TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CARELESS"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is "careless." We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma" this week. We find Sarah still in Benjamin's office after that kiss that burned.  Don't forget to read all the stories. You'll find them HERE. Thank you for stopping by.

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Benjamin burst out laughing, his blue eyes sparkling with merriment. “Well, I guess that’s good then.”

Warm all over and feeling her face flushing, she picked at a cuticle. “Maybe we’d better get started. I mean, if you want to keep this a secret, I shouldn’t be away too long.”

“Oh, right, right. Can you come over here?” He gestured to the larger chair behind the desk. She settled in while he opened a ledger and pointed. 

Sarah spent the next hour doing arithmetic, and sharing corn muffins. She took her time. It wouldn't do to be careless and make a mistake on the Fitch's books, would it? She showed him what she’d done.

“You have to know it so if you’re asked, you can explain.”

“Right.” He nodded. "I understand."

She went over every column with a brief explanation. When she finished, Sarah wrapped herself in the shawl and picked up the empty basket. Ben opened the door.

“Thank you.”

She stopped and leaned against the door jamb. “Do you believe me?”

“You mean about Josiah?” he asked.

She hesitated. “Yes.”

“I do.”

“No matter what people say?” She lifted her eyebrows. 

“No matter what people say. I know you. You’re not a liar. And you’re not a hussy.”

 She smiled. “Thank you.”

“Can you come back next month?”

“Of course.” She reached up to touch his rough cheek before stepping out into the warm May sun. Ben brought her hand to his lips.

“There may be more copperheads out there. Or mountain lions. May I walk you home?”

She nodded, casting her glance away. 

Ben took his gun and joined her. His free hand laced with hers as they strolled along through the  tall grass and wildflowers toward the Inn.

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Tuesday Tales - Sound

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma" this week. Don't forget to return and read the other stories HERE

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Sarah entered. The cabin was small but had three windows. A large desk sat near one window. There was a chair behind it and one in front.

“Water?” He picked up a pitcher and held it over a cup.

Her throat felt like sand in the hot sun. “Thanks.” After gulping it down, she licked her bottom lip before speaking. “Do you still want me to help you?”

“If you don’t mind.”

“You’re not mad about, uh, the other night?”

“I’ve only heard stories from other people. Will you tell me what happened?”

“Yes.”

“Sit.” He gestured to the empty chair.

Sarah eased down, spreading her skirt out, and told her tale.

“That’s all?”

“I swear it. Yes.”

“Doesn’t sound so bad. Though he did kiss you.” Benjamin frowned.

Sarah cast her gaze to the floor. She picked at the fringe on her shawl.

Silence hung heavy in the room.

“I wish it had been me.” His voice softened.

“Me, too,” She whispered.

“What did you say?” He rose from his seat. 

“Nothing. Nothing.”

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

Sarah met his gaze.  Suddenly defiant, she stepped closer. He placed his hands on her upper arms and drew her into his embrace. Quickly leaning down, his mouth met hers. As if a bolt of lightning had struck her, a powerful force burned through her body. Leaning against his chest, she flattened her palms on his pecs, bracing herself.

Time froze as his lips pressed against hers. Finally raising his head, Ben’s gaze locked on hers for a moment before he stepped back.

“Is that what Josiah did?” He asked, his voice husky. “

She shook her head. Josiah’s kiss had been like a summer breeze. Ben’s? A scorching fire. "No.”

“Oh?” Ben raised his eyebrows.

Eyes wide, Sarah touched her bottom lip, which was still sensitive. “No, sir. No. It was nothing like that.” She backed away and sat abruptly when the chair met the back of her legs.

With eyebrows draw together, Benjamin pursued the subject. “Better than that?”

Again, she shook her head. “Not as good. No." She tilted her head slightly to make eye contact. “It didn’t burn like yours did.”

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Tuesday Tales - Picture Prompt - Sunset

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we have another episode from "Sarah's Dilemma." Since it's picture prompt week, we are restricted to only 300 words, but can dip slightly over. I have gone to 309. But that's within the rules. I hope you enjoy this snippet and the other stories, which you will find HERE. Thanks for stopping by.

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She smoothed her skirt over her belly and left her hand there. “I think I’m pregnant.”

The joy on his face melted away, replaced by a frown.

“Why do you make such a face?”

“This is not good news,” he said.

“Yes, it is. We will have our own baby.”

“You might die giving birth.”

“I’ve given birth three times. This will be no different.”

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

She took his hand and placed it on her belly.

“What if I lose you and the baby?” he asked, cupping her cheek.

His hand felt warm and dry. “What if you don’t? What if everything is all right?”

“It would be a miracle.”  

“You’re such a good father. You deserve one of your own.”

He stared at her belly. “I remember feeling the movement when Emily was with child.”

“I’m sorry you lost your wife and child.”   

He blinked rapidly. “Lizzy treats me like her father. That’s enough.” He tightened his arms around her.

“We are going to have a child. I hope you’ll be happy about it.” She hugged him.  

“If what you say is true, I will be the happiest man in Fitch’s Eddy.”

The sun slipped below the horizon, shooting a reddish glow across the sky. Caleb eased down onto the rocker and pulled Abigail into his lap. He closed his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. She cuddled into his shoulder.

Though she had comforted her husband, she knew his fears could come true. Although she’d had three regular deliveries and three healthy children, this time could be different. Daniel Rhodes had assured her she’d most likely have a delivery like the others. Then he added, But it’s in the hands of God now. Whatever will be will be, Mrs. Tanner.

Remembering his words sent a chill down her spine.

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