I am sure of it. Although, I am not sure he loves me enough to marry me even without the obstacle of my past."

"I'm so sorry," Patty shook her head. "Men can be so pig-headed. I mean why does he not see his son needs a mother and accept he loves you. And unless things have changed, John McClain does." Patty huffed. "And to think he plans to rip that child away from you. It makes me so angry."

Mae smiled at seeing the diminutive women hit her fist into the palm of the other hand. "Please Patty, let's leave the conversation for another day. Tell me, are you with child yet?"

Patty's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I am beginning to think God is never going to bless us with a child."

* * *

John stood by and watched the stable hand shoe the new workhorse. His stomach rumbled, and he wondered at the time.

"Well there you are," Ryan Jacobs approached, a soft curve to his lips. "It's good to see you John."

Genuinely glad to see the familiar face, John went to greet the man and they shook hands. "Well, it’s great to see you. I wondered how long it would be before you and Patricia would come and see about Mae. She's mentioned once or twice at wanting to come to see you."