Page 50 of Westbound Awakening

"I can understand," John replied and held out his hand.

The men shook hands, and Joshua walked toward his horse. "I hope to see you around McClain."

Mae entered the barn. The smell of fresh hay accompanied by the sounds of the horses welcomed her. Alan kept the area clean and organized. She'd yet to find fault with the man's work ethic. He lived in a set of rooms attached to the barn and seemed to spend every waking hour taking care of the horses, tending to the livestock or mending fences. He completed anything needing to be done quickly and efficiently without prompting and she was glad for it.

Upon spotting her mare, Mae went to the horse. The mare's head reached out toward her, and Mae ran her hand over the soft nose. "Hey girl." She reached into her pocket and pulled out an apple and held it out, which the horse gobbled up immediately.

"What can I do for you Miss Mae?" Alan was always formal and respectful, Mae noted, as the man neared.

Alan held reins in his hand and stood with an easy grace. Being outdoors had to be a natural part of him. Earlier that morning when she and John had come home was the first time she'd ever noticed him as anything but relaxed.

"I apologize for worrying you and the others."

"There is no need." Alan neared and reached towards the mare, setting upon opening the gate. He went into the stall and began to look the animal over. "I know you and McClain have something."

"He and I are not meant to be together. We are too different." She wasn't sure why she spoke the words, but something about Alan made her comfortable. Either way it didn't matter as she was leaving

"You can't help who you love."

Mae frowned. "As I said, there is no future for us Alan. I came to talk about my leaving Texas. I am returning to Virginia, without John."

His hazel eyes lifted to hers. "You are a fool then."

Her eyes widened at his words. "I have to do what I can, what is best for me."

"Life is about sacrifice Miss Mae. It's not always easy."

The mare trembled with anticipation as he led it back out of the stall towards the corral and Mae followed them. "I am making a sacrifice Alan. It's going to hurt like hell to leave Wesley here in Texas. I love that boy. It's going to be terribly difficult to leave this ranch and Elma..."

He turned so fast she stumbled back a step. "Then why are you leaving? What will it solve?"

"What about you Alan?" Mae retorted. "What are you running away from? You live here alone and keep to yourself. Who did you leave behind?"

"You think that by asking me these questions you don't have to answer mine?" He released the horse into the corral and leaned on it. "I left my wife and children after I buried them. My Anna died first and the children followed. I couldn't stay in the same house so I left. But I will give love another opportunity if it presents itself."

"I'm so sorry."

He held his hand up and smiled, the action bringing forth a dimple that caught her eye. "It's all right Miss Mae. You are hurting and when it happens, it's natural to lash out. I was out of line when I spoke."

"No Alan, you are right. I am taking the easy way out. But I'm tired." She sighed. "How can you be positive?"

"I have a feeling here." He punched his gut. "That the woman I'm to be with is not that far."

Mae nodded and smiled at him. "I like you Alan."

"I care for you too Miss Mae, and that's why I hate to see you throw your chance at happiness away."

"Mae?" Lucinda appeared from the barn a basket in her hand. "Supper is ready."

Alan's eyes softened when lighting on Miss Lady's daughter. Mae motioned Alan forward. "Would you like to join us for dinner?"

A knowing smile curved her lips when the male kept his gaze downward and nodded.

"Thank you Alan." She pressed a kiss to his jawline and hurried away, leaving Lucinda and Alan to follow.

28

Sweaty and dirty, Lucinda struggled from under the man's heavy arm. His bawdy laughter rung loudly in her ears when she crawled away from him. "She's all yours Henry," he said into the darkness.