sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Another, thank you Pac.
Story Grace, Mercy and Blessings
- Thread starter PacNorWest
- Start date
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#366
In the barn apartment, there was a hushed but very heated argument happening. The triplets had been sent to their room to play while Tess and Wyatt worked on supper.
"You had no right to take me away from there," Tess snarled at an unrepentant Wyatt.
"Yes I did," Wyatt returned coolly. "Your mother gave an order in a voice I've never heard her use before, from what we watched from here, your boys definitely did not need to see or hear anything that happened."
Tess snorted a very unlady like response.
"Listen Tess, you can't tell me that you couldn't hear or see every single word that happened. What were your special powers doing? Did they stop because of the high emotion?"
It was the first time that Wyatt acknowledged that he was aware of Tess's ESP, and Tess wasn't sure she was happy with the inclusion.
"They are doing just fine," she snapped. "I didn't like the idea you simply took over and made the decision to take us away."
"Tess, I believe we are at some very fundamental bones of our relationship. I respect and love you; but this instance, you were wrong to want to stay. The welfare of your boys is a higher duty than your insatiable curiosity." Wyatt was calm and totally sure of himself and the decisions he had made.
"I am not a pushover person Tess. I have been a lawman for twenty years and have seen and been involved in many 'domestic' situations. This one was shaping up to be a doozy, so for your protection and the boys, I followed orders and removed you. Because I am mad, and you are mad, I'm going to the house for supper. I'd like you to think hard about what is between us here, it's going to determine our future."
Wyatt left, striding toward the house without looking back.
Tess's first inclination was to run ahead of him to ask Clora to watch the boys while she had time to do some thinking.
What she got was a very flat 'NO' from her mother, and the notion that Clora was busy with more important things than Tess's hurt feelings.
It didn't take Tess long to remember her brother's admonition's. 'He's not Ben,' kept running through her mind. No, he certainly wasn't, she said aloud.
"Ma, is supper ready, we're really hungry?" broke into her thoughts. Life runs on it's stomach, she thought sourly.
"Go wash up," she said with a sigh.
In the barn apartment, there was a hushed but very heated argument happening. The triplets had been sent to their room to play while Tess and Wyatt worked on supper.
"You had no right to take me away from there," Tess snarled at an unrepentant Wyatt.
"Yes I did," Wyatt returned coolly. "Your mother gave an order in a voice I've never heard her use before, from what we watched from here, your boys definitely did not need to see or hear anything that happened."
Tess snorted a very unlady like response.
"Listen Tess, you can't tell me that you couldn't hear or see every single word that happened. What were your special powers doing? Did they stop because of the high emotion?"
It was the first time that Wyatt acknowledged that he was aware of Tess's ESP, and Tess wasn't sure she was happy with the inclusion.
"They are doing just fine," she snapped. "I didn't like the idea you simply took over and made the decision to take us away."
"Tess, I believe we are at some very fundamental bones of our relationship. I respect and love you; but this instance, you were wrong to want to stay. The welfare of your boys is a higher duty than your insatiable curiosity." Wyatt was calm and totally sure of himself and the decisions he had made.
"I am not a pushover person Tess. I have been a lawman for twenty years and have seen and been involved in many 'domestic' situations. This one was shaping up to be a doozy, so for your protection and the boys, I followed orders and removed you. Because I am mad, and you are mad, I'm going to the house for supper. I'd like you to think hard about what is between us here, it's going to determine our future."
Wyatt left, striding toward the house without looking back.
Tess's first inclination was to run ahead of him to ask Clora to watch the boys while she had time to do some thinking.
What she got was a very flat 'NO' from her mother, and the notion that Clora was busy with more important things than Tess's hurt feelings.
It didn't take Tess long to remember her brother's admonition's. 'He's not Ben,' kept running through her mind. No, he certainly wasn't, she said aloud.
"Ma, is supper ready, we're really hungry?" broke into her thoughts. Life runs on it's stomach, she thought sourly.
"Go wash up," she said with a sigh.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yes, Tss needs to see she has a real man this time, not a pushover. to her whims and hard headedness.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#366b
"What's the matter, trouble in paradise?" Bruce sniped at Wyatt when the man walked in the door.
Wyatt saw red. Bruce had harped, needled and used sarcastic inferences since the day the ex sheriff had ridden into the retreat.
Wyatt walked over to Bruce, picked the man up by his shirt front and calmly said, "I'm going to smash you in the mouth. Then I'm gonna throw you up against the wall and kick you when you reach the floor." he spit some of his anger out on the weaselly doctor.
"No, no. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, the way it came out," Bruce almost blubbered.
"The hell you didn't. I don't happen to care if you're a doctor or not, I don't tolerate the sort of nasty comments you like to fling around. You're nothing but a small time bully, and one of these times, I'm gonna kick the shit out of you." Wyatt let Bruce fall back in his chair. Bruce looked very shaken, but wisely didn't challenge Wyatt.,
Big had started around the back side of Tilly, intending to put a stop to the rooster fighting, when Tilly's hand stopped him. She was shaking her head gently no.
Bruce had been a nightmare, always using snide comments when Clora wasn't around; and personally, Bruce was just getting what Tilly herself would have loved to have given him. Putting her arm around Big's waist to hold him there, she smiled at her husband.
Big quickly got the idea that perhaps Tilly was enjoying herself a little too much; and gave her a quizzical look. Tilly blandly smiled and gave her hand a little squeeze.
Gary, on the other side of the room, was coughing into his elbow to try and contain his amusement. Getting control, Gary looked at the shaking doc Bruce and decided to add his own two cents.
"I'll double what ever Wyatt gives you," Gary promised. "No one appointed you king snarl and keeper of everyone else's faults. We're sick of it Bruce, and if you're smart, you'll stop it from this moment on. The next time you open you're mouth with a nasty comment, it won't matter if Clora or Mark are here or not, your'e gonna get hurt. And not just a little hurt either, but something to remember us by, and that's a promise. No threat, just real life closing in on you, so you'd best remember this."
Bruce nodded, what else could he do.
Donny walked into the kitchen from washing up, and although he said nothing, he heartily approved. Dr. Bruce was a royal pain. Donny started grabbing plates, cups and saucers and utensils, he was hungry.
"What's the matter, trouble in paradise?" Bruce sniped at Wyatt when the man walked in the door.
Wyatt saw red. Bruce had harped, needled and used sarcastic inferences since the day the ex sheriff had ridden into the retreat.
Wyatt walked over to Bruce, picked the man up by his shirt front and calmly said, "I'm going to smash you in the mouth. Then I'm gonna throw you up against the wall and kick you when you reach the floor." he spit some of his anger out on the weaselly doctor.
"No, no. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, the way it came out," Bruce almost blubbered.
"The hell you didn't. I don't happen to care if you're a doctor or not, I don't tolerate the sort of nasty comments you like to fling around. You're nothing but a small time bully, and one of these times, I'm gonna kick the shit out of you." Wyatt let Bruce fall back in his chair. Bruce looked very shaken, but wisely didn't challenge Wyatt.,
Big had started around the back side of Tilly, intending to put a stop to the rooster fighting, when Tilly's hand stopped him. She was shaking her head gently no.
Bruce had been a nightmare, always using snide comments when Clora wasn't around; and personally, Bruce was just getting what Tilly herself would have loved to have given him. Putting her arm around Big's waist to hold him there, she smiled at her husband.
Big quickly got the idea that perhaps Tilly was enjoying herself a little too much; and gave her a quizzical look. Tilly blandly smiled and gave her hand a little squeeze.
Gary, on the other side of the room, was coughing into his elbow to try and contain his amusement. Getting control, Gary looked at the shaking doc Bruce and decided to add his own two cents.
"I'll double what ever Wyatt gives you," Gary promised. "No one appointed you king snarl and keeper of everyone else's faults. We're sick of it Bruce, and if you're smart, you'll stop it from this moment on. The next time you open you're mouth with a nasty comment, it won't matter if Clora or Mark are here or not, your'e gonna get hurt. And not just a little hurt either, but something to remember us by, and that's a promise. No threat, just real life closing in on you, so you'd best remember this."
Bruce nodded, what else could he do.
Donny walked into the kitchen from washing up, and although he said nothing, he heartily approved. Dr. Bruce was a royal pain. Donny started grabbing plates, cups and saucers and utensils, he was hungry.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you Pac. About time they stopped tip toeing around Bruce. 
Boy dh give me his head cold.
Boy dh give me his head cold.PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#367
Headed for the pasture, it didn't take Clora long to spot the small cluster of horses surrounding Mark. It didn't seem to matter how many horses they had, the ones that responded to Mark, were always the grey, shedding ones.
A smile played on Clora's lips, as she watched an old grey mare shoulder her way through the cluster and hang her head over Mark. All the better to shed on you, Clora almost laughed. The tall work horses were gentle, as they responded with unique therapy for the heart hurting man.
Mark had reacted with a warrior's instinct, when Sylvia went for what ever was hidden in her sleeve. He had no knowledge that she had a vicious throwing star she was reaching for, he only perceived the danger she telegraphed in her attitude. It was enough for him to draw and protect his family.
Clora didn't fault Mark for shooting her mother. The woman had long ago killed any warm and fuzzy feelings Clora might have needed as she was growing up.
Now, she needed to convince her husband of that fact.
Mark was leaning against a small section of rail fence, left over from a long ago drift fence. She was speaking calm and low, alerting the watchful part of Mark that never shut down. Mark turned and grabbed her in a fierce hug, spilling coffee, and almost causing her to drop her rifle.
"Hey Cowboy," she said as low and sexy as possible, hanging the lantern on the post and shooing the inquisitive horse away from the coffee and sandwiches.
"Clora, I had to shoot your mother, she gave me no choice." Mark was as wretched as he sounded.
"She was a woman that needed killing," Clora was honest. "I was getting ready to shout out a warning, when you reacted quicker than I could yell. I ask for no mercy for her soul. When I think of the people in our life, she has caused the deaths of. Our children, Mark; she caused the death's of our children. God have mercy on me, I can't forget and forgive that. Our beautiful, talented children." Clora broke down, a keening wail of sorrow ripped from her. A cry that she was finally able to express.
Mark had never heard such a sound, and the horses shifted further away in unease.
Holding Clora, Mark let her cry, the strong woman that held them all together with prayer and determination. Clora cried for all her children that had been killed over the years, big and small.
Mark wasn't sure where it came from; but he slowly began praying aloud. At first it was stilted and awkward to pray thanks for the life they had, it felt wrong to praise God for the misery and deaths. As his voice grew stronger, so did his words. What went heavenward was what both of them needed to tell God in His goodness and glory.
It was full on dark when both of them were left clinging to the fence posts for support. Finally, Clora slid to the ground, her knees buckling. Her foot hit something hard, and the old grey mare blew her breath and just a little snot on her head. The horse was standing so close, Clora was practically under her fore end. Mostly curious about the smell of the coffee, the mare dipped her muzzle for a taste.
"Hey you," Clora went to move her precious coffee and give the mare a light slap on her shoulder, "get out of the coffee."
Mark pushed on the mare's front shoulder, and the horse obediently moved back a couple of steps. "Did I hear you say coffee, and sandwiches?" he teased. "I need some of that."
They had finished the sandwiches and some of the cooled coffee, when from behind them; Ivory growled menacingly. Marks hand went immediately to his gun. "Stand up Clora, there's something out there that Ivory can sense."
Headed for the pasture, it didn't take Clora long to spot the small cluster of horses surrounding Mark. It didn't seem to matter how many horses they had, the ones that responded to Mark, were always the grey, shedding ones.
A smile played on Clora's lips, as she watched an old grey mare shoulder her way through the cluster and hang her head over Mark. All the better to shed on you, Clora almost laughed. The tall work horses were gentle, as they responded with unique therapy for the heart hurting man.
Mark had reacted with a warrior's instinct, when Sylvia went for what ever was hidden in her sleeve. He had no knowledge that she had a vicious throwing star she was reaching for, he only perceived the danger she telegraphed in her attitude. It was enough for him to draw and protect his family.
Clora didn't fault Mark for shooting her mother. The woman had long ago killed any warm and fuzzy feelings Clora might have needed as she was growing up.
Now, she needed to convince her husband of that fact.
Mark was leaning against a small section of rail fence, left over from a long ago drift fence. She was speaking calm and low, alerting the watchful part of Mark that never shut down. Mark turned and grabbed her in a fierce hug, spilling coffee, and almost causing her to drop her rifle.
"Hey Cowboy," she said as low and sexy as possible, hanging the lantern on the post and shooing the inquisitive horse away from the coffee and sandwiches.
"Clora, I had to shoot your mother, she gave me no choice." Mark was as wretched as he sounded.
"She was a woman that needed killing," Clora was honest. "I was getting ready to shout out a warning, when you reacted quicker than I could yell. I ask for no mercy for her soul. When I think of the people in our life, she has caused the deaths of. Our children, Mark; she caused the death's of our children. God have mercy on me, I can't forget and forgive that. Our beautiful, talented children." Clora broke down, a keening wail of sorrow ripped from her. A cry that she was finally able to express.
Mark had never heard such a sound, and the horses shifted further away in unease.
Holding Clora, Mark let her cry, the strong woman that held them all together with prayer and determination. Clora cried for all her children that had been killed over the years, big and small.
Mark wasn't sure where it came from; but he slowly began praying aloud. At first it was stilted and awkward to pray thanks for the life they had, it felt wrong to praise God for the misery and deaths. As his voice grew stronger, so did his words. What went heavenward was what both of them needed to tell God in His goodness and glory.
It was full on dark when both of them were left clinging to the fence posts for support. Finally, Clora slid to the ground, her knees buckling. Her foot hit something hard, and the old grey mare blew her breath and just a little snot on her head. The horse was standing so close, Clora was practically under her fore end. Mostly curious about the smell of the coffee, the mare dipped her muzzle for a taste.
"Hey you," Clora went to move her precious coffee and give the mare a light slap on her shoulder, "get out of the coffee."
Mark pushed on the mare's front shoulder, and the horse obediently moved back a couple of steps. "Did I hear you say coffee, and sandwiches?" he teased. "I need some of that."
They had finished the sandwiches and some of the cooled coffee, when from behind them; Ivory growled menacingly. Marks hand went immediately to his gun. "Stand up Clora, there's something out there that Ivory can sense."
Sneaker 11
RECONDO
Thanks for your willingness to share this most interesting saga with us. You generally keep us just moments from the next cliiiifffffffffff! 
11
11
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
My thanks Pac.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
367b
Ivory pushed her way between Clora and what ever was out there. Hair on her neck standing up and her haunches ready to spring. Clora put her hand on Ivory, to stop the dog from launching herself out into the darkness.
"It's a dog," Clora whispered to Mark. "I don't think it means us harm."
In a slow, dignified manner, the large Border collie walked into the circle of light and lay down at Marks feet.
"Clora, he looks like my Dawg. Oh, sweet heaven I never thought I would find another Dawg." Mark was all choked up. "Is this how you do it? You go out and around and animals come to find you?"
Clora laughed softly. "This is exactly how it happens. I never know what will appear. Look at Ivory, she has relaxed and accepted the newcomer. I have half a sandwich; do you want to give it to 'Dawg?"
"Yes, this is one skinny dog for his size. Are you ready to go back? I can't believe how I feel with a dog; it makes Sylvia disappear out of my mind."
They collected their things, and started strolling back to the house. "She had a throwing star," Clora remarked, "she intended to use it."
"All I could see was the evil intent that came over her face," Mark was solemn, "and your sisters. Who knew there were triplets?"
"I certainly didn't," Clora replied. "Mark, we need to find a place to stay for a while. There is a behavioral reset happening between Tess and Wyatt, and Dr. Bruce is getting the 'word' that is going to change his mannerisms. Both of these things have to happen, and it's better if we're not involved. We might stop in and visit Milo."
So they were invited in to visit Milo and Honey. The men sat in the living room talking the security of the retreat, and Clora got baby time with Mila as Honey finished the dishes.
Ivory pushed her way between Clora and what ever was out there. Hair on her neck standing up and her haunches ready to spring. Clora put her hand on Ivory, to stop the dog from launching herself out into the darkness.
"It's a dog," Clora whispered to Mark. "I don't think it means us harm."
In a slow, dignified manner, the large Border collie walked into the circle of light and lay down at Marks feet.
"Clora, he looks like my Dawg. Oh, sweet heaven I never thought I would find another Dawg." Mark was all choked up. "Is this how you do it? You go out and around and animals come to find you?"
Clora laughed softly. "This is exactly how it happens. I never know what will appear. Look at Ivory, she has relaxed and accepted the newcomer. I have half a sandwich; do you want to give it to 'Dawg?"
"Yes, this is one skinny dog for his size. Are you ready to go back? I can't believe how I feel with a dog; it makes Sylvia disappear out of my mind."
They collected their things, and started strolling back to the house. "She had a throwing star," Clora remarked, "she intended to use it."
"All I could see was the evil intent that came over her face," Mark was solemn, "and your sisters. Who knew there were triplets?"
"I certainly didn't," Clora replied. "Mark, we need to find a place to stay for a while. There is a behavioral reset happening between Tess and Wyatt, and Dr. Bruce is getting the 'word' that is going to change his mannerisms. Both of these things have to happen, and it's better if we're not involved. We might stop in and visit Milo."
So they were invited in to visit Milo and Honey. The men sat in the living room talking the security of the retreat, and Clora got baby time with Mila as Honey finished the dishes.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
You pulled a lot together & dealt w/ some long-standing issues and all in only a very few hundred words.
Everything is clearer now but I'm not letting my guard down or scraping my notes just yet.
Have a good weekend - well as good as you can what with stock, weather & RL.
Everything is clearer now but I'm not letting my guard down or scraping my notes just yet.
Have a good weekend - well as good as you can what with stock, weather & RL.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Very good, thank you.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Thank you so very much dear lady.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Another couple of great chapters. I'm glad. They have taken the bad taste out of my mouth. You know...the disgusting taste that comes from being around a bad fire burn - like the acrid smell/taste of a car burning, or evil burning. Yeah...that bad taste.
Glad to have good tastes and smells and thoughts back again, and glad to have the feeling that things are getting made right in the world.
Glad to have good tastes and smells and thoughts back again, and glad to have the feeling that things are getting made right in the world.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#368
When Clora and Mark got back to the big house; the atmosphere was suspiciously quiet and calm. Big and Tilly sat at the table with coffee, talking and when Mark entered, he pointed to a spot by the door and both dogs dropped instantly.
"Miss Clora, Mr. Mark, we have taco stew tonight; can I bring you a dish?" Tilly inquired.
"That sounds real good," Mark had a burst of enthusiasm that surprised them all. Lately, he had been very apathetic about eating, and Clora had to hide a smile.
Big was looking worried, but he waited until Mark had finished two bowls of stew.
"I haff been thinking abouts the security here. I haff talked vith Gary and Donny and I believe ve need to go on a short trip to investigate how people are finding their way so close to us. That iss not goods at all; today underscored that danger by the skinny man getting so closes to Miss Clora." Big was serious, but absolutely correct.
Clora nodded, it had been a fright.
Mark stopped and took a good hard look at Big. "What was it you said you did before the 'wind' set us back?"
"I vas in security for a big corporation, that vas my business and I vas very good and expensive."
Mark nodded, "then I welcome your expertise and suggestions. When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning, ve might be gone as long as two days. Do you feel there is adequate protection here if ve leave?"
"Yes, as long as Wyatt stays; there would be myself, Toby, Milo, Wyatt and the ladies.
"Doctor Bruce, he vould be joining you also;" Big added with a ghost of a smile. "He is eagers to help protect us all."
Now Mark had to hide his own smile. It must have been a doozy of a 'reset' if Bruce was joining the ranks of human people.
Clora made a soft harrumph in her throat and looked at Tilly. Tilly winked and tried to keep her face as neutral as possible, even if she had been rooting for the 'adjustment' crew.
The next morning was a complete miracle concerning the occupants of the big house. Bruce was promptly at the table when it was time to eat, and Clora smirked to herself when he waited for Wyatt to seat himself, and then the doctor sat as far away as possible.
Wyatt was quiet but pleasant to talk too, showing disappointment when he discovered a group was leaving and he wasn't invited.
"I have need of your law experience," Mark told Wyatt, "how can we keep our people and lands safe from passersby?"
When Clora and Mark got back to the big house; the atmosphere was suspiciously quiet and calm. Big and Tilly sat at the table with coffee, talking and when Mark entered, he pointed to a spot by the door and both dogs dropped instantly.
"Miss Clora, Mr. Mark, we have taco stew tonight; can I bring you a dish?" Tilly inquired.
"That sounds real good," Mark had a burst of enthusiasm that surprised them all. Lately, he had been very apathetic about eating, and Clora had to hide a smile.
Big was looking worried, but he waited until Mark had finished two bowls of stew.
"I haff been thinking abouts the security here. I haff talked vith Gary and Donny and I believe ve need to go on a short trip to investigate how people are finding their way so close to us. That iss not goods at all; today underscored that danger by the skinny man getting so closes to Miss Clora." Big was serious, but absolutely correct.
Clora nodded, it had been a fright.
Mark stopped and took a good hard look at Big. "What was it you said you did before the 'wind' set us back?"
"I vas in security for a big corporation, that vas my business and I vas very good and expensive."
Mark nodded, "then I welcome your expertise and suggestions. When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning, ve might be gone as long as two days. Do you feel there is adequate protection here if ve leave?"
"Yes, as long as Wyatt stays; there would be myself, Toby, Milo, Wyatt and the ladies.
"Doctor Bruce, he vould be joining you also;" Big added with a ghost of a smile. "He is eagers to help protect us all."
Now Mark had to hide his own smile. It must have been a doozy of a 'reset' if Bruce was joining the ranks of human people.
Clora made a soft harrumph in her throat and looked at Tilly. Tilly winked and tried to keep her face as neutral as possible, even if she had been rooting for the 'adjustment' crew.
The next morning was a complete miracle concerning the occupants of the big house. Bruce was promptly at the table when it was time to eat, and Clora smirked to herself when he waited for Wyatt to seat himself, and then the doctor sat as far away as possible.
Wyatt was quiet but pleasant to talk too, showing disappointment when he discovered a group was leaving and he wasn't invited.
"I have need of your law experience," Mark told Wyatt, "how can we keep our people and lands safe from passersby?"
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for this, this morning.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#368b
"Gentlemen, please come to my study;" Mark invited and Wyatt stood up to follow.
"Dr. Bruce, that means you too," Wyatt was low voiced and calm.
Bruce almost knocked his chair over, as he rapidly swallowed the last of his oatmeal; and stood up. Feigning nonchalance, he picked up his coffee cup and followed Wyatt at a distance; about as far away as possible, as they walked down the hall.
Clora motioned Tilly to sit down at the table; "now, tell me what went on."
Tilly almost giggled. "The Mr. Wyatts, he had enough of Dr. Bruce's sarcastic talk, and threatened to kick the s...... out of Dr. Bruce. Mr. Wyatts; he must have had a spat with the Miss's Tess; because he came in mad." Tilly shook her head in dismay. "This one is a man, not a wavering boy, like it seems Miss Tess was married to before. I no know the details, just what I hears."
"I'm afraid you are correct Tilly, Tess should know the difference, and it may be her undoing in the long run. I don't believe Wyatt is going to hang around forever, if Tess can't open up and let him understand her. She is very strong minded, and that can be both good and bad."
Tess was coming across the open area, when she caught the last part of her mother's words. The boy's scampered ahead, slamming the screen door and forgetting to close the regular door.
"Hey, you shouldn't be slamming the doors," Lyric was running across the open space, "I gotta talk to Gramma first, before you clunkies get to her."
That announcement was lost in the door slam, and Lyric put her shoulder to the door and tried to turn the knob. There might have been two sets of hands trying to keep the knob from turning, until Clora admonished gently, "boys, stop."
Lyric's force made the door fly open and bang against the wall, rattling the glass.
"Ok, now all you kids stop. That's enough, especially you Lyric; you're five years older than the triplets." Clora scolded.
"I have something very important to tell you, it's a secret." Lyric whispered loudly, tugging on Clora's hand to get her to sit down and listen.
"If it's a secret, then you shouldn't tell." Clora sat across from her gangly granddaughter and watched her face.
Tilly wisely lured the boys to the playroom with a handful of cookies, and Tess met up with Rennie as she hurried toward the house.
"That Shelia," Rennie was spitting mad. "She is going to get a whooping her butt will remember."
"Rennie, come quietly around back, I believe you need to see this, but be quiet." Tess ordered. The two ladies walked almost silently in the back door.
Clora and Lyric were deep in their serious discussion at the table.
"Grandma, I have a real secret to tell you; Mum said not to tell anybody, but I want to tell you right away, before she gets here."
"I don't want to hear it." Clora was firm.
"But Grandma, I want you to know, it's real important."
"No, I will not listen to you. If you tell me a secret your mother said not to tell, what is to keep you from telling everyone a secret I tell you. It is wrong Lyric, and shame on you for trying to get the both of us in trouble."
Lyric tried her very best to get Clora to allow the secret, whining and cajoling to the best of her ability.
"No," Clora was firm. "In fact, I think you should go find your mother and apologize for not minding her instructions."
Then Lyric got a good scolding and an in depth lecture on minding and the importance of secret keeping.
Listening, Rennie relaxed for the first time, Clora was on her side. She had been nervous and unsure of her talented mother-in-law; wondering. if the woman was trying to drive a wedge between Lyric and herself. She was well convinced that Lyric was due a good scolding when Rennie got her home.
Tess gave her sister-in-law a conspiracies wink and went to wash her hands.
"Gentlemen, please come to my study;" Mark invited and Wyatt stood up to follow.
"Dr. Bruce, that means you too," Wyatt was low voiced and calm.
Bruce almost knocked his chair over, as he rapidly swallowed the last of his oatmeal; and stood up. Feigning nonchalance, he picked up his coffee cup and followed Wyatt at a distance; about as far away as possible, as they walked down the hall.
Clora motioned Tilly to sit down at the table; "now, tell me what went on."
Tilly almost giggled. "The Mr. Wyatts, he had enough of Dr. Bruce's sarcastic talk, and threatened to kick the s...... out of Dr. Bruce. Mr. Wyatts; he must have had a spat with the Miss's Tess; because he came in mad." Tilly shook her head in dismay. "This one is a man, not a wavering boy, like it seems Miss Tess was married to before. I no know the details, just what I hears."
"I'm afraid you are correct Tilly, Tess should know the difference, and it may be her undoing in the long run. I don't believe Wyatt is going to hang around forever, if Tess can't open up and let him understand her. She is very strong minded, and that can be both good and bad."
Tess was coming across the open area, when she caught the last part of her mother's words. The boy's scampered ahead, slamming the screen door and forgetting to close the regular door.
"Hey, you shouldn't be slamming the doors," Lyric was running across the open space, "I gotta talk to Gramma first, before you clunkies get to her."
That announcement was lost in the door slam, and Lyric put her shoulder to the door and tried to turn the knob. There might have been two sets of hands trying to keep the knob from turning, until Clora admonished gently, "boys, stop."
Lyric's force made the door fly open and bang against the wall, rattling the glass.
"Ok, now all you kids stop. That's enough, especially you Lyric; you're five years older than the triplets." Clora scolded.
"I have something very important to tell you, it's a secret." Lyric whispered loudly, tugging on Clora's hand to get her to sit down and listen.
"If it's a secret, then you shouldn't tell." Clora sat across from her gangly granddaughter and watched her face.
Tilly wisely lured the boys to the playroom with a handful of cookies, and Tess met up with Rennie as she hurried toward the house.
"That Shelia," Rennie was spitting mad. "She is going to get a whooping her butt will remember."
"Rennie, come quietly around back, I believe you need to see this, but be quiet." Tess ordered. The two ladies walked almost silently in the back door.
Clora and Lyric were deep in their serious discussion at the table.
"Grandma, I have a real secret to tell you; Mum said not to tell anybody, but I want to tell you right away, before she gets here."
"I don't want to hear it." Clora was firm.
"But Grandma, I want you to know, it's real important."
"No, I will not listen to you. If you tell me a secret your mother said not to tell, what is to keep you from telling everyone a secret I tell you. It is wrong Lyric, and shame on you for trying to get the both of us in trouble."
Lyric tried her very best to get Clora to allow the secret, whining and cajoling to the best of her ability.
"No," Clora was firm. "In fact, I think you should go find your mother and apologize for not minding her instructions."
Then Lyric got a good scolding and an in depth lecture on minding and the importance of secret keeping.
Listening, Rennie relaxed for the first time, Clora was on her side. She had been nervous and unsure of her talented mother-in-law; wondering. if the woman was trying to drive a wedge between Lyric and herself. She was well convinced that Lyric was due a good scolding when Rennie got her home.
Tess gave her sister-in-law a conspiracies wink and went to wash her hands.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#369
When Lyric's door banging happened; as instantly as possible, Mark and Wyatt appeared in the hall doorway with guns drawn.
"What's happening?" Mark demanded, not seeing anything out of place.
Tilly sang out before Clora got interrupted in her important task. "It vas the kinders slamming the door, no harm." She tried to make it sound like all the children were involved, and somehow that didn't sit well with Tess.
Tilly noted with amusement that Dr. Bruce was standing in the hall shadow with a rifle, as a backup. Good she said to herself. Good.
Wyatt's eyes swept the room, finding Tess; and noting she had a frown on her face.
"The boy's?" he questioned curtly, expecting an immediate answer.
Again it was Tilly that saved the day and defused the situation. "the playroom," she replied mildly, "with cookies."
Wyatt nodded and then stepped back even with Mark. Wyatt had no intention of usurping Mark's place as head of the clan, but he was wired to take care of those he deemed his; and that was Tess and her boys.
The 'he' man tactics didn't please Tess, and she turned on her heel and went to satisfy her need to count noses in the playroom. Wyatt looked after her, and the slight tightening of his lips was the only indication he was mightily displeased.
Clora finished her scolding of Lyric, and the child scampered over to Rennie; ready to face her mother's displeasure, rather than more scolding from her beloved Grandmother.
Lyric's actions caused Clora, Tilly and Rennie to smile, and then get busy to keep from laughing.
Mark was perturbed, and two men in that state in one room heated the atmosphere.
When Lyric's door banging happened; as instantly as possible, Mark and Wyatt appeared in the hall doorway with guns drawn.
"What's happening?" Mark demanded, not seeing anything out of place.
Tilly sang out before Clora got interrupted in her important task. "It vas the kinders slamming the door, no harm." She tried to make it sound like all the children were involved, and somehow that didn't sit well with Tess.
Tilly noted with amusement that Dr. Bruce was standing in the hall shadow with a rifle, as a backup. Good she said to herself. Good.
Wyatt's eyes swept the room, finding Tess; and noting she had a frown on her face.
"The boy's?" he questioned curtly, expecting an immediate answer.
Again it was Tilly that saved the day and defused the situation. "the playroom," she replied mildly, "with cookies."
Wyatt nodded and then stepped back even with Mark. Wyatt had no intention of usurping Mark's place as head of the clan, but he was wired to take care of those he deemed his; and that was Tess and her boys.
The 'he' man tactics didn't please Tess, and she turned on her heel and went to satisfy her need to count noses in the playroom. Wyatt looked after her, and the slight tightening of his lips was the only indication he was mightily displeased.
Clora finished her scolding of Lyric, and the child scampered over to Rennie; ready to face her mother's displeasure, rather than more scolding from her beloved Grandmother.
Lyric's actions caused Clora, Tilly and Rennie to smile, and then get busy to keep from laughing.
Mark was perturbed, and two men in that state in one room heated the atmosphere.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, Tess best ease up. She is acting like her boys can do no harm.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#370
The three men on the scouting trip humored Big as he meticulously put down on paper every distance between the retreat and the swamp; how far South the swamp extended, how active the gators were, the condition of the road that appeared in places.
They made their way to the curve of the beltway, and discovered the reason they had so many visitors. A crudely lettered sign said 'shortcut' and 'friendly folks with food.'
Gary pulled up the signs and threw them in the underbrush. "We need to erase the path that comes down off the road; what's your best suggestions?"
"Sticks to erase the path, rocks to impede the way, perhaps some type of fencing disguised as growing shrubs with thorns. Two or three fences set at angles to each other. Our main problem is going to be if people find us working to disguise the 'short cut', that is going to make them curious." Big was busy measuring with his eyes, what was needed.
"What if we made the fence sections at home and brought them here already prepped" Dony asked. " A team with some way to move rocks, a sign that pointed towards Raleigh and the coast. Maybe a sign that said 'bad gator swamp' you know, that kind of thing." Donny spoke up.
Gary was getting ready to poo-poo the ideas, when Big spoke up and said 'excellent ideas, keep'em coming."
"I've also been thinking about feeding the gators our pig and Hog carcasses, instead of piling them out in the back pastures. It makes them bellow, and that sound carries for a long ways. It would reinforce the sign that says 'bad gator swamp.' Emboldened, Donny listed several ideas he had concerning the ability to hide the cutoff and patches of road.
"Yess, Yess," Big made a come-on movement with his hand. "This is vat ve need; fresh ideas."
Gary lapsed into silence, the ideas that Donny suggested, hadn't even remotely crossed his mind; so he supposed he needed to start thinking.
"Ve need to go home and get starteds on these tings right avay;" Big announced happily. "Let us go with all haste."
The three men on the scouting trip humored Big as he meticulously put down on paper every distance between the retreat and the swamp; how far South the swamp extended, how active the gators were, the condition of the road that appeared in places.
They made their way to the curve of the beltway, and discovered the reason they had so many visitors. A crudely lettered sign said 'shortcut' and 'friendly folks with food.'
Gary pulled up the signs and threw them in the underbrush. "We need to erase the path that comes down off the road; what's your best suggestions?"
"Sticks to erase the path, rocks to impede the way, perhaps some type of fencing disguised as growing shrubs with thorns. Two or three fences set at angles to each other. Our main problem is going to be if people find us working to disguise the 'short cut', that is going to make them curious." Big was busy measuring with his eyes, what was needed.
"What if we made the fence sections at home and brought them here already prepped" Dony asked. " A team with some way to move rocks, a sign that pointed towards Raleigh and the coast. Maybe a sign that said 'bad gator swamp' you know, that kind of thing." Donny spoke up.
Gary was getting ready to poo-poo the ideas, when Big spoke up and said 'excellent ideas, keep'em coming."
"I've also been thinking about feeding the gators our pig and Hog carcasses, instead of piling them out in the back pastures. It makes them bellow, and that sound carries for a long ways. It would reinforce the sign that says 'bad gator swamp.' Emboldened, Donny listed several ideas he had concerning the ability to hide the cutoff and patches of road.
"Yess, Yess," Big made a come-on movement with his hand. "This is vat ve need; fresh ideas."
Gary lapsed into silence, the ideas that Donny suggested, hadn't even remotely crossed his mind; so he supposed he needed to start thinking.
"Ve need to go home and get starteds on these tings right avay;" Big announced happily. "Let us go with all haste."
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
# 371
Wyatt holstered his side arm and followed Tess down the hall to the playroom. They needed to have a serious talk, a place where the boys could play and be close. Wyatt didn't intend to raise his voice, he and Tess were adults, capable of reasonableness, but as far as he was concerned, she needed to understand that as a man and husband he needed to lead the family.
Wyatt holstered his side arm and followed Tess down the hall to the playroom. They needed to have a serious talk, a place where the boys could play and be close. Wyatt didn't intend to raise his voice, he and Tess were adults, capable of reasonableness, but as far as he was concerned, she needed to understand that as a man and husband he needed to lead the family.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
If she's truly Clora's daughter, she'll get the message; if she's been cursed w/ the stubbornness of a mule, she may be doomed to a life as a single mother.
Either way, a transition is in the offing......
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#371b
Sorry for the short chapter. The neighbors came by with supper. I was embarrassed by the state of the house, but she is a real take charge kind of a friend. Wouldn't let me out of my chair; popped open the TV trays and we had venison stroganoff and hot rolls.
Actually, I'm not supposed to have visitors in case of secondary infections. But you don't tell this lady no.
But I am completely worn out, so see everyone tomorrow. Pac and Mr. KC.
Sorry for the short chapter. The neighbors came by with supper. I was embarrassed by the state of the house, but she is a real take charge kind of a friend. Wouldn't let me out of my chair; popped open the TV trays and we had venison stroganoff and hot rolls.
Actually, I'm not supposed to have visitors in case of secondary infections. But you don't tell this lady no.
But I am completely worn out, so see everyone tomorrow. Pac and Mr. KC.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Get some rest there girl.
PacNorWest
Veteran Member
#372
"I don't care to begin this sort of conversation with the boys here in the room, that's certainly not necessary." Tess was uptight and almost hissing between her teeth.
"Why? It's certainly not going to harm the boys to hear adults talk out their differences in a rational manner." Wyatt was honest and correct, Tess just didn't want to give him the points, that was all.
They sat at the small table and talked for more than two hours. Paul, the smallest of the boys, played out first and crawled up in Wyatt's lap and promptly went to sleep.
Listening to the deep rumble of the grown man's voice, lulled the child to sleep with a smile on his face.
Tess took stock of the two. Ben had never wanted to hold or cuddle the boys; and here a man that was no blood relation to them, satisfied the 'daddy' need for the boys.
"Am I that bad" Wyatt responded to the frown on Tesse's face.
"Humm, No, I was thinking of something completely different. Wyatt, I want to make this work, but I'm having real difficulties letting go of being in charge."
"Listen Tess, do you know the definition of a submissive woman?" Wyatt asked gently.
"No."
"Your submission to me as head of the family, has to be freely given to me. I can't force you, or demand, or run our life in an autocratic manner. You have to trust me to make the right, honest and Godly decisions. I understand how you react to weakness, and that is not me. There's nothing wrong for me to listen to your ideas and have you participate in our decisions together, that's marriage. But when I feel there is danger, then I do my best to keep that danger away from you and the boys."
"So, you're not talking about bondage and a whip?" Tess tried to say lightly.
"No I am not," Wyatt said firmly. "I believe we had better get the boys to bed, they are really drooping. Are you sleeping in the house tonight?"
Tess nodded yes, and collected up the other two boys, while Wyatt carried Paul.
"I don't care to begin this sort of conversation with the boys here in the room, that's certainly not necessary." Tess was uptight and almost hissing between her teeth.
"Why? It's certainly not going to harm the boys to hear adults talk out their differences in a rational manner." Wyatt was honest and correct, Tess just didn't want to give him the points, that was all.
They sat at the small table and talked for more than two hours. Paul, the smallest of the boys, played out first and crawled up in Wyatt's lap and promptly went to sleep.
Listening to the deep rumble of the grown man's voice, lulled the child to sleep with a smile on his face.
Tess took stock of the two. Ben had never wanted to hold or cuddle the boys; and here a man that was no blood relation to them, satisfied the 'daddy' need for the boys.
"Am I that bad" Wyatt responded to the frown on Tesse's face.
"Humm, No, I was thinking of something completely different. Wyatt, I want to make this work, but I'm having real difficulties letting go of being in charge."
"Listen Tess, do you know the definition of a submissive woman?" Wyatt asked gently.
"No."
"Your submission to me as head of the family, has to be freely given to me. I can't force you, or demand, or run our life in an autocratic manner. You have to trust me to make the right, honest and Godly decisions. I understand how you react to weakness, and that is not me. There's nothing wrong for me to listen to your ideas and have you participate in our decisions together, that's marriage. But when I feel there is danger, then I do my best to keep that danger away from you and the boys."
"So, you're not talking about bondage and a whip?" Tess tried to say lightly.
"No I am not," Wyatt said firmly. "I believe we had better get the boys to bed, they are really drooping. Are you sleeping in the house tonight?"
Tess nodded yes, and collected up the other two boys, while Wyatt carried Paul.