Chapter 26
“I’m being what? I don’t know what you are talking about. Is this some kind of joke?”
“I assure you, ma’am, that this is no joke.”
“Daddy! Do something!”
“I tried Princess but it was no use. There is nothing I can do.”
Mark steps up, “ Officer, there must be some mistake. My wife had nothing to do with this.”
“Sir, we have a warrant for her arrest. I am sorry but she is coming with us. You are welcome to follow us and talk to the judge.”
With that they took Katie away in the police car. Her father and Mark stood on the porch still in shock of the situation. Finally Mark spoke, “ Sir, what’s this all about? What’s going on?” Mr. Warren sighed, “Mark, they found evidence and have a witness that Katie masterminded and paid to have Billy killed.” “That’s ridiculous” Mark shouted. “She is not capable of something like that. This has to be a mistake.” “Mark, I’ve seen it all and I am sorry to say that everything they have points right to her.” “But, you don’t think she did it, do you?” “No, Mark I don’t. But they have enough to convict her and put her away. I have got to figure out how to stop this. Can I use your phone.” “Sure, use the one in K’s office. It will be more private.”
By now, many of the ranch workers had came out to see what was going on. They asked Mark what was happening. He told them that Katie had been arrested on what he saw as bogus charges and everything would soon work out. He told them not to worry and to go back to what they were doing. When they all left, Mark fell to his knees right there on the porch and prayed a sobbing prayer to God to protect Katie and to help him figure out what needed to be done. Just as he was finishing, Katie’s father walked back out. “Think that will help son?” “I know it will. Any ideas on what to do now?” Straightening his tie, “I’ve got business to take care of. I think you should go down to the courthouse, like the office said.”
“Good idea, but where are you going? We might need your help.”
“It’s best that you don’t know and don’t worry I will be helping. Now get going. She’s going to need you. In this small court system, they get things going the same day.”
With that they both left and went their separate ways. Mark had no idea what to do. He was a horse man not a lawyer.
He drove as fast as he could and got to the courthouse just as they were bringing Katie in to see the judge. They stated the charges against her. Then the prosecutor stated the facts they had. The judge asked Katie if she understood the charges. She said she did and asked if she could speak. Her request was granted. “Your honor, I don’t really understand why I am here today. I loved Billy and was going to marry him. I would never have killed him. These guys come in and take me from my home with no real explanation. I didn’t get a phone call or a lawyer or anything. At least I am owed that.”
“Right you are ma’am. Please accept my apology. We were trying to get things finished for the day. We just jumped right in. So, before we go any further, let her call her lawyer. Bail hearing will be held tomorrow at 10 AM. Until then, Mrs. Dean will be held.” Katie spoke up, “Your honor, may I have a few minutes with my husband?” “Certainly ma’am. It’s the least I can do. You have ten minutes in the holding cell. We will have him brought in. Where is he?” “There your honor.” She points to Mark who raises his hand. “Very wel,l then. Court adjourned.”
Chapter 27
Mark walked down the long drab hallway behind the bailiff. As they rounded the corner, Katie jumped up from her seat. The guard opened the door. “I’ll be back in 10. Call if you need anything.” Mark walked into the cell as the guard shut the door behind him and walked away.
“Mark, what is going on here?”
“I don’t know K. I was about to ask you the same thing. I know you didn’t have anything to do with this. It’s all a big mistake.”
“Yes it is. Where’s Daddy?”
“He said he had some business to take care of and took off. He wouldn’t tell me where he was going.”
“Well, I have to get a lawyer. See if you can call his cell.”
“I tried hun but he didn’t answer. Don’t you know anyone else?”
“Well, no one I can get in touch with from here. What am I going to do?”
Katie started to cry as the guard walks down the hallway. “Ma’am, your lawyer is here.” “Lawyer? I didn’t call a lawyer.” Then a familiar face rounded the corner. Katie jumped up. “Uncle Doug! What are you doing here? How did you know?”
“Hey K-bird, your father called me just after they took you in. Sorry I am late but I got here as soon as I could. Who’s this fellow with you?”
“Yeah, sorry. This is my husband Mark. Mark, this is Uncle Doug. He’s not really my uncle. He’s one of Daddy’s best friends. I have called him uncle since I was little.”
“Well, hey Uncle Doug. Nice to meet you. Wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Same here, Mark. We better get started. We’ve got lots of work to do. They handed me the transcript when I came in. Let me read over it and see where we are.” Doug quickly read it. “Well, K-bird, you did well. Your dad raised you right. Now give it to me straight and tell me all you know.”
Katie told Doug the entire story. It was hard reliving all those feelings and memories again. She thought she had put it all behind her, but it all changed that afternoon. She told Doug that Mark knew where all the papers and information she collected was in her office and told him to stay at the Ranch. Doug told her not to worry. He’d get the information from the prosecutor and be back first thing in the morning. He told Mark he’d have the guard give them a couple of more minutes and then follow him back to the ranch.
“I wish I knew where Daddy was,” Katie told Mark as Doug rounded the corner. “It is so unlike him to run off when he is needed. At least he called Uncle Doug. Mark give him whatever he needs. Hold nothing back.”
“You know I will K. I know this is easier said than done, but you’ve got to promise me you won’t worry about this. God will work it out.”
Smiling she answers, “I will if you will. I know He will work it out but it is just so hard to see that right now. Let’s pray before you go.”
Mark took Katie’s hand and began to pray for her and about the situation. After he finished, he just held her until the guard came and told h
im he had to go. Mark kissed Katie, told her he loved her and would be back with Doug in the morning. He then walked back down the long drab hallway to the lobby where Doug was talking to the prosecutor.
Doug motioned to Mark to give him a minute. Mark poured himself a very bad cup of coffee and while waiting on Doug. After a few minutes, Doug came over, “I’ve got what I needed. Let’s get to work. It’s gonna be a long night. You lead the way.” They both left and Doug followed Mark back to the ranch. It was almost dark by the time they arrived and the ranch hands were finishing up the day’s work.
As Doug got out of the car, he looked at Mark and said, “Man, this is a real ranch. I didn’t know these still existed.” Mark chuckled as he led Doug into the house. As they walked in, Ms. Sue is already cooking dinner. “We have a guest for dinner Ms. Sue,” Mark calls to her. “We will be in the office. Call when it is ready.”
“Must be nice to have all of this, Mark,” Doug says.
“Well Doug, its all part of the business and it’s all thanks to Katie. She basically built this entire operation from nothing. Please sit here at the desk.”
“Thanks. I didn’t know she was capable of all of this. Man, I am proud of her, just as my own. So, let’s get down to business. Now, from what the prosecutor was telling me, they have motive and a strong witness. We’ve got to find enough doubt to not only get her bail tomorrow but eventually break down their case. K-bird, um, I mean Katie, said she had some information that she had been gathering. What do you have?”
Mark walked to a locked file cabinet in the back corner of the office. He unlocked it with the key he took out of the desk. He pulled the bottom drawer out to its full length. Way in the back he pulled out a file. “Man, she really was trying to forget all of this,” Doug remarks.
As Mark kicked the drawer closed he answers, “ Yeah she wanted to throw it all out but I wouldn’t let her.” Placing the file in front of Doug, “ I thought that she one day might want to find out what happened to Billy. I never knew it might be used for helping her like this.”
“Well Mark, it’s a cruel world we live in. I never thought I’d get a call to be her lawyer like this. This will be the most important case of my life. I’ll be fighting for her life and frankly, for her sake, I don’t know what I’ll do if I can’t pull it off.”
“Doug, let’s focus on tomorrow. Take one step at a time.”
“Right you are, son.” Doug continued, “Now I was thinking on this during the drive over here. They said they had motive. The prosecutor told me that the ranch was worth $2.5 million on the deed Billy had. Any idea what it’s worth now?”
“Well, according to our numbers about three months ago, somewhere in the neighborhood of about $8 - 10 million.”
“Ok, well, they can’t include all of that. They can no more triple the amount from the original to use as motive scenario money. Is Katie sole owner?”
“Yes. She wanted to write me in after we married, but I just didn’t feel right, it being Billy’s and all.” “Well, too bad. Now they could take it all. At least some might have been saved if you were on it too, but it’s not going to hurt us. So Billy is not on the deed either?”
“No, after he died, his parents had it put solely in K’s name. Said it was their gift to her.”
“Nice gift. Do you have the original deed?”
“Yes, it’s in the safe in K’s private office. I’ll go get it. Anything else you need?”
“Glass of Ice tea would be nice.”
“You got it. Be back in a few.”
As Mark left the room, Doug began to look through the folder of information that Katie had collected. He found several items that he thought might help and several he was interested in investigating more. He was reading the original note that Brian had given her the day at the cemetery. He found it very interesting. As Mark walked in and set the glass of tea on the desk, Doug asked him if he knew Brain.
“Only what Katie has told me about him. They lost contact after a while which was one reason she stopped investigating things. Why do you ask?”
“I was just reading through this stuff and it seems he knows what happened or at least wanted Katie to think that. Also, on the list the prosecutor gave me of all the men in Billy’s unit, Brian is not listed.”
“That’s strange Katie told me, he was there the day Billy was killed. Why would they leave him off?”
“Good question Mark. He’s not on the report the Army filed about the incident either. It’s almost like he didn’t even exist. Do you have the deed?” Mark handed Doug the deed. Doug immediately noticed something very strange. “Wait, it has her maiden name on here. Did she have it changed later?” Mark is confused by his question and thought he was joking.
“Well I told her she could keep it that way. I can be a modern man,” he chuckles.
“No Mark, I am serious. Did she have the deed later changed from Jones back to Warren?” Mark is now really confused. He realizes Doug didn’t know Katie and Billy were never married. “She never was a Jones, Doug. You didn’t know that?”
Doug looked at Mark very puzzled. “ You mean she never officially did a name change after the wedding before Billy was killed?”
“ No Doug, I mean they never got married. You didn’t know that?”
“No, I have been out of the country for a while, starting right before the time they were supposed to be married. Just been back a few months. So she never was a Jones? So, why does it say here on the information from the prosecutor that the motive was, as Billy’s wife, Katie would gain deed to the ranch and its value, but if they were not married it would have gone to his parents. How did she end up with it anyway?”
“Billy’s parents gave it to her, sometime after his death.”
“You mean that even though they were never married, they just gave Katie the ranch?”
“Yes, they said they knew it would be what Billy wanted, that she would take care of it and there was no one else they could give it to or something like that.”
“Ok, something’s not right here. Do you know what day Katie and Billy were suppose to be married?” Mark thought for a minute.
“She told me the date was like June 20th or something like that but not exactly sure.”
“You’re kidding me! This report from the Army says that Billy was killed on November 10th.
That’s almost six months after they were suppose to be married, yet he was killed before the wedding. This is all wrong. Why would it be off that much? I need to think about this. Care to join me on the porch for a cigar before dinner? It helps me think.”
“No thanks, you go right ahead. I’ve got to finish up things for the day.” As they walked outside, Ms. Sue who was setting the table tells them dinner would be ready about twenty minutes. Mark thanked her and went out to make sure everything was done for the day. Doug sat down on the huge front porch and lit his cigar.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Chapters 23, 24, 25
Chapter 23
It was a little over an hour before Mark came back. The doctor was right behind him. “Mark, Katie, it will be a little while longer before I have all the results, but as soon as I do, I’ll be back.”
They immediately went back to the wedding plans. It would be a simple wedding yet perfect. There would be only family and close friends, maybe fifty people. Mark would have Jeff as his best man, and Katie would get her best friend Marie to be her maid-of-honor. They had been friends since college and talked almost everyday but hadn’t seen each other in over a year because Marie lived in Florida. That would be all of the wedding party. It would be very simple.
About thirty minutes later, the doctor returned. “Okay you two, here it is. Everything looks good so far. Mark, we will keep you until tomorrow. After lunch we’ll run the test again. If everything is fine, you can be home in time for dinner.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Mark and Katie said almost in unison.
“Well, you two enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Mark and Katie kissed and then Katie called the ranch to share the news. They had pretty much finalized the wedding plans over dinner. After they finished eating, Mark looked at Katie, “Honey, you look worn out. Why don’t you go home and get some real sleep?”
“I’ll be okay. I want to stay with you.”
“Katie, I am fine. Please go home and get some rest.”
“Are you sure Mark?”
“Yes sweetie, please.”
“Okay, I’ll be back first thing in the morning. I love you”
“I love you too hun. See you in the morning.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and headed home. She didn’t realize how tired she was until she got home. She headed straight for bed and didn’t wake up until 8:30 the next morning. Very quickly she got ready, grabbed a bite to eat, and went back to the hospital. It was almost 10:30 when she arrived. Mark had already finished his breakfast when she walked in.
“Well, good morin’ beautiful. Sleep well?”
“Yes, I slept like a log.”
“You look much better. The doctor was just in. He stopped by to see how I was feeling.”
“How do you feel?”
“I feel wonderful and that’s what I told him. He said that was a good sign, and he’d see me after lunch.”
“I am glad. You are ready to go home I guess?”
“You better believe it.”
Mark and Katie just kept talking and before they knew it their lunches were brought in. Just like he promised, right after lunch the doctor came in.
“Mark, you ready?”
“Ready? I have been waiting for this ever since yesterday.”
“Okay, well off we go. Katie, I’ll have him in back in an hour or so.”
“Please take care of him.”
Katie decided to go for a walk while she waited. She walked around for about an hour before returning to the room. They were just wheeling Mark in when she got back.
“Well, that was good timing,” the doctor said. “Give me about thirty minutes to get all the results.”
Mark began telling Katie what all they did to him and that he thought everything went well. Then he started telling her a joke the doctor told him. Mark said the punch line just as the doctor walked in.
“Stealing my material I see.”
“Yeah, sorry doc. It was a good one.”
“Hey, laugh on. Mark, my friend, you have passed with flying colors. I can’t believe that I am saying this only six days after the accident, but you are going home. Now don’t get all excited yet. There are rules”
“That’s fine Doc. Anything you say, just get me out of here.”
“Okay, here goes. Katie, will make sure you follow them. Number one, no heavy lifting or hard work until I tell you differently. Second, no more riding horses for a while, especially Coal Miner. Also, you must keep the neck brace on at all times and the sling for you shoulder. Last, I want to see you again in two weeks for your check-up.”
“Doc, I can handle that and you are right in saying that Katie will make sure I follow them. You won’t have to worry.”
“Good, now just sign your papers and you can get dressed and go.”
Mark signed the papers and told the doctor bye. Katie helped him get dressed. Together they slowly walked out of the hospital. Mark was glad he was going home and so was Katie. Everyone back on the ranch was waiting for him also. They had planned a big welcome home dinner. Mark knew now more than ever that there was no place like home.
Chapter 24
Mark slowly recovered from the accident. He endured several months of therapy. Finally about two months before the wedding, he was released from doctor’s care and had made a full recovery.
As the wedding grew closer, Katie knew she had to do something about Billy’s will. She decided to take it to his parents. That part of her life was behind her, and she was ready to move on. They were grateful to get it and thanked her for all she had done.
Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. It was a perfect fall day. The sun was shining, the leaves were spectacular, and everyone was ready. Katie couldn’t wait. She was ready when her father knocked on the door.
“Well Princess, it’s time. Are you ready?”
“I have been waiting for the day Daddy.”
“Everything is in place. Let’s go”
Katie walked with her father down the steps and out the front door. As they reached the aisle, Katie looked at Mark who was already crying. She knew this was the perfect day.
The ceremony was beautiful as Mark and Katie expressed their love to each other. Everyone could see they truly loved each other, especially at the reception during the first dance. There was just something about the way they looked at each other. There was no doubt they were truly happy.
On their honeymoon, they went on a five-day Caribbean Cruise. This had long been a dream of Katie’s. They had a wonderful time. It was all Katie had ever dreamed. Her life was now complete.
The cruise soon ended, but Mark and Katie’s love didn’t. They returned to the ranch as much in love as ever. Even there everyone could tell they were deeply in love.
Mark did little things for Katie that she just loved. He brought flowers for no reason, cooked for her, and all the little things that a woman just loves. Katie knew she had found the perfect man for her, and now they could live happily ever after.
About six months after the wedding, Mark decided that it was time to get back in the saddle and finally break Coal Miner. He hadn’t ridden him since the accident. Katie, of course, didn’t like the idea but knew there was no changing his mind.
It was January and it was rather cold outside. Shortly after lunch, Mark kissed Katie and said, “It’s time.” Katie reluctantly let him go and followed him out on the porch to watch.
Mark slowly walked into the ring with Coal Miner. He worked with him for quite sometime before trying to ride him. When he finally did start to climb on his back, Katie begins to pray that it wouldn’t happen again. Mark got on and hung on for dear life.
Coal Miner began running, jumping, and bucking just as hard as before. Mark somehow managed to stay put. After about twenty minutes, Coal Miner began to settle down and Mark broke him. He told Katie that he was going to take him for a ride and started off across the meadow.
It was dinnertime before he returned. Mark told her that Coal Miner was going to be the best horse he ever had. Katie was just glad Mark didn’t get hurt again or even killed trying to break him. Now they could live in peace and have a happy life.
Chapter 25
The next day after lunch, Mark and Katie were sitting by the fire. Suddenly there was a pounding knock at the door. Mark opened the door to find Katie’s father in a frantic state.
“Hello Mark. Is Katie here?”
“Yes, please come in. Are you okay?”
Mr. Warren ran over the Katie. “Katie honey, they know!”
“Daddy slow down. Who knows what?”
“The police, they know Katie!”
“Wait Daddy. The police know what?”
“Katie, do you remember the trouble I was in with that case? Well that was only part of the story. There never really was a trial. I tampered with evidence and some other things to keep my client out of court and the case from continuing. They found out and I was put on trial. Now they continued with my client’s case and they know the truth.”
“Well Daddy, you have had your punishment and you are okay.”
“No, Katie, you don’t understand. Katie, they know the truth about Billy’s death. They know who did it. I am sorry, Katie. I tried to stop them but I couldn’t. They found everything. The plans, the letters, the money receipts. EVERYTHING! They are on their way here. That’s why I came here as fast as I could.”
“Daddy, they can’t know. It is impossible for them to know.”
“No, Katie, believe me, they know. They found more evidence just before I was discovered. They made sure it didn’t get out. Katie, I am sorry. I never meant it to end up like this. I hope you can forgive me.”
When he finished there was another knock at the door. Katie slowly made her way to the door. As she opened it, she saw several police officers and even some military police.
“Hello, ma’am I am Lt. Matthews of the FBI. Are you Katie Warren-Dean?”
“Well, yes sir, I am. What can I do for you Lt.?”
“Ma’am, I am sorry to have to do this. Mrs. Dean, you are under arrest for the plotting and masterminding the murder of Lt. William Jones.”
**As a side note. I originally ended the book here but after thinking it over decided I didn't want it to end like that. So, Luckily there are now several more chapters. I'll post them soon as I already have several more edited and have time to finished them myself!
It was a little over an hour before Mark came back. The doctor was right behind him. “Mark, Katie, it will be a little while longer before I have all the results, but as soon as I do, I’ll be back.”
They immediately went back to the wedding plans. It would be a simple wedding yet perfect. There would be only family and close friends, maybe fifty people. Mark would have Jeff as his best man, and Katie would get her best friend Marie to be her maid-of-honor. They had been friends since college and talked almost everyday but hadn’t seen each other in over a year because Marie lived in Florida. That would be all of the wedding party. It would be very simple.
About thirty minutes later, the doctor returned. “Okay you two, here it is. Everything looks good so far. Mark, we will keep you until tomorrow. After lunch we’ll run the test again. If everything is fine, you can be home in time for dinner.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Mark and Katie said almost in unison.
“Well, you two enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Mark and Katie kissed and then Katie called the ranch to share the news. They had pretty much finalized the wedding plans over dinner. After they finished eating, Mark looked at Katie, “Honey, you look worn out. Why don’t you go home and get some real sleep?”
“I’ll be okay. I want to stay with you.”
“Katie, I am fine. Please go home and get some rest.”
“Are you sure Mark?”
“Yes sweetie, please.”
“Okay, I’ll be back first thing in the morning. I love you”
“I love you too hun. See you in the morning.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and headed home. She didn’t realize how tired she was until she got home. She headed straight for bed and didn’t wake up until 8:30 the next morning. Very quickly she got ready, grabbed a bite to eat, and went back to the hospital. It was almost 10:30 when she arrived. Mark had already finished his breakfast when she walked in.
“Well, good morin’ beautiful. Sleep well?”
“Yes, I slept like a log.”
“You look much better. The doctor was just in. He stopped by to see how I was feeling.”
“How do you feel?”
“I feel wonderful and that’s what I told him. He said that was a good sign, and he’d see me after lunch.”
“I am glad. You are ready to go home I guess?”
“You better believe it.”
Mark and Katie just kept talking and before they knew it their lunches were brought in. Just like he promised, right after lunch the doctor came in.
“Mark, you ready?”
“Ready? I have been waiting for this ever since yesterday.”
“Okay, well off we go. Katie, I’ll have him in back in an hour or so.”
“Please take care of him.”
Katie decided to go for a walk while she waited. She walked around for about an hour before returning to the room. They were just wheeling Mark in when she got back.
“Well, that was good timing,” the doctor said. “Give me about thirty minutes to get all the results.”
Mark began telling Katie what all they did to him and that he thought everything went well. Then he started telling her a joke the doctor told him. Mark said the punch line just as the doctor walked in.
“Stealing my material I see.”
“Yeah, sorry doc. It was a good one.”
“Hey, laugh on. Mark, my friend, you have passed with flying colors. I can’t believe that I am saying this only six days after the accident, but you are going home. Now don’t get all excited yet. There are rules”
“That’s fine Doc. Anything you say, just get me out of here.”
“Okay, here goes. Katie, will make sure you follow them. Number one, no heavy lifting or hard work until I tell you differently. Second, no more riding horses for a while, especially Coal Miner. Also, you must keep the neck brace on at all times and the sling for you shoulder. Last, I want to see you again in two weeks for your check-up.”
“Doc, I can handle that and you are right in saying that Katie will make sure I follow them. You won’t have to worry.”
“Good, now just sign your papers and you can get dressed and go.”
Mark signed the papers and told the doctor bye. Katie helped him get dressed. Together they slowly walked out of the hospital. Mark was glad he was going home and so was Katie. Everyone back on the ranch was waiting for him also. They had planned a big welcome home dinner. Mark knew now more than ever that there was no place like home.
Chapter 24
Mark slowly recovered from the accident. He endured several months of therapy. Finally about two months before the wedding, he was released from doctor’s care and had made a full recovery.
As the wedding grew closer, Katie knew she had to do something about Billy’s will. She decided to take it to his parents. That part of her life was behind her, and she was ready to move on. They were grateful to get it and thanked her for all she had done.
Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. It was a perfect fall day. The sun was shining, the leaves were spectacular, and everyone was ready. Katie couldn’t wait. She was ready when her father knocked on the door.
“Well Princess, it’s time. Are you ready?”
“I have been waiting for the day Daddy.”
“Everything is in place. Let’s go”
Katie walked with her father down the steps and out the front door. As they reached the aisle, Katie looked at Mark who was already crying. She knew this was the perfect day.
The ceremony was beautiful as Mark and Katie expressed their love to each other. Everyone could see they truly loved each other, especially at the reception during the first dance. There was just something about the way they looked at each other. There was no doubt they were truly happy.
On their honeymoon, they went on a five-day Caribbean Cruise. This had long been a dream of Katie’s. They had a wonderful time. It was all Katie had ever dreamed. Her life was now complete.
The cruise soon ended, but Mark and Katie’s love didn’t. They returned to the ranch as much in love as ever. Even there everyone could tell they were deeply in love.
Mark did little things for Katie that she just loved. He brought flowers for no reason, cooked for her, and all the little things that a woman just loves. Katie knew she had found the perfect man for her, and now they could live happily ever after.
About six months after the wedding, Mark decided that it was time to get back in the saddle and finally break Coal Miner. He hadn’t ridden him since the accident. Katie, of course, didn’t like the idea but knew there was no changing his mind.
It was January and it was rather cold outside. Shortly after lunch, Mark kissed Katie and said, “It’s time.” Katie reluctantly let him go and followed him out on the porch to watch.
Mark slowly walked into the ring with Coal Miner. He worked with him for quite sometime before trying to ride him. When he finally did start to climb on his back, Katie begins to pray that it wouldn’t happen again. Mark got on and hung on for dear life.
Coal Miner began running, jumping, and bucking just as hard as before. Mark somehow managed to stay put. After about twenty minutes, Coal Miner began to settle down and Mark broke him. He told Katie that he was going to take him for a ride and started off across the meadow.
It was dinnertime before he returned. Mark told her that Coal Miner was going to be the best horse he ever had. Katie was just glad Mark didn’t get hurt again or even killed trying to break him. Now they could live in peace and have a happy life.
Chapter 25
The next day after lunch, Mark and Katie were sitting by the fire. Suddenly there was a pounding knock at the door. Mark opened the door to find Katie’s father in a frantic state.
“Hello Mark. Is Katie here?”
“Yes, please come in. Are you okay?”
Mr. Warren ran over the Katie. “Katie honey, they know!”
“Daddy slow down. Who knows what?”
“The police, they know Katie!”
“Wait Daddy. The police know what?”
“Katie, do you remember the trouble I was in with that case? Well that was only part of the story. There never really was a trial. I tampered with evidence and some other things to keep my client out of court and the case from continuing. They found out and I was put on trial. Now they continued with my client’s case and they know the truth.”
“Well Daddy, you have had your punishment and you are okay.”
“No, Katie, you don’t understand. Katie, they know the truth about Billy’s death. They know who did it. I am sorry, Katie. I tried to stop them but I couldn’t. They found everything. The plans, the letters, the money receipts. EVERYTHING! They are on their way here. That’s why I came here as fast as I could.”
“Daddy, they can’t know. It is impossible for them to know.”
“No, Katie, believe me, they know. They found more evidence just before I was discovered. They made sure it didn’t get out. Katie, I am sorry. I never meant it to end up like this. I hope you can forgive me.”
When he finished there was another knock at the door. Katie slowly made her way to the door. As she opened it, she saw several police officers and even some military police.
“Hello, ma’am I am Lt. Matthews of the FBI. Are you Katie Warren-Dean?”
“Well, yes sir, I am. What can I do for you Lt.?”
“Ma’am, I am sorry to have to do this. Mrs. Dean, you are under arrest for the plotting and masterminding the murder of Lt. William Jones.”
**As a side note. I originally ended the book here but after thinking it over decided I didn't want it to end like that. So, Luckily there are now several more chapters. I'll post them soon as I already have several more edited and have time to finished them myself!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Chapter 22
Chapter 22
“Oh sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Katie laughed, “Oh it’s okay. How is he Doc?”
“Katie, things are looking good. He’s holding up. Just need him to get out of the darn coma. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Thanks Doc. Jeff, I don’t know how much longer I can take this. What if he never wakes up?” Katie started to cry.
Jeff put his arms around her and she buried her head on his shoulder. “Katie, he’ll be okay. He’ll wake up. Believe me, he wouldn’t leave you for anything.”
They stood there for a few minutes. Finally Katie spoke up. “Thanks, Jeff, I can always count on you.” He kissed her on the forehead. Then from across the room they heard very faintly, “Katie? Katie?”
“Jeff, is that him?”
“I think so, go check.”
Katie walked over and there were Mark’s beautiful baby blues looking up at her. He looked and her and smiled. Katie leaned down and kissed him. “Jeff, go get the doctor.” Katie couldn’t believe it. He was awake. “Mark, honey, how do you feel?”
“Okay, I guess. Just great to see that wonderful face.”
The doctor came in. “Well, we must have some happy people in this room. Hello Mark. I am Doctor Chadwell. How do you feel?”
“Well, my head hurts pretty bad, my shoulder hurts, my side and my back too.”
“That is understandable, but I am glad to hear that you feel everything. I’ll give you something for the pain.”
“Doc, can I take this stupid neck brace off?”
“I’m afraid not Mark. You have a cracked vertebra and we had to repair it. You’ll have to wear it for several weeks.” The doctor left to get Mark’s pain medicine.
“Mark, sweetheart, do you remember what happened?”
“I remember giving you a kiss on the porch, and you telling me to be careful. Then I remember getting on Coal Miner and that’s about it.”
“Well, Coal Miner really threw you off and hurt you pretty bad. That was about four days ago.”
“Wow! I have been out that long?”
“Yes, oh and Jeff is here.”
“Hey Jeff. You keeping everyone in line at the ranch?”
“You bet pal. Speaking of which I gotta get back. I’ll tell everyone the great news. Katie, keep us informed.”
“Sure will Jeff. Thanks again. Bye.”
As Jeff was leaving, the doctor came back in. “Okay, Mark, here is your pain medicine. It goes into your I V, so it will take a few minutes to work.”
“Thanks doc. So how am I?”
“Well, we need to run a series of tests to make sure there is no permanent brain damage and also check the swelling. If all is well, you could go home in a couple of days.”
“That’s great!”
“Tell you what Mark, you rest, visit with Katie, and get something to eat, and we’ll get started after lunch.”
“Sounds great. See ya doc.”
Mark and Katie just sat there and talked until their lunches were brought in. Over lunch, which consisted of delicious hospital food, they started discussing the wedding. They already had a date set of October 20. They both loved fall and the changing leaves. What better way to begin their lives together than an outside wedding on the ranch among all the fall foliage.
It was now February 22. Katie had about eight months to plan. She already had the general idea of what she wanted but had to bring it all together. It would be a beautiful wedding. They were discussing it when the doctor came in to take Mark for his test. “I’ll have him back to you in a jiffy Katie.”
“Oh sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Katie laughed, “Oh it’s okay. How is he Doc?”
“Katie, things are looking good. He’s holding up. Just need him to get out of the darn coma. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Thanks Doc. Jeff, I don’t know how much longer I can take this. What if he never wakes up?” Katie started to cry.
Jeff put his arms around her and she buried her head on his shoulder. “Katie, he’ll be okay. He’ll wake up. Believe me, he wouldn’t leave you for anything.”
They stood there for a few minutes. Finally Katie spoke up. “Thanks, Jeff, I can always count on you.” He kissed her on the forehead. Then from across the room they heard very faintly, “Katie? Katie?”
“Jeff, is that him?”
“I think so, go check.”
Katie walked over and there were Mark’s beautiful baby blues looking up at her. He looked and her and smiled. Katie leaned down and kissed him. “Jeff, go get the doctor.” Katie couldn’t believe it. He was awake. “Mark, honey, how do you feel?”
“Okay, I guess. Just great to see that wonderful face.”
The doctor came in. “Well, we must have some happy people in this room. Hello Mark. I am Doctor Chadwell. How do you feel?”
“Well, my head hurts pretty bad, my shoulder hurts, my side and my back too.”
“That is understandable, but I am glad to hear that you feel everything. I’ll give you something for the pain.”
“Doc, can I take this stupid neck brace off?”
“I’m afraid not Mark. You have a cracked vertebra and we had to repair it. You’ll have to wear it for several weeks.” The doctor left to get Mark’s pain medicine.
“Mark, sweetheart, do you remember what happened?”
“I remember giving you a kiss on the porch, and you telling me to be careful. Then I remember getting on Coal Miner and that’s about it.”
“Well, Coal Miner really threw you off and hurt you pretty bad. That was about four days ago.”
“Wow! I have been out that long?”
“Yes, oh and Jeff is here.”
“Hey Jeff. You keeping everyone in line at the ranch?”
“You bet pal. Speaking of which I gotta get back. I’ll tell everyone the great news. Katie, keep us informed.”
“Sure will Jeff. Thanks again. Bye.”
As Jeff was leaving, the doctor came back in. “Okay, Mark, here is your pain medicine. It goes into your I V, so it will take a few minutes to work.”
“Thanks doc. So how am I?”
“Well, we need to run a series of tests to make sure there is no permanent brain damage and also check the swelling. If all is well, you could go home in a couple of days.”
“That’s great!”
“Tell you what Mark, you rest, visit with Katie, and get something to eat, and we’ll get started after lunch.”
“Sounds great. See ya doc.”
Mark and Katie just sat there and talked until their lunches were brought in. Over lunch, which consisted of delicious hospital food, they started discussing the wedding. They already had a date set of October 20. They both loved fall and the changing leaves. What better way to begin their lives together than an outside wedding on the ranch among all the fall foliage.
It was now February 22. Katie had about eight months to plan. She already had the general idea of what she wanted but had to bring it all together. It would be a beautiful wedding. They were discussing it when the doctor came in to take Mark for his test. “I’ll have him back to you in a jiffy Katie.”
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Chapters 20 & 21
Chapter 20
The doctor came in about nine o’clock. “Morning Katie. Sleep well?”
“Morning doctor. I slept about as well as I could.”
“Well, I understand that. We are going to take him for more tests in a few minutes.”
“Okay, I’ll go for a walk and be back later.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and went out for a walk. She walked up and down the halls and then outside for some fresh air. After about an hour, Katie decided to go back in. When she got back to the room, Mark hadn’t returned from the tests yet. She sat down to read and after a few minutes the doctor came in with Mark.
“Well Katie, I have good news and bad news. Good news is the swelling has not increased. Bad news is that it hasn’t gone down.”
“What does that mean doctor?”
“It means he isn’t getting any worse but he isn’t getting better either. There should be one or the other. If something doesn’t happen in the next 12 hours, we will have to go in and see why.”
Katie knew that things couldn’t be good. She knew something had to change. She decided she needed to get away from the hospital for awhile, so she headed back to the ranch. She would go spend the day there, eat dinner, and then be back before the next round of tests. She told the nurse, and they promised to call if anything changed. Katie called for a taxi to take her back to the ranch. It was about a 30-minute drive. She arrived at the ranch just before lunch. Everyone was glad to see her.
Katie filled them in on what the doctor said. They decided to say a special prayer for Mark before lunch. Katie enjoyed everyone’s company and seemed to get her mind off Mark a bit. After lunch, she helped Sue clean up the kitchen and then went out for a horseback ride.
Katie rode back to the river to where Billy’s ‘hide-out’ was. She looked at the tree where she saw the ribbon before, and now there was a bright red ribbon on it. Katie thought it strange, so she crossed the river for a better look.
As she looked at the ribbon she saw written in black letters, “BILLY LOVES KATIE.” Katie didn’t need this now. She had just put Billy behind her, and now what was this? She looked down on the ground and there was fresh dirt as if there was something just buried there. Katie started digging. After a few minutes she uncovered a metal box.
Immediately Katie took it out and opened it. Inside was an envelope with Billy’s name on it. Katie pulled it open to find out what it was. As she read the paper inside, it said, “LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.” She knew this couldn’t be right. Billy didn’t have time to write a will. She looked to see what lawyer had done it and decided she would pay him a visit as soon as things with Mark were better. She looked at her watch and realized it was almost dinnertime, so she rode back to the ranch. Katie didn’t tell anyone about finding the will. She decided no one needed to know. After a good dinner, Katie got in the truck and went back to the hospital to check on Mark.
Chapter 21
When Katie got back to the hospital, the nurse said the doctor had been waiting on her to get back. She said for her to go on in Mark’s room, and she would tell the doctor she was back. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
“Hello Katie. I hope you enjoyed your break. I am glad you took it. I waited on you to get back before running the tests again. I want you to go with me this time so I can show you what is going on. So if you are ready, let’s go.”
“Well, okay doctor, I’d like that.” Katie went with the doctor, nurse, and Mark down for the CAT Scan. She watched as they carefully put Mark on the table. The doctor came back into the room where she was watching through the window.
“Okay, Katie. What we are going to do is turn this on and it will take him into that tube and take a picture of his brain. He’ll be in there for a couple of minutes and then we will get the pictures and compare it to the one I took this morning.”
He pushed a few buttons and Mark moved into the tube. After a few minutes, he came back out. Two men went in and put Mark back onto his bed and rolled him back to his room.
“Katie, I want you to stay with me a few minutes so I can show you the pictures.”
“Sure doctor.”
“Okay let me go get them. I’ll be right back.” He left for a bit and then came back with the pictures. “Okay, now here are the ones from this morning. Look right here. See where this dark area is? That is the swelling. It should be clear. Now let’s look at the ones from now. What do you see, Katie?”
“Well, it looks like the dark area is smaller.”
“Right. That means the swelling is going down.”
“Really? That’s great. That means he’s going to be okay, right?”
“He isn’t out of the woods yet. He is still in a coma and could still have some brain damage from the swelling, but this is a good sign.”
“What now Doc?”
“We hope that the swelling continues to go down and it should now. Also, we hope that he comes out of the coma. When he does we can tell if there is any permanent damage. Katie, he’s got a great chance of making a full recovery.”
Hearing that made Katie jump for joy inside. As she walked back to Mark’s room, she thanked God for what He had done. She also prayed for his continued recovery. When she got to his room, Katie kissed Mark and said, “You’re going to be okay sweetheart.” She called the ranch and told them the good news. They were all very glad to hear.
Katie spent the night again at the hospital. She just knew that Mark would wake up soon. And she wanted to be there. She sat in her chair and just watched him for hours until she fell asleep.
The next morning the nurse woke her up for breakfast. Katie ate, then showered and changed. While she was reading the paper, Jeff walked in. “Hey beautiful. How is he?”
“Well, the doctor hasn’t come in yet but it shouldn’t be too long. Have a seat.”
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Well, as good as could be expected. I mean it isn’t comfortable sleeping in a chair or even the hospital cot they gave me, but I am fine.”
“Everyone misses him and you, so you better get back before too long.”
“Oh, believe me, I want to but I am not leaving him.”
“I understand.” Just as Jeff hugged Katie, the doctor walked in.
The doctor came in about nine o’clock. “Morning Katie. Sleep well?”
“Morning doctor. I slept about as well as I could.”
“Well, I understand that. We are going to take him for more tests in a few minutes.”
“Okay, I’ll go for a walk and be back later.”
Katie gave Mark a kiss and went out for a walk. She walked up and down the halls and then outside for some fresh air. After about an hour, Katie decided to go back in. When she got back to the room, Mark hadn’t returned from the tests yet. She sat down to read and after a few minutes the doctor came in with Mark.
“Well Katie, I have good news and bad news. Good news is the swelling has not increased. Bad news is that it hasn’t gone down.”
“What does that mean doctor?”
“It means he isn’t getting any worse but he isn’t getting better either. There should be one or the other. If something doesn’t happen in the next 12 hours, we will have to go in and see why.”
Katie knew that things couldn’t be good. She knew something had to change. She decided she needed to get away from the hospital for awhile, so she headed back to the ranch. She would go spend the day there, eat dinner, and then be back before the next round of tests. She told the nurse, and they promised to call if anything changed. Katie called for a taxi to take her back to the ranch. It was about a 30-minute drive. She arrived at the ranch just before lunch. Everyone was glad to see her.
Katie filled them in on what the doctor said. They decided to say a special prayer for Mark before lunch. Katie enjoyed everyone’s company and seemed to get her mind off Mark a bit. After lunch, she helped Sue clean up the kitchen and then went out for a horseback ride.
Katie rode back to the river to where Billy’s ‘hide-out’ was. She looked at the tree where she saw the ribbon before, and now there was a bright red ribbon on it. Katie thought it strange, so she crossed the river for a better look.
As she looked at the ribbon she saw written in black letters, “BILLY LOVES KATIE.” Katie didn’t need this now. She had just put Billy behind her, and now what was this? She looked down on the ground and there was fresh dirt as if there was something just buried there. Katie started digging. After a few minutes she uncovered a metal box.
Immediately Katie took it out and opened it. Inside was an envelope with Billy’s name on it. Katie pulled it open to find out what it was. As she read the paper inside, it said, “LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.” She knew this couldn’t be right. Billy didn’t have time to write a will. She looked to see what lawyer had done it and decided she would pay him a visit as soon as things with Mark were better. She looked at her watch and realized it was almost dinnertime, so she rode back to the ranch. Katie didn’t tell anyone about finding the will. She decided no one needed to know. After a good dinner, Katie got in the truck and went back to the hospital to check on Mark.
Chapter 21
When Katie got back to the hospital, the nurse said the doctor had been waiting on her to get back. She said for her to go on in Mark’s room, and she would tell the doctor she was back. After a few minutes the doctor came in.
“Hello Katie. I hope you enjoyed your break. I am glad you took it. I waited on you to get back before running the tests again. I want you to go with me this time so I can show you what is going on. So if you are ready, let’s go.”
“Well, okay doctor, I’d like that.” Katie went with the doctor, nurse, and Mark down for the CAT Scan. She watched as they carefully put Mark on the table. The doctor came back into the room where she was watching through the window.
“Okay, Katie. What we are going to do is turn this on and it will take him into that tube and take a picture of his brain. He’ll be in there for a couple of minutes and then we will get the pictures and compare it to the one I took this morning.”
He pushed a few buttons and Mark moved into the tube. After a few minutes, he came back out. Two men went in and put Mark back onto his bed and rolled him back to his room.
“Katie, I want you to stay with me a few minutes so I can show you the pictures.”
“Sure doctor.”
“Okay let me go get them. I’ll be right back.” He left for a bit and then came back with the pictures. “Okay, now here are the ones from this morning. Look right here. See where this dark area is? That is the swelling. It should be clear. Now let’s look at the ones from now. What do you see, Katie?”
“Well, it looks like the dark area is smaller.”
“Right. That means the swelling is going down.”
“Really? That’s great. That means he’s going to be okay, right?”
“He isn’t out of the woods yet. He is still in a coma and could still have some brain damage from the swelling, but this is a good sign.”
“What now Doc?”
“We hope that the swelling continues to go down and it should now. Also, we hope that he comes out of the coma. When he does we can tell if there is any permanent damage. Katie, he’s got a great chance of making a full recovery.”
Hearing that made Katie jump for joy inside. As she walked back to Mark’s room, she thanked God for what He had done. She also prayed for his continued recovery. When she got to his room, Katie kissed Mark and said, “You’re going to be okay sweetheart.” She called the ranch and told them the good news. They were all very glad to hear.
Katie spent the night again at the hospital. She just knew that Mark would wake up soon. And she wanted to be there. She sat in her chair and just watched him for hours until she fell asleep.
The next morning the nurse woke her up for breakfast. Katie ate, then showered and changed. While she was reading the paper, Jeff walked in. “Hey beautiful. How is he?”
“Well, the doctor hasn’t come in yet but it shouldn’t be too long. Have a seat.”
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Well, as good as could be expected. I mean it isn’t comfortable sleeping in a chair or even the hospital cot they gave me, but I am fine.”
“Everyone misses him and you, so you better get back before too long.”
“Oh, believe me, I want to but I am not leaving him.”
“I understand.” Just as Jeff hugged Katie, the doctor walked in.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Chapter 17, 18, & 19
Chapter 17
Several days passed with nothing unusual happening on the ranch. Then, Katie’s father called.
“Well Princess, the good news is that I am not going to jail. However, the bad news is that my license was suspended for 10 years, I have to pay $50,000 in fines, and do 500 hours of community service.”
“Daddy I am just glad to hear that you aren’t going to jail. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you never told me any details of your client’s case.”
“Katie, I would like to tell you but I am afraid that you couldn’t handle it. As I said it was and is a very delicate case. Besides you’ll hear about it soon enough. So anything new with you?”
“Actually, there is! Mark and I are engaged!”
“Really? That’s great. Made any plans yet?”
“No, it just happened a few days ago. Daddy, why don’t you come out here for a visit? I would love it and am sure Mark wants to meet you.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’d love to meet him and it would get my mind off of things.”
“How about lunch Saturday?”
“Sounds great. I’ll be there. See you then.”
“Okay Daddy. Bye.”
Katie was glad he was coming, and when she told Mark, he was glad to finally get a chance to meet him. Katie talked about him so much that Mark knew he would like him. They both couldn’t wait until Saturday.
That next evening, Katie and Mark had one of their talks. They realized they had never sat down and told each other about their lives. So they did just that. Katie told Mark all about her mother’s death and then meeting Billy, college, and the engagement. Everything really seemed to interest him. Then Mark starting telling Katie his life.
“Mine wasn’t quite as good as yours. I had a pretty rough life. My father was an alcoholic, and I didn’t know who my mother was until I was 18. My father abused me as a child, physically and verbally. When I was nine my father came home drunk as a dog. I was watching TV. Something had happened earlier that made him mad, so he decided to take it out on me. He beat me literally half to death and probably would have killed me had a neighbor not called the police.” Mark was beginning to cry.
Katie looked at him compassionately, “Mark, if you can’t tell me that’s okay.”
“No, I think you should know. I want you to know.” So he continued. “The police came and arrested my father and took me to the hospital. After several weeks, I made a full recovery and was placed in foster care. I spent two years there until Mr. Jones, Billy’s grandfather, took me in. I lived here and worked for him. He taught me everything I know. When I turned 18, I began looking for my mother. In a few months, she was found.
My mother explained to me the reasons for my childhood. When she had me, she and my father were not married, as she was a minor. She had a choice to either put me up for adoption or allow my father to take me. My father promised that when she was of age they would get married if he were allowed to keep me. She allowed him to take me for this reason. Her parents then moved her across the country and would not allow contact with my father. After a while she had no idea where my father had taken me. She tried to find us but had no luck. After I was put into foster care, it was impossible for her to find me until I was able to initiate the contact when I turned 18. She was a great, loving woman and had married a wonderful man. They became a big part of my life.
I moved in with them when Mr. Jones became ill and then died. Mr. Jones left me money to go to college so I did. My new mom and dad were great. I loved them both and they really showed me what loved is and what a family is all about. After I finished school, where I got a degree in Business and Electronics, I got a job working with computers. I didn’t like it much because my passion was with horses. I worked there for about two years and then I came here to work for you.”
“Wow, Mark I had no idea. I thought growing up with a lawyer and doctor was hard. You’re just lucky to have grown up.”
“Yes, God was watching over me and now is giving me my reward for being faithful.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“Why, the most beautiful woman in the world not to mention the sweetest.”
“Well, thank you future Mr. Katie Warren.”
“Hey, watch it now.”
With that they laughed and kissed. Mark held Katie in his strong loving arms until they both fell asleep.
They woke up the next morning glad to see the other was still there. It was Saturday so there was no great rush to get work done. Katie didn’t give lessons on Saturday and the only work the ranch hands did was feed. After Katie showered and changed, she began preparing for her father’s visit.
Mark made sure the hands fed the animals, showered and changed, then began helping Katie. About 11:30 Katie and Mark were sitting on the porch when Katie saw her father’s car coming up the long drive to the ranch.
Chapter 18
Katie ran out to greet her father with a hug. She then introduced Mark. Mr. Warren and Mark instantly hit it off. They talked all through lunch. Every so often they would ask Katie something but that was about it. She didn’t mind though. She was glad to see them getting along so well.
Finally about 3 o’clock, Mark said he had something he needed to do. He said goodbye to Mr. Warren, gave Katie a kiss, and left. Mr. Warren said, “Well, Princess, you sure know how to pick ’em. You should feel blessed to find Mr. Right twice.”
“Thank you Daddy and I do. I still can’t believe it. Deep inside, I still love Billy, but Mark makes me forget all about all of that.”
“That’s good. I never found that after your mother died. You know Katie that I have tried to help you with Billy’s case whether you realize it or not. I am sorry to say I haven’t been much help.”
“It’s okay Daddy. I understand. Forget about that. Hey let’s go for a walk and enjoy this beautiful landscape.”
Katie and her father walked around the ranch property just talking and having fun. About 5 o’clock he told her that he needed to be getting back home. He told her bye and that he loved her. Katie told him to come by any time. With that he got in his car and started for home.
Around 7 o’clock Mark returned.
“Where have you been sweetheart?”
“Oh, just out looking at some horses.”
“Find any good ones?”
“As a matter of fact I did and I bought three. I have to take the trailer up Monday and pick ‘em up.”
“That’s good. You must be starved. Let’s eat.”
Mark and Katie had a nice supper. They talked about the wedding and possibilities on how it should be. No definite plans were made but at least they were getting started.
Monday morning, Mark left to get the horses. He arrived back at the ranch just before lunch.
Katie went out to see the horses.
“Well hun, there they are, the newest additions. Now one is a little on the wild side, but once I get him trained, he will be great.”
Katie watched the horses in the corral. They were beautiful. Then she saw which one Mark was talking about. It was a beautiful black Stallion and one of the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. It was running around bucking and kicking like crazy. “Mark, please tell me you aren’t gonna try to ride that horse. He’ll kill ya.”
“No, I am not gonna try to ride him, I am going to ride him and I am gonna start right after lunch.”
“Mark, please be careful and don’t let him hurt you.”
“Don’t worry, my love.”
After lunch, Mark gathered all his riding gear and went to work with the stallion. He decided that before he did anything, that he must name him. He asked Katie to help him think of a good name. After throwing several names at each other, they finally decided to call him Coal Miner, since he was black as coal and had a tough attitude.
Katie went out on the porch to watch Mark try to break him. Before he left, she gave him a kiss and told him again to be careful. He smiled and headed to the corral.
Several of the hands were standing around to watch and help. Mark slowly climbed onto Coal Miner’s back. The horse was pinned into the bucking shoot just like a bull at the rodeo. When Mark got on, Coal Miner jumped and jolted a few times, then Mark signaled the guys to open the shoot.
Coal Miner came flying out, bucking and kicking like a crazy horse. Mark hung on as tightly as he could. He held on for a good five minutes. The tighter he held, the harder the horse bucked. Mark was doing well. Then all of the sudden Coal Miner went loco. Mark held as tight as he could, but the horse threw him off. Mark went flying about ten feet in the air, broke the fence, and hit the ground with a loud thud.
Katie came running up to him with tears in her eyes. “Mark! Mark! Are you okay? Mark, can you hear me?” He was knocked out cold. Katie could see that he wasn’t moving and that he was bleeding from the back of his head. She told everyone not to move him and for one of the hands to call 911.
When the ambulance arrived, they immediately loaded him and, Katie left Mark’s assistant, Jeff in charge. She hopped in the ambulance and told them she would call as the ambulance sped off to the hospital. Everyone stood around in shock. They all had tears in their eyes as they tried to get back to work.
Chapter 19
About four in the afternoon, Katie called the ranch. She told Jeff that Mark had just gotten out of surgery. Jeff asked her what all was wrong.
“Well, Jeff he is pretty bad. He had a broken shoulder, three broken ribs, a cracked vertebra, and some head trauma. They are not sure how bad the head is hurt but said he took a very hard blow. He’s in a coma.” With that Katie began to cry.
“It’s okay Katie. He’ll pull through. He’s a tough guy. God will take care of him. You want someone to come get you?”
“No. I think I am going to stay the night. I’ll call if anything changes.”
“Okay Katie. We’ll all be praying for him. I’ll come by in the morning to visit.”
“That would be good. See you then. Bye.” Katie sat in the waiting room and cried for half an hour. When she settled down, she went back to Mark’s room. She couldn’t stand to see him in that condition, hooked up to all those machines but couldn’t leave his side.
The doctor came in about seven to check on him, “Oh, hey Katie. You staying the night?”
“Yes I am. How is he?”
“Well, he is very lucky. Most men would not have lived through that.”
“Doctor, please tell me that truth. Will he come out of this?”
“Katie, it’s hard to say right now. There is swelling around the brain. He took a hard hit. We must watch more closely. If the swelling gets worse, we will have to go in and relieve the pressure. Hopefully it will not and will actually start to go down. The next 24 hours will be the tale.”
“Any idea how long he will be in a coma.”
“Well, most people come out in a day or two, some a few months, and some never. Looking at the x-rays, I feel he should come out, but as I said, the next 24 hours are very critical.”
“Thank you doctor.” Katie decided to pray. She believed strongly in the power of prayer and knew God would not take the man she loved away twice. Praying was all she really could do. She knew God could and would heal Mark. Katie prayed the rest of the evening until she fell asleep in her chair.
It was a little after eight the next morning when the nurse woke her. “Katie, would you like some breakfast?”
“Please.”
“Okay, here you are, and I brought you these to change into. I figured you might want a shower and I didn’t see a change of clothes.”
“Thank you very much.” Katie took the hospital scrubs and laid them on the bed. After eating her breakfast, she went to the bathroom and took a nice long hot shower.
Katie was sitting in her chair watching television when Jeff knocked on the door.
“Hey, Jeff, come on in.”
“Hey Katie. Nice duds.”
“Oh, thanks. The nurse gave them to me.”
“Well, Ms. Sue sent you some of your things she thought you might need, clothes and stuff.”
“Oh, tell her I said thanks.”
“So how is he?”
“Well not much change from last night. The doctor said there was some swelling around the brain and that the next 24 hours were critical, but I know he’ll make it.”
“He will Katie, don’t worry.”
Katie and Jeff just sat and talked. It was good for Katie to be away from the ranch. After a while, Jeff decided he better return and tend to things. They hugged and Jeff left.
Several days passed with nothing unusual happening on the ranch. Then, Katie’s father called.
“Well Princess, the good news is that I am not going to jail. However, the bad news is that my license was suspended for 10 years, I have to pay $50,000 in fines, and do 500 hours of community service.”
“Daddy I am just glad to hear that you aren’t going to jail. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but you never told me any details of your client’s case.”
“Katie, I would like to tell you but I am afraid that you couldn’t handle it. As I said it was and is a very delicate case. Besides you’ll hear about it soon enough. So anything new with you?”
“Actually, there is! Mark and I are engaged!”
“Really? That’s great. Made any plans yet?”
“No, it just happened a few days ago. Daddy, why don’t you come out here for a visit? I would love it and am sure Mark wants to meet you.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I’d love to meet him and it would get my mind off of things.”
“How about lunch Saturday?”
“Sounds great. I’ll be there. See you then.”
“Okay Daddy. Bye.”
Katie was glad he was coming, and when she told Mark, he was glad to finally get a chance to meet him. Katie talked about him so much that Mark knew he would like him. They both couldn’t wait until Saturday.
That next evening, Katie and Mark had one of their talks. They realized they had never sat down and told each other about their lives. So they did just that. Katie told Mark all about her mother’s death and then meeting Billy, college, and the engagement. Everything really seemed to interest him. Then Mark starting telling Katie his life.
“Mine wasn’t quite as good as yours. I had a pretty rough life. My father was an alcoholic, and I didn’t know who my mother was until I was 18. My father abused me as a child, physically and verbally. When I was nine my father came home drunk as a dog. I was watching TV. Something had happened earlier that made him mad, so he decided to take it out on me. He beat me literally half to death and probably would have killed me had a neighbor not called the police.” Mark was beginning to cry.
Katie looked at him compassionately, “Mark, if you can’t tell me that’s okay.”
“No, I think you should know. I want you to know.” So he continued. “The police came and arrested my father and took me to the hospital. After several weeks, I made a full recovery and was placed in foster care. I spent two years there until Mr. Jones, Billy’s grandfather, took me in. I lived here and worked for him. He taught me everything I know. When I turned 18, I began looking for my mother. In a few months, she was found.
My mother explained to me the reasons for my childhood. When she had me, she and my father were not married, as she was a minor. She had a choice to either put me up for adoption or allow my father to take me. My father promised that when she was of age they would get married if he were allowed to keep me. She allowed him to take me for this reason. Her parents then moved her across the country and would not allow contact with my father. After a while she had no idea where my father had taken me. She tried to find us but had no luck. After I was put into foster care, it was impossible for her to find me until I was able to initiate the contact when I turned 18. She was a great, loving woman and had married a wonderful man. They became a big part of my life.
I moved in with them when Mr. Jones became ill and then died. Mr. Jones left me money to go to college so I did. My new mom and dad were great. I loved them both and they really showed me what loved is and what a family is all about. After I finished school, where I got a degree in Business and Electronics, I got a job working with computers. I didn’t like it much because my passion was with horses. I worked there for about two years and then I came here to work for you.”
“Wow, Mark I had no idea. I thought growing up with a lawyer and doctor was hard. You’re just lucky to have grown up.”
“Yes, God was watching over me and now is giving me my reward for being faithful.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“Why, the most beautiful woman in the world not to mention the sweetest.”
“Well, thank you future Mr. Katie Warren.”
“Hey, watch it now.”
With that they laughed and kissed. Mark held Katie in his strong loving arms until they both fell asleep.
They woke up the next morning glad to see the other was still there. It was Saturday so there was no great rush to get work done. Katie didn’t give lessons on Saturday and the only work the ranch hands did was feed. After Katie showered and changed, she began preparing for her father’s visit.
Mark made sure the hands fed the animals, showered and changed, then began helping Katie. About 11:30 Katie and Mark were sitting on the porch when Katie saw her father’s car coming up the long drive to the ranch.
Chapter 18
Katie ran out to greet her father with a hug. She then introduced Mark. Mr. Warren and Mark instantly hit it off. They talked all through lunch. Every so often they would ask Katie something but that was about it. She didn’t mind though. She was glad to see them getting along so well.
Finally about 3 o’clock, Mark said he had something he needed to do. He said goodbye to Mr. Warren, gave Katie a kiss, and left. Mr. Warren said, “Well, Princess, you sure know how to pick ’em. You should feel blessed to find Mr. Right twice.”
“Thank you Daddy and I do. I still can’t believe it. Deep inside, I still love Billy, but Mark makes me forget all about all of that.”
“That’s good. I never found that after your mother died. You know Katie that I have tried to help you with Billy’s case whether you realize it or not. I am sorry to say I haven’t been much help.”
“It’s okay Daddy. I understand. Forget about that. Hey let’s go for a walk and enjoy this beautiful landscape.”
Katie and her father walked around the ranch property just talking and having fun. About 5 o’clock he told her that he needed to be getting back home. He told her bye and that he loved her. Katie told him to come by any time. With that he got in his car and started for home.
Around 7 o’clock Mark returned.
“Where have you been sweetheart?”
“Oh, just out looking at some horses.”
“Find any good ones?”
“As a matter of fact I did and I bought three. I have to take the trailer up Monday and pick ‘em up.”
“That’s good. You must be starved. Let’s eat.”
Mark and Katie had a nice supper. They talked about the wedding and possibilities on how it should be. No definite plans were made but at least they were getting started.
Monday morning, Mark left to get the horses. He arrived back at the ranch just before lunch.
Katie went out to see the horses.
“Well hun, there they are, the newest additions. Now one is a little on the wild side, but once I get him trained, he will be great.”
Katie watched the horses in the corral. They were beautiful. Then she saw which one Mark was talking about. It was a beautiful black Stallion and one of the most beautiful horses she had ever seen. It was running around bucking and kicking like crazy. “Mark, please tell me you aren’t gonna try to ride that horse. He’ll kill ya.”
“No, I am not gonna try to ride him, I am going to ride him and I am gonna start right after lunch.”
“Mark, please be careful and don’t let him hurt you.”
“Don’t worry, my love.”
After lunch, Mark gathered all his riding gear and went to work with the stallion. He decided that before he did anything, that he must name him. He asked Katie to help him think of a good name. After throwing several names at each other, they finally decided to call him Coal Miner, since he was black as coal and had a tough attitude.
Katie went out on the porch to watch Mark try to break him. Before he left, she gave him a kiss and told him again to be careful. He smiled and headed to the corral.
Several of the hands were standing around to watch and help. Mark slowly climbed onto Coal Miner’s back. The horse was pinned into the bucking shoot just like a bull at the rodeo. When Mark got on, Coal Miner jumped and jolted a few times, then Mark signaled the guys to open the shoot.
Coal Miner came flying out, bucking and kicking like a crazy horse. Mark hung on as tightly as he could. He held on for a good five minutes. The tighter he held, the harder the horse bucked. Mark was doing well. Then all of the sudden Coal Miner went loco. Mark held as tight as he could, but the horse threw him off. Mark went flying about ten feet in the air, broke the fence, and hit the ground with a loud thud.
Katie came running up to him with tears in her eyes. “Mark! Mark! Are you okay? Mark, can you hear me?” He was knocked out cold. Katie could see that he wasn’t moving and that he was bleeding from the back of his head. She told everyone not to move him and for one of the hands to call 911.
When the ambulance arrived, they immediately loaded him and, Katie left Mark’s assistant, Jeff in charge. She hopped in the ambulance and told them she would call as the ambulance sped off to the hospital. Everyone stood around in shock. They all had tears in their eyes as they tried to get back to work.
Chapter 19
About four in the afternoon, Katie called the ranch. She told Jeff that Mark had just gotten out of surgery. Jeff asked her what all was wrong.
“Well, Jeff he is pretty bad. He had a broken shoulder, three broken ribs, a cracked vertebra, and some head trauma. They are not sure how bad the head is hurt but said he took a very hard blow. He’s in a coma.” With that Katie began to cry.
“It’s okay Katie. He’ll pull through. He’s a tough guy. God will take care of him. You want someone to come get you?”
“No. I think I am going to stay the night. I’ll call if anything changes.”
“Okay Katie. We’ll all be praying for him. I’ll come by in the morning to visit.”
“That would be good. See you then. Bye.” Katie sat in the waiting room and cried for half an hour. When she settled down, she went back to Mark’s room. She couldn’t stand to see him in that condition, hooked up to all those machines but couldn’t leave his side.
The doctor came in about seven to check on him, “Oh, hey Katie. You staying the night?”
“Yes I am. How is he?”
“Well, he is very lucky. Most men would not have lived through that.”
“Doctor, please tell me that truth. Will he come out of this?”
“Katie, it’s hard to say right now. There is swelling around the brain. He took a hard hit. We must watch more closely. If the swelling gets worse, we will have to go in and relieve the pressure. Hopefully it will not and will actually start to go down. The next 24 hours will be the tale.”
“Any idea how long he will be in a coma.”
“Well, most people come out in a day or two, some a few months, and some never. Looking at the x-rays, I feel he should come out, but as I said, the next 24 hours are very critical.”
“Thank you doctor.” Katie decided to pray. She believed strongly in the power of prayer and knew God would not take the man she loved away twice. Praying was all she really could do. She knew God could and would heal Mark. Katie prayed the rest of the evening until she fell asleep in her chair.
It was a little after eight the next morning when the nurse woke her. “Katie, would you like some breakfast?”
“Please.”
“Okay, here you are, and I brought you these to change into. I figured you might want a shower and I didn’t see a change of clothes.”
“Thank you very much.” Katie took the hospital scrubs and laid them on the bed. After eating her breakfast, she went to the bathroom and took a nice long hot shower.
Katie was sitting in her chair watching television when Jeff knocked on the door.
“Hey, Jeff, come on in.”
“Hey Katie. Nice duds.”
“Oh, thanks. The nurse gave them to me.”
“Well, Ms. Sue sent you some of your things she thought you might need, clothes and stuff.”
“Oh, tell her I said thanks.”
“So how is he?”
“Well not much change from last night. The doctor said there was some swelling around the brain and that the next 24 hours were critical, but I know he’ll make it.”
“He will Katie, don’t worry.”
Katie and Jeff just sat and talked. It was good for Katie to be away from the ranch. After a while, Jeff decided he better return and tend to things. They hugged and Jeff left.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Chapters 15 & 16
Chapter 15
Katie pondered the idea of giving her father a loan if he needed it. The ranch had done very well from the breeding, training, and selling of some of the top horses in the country. Some were even World Champions. Katie was training a horse, named Cherokee, to barrel race and it was doing very well. After looking at the books, she determined that the ranch had made almost $1.3 million in the fifteen months she had owned it.
Mark was excellent with horses. He would go to auctions and buy horses for a few hundred dollars to train. He really had an eye for finding the perfect horse to train for any purpose. After buying them, he would train them to barrel race, rope, show, race, ride, show jump, or just about anything anyone wanted. When they were trained, he would sell them for several thousand dollars. One horse he had trained for jumping sold for $75,000 and became the World Champion three months later. He of course was ecstatic.
Katie enjoyed watching him train a horse. He had such a gentle nature and the horses loved him. The horse Mark rode was saved from death. A man had been very cruel to it and the horse became mean. The owner was getting ready to kill it when Mark discovered him. A month later, it became that most gentle and top riding horse and working horse on the ranch. It followed Mark around like a dog everywhere for three months.
The ranch was going well. Katie was even surprised at the figures she had found. She never expected it to prosper so much in such a short time, but then again with Mark’s training anything was possible. Finally, she decided that her father would never accept the money, and she would not insult him by the offer.
Katie wandered around the ranch for several days without really saying much. Mark could tell something was wrong but didn’t bother her. It finally got to the point where he couldn’t stand it anymore and finally asked her.
“I don’t want to burden you with my problems, Mark.”
“Katie, if it bothers you this much, it certainly bothers me. It obviously is really hurting you. I just wanted you to know I am here if you want someone to just listen.”
That was another thing Katie liked about Mark. He was great at just listening. After dinner that evening she decided to tell him. They sat and had another one of their chats by the fireplace.
Katie told Mark all about her father and the trouble he was in. She also told him about the bitterness she had felt and then how guilty she had felt. As she talked, Mark sat there and just listened. As she finished, she began to cry.
Mark wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. Katie cried on his shoulder, while Mark gave her words of comfort and encouragement. It was in times like this that Mark made her forget all about Billy.
After the crying, Katie and Mark talked for another hour or so. It was about midnight when Katie went up to bed. She laid in bed over an hour thanking God for Mark and all he had done for her. She knew how much God had really blessed her even through Billy’s death. It was then that she decided to let Billy go and not pursue the case anymore. She knew if she continued, she might lose Mark. Katie knew that she didn’t want to lose love for the second time. This was God’s way of giving her a second chance and she wasn’t going to pass it up.
Chapter 16
The next morning, Katie woke up with a whole new attitude. She was very happy, joyful, and carefree. As she came downstairs, Mark was sitting on the couch with his morning coffee and newspaper. Katie greeted him, “Good morning handsome.”
This caught Mark by surprise. It was the first time Katie had purposely flirted with him out loud. He loved it and couldn’t wait for more.
Katie just smiled at Mark during breakfast. When everyone had finished and was going to work, she asked Mark to talk a minute. They went to their usual spot by the fire.
“Mark, last night something happened. Well, it actually happened sometime ago but last night really confirmed it. I don’t think I will ever discover what really happened to Billy. That doesn’t matter now. I am putting that behind me and am ready to start a new life. Mark, I want you to be a part of that life, a very important part. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“I…I…I think so, but let me see if this is what you mean.” Mark pulled Katie close, looked deep into her eyes and began kissing her.
It was no ordinary kiss. It was a very passionate and very long. After several minutes, Mark finally looked at her and said, “Katie, I love you and have loved you for awhile now. I know this may be too soon for you but I am only saying what’s in my heart. A few weeks ago, I bought you something but was to afraid to give it to you because of the situation concerning Billy. Maybe I still shouldn’t but I feel I must.” Mark pulls a small box out of his shirt pocket. “Katie, I have kept it near my heart at all times because that is where you are and I want you to stay there. Katie, what I am trying to say. I mean I want to know if you … if you…” Mark couldn’t say it. He was too nervous.
Katie took his hand, smiled at him and said, “Yes, Mark, I will.”
“You will? You will what?”
“I will marry you. That’s what you are trying to ask me isn’t it?”
“Well, yes but how did you know?”
“I just know. Now put this on my finger, kiss me, and make if official before I change my mind.”
“Oh, of course.” Mark opened the box and pulled out the most beautiful diamond ring Katie had ever seen. “I had this specially made just for you Katie.” Mark slipped it on her finger, and they gave each other another long passionate kiss..
Finally, Katie looked at him, “Okay time to get to work. I am not paying you to sit around the house all day.”
“Yes ma’am”
They walked out to the porch hand in hand. As they went out Katie saw that her first riding student of the day had already arrived. She looked at Mark smiling, “Well hun, gotta go. I love you.”
“I love you too K.”
They gave each other one last kiss and went to work.
By lunch, all the workers had heard the news. They all wanted to see the ring and know the details. As Mark and Katie shared, everyone just sat there and smiled. They wouldn’t leave them alone.
All the guys began teasing Mark. “Mark’s in love with the boss.” “Guess he’s gonna get a raise.” “Hey, Mark knows how to move up in the world.”
Before leaving to go back to work, Mark gave Katie a kiss. This, of course, made the teasing worse.
Katie spent the afternoon just thinking about the wedding. Of course she and Mark hadn’t set a date or made any plans, but she still thought about what they might do. Then Billy came to her mind. She knew she would always love him and that she should be honest with Mark about it. Mark would soon be her husband and that made her happy. Just being with Mark made her happy, maybe even happier or at least as happy as Billy had made her. She knew Mark would understand but she still felt like she should tell him.
After dinner that evening, she did just that. She told Mark that she loved him and wanted to marry him but that he should know that she would always love Billy.
Mark looked at her saying, “Katie, I am not asking you to stop loving Billy. What kind of person would I be to do that? I know you will always love him. I also know that we might have to deal with him and these feelings again. I am ready for that. I love you for that.”
Katie knew he would understand. She loved him for that. Loving Mark was different from loving Billy. Mark was so caring, giving, and loving back. Billy was more quiet, reserved and set in his ways.
Katie pondered the idea of giving her father a loan if he needed it. The ranch had done very well from the breeding, training, and selling of some of the top horses in the country. Some were even World Champions. Katie was training a horse, named Cherokee, to barrel race and it was doing very well. After looking at the books, she determined that the ranch had made almost $1.3 million in the fifteen months she had owned it.
Mark was excellent with horses. He would go to auctions and buy horses for a few hundred dollars to train. He really had an eye for finding the perfect horse to train for any purpose. After buying them, he would train them to barrel race, rope, show, race, ride, show jump, or just about anything anyone wanted. When they were trained, he would sell them for several thousand dollars. One horse he had trained for jumping sold for $75,000 and became the World Champion three months later. He of course was ecstatic.
Katie enjoyed watching him train a horse. He had such a gentle nature and the horses loved him. The horse Mark rode was saved from death. A man had been very cruel to it and the horse became mean. The owner was getting ready to kill it when Mark discovered him. A month later, it became that most gentle and top riding horse and working horse on the ranch. It followed Mark around like a dog everywhere for three months.
The ranch was going well. Katie was even surprised at the figures she had found. She never expected it to prosper so much in such a short time, but then again with Mark’s training anything was possible. Finally, she decided that her father would never accept the money, and she would not insult him by the offer.
Katie wandered around the ranch for several days without really saying much. Mark could tell something was wrong but didn’t bother her. It finally got to the point where he couldn’t stand it anymore and finally asked her.
“I don’t want to burden you with my problems, Mark.”
“Katie, if it bothers you this much, it certainly bothers me. It obviously is really hurting you. I just wanted you to know I am here if you want someone to just listen.”
That was another thing Katie liked about Mark. He was great at just listening. After dinner that evening she decided to tell him. They sat and had another one of their chats by the fireplace.
Katie told Mark all about her father and the trouble he was in. She also told him about the bitterness she had felt and then how guilty she had felt. As she talked, Mark sat there and just listened. As she finished, she began to cry.
Mark wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. Katie cried on his shoulder, while Mark gave her words of comfort and encouragement. It was in times like this that Mark made her forget all about Billy.
After the crying, Katie and Mark talked for another hour or so. It was about midnight when Katie went up to bed. She laid in bed over an hour thanking God for Mark and all he had done for her. She knew how much God had really blessed her even through Billy’s death. It was then that she decided to let Billy go and not pursue the case anymore. She knew if she continued, she might lose Mark. Katie knew that she didn’t want to lose love for the second time. This was God’s way of giving her a second chance and she wasn’t going to pass it up.
Chapter 16
The next morning, Katie woke up with a whole new attitude. She was very happy, joyful, and carefree. As she came downstairs, Mark was sitting on the couch with his morning coffee and newspaper. Katie greeted him, “Good morning handsome.”
This caught Mark by surprise. It was the first time Katie had purposely flirted with him out loud. He loved it and couldn’t wait for more.
Katie just smiled at Mark during breakfast. When everyone had finished and was going to work, she asked Mark to talk a minute. They went to their usual spot by the fire.
“Mark, last night something happened. Well, it actually happened sometime ago but last night really confirmed it. I don’t think I will ever discover what really happened to Billy. That doesn’t matter now. I am putting that behind me and am ready to start a new life. Mark, I want you to be a part of that life, a very important part. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“I…I…I think so, but let me see if this is what you mean.” Mark pulled Katie close, looked deep into her eyes and began kissing her.
It was no ordinary kiss. It was a very passionate and very long. After several minutes, Mark finally looked at her and said, “Katie, I love you and have loved you for awhile now. I know this may be too soon for you but I am only saying what’s in my heart. A few weeks ago, I bought you something but was to afraid to give it to you because of the situation concerning Billy. Maybe I still shouldn’t but I feel I must.” Mark pulls a small box out of his shirt pocket. “Katie, I have kept it near my heart at all times because that is where you are and I want you to stay there. Katie, what I am trying to say. I mean I want to know if you … if you…” Mark couldn’t say it. He was too nervous.
Katie took his hand, smiled at him and said, “Yes, Mark, I will.”
“You will? You will what?”
“I will marry you. That’s what you are trying to ask me isn’t it?”
“Well, yes but how did you know?”
“I just know. Now put this on my finger, kiss me, and make if official before I change my mind.”
“Oh, of course.” Mark opened the box and pulled out the most beautiful diamond ring Katie had ever seen. “I had this specially made just for you Katie.” Mark slipped it on her finger, and they gave each other another long passionate kiss..
Finally, Katie looked at him, “Okay time to get to work. I am not paying you to sit around the house all day.”
“Yes ma’am”
They walked out to the porch hand in hand. As they went out Katie saw that her first riding student of the day had already arrived. She looked at Mark smiling, “Well hun, gotta go. I love you.”
“I love you too K.”
They gave each other one last kiss and went to work.
By lunch, all the workers had heard the news. They all wanted to see the ring and know the details. As Mark and Katie shared, everyone just sat there and smiled. They wouldn’t leave them alone.
All the guys began teasing Mark. “Mark’s in love with the boss.” “Guess he’s gonna get a raise.” “Hey, Mark knows how to move up in the world.”
Before leaving to go back to work, Mark gave Katie a kiss. This, of course, made the teasing worse.
Katie spent the afternoon just thinking about the wedding. Of course she and Mark hadn’t set a date or made any plans, but she still thought about what they might do. Then Billy came to her mind. She knew she would always love him and that she should be honest with Mark about it. Mark would soon be her husband and that made her happy. Just being with Mark made her happy, maybe even happier or at least as happy as Billy had made her. She knew Mark would understand but she still felt like she should tell him.
After dinner that evening, she did just that. She told Mark that she loved him and wanted to marry him but that he should know that she would always love Billy.
Mark looked at her saying, “Katie, I am not asking you to stop loving Billy. What kind of person would I be to do that? I know you will always love him. I also know that we might have to deal with him and these feelings again. I am ready for that. I love you for that.”
Katie knew he would understand. She loved him for that. Loving Mark was different from loving Billy. Mark was so caring, giving, and loving back. Billy was more quiet, reserved and set in his ways.
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