Back at Winding Creek Ch. 08

(I can only apologize for the lateness of this chapter: My health does and always will come first... Many, many Thanks for those folks that follow me and comment on my tales. The last chapter is near written and will be posted in the next two weeks... After that, We will see. Again, My deep appreciation for your patience and understanding.)

Debra Ann had become near pleasant to the ranch hands around the L & L west ranch, though many of them barely understood English. Luis had been short with her those first days after returning from the main ranch and Lucas Blake's ask to have them stay away from the main ranch until after his return.

Luis was slow coming around as he saw what she were trying to do, even pleased with her often-shared smiles and an occasional open hook or button here er there.

It was after their first week being home while she were clearing the dinner table that he'd asked her to join him on their small porch.

When she did, she set in her rocker and him in his high-backed chair. She was special pleased a glass bottle of his brought all the way from Old Mexico tequila set the small table. His favored heavy cup, near full, was at his side and one of her own china cups rested half-filled on her side of the table. She smiled but held her tongue until he started taking soft as he looked at her.

"You have right to know about the past and what brought that pretty boy Blue here."

He held her eyes, maybe waiting for her to say something. When she didn't, he started again.

"That first year after we left home were hard on my brother Mateo n me. We had nothin' but a double-bladed axe n a wide bladed knife, the clothes on our back and that family bible n rosary. There'd been many a hungry night after a long day's work then n most that winter. I do believe Mateo hated it more then I did if that were possible. But we stayed, sometimes him lettin' me eat all that we gatheret or snared. The long comin' spring brought ol' Black Sam to us."

Her husband slow swallowed some from his cup. Debra Ann did the same as she held her husbands troubled eyes.

"Sam were a long-time mountain man; a mulatto freed by his father to a tinker that knew his trade well but lovet his liquor. Fact that Sam favored his mother with his dark skin and negro features solved his father's problem, but not so much Sams. After a few hard years, he simply walket off during one of the tinkers' binges. He was a good man that jist walked away from the hatred folks more often then not sent in his direction. He shared his jerked meat n what he had left of sugar n flour n salt from the winter. He callet his brown n black, broke-eared pack mule Geraldine."

Debra Ann's face soured as she again drank her tequila, mostly for Luis's sake. She kinda liked the burn and growing warmth it sent deep in her belly. She favored Lucas's Lernids, but as a lady she never said so. Both were far better than Luis Tee's harsh homemade liquor.

"For whatever reason, Sam took a likin' to Mateo n started callin' him Buck. He stayed with us a good month n a half er two, teachin' us how to use his traps, make better snares and Buck to shoot his long gun. I swear we each added thirty pounds and growed near an inch during that time. He had us hard workin' on the beaver we trapped. Once we learnet the how to's, we both started worked the trap lines near every day. We skinned those pot lickers, scrapet and slow dried their hides near a low fire, all the time listenin' to tales 'bout Sam's past n the comin' Rocky Mountain Rendezvous. Ol' Sam hunted elk n deer, even bringin' a bear home: draggin' 'em back to us to skin n ready their hides. Like I said before, we both ate well durin' that time."

Luis drained the half-left cup of tequila, refilled it before starting again.

"It seemet a lot quicker then it were and he started packin' for the last leg of his add-vent-chure as he called it. Day before he left, he asket if Mateo n me wanted to tag along. Not havin' much we were ready in a snap of a squirrel's tail."

Debra Ann looked to her teacup n her husband went to half fill it again. She was feeling it, warming her in the coming cool night air.

"Ol' Sam taught us how to pick out a landmark in the far-off in the direction we were headin' n head straight towards it, keepin' an eye behind us markin' another spot that were in line to home. Two weeks it took us. There were maybe fifty, sixty folks: Traders, mountain men, whores; even some Indians, though I didn't know the difference 'tween 'em then. The Indians had some horses n buffalo hides... Even some fox n raccoon; most anything that had a thick, smooth coat they could trade."

Luis looked at his wife and then about before reaching over to run his hand over the top of her thigh. Debra Ann liked it but had to wonder some.

"Finish your telling Old Man."

She half smiled.

"Black Sam made us a deal a day before the Rendezvous endet. He'd winter with us giving us some traps of our own, his old long gun for Buck and a wide bladed steel knife for me. He'd even bought a big ol' used cooking pot for the cabin to sweeten the deal."

Luis ran his eyes over his wife, resettled in his chair and began again.

"The followin' Spring, some weeks after Black Sam got the itch n left, Mateo told me to do somethin'... I can't for the life of me remember what it was. Well, I took offense. Harsh words were said n when Buck begun shoutin' n actin' like our Pa, I hit 'em hard as I could. As he laid there on that dirt floor, I made my decision and lit out. We never saw each other again".

Debra Ann looked into her husband's eyes. She saw his hurt. So, slow moving around the table, she settled in his lap and wiggled her bottom a bit slipping her hand inside her open shirt. The hurt in his eyes changed to need; she wanted some comfort too. A flash of a wide smile under blue eyes n her ready-to-harvest wheat colored hair slid easy onto her face. She lifted Luis's hand n put it on her breast.

"You gonna be able to finish what you start Luis?"

He slow shook his head.

"Only thing I can promise is I want you more than anything in this world Debra Ann.

I been hard on you these last days, right or wrong, but what's done is done. That's all bygones now."

He kissed his wife soft, leaned back a bit and half smiled as he held her eyes.

"Maybe if I took you from behind and lookin' out our bedroom window."

His smile widened some as she slow stood up and took his hand.

"You hoping one of the hands will see what belongs to you naked and doing her wifely duties with her tired old fool of a husband?"

Luis wet his lips.

"Er even two maybe."

Debra Ann soft smiled.

"Then we should leave the curtains open some and the oil lamp burning low."

Luis Tee felt the tightening below. He didn't like the thoughts that ran through his mind much, but loved the feeling of his pecker twitching like it were. Pulling Debra Ann's mouth to his, he kissed her hard and deep. His wife tugged at his tightening nipple.

Breaking the kiss, she looked up him.

"And if one of the hands see us Mr. Tee?"

He lifted his hips into her full, round bottom.

"Maybe I'll ask 'im to join us."

"That what you want Luis. Another man enjoying what belongs to you."

Luis Tee slow stood, cradling his wife in his arms.

"Not exactly for sure what I want Mrs. Tee."

She tasted his liquor-stained mouth again as he pushed the heavy plank door open, nudging it closed with his heel after they got inside. They never broke their kiss as he carried her into the bedroom. He gentle set her to his feet near the end of their bed before cradling her face in his hands.

"You liked that pretty boy didn't you Debra Ann."

She saw the glint in his dark eyes and felt his growing pecker.

"Y-yes."

"Did you like it when Ol' Smoke seen you in the altogether in the kids barn."

She soft smiled as she eased away to light the lamp in their darkened room. She swayed her hips a bit as she lowered the glass chimney and looked back at him over her shoulder.

"I liked what it did to you. We hadn't made love in some time, let alone twice in many years."

She turned to face him, her hands moving slowly over the catch at her neck and then the several buttons in the front of her blue cotton dress. Her man deep sighed.

"It ain't right, me thinkin' the things I do."

"What things are that Luis."

Luis let his eyes fall to the light cotton slipping off her shoulders and then to her hips. The worn chamois followed exposing her heavy, pink nippled breasts. Debra Ann stepped closer to her husband, her hands helping to remove his shirt. She kissed the center of his chest before looking up into his eyes.

"You think any of the hands can see us now Luis? Through our open bedroom window, that light breeze moving the curtains just a bit... Maybe thinking of the things they'd like to do to me."

Debra Ann slid her hand down, running her fingers over her husband's now hard cock.

"Mmmmm... That's nice Luis."

She actually felt her husband tremble when she began loosening his belt; then undoing the five buttons that held his blue material britches closed. Reaching into his half johns, she filled her hand with the throbbing delight.

"You just want the men to see what's yours Mr. Tee?"

Luis watched as his wife slid to her knees. Stared as she slow moved her hand over his pecker. Gasped as she ran her tongue over pulsing head.

Debra Ann paused to look up at him.

"You think their wives suck their cock Luis, like I do yours."

She drew the red tip of his pecker between her lips, tasting the salty clear liquid it offered with her tongue. Easing her face back, she teased again.

"You want to see me do this to someone else Luis. Maybe even let 'em Fuck me..."

Her husband lifted the teasing woman to her feet and turned her to face the end of bed before gentle pushing her forward. Moving quick behind her, he lifted the hem of her dress and tore at her the slit of her bloomers. Filling his hand, he drug his pecker up and down, searching through the damp, tangled mass of hair, found the wet open gash and drove deep into her as soon as his cock dipped into her wet opening...

*

Debra Ann lost what was left of her hard edge after that; the many hands working there taking note and some sharing their lost smiles when she were about. Luis was working closer with them with all the roundin' up and breedin' of mustangs to their jack donkeys. The liquor flowed a bit more often after a long day and the men's talk darkened some. Some hands wondered but didn't question the change in the older man n why the sudden push for mules. Two more hands were sent for, both brothers of those that were already working there.

More wondered about Debra Ann with her now cooking some and sometimes setting the evening meal with the other girls. The few gals working at the ranch were pretty enough, but the blonde-haired blue-eyed woman Debra Ann filled more alone time in their minds with her newfound behaviors. While their minds might have lust filled thoughts, few shared their way of thinking about the Padrone Luis's wife.

When Luis was off gatherin' mares, more then one remaining hand enjoyed the young grandmother changin' into her night clothes n sometimes dressin' in the early mornin' light of sunrise. Her pale full breasts and puffy, light shaded nipples would soft sway, their blood red tips inviting whatever the unseen watchers might imagine. More than once, some noticed the smiles she offered on the days she wore little under her cotton dresses, might be a little more then hello.

Debra Ann now fully understood Tiffany Ann's sinful behaviors. After all those years of being the obedient Christian wife to J. D., setting the example for her girls, being the towns Matriarch... She enjoyed the sideways looks cast in her direction and the thought of other men wanting her; turning their heads away or looking down when she might take note. She didn't need to wait until the wee hours of the morning to touch herself, hiding what she was feeling. She were doing nothing wrong teasing her husband with tall tales, ( some being of what maybe she thought of too ). Luis would never let another man touch her. He liked them looking some, but to gift her to someone like J. D. had: Never...

-0-

Lucas Blake stood on the Promenade deck, front n near center on the dock side of the Cincinatti Queen. From there he could catch an occasional glimpse of Tiffany Ann and Anna Ruth as they moved through the small town of what ever stop they made this early afternoon for wood fuel. Tiffs bright yellow n white dress and Ruths bluebird n black one made their spotting easy. They were shopping for who knew what again. Lucas didn't mind but did have some thought as to how his long-time paramour was slow changing. Tiff had shared how much she enjoyed the proprietors fussing over her n treating her special, and not because of him. She loved the cities they traveled as they'd gathered trinkets along the first leg of their long trip that was soon comin' to an end in Cincinatti and the Grand Hotel.

The Ohio river was running high and a little fast due to the spring melts according to Captain Tilly, slowing their trip just a bit. The breeze was cooler up here, but the black wearing man enjoyed it.

Spring was everywhere and Lucas Blake had always loved the Spring. He favored the Spring in the north where he growed up, the change much different than in and around Winding Creek. Snow mostly filled the Winter, the lakes and some slow-moving rivers and creeks freezing hard enough to walk on. It was that ice being harvested the very reason it was served in the upper decks' lemonade and his Lernids if he asked for it.

As he relit his pipe filled with one of their purchases, he thought about the new night clothes the two ladies had found in Evansville. They'd be shameful If you could find them in Winding Creek, both somewhat the same as Linda Jeans special robe Tiff had fashioned for her. One a red fog that hid little and the other a black mist that hid even less. The ladies had put them on just before dinner arrived wanting to tease some.

Lucas had banished them to the other cabin when dinner was delivered by the three men that now tended most their needs: the two younger nervous, always keeping their eyes down and Samuel, the older gentleman that were respectful but short. Samuel was near always close enough to respond if Lucas sent a look in his direction or poked his head out their cabin's polished mahogany door.

The threesome spent most of their time in their cabin or on the Promenade deck since the shooting. The riverboat was like a small town, with actions lasting longer with the idle time spent on board gossiping. There were few if any secrets here. The men would step wide, averting their eyes if and when Tiffany or Anna Ruth might pass by: even wider on the few occasions Lucas made an appearance.

Lucas sometimes thought of his first riverboat ride some years ago with Mrs. Kaitlyn Taylor. No one knew him or Kate, but it hadn't taken long for tongues to wag and Kate having him escort a young lady of marrying age around the deck before sundown to soften that gossip. That river boat was smaller, but its easy movement and nights with Kaitlyn suited him well. For twelve days they were away from the entire world at night: no problems and the excitement of their short-lived affair. They cuddled and shared their thoughts and dreams.

Now, Lucas was a little troubled with those long shut away thoughts, how they kept reoccurring and the reason why they shared that time together.

Three short blasts from the steam whistle brought Lucas back to the here and now, his eyes searching for what was his. Both ladies were hurrying back to Cincinatti Queen, their dresses held a bit high and a young boy close behind carrying their purchases. He looked to the Pilot house and Captain Tilly acknowledged his thoughts with a touch of his white cap.

More then one man took note of Tiffany Ann and Anna Ruth as they hurried past. Lucas Blake's smile faded when some men and crew on the riverboat slowed, some stopping to enjoy their coming thinking they were unseen...

*

"Will there be anything else Suh?"

Back in their cabin, Samuel held Lucas Blakes eyes as the two women started opening the string tied, brown paper wrapped purchases he'd taken from the boy as they boarded.

"Did you ladies tip that boy?"

Two faces looked toward Lucas, their cheeks coloring a bit as they avoided his eyes.

"I did Suh."

Lucas turned his attention back to the soft speaking Samuel.

"It was just a nickel Suh; the ladies were so happy to return and show off what they'd bought to you Mister Blake."

Lucas winked at the older, wiry man.

"Can you believe these two-gals Samuel..."

Samuel's dark eyes fell.

"... That boy could barely see around the things he was carrying."

"Y-yes Suh."

A silver dollar was flipped through the air, caught as it started its fall to the ground.

"We'll be having dinner at five Samuel. I favor those panfried perch with whatever you suggest. I'd like to know the Captain's arrival time for Cincinatti."

"Y-yes Suh."

The door had barely closed when Tiffany closed the short distance between her and Lucas Blake.

"We found something special for tonight, Lucas."...

*

Lucas sat quiet in his chair two feet from the beds end, his glass of Lernids held by its top, dangling in his fingers. Tiffany Ann stood to his left wearing the black mist, her favored paddle caressing Ruths reddened bottom.

"How many Ruth."

'S-six Sir."

Lucas short nodded. The slap of the round oak paddle was followed by Ruths soft cry. Tiffany turned her lust filled blue eyes and half smiled to her 'husband'. Lucas stared intently at the bright pink of Anna Ruth's raised bottom and the open, swollen entrance to her body. Freshly waxed this very day, Ruth's often enjoyed crease was parted and glistening in the yellow lamp light as she laid face down on her chest and shoulders, her hands bound with the new decorative rope used for drapery hold backs. The thick, soft woven rope was wrapped twice around her wrists and then tied before they were drawn tight back between her parted knees.

The lewd sight was exhilarating.

Ruth's tear-stained face lay on her cheek with her shoulders and breasts pressed snuggly into the fresh changed white linen, her near perfect ass high in the air. Tiffany lowered her face and softly kissed the darkening red skin, first one cheek and then the other, her hand moving slowly up the back one thigh and then down the other.

Lucas Blake met his paramours' eyes and wet the center of his upper lip with the tip of his tongue. Tiffany Ann eagerly began to run her tongue through Ruth's leaking, delicate folds. Ruth groaned when she focused her efforts on the extended knot of near white tissue and nerve endings. Tiffany would pause her effort every now and then, opening Ruths slick pussy for Lucas to enjoy as she ran her fingers up and down, then slip inside the twisting woman, searching for yet another climax.

"P-please Lucas... Please..."

Tiffany lightly slapped the whimpering womans ass.

"It's time for Lucas to see what else we bought today."

"T-Tiff... I don't... I don't think I can."

The heavy breasted womans hand fell again, the sound harsh. Ruth began to whimper. Tifany reached with one hand for the long, thin, leather clad box; her other never leaving the whimpering womans hip and back of her thigh. Handing it to Lucas, Tiffany began kissing Ruth's now still bottom. Ruth gasped when she felt Tiff's slippery tongue, first at her pulsing opening and then slowly upward to her tight puckered nether ring.

"Ohhhh."

Rolling her shoulders, Ruth lifted her bottom up and slightly away. Tiff's hand fell sharply on the cheek of her reddened ass. Ruth settled back to her knees as Tiffs tongue resumed its exploration.

Lucas had opened the box, lifting a well waxed strip of thin leather with seven polished and shining wooden balls knotted along its length, each a little larger than the other, the top the size of a large walnut. He looked to Tiff as she spread the red globes of Ruth's bottom and dribbled some spittle over the tiny opening of Ruth's ass.

"It will be easier on her this way Lucas. Even as gentle as you were with me..."

Lucas slow nodded and handed Tiff the beads. Taking them, she wet the first and then pressed it gently into Ruth Anns bottom. The soft whelp prompted Lucas to make sure.

"Is this what you want Anna Ruth."

Her words were soft and slow.

"I-I want you to have the only pure gift I can give you Sir. Miss Tiffany said you would be gentle."...

-0-

Linda Jean Blake was keenly aware of Smoke Garcia, Tom Poe and even Rudy were keeping a sharp eye on her and lingering a bit closer. The incident with Joe Bulger set a mood at the ranch she didn't favor. Even Connie was constantly checking on her.

She never asked about Joe Bulger after she and Rudy went back to the house. The man child set close with her; his face laid soft against her chest on the porch as she tried to sooth him. After he gathered his wits, he offered what ever thought and consolation he could come up with as he clung to her hand. He didn't venture away until Smoke came to the porch n sent him to fetch his mother. Smoke, hat in hands, stood in front of her blocking the view of the corral and barn.

"Thee man has left on the Black wit de white stoockin's. Tom will taake de carrieeg back to town in day or two."

A large worn and calloused hand settled gentle on Linda Jeans shoulder. She looked up into deadly calm, comforting black eyes.

"I was wrung... Lettting youu alone with him. It caan not happpeen again Miss Linda... Please."

The weight of what had just happened, what could have happened, crashed down on the young, raven-haired mother.

"I-I... Rudy just..."

The tears began to flow.

"Is all right Mis..."

She filled her husband's best friends' arms. His powerful arms swallowed her up n held her close, the ferocious man's presence n strength soothing her, making her feel more then safe.

"Is all rite Miss Linda... Is all rite..."

- 0 -

Mr. Charles Taylor sat in his oversized leather chair, his daughter in law and granddaughter cuddled in one of the walnut and leather settees watching the scenery pass. Two hours from Cincinatti, he had finished the newspapers James had secured for him earlier. He wanted one of his favored cigars, but knew Kaitlyn and Sarah would make fuss if he did.

He and Kaitlyn had become much closer after his wife passed. She and Sarah often filled his empty home, Kaitlyn taking charge of family gatherings and social events. Sundays was the time he missed his wife the most. Kaitlyn would always have Sarah about as she directed the preparations of the long-time family dinner event. Sarah would play chess or listen to memories of her grandfather.

His oldest son Robert, for the most part, ran Taylor and Sons now. His wife DeeDee had grown more arrogant over the years with the coming of each new child, seeming to forget the things she did for Charles before and when she and Robert courted. She'd become unhappy at the closeness he and Kaitlyn now shared and made little secret of it believing she was the entitled daughter in law. (after all, Kaitlyn had never done the foul things she had for the dirty old man.)

Daniel was as always, distant, even more so when his mother passed. He had no one to please now, the relationship between he and his father remote at best. His father always favored Robert. Charles knew of his son's preference in in love and would have been cast out of Charles life if not for his departed wife and the very close relationship between the two.

As the semi-retired man looked down into the book in his hands, he thought about the tall young man that presented him a letter of recommendation from his own long-lost brother. Was it eleven or twelve years since he had seen Lucas Blake... Letters had been exchanged; contracts made, and a great deal of money had been earned. The young man was always true to his word and his asks were few and far between. He had done more than well after J. D. s passing.

Charles Taylor often thought about Lucas Blake though rarely spoke of him. His wife made Lucas a closed and forgotten subject when Kaitlyn announced her pregnancy, even though she herself had come up with the scheme she believed would make her second son change. It had a little, until Sarah started to age. It was those pasture green eyes that were undeniable with the changing shape of the child's face. Daniel knew, though Charles and his wife would never hear anything other than Sarah was their son's daughter and their grandchild.

Charles closed his book, letting his head fall back into the rich, soft leather. Thoughts of Luke, the times they shared and to finally know if the tales he'd heard about the 'wild west' were really true. He'd enjoyed the gentle rocking of his own private railroad car as it slowly brought his afternoon nap...

-0-

Tiffany Ann stood more than gob smacked in front of the opulent Grand Hotel in Cincinatti. Both women were dressed in their finest, their ostrich feathered hats trembling in the late afternoon's light breeze. Even Lucas Blake had never seen anything quite like it. Five stories high with several arch's decorating the glass filled entry way and red waist coat wearing men with white pants standing at the ready. Those same style arch's stretched skyward topping each and every window including those in the mansard around the top floor.

"It's nice isn't it Tiff."

Ruth looked at her traveling companion and then Lucas Blake.

"I'll wait here for our luggage while you and Tiffany check in."

Lucas extended his arm and Tiffany looped hers through it. The long dark stained greeting desk held two warm smiling clerks after the near all glass doors were held open for them.

"Mr. & Mrs. Lucas Blake."

The white glove wearing man met Lucas Blakes eyes...

"Welcome to the Grand Mr. Blake."

... and tapped the silver trimmed brass bell.

"We have two suites reserved for you Mr. Blake. One on the fifth floor and one on the second if you would rather not be bothered with the extra stairs."

Tiffany Ann squeezed Lucas's arm. He looked at his wide-eyed paramour and smiled.

"T-the fifth floor Lucas."

Lucas chuckled, enjoying the color filling Tiffany's cheeks.

"You also have two messages Mr. Blake. Would you like them now or should I have them delivered to your room after you have settled?"

"Now would be fine."

"Of course, Sir."

The white gloves returned with the key, a telegram and an envelope sealed with the familiar red stamped wax. Tiffany took note of the envelope but held her tongue. Lucas opened the telegraph:

'Fine here. Regards.'

Sally had followed his instructions exactly as he asked. He handed the telegram to Tiffany Ann.

"From Sally."

His paramour wrinkled her pretty little nose.

"Lucas."

The black frock coat wearing man turned to his smiling little submissive and then back to white glove wearing man.

"I have a guest."

The gloves smiled.

"Your suite has an adjoining bedroom on both sides Sir. Shall I make further arrangements.?"

"No, that will be fine."

*

The climbing of the stairs proved well worth it. Both women were more than pleased, racing through the elegant suite like young girls after the luggage had been delivered and placed, windows opened, (after asking of course) and the bell boy showing them the service bell next to the dumb waiter.

'For anything you might need Sir.'

Lucas had turned the high back leather chair behind the carved desk outwards to look out the three side by side open windows. The Ohio River in the not to far off was busy with two different riverboats, several barges and even one small, double canvas sailboat. Even though the air was slow moving way up here, it still held the scent of the city. Lucas frowned, then turned his attention to the wax sealed envelope. The heavy paper spoke of Taylor and Sons, the red wax of Charles Taylor himself.

Lucas,

Thank You for coming.

I will arrive early afternoon on Wednesday. The Hotel will be preparing a private lunch for you and I at three in the dining room.

Respectfully,

Charles Taylor

Lucas laid the note on the desk where Tiffany would find n read it and not question why he would be absent. He knew Charles and still had to wonder why his presence was needed. They'd made tens of thousands of dollars with no more than a hand delivered letter over the last twelve plus years...

*

Tiffany Ann and Ruth celebrated in the opulence and extraordinary service at the Grand. The name surely fit the hotel: all they had to do was ask or send a note in the dumb waiter and ring the service bell. Even their laundry was cleaned, being picked up and then returned.

A white coated man stood nearby at the ready when their dinner was served in the crystal chandeliered dining room and enjoyed by the threesome. Their water glasses were ice filled and never fell below half, their drinks the same. Soft smiles were offered with every dish served, drink poured or refreshed. The violinist moved through the large room, never to far or to close after meeting Lucas Blakes eyes...

"I have arraigned for you ladies to have a man with you when you shop or explore tomorrow. You are not to leave the hotel unaccompanied."

Anna Ruth had asked Tiffany about the change in Lucas Blake: his words and way. Tiffany simply explained,

"'Appearances. You're treated as others see you in the city."

Though Ruth very well knew that she'd never seen Lucas be anything but Lucas.

*

On Wednesday, Charles Taylor rose from his chair in the secluded corner of the dining room when Lucas entered. The more mature, younger man's appearance was still immaculate, yet the way he carried himself was now more self-assured, his stride a bit longer and those green eyes piercing as he looked about.

The well-dressed older man extended his hand when Lucas neared. No words were spoken until Mr. Taylor filled Lucas Blake's crystal tumbler and both men settled.

"The years have been kind to you Charles."

"As they have to you Lucas."

The ice filled glasses tinkled as they lightly touched.

"We have meetings with the Senator from Ohio tomorrow and both Senators from Wisconsin Friday. I'd prefer we pass on business discussions until we are alone in my suite after lunch."

"Agreed."

"Your trip."

"Fine. Tiffany and Ruth enjoyed it very much."

Charles Taylor shifted in his chair.

"Your wife."

"Linda Jean chooses to never leave the ranch and children. I will be presenting Tiffany as my wife."

Charles Taylor chuckled.

"And Ruth."

"Eye candy if the situation calls for it."

The fresh chuckle deepened a bit.

"Then you'll be attending the formal dinner with one and the 'familiar' one Saturday with the other."

"Possibly."

"And when can I meet these lovely ladies."

"They are both to old for your tastes Charles."

The older man's face twisted a bit.

"I am afraid with age my tastes have changed Lucas."

The two men held each other's eyes.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

The older man nodded.

"I've become a bit of a voyeur Lucas, taking my pleasures whenever I can find them and preferring a more learned, intimate encounter."

"Noted."

The older man smiled again.

"Your ladies."

"You might know Anna Ruth. She delivered your last message."

"That would have been unwise Lucas."

"I'm sorry Sir. With your new-found..."

"Let it go Lucas. We have never had to explain such things to each other."

The uncomfortable silence quickly passed.

"Ruth: Very attractive. The kind of breasts and figure you always favored. Submissive."

The older man wet his lips.

"And Tiffany."

"Tiffany Ann is my wife's older sister. Blonde, blue eyed, quite beautiful."

Lucas slowly tasted his Lernids as he held Charles Taylors eye's.

"Petulant, loves attention and unfortunately, quite spoiled."

The older man's face soured a bit.

"She would be my niece."

"She doesn't know that, Charles. No one knows anything more about J. D. than before I left."

"You never said."

"Wasn't my place. Still isn't. Right now, I'm letting her live her lifelong dream of the East."

The older man's eyes brightened a bit

"Would I be wrong in believing you would prefer to keep it that way."

"Like J. D. always said, 'let sleeping dogs lay'."

Charles Taylor raised his glass.

"A wise thought. To J. D.".

Neither man favored lunch and after finishing their drink and some talk of the past twelve plus years, they went to Mr. Taylors suite. Their business discussions were as they'd always been so long ago; straight forward. Lucas was being asked to sell his horses and mules exclusively to the Wisconsin Senator's interests who would see to where they were shipped; cost in gold to remain the same throughout the coming war. The larger cities in Ohio had developed a taste for beef, Lucas being able to sell however much as he could raise, to the Senator of course. Prices, again in gold, set for two years. They could be negotiable after that.

Both men agreed there was little chance of war not coming. The actions of John Brown, dissention in the south and changing attitudes in the north now being led by Abraham Lincoln after his well-received speeches in New York made it inevitable. Most of their business associates and friends would be supporting the north, believing it's manufacturing base would simply outspend and outlast the south.

Then the long pause that usually indicated the end of business. When Charles Taylor met Lucas's asking green eyes, he refilled Lucas's glass before continuing.

"I am well aware all of this could have been handled as we have done in the past. However, there is one last thing that has to be taken care of with you, here and now."

The older man finished his drink and then refilled it, his eyes softening a bit.

"Kaitlyn is very ill. She'll not see the fall. Daniel has said he will send your daughter, Sarah, to Kaitlyn's parents. As you well know that would be a small plantation near New Orleans."

A heavy silence passed between the two long-time business associates and friends.

"Sarah favors your way, Lucas. She reads everything she can lay her hands on, some more than once. She loves life on the planation, the quiet and all the animals. She chatters about it endlessly after her visits with her mother. With this damned war coming, I fear for her safety and the well-being of the rest of her life. I know this was never part of the bargain you agreed to and still does not have to; however, I owe you the opportunity to be a part of the decision concerning her future."

Lucas stared at his mentor.

"I will be traveling after Kate passes. My age demands I attended those dreams I shared with you all those years ago before my time comes. And quite frankly, if anything would happen while I'm abroad, I am not sure what would become of the child if she traveled with me."

Lucas deep sighed.

"How much time do I have."

Charles Taylor took his handkerchief, removed his reading glasses and dabbed at his left eye before rising from his chair.

"Kaitlyn made, for her, the arduous journey here certain you'd accept Sarah as your daughter. She wants to help Sarah Kate accept you as her father. The child still does not know, and Kaitlyn will not tell her if you choose not to. They are in the adjoining suite now."

Lucas slow stood and moved to the window of the second-floor suite. The Ohio River wasn't visible from there. With out looking at Charles Taylor his words were low but unmistakable.

"When can I see my daughter and her mother."...

*

Lucas Blake checked his gold pocket watch three times in in the fifteen minutes Charles Taylor asked him to wait. A chest high red-haired girl with pasture green eyes opened the adjoining room door when he gently knocked.

"Hello Sir."

A curtsey followed with a soft smile.

"Hello Sarah."

A small, long fingered hand was extended; Lucas Blake took it.

"My Mother is in the sitting room. We have prepared some tea for our visit."

Lucas was still searching for the right words as he was led to a chair across the table holding the silver tea service. After settling, Lucas met the eyes of his long-ago lover and mother to his child.

The thin, frail woman looking back at him smiled, her eyes quickly tearing up.

"Thank You Luke."

He quickly stood, closed the short distance between them and kissed her hollowed cheek. Sarah's eyes widened a bit. Katlyn extended her hand and Sarah quickly moved next to her mother.

"I-I want you to listen very closely now Sarah Kate. This is Mr. Lucas Blake. He and I were very close many years ago. He was a... a friend... and my Lover."

Sarah's father's green eyes paled a bit and her mother's nose wrinkled on the young girl's face.

"H-he is your father, Sarah."

Sarah's eyes said she didn't understand.

"W-what Mama?"

"He is your real father, Sarah Kate. We were very much in love, but he had to go home before I knew I was pregnant with you. I never told him. And now, be-before I pass Baby Girl, he has come to take you home."

"No! You're not going to die. Grandfather won't let you."

The low voice of Charles Taylor rumbled from somewhere behind the now crying mother, child and new father.

"You and I both know there is nothing that can be done that has not been done Peanut. My son is not your father Sarah. He was and is never going be a good father to you. You know that. We have talked about it. Lucas is a fine man who will love and protect you exactly like your mother does."

"Noooo. Please."

Lucas Blake knelt to try and look at his daughter.

"You and I are both going to spend time with your mother... Your Grandfather... And talk all this out, Sarah. I promise you... You will have the final say on what happens."...

*

Tiffany Ann was not pleased that Lucas was still with Charles Taylor. They'd planned a late supper. It was after seven now and they were both hungry.

"I think we should just go to the dining room."

Ruth sighed.

"I'm not sure Lucas would approve."

Ruth didn't like the way Tiff's lips tightened. Then came a light tapping on their suite door. A hard jawed Tiffany answered the door to a bell boy holding a silver tray with a small envelope on it.

"Mrs. Blake?"

"Yes."

The tray was extended to her. Tiffany took and opened the small envelope.

"I was asked to wait for your response."

'Lucas has asked that I accompany you to dinner.

Please join me in the main dining room.

Charles Taylor'

A small L n L brand was drawn just below Mr. Taylors signature.

A still miffed Tiffany Ann's words were sharp.

"We would be pleased to join Mr. Taylor."

It was twenty minutes before both Ladies entered the dining room. To say they turned a few heads would be an understatement. Both glowed with freshly made-up faces and wearing elegant dresses, sans bustle.

A very well-dressed older man was immediately on his feet to greet them as two white coated men stood behind their chairs.

"Mrs. Blake."

Charles bent to brush his lips over the back of her hand when Tiffany offered it.

"Miss Taylor."

A respectful peck on the back of Ruth's hand. It was Charles himself that poured the chilled champagne for both Ladies before sitting again.

"I must apologize for Lucas. He is finishing up some of our business and he asked that I see to your Ladies enjoyment."

Ruth Ann took note of the full blush staining her friend and now lovers face n chest.

"Thank You Mr. Taylor."

For the first time Anna Ruth saw that Tiffany Ann was tongue tied... and smiling under inviting, bright blue eyes.

"I must say that Lucas was correct in his description of you Ladies: Both beautiful... And if I can add, breath taking."

Their shared dinner was elegant, filled with smiles and soft laughter from soup to their fiery Cherries Jubilee dessert. Charles flattered and intently listened throughout both bottles of champagne, sometimes sharing tales of his travels.

It was well after nine that Lucas finally joined them.

"All went well young man."

Both ladies soft giggled at someone having the audacity to call Lucas Blake young man.

"Very well Sir. Thank You."

"Excellent. I believe the extra effort will serve you well with the Senator tomorrow. Now if you will excuse me."

Charles Taylor rose slowly.

"I do need my rest. We have a big day tomorrow and Friday as well."

He turned first to Tiffany Ann and then to Anna Ruth, giving each a smile and slight bow... and was gone. Tiffany never took her eyes off him as he left the Grand's dining room.

"That's the Charles Taylor that you've barely spoken of all these years."

"Yes."

"You worked and traveled with him while you were gone."

Lucas nodded his thank you to the waiter as he set his steak down in front of him.

"Only the last year and half or so."

Ruth tried not to stare at the enthralled Tiffany Ann.

"Is it true he going to travel to Europe towards the end of summer Lucas."

Lucas paused.

"If Charles Taylor says something to you, it's the truth Tiffany. Why so many questions."

Color once again filled the face of his favored paramour and mother to two of his children and his favored adopted son, John. Tiffany Ann laid her hand on Lucas Blake's as she wet her trembling lips.

"Do you remember the words we shared when you took me to your thinking place Lucas, just before we became lovers... About me going east."

Lucas's eyes paled.

"I think that is something we should talk about Tiffany Ann."...

*

Lucas Blake let his sore pecker slip free from deep inside Tiff's red paddled ass. He knew he'd let her go as she's asked, if that was what she wanted. He thought about all the years they grew up together; her always dreaming of going east, living a life of luxury. He thought of the music box he'd sent for from Germany and the way she tended J. D. n John when she was barely living in the here and now: the words he said that helped her heal and the tears she shed as she told him of the pain she suffered at the hands of her first husband... Of all the love she'd given him, accepting she'd always be second to Linda Jean. How Tiffany Ann, like tonight, helped him through his own troubles. Not with just words, but with the sometimes-decadent sex to relieve the stress's he felt.

He loved Tiffany Ann. He knew she would always love him.

Yet the glow in her eyes when she talked about Charles Taylor. How she didn't understand the need that filled her when he looked at her or touched her hand. The life he could offer. And if Charles asked her to stay, he'd agree to that.

As Lucas moved away, he took note of the amount of his seed that still leaked from her sweet, wide-open pussy. Gathering the bit that had slipped out of her tight little ass, he pushed that and some that stained the inside of her thighs back inside of the slippery entrance to her body.

Tiffany moaned softly...

-0-

Tom Poe checked the small mirror in the bunk house and shook his head. He was a plain man, several years older then Connie and yet he were, clean shaved and fresh bathed; the red wheeled carriage ready to take the pretty housekeeper on her first picnic alone with a suitor. Miss Linda had dreamed it all up and then put a bug in Smoke Garcia's ear.

It was Smoke that suggested it while they were practicin' with the Army Colt that had been gifted to him after bein' able to draw and hit his target from the hip.

"Youu learn fast my friend. Now youu need a wooman... Set youur roots deeep like Luna n mee."

It was the 'like Luna n me' that stayed with the long-time ranch hand.

When he drifted into Winding Creek so many years ago n saw the posting outside of the mercantile for hands at the L n L, he started askin' about some. He learned about Lucas Blake, the owner, and more important, Smoke Garcia. The man's fierce reputation was more then enough to steer most hands away.

With Smoke you rode for the brand come hell or high water. A man need not apply if he didn't have more backbone then most. With a near empty poke and a horse that needed more then he could give at the time, he rode out to the L n L. What he saw was impressive. No less then eight men were hard workin' on what was to become the main house. When he asked one who to see about the open job, more then one of those men chuckled.

"That'd be Mrs. Blake. That's her standin' the rail at the near corral."

Tom Poe stepped off his horse, smoothed his hair back and hat in hand, made his way to the very pregnant Mrs. Linda Jean Blake.

"Mornin' Ma'am. My names Tom Poe. I been told I should see you 'bout the openin' for a hand here at the L n L."

When Linda Jean turned her dark eyes and tight smile in his direction, Tom knew right off he'd like to work for this woman.

"Tell me about that bay John Green is working."

Tom moved closer to the split rail corral, mindin' to keep his distance from the raven-haired woman but close enough he could be heard without raising his voice.

"Near two years old, nice gait with a bit of an attitude. She has some trouble comn' with her right foreleg. Hopefully just a stone in her shoe but she needs tending to, maybe some time to heal up some before she gets worse. Fine animal otherwise..."

"You'll start at twenty dollars a month. If you're not making twenty-five by payday week after next you can ride on."

A sharp whistle and the man working the horse stopped the bay.

"You'll see to Mr. Poe here."

She turned to look full on at the drifting man.

"Least that'll give that grey your ridin' a chance to rest up some."

Tom was drawn to her now offered soft smile.

"Dinner is an hour before sundown. You might want to get cleaned up before you meet my husband or Smoke."...

That was near eight years ago. He'd become close to Miss Linda and more recently Smoke Garcia: well as close as most could to the bear like man. Tom Poe kept his mouth shut; ears open n never had to be asked twice. Still, as good as things were, he was as skittish as a newborn foal about Connie.

Setting his Sunday hat just right, he stepped into late morning air, gathered the reins of 'Brownie' and led the carriage towards the main house. Miss Linda was sittin' the porch as was her nature with Miss Luna close by. The hat came off as he neared.

"You look good this morning Mr. Poe."

Linda Jean smiled. Tom Poe tried to smile though his face was as red as the rising sun.

"Connie! You have your gentleman caller waiting."

Luna looked up from her knitting.

"You mind your manners now, Tom Poe."

Linda Jean spoke softly to her closet friend while watching Tom.

"He'll be respectful and kind Luna. I have no doubt about that."

It was then Connie, wearing a new blue n white polka dot dress, stepped through the screened door. Tom Poe stared at the young womans polished doe colored hair pulled back n tied with what he knew were one of Linda Jeans silk scarfs, her big brown eyes even prettier then he'd ever seen before.

All his fears vanished with her wide smile.

Steppim' onto the porch, he took the weaved, checkered cloth covered basket and offered her his arm as he'd seen Lucas Blake do for Linda Jean so many times. Connie's smile widened as she looped her arm through his and let him guide her to the carriage. The pretty young gal had goose bumps as he took her hand to help her into and settle in the carriage. Connie and Tom Poe's life together began that late morning...

-0-

Charles Tayor left Lucas to work out the details with the Senator from Ohio as his mind kept drifting to Tiffany Ann. The two men already made plans so Lucas could spend some valuable time with Sarah and her mother, freeing Charles to invite the two ladies to dinner and a venue of chamber music not far from the hotel. The buxom blue-eyed woman had stirred something in him that he thought long dead. His penchant for very young women had faded as he entered his forties. He needed and wanted more. And with his wife's long-time illness, his meanderings had lessened considerably and then faded completely with her passing. If not for Kaitlyn and her daughter Sarah, he might well have squandered away the last years of his life living in the past.

They had brought a new light to his life. Kaitlyn wanted nothing from him other than his sometime direction concerning Sarah, companionship and shared wisdom. She was nothing like his own children. His oldest, Stephen, was slowly trying to finish easing him away from the firm he had built: his wife and their grandchildren now felt entitled. Daniel was a poor excuse for a man and even worse as a father. No, Kaitlyn had saved him from the abyss and now he was slowly losing her. With the help of Lucas Blake, he could easily promise his daughter in law that Sarah would be safe and well taken care of. Now he could focus on enjoying the last years of his life and punishing those that were currently casting him out of theirs... And the younger, vivacious Tifany Ann being raised in the west, just might be the answer...

*

Tiffany and Ruth worked on Tiffany's off the shoulders dress for that night. The bodice was altered, then enhanced by the intricate lace they'd found in a shoppe several doors down from the Grand. They hadn't waited for the man Lucas had arraigned for through the hotel. The fine material allowed a generous view of the top of Tiff's pale, heavy breasts. Anna Ruth would beg off from joining Charles and Tiffany, leaving the infatuated Tiffany alone with the elegant gentleman. Anna Ruth struggled with the sudden change in her spellbound lover and finally asked.

"I don't understand why Tiff. He's no Lucas."

"Mmmmm. I'm not sure. Something about his eyes, the way he carries himself, his way of speaking."

She soft giggled.

"The thought of an older man and what he knows about the world... And well, you know."

Ruth brushed away a stray hair from her lover's eye and sighed as she listened. Tiffany smiled and looked dreamily into the distance.

"There just something about him. It's like I've known him all my life. How he knows what I'm thinking... Can read my thoughts."

Ruth leaned in and gave Tiffany a light kiss. Tiff eased away.

"You should use this time with Lucas, Anna Ruth. It won't be long before you'll be heading home."

Tiffany ran her freshly tinted nails gently over Ruth's cheek, her eyes meeting hers.

"I think Lucas and I may have said our goodbyes last night in our own special way."

Anna Ruth peered into Tiffany's sky-blue eyes.

"He'll need you now. Do not lose this opportunity. He'll make your life very, very special just like Charles is going to make mine."

Tiffany Ann slipped off the ring that Lucas had bought n paid for and Stephen Bennitt had given her in their sham marriage. Handing it to Ruth, her eyes turned deadly serious.

"You'll be Mrs. Blake for now. Just remember, you will never replace Linda Jean in his heart."...

*

Lucas spent his second night with his former lover Kaitlyn, and daughter Sarah. The three played several shorthanded games of Whist and as Sarah got a little more comfortable, twenty questions. The two former lovers had decided twenty questions would let the twelve-year-old Sarah ask the many questions she had more comfortable that way. Oddly, by Sarah's bedtime, not only was many of her questions asked and answered, but would send Lucas searching for the best doctors in Cincinatti to ask another question... Could Katlyn's rheumatic fever and the damage it was causing to her body be slowed by her moving west?

*

The top hat wearing man had made quite the fuss over Anna Ruth not joining them; the younger woman quickly forgotten as he led Tiffany to the ordered 'clarence'. The special carriage was enclosed with glass and sat four, the driver seated above. Tiffany was impressed, blushing a bit as she cooed over the leather seats and heavy open draped glass sitting across from Charles Taylor.

Charles had been here many, many times before. This time it was different. If Tiffany Ann was even close to the woman Luke described after all his prying, she would be spending considerable time with him.

"I've never seen anything quite like this."

"Only the best for the best."

Tiff lowered her smile into her black gloved hand, her eyes never leaving Charles. His eyes were the same blue grey as her fathers.

"I have chosen the Tarte Jolie for our dinner. I think you will enjoy it..."

Their evening together started there and continued through a French dinner and some romantic teasing after Tiffany admitted quietly that she wasn't really Lucas Blake's wife and why she was posing as it. ( she n Lucas had already talked about what would be shared with the bright-eyed older man. ) They grew closer after that and when Charles covered her lace covered hand during their time listening to the chamber music, Tiffany Ann Bennitt felt the wet warmth growing between her thighs.

The carriage ride back to the hotel was considerably longer than it was earlier. Charles had spoken to the elegant clarence's driver and then closed the short drapes covering the glass windows as he entered. After settling next to her, they shared their first kiss and reveled in the many after it. As they rode through the cobble stone streets, Charles Taylor learned a lot about Tiffany.

Though he would not see the fading red left by Lucas on her bottom, he did enjoy her breasts, her swollen, puffy light pink nipples and very talented mouth. He discovered the sensitive spot just behind her upper shoulder making the blue-eyed blonde purr and how lightly raking his teeth over her taut skinned nipples made her tremble. Tiff had groaned into his mouth when she ran her fingers over the hardening flesh under his finely made trousers. Charles Taylor was more than pleased...