Count your blessings

kaijafon

Veteran Member
"Borg narrowed his eyes, he was furious that he was unable to stop the transaction. That necessitated a different course of action."

me thinks this one may try to cause MORE trouble! and speaking of MOAR....... :) pretty please?
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#46b

The off white brown freckled Appaloosa rubbed against Mark until he was covered with scads of stubby white hairs. Her kind eye followed the troubled man until he relaxed and let go of problems he wasn't aware he carried. As the tension and heart sickness left Mark he felt progressively weaker until he was left clinging to the old sway backed mare for support.

That's where Clora found him, barely able to stand and weeping as if his heart were purging all the horrific memories of what he had seen and experienced in the war. Not speaking a word, she acknowledged the horses surrounding Mark and one by one charmed them into her confidence. Slowly she joined the person she felt he could be, and stood there lending him strength and determination to beat the devilish monster within.

Clora understood that it wouldn't be that simple or easy, but it was a beginning where none seemed to exist before. "I have been praying for you," she finally broke the silence with her whispered words. "I have been praying that God eases your burdens and gives you strength and the ability to find the people that are waiting for you."

The haggard face Mark turned to her was a sorrow she had never experienced, but she was willing to go toe to toe with the devil if it would help the man standing beside her. Instinctively she put her arm around his waist and his hand slowly closed around her shoulders.

On cue, the old mare pushed between them, leaning on Clora and getting her to yield her spot beside Mark. "That puts me in my place," she joke as the mare squirmed further between them. "You seem like a natural with horses," she complemented quietly.

"I really like them," Mark finally spoke. "I wouldn't mind making it my job, but it normally doesn't pay enough to support a family."

"Well," said the ever practical Clora, "just because you have a day job doesn't mean you couldn't have them as a hobby or sideline. It looks like there are several pastures here. What did you have in mind as a career or profession? Surely there is time on weekends and in the evenings to work with a few animals."

"Not a bad idea," the tall man acknowledged. "I believe I could do that."



Evie snapped the lid closed on the suitcase, noting that both Davis and Borg seemed unnaturally interested in the contents. She was aware that the remaining stacks of money were few, about six were left to rattle around in a lonely jumble.

Placing the suitcase by her chair, Evie took a sip of coffee. "Walter, do you have any dietary restrictions we need to consider as we get towards supper?"
 

debralee

Senior Member
Om my gosh Pac. How you draw me into this story. It makes me feel as if I'm right there in the middle of it all. You can bring me to tears as this chapter does or make me laugh out loud as in other chapters have. I love this story. I can not say thank you enough for sharing it with us, but,, thank you.
 

BigRuss

Inactive
This story gets better with each chapter. The characters are so fully alive I feel like we're talking about real people and I'm sitting in the room with them watching events as they happen.

Russell
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#46c

Lainey walked back into the kitchen and put the rice she had discovered in the cupboard, on to cook. The warmth of the wood stove felt so good, she sat down in the chair between the stove and counter and went to sleep. Ben went to check on her when he was to go back and break camp at the diner.

Lainey's short hair had grown longer and she tried unsuccessfully to pin it up in a semblance of order, the riotous curls escaping every which way. She was the most beautiful woman Ben had ever seen, and he was humbled that she chose him to love. Her head was tucked across her arm and her breathing was soft and even as she catnapped.

Ben was standing there thinking she was a miracle, when she felt his eyes on her. Long lashes fluttering against the urge to yawn, Lainey gave him her special smile. She was thinking how strong and wonderful Ben was. He had picked her, and she was amazed.

They watched each other until the rice boiled over, hissing and spitting on the polished cook top. That jerked the both of them out of their mutual admiration society and Lainey grabbed for the towel to raise the pot and stop the boil over.

Sandy wandered in and filled the cups she was carrying with fresh brew. "Hey Lainey, when you were checking the cupboards did you find any beans? Grandma wants to set some on to soak."

"A questionable package of small reds, they look a hundred years old."
Lainey stood up and motioned to the cupboard behind Ben. There was a little hanky panky as Ben purposely stood in her way as she stretched to reach the shelf. His wicked grin caused red roses to bloom on Lainey's cheeks. Lainey winked at him and did a gentle pinch with her free hand. Ben's eyes got big, and the both of them burst out laughing, delighted with each other.

"I'm gonna leave if you two keep that up," Sandy snapped as she tried to exit the room.

"Make it snappy," Ben ordered, never taking his eyes off Lainey. "I'm gonna kiss my wife goodbye and I don't need an audience."


Davis finally tackled the elephant in the room. "Evie, where in God's name did you get all that money? I can't believe you've been carrying that around like it belonged in your purse. Unbelievable," he added with a grimace. He needed an antacid in the worst way.
That confounded woman had flown them all for a loop, taking none of his, or Borg's advise.

Evie didn't answer, thinking the nosy question was rude and undeserving of an answer. Davis definitely felt the rebuke to his manners and realized that he was treading on thin ice.

MW and Walter had left to carry the money to the bank and get the papers filed, Borg was searching for his boy and anxious to get the patient back to the hospital. He, Davis was going to take the boy's back to the camp and help them get moved. The ladies had been conferring and dividing up the most immediate chores amongst themselves.

Cheryl gladly retired with the children for a quick afternoon nap, Evie sank into a easy chair that the footrest elevated her poor swollen foot and closed her eyes in blessed relief. Clora came in, looking well kissed and happy. Sandy and Mark sat on the top porch step and talked. Ev and Ben reluctantly left to break camp.
 

DustMusher

Deceased
Pac,
Thank you so much for another chapter in the life of this family. After this long, it is like reading letters from old friends as you have made this extended family so real.

Keep up the good work.

DM
 

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I agree with what the others have already said. You have made these characters seem so real. Thank you for another chapter.
 

Deena in GA

Administrator
_______________
This will be a great new start for them, but I'm sensing another twist coming...

Thank you, Pac, for a great story!
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#47

Brett took the folded note and the address from Ben. "Grams said to tell you that you and Trey are welcome anytime, and if you want you can have Trey's Grandparents visit him there. It's really a great place Brett. Good for kids and people."

Ev got this faraway look in his eye as he outlined all the positive assets the farm contained. "I don't mind telling you Brett, it's a dream come true. I,... I mean we, never expected your Grandma to include us in all this magnificence. The place is really over the top for land and crops. I've got to ask though,... where in the world did Evie get all that cash?"

Brett shrugged, as kids they knew nothing about the money, as they were told about it, Grandma's cautions to never mention it stuck with them.

It was Ben that reluctantly said, "It's money that came from Pete." That's all that was said, and Ev knew that was a very sore subject.

"We need to break camp immediately, and get out of here." Ben recounted the problems of the previous night. "Take care Brett, it's a bunch of bully's and they are well equipped with guns, or were. Most of the guns we tossed in the river. Hey, be sure and tell Will and Cassy and new baby where we are. They went to the hospital last night. We put a map in there of how to find us, don't be a stranger man, we need you as a brother. You have to help us keep Grandma in line. You know how she gets."

Ben used the old joke well, Brett smiled and promised he would come soon.

The dogs were overjoyed to see their people, and in short order camp was thrown in the back of Ev's pickup and they were back on the road headed towards the farm. Ev drove while Ben and Wayne played navigator. They had to backtrack twice and it was doggone dark by the time they made it to the welcoming lights of their new home.
 

Jeepcats 3

Contributing Member
Thanks for the new chapter, a new start for the family!
But will Gunnar find them? Where's Cliff hanging out?

Jeepcats3
 

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks for the new chapter, a new start for the family!
But will Gunnar find them? Where's Cliff hanging out?

Jeepcats3

Gunnar is no more. He was the mugger that Wayne took care of. I shudder to think what the next cliff, if there is one, will be. As far as the money goes, they ought to get a reward for turning in the plans they found. Davis and Borg are still dicey in my book though.

Thank you Pac for another installment.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#47b

It took three nights for the gang to find enough 'equalization' and descend upon the campground. The lot was pristine, looking like there had never been an encampment, so they satisfied their rage by looting and torching the shabby old diner nearby.

The third in command had enough nerve to call up the Portland gang unit and complain about the two slain leaders being murdered; as he described the encounter the Sargent on duty had trouble not laughing outright into the phone. He invited the members down to the station to give a first hand report and to give a description of the murderer.

The non-astute leader was considering doing that, when his dim bulb brightened and he realized what would happen. They left graffiti on the paved parking lot that detailed who owned that particular turf.



Brett sat in his old beater car and watched the rural fire department beat back the flames. Hands trembling on the steering wheel, he gave a prayer of thanks that he hadn't bought the diner. Brett intended to approach the old couple at the end of the week, to see if they would be interested in selling.

Grandma had given him an additional ten thousand when he conferred with her, so now he had twenty with the distribution she had just done. He felt bad for the owners but knew they had insurance, because they had just had an insurance inspection.

So now...he had to come to a decision about going to the ranch or disappearing further into the city. The problem was, and Brett tried to think of every escape possible, now he had to do right by Trey. Realistically, 20k wasn't gonna get him very far, not with a larger diner, or a house or more than several month's of rent. It looked like Grandma might be right.

Evie had suggested in her letter that Brett consider starting a 'garden cafe' at the farm, showcasing the fresh local produce, the farm grown meats and fruits. A small but elegant affair.

By the time Brett collected Trey from the babysitter and threw his four changes of clothes in his old car, he was excited with the new direction he envisioned. Yeah, he congratulated himself, he could do this.


Supper was hamburger patties, rice and leaf lettuce salad with hot bacon dressing. Evie said thanks with tears in her eyes. They were so blessed.


Walter lifted his fork and forced a bite into his mouth. He wasn't the least bit interested in eating, but it smelled so good he was tempted. The happy chatter and clink of silverware against plates brought memories of long ago times. His heart was starting to feel happy.
 

debralee

Senior Member
Thank goodness Brett and Trey were not in the diner when it burned. The family moved from their camping spot just in the nick of time. Seems like they have a lot of bad things happen to them but yet, Someone is definitely watching over them. Thanks Pac.
 

Hickory7

Senior Member
So nice for the family to have a new house. Thank You, Pac for more story. It would be nice to have so much family close with the same vision in real life.
 

juco

Veteran Member
I love the garden cafe idea. Brett should be able to really make of go of that with his culinary talents.
But will it be too hard for him to see how happy Ben and Lainey are on a daily basis? Maybe some nice young lady will happen along and catch his eye.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#47c

Evie and Walter talked as the 'kids' cleared the table and did the dishes. So much happy chatter passing back and forth was a pleasure to listen to. Walter was in his recliner and Evie was sitting in the 'Mrs' chair with her foot up.

"Tell me again how you lost your toe? That has to be about the most far fetched tale I've ever heard." Walter leaned back and settled comfortably in the ratty, one time brown, Lazy Boy. Walter couldn't see it was dirty and threadbare, it was comfy and he spent more nights than not, sleeping there.

Evie told him the tale once again, telling Walter that the dogs were in the garage and she would introduce them tomorrow.

"I've got chickens, ducks, sheep, hogs, cattle and horses, I don't want any dogs give'm grief, they's mighty fine animals," Walter warned apprehensively. "Mighty fine."

"We will keep them under control," Evie assured him. "Say, how many nights do you sleep in your chair?"

"More than I can's count. My cancer's in my bowels and leaning back in a half upright position is the most relief I can get. I've got pain pills, so's we need to watch the kiddos don't get into them. I try to keep them in my pocket, but I fergets. Ain't been youngins in this house for 60 years or so."

Walter adjusted his frame again, grimacing as he moved.

"Tell me your schedule, what time you like to get up, what you like for breakfast, do you like your big meal at noon, give us a clue as to how you get along best?" Evie slowly picked the information she needed from the elderly man.

"Somethin' I like just about better than anything is a soft boiled egg and toast for breakfast. I surely did like the coffee you made this afternoon, mighty tasty to this old Swede, so's I could swaller more of it in the morning."

Walter couldn't see Evie's nose wrinkle at the mention of Swede's, and she never mentioned it; but being a Swede was black mark against Walter as far as she was concerned. There always had to be a fly in the ointment.

"I leave lights on at night so's I can get around, but the major concrete rule around here, you's can't move any of the furniture. I got the patterns memorized." Walter said sternly.

"We will gladly honor that request." Evie replied. "Do you want us to get up with you?"

"Nope, jest don't mind my stumblin 'round." Walter replied. "They's plenty of rooms upstairs for all your kids and their kids. Tomorrow they can go look at the tenant houses for more privacy. Tell me again how many are here?"

Before Evie could answer, Wayne strolled through on his way outside. "'Night everyone, I'm gonna bunk in the barn tonight. I'm feeling hemmed in by all the people here." the door closed gently behind him.

"Got a wild one?" Walter questioned.

"More problems than three people," Evie said sadly. "He's much better, but he had a severe beating from his Uncle and it injured his brain."

"They ought to horsewhip people like that," Walter said decisively. "Three times a week, by my counting."

"I've got to retire, this has been a great, but tiring day. I'm no spring chicken," Evie jested. "Do you mind if I take the other downstairs room?"

"Help yourself," Walter closed his eyes and tried to relax. "I think tonight will be a chair night."

"Good night Walter, see you in the morning."



It took Ev and Ben to raise the stubborn windows upstairs to air out the stuffy second story. The beds were creaky, circular iron bedsteads that made a lot of noise every time a body turned over. Lainey, very conscious of the situation, was too embarrassed to do anything but kiss Ben softly and whisper to him to be a gentleman.

Ben was set to tease her, but relented when he saw how concerned she was. The small, light blue flowered wallpapered rooms, slowly cooled from the heat of the day and the Hanson clan slept soundly.
 

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
A peaceful good night, all sleeping inside except Wayne, but peaceful all the same. Thanks Pac.
 

DustMusher

Deceased
Now, with the family and Walter all settled in for the night, I think I will join them.

Thanks again for this story and for letting us take a peek into their lives.

DM
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#48

Walter spent an uncomfortable night with his cancer pain. It was like a huge gnawing, relentless being inside his body; chewing it's way out to freedom. Finally he accepted that he had done the right thing by selling to that strange old lady and her grandkids. As he came to that conclusion, Walter was able to take his prescribed dose of pain meds.

Ever since MW had called to say he had located a potential buyer, Walter had held back, not taking the pain but mind confusing meds. He wanted to conduct the sale himself, and was pleased at the outcome. Boy there had been a hullabaloo at the bank. From the manager on down, every employee had something to say about accepting that much cash. Not only that, but the bill were old and didn't pass the pen streak test. The bills were used, but minted in the mid sixty's, so they were missing most of the current day counterfeit identifiers.

Walter requested the tellers count it twice and he demanded a immediate printout that showed his account had been credited. It had taken all afternoon and most of his stamina and patience to conclude the transaction. MW had been cool with the numerous delays, and had sat in the air conditioned bank and waited patiently.

Walter had a little surprise for MW and MN. There was a nice little place he owned a half mile or so down the road. He felt that was appropriate for the time and energy the Uncle and Nephew had expended on him over the years. They had done it out of friendship, but Walt figured if you can't help your friends, who can you help?" He smiled in his drowsy state; he knew without a doubt that God had caused this all to come together. No other way could it have happened. Well, Tesse might have influenced the outcome a bit. Walter figured she was in Heaven helping arrange and organize God's kitchen.

Walter put several mental memo's away to be acted on the next morning, he had a lot to get accomplished now that he and the farm were in good hands.


Will stood at the neo-natal window staring at his preemie baby daughter. Two months early, she was lung compromised and jaundiced.
The doctor's had finally had to take the baby C-section as Cassy grew progressively weaker with her prolonged labor.
Will stood with his hands in his pockets rocking back and forth on his heels. He was shut out of the meeting Cassy was having with her parents; not so politely invited to leave when they showed up, rushing into the room.

He had a pretty good idea of what was taking place. His suspicions were confirmed when that Borg fellow that had been the Hanson's attorney showed up and was swallowed into the room.

Will looked at his daughter and thought he must be a monster for not feeling any paternal heart tugs as she moved slightly. It was like looking at a stranger's child. He didn't feel all gooey inside, nor did he feel hopeless about the situation. He just felt,...nothing.

It was an hour before Borg exited the room. Walking over to Will, he said "I can't talk them out of it. Cassy has filed for divorce, a restraining order and a cessation of parental right against you. She keeps the daughter, you keep the boy. Absolutely no contact between you what so ever that doesn't go through me,...sorry man. And she wants a thousand a month in child support."

"I don't have a job, the hospital took what cash we had to admit Cassy, and she can want and be dammed. I can follow you down to the jail, as I might as well save them the trouble of looking me up." Will said calmly. "We have a burned out store in Evergreen she is welcome to keep. That was all my life's savings invested there."

Will thought for a second and then said,"hold up Borg. You can tell them, I keep the boy, she keeps the girl and no support. If she wants out that badly, it's gonna cost her. I want to go on record saying I don't want a divorce, and I see no reason for her folks to meddle in our affairs. She pay's the balance of the hospital bill also." he added.

Borg looked at him, and turned on his heels and went back to the room. Knocking softly, he pushed the door open. When he came out again, he had a handwritten paper signed by Cassy and her parents. Will had won, although he was sure he was not in first place.

Cassy had written in large handwriting, 'leave now and never contact me again.' on the bottom of the paper. Will said to Borg that he wanted the original, and if they wanted a copy he could follow him down to the admin office and purchase a one. Borg agreed and Will walked out of the hospital, his release in his shirt pocket.

The hospital switchboard had paged him as he was about to leave. Ben was calling with info about the new place and the burning of the cafe. "Do you want me to send Ev down to pick you up?"

Will declined, telling Ben he would be there shortly. Will called a cab and had the man drop him off at the Sheriff's office. He applied for a job and asked that his credentials be transferred into Lane County. The normal application process was hastened by the Sheriff, when he learned Will needed a job, he was hired on the spot.

"Welcome on board, we are short handed; can you start patrolling swing tomorrow night?" The overworked man shook Will's hand, and pointed to a chair in front of his desk. Old friends from way back, the two talked a bit and then another crises rolled in that had to be dealt with.

"I'll be in at 1pm.," Will promised, as he took his leave.



"Would you dial the phone for me?" Walter requested. "I need to contact my attorney." The morning was off to a running start.

Evie agreed and was about to do so, when Brett arrived to all the fanfare a absent family member receives in the Hanson Clan.
 

debralee

Senior Member
That Cassy is a b----. Wonder what Will ever saw in her in the first place. Why did he give up his rights to the baby so quick, was she not his? Thank you Pac.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#48b

Walter asked for a driver when he finished his phone call. He had an appointment at 3pm. Through all the commotion of Brett and Trey arriving, it was decided that Brett actually had the best knowledge of the countryside so he would be the chauffeur. He cleaned his car and put his simple wardrobe away in one of the up stairs rooms along with Treys few belongings.

But no, Walt was the monkey wrench in the plan. He wanted driven in his own car. The 1959 Edsel was a faded gold color and smelled like mothballs. Brett drove with his head hanging out the window, coughing and hacking like he needed to dislodge a hairball.
Unperturbed, Walter rode like a king, pointing out different stores to do business with. Brett had instructions to grocery shop while Walter attended his appointment, and the large empty trunk was packed to capacity.

They made an unscheduled stop. Walter wanted a haircut at his favorite barber shop and Brett hopped in the second vacant chair and had himself spruced up. Smelling of Bay Rum and in fine spirits, the duo barely got home in time to throw their name in the pot for supper.

Ben and Lainey carefully inspected the farm hand houses and chose the third one in the line. It suited them both and Lainey set to cleaning the kitchen and airing the rooms. The water had been turned off to winterize the cottage and there was the inevitable delays in getting the system up and running. It would be their house for many years to come, but they were thrilled with the good fortune and modest start given to them.

Lainey and Ben were sitting at the table discussing the unusual conversation Ben had with Will, when Clora showed up. "Hey, are you two going to hibernate down here all day?"

"Just taking time away from my nosy sisters," Ben retorted with a smile. "Whatcha need?"

"Grandma said to come up for supper. She found three corned beef roasts in the bottom of Walt's freezer and boy does the house smell good. Brett brought back a couple of heads of cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions. We are having a Irish feast with fresh bread, biscuits and Sandy and Wayne picked blackberries for a cobbler. Besides, you have been down here long enough." she announced with conviction. "We'll help you move your things down after supper."

Smiling at the thought of a private night, Ben and Lainey went willingly up to the main house. It was a feast alright. It was also a wedding celebration with simple gifts and cards. Evie had packed a large box with items she requested Brett buy in town. New sheets and blankets, pots and pans, dishes and silverware, food and an extravagant crystal bud vase to decorate the table.

Brett stood off out of the main celebration and felt satisfaction that he had helped pick out the beginnings of his brother's new life with Lainey. At one time he had suspected that he fancied Lainey himself, but it didn't stand the test of time, and he was glad.

Embarrassed by all the attention, Lainey was a blushing bride as she sat at the head of the table with Ben. Toast after toast was spoken, best wishes to the couple with raised glasses of cold apple juice. Even Walt felt drawn in enough to make a toast, and the applause and laughter echoed through the house.

The cold, intrusive ringing of the telephone silenced the celebration as Clora went to answer. She listened and then turned and spoke to Lainey. "It's for you, it's your Dad."
 

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
"It's for you, it's your Dad." Cold buckets of ice water all over that party!

Thank you Pac,
 

SheWoff

Southern by choice
I love this story Pac, it's like catching up with beloved family members every time I read it :)


She
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#48c

Lainey and Ben walked hand in hand to the phone. Ben held her free hand tenderly as she answered. "Hello? Dad? How are you?"

The whole room quieted as the jumble of loud static spewed forth from the handset. The jist of the call; Lainey's mom was doing very poorly and Kent was calling her home for a last visit. There was no use in questioning how he knew where to call, he could find out anything.

Lainey took a deep breath, leaned solidly against Ben and said "No."

It was a small, quiet, very determined no. The loud static stopped as Kent tried to think a way to convince his daughter that her dying mother was asking for her. A mother that was finally coming to the conclusion that she had not been the mother she was supposed to be. The father was also privy to that conclusion. All his awards meant nothing right at the moment, he was unable to fulfill his beloved wife's dying wish.

Kent sputtered a bit, almost whining his persuasion. Lainey hung up. She had a family that loved her for what she was, and soon she would be walking down the hill with the man she loved into their own house. That was a priceless feeling, one she had no intention of giving up.

"Please everyone," Lainey smiled, "I'm not sad, you'all are my family and I love you all for the welcome and happiness you have shared with me."

"I think we need to say thank you, we'll see you in the morning," Ben broke in, trying to hustle his bride down to their house before anything else happened.

"Oh, I think we should at least give them an escort home," Clora purred with a wicked smile. That was all the invitation the raucous loving crowd needed, and Lainey and Ben were chivereed all the way home.

Walter made it to his chair, feeling the effects of the long day. Evie was drawing water for the dishes, the homey sounds soothing to Walt's ears. The lady was humming, her soft singing so reminiscent of the way Tesse did in the evening. Every hour that went by, he was more and more convinced he had done the right thing.

Supper had been delicious, Walt managed to eat half a biscuit and honey along with a couple of bites of corned beef, his very favorite.
He hadn't had that much appetite in ages, and it felt good.

He had listened to the young girls scold their Grandmother about drinking her 'booster shake.' It was clear that Evie had the same opinion of them as he did. Walt had a boat load of them in the hall closet, the more he thought about it the more eager he was to share. Anything to get rid of the blamed things.

The returning children were laughing and joking, Sandy feeling her oats on the slightly naughty side. She was singing a off colored ditty when Evie burst out of the kitchen, and Sandy's mouth skidded to a stop. Grandma's look was reprimand enough to clean up the noisemakers and they finished cleaning the table and doing the dishes.

The evening was going smoothly when Wayne burst in the front door. "There's a bear in the hives. Walt, you got a rifle?" he panted with the exertion of running. "Hey there's Will, he should have a rifle with him." Out the door he went with the bravest of the clan following.

The smaller black bear cub was looking for an easy meal. It was there in compact, buffet form just waiting for the taking. He was in the honey when the shouting, highly excited group came running toward him. The cub decided that leaving the scene was the bravest thing he could do. Momma was pretty mad that he went exploring on his own anyhow. He didn't fancy the cuffing he was gonna get, but it was better than what was coming at him at a high rate of speed.

Making all the noise they could, the crowd laughed as the cub found his speed and high tailed it back to the woods. Wayne volunteered to stand guard, until they could get a couple of hot wire strands set up.

Will wasn't happy and his cold thunderous face prevented questions coming his way. Sandy and Clora looked at each other and raised their eyebrows, understanding that something momentous had happened.

Later around the kitchen table, Sandy asked Evie how she knew. "Just a feeling," was all Evie explained. "It will play out, then we can see how Will feels about throwing in with us." Trey was overjoyed to see his father and the two went to bed early, soothing each other.

Wayne tied a rope around his waist, hooking himself to the slender tree he was sitting in. He was stationed so that if he shot, the shot would pepper the barn, not the house. He fully expected the cub would bring Momma back to share the newly found treasure.

He was right. His shotgun blast in the wee hours of the morning sent the garaged dogs into a barking frenzy, as Momma and cub went over the fence and disappeared into the tree farm jungle. Wayne untied himself and shimmied down. Going to the garage he shushed the dogs and went in to sleep.
 

debralee

Senior Member
Great chapter Pac. Hope papa bear doesn't come snooping around trying to get some honey for his breakfast too. Goldielocks-er-wayne might better keep his gun handy for awhile.
 

PacNorWest

Veteran Member
#49

It was three months past the buyout when Walt died. He had the best last months of his life, or so he claimed. His cancer was to the point that the medication he needed was doubling every week. Evie had a sneaking suspicion that he had overdosed himself, but Walt was ready to go home. Several times he told her he was so tired he had no fight left.

The Hospice nurse had been initially hostile thinking Evie and her clan were fleecing Walt, but she relented when Walt relaxed and became happy. Walt passed in his sleep and Doris the Hospice nurse was the first person Evie called. They cried together the next day.

The clan flourished and prospered as hard working, energetic people do.

Brett's Garden Cafe was fresh, trendy and packed with reservations every day. Ben and Lainey took on the hog operation, learning to butcher and cut and wrap to order. They processed the beef, lamb and chicken, and became famous for the best sausage recipe a butcher shop could produce.

Ev and Cheryl along with Christy became the hay, grain and bean farmers. They opened their hearts and home to five orphans from Pastor Tom's organization and they were happy right down to their toes.

Clora married Mark and he worked his job as a traffic engineer during the day, and loved the horses at night. They stayed in the main house and cared for Grandma. Their first daughter was Tesse Evangeline, and she was as ornery and complicated as her Great Grandma.

Sandy and Mark the nurse didn't hit it off more than good friends. He married a great gal and they lived in the next farm down the road. Mark became like another brother and was always willing to lend a hand.

Wayne expanded his blacksmithing techniques and became a master craftsman in his trade. At Evie's request, he made the wrought iron fence to surround the plot they dedicated as the cemetery land.

Will, after a shooting scrape with a hopped up junkie needing a fix, retired from the force and became the orchard and berry overseer. Young Will was as responsible and hard working as his father and they made a great success with top of the crop, premium fruits and berries.

Sandy started baking Gooseberry, Tay and Marionberry, Apple and Peach pies for Brett to market through his cafe, creating a business that was in much demand. During the holidays, they had to hire neighborhood women to help them with the increasing flood of orders.

Sandy had resigned herself to be the spinster Aunt in the clan, loving and enjoying the children as they came into the family.


Two weeks past her 92 birthday, Evie had a massive stroke. She lived another week and then died peacefully in her sleep. The funeral was held in the local church and had so many people paying their respects that there was standing room only. There wasn't a dry eye in the room as the minister laid one of the Lord's strongest believers to rest.

The family rolled home to dig the grave as Evie had asked, to find their homes and businesses thou rally ransacked and trashed. There in the searched and vandalized houses midst stood Jennings. He explained that he had been chasing the men that had killed his wife, the men that had been looking for the paper they had found in Inga's trunk, and possibly the men that had been the installers of the rice kernels.

"Sorry folks, I didn't get here in time. It looks like they were waiting for the first opportunity that you'all were gone from the farm. I'm sorry that the whole mess is still dragging on."

The community rallied behind the distraught family, coming in to clean and set their houses to right. The clan let the helpful people think that it had been hooligans doing a home invasion type of hit. Only the direct people involved, knew differently.



The end of Count your Blessings.

There will be another story continuing the saga later. I'm swamped with work right now. Thank you all for reading. It has meant a lot to me to read the comments and to entertain.
 

moldy

Veteran Member
Pac - love your stories! thank you so much for another. I want to be just like Evie when I grow up!
 

kaijafon

Veteran Member
Thank you for the wonderful glimpse of what true family means. Glad to know that the 'heart' will still beat! :)
 

annieosage

Inactive
Wow thanks so much. I am sitting here crying like I just lost a family member. We knew Evie could not live forever but wanted her too. You have a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing.
 

debralee

Senior Member
Pac words cannot convey my thanks to you enough for sharing your talent with us. I have a few tears here also. Nice to know there will be more to come of this family's story though. This part of the story has been wonderful. Thank you so very much.
 

Rabbit

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Pac I can't thank you enough for sharing this wonderful story. There is going to be a hole in my day where I looked for a new chapter everyday. I'm looking forward to when you pick up this story again. Thank you.
 
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