His Perfect Love

Chapter 14

Clayton brushed his dirty blonde hair out of his eyes. It was time for a haircut. He would have to ask Allison later. Work was done for the day and he was readying his horse to leave. Cream snorted as he patted her on the nose. The horse's ears flicked and her tail swatted away pesky flies. Clayton took a big gulp of water from his canteen and his horse eyed it greedily.

"I know you're thirsty," he said, spying the dry water trough. "I'll get you water when we get back home."

"Talking to your horse, eh?" said a voice behind him.

Clayton turned to see Dave Sterling standing there. He wore a big Stetson that shaded his face.

"Hey! I didn't hear you coming. What brings you into town?"

Dave shook hands with Clayton and responded, "Well, I was practicing Sunday's sermon at the school. I saw you over here getting off from work and thought I'd stop by to say hello."

"How'd it go?" Clayton asked.

"Pretty well, but you're not getting any spoilers out of me," he chuckled. "On my way out I ran into the school teacher, Claire Westford. She told me about an upcoming school fundraiser."

"Really? I wonder if the girls will want to go," Clayton pondered.

Dave laughed, "I'm sure they will. Ladies love to socialize. Actually, I was thinking of swinging by and asking Allison if she'd like to go with me."

"She'd like that, I'm sure."

"Wonderful. Also, I've been meaning to talk to you about your decision," Dave added.

"After a series of events, Riley confessed her whole story. I'm not sure she'd want other people to know, but I trust you. Riley came to us because her husband was abusive. His name is Wesley and he's the one responsible for her injuries. Riley managed to escape and run away here, but Wesley is most likely looking for her," elaborated Clayton.

Dave's eyes widened in surprise, "Well this certainly changes things."

"It does. My sister already promised Riley that she could stay with us, and I agree with her. Riley doesn't have anyone else that she's comfortable around and I'm not about to abandon her. In the meantime I can look for a wife, but I don't know what will happen to Riley when I get married, and my sister could end up marrying you."

"I guess it makes sense for the time being. Only God knows what's in store for all of you, so we'll have to see what happens," Dave admitted.

Clayton nodded, "I should get back to the house. Why don't you follow behind me? You can stay for supper."

"Thanks, I will."

☼

Allison bustled about the kitchen, wisps of blonde hair escaping her bun. She'd ground up some beef and had it cooking on the stove along with some gravy. Biscuits were in the oven. Riley was making sweet tea to go along with supper. The door opened and Clayton walked in. After saying hello, he removed his boots and hat.

"How was work?" Allison asked him.

"Good, but let me tell you how sick I am of cutting wood!"

She laughed, "I'll bet you are. Don't worry, harvest will be here sooner than you think."

"Can it really be only about three months away?" Clayton asked rhetorically.