TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT

 

Welcome! This week we write to a picture prompt and limit our stories to only 300 words. We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma", a historical romance set in the Colonial period. Don't forget to read all the stories on TUESDAY TALES. Comments are much appreciated. 

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The kitchen door opened, and Sam Chesney, Abigail's teenaged son, entered. “Where do you want these, Grandma.” He toted several dead skinned rabbits.

“Those look mighty fine. Good job. Throw them in. We’re going to have them tonight in a stew. We got company coming.”

“Company?” Sam asked, adding the meat to a pot on the stove.

“Yep. New sheriff and his daughter and granddaughter.”

“Ain’t he got a wife?” Sam picked an apple from a bowl on the table and took a bite.

“Nope. Widowed. Like me.” She cut up carrots and added them to the stew.

Sam grinned. “Now Grandma, don’t you get your head all turned by this newcomer.” He chuckled.

“Why Sam Chesney! You’ ain’t too old for me to tan your hide.” Martha said with a twinkle in her eye. She laughed as she brandished a wooden spoon as her weapon. “His granddaughter is mighty handsome.” She took a bowl down from the blue shelf.

“Yeah?” 

“Becky Rhodes oughta be forewarned.”  Martha chopped the onion and added it.

“Aw, Grandma.” Blushing, Sam turned away and finished munching on the apple.

“What’s sauce for the goose, Mister,” she said, patting his back.  

"Make sure that sheriff minds his manners. Or I'll have to give him a lickin'." 

"Why Sam Chesney! I believe you would." 

"Darn right. No one gets fresh with my grandma. What's the girl's name?"

"Violet, I think. Already fixing to step out on Becky?" 

"I didn't say that. But a man's gotta take account of all the opportunities he can."

"Becky's a fine girl."

"I know. But I can't get tied down yet." 

"I see. Wash up and change your shirt." Martha stirred the stew. 

"She that pretty? Then I best do as you say." He took the stairs two at a time. 

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CREAM"

 

Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales, and another excerpt of "Sarah's Dilemma." This week, we're still with Martha as she makes plans to get closer to Abiel Lee. Don't forget to check out the fabulous authors on Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by.

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“All the way from Pennsylvania! Goodness. I’ll say you’re hungry. Tired, too, I bet. Will you join us for supper tonight as our guests?”

Hope colored and glanced at her father. A grin spread across Abiel’s face. “We’d be honored. Mighty neighborly of you, Mrs. Chesney.”

“We sit for supper at six.” Martha curtsied, Abiel bowed, and she left, taking her time, moseying on home.

“Sarah and Lizzy, set three more places for supper tonight.”

“You invited them, Martha?”

“I did, Abby. They seem nice enough and they’ve had a very long trip. Probably haven’t had time to stock in any provisions yet.”

“And he’s very good looking,” Abby added.

Martha sensed heat in her face. “Nonsense. Just being good neighbors is all.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Abby muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Martha huffed to the staircase and hauled herself up the stairs. Going up and down those stairs a dozen or more times a day kept her trim. She had the figure of a much younger woman.

So what if Abby knows I find Abiel Lee attractive? I’m a grown woman. Been alone long enough. Not that I’d ever marry again. And certainly not a Sheriff! But a little male company once in a while would be welcome.

She changed into her work clothes and returned to the kitchen.

“Making something special for tonight, Martha?” Abby had returned to peeling potatoes.

“Adding some food for the company is all.”

“Sam got some rabbits today out hunting with Benjamin Fitch.” Sarah punched down her bread dough.

“Oh? Perfect. I think I see a nice rabbit stew for dinner. Lizzy, go down to the root cellar and fetch me some carrots and onions. While  you’re down there, bring up a jar of cream, too.”

“Cream?” Abby’s eyebrows rose.

“I’m fixin’ to make something special out of those potatoes, if it’s any concern of yours.” Martha turned her face away, hiding a blush she sensed stealing into her cheeks.

Abby patted her mother-in-law on the shoulder. “Nothing like a good meal to set a man’s mind to finer things.”

Catching the twinkle in Abby’s eye, Martha chuckled.

That's all for this week. Thanks for coming by. Don't forget to leave a comment. Love to read your feedback. 

TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT "CUSHION"

 

Welcome! This week the word prompt is "cushion". We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma", my historical romance this week. But Sarah's grandmother is front and center. Don't forget to return to Tuesday Tales and read the terrific stories there. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Sarah laid down the basket of flowers on the kitchen table. The sound of wagon wheels bumping along the rutted road drew the attention of the family. Sarah's grandmother, Martha, hurried to the front window in time to see a wagon stopping in front of a small home. An older man of mid-height, dressed in black alit. He helped two women down. Martha rubbed the wavy glass with her sleeve and peered out. Sarah and Abby joined them.

“Looks like a new family,” Martha said.

The gentleman had silver hair brushing on his collar. The first woman he helped down didn’t look old enough to be his wife. The second woman looked even younger.

“A widower, I reckon,” Martha mumbled.

“I think you’re right,” Abby said.

“A new family in town? Seems like we ought to be neighborly. Sarah, wipe out that basket and fill with a loaf of your fresh bread, some muffins and one of our small jars of blueberry jam. I’ll be right back.” Martha hiked her skirt an inch or two and trudged up the stairs.

Sarah hustled into the kitchen to prepare the basket. Not ten minutes later, Martha Chesney sashayed down the stairs, dressed in a dark purple skirt, white blouse with lace trim and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with lavender feathers.

“Oh, my!” Sarah’s mouth hung open.

"Sarah, get my hat pin from the pin cushion would you, dear?" 

“Grandma! You look beautiful!” Lizzy hugged her grandmother’s legs.

“Thank you, child.”

Abigail simply smiled and nodded.

“Basket ready?” Martha cocked an eyebrow at Sarah, who ran into the kitchen to fetch it. She handed the elegantly dressed basket with a napkin draped over it to Martha. “Perfect.” The older woman threaded the pin through the hat and her hair and smiled.

She took the basket and flounced out the door, the gentle spring breeze ruffled the feathers. The gentleman lifted a trunk from the wagon and hauled it inside the house. Martha approached as he returned to the wagon.

“Well, hello, Madam. I’m Abiel Lee, the new Sheriff,” he said, taking off his hat and bowing.

“I’m Martha Chesney, Innkeeper.” She did a little curtsy.

“Oh? I see. You own that lovely establishment?”

“I’m a widow, it belongs to my grandson, but I run the place.”

“I’m impressed. I, too, am widowed. I travel with my daughter and granddaughter.”

When Martha made eye contact with him, she swore she spied a smidge of flirty mischief. She smiled warmly. Noting his slightly square jaw, bright blue eyes, and full head of silver hair. What a handsome man!

Two women joined them.

“Allow me to present my daughter, Hope, and my granddaughter, Violet.”

“Nice to meet you.” The women curtsied. Martha offered the basket. “Here’s a little something for you, our new neighbors.”

“Thank you.” Hope took the basket and pulled back the cloth. “How nice. We’re mighty hungry. It was a long trip.”

That's all for now. 

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Tuesday Tales - Word Prompt "Board" - Excerpt from "Sarah's Dilemma."

 

Welcome! This week we are writing to the word prompt "Board". I have another excerpt of "Sarah's Dilemma" for you. Don't forget to return to Tuesday Tales when you're done to read the fine stories there. Thank you for stopping by. 

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Sarah turned her head and faced an angry copperhead. He hissed and coiled himself up tall. Sarah’s heart pounded, her pulse kicked up, and sweat started under her arms. Sam’s warning words when she was five repeated in her head. Her mouth felt as dry as a wad of cotton.

Keeping her eye on the serpent, she stayed still until she could figure out what to do. Suddenly the sound of a gun exploded in her ears. She jumped back, stumbling away. The young men ran to her.  

“What were you doing, Sarah?” Sam’s face darkened.     

“Are you all right? That copperhead almost got you.” Ben held his gun. 

Standing on wobbly legs, Sarah glanced at the snake, which had been blown to bits. The sight made her nauseous. Her knees gave way. As Benjamin caught her, Lizzy screamed. Sam grabbed his little sister while Ben carried Sarah to a large rock flat as a board. He set her down gently, sliding his arm around her shoulders. As she softened against him, her eyes drifted shut. She smelled the pleasant aroma of smoke and pine needles. His scent and the strength of his muscles calmed her.  

“She’s fine now, Ben,” Sam said, gesturing for his friend to move away. 

“That was a close call. She’s weak.” Ben replied, standing his ground. 

When she opened her eyes, her gaze came into direct contact with Ben’s. 

“She’s faking.” Sam held his gun,  muzzle to the ground.

“I am not!” She sat up straight. 

“See?” 

Her faced heated. She turned away from the truth, ashamed she’d been caught enjoying her cuddle with Ben. 

“I don’t mind,” Ben mumbled. 

Slowly turning back to face them, she caught a mischievous, flirty look from Ben, deepening her humiliation. 

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

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Tuesday Tales - Picture prompt week

Welcome! This is picture prompt week. We have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma".  Last time, Sarah wondered if she was old enough to marry. This is a sweet historical romance. We are limited to only 300 words. 

Comments are always welcome. Thanks for stopping by. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. 

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“Don’t fret about marriage, Sarah. It will come soon enough. Go help your grandmother and get some fresh air. It’s a beautiful day.”

“Come,” Sarah said to her sister, and offered her hand. Caleb set the child down and gave a nod to his other stepdaughter. Lizzy skipped down the stairs with Sarah close behind.

Martha Chesney, the girls’ grandmother, handed Sarah a large basket.

“Please gather some fresh wildflowers for our tables. My corn muffins will be ready when you return.”

Sarah took the basket in one hand and her sister in the other. They climbed the hill behind the Inn, their eyes searching the grass for colorful weeds and blooms. Lizzy tugged at Sarah.

“Look for milkweed and Queen Anne’s Lace, Lizzy.” Sarah let go of her sister’s hand.

“Buttercups!” Lizzy pointed then ran ahead to the bright yellow blossoms.

A rabbit in the field in front of her stood stock still. The lone bunny’s nose twitched. He’s alone, too. Bet he has a nice nest to return to and a wife to share it with. Tiptoeing forward, she sighed when the creature sped off into the morning sun.

Sarah shaded her eyes with her hand and scanned the horizon. Two male figures appeared, heading their way. One held a rope over his shoulder. She recognized her brother, Sam, by his gait. The swagger of the other boy toting a musket at his side identified him as Benjamin Fitch, son of the man who owned the town, Fitch’s Eddy.

Sarah spied a patch of daisies and bent down to pick some. Unaware she wasn’t alone, she caught movement in the grass out of the corner of her eye. She froze. There was only one creature that could move silently through the grass. A snake!

“Don’t move!” Ben yelled.

 

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TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT - NEW STORY "SARAH'S DILEMMA"

 

Welcome! This is picture prompt week. We write our stories to a picture and limit it to 300 words. In order not to give away too much of the plot of "Too Late for Goodbye", I'm switching stories this week. We start "Sarah's Dilemma" - book 2 of my historical romance series, The Catskills Saga. The picture is reminiscent of the yoke used on oxen to transport Sarah and her family to Fitch's Eddy. 

I hope you enjoy the new story. Scroll down to return to Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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April 1788

Sarah Chesney stood in the doorway of the room she shared with her younger sister, Lizzy. The little girl stood on her bed.

“Catch me, Papa,” she said, her shining eyes bright with mischief.

Caleb Tanner, Sarah’s stepfather, waited a few steps away. He opened his arms.

“Come, my Lizzy!”

Shrieking with laughter, the seven-year-old leaped off the bed into his arms. He closed them around her, hugging her to his chest.

Sarah frowned. Abigail placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. She leaned down to whisper. “I know.”

Sarah turned away and stepped into the hall.

“She’ll never remember our father. The real Papa.” Sarah’s eyes wetted, her chest tightened as she thought about George Chesney.

“It’s hard for you, isn’t it?”

Sarah nodded. Abby hugged her. “You’ll never forget him. And neither will your brother. But Lizzy was so young when we lost him. She needs a father. Caleb needs a daughter. Don’t be angry with her. He’s good to her.”

Sarah stared at her hands. “That he is. Because if he wasn’t, I’d sick Sam on him. Or maybe take a broom handle to him myself.”

Abby laughed.

“Is he good to you? Are you happy?” Sarah took her mother’s hand.

A serene smile spread over Abigail’s face. “He is good to me. I didn’t think I could ever be happy again. But I am. I thank God for bringing Caleb into my life.” Abby kissed her daughter’s head.  

“You have Caleb, but I have no one.”

“You have me, Caleb, Sam, Grandma, and Lizzy. Not exactly no one.”

Sarah made a face. “You’re never here.”

“Oh yes I am.”  

“You sleep at Caleb’s house.”

“A wife sleeps with her husband.”

“Am I old enough to be a wife, Mama?” Sarah turned big eyes to her mother.  

“Maybe.”

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TUESDAY TALES - WORD PROMPT - "PASTE"

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we have another snippet from "Too Late for Goodbye." The word prompt, "paste" is pasted into the story. A little pun there. Scroll down to return to the wonderful stories on Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by. 

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Flint spoke up. “What if you had more money? It’ll cost about a buck fifty to print one copy. If you

 had like seventy-five thousand, you could print up fifty thousand copies. It might be enough to give 

you a read. Then maybe you could borrow the rest from the bank for the second edition?”

“Seventy-five thousand is less likely to happen for me right now than a trip to Mars,” Jen said, picking up her glass and pasting a smile on her face.

“Maybe it’s closer than you think.” Cassie sat up.

“What do you mean?”

Flint turned to face Jen and Marty. Cassie rose from the chair. “Flint and I want to lend you fifty thousand.”

“What?” Jen shot up out of her chair. “No way.”

“Yes, way. We can afford it. And if you sold all fifty thousand copies, at three bucks a piece, you’d have a hundred and fifty grand – enough to pay us back and print up more of the second issue.”

“This is crazy. I can’t borrow that much from you. What if I sell three copies – and that’s assuming you and Flint each buy one. I have no guarantees for sales and no way to pay you back until I sell the townhouse.”

“I could go on social media and probably get some news coverage to promote the newspaper. Who doesn’t want to read good news, for a change, right?” I bet all the papers get gobbled up and people will ask when the next issue is coming out. I don’t mean to brag, but I do have some clout and can get the attention of the media.”

“This is crazy,” Jen muttered, but her heartbeat doubled. Could this insane idea work?

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