Chapters 1-6          Chapters 7-11        Chapters 12-13         Chapters 14-18 Title: That Was Then This is Now Chapter 12 “And that my children, is enough for tonight.” Gram slammed the journal shut. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.  I promised Amy I’d bake at least four pies for tomorrow night.” “Tomorrow night?” Harm stood up from the sofa to stretch. “Oh, dear. Did I forget to mention about tomorrow night?” Gram frowned. “Sounds like it.” Harm noticed Mac stretching too and moved behind her to rub her shoulders. “Well, the church is having a barn dance tomorrow night.  You know, lots of food, music, laughing and dancing.  Great fun for the whole town. You used to love them when you were a kid.” Gram raised her nose at Harm. “Yeah, I guess I did.  I didn’t know they still did that.” Harm smiled, still rubbing Mac’s shoulders. “Well they do. So, don’t you two stay up too late.” Gram smiled and headed off to bed. “I guess we should call it an early night, too.” Harm suggested. “Not as long as you keep doing this.” Mac grinned, totally enjoying his touch. She could easily get used to this. Harm couldn’t help but smile.  He wished Mac would really let him take care of her. “You are a little stiff.” Harm moved one hand to rub the back of her neck. “Good grief, you’ve got knots the size of walnuts.” “I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind.” Mac half shrugged. “You head on upstairs. I’m going to make some of Gram’s famous milk tea for you.  Put on something loose and comfortable too.” Harm ordered, nudging Mac towards the stairs. Less than ten minutes later, Harm was standing at Mac’s door with a mug of milk tea and a bottle of Gram’s almond oil. “First drink this. Then you’re going to lie down on your stomach and let the legendary Rabb fingers work your cares away.” Harm handed Mac the mug and wiggled his fingers in front of her. “You don’t have to do that. The tea is plenty, thank you.” Mac half smiled, half chuckled on her way to the bed. Following her over, Harm sat down beside her. “I’m just trying to help, Mac.” Harm didn’t know quite where to look. Taking a long sip of her tea first, Mac set the cup down on the bedside table. “I know and I appreciate it, really I do.” Mac reached over to touch Harm’s hand. His hands were so nice and strong. She couldn’t resist running her fingers over his, enjoying the strong rough texture. Harm watched her playing with his hands.  He was completely mesmerized.  Such a simple gesture, so insignificant, and yet he could feel his insides melting from the tenderness.  He swallowed hard. Without realizing it, he had closed his eyes and allowed himself to get completely lost in her delicate touch. When she realized how long she’d been caressing his hands, Mac was overcome with embarrassment.  It was even worse when she saw that he’d been sitting there with his eyes closed. “I’m sorry.” Mac let go of his hands as though she’d been burned. “No, thank you.  That was very…nice.” He couldn’t think of a sensible thing to say. Before he knew what had possessed him, his hand reached up and brushed the side of her cheek.  Drawn together like magnets, their lips were only inches apart when a flicker of doubt from the other night flashed through his mind.  It was no use, the draw was too strong, the desire too powerful. Their lips met in a slow tentative gesture, the taste and feel everything they needed. Mac thought of pulling away, of putting distance between them, but this was what she needed, what she’d been craving: to be touched by the one man who made her feel safe and whole.   When she felt his lips easing away, she moved her hand and let it fall on his chest.  Her other hand landed on his shoulder, pulling him a little closer.  Without any thought to the implications or consequences, Mac deepened the kiss. She’d let him pull away from her the other night, but she needed him now. Wrapping his arms tightly around her, Harm pulled her even closer. His lips against hers ignited a fire deep within him. Their lips touched, teased and danced in exploration. His hands moved along her back, desperate to feel her closer still, unwilling to ever let her go. His heart was pounding as though his very life depended on keeping Sarah MacKenzie in his arms. Mac felt herself drifting away at his touch.  Everything she’d ever felt for him was clamoring its way to the surface, the passion, devotion, desire, and love were all fighting their way to the top. She was being consumed by the need to be a part of Harmon Rabb’s life in every sense of the word. Harm was starting to feel out of control. His feelings and desires for Mac were taking over all forms of common sense.  He needed to pull away, to slow down, but Lord help him, he didn’t want to let go of her. Slowly pulling his lips away from hers, he dropped his forehead against hers and slid his hands to where her hands had been on his chest. Covering her hands with his, he squeezed them tightly. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. “Wow.” Was the only semi intelligible word he could come up with. Mac couldn’t even find words. “I uh…Oh, Mac.” He just knew he wasn’t going to find the right words. “I’ve got to stop doing that. I want you so much, but I know you’re not ready for this. I think I need to say good night and then take a very long, cold shower.” Harm tried to smile. “Harm, I…” “No, I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have said anything.  I shouldn’t have kissed you again, but God, Mac, I’m only human and you’re so damned beautiful…” Harm was already kicking himself. He was just digging himself into a hole. “You think I’m beautiful?” She sounded truly surprised. He’d said that to her once before in Paraguay, but she wasn’t sure how to take it then.  She wasn’t sure she knew how to take it now. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.  Inside and out.” Harm sighed.  Maybe he hadn’t dug too deep a hole. “It’s okay.” Mac kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you kissed me. I only wish you hadn’t stopped.” Harm took her in his arms for another long, heated kiss before finally speaking,  “This isn’t the time, or the place.” He panted, “but whether you want to hear it or not, I love you Sarah MacKenzie, and I’m counting the hours until the time is right to show you just how much.” November 1941 Everyone was feeling real peaceful with Webb in jail. Wasn’t a week later that e’eryone found out just how hollow that safe feeling they’d gotten themselves was. See, Thomas Webb had hisself an older, meaner brother, Cyrus.  Beaumont sent a wire instructin Cyrus Webb to get hisself out to Calamity and take care of his brother’s business. Well, lemme tell you, that there set a fire under old Cyrus, and word is he killed six horses getting himself out to Calamity as fast as he did. Day he arrived he stood up and swore he’d bury the man who accused his brother. See, Beaumont wasn’t above telling Cyrus tales about the evil Doc Rabb who’d arranged to have his brother hanged after tempting him with wicked widow O’Hara.” Calamity 1876 Things hadn’t settled down for long.  Beaumont hadn’t been willing to even sit in the same room as Doc, never mind say a civil word to him.  Mrs. Beaumont was beside herself.  She’d never seen her husband so obsessed by a project before.  She’d heard plenty of rumors as to what had been happening to the town folks, and she was starting to worry that they might just be true. She’d arranged for Mr. Roberts to come to tea one afternoon when her husband would be away inspecting the railroad construction.  Things had slowed down some since there hadn’t been any further land acquisitions, with Tom Webb being in jail and all. “It was mighty gracious of you to invite me, Mrs. Beaumont.” It took everything in Jeremiah to smile politely at his hostess when his interest was really with the beautiful blonde at her side. “Well, Jeremiah… you don’t mind if I call you Jeremiah, do you?” “No, ma’am.  I’d be honored if you saw fit to call me by my Christian name.” Jeremiah smiled at her and Harriet. “Well, Jeremiah, I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors about people being forced off their lands so the railroad can move in.  Is this true?”  She may have been considered to be a featherweight socialite, but Mrs. Beaumont was a well- educated woman who chose not to keep her eyes closed to her husband’s business dealings any longer. “I’m afraid so ma’am.  Old man Stevens, when he said no to the railroad, Mr. Webb came calling to convince him. When that didn’t work, the Steven’s barn mysteriously burned down two nights later. The next day, Mr. Webb came back with a slightly lower offer.  Mr. Stevens told Webb he wouldn’t sell even over his dead body.  Mrs. Stevens found her husband’s body supposedly trampled to death by his herd.  Now ma’am, no matter what folks say, I don’t believe cattle are that stupid. I’ve never known an entire herd to stampede over their owner before falling off a cliff, never mind, only three days after their owner turned down an offer from the railroad.  Mrs. Stevens barely got enough money for the ranch to move to Austin to live with her sister.” “You have more, don’t you?” Daphne Beaumont asked stoically. “Yes, ma’am.  Lots of us have lost barns, pig pens, ice houses, cattle, fences.  Doc’s even had to treat a lot of folks for broken arms and legs.  I’ve already had to replace almost 100 head.  The town’s rebuilt my barn twice.  I suspect things won’t be pretty when Mr. Webb’s replacement comes into town.  I think we’re all in for a bit of a war.”  Jeremiah took a sip of his tea. It wasn’t his favorite afternoon libation but thinking about what was to come made him thirsty for anything liquid. Jeremiah had no idea how foretelling his statements to Mrs. Beaumont were.  As he was sipping tea comfortably at the Beaumont mansion, Cyrus Webb was making his way over to the sheriff’s office.  Wearing a clean cream-colored suit with bright brass buttons, the man looked like he’d stepped straight off a riverboat casino.  The appearance of the southern gentleman was nothing more than that, appearances. “Okay, little brother, you tell me exactly who’s got you in here.” Cyrus spit out a chaw of tobacco on the floor. “It’s that Doc Rabb and his widow whore O’Hara’s fault.  Doc can’t seem to mind his own business.   That Irish woman would dance and flaunt herself at the Doc, but thought she was too good for me. Ain’t no one too good for a Webb.”  Tom watched his brother nod in agreement. “Looks like I’ll have to teach the widow a lesson.” Cyrus sneered. “Her, and that Roberts fellow who dragged me in here.  It’s their word against mine.” Tom added. “Don’t you worry about nothin’.  I’ll clean up all the trash around here.  No one puts my baby brother in jail and lives to tell about it. No one.” Cyrus spit another wad of tobacco on the floor.  Chapter 13 Neither Harm nor Mac had gotten very much sleep.  Each kept thinking about the other laying in bed a short walk across the hall.  A few times Harm considered how nice it would be to just hold Mac through the night, but sanity prevailed.  He knew after that heated kiss, lying beside her all night would probably be more temptation than he could resist. They’d spent the better part of the day helping Gram peel and cook fruit for the pies.  Mac was actually having a wonderful time.  She’d never had anyone to do that sort of thing with her when she was growing up.  This was like reliving a second childhood. By late afternoon the pies were in the oven, and Gram suggested they take a little break to read some more of the history.  She so enjoyed watching Harm and Mac together. Mac followed Harm into the living room.  He picked up the book and hesitated a moment to see where Mac was going to sit.  The two stared at each other like a couple of inexperienced teenagers. Finally Harm let out a small chuckle. “I won’t bite. You want to share the couch with me?” Smiling broadly Mac took a seat. “Best offer I’ve had all day.” The two snuggled down on the sofa and Harm picked up the story where they’d left off the night before. November 1941 Well, Cyrus Webb sure did raise hell when he hit town. Right away he set out to make sure e'eryone knew who was in charge now. Hell, word is he shot Toby Macintyre dead on his spread that day just cause Toby wouldn't give him water for him and his men's horses. An' Beaumont, that peacock sure did act different. No more suckin up to the people, gladhandin us like some kind o' eastern politician. No siree. Suddenly he was huddled close with Cyrus, plottin an' plannin. Soon as that started we all knew somethin' was up, an' it weren't gonna be good. Calamity 1876 Daphne Beaumont was at her wit’s end.  She knew something big was going to happen and it would be happening soon, but every time she got close enough to hear, her husband and Cyrus would clam up tighter than a Cherokee drum. The sun was finally shining on Calamity as Daphne came down the stairs early one morning.  She hesitated before reaching the sitting room door to fix a piece of her hem that had caught on something at the bottom step.  Immediately, she realized her husband and Cyrus were inside the study talking.  Carefully, she gathered up her skirt so as not to make much noise, and made her way around to the outside of the house.  Standing as close as she dared to the window, she crouched down and listened intently. “Then everything is in place for tonight?” Beaumont asked. “Yes, sir.  The last of the men arrived at the bunkhouse this morning. We’ve got all the kerosene we’ll need to light up every corner of East Texas.”  Cyrus smirked happily. “I don’t care about all of East Texas, I just want the land for my railroad!” Beaumont barked.  He didn’t care about Webb’s blasted revenge. All he cared about were his train tracks. “Don’t you worry. After tonight there won’t be a single timber left on the Roberts or O’Hara places.  I’ll make sure not even a tooth will survive tonight’s blazes.  You’ll be able to buy up the property at auction for a song.” Cyrus had a self satisfied grin.  Ms. Daphne could hear it in his voice and it sent chills up her spine. “Some of the boys will be taking care of moving the livestock; I understand market price is pretty high right now.” “Just make sure they can’t get out of the house.  It has to be well in flames before they realize what’s happening,” Beaumont said, walking over to get another drink.  Ms. Daphne had to swallow the urge to vomit.  The idea that she was married to a man so willing to slaughter good people for a little strip of land, physically sickened her. “It’s all taken care of.  Half the men will ride on the Roberts’ place, the other half on the O’Hara place.   No one will set a foot on the property until after midnight. By then everyone will be so soundly asleep they’ll never know what burned them.”  This time Cyrus laughed out loud.  “No one messes with a Webb.” In a panic, Ms. Daphne scurried back around the house. Waiting until her husband and Cyrus left, she ran upstairs to wake Harriet.  “Harriet, honey, you have to get up.” Daphne jostled her daughter. “It’s important, Jeremiah needs you.” “What?” A very groggy Harriet Beaumont turned over in bed. “Mother, what are you talking about?” “I overheard your father and that awful Cyrus.  They’re planning on burning down Jeremiah’s house tonight, while he’s inside sound asleep.  Same with the widow O’Hara’s place too.” Harriet sprang out of bed as though someone had lit it on fire. “Are you sure?” “I wish I weren’t, but yes.  Hurry up and dress, then ride over and warn Jeremiah. I’m going over to Doc Rabb’s right now.  I’m sure he’ll tell the widow.  Make sure none of Webb’s men see you.  If they do, slow up and pretend you’re out for a morning ride. If not, you better ride like you’ve never ridden before.”  Patting her daughter on the arm, Daphne left the house and literally ran all the way to Doc Rabb’s. Doc had been up for hours. Being an early riser, he would have made a fine rancher.  He couldn’t imagine who was practically breaking his door down at eight o’clock in the morning.  If the President himself had been standing on his porch he wouldn’t have been more surprised than he was to see Daphne Beaumont panting and shaking at his front door. “Mrs. Beaumont, what’s happened?” “Doc, you have to do something.” Daphne was breathing so heavily she was practically hyperventilating. “You’d better sit down and tell me.  Let me get you some water.” “No! I don’t need water. Just listen.”  Daphne Beaumont grabbed hold of Doc’s arm and told him every sordid detail she’d overheard.  The color in Doc’s face washed away, only to be replaced by fury red within minutes. “Do you know where Webb and your husband are now?” Nodding her head, “They’ve gone out to the construction site as they do every day so nothing looks unusual.  All the men are waiting the day out over at the railroad bunkhouse.” Daphne prayed this man had a way to save them all. “Good.  You go back and write a note explaining what you just told me.  Have Maggie’s boy Brian ride the note out to every rancher on the outskirts of town, and tell them all to meet back here at the church.”  Doc looked piercingly through Mrs. Beaumont.  She had to be a very strong woman to do what she was about to do.  He had woefully underestimated her Boston breeding.  He’d have to apologize for that some day. Within the hour, Doc had rounded up every able bodied man in Calamity at the church.  Mrs. Perkins from the general store had donated every piece of ammunition she had to rid Calamity once and for all of the railroad scum that had plagued their once peaceful town. Between them, they came up with a working plan to save both ranches and capture all of Beaumont’s men.  It would take a lot of fast teamwork, but they were eager to get the job done. Kaley was working with Jen in the kitchen when she was startled by what sounded like an army of hoof beats.  Wiping her hands on a nearby rag and setting it down on the table, she left the kitchen wondering what else could possibly happen now. Doc came rushing through her front door just about the same time she made it over to the window.  There must have been close to twenty of the men from town and some of their wives climbing off horses, emptying wagons, and scurrying like ants in different directions. “Hosiah Rabb, what in tarnation is going on here?” With both hands on her hips, and her brow furrowed into one huge question, she looked so kissable to Doc, but now was definitely NOT the time for that. “We’ve got a situation.” Doc walked over and placed his hands on Kaley’s shoulders.  Looking up, he saw Miss Jenny standing in the kitchen doorway. “You’d better come hear this too.” Doc called to her. Jenny had been staying with the widow since the unfortunate experience with Thomas Webb.  The idea had been for Jen to stay for a few days until the widow wasn’t moving so stiffly.  As it turned out, Jen was pretty good in the kitchen and even better at getting the ranch hands to cooperate.  Being a cook wasn’t part of her original plan, but it was a huge step up in terms of respectability from working the saloon.  She’d even taken a liking to one of the hands. More importantly, he had taken a liking to her as well, knew her story, and still treated her like a lady. “Beaumont and his men will be coming here tonight.  They’re planning on burning the house down while you’re asleep inside.  It sounds like they intend to burn everything and steal the herds.” Kaley let out a small gasp just as Jen whispered, “Oh, my God.” “We’re moving as much of the cattle and livestock as we can over to the Jensen place. The women are helping soak the ground and wood around the base of the house as much as possible in the time we’ve got. Everyone’s bringing their troughs and spare barrels, filling them with water from the well, and placing them inconspicuously around the property in case a fire actually gets started.” Hosiah paused to look at the horrified look on Jen’s face, then back at the determination in Kaley’s. “We’re planting sandbags anywhere we can that won’t be noticeable on first sight to help barricade against the fire.  There’ll be two men here waiting for every one man Beaumont sends.  The women insist on helping. They’ll all be waiting in here with you in case we need help putting out fires once the show is over.”  Taking Kaley’s hands in his, he gave a reassuring squeeze. “We can win this one.  We’ve got the element of surprise on our side.”                                                         BACK          NEXT                                                                                   HOME