A CowBoys Rose

11

I scrub my hands, watching Trudy and Caroline sat in the garden, laughing about something or another. They've got on like a house on fire! Its actually quite nice that Trudy has a friend that comes visit her.

"She's here again?" I don't look back at him to answer. I only nod "You'd think since her house is finished she'd be there more"

"Maybe she likes company. Think of that?" I throw a towel at him and head into the garden "How ya'll ladies doing?"

"Ah! Sam! Come sit down! I've been meaning to talk to you" She smiles up at me and I cant deny that smile anything. From what was lust had been turning into a little more over the last few weeks. I get excited to see her, I leave as late as I can. I like her company.

I kneel down and take one of the apples that sit on the blanket "What can I do for you Caroline?"

"I want to buy some Cattle, of course, I'm going to need some help with chosing. I was wondering if you might help me"

Trudy smiles excitably behind Caroline. Nodding frantically.

"Uh... I'm sure I can do that for you maam. When were you thinking?"

"Monday?"

"I cant see that being a problem. We'll probably be gone a few days though, so you'll need to pack a saddle bag. Will you two be alright with the house?" I look to Trudy

"Oh! We'll manage! You should go!" Trudy looks around like she thinks nothing of it. I want to laugh, but I'll give it away to Caroline.

"And that reminds me... I was wondering if you'd come work for me... Permanently?" Permanent? I was alright helping with the house, but... Permanent?

"Uh... I'm not sure Miss Caroline. I have this place..."

"We could use the money Sam?" Trudy looks more serious now "The house needs a lot doin' and... quite frankly I don't know when the last time we had new clothes"

I know she's right. We're not the richest family, but we make do. More money could help a lot. It wont be long until I'll need a new horse "Let me think it over. See if we can manage"

She smiles "Of course! And if it helps, I can come over here on weekends to help catch up. All I'd ask is Trudys sensational food!"

I laugh "I don't expect that from you Miss Caroline. Though you're welcome over for dinner" I stand back up and hear a running horse. Who'd be coming? I head around the front of the house... Oh god damn! "Sheriff, what can I do for you?"

"Sam" He nods and climbs down from his horse "Just need a word with Daniel"

Oh god damn! "Whats he done now?"

"I just need a word" I step in front of him. He doesn't invite himself into my house! "Hes caused some trouble with Roger mills again. I just want a word"
For god sake that boy! "Alright... Daniel! Get your arse down here! Maybe you can get through to him!"
He nods "I have some work down the office... Do you want me to take him in for a while as a... Punishment, shall we say?"
Why the hell would that work?! "I'll give you the money that he should have earned from it for loss of work"
I sigh "you think that'll work?"
He shrugs "I dont know Sam... But I dont want him behind bars. For his sake or yours"
"Well what have I got to loose" he taps my back and looks up at Daniel who looks angry that Thomas Is even here "Daniel. Sheriff O'Reily Is here to talk with you... Thomas I'll leave you to it" I head back out the back... Ah crap! The women look up at me laughing. I'm not going to be able to help her... Or will I? "So Sheriff O'reily is Here... It seems Daniels caused more trouble in town... Hes going to be with Thomas For a while and Im going to need to take up his work. I'm not going to be able to come with you Caroline. I'm sorry"
"Oh. No, that's completely understandable" she smiles but looks disappointed "I'll ask Chris"
Ah hell no! "Well I was actually thinking maybe we can set off another day?" Chris has made it quite clear he wants her attention. Coming to work with his hair combed and his beard well trimmed! "Or I'll ask the sheriff to wait until were back?"
She leans over and takes my hand "Sam, its honestly fine. Chris won't mind none"
Well, its time I come out "but I would mind Miss Caroline"
Trudy's eyes open wide "I uh... I haven't seen sheriff Thomas In a while! I'm going to ask him if he'll eat with us!" She gets up and runs towards the front of the house.
Caroline looking at me shocked "Sam?"
Oh god. I've said it now! "You've caught so many eyes around town miss Caroline... And... As I've got to know you..." I can't look at her looking at me like that! "Ive uh... I like you Caroline"
She looks to the floor "Sam... I... In all honesty I don't know what to say"
"I don't want you to say anything. I know your not looking for love or marriage. But i-"
"I never said that" what? I look up at her "I've never said I'm not looking for it. I just wasn't expecting to finding anything like it. If it happened, I wouldn't turn it down"
I nod "I understand that... But I had to tell you"
She smiles and reaches over taking my hand "I'm thankful to you and your family Sam. And I've grown to feel apart of it in ways... But... Ive been so blind with getting the ranch ready that I haven't even realised"
Of course, I can't expect much more than that really "yeah... I'll uh... You know what... You should take Chris"
She grabs my hand "Sam... I can wait a few days... And... If its alright with you and Trudy... I would truly love to stay for dinner"
She wants to stay?... She wants dinner with us? "Of course... Yes! Your welcome here"