A Friendships Love - Settler series book 1 (Wattpad version, first draft)

Night Time

Night Time

I was just finishing hanging out the sheets, to dry. I had to sneak into the boy’s room and take them while they were out working, and put them back on before tonight. They each only had one set and were reluctant to let me launder them. Both Charlie and Nash said there, softness, was just right now, and if I washed them, the sheets would be all stiff. Well, I thought. They’ve had too long to form good and bad habits, and I was determined to make them realize that clean sheets were better.

Charlie had been in an overly happy mood ever since we kissed, and to be honest with myself so was I. He made it a part of his rotine, over the past few days to hold back for a moment after Pa and Nash left, to steal one or two, before he had to leave. When I reflected on those stolen moments, my heart would flutter. In the back of my mind, I didn’t think I should be playing with fire the way I was. But there wasn’t much I could do about it. It was Charlie.

There had been no more words, of endearment, spoken to me, just soft kisses; they told me more anyway. I was happy here; I wouldn’t go back to England now, not that I made that an option anyway. I pushed Will to the back of my mind, to think of him made my soul twist. He was my world for so long, in so many ways. I could never dismiss him entirely, not yet. And I hoped that Charlie knew that.

I could hear hooves of quite a few horses coming up to the house. I peered around from the sheet I just hung and saw Ashley sitting proudly on top of her horse, her horse!  She was With Nash, and Nash  was leading… My hands flew to my heart dropping my pegs to the ground. I picked up my skirts and ran to meet them. Charlie and Pa came out of the barn and watched as Ashley and Nash reigned in.

“Night!” I squealed I threw my arms around his neck and stroked his mane. He knew me too and was trying to sniff and search for his treat.  My eyes were blurry with tears of happiness, watching Ashley dismount and walk over to me.

“Will sent  them over. Merchant ships sail faster apparently, he sent a lot of other things too, but these are the best don’t you think? He must have done it right away.” I looked over at Ash, she was beaming also. Sketch, as Ash named her horse, was Ashleys pride also. To have them here with us was the most incredible gift. But Will had always been attentive like that with us. “Let’s go for a ride” I nodded my head and wiped my tears away. I noticed Night was saddled and ready for me, so I swung myself up and into it. Once I got comfortable I looked down at Pa and Charlie, who I think were surprised at my ease in handling my horse. I smiled.

“Pa this is Night,” I patted his neck for emphasis.

“Pleased to meet you, Night.” Pa said, coming over to look at him. “He looks, as though, he is in good health, it’s a long trip out here.” Pa continued to examine him.

“Do you want to come for a ride too Charlie?” Ashley said. “I’ve packed a lunch.”

“You cook now?” Charlie chuckled.

“Yes apparently she does.” Nash said, still atop his horse leaning over the pommel.

“Well then, I better come along and sample some.” Charlie said winking at me turning back towards the barn, to saddle his horse. Nash and Pa fell into conversation, and Ashley came over to me, and leaned in close.

“Payt, I have missed you something fierce.”

“I’ve missed you too Ash, but I have to admit I am truly loving it here.

“I need to stay here for a few days.”

“Why Ashley, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing overly serious Payt, I want to be away from Mother and that Roger man she keeps having over. Anyone would think she doesn’t want me around anymore. The way she is trying to marry me off.”