As Far as Love

Chapter 1

Kayla Bassett lugged the full pail of sloshing milk across the green yard in between the barn and her aunt's farmhouse.

She cast a smug look at her distantly related cousin, Kerr, as he just watched her. He was a pompous windbag who could do nothing if not for criticize other people.

Her aunt also watched from the window. Kayla tried to contain her expression since her aunt was the only thing between her being on the streets. Not that she did it out of the kindness of her heart.

She did it in hopes that Kayla would form an attachment to her stepson, Kerr. She thought about how unlucky it was that Kerr isn't blood and could still marry Kayla.

He looked good enough. Curly sun burnt brown hair frames his green eyes, the color of moss on a tree in the Jamaican jungles. His broad shoulders fell into a good looking body that was kept active by horse riding, archery, and a lot of other things. Except helping Kayla with the farm chores that provided the money to pay for the food he ate and clothes he wore. And he didn't fight in the ongoing war between America and England.

Not to mention he was a nincompoop. He was overbearing and infuriating, the way that he acted as if he owned the world. And he was only after her vast in-

She was pulled from her thoughts as one of the only joys-literally-in her life ran up to her.

She looked at her 4 year old sister, Joy. Hair the color of honey which was unusual since both of her parents and her had dark brown hair with streaks of something lighter in them. She also had eyes exactly like Kayla's. Dark brown with flecks of gold passing through. And always a hint of mischief.

The other joy in her life ran up to her behind Joy. Her border collie, Ally. She was an orangish-redish and white spotted dog that went up to Kayla's knees.

She was always happy with her tounge lolling out of her mouth. She followed Kayla or Joy everywhere. But Kerr hated her. Another reason Kalya strongly disliked him.

Joy twirled around and said, "Look Kay! Aunt Shelly got me a new dress! Isn't it beautiful?!" Ally barked her agreement and ran around the twirling Joy.

 Kayla laughed and knelt down next to Joy as she stopped spinning. Kayla's smile faltered though, when she thought about why her aunt was so kind to Joy.

She was using Kayla's sister as a pawn in her game of marriage and fortune.

But Kayla pasted the smile back in her face. She would put off Kerr as long as possible, but if she did it too long, not only would she be on the streets, but Joy and Ally as well.

Kayla admired the dress and had to admit, that it was beautiful. There were pink fringes around the sleeves, neckline, and bottom. The rest was a pale yellow that matched Joy's complexion to perfection.

There were buttons down the front that were pink to match the fringes, and a little yellow hat with the same pink fringes was perched on Joy's tiny head. There was also some white lace going down the front of the dress. 

Joy grabbed Kayla's hand and tugged her toward the house. Kayla just managed to grab the pail of milk before she was pulled past it. "Aunt Shelly got one for you too. Come on! Come on! It matches mine and you will look beautiful too!" Kayla laughed and shook her head as she followed Joy into the house. She put the pail into the kitchen of the house where Chloe, their cook, picked it up and thanked Kayla.

Kayla nodded her answer and then followed the practically bouncing Joy to the drawing room. The same dress, except bigger, lay out across the couch and Joy squealed her happiness.

 "Come on! Put it on Kay! Then we can match!" Joy was the most energetic little girl Kayla could ever remember meeting. And she lived with this one. But who couldn't help but love her?