Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Shady" - December 10

Welcome! Tuesday Tales continues this week with more of "Sam's Decision". Today we have the story from Violet's perspective. When you're done, hop on over and read the works of the fabulous Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE.  

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Across town, Violet stepped across the threshold of her home quietly. The fire in the main room still burned. She saw her father in his chair snoring, his chin resting on his chest. Trying as hard as she could to move without making a sound, she bumped into a chair hiding in the shadows.

“What? What? Who’s that?” Abiel Wilcox started awake.

“Tis me, Father.”

Abiel knocked his pipe against a wooden bowl and set it down on a small table. “Violet?”

“Yes,” she said, casting her eyes to the floor, She shivered, trying to cast off the ugliness of her shady behavior with Sam.

Abiel pushed to his feet, brushed off some telltale tobacco bits from his vest and stretched his arms up before turning to face his daughter. “Well?”

“It’s done, Father. It’s done.”

Abiel approached her. He cupped her chin. “I’m sorry child, but it was the only way.”

“He’ll be round to see you soon, I reckon,” she said softly.

He nodded. “What’s done is done. We have to make the best of it. You might like farm life,” he ventured.

With full, angry eyes, Violet shot him a look, then stormed out to her room and slammed the door.

Once inside, she ignored her sleeping mother and threw herself on the bed, sobbing.

“Zeb. Zeb. Where are you?” she said into her pillow, muffling the sound as best she could.

Her mother awoke and turned on her side. She stroked her daughter’s back.

“It’s best this way, Violet.”

“No, it isn’t, Mother. It isn’t.”

“I’m sorry dear. You have only Zeb to blame. He led you on. I know you believed his love was true. This is for the best. You’ll have your own house and a man who loves you. That should be a comfort.”

Violet wiped her face and pulled the covers over her. She knew her mother was right. Marrying Sam should be a comfort. He was a good man. She’d have to work hard, but together they could build a life for her child. Yes, it should be a great comfort. But it wasn’t. It simply was no comfort at all.” 

That's all this week. Thanks for stopping by! 

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Careful" - December 3

 

Welcome! I hope you had a good holiday. We're back to Tuesday Tales as we all race toward the Christmas holiday! This week the word prompt is "careful" and we're back with Sam as he is careful to sneak home after his tryst with Violet. When you're done, go over to read the other authors great stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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When he reached the Inn, he stopped briefly to stare at the glass windows to see if he showed any signs of his earlier activity, but it was too dark to see.

The Inn clock chimed midnight. He frowned at the thought of how tired he’d be the next morning when he’d drag himself out of bed to go to work early the next morning. He opened the Inn door slowly, careful not to awaken anyone. He tiptoed across the floor.

“A bit late to be returning from walking Miss Wilcox home, isn’t it?” came a firm voice. “Did you take the long way, across the Lee farm?”

Sam jumped and whirled around. “Grandma! What are you doing up?”

Sitting in a rocking chair, arms crossed firmly across her chest, “Waiting for you.” She looked him over before continuing her inquisition. “What took you so long? I hope you weren’t up to any mischief,” she said.

“No,” he lied. “Of course not. It’s late. I won’t be able to get up for work if I don’t get to bed.”

She made a face.

Quickly averting his eyes from her searching stare,  Sam muttered.“ Goodnight, Grandma,” He beat a hasty retreat to avoid the scrutiny of her sharp eye.

“Goodnight,” she muttered, shaking her head.                     

Sam shut his door, ripped off his clothes and fell into bed and was fast asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Thanks" - November 26

 

  Welcome! This is Thanksgiving week. So we have an appropriate word prompt, "thanks". We're returning to the world of Colonial America again this week with more of Sam's story. When you're done here, please stop over and read the other stories by our wonderful Tuesday Tales writers. You'll find them HERE. 

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After their intimacy, Violet pushed her skirt down and smoothed the cotton fabric. Sam ran his fingers through his hair. What had he done? Shame filled him. He’d gone over the line and done the one thing Caleb told him not to do. But he couldn’t take it back now.

He wracked his brain, looking for a way out, a way to make it better. While Violet fussed with her hair, an idea great in his brain. Shyly, with a hoarse voice, Sam reached for Violet. He took her arm and gently turned her to face him.

“Violet, I love you. Will you marry me?”

She laughed. “Feeling guilty already?”

“No, no,” Sam lied.

“Yes, you are. If I don’t end up with child, we can simply admit we got carried away. I won’t hold you to your proposal. Here, help me with my dress,” she said, turning her back to him.

He laced up the back, tying and fastening whatever he could see in the dim light before he spoke.

“But I did the wrong thing. I wasn’t a gentleman. I took advantage.”

“No, you didn’t,” she said, patting his cheek.

He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “You’re special, Violet.”

She primped one last time. “How do I look?”

Sam leaned back a tad and looked her over. “I’ll be darned. You look like you just stepped out of your house, ready to go to the harvest festival.”

She smiled. “Thanks. Let’s set you to rights,” she said, fussing with his hair and buttoning his shirt. “You’re half naked.”

Cool air on his skin reminded him of his state of undress. He rose to his feet and put his clothing back together. Once he was dressed, he faced her.

“You’re beautiful.”

She took his face in her hands and kissed him soundly. “I love you, Sam Chesney.”

“Come be my wife. Live with me on my farm.” He stroked her cheek.

She smiled, but kept silent. “I must get home.”

“I’ll speak to your father tomorrow,” he said.

She took his arm and matched her stride to his. “We’ll see.”

Thanks for stopping by. Happy holidays! 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "MOUSE"

 

Welcome! Today's word prompt is "mouse". We have more of Sam's story. Things might get a little steamy. When you've finished with my story, hop on over to the great stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

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Momentarily coming to his senses, Sam let go and leaned back. He stared hard at Violet. Her lovely face, kissed by silvery moonlight, was tilted up. She blinked, then her half-closed eyes met his. She cupped his cheek and flashed him a smoldering half smile. Sliding her hand up into his hair, she murmured.

“Sweet Sam, don’t be afraid.”

“I’m not, I’m not,” he stammered.

“It’s just nature. Meant to be. You and me,” she said, sliding her palm down the side of his neck.

Heat grew rapidly in his body. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, hoping to let it out and cool down, but it didn’t happen.

Don’t lose control Caleb’s words echoed in his head.

A sudden swift movement caught Sam and Violet’s attention. She screamed and yanked her foot up and under her skirt.

“A mouse! A mouse!” Her eyes wide, her luscious lips trembled, and her body shook. She leaped into Sam’s lap and clung to his chest.

Sam saw the guilty party glance up for a second before scurrying away under the bushes. Sam wound his arms around her. Sobs emanated from her mouth as her body shook. She buried her face in his neck.

“It’s okay. It’s gone.”

“You must protect me,” she whispered.

“I will. I will. I’ll protect you forever,” he said.

She sat up straight, placing her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. With her breasts crushed against his chest, she lifted her mouth to accept his. Sam took her mouth with a savage desire he couldn’t stop.

“Sam, Sam, I love you,” she muttered.

His control broke, all thought left him except for the overwhelming will to satisfy both his desire and hers. Violet offered no resistance, but instead encouraged him. And he did what any man would in that situation.

Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "FAN"

 

Howdy doodle! Welcome to Tuesday Tales. This week we have more of Sam's story. When you've finished reading my snippet, hop on over to the other authors and read their great stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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The cool night air cleared the confusion from Sam’s brain. He’d been dead set on Becky Rhodes becoming his wife, but now here he was with lovely Violet Wilcox on his arm. And no chaperone anywhere to be seen.

“This way,” Violet said, leading Sam behind a large rhododendron bush. They were concealed from view of any of the townsfolk. Violet slowed down and brushed up against Sam. He felt parts of her he ought’n to be feeling.

Heat crept up his chest into his cheeks. He fanned his face for a moment. How could he be so hot when it was a cool autumn night?

“Sam,” Violet whispered. “Let’s sit for a spell.” She stopped by a large flat rock and plopped down, pulling him down next to her.

“Ain’t you cold?” he asked.

“Actually I am. Can you put your arm around me?” she replied.

He did as she asked and she snuggled up against him. Suddenly he understood all the instructions and cautions Caleb had given him. His mind understood, but he body rebelled. 

Violet stared at his mouth. The moonlight kissed her hair with silver. He’d never seen a woman as beautiful.

“Don’t you want to kiss me, Sam?” she whispered softly.

It was like she could read his mind. He’d never wanted to kiss anyone as much as he wanted to kiss Violet Wilcox. He grabbed her, pulling her up against him, and covered her mouth with his. His kiss was hungry, and demanding. And she complied.

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "PUSH"

 

Howdy do! I'm back. Personal and business lives have calmed down, so I am posting again here. And I'm back to Sam's story. The word prompt is "push". Do you think Martha will figure out what's going on with Abiel Lee, his daughter, Hope, and his granddaughter, Violet? Time will tell. 

Don't forget to read all the wonderful Tuesday Tales stories. Find them HERE. 

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Before apple pie was served, Abiel begged off.

“I’m feeling a little tired. Time to leave, Hope. No need for you to rush off, Violet. Stay and enjoy that pie. It’s tempting. Sam, would you mind walking Violet home?”

“Be my honor, sir,” Sam said, casting a heated glance at Violet.

“Thank you. Excellent dinner, Martha, as always. Goodnight.” He tipped his hat, secured it firmly on his head, took his daughter’s arm and left the Inn.

Martha knit her brows. Seemed like Abiel had pushed Violet off on Sam – again. Suspicion rose in Martha’s mind. What was Abiel up to?

“Come, Sam. Your grandmother is cutting the pie,” Violet said, taking his arm and snuggling up close.

Martha served the confection while Lizzie refreshed everyone’s tea. Violet complimented the pie while Sam wolfed is piece down quickly. Seemed like he was anxious to walk Violet home. Martha frowned. It wasn’t good for a young man to be out after dark alone with a young lady. People would talk – especially the Bloodgood sisters.

 “Come on, Violet, before it gets too cold.” Sam said, offering his arm.

Violet finished her food, the stood, took his arm, and gracefully sashayed out of the Inn. She thanked Martha with a sly grin probably not intended to be viewed by the older woman. But nothing escaped the older woman’s eye.

“He’s up to something,” she muttered as she covered the pie and returned it to the kitchen. She didn’t know what that crafty old man had up his sleeve, but she resolved to herself to find out. She simply could not shake the feeling that Sam was walking into a lion’s den unprotected. But he was of age, so there’s nothing she could do about it.

That's it. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "PAINT"

 

welcome! This week, we are writing to the word prompt "paint." I have another episode of "Sam's Decision." Don't forget to hop on over and read the other entry today. You'll find it HERE. 

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Martha Chesney cast a shrewd glance at her grandson. She’d painted a lovely picture in her mind of his marrying Becky and living in town, maybe in back of the general store. She’d envisioned great-grandchildren nearby. But the way he’d looked at Violet shattered that dream. Obviously Sam had other ideas.

While she enjoyed a little flirting with Abiel Wilcox, she didn’t trust him. She wondered if he’d been behind this sudden flowering of an attraction between his granddaughter and her grandson.

While Martha didn’t know Violet, she had to admit to herself the girl was the most handsome in the town. A quick vision in her mind of their offspring confirmed they would have the most beautiful children in all of Fitch’s Eddy. Still, she’d always thought Becky would be his intended. She liked Becky and approved of Sam's choice.

Smiling to herself, Martha admitted that she was a mere mortal – who was she to predict who Sam would love and marry? The young man had a mind of his own. And right now she figured his sights were being reset to fall on the lovely Violet Wilcox.

That would make Abiel Wilcox kin. She’d have a hard time shakin’ him off if he kept up his attentions. Looks like Martha would have to create a different picture for herself, along with the one she envisioned for Sam.

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "SKIN"

 

Welcome! This week our word prompt is "skin". We are still in "Sam's Decision." Don't forget to check out the other authors' stories. Find them HERE. 

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  “How mighty nice to see you again, Mrs. Chesney. You’re looking right fine,” he said.

An attractive blush stained her cheeks. “You clean up nice yourself, Sheriff,” she said. “This way.” Martha led the way to the dining room.

Abigail, Caleb, Lizzy, and Jem were already seated at a table near the kitchen. Sam poured cider for them and took his seat. Violet sashayed up to Sam and held out two peppermints.

“Do you like peppermint, Mr. Chesney,” she said, peeking out from under her long black lashes.

Sam turned so fast, he almost spilled the contents of the pitcher. His gaze traveled her length and color suffused his cheeks. “I sure do, Miss Wilcox. I sure do. Thank you,” he said as she placed the candies in his palm, then curled his fingers over the gift.

Abiel watched her spin her web around Sam Chesney. His granddaughter dripped charm – a quality he hadn’t paid much mind to before. He smiled to himself. Sam didn’t stand a chance against Violet’s powers of seduction.

Sam popped one in his mouth. “Did you make these yourself, Miss Wilcox?” he asked.

“I did, indeed.”

“Mighty fine,” Sam said. “Best I’ve ever et.”

“I made apple tarts, too, this afternoon. You’re most welcome to stop by after supper and sample one,” Violet made eye contact with Sam before lowering her gaze.

“Mighty obliged. Thank you.”

Hope shot a knowing look at her father, who gave a slight nod in return.

Martha narrowed her gaze. “Don’t dillydally, Sam. Get to pourin’. People are hungry and thirsty. We got to get this meal goin’.”

The Lee family took their seats. Sam finished filling the glasses and returned to his seat.

“Lizzy!” Martha called.

The young girl scurried into the kitchen. She carried out each bowl filled to the brim with steaming rabbit stew. When all were served, Lizzy brought out loaves of bread and sweet butter and set them on each table.

Sam shifted in his chair so he could see Violet. As he ate, he lifted his gaze from his fork to her face. He’d been told it wasn’t polite to stare, but outside of Becky, he’d never see such a beautiful girl. Candlelight reflect in the silky black of her hair. The graceful shape of her face, the gentle rosiness of her skin, along with the delicate blue of her eyes captivated him.

He rested his gaze on her slender neck and shoulders. Barely able to tear his eyes away from the gentle swell of her breasts showing above the lacy neckline of her frock, he blushed when his mother cleared her throat. She leaned over to whisper in his ear.

“It’s not polite to stare. Even at a girl as pretty as Violet.”

That's it. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "FLUSH"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where authors write to word prompts. This week the word prompt is "flush". Any form of the word is acceptable. Today's segment is from my work-in-progress, "Sam's Decision," book 3 in the historical romance series, "The Catskills Saga." 

Read on, then hop on over and read the excellent stories by the other Tuesday Tales authors. Find them HERE. 

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Just before the Wilcox family reached the Inn. Hope put her hand on Violet’s arm. They stopped.

“You know what to do, right?” she asked her daughter.

Violet nodded.

“You sure?”

“Your future rests on this, young lady,” Abiel said, his lips pulled down into a frown.

“I know,” Violet said, her eyes flashing. “I gotta win him over.”

“If you’d have listened to me about that no-account Zeb…”

“I know Grandpa! I know!” Violet put her hands over her ears.  “He’s not a no-account.”

“Oh? Then where is he? Now that you’re in a fix, he’s gone. I’d like to fix his flint,” Abiel said fisting his right hand.

“Don’t let Sam Chesney know you got designs on him. Let him think you just cotton to him natural like,” Hope said.

“Okay! All right!” Violet's cheek flushed.

“Hush. They’ll hear you,” Hope said, fluffing out Violet’s skirt.

“She do look mighty pretty in that frock, Hope,” Abiel said.

“Purple is her best color. I don’t see how any young man in his right mind could resist such a pretty girl,” Hope gushed.

Abiel pursed his lips. At least she wasn’t showing yet. Sam would never know. The Sheriff tried to push thoughts about what he had asked his granddaughter to do out of his head. He wished there was another way, but he had to guard her honor and the honor of the Wilcox name.

Violet pulled out a small bag from her pocket. “I hope he likes peppermints,” she mumbled.

“Never met a man in his right mind who didn’t,” Abiel said, opening the door to the Inn.

The Wilcox family crossed the threshold.

“Well, well, how nice to see you folks,” Martha said, scurrying out from the kitchen and taking off her apron.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "ORANGE"

 

Howdy do! Welcome to Tuesday Tales where authors write stories to word prompts. This week we have a peek into Abiel Lee's plot to get Sam Chesney married to his daughter from "Sam's Decision". When you're done, hop on over and read the other stories by the wonderful TT authors. Find them HERE. 

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But first he needed to get Violet situated before people guessed about her condition. Returning from his walk to the Inn, he settled himself in his favorite chair as Hope prepared tea.

“Violet?” he called. “Come in here.”

“Yes, Grandpapa,” she said, scurrying into the room. She slid onto the seat next to him. “What is it?”

“It’s time we had a plan. Sam Chesney is looking for a wife. He plans to have his own farm. That would be perfect for you, dear. You could live there with him and no one would ever know that you were with child before you married him.”

“But Sam is sweet on Becky Rhodes.”

“I happen to know for a fact that she turned him down this morning.”

“She did?” Violet asked, her blue eyes growing wide. “Why’d she do that?”

Abiel cleared his throat. If he told his granddaughter why Becky said “no”, Violet would never agree to marry Sam. Although he didn’t want her to become a farmhand either, it beat becoming the town pariah, shunned by all.

“I don’t know,” he lied. “Maybe she’s not as sweet on Sam as you thought.”

Violet shrugged. “He’s sure a handsome one,” she said.

“You like him?” Abiel asked, raising his eyebrows. This was going to be like catching fish in a barrel.

“He’s always been polite to me. But he’s in love with Becky.”

“Not anymore. Now he’s all yours for the taking,” Abiel said. "As easy as plucking an orange from an orange tree."

Hope moved to her daughter’s side. “He’s right, dear. Sam Chesney would be a good choice for you. He’s hard-working, from what I hear.”

“But how can I get him to propose to me?” Violet asked.

“Hope  - advise the child, and fetch my pipe,” he said, then rose from his chair and headed for the door. “We’re dining at the Inn tonight. You can work your charm on Mr. Chesney then.”

With that comment, Abiel stuffed his pipe in his pocket and opened the door. Loathe to hear the conversation between the two women, he beat a hasty retreat to his garden.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "BUSY"

 

Martha Chesney busy as always, stood in front of the Inn, sweeping the entryway. Under her apron, she wore a dark pink frock that set off her silver hair perfectly. Abiel stopped for a moment. Yes, he had a plan, but he had to admit to himself that cozying up to Martha Chesney would be a pleasure as she was mighty easy on the eyes. As he approached, she stopped, leaned on the broom and cast her gaze to Abiel.

Good morning! This week we have another episode from "Sam's Decision". This one is about the Sheriff, Abiel Wilcox, and Sam's grandmother, Martha Chesney. Don't forget to leave a comment. And read the other stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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“Good day, Sheriff. How be ye?”

Abiel nodded and removed his hat. “Fine, milady. Fine. How be yourself?”

She nodded.

“I picked this because it reminded me of you.” He offered her the flower.

Martha cast doubting eyes on him. “Do tell.” She brought the flower to her nose.

“No scent. But its beauty is equaled only by your own,” Abiel said.

“Poppycock! Butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth, Sheriff. What are you wantin?”

“Please call me Abiel.”

Martha held the flower up and narrowed her eyes.

“Sheriff is best. Don’t know you much,” she said.

“I’m aimin’ to change that,” he said. “We’ll be taking our evening meal with you tonight. And as often as my purse allows,” he said, making a sweeping bow before turning to exit.

“Thank you, Sheriff. Much obliged. I’ll set places for you and your family. Seating at six.”

He shot her a warm grin and was rewarded with a smile, which lit up her lovely face.

Abiel shoved his hat back on his head and trudged home. Recent rain made the way muddy in spots. He grinned to himself. His plans for a secure future for him, his daughter, and granddaughter took shape.

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by. 

Tuesday Tales - Word prompt "school"

 

Welcome! It's been a while since I've posted any of "Sam's Decision", my work-in-progress. Here we go back to the scene with his sister discussing his plans for farming and getting a wife. Don't forget to read all the great stories. You'll find them HERE. 

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Sam jammed his hat on his head and pulled his jacket closer. “I best be getting’ back.”

“But you just got here.”

“I wore out my welcome fast, didn’t I?”

Sarah took his hand. “Please don’t go. It’s lonesome here. Don’t tell the Fitch’s. I miss the Chesneys. Stay. Or you’ll miss the best meal you’ll have all month.”

The prospect of fine food got his mouth to watering. A cool breeze drew his attention. Old Mr. Fitch had returned.

“Boy. What you got there?” he asked Sam.

“Your axe, sir. As good as new. Better even,” Sam said, handing the sachel to Elijah Fitch.

The older man opened it and took out the tool. He gently ran his calloused thumb over the blade.

“Sharp enough to skin a goat. Good. Thanks, Sam. Your mother’s new husband got you real schooled in smithin’. You stayin’ to supper/” he asked, returning the tool to the sachel.

“I’ve invited him, Elijah,” Sarah said.

“Good.” The old man took a sidelong glance at the lad. “Looks like he could use a good meal. We have the finest table in all the Catskill Mountains,” Fitch boasted.

“I don’t doubt it, sir. Thank you for the invitation.”

A bell tinkled from the kitchen, signaling the meal was ready. Elijah, Sam, and Sarah quickened their pace to the dining room. Sam’s eyes lit up when he saw the sumptuous repast laid before him on the sideboard.

There was a large pot of venison stew. Then buttery mashed potatoes. Next was a platter of boiled turnips, glazed carrots, and roasted onions. A two loaves of perfectly browned bread sat next to a dish of sweet, creamy butter and a small pot of jam.

Sam heaped his plate with food. Sarah poked him in the ribs.

“Don’t be a pig,” she whispered. It was loud enough for all to hear.

“Don’t want to let good food go wastin’,” Sam said, slipping onto the chair next to his sister.

That's all for this week. Thanks for stopping by.