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Amazon
Author Tammy D. Thompson
Category:
Mainstream
Publisher: Authorhouse
ISBN-10: 1425969399
Type: Fiction
Pages: 296
Copyright: Nov. 10, 2006
ISBN-13: 9781425969394
The final book in the series, Betty Jean and the entire Cole family find a bond that few families find in a lifetime. Surrounded by the mountains, the dream stays alive for Lizzy, Betty Jean, Ma, Pa and the rest. Somehow, hardships in life mold the person you become. It did for them
Excerpt
My mind started flying back into the past as it had done quite often in the recent months to pass. I guess because I wanted to remember what had gotten me to the point I gladly reached. I could clearly see my wedding day. I was dressed to a T and my husband to be, Lonnie was looking more than just plain ole handsome. It was a day I thought would change my life forever, and I suppose it did, but not in the same way I thought at the time.
Then when the day came I had to say good-bye to my beloved so soon after we were joined to live with one another forever, I saw my life as over, but with that, I was forgetting one thing. I was carrying the child that was created in the midst of all the love Lonnie and I shared so openly.
Whisking to a happier time, I saw my son for the first time. His face was red as a beet and he was so tiny, I was ‘bout near afraid I’d break him into just by holding him, but I was completely wrong. That day made all the negative thoughts I had rolling around in that confused, mixed up brain a mine, turn positive, at least for a while.
That’s when Evan showed up. He stood there tall, sexy and right handsome if you don’t mind me sayin’. Anyway, amongst all my fears and rude behavior towards him, little by little, in just a moment, I relived everything he did to impress me, bringing me to the moment at hand…the moment where a pure, perfect happiness seemed to be prevalent above all the hardships my heart had been through and recovered from.
I looked up; reality taking hold abruptly, and there stood my two favorite men…Evan and my sweet little Cody Lee, my son. He held him as if he knew what he was doing. It amazed me how his eyes glimmered in the way he talked to that tiny human being I carried inside of me for nine months. Strangely enough, at that moment, in that very light shining on them, they favored. Cody was staring up at him in a way I don’t ever recall him looking at anyone, and the expressions he revealed, was a sign that he liked this man as much as I did. They were almost immediately drawn together, as were he and I at first glance.
Evan was making silly faces and it was entertaining to watch my son try and imitate such expressions. With all of the coos he was making, it made Evan continue talking in the baby language…least wise that’s what Pa always called it. He always said babies had their own language. I didn’t know if that were true or not, but Evan sure was speaking to my child where he understood, or it appeared so anyway.
“He’s a manly sort,” Ma said, nudging me slightly.
“MA!” I replied, afraid Evan would hear.
“Well dear,” she replied in a playful voice, “Ain’t no use in lyin’ now…is there?”
Shaking my head at her, “I suppose not, but just don’t go embarrassin’ me.”
“That’s your Pa’s department Betty Jean. He’s a pro at that when it comes to you and his little girl’s fellas.”
“Don’t I know.”?
“Of course, “ she continued. “Douglas does a pretty good job himself.”
“Yeah, well if he tries to run this one off, I got somethin’ for ‘im Ma.”
“Oh stop you’re talkin’ crazy. You know don’t nobody take Douglas serious…least not nobody ‘round here,” she retorted quickly.
“They got no reason to,” I replied. “Shoot that little brother a mine is got so many wild hairs, I’m surprised he ain’t got this whole town wantin’ to run him out.”
Laughing together, we noticed Pa starting in on Evan. Pa had his arms crossed in a manner that clearly said “I’m gonna ask your intentions boy!” His look was all too familiar with that serious face and squinting eyes as if he were interrogating him, or getting ready too. That’s when I stepped in before he could get started good. I went over and took the baby from Evan. His hand immediately fell to the middle of my back. He held it there as if he were trying to keep me from stumbling backwards or something. Regardless, it was a simple gesture I thoroughly enjoyed. Just his touch was heaven sent.
Pa stared at both of us…looking at one, then the other, and then shook his head.
“What is it Pa?” I asked, my head tilted a hint sideways, curiosity clinging to my thoughts.
“Just thinkin’ Betty Jean,” he answered. “I was thinkin’ how we’re probably lookin’ forward to another weddin’ here b’fore too long.”
“But Pa…”
“Now I ain’t got much money. So don’t ya’ll be goin’ all out this time.”
“Pa…”
“But do as ya like. I suppose as long as you two care ‘bout each other that’s all that matters anyhow,” he finished, disregarding my pleas for him to hush.
“We ain’t talked a marriage Pa,” I replied, wondering what his reaction would be.
The look on his face was beyond bewilderment, then it transformed into his normal expression.
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