Bands of Time

By Alex Graham

After Beth Stewart's parents got divorce, she lived with her father during the summers on a ranch in the high-mountain plains of Northern Arizona. This was where she met and fell in love with Monty Jarrett. They both enrolled in the same university and were happy until her mother encouraged her to date other boys. Devastated, Monty felt like he could no longer be near her. With the war in Vietnam still raging, the young cowboy joined the army rather than to wait to be drafted.

Matt Stryker, Beth's illegitimate half brother, took over his mother's real estate business in Phoenix, Arizona. On a trip to visit family, Matt met Laura Patterson, a chef from San Francisco. He proposed to her a few months later, and Laura accepted. But she was unaware that Matt still struggled with the love he had lost.

Raised by her grandparents in Germany, Marthe Lange never knew the mother that gave birth to her or the father that abandoned her. After the death of her grandmother, Marthe journeyed to San Diego, California, as an exchange student. Knowing that her father lived close by, she wrote to him. And a few days later, Monty Jarrett came to meet the daughter he had never known.

This is the story of five people, their lives woven together over time. Decisions were made, loved ones lost, and new ones found. Eventually, the paths of these people will emerge, fate inevitably drawing them together across the bands of time, tearing at the fabric of their emotions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886545548

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Bands of Time

Alex Graham

Copyright © 2023 Alex Graham

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88654-552-4 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-554-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

About the Author

Chapter 1

2001

Yavapai County

Kathy sat with him under the junipers each morning and then again later in the day as the golden glow of the sun began to set over the Bradshaw Mountains. They'd been married during World War II, divorced in the early '50s, and remained lovers for another decade afterward. They'd appeared to be two peas taken from the same pod, yet their backgrounds were completely different. He couldn't live in her world nor could she give up the life she'd made for herself. But as the years passed by and her ambitions faded, she wanted to be close to him.

She was raised in Evanston, Illinois, fathered by a physician and teacher at Northwestern University. Her life was sheltered until the day she volunteered for the Red Cross and was sent overseas to London. Kathy met him there. He was the son of an elderly Arizonan rancher who died in his seventies, months after his youngest was born.

LJ Stewart was in his early thirties when the Army sent him to Northern Africa, Sicily, and then on to England to prepare for the Normandy Invasion. The war changed him deeply, and that change destroyed his marriage. It took him years to get over the guilt of the killing fields and the shame of survival.

They had three children together; Elizabeth was the oldest, then James, and Lucas. James still lived in Chicago, Lucas moved with his family to California, and she lived with her daughter in Arizona. LJ had one other son born out of wedlock; Mathew carried his mother's last name, Stryker.

Jiggers, a fourteen-year-old Australian shepherd, rested his head in Kathy's lap. Her fingers gently stroked his fur as she said, I got an email from Lucas last night. They're living in Palo Alto now. He and that girl he married had dinner the other night in San Francisco where Laura Patterson works. Luke says she's coming back to Prescott for a visit later in the month.

Beth heard her as she made her way up the hill and called out, Mama, it's time for you to come down now and have some breakfast. She passed through the gate that led to the small family graveyard and knelt on her haunches to give Jiggers a scratch behind the ears. You too, boy. It's time to come back to the house.

Kathy played briefly with the arrangement of flowers she'd brought to his grave a second longer before holding onto her cane to get up. Beth stood to help as her mother groaned. It's hell getting old.

Her daughter smiled as she replied, You have a birthday coming up in a few weeks. That ought to cheer you up.

What could possibly be cheerful about turning eighty?

Beth held onto her arm and gave it a slight squeeze. How about the long and wonderful life you've lived?

The old lady chuckled as she said, It has been one hell of a ride. She paused for a moment to catch her breath as they made their way toward the house. I should have stuck it out with him?

With Daddy?

Of course, your father. Who did you think I was talking about?

Her daughter grinned. Well, there's always your second husband or that artist in Santa Fe.

You know there was really only one man for me.

Well, there was only one woman for him, so I guess you two are stuck with each other for the rest of eternity.

That certainly suits me.

Just as they reached the ranch yard, a Cessna 182 Skylane began to circle above them and landed on a small airstrip about fifty yards from the house. Jiggers barked as Beth, shielding her eyes, said, I wonder what Matt wants?

Once they reached the front porch, Kathy sat down in a white wicker chair next to a matching table. I'd like to eat out here if it's okay with you.

Of course, it's okay, Mama. I'll only be a minute. You can entertain Matt when he gets here.

Matt Stryker turned off the engine and unbuckled his seat belt before stepping out of the plane. He grabbed his Stetson but left his suit coat folded on the passenger seat and began walking toward the house.

Kathy watched him as he came through the gate and across the ranch yard. He was the spitting image of his father inside and out. It hurt a little just to see him.

He waved and said, Good morning, Kathy. When Matt reached the porch, he leaned down and gave her a kiss. Where's your lovely daughter this mornin'?

She'll be along. Beth's making some breakfast for me. Would you care to join us, Mathew?

He sat down across from her. A cup of coffee would hit the spot. Matt took her hand across the table. You look pretty as a picture this morning.

Beth came outside with two cups of coffee, one for her mother and one for him. Good morning, Matt. You're certainly up early.

I wanted to get out of the city. How are you, Beth?

We're fine. But if you're looking for my husband, he's riding fence this morning.

I did want to catch up, but you and I can still do that. He turned his attention to Kathy. I have some great news for you. I sold your property in the valley.

She knew that she should be glad the house in Scottsdale was sold, but it seemed to her as if this was just another door being closed. Kathy was getting tired of closing doors and wanted to open a few. She forced a smile. Thank you, Matt.

Beth could tell her mother wasn't particularly pleased, and she wondered why. She hadn't spent any time in the Scottsdale house since her fall two years before, shortly after Lizzie Hanson's funeral. Beth excused herself. I'm fixing Mama's breakfast, Matt. Do you want anything?

No, I'm good. Matt went into business with Beth and her husband, raising organic beef. His mother had built a successful real estate firm in Scottsdale, and after college, he took it over; it was worth much more now. The business had become the financial springboard for all his investments.

His success was the primary reason they could keep the ranch. The cattle business, particularly cow and calf operations were marginally profitable. But this place belonged to their father and was started by their grandfather. Matt couldn't see it fall into the hands of anyone else.

Kathy took a drink of coffee. A penny for your thoughts.

Matt turned his head to look at her and smiled. I've probably told you this story, but when I was about this big—he held out the flat of his hand about four feet from the floor of the porch—this cowboy showed up at my mom's place. I was tryin' to rope my dog or a chicken… I can't remember which now. But this guy gave me a few tips, and I swear I thought he was larger than life. My mom came out and said to me, ‘Matt, shake hands with LJ Stewart.' That was the first time I met my dad.

LJ's relationship with Nancy Stryker was still hard for Kathy. She never liked her but knew it was only jealousy. Even though she was married to Jamie Hayden at that time, Kathy still loved LJ and didn't want to give him up. She had no idea that Nancy was pregnant with Matt at that time.

She was just about to say something to him when Beth walked out, balancing her breakfast in one hand and a cup of coffee for herself in the other. Kathy put her napkin on her lap and looked into his eyes as she asked, When did she tell you about him?

Matt shook his head. I don't remember. But after that, he visited us often, and we started comin' out here to the ranch. After a while, my mom would stay in the city and leave me here for a few days.

Beth asked, What are you two talking about?

Kathy took a bite of her eggs. He was telling me about the first time he met your father. Matt said he seemed larger than life.

Beth chuckled. It certainly seemed that way sometimes. Remember, Mama, that time in the parade on the fourth when he scooped me up from the street into his saddle and let me ride with him around the plaza.

I certainly do. That was the weekend he almost killed himself in that silly rodeo. Kathy didn't say it, but Jamie left her that same day. She glanced up and saw a rider in silhouette coming across the hills toward them. Kathy's heart skipped a beat thinking of him.

Here he is now, Beth said as she stood up and walked out toward the ranch yard gate to open it for her husband.

Jiggers's ears pricked up a second, but rather than going with her, he rested his head between his paws and closed his eyes. Kathy gave the animal a gentle pat, and Matt said, I never heard that story…about him almost being killed.

She nodded. Sure enough. Your mom was there… I'm surprised she didn't say anything to you. Kathy took another bite and said after a moment, He was thrown from a horse and kicked in the head. She looked up after finishing a bite of toast. He had no business riding broncs at his age.

*****

Beth opened the ranch yard gate for her husband. There was a small calf slung across the saddle in front of him. She asked, Where's the mother?

Didn't make it. We can try and save the little one.

She walked beside his horse to the barn. Pete and Laurie Christianson have a goat. Maybe we could get some milk? I'll give them a call. Beth remembered when she was little, they always had a cow and fresh milk every day. It seemed like yesterday when she would come here with her two brothers in the summer. Their grandmother always had a huge garden on the side of the house. And all the food they ate was fresh. The beef, chicken, and vegetables were raised or grown here.

While her husband unsaddled his horse, Beth walked back to the house and called Laurie Christianson. When she came back outside, her mother asked, What's going on?

We have an orphan. Laurie's going to bring some goat's milk and see if the calf will drink it.

They could hear her husband's spurs approaching the house from across the ranch yard. He took off his leather gloves and held out his hand to Matt. What brings you out here?

Matt smiled back. Just restless this morning. The restlessness had been happening to him regularly. He found himself distracted in meetings, unable to focus on issues that were important. His accomplishments were paid for with a high price. He'd never had a relationship with a woman that lasted for very long. He had no children or anything beyond money and work that meant anything. The one woman he loved left him. It seemed to Matt that he was living his mother's life all over again.

Kathy grinned. Maybe you need a change of scenery. We could take some of that money from the house and go on a cruise together.

He laughed. I couldn't keep up with you, Katherine.

LJ used to call her that. At times, the memories of him were so vivid she could almost feel his touch, the scent of him. He never wore cologne, and Kathy would kid him about his manly smell. The truth was it aroused her. Beth knew that she talked to him, of course, but Kathy didn't tell her that there were times when he seemed so near to her that she expected to feel his arms wrap themselves around her.

Beth was listening to her husband and Matt talk about the calves that were born that spring, but she was watching her mother from the corner of her eye. She was worried about her. It wasn't her health; it was something else, a detachment, as if she was somewhere else. She took her mother's hand and said, Are you okay?

Kathy smiled. Of course. I was just woolgathering for a minute.

Matt said, I was just saying that I could take the two of you into the city for the day if you want. It's not too hot yet. You could do a little shopping, and we could have lunch.

It was clear by her expression that Kathy really wanted to go, but Beth felt it would be dumping all the responsibility on her husband for the day. She turned toward him. What do you think? Kurt will be home from school before we get back, and now we have this calf to look after.

He smiled. I s'pose I'll get by. I bet I can even rustle up my own lunch. The boy can help with the calf.

Beth knew that if she declined the invitation, her mother would stay behind as well. She took Kathy's hand. Well, come on, Mama. Let's shake a leg if we're going.

Less than two hours later, the three of them landed at the Scottsdale Airport and were in Matt's black Mercedes convertible heading toward Kierland Commons. No matter how much she loved the ranch, there were times when Beth missed the city.

They shopped for an hour or so before sitting down to have lunch at a small French restaurant. They sat in an atrium just off the main dining area. Kathy felt renewed getting away briefly, to have lunch in a nice place and see the newest fashions. Matt was already spoiling them, and she loved it. But she knew that LJ would always pull her back eventually. They were linked by some eternal source far more lasting than flesh.

She did have lovers after him when she went back to Chicago that final time and he went back to Nancy. Why did she leave? She'd asked herself that question a thousand times. Kathy couldn't remember now. It never mattered whose arms she held or who she woke up next to in the morning. It was LJ that always pulled at her.

Chapter 2

Kathy

1969

Jamie, these are absolutely gorgeous! Ten of his newest paintings were lined up and leaning against the walls of their Chicago gallery. Kathy went from one to another, amazed at the juxtaposition of pop-cultural images that appeared as a collage but were painted by brush with incredible detail.

The Vietnam War, civil rights, and social unrest were at the forefront of every news story or broadcast in the country. The theme of his paintings combined the seriousness of these issues next to America's growing materialism. New cars, cereal boxes, and gorgeous women were juxtaposed next to napalmed villages and tanks rolling down the streets of Detroit.

He looked at his watch. Alondra should be getting out of rehearsal soon. I've got to go.

She took his arm as they walked toward the door. How's she doing?

Jamie smiled as he said, Politics have become her new thing.

I mean the miscarriage.

I know what you mean. We take it a day at a time.

Kathy gave him a hug. I miss you…you know. If we opened another gallery in Los Angeles, I'd have to be there more often.

He kissed her cheek. Sell these, and we'll see.

As she watched him leave, Sue Lawrence, her assistant, came in the front door. Was that Jamie that just left?

She was in a hurry, and her response was curt at best. Yes…he dropped off his new paintings. Arrange the work the way you think best and have them hung. The opening's in three days.

Sue had met Jamie Hayden by chance several years before when she was a student at the Chicago Art Institute. She'd been working for Kathy at the gallery since then.

Kathy grabbed her purse and started heading toward the door. I'm going to lunch and should be back by two, she said hurriedly.

Her taxi stopped in front of the Palmer House; she paid the driver and went inside, walking across the lobby directly to the elevators. Kathy looked at her watch and saw that she was late. The elevator stopped on the fifth floor; she went directly to a corner room and opened the door. A tall well-built young man was standing by the window looking out; she noticed that he didn't move when she walked in. I'm sorry, but I got tied up with an artist, she informed him apologetically.

Alexander Gideon turned to look at her. He was naked from the waist up, his long hair hanging past his shoulders. He waited for her to come to him, as he knew she would.

Kathy could smell the scent of marijuana in the room and knew that he was high, but it didn't matter to her. She began to slowly take off her dress, letting it fall to the floor, and stood in the middle of the room in her slip. They continued to look at each other silently for another moment before she came close enough to run her nails across his chest and kiss him. She could feel him respond immediately and ran her hand across the surface of his trousers before undoing the belt.

Kathy kissed her way down his body; he was firm and muscular, the body of an athlete. Alex Gideon was a sculptor. He was used to long hours working with stone and steel.

As she knelt in front of him, he ran his fingers through her hair. Alex intentionally let her have her way briefly, knowing it excited her. Finally, he commanded, Get up. I want to see you.

She did exactly what he wanted submissively. It was Kathy's way of dealing with pressure. This was, for a little while, a time when someone else made the rules, when someone else was in control. And she wanted someone else to be in charge, someone that reminded her of what she'd given up.

He ran his fingers softly across the last of the material that covered her. Take it off.

When she was naked in front of him, he grabbed her wrist, forcing her toward the bed, and threw her down upon it. He stood before her as she lay waiting, then knelt on the bed, still above her, running his hands across her body. Alex was never in a hurry. He was slow and methodical, letting the desire within her build as he touched and kissed the most sensitive parts of her. When he knew she couldn't stand it for another moment, he entered her slowly, backed out, and entered again. Sex was another form of art to him, and he was good at it.

Kathy's orgasms flowed through her from one to another in such rapid succession that she lost all sense of time. She knew that he was using her, but it didn't matter; the release mattered. When he finally pulled away, slick with sweat, it took her body several moments to become calm once more, to regain the control that she so desperately wanted to discard earlier.

Alex got out of bed, walked across the room, and took a pack of cigarettes out of his jeans. There was still half of the joint he'd smoked earlier hidden inside. He took it out and lit it. With the smoke still in his lungs, he asked, Do you want a hit?

Kathy shook her head and got up to go to the bathroom. She looked at her body in the mirror. Her breasts were beginning to sag a little, and it was difficult to keep the weight down. Alex was young, only ten years older than her daughter. It wouldn't be long before these afternoons would be a memory. The thought saddened her, as it always did. She cleaned herself and went back into the room to get her clothes.

He continued to lie naked in bed, finishing his joint. Are you takin' off already?

Yes…some of us still have work to do today.

You promised me a one-man show. I'd like to know when?

She fastened her bra as she answered him, When you're ready.

You always say that.

And I mean it. She sat down on the edge of the bed. Zip me up.

He did as she asked. I think you're just— but he stopped himself from saying any more.

She turned to look at him and smiled. Just what? Full of shit? Kathy kissed him quickly. Well, you'd be right about that but not when it comes to my job. When you have enough to show me, I'll look at it. Until then, go back to work and stop spending so much time with women old enough to be your mother. She glanced at her watch. It's one thirty, I've got to run.

*****

Alondra was walking across the lobby toward the bar when the elevator doors opened, and she saw her. Kathy, is that you?

The shock of seeing Jamie's wife so soon after talking to him startled her. She gave Alondra a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. Well, this really is a surprise. I thought you were meeting Jamie for lunch.

I am. We're meeting here. Come, join us please.

Kathy thought Alondra looked more beautiful than ever. She had an Afro perfectly styled and wore black leather pants that hugged her figure and a white silk blouse with a long black leather coat to shield her from the chilly wind of early spring. The only bit of color was a sheer red silk scarf around her neck. Kathy couldn't help but remember the shy young girl that came to Chicago years ago to visit graduate schools. The difference was remarkable.

They saw him sitting alone at a table, nursing a glass of scotch as they walked up. Alondra said cheerfully, Look who I ran into.

Jamie stood, kissed his wife, then Kathy, and helped Alondra off with her coat. When they were seated, he motioned with his hand for a waiter. What would the two of you like?

His wife took off her dark glasses. Chardonnay please.

As the waiter arrived, he didn't wait for Kathy to tell him but ordered a scotch on the rocks for her, another for himself, and the wine for his wife. He turned to Alondra. How did it go?

She was a classical composer and completed her graduate work at Oberlin, less than a day's drive from Chicago. After a few years of composing scores for motion pictures, she gradually developed a certain notoriety in California for classical pieces she'd written. As her success finally began to spread, she was currently introducing her second symphony, Refuge, that she'd completed the year before. She believed it was the best thing she'd done so far, and critics seemed to agree.

A big smile crossed her face. Really well, I think. The conductor was pleasant but firm. He seemed to have a grasp of the music. I liked many of his ideas. She sighed. We'll just have to wait and see.

The waiter brought the drinks and took their order for lunch. After he was gone, Kathy looked at her watch and said, I better call Sue. I told her I'd be back by two.

After she excused herself and started walking away, Alondra said, I saw her coming out of the elevator. She grinned mischievously. Who do you suppose she was visiting?

Jamie took a sip of his drink. It's none of my business or yours.

You're no fun.

I'm sure it was probably a client. I don't think she's dated anyone seriously in a long time.

*****

Alex walked into the bar and ordered a beer. He was still a little miffed at Kathy's remarks. But it didn't spoil his high. A moment later, he noticed her walk into the bar, ignore him, and go straight to a table to sit with a beautiful Black chick and an older guy. He grabbed his beer and went to say hello.

Kathy saw him immediately and didn't know what to say or do. She sat down and immediately took a drink of scotch, saying, Everything's fine. I told her I wouldn't be back till later today. Her back was to him, but she looked into Jamie's eyes and sensed that he was approaching.

As he stood over the table, Alex smiled. Kathy, long time no see.

Before she could react, Jamie got to his feet. Hello. I'm Jamie Hayden. This is my wife, Alondra.

Alex shook each hand in turn and lingered with Alondra's. I just stopped in for a beer and couldn't believe Kathy happened to be here. It must be a small world after all. He kissed Kathy's cheek. Do you mind if I sit down?

Jamie motioned for him to do so. Please. And then he asked, How do the two of you know each other?

Alex's gaze locked into Jamie's. She wants to display some of my sculpture.

Kathy went from embarrassment to anger in a matter of seconds. I believe I said I'd be happy to look at your work when you were ready.

Jamie sensed the tension and tried to shift the pressure away from Kathy. I have an opening in our gallery this weekend.

He smirked. It's your gallery.

Jamie corrected him. It's ours really. We're partners.

Alondra knew right away that Kathy was sleeping with him. It was that rugged manly look mixed with an earthy charm. He was Kathy's type, just like her first husband. What Alondra had a hard time figuring out was why Jamie and Kathy ever married? They were friends, but Jamie was not the kind of man she was normally attracted to. It was no wonder their marriage didn't last, and she was glad of it. Jamie was exactly what she wanted and knew it from the moment they met.

Alex could tell Kathy was angry and didn't want to press it. Still, he wanted to be seen with the right people, to be noticed. I'd like to see some of your new work. Maybe I'll stop by this weekend, if the two of you don't mind.

Kathy felt like she was backed into a corner and couldn't refuse. She forced a smile. It's by invitation only, but if Jamie doesn't mind…

Alex enjoyed playing with her like this, watching her discomfort. He touched her knee under the table and slowly continued his caress. She uncrossed her legs, trying to move away from him without attracting attention, but the result had the opposite effect. The intimacy of his touch progressed under her dress, and despite herself, she became excited. He watched the expression in her eyes change as he teased her.

Suddenly Alex pulled his hand away and stood. It was great meeting both of you, but I have to get going. He held out his hand again to Alondra, saying, I look forward to seeing both of you this weekend.

She smiled at him mischievously. You certainly have a good grip. It must come from working with all those tools of yours.

Alex chuckled. It does come from lots of hard work. I'll see you later.

When he was gone, Alondra laughed. Well, he certainly is a wild one.

Kathy took a long drink of her scotch and motioned for the waiter to order another. He certainly is, she replied with a sigh. You two certainly have a busy weekend ahead, she said in hopes of changing the subject and diverting any unwanted questions.

It amused Alondra to listen to her shift the conversation, but she wasn't willing to let her off that easily. How long have you known him, Kathy?

Jamie took Alondra's hand, giving her a sign that she should stop. I thought he was presumptuous and rough around the edges. It had been difficult between them since losing the baby, but recently, Alondra seemed to regain her spirit and sense of humor.

She kissed his hand and said to Kathy, Jamie wants me to be good. He thinks I'm being naughty, and I suppose he's right. She took a sip of wine. But I have good news. Alondra looked lovingly into his eyes. I'm pregnant.

Kathy gave a quiet scream and hugged her, whispering, When did you find out?

I called the doctor in LA right before I came here.

Jamie's feelings were a mixture of joy and concern. Kathy could see it in his eyes but kept her focus on Alondra. How far along are you?

About three months.

He leaned in toward his wife, kissing her lips lightly. Maybe you should cancel the tour.

I'm going to do that right after New York.

It was clear to him that she'd made up her mind and there wasn't much that could be done. He chose not to press it. The New York concert was a month away. We can take a nice long rest between now and then. Maybe go to the Bahamas for a couple of weeks, lie on the beach, and get a tan.

Alondra chuckled. It sounds heavenly, but I have a recording session scheduled next week in Los Angeles. But we could still go after New York.

The waiter brought their food. Kathy set a napkin in her lap but kept her eyes on the two of them. The last miscarriage had been horribly difficult, and she wished there was something to say that would comfort them both. She smiled and winked at Alondra with a grin. Alex Gideon has a wonderful technique. He just needs to perfect it a little while longer.

Chapter 3

Family Ties

The work was laborious, but Beth tilled the ground beside the house happily, preparing it for the seeds. It was early April, and the days were already warm.

Kathy was sitting in a lawn chair about twenty feet away, watching while Jiggers slept at her feet. She called out to her daughter, You're going to get blisters if you don't put on a pair of gloves.

Beth stopped for a moment, leaning on the hoe in her hands. My old ones are worn out. She reached for a navy-blue bandana from her back pocket to wipe her brow. I'm going into town to pick up some seed. I'll buy a pair then.

You better get a hat, or you'll get sunstroke.

The orphan calf had adopted Beth and was constantly underfoot. It nudged her leg, and Beth said sternly, Go away. You just ate a while ago.

Her mother laughed. I never thought I'd be a grandmother to a Black Angus.

Well, I'm busy. Why don't you feed him?

Do you talk to all your guests that way?

Mama, you've been here for two years.

Kathy tried to sound indignant. I didn't know you were taking a tally.

Beth walked over to the side of the house and leaned her hoe against it. You know I love you staying with us. Her mother didn't respond.

Kathy was thinking of Jamie. They'd been friends, partners, and even married for a short time; she missed him. He reminded her of her father, a gentleman, and someone that she could always go to if she needed help or an available ear to listen to her troubles. Why, she wondered, was she always attracted to men that were the opposite? Men with less refinement, hard men, men like Beth's father. But she knew that was only partly true. LJ wasn't hard as a rule; there was gentleness in him as well. It was the full range of emotion that attracted her, the danger that lay dormant just beneath the surface and the love he gave to others so freely. Jamie's gentleness was his strength and his downfall.

LJ wasn't gentle as a rule, but in the most unexpected moments, he could be tender. Those moments never ceased to amaze her. She felt safe with him, and so did Beth. But their sons didn't have their father's qualities. They were more like Jamie and her father.

Her oldest boy, James, became a newspaper columnist. He'd been married, divorced, and had two children. Their youngest son, Lucas, had become a veterinarian. She'd never known anyone that cared more for animals than him. But Kathy didn't get along with his wife. Carol was kind, generous, a meticulous housekeeper, and a wonderful mother. She bored Kathy to death. Going to their home reminded her of being in an episode of Father Knows Best.

*****

Pete and Laurie Christianson had worked for the Stewarts for over thirty years. Laurie cooked and took care of the house while Pete worked with the livestock. Laurie had been cleaning the kitchen and brought some sun tea outside for Kathy and Beth.

Beth grinned, saying, You're a lifesaver.

Laurie looked at the bawling calf following Beth around. "Do you want me to put him in the