TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "GREEN"

 

    Welcome! This week the word prompt is "green". We have a snippet from my new story, still yet to be named. Tyler Bentley is a football kicker out of a job. We join him as he faces the reality of returning home in disgrace. Don't forget to read all the Tuesday Tales stories. You can find them HERE. Thanks for stopping by. 

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As he approached a darkened street breaking off from Cedar, the streetlamp shone on the sign. Stepping Stone Lane. He stopped and stared. Blackness greeted him. All the houses were dark. He twisted his lips into a rueful grin. With only a week left until Christmas, people must be out shopping. Everyone couldn’t be at that damn firehouse party, could they? Did he really care where everyone was? Not really. In fact, it was comforting to see all the empty houses. Fewer people to rub his face in his failure.  

He peered down the street once more. “Merrily Adams,” he muttered, nodding. She probably didn’t live with her parents anymore. His mother had kept him up-to-date on Merrily’s life. A successful writer, she’d be living in a tony apartment in the city, he figured.  Good thing, too. How could he face her after such a monumental disaster?

The cold sent a chill up his spine, or was it at the notion of facing his old high school girlfriend? What difference did it make? He quickened his pace to leave the street, and the disturbing thoughts behind.

As he walked along, Christmas lights strung up around doors and windows, and outlining evergreen trees caught his eye. Christmas spirit? He had none. How could he think about buying gifts, opening presents, laughing, snarfing down eggnog and going sledding on his favorite hill? None of it mattered. His bought gifts for his family and friends online and had them shipped.

The one welcome sight was the light layer of snow covering the ground. Sure didn’t have that in Las Vegas. In fact, he hated Vegas, except for the team, he’d never live there in a million years.

A rueful smile twisted his lips. He wouldn’t have to face the gaudy, phony, garish city anymore. He rounded the bend and approached his mother’s small house. The light on the front porch glowed. His mom always left it on when he went out. The lights on her modest Christmas tree blinked, shining colors then white light through the living room window.

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "RED" - NEW EPISODE, NEW STORY

 

And another Tuesday rolls around! This week we are starting a new story. It's a sports romance story with no name as of yet. Hopefully one will come to me in the next week or two. Here's the first episode. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to read all the Tuesday Tales stories. Find them HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

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Tyler Bentley parked in his parents’ driveway. The house was dark, nobody home. Oh, yeah, his family would be at the tree decorating party at the firehouse. One of the biggest Pine Grove events of the year drew everybody from babies to grandpas.

Stupid hick town. Tyler kicked some loose stones as he made his way to the street. No sidewalk on Cedar Road, but he’d go for a walk anyway. He zipped his jacket higher against the icy wind blowing off the lake, probably frozen by now. He bent his head to protect his face and trudged down the road.

In the light of the streetlamp he noticed his fingers getting red. He shoved his hands into his pockets and kept going. Ty wasn’t headed anywhere, maybe the cold would help him figure out how to tell his family.

Of course, they’d watched his disastrous performance at the last game. Twice he’d muffed the kick for the extra point. Twice! Probably a new failure record for the Connecticut Kings. And then there was the kick for the field goal he’d blown. He’d single-handedly cost the team five points. They’d lost by fourteen, but the glares in the locker room didn’t help.

He’d hid out the next day, sleeping late, and hanging around his apartment, trying to muster the courage to face the team when he got the call.

“Coach wants to see you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Now.” Click.

Uh oh. Nope, it couldn’t be good. He’d jumped into his sweats and drove to the stadium. He knew he’d get yelled at. Maybe fined? Possibly put on the block to be traded?  

Waiting outside the Coach’s office, sweat moistened his underarms. He wasn’t the first guy to have a bad day, to fuck up, and cost the team the game. Or at least some points. What’s the worst thing they could do?

“Come in,” the Coach called.

Tyler placed a sweaty palm on the doorknob and twisted it.

“Bentley, what the fuck happened out there?” Coach rose up from behind his desk.

“I don’t know, Coach. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“You’re right it won’t. Because you’re fired. Clean out your locker today. Last check is being cut now. Excuse me. I’ve got a meeting.” The Coach pushed past him and out the door.

Open-mouthed, Tyler turned and watched him leave. Now on the freezing walk, he searched his mind. What would he tell his mother? Or Uncle Charlie?

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "PERSUASIVE"

 

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "persuasive."  We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma." Hope you like it. Don't forget to read all the wonderful stories. Find them HERE. 

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“I have to get going! At this rate, I’m going to be late.” Ben frowned and his brows knitted. He drummed his fingers on his knee.

Elijah narrowed his eyes as he stared at his son. “Itchin’ to get at that Chesney girl are you?

“If you must know, yes.”

“Not gonna propose to that wench, are you?”

“None of your business.”

“Damn right it’s my business and you’re my son. I will have a say about who you marry. And the Chesney girl isn’t good enough. Hasn’t got the family.”

“She’s a Wolcott. Mother said that family’s just as good as ours.”

“But what of the Chesney side? Her grandfather a logger, her father a farmer and her grandmother an innkeeper? Not good enough for the likes of a Fitch.”

Ann Fitch sashayed out the front door, clad in an elegant black velvet dress with gold braid trim. White lace at the cuffs and the bodice gave the outfit a softness. Benjamin looked up. “Mother!” he called out to her as she left the house. “Hurry! It’s almost sundown.”

“Worried that Quint fellow will beat you to Miss Sarah Chesney?” An evil smile stretched Elijah’s lips.

“She prefers me.” Benjamin replied, opening the door and descending to the ground. He took his mother’s elbow and moved into the carriage and dumped her on the seat next to his father.”

“Oof! Benjamin!” Ann Fitch reached up to straight her hat, which had lurched dangerously to the left.

Ben climbed in, shut the door, and hollered up to the coachman. “Go, Digby! Go!”

Elijah threw his head back and roared with laughter. Then he rested his arm around the shoulders of his stunning wife.

“Sarah’s not going anywhere, Benjamin,” Ann huffed.

“But Quint set out for the dance before our Benjamin was even dressed. Mighty spiffed up. Guess he’s hopin’ to win the Chesney girl, too. And he’s got a mighty good headstart.”

Ben opened the coach window and leaned out. “Digby! Faster!”

Elijah cackled. “Hurry up, Digby. Quint’s getting’ there first!”

Ann shot a stern look at her husband. “Elijah! Leave Ben alone.”

Although he hated to give his father any satisfaction, his word worried the young man. Josiah Quint could be mighty persuasive. He’d set his sights on Sarah Chesney before Benjamin had even met her. How could he be sure she wouldn’t accept him?

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.  NOTE: This is the last episode from "Sarah's Dilemma". Next week will start a new story. "Sarah's Dilemma" will be published soon, watch for more information. 

Welcome! This week, our word prompt is "fabric". This week we have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma." Don't forget to hop to the other blogs with great stories. Find them HERE .  Thanks for stopping by. 

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Sarah moseyed over to the ribbons. She loved the colors, bright pinks and turquoises, and some in a delicate lavender shade, too. 

“He’s free. Go right on back, Mrs. Tanner.” Virginia showed Abigail the way. Sarah fingered the satin ribbons, enjoying the smooth feel of the fabric. The bell over the front door tinkled. She looked up and dropped the ribbon on the floor. Benjamin Fitch stood crowding the doorway with his powerful frame.

Flustered, she bent to pick it up and knocked her head against a table when she attempted to stand.

“Are you hurt, Miss Chesney?”

She looked up to find Ben standing within a foot or two, his brows knitted, his expression concerned. Rubbing her temple, she straightened and gave a small curtsy. “I’m fine, Mr. Fitch. Thank you for asking.” She raised her gaze to his. He looked fine, dressed in black breeches, blue waistcoat and white shirt. She noticed the blue was the same shade as his eyes. 

His stare reflected warmth for a moment before icing over. “Very well.” He brushed by her to the counter, where Mrs. Rhodes awaited.

Too disconcerted to listen, she only heard a buzz as he presented his order to Virginia Rhodes. The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through her, sending a tiny thrill down her spine. She’d always loved the sound of him, and that hadn’t changed.

As she caught her breath, her mother returned to the shop. Mrs. Rhodes had packed up their goods. Abby shouldered one bag and gave the other to Sarah.

“Good day, Mrs. Rhodes,” Abby said.

“Good day, Mrs. Tanner, Miss Chesney.”

Benjamin turned toward her for a second. She swore there was the ghost of a smile on his handsome face. He tipped his hat again. She nodded and smiled. She simply couldn’t help it.

They hurried out of the store and back to the Inn. Sarah’s thoughts swirled around her encounter with Ben. Had he been happy to see her? She thought so. But maybe she shouldn’t presume anything. Get her hopes up. He was simply being polite, as any well-bred young man would be. Nothing more, nothing less, right?

“Ben seemed almost happy to see you, Sarah,” Abigail said.

“Really? You think so?”

“You still care for him, don’t you?”

“I can’t help it. Ben’s a good person. Underneath. He’s not like his father, more compassionate, like his mother.”

Abby smiled. “You’re just like your father. Always seeing the good in people.”

TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

     

        Goodness how the times flies! It picture prompt week again! Welcome. We have another snippet of 300 words -- all that's allowed on picture prompt days -- from "Sarah's Dilemma". I hope you like it. Then please return to read the other wonderful stories by Tuesday Tales talented team. Find them HERE. 

   Don't forget to leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by! 

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“I thought you wanted to talk?” Caleb said.

Abigail stood in the doorway in the early morning light. She gazed at the forest, then took a deep breath.

“What is it? Can it be so terrible you cannot tell me?”

She smiled and placed her free hand on his arm. “No, no. It’s nothing terrible.”

“Then speak.”

“I talked to Daniel Rhodes today.”

“Oh? I thought you were feeling fine.”

She put her finger on his lips. “I am. Stop interrupting or we’ll never get this done.”

He nodded.

“I spoke to Daniel today. I asked him what the chances are of my dying in childbirth.”

Caleb rose halfway out of his seat, his mouth opened.

“No, wait! Wait!” She pushed him back down and he closed his mouth. “He said since I’ve had three live births, deliveries, with no complications, the odds are greatly in my favor.”

“Odds in your favor? Not good enough.”

“Stop! Wait. He said he’d never lost a woman who had had my history. He said he’d feel perfectly safe if I were his wife.”

“Oh, really?” Caleb cocked an eyebrow. “Then why doesn’t he have more children?”

Abby stared at her hands. “He told me this in confidence. You mustn’t repeat it. Virginia had two miscarriages and one still birth.”

“Oh my God,” Caleb whispered. “Terrible.” He shook his head.

“I want to have another child.” She downed some of the liquid in the glass.

“Didn’t we already decide this?” He took a sip.

“You decided. You decided ‘no’, but I want another child. I want to have your child, Caleb. Yours and mine.”

He slid his arm around her shoulders and kissed her. “There’s nothing I want more than to give you another child. But not at the expense of losing you.”

 

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That's all. See you next week!

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "EIGHTEEN"

 Welcome! The word prompt this week is "eighteen." We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma." Find the wonderful Tuesday Tales authors HERE

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Caleb and Sam stood by the door as each woman paraded by in her finery. The men heaped compliments on them. Caleb had one concern.

“Isn’t Sarah’s dress a little too, uh, well, revealing?”

“She’s seventeen, due to be eighteen in another month. That’s marriageable age. She is entitled to dress like all the other grown women,” Abigail said. Her husband nodded.

This was the first time Sarah had worn a dress with such a low neckline. As a young girl, her dresses had always gone all the way up to the neck. But this dress revealed the fully developed cleavage of a young woman.

Sam looked at her and swallowed. “Don’t know how I’m gonna keep Josiah and Ben away from her.”

Sarah raised her chin. “You won’t be doing any such thing. Besides, you’ll be too busy breathing down Becky’s neck to bother with me. You won’t have to worry. No one will take my account anyway.”

 “Yeah? I disagree. Every man at the celebration will be looking you over real careful.”

Abigail made a shooing gesture. “Sam. Let it be. Sarah is old enough to take care of herself.”

After final primping, the women were ready to join the party. They picked their way across the high grass and dirt to the back of Rhodes General Store. At least three dozen people clapped and danced to a lively tune from four fiddlers. When the music ended, the buzz of the crowd chatting filled the air.

As soon as the Chesneys arrived, all eyes turned toward them. When Sarah stepped forward, a hush fell on the crowd. As quickly as the noise stopped, a wave of whispering filled the air.

“That’s her.” A woman said, pointing.

“Who?” The man next to her asked.

“That Sarah Chesney girl. You know the wanton one.” The woman’s voice got louder.

“Oh. I see.” He nodded and turned a cold stare on Sarah.

“The one in green?” Another man asked.

“No, silly. She’s the mother. The young one.” A woman answered.

“She’s fine, the one in green.” He grinned.

She clunked him on the head with her palm. “Shut up, Simon!”

Abby chuckled. Frowning, Caleb pulled her closer.

“That must be her husband,” Simon said, rubbing his scalp and pointing to Caleb. “Lucky man.”

The woman standing next to him elbowed him in the ribs.

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That's it. Thanks for coming! 

Sam stepped in front of his sister.

 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "ARM"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales. We have another episode of  "Sarah's Dilemma" and an encounter between our plucky heroine and the richest man for miles around, Elijah Fitch, father of Benjamin. The word prompt is "arm." To return to read all the fabulous stories at Tuesday Tales, click HERE. Thank you for stopping by.

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“It’s a shame to waste such finery.”  Sarah pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and reached out to wipe the mud away. Elijah Fitch raised his arm to fend her off.

“Don’t be bothering, Miss Chesney. I don’t need help from the likes of you,” he bit out.

Sarah took a step back as if his words had slapped her in the face. “Beg pardon?”

“I know who you are. No –what you are. Get on with you.” He attempted to shoo her away. “I hear what people are saying about you. Lowly creature. Stay way from my son.”

The sting of his words stole her breath.

“He doesn’t need the likes of you bringing him down. Ruining his reputation. Hear me?”

She nodded and blinked back tears.

“He doesn’t want to have anything to do with you,” Fitch sneered.

“Did he say that?”

Fitch brought his chin up and looked away. “He doesn’t have to. I’m his father. I know what he’s thinking.”

His words emboldened Sarah. “I don’t think you do. I don’t think you know much about your son at all.”

“Oh, and you do?” He held his handkerchief to his shoulder.

“Maybe. He’s a much finer person that you say.”

“Hah! Surely much too fine a person to consort with the likes of you. Go to Josiah Quint. He’s the one who ruined you.”

“He did no such thing.” 

“So he’s cast you aside, has he?”

She stuck out her chin. “He has not. If it’s any of your business. He proposed to me.”

“Fine. Saved by an honorable man. I’ll tell Benjamin he doesn’t have to worry about you chasing after him and his money anymore.”

“I told him ‘no’. I’m not marrying anyone.”

“You’d better take him up on it. No one else will have you. And certainly not my son. He can have his pick of any of the young ladies of breeding in Danbury. And when he’s ready to marry, we will find the right one.”

That's it. Thank you for coming. Hope to see you next week. Please leave a comment -- I love feedback. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SWEET"

 

Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales again. And we have another episode in the sweet historical novel, "Sarah's Dilemma." Don't forget to return and read the excellent writers on Tuesday Tales. Just click HERE to go back. Thank you for stopping by.

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By mid-June, the scandal had died down some and Sarah finally ventured out to the general store on her own. Mr. Austin, who’d yanked his sons away from her tutoring after the accusations, approached her in the feed section of Rhodes’ store.

“Good day, Miss Chesney.” He removed his hat and held it in both hands.

Sarah stiffened, then curtsied. “Good day, Mr. Austin. How are Matthew and William?”

“Fine, fine.”

Sarah brushed by him, anxious to avoid his glare and nasty words. She hastened to the corner to get a bag of chicken feed.

Austin followed her. “Wait!”

She stopped, her face heated. She held her breath.   

He cleared his throat before speaking. “Please, Miss Chesney. My boys. Well. They miss your tutoring.”

“They do?” Sarah raised her eyebrows and turned to face him.

Austin nodded. “Yes, Missy, they do. They want to come back. I see how good their counting and adding is. They’re smarter. You did that.”

Sarah narrowed her eyes. “So, now it’s okay for them to be around me. But before it wasn’t?”

“I apologize. I shouldn’t have said those things to you.” His face pinked.

“I agree.”

“I was wondering. If you have the time. I mean. Would you take it on my boys again? I’m the one who hastened to judgment. Why should they suffer?”

“True. They are good boys.” She took a deep breath. 

“Would you accept my apology and consider tutoring them?”

Sarah nodded.

“Thank you. Thank you kindly. My wife said she’d send along two pies next time, too.  She makes the best beef and onion pie and a sweet apple one, too.”

“I look forward to it.” She turned away.

“One more thing.”

Sarah faced him again and cocked an eyebrow.

“William’s been howling how he misses that silly goat, Sunshine. Would you let him have a visit with her, if it’s not too much trouble?”

“Since the schoolhouse hasn’t been repaired yet, I'll tutor them at the Inn. William can see Sunshine every day we have lessons.”

“Mighty kind of you, Miss Chesney. Mighty kind. Shall I send them by beginning of the week?”

“Yes.” 

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That's it for this week. Don't forget to leave a comment. Your feedback is always welcome! 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BARE"

 

    Hi, welcome to Tuesday Tales! We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma" today. An answer to 

the cliffhanger from last time. Don't forget to read all the Tuesday Tales HERE. 

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        “What?” Her eyes widened. “What did you say?”

“Will you marry me? If we get married, the rumors will stop.”

Sarah laughed. “You’re funny.”

“I’m serious. I’m prepared to marry you.”

“Not a romantic proposal, is it, Josiah?”

“We don’t have time for romance. Besides,” he shot her a sideways grin. “We already had the romance part,” he snickered.

Sarah swatted his shoulder and tugged on his arm. “Get up.” 

He rose to his feet. “You won’t marry me?”

“I’m too young to marry anyone.”

“If your parents consented.”

“They’d never give consent.”

“I hate you’re being shamed over a little kiss.”

She quirked an eyebrow. “There was nothing little about that kiss.”

He laughed for a moment, then pulled her close. She squirmed.

Releasing her, he said, “I figure it was the wine.” 

“Yep.” She smoothed her bodice and gave her skirt a shake.

If you change your mind about getting’ married, tell me. I’m willing. You’re the most beautiful girl

 in all of Fitch’s Eddy. I’d marry you in a second.”

“Thanks, Josiah. I’m not marrying anybody now. But thank you for proposing. It was a nice thing to do.”

“Anytime.” He doffed his hat, then took her elbow. “We’d best be getting back.”

Sarah giggled. “Don’t want to start any more rumors.”

The twosome picked their way through the rocky, rough terrain back to the Inn. Josiah bid Sarah goodnight and went up to his room. She washed up and leaned against the front window, gazing at the moon. She’d had her first marriage proposal before she was even eighteen! A grin spread across her face. Charity and Catherine Bloodgoode couldn’t say the same. Of course, she didn’t know for sure no one had proposed to them. But if someone had, she’d bet the Inn they’d be married by now. 

Sarah slipped into bed and pulled up the sheet and thin blanket. She touched her lower lip, remembering Benjamin Fitch’s kiss. The bare truth? The force behind it had almost knocked her to the ground. She’d never felt anything like it. Josiah would have to try a lot harder to equal that.  

That's it. Thanks for stopping by.