DOWN THE ROAD

The next morning after the kids had left and Jeff had gone to help Curtis with some chores, Kaye Leigh called Morgan. She dialed the number Morgan had given her.

“Hello?” Morgan said as she answered the phone. Morgan knew who it was before she answered it.

“Morgan? Hello its Kaye Leigh.” She said.

“Kaye Leigh, I’m glad you called.” Morgan said trying to sound like she was happy to hear from her.

“Would it be ok if I fly down there to meet with you?” Kaye Leigh was surprised at her forwardness.

“I’m sure that would be fine, when would you like to come?” she said.

“Would tomorrow work for you?” Morgan asked anxiously.

“Tomorrow? Can you make arrangements that fast?” she asked surprised.

“I have connections.” Morgan said.

“Tomorrow it is then; let me give you directions from the airport in El Paso.” Kaye Leigh said. She gave her directions and Morgan said she would call when she had her reservations.

“Give me another double whiskey Hank.” She shouted at the bartender. Morgan was at her favorite hangout. She was here a lot lately, especially since she had no job, no friends, and no husband. Morgan had lost her job, friends and husband all because of Kaye Leigh, Sam’s perfect ex-wife. It would not be long though and Kaye Leigh’s perfect world would be destroyed. Morgan never thought she could hate someone as much as she hated Kaye Leigh Rutherford. She pulled a newspaper clipping out of her purse, unfolded it, and looked at it for probably the thousandth time.

Renowned author Kaye Leigh Williams-Rutherford coming to Denver. The women’s group of Denver Baptist Church is proud to sponsor a three-day series. Come to the Denver Civic Center and be a part of the happenings. Listen to Kaye Leigh’s story in her own words. See how she walked through the darkness to find the Holy light of God. See the remarkable woman that emerged. Everyone is sure to take something away from Kaye Leigh’s three-day session. All of her best selling books including the latest release will be available at special prices.

The article went on to give the dates of the conference in August, the cost, and there was a picture of Kaye Leigh. Sam had actually seen the article before she did. He could not believe how she had changed. When her books had come out Sam had to buy a copy, not that he ever read one, but he knew that she was making a lot of money. He went on the whole night the article came out about the “perfect” Kaye Leigh and how his life was going to be so different once they got back together. He of course knew that she had remarried, but he claimed she would never love anyone as she did him. Morgan folded up the article and put it back in her purse. Picking up her phone, she proceeded to arrange to go to Texas tomorrow.

Jeff and Curtis were working on fences again. Tim came over.

“Hi Jeff, Curtis.” He said to them.

“Tim.” Curtis said.

“Where’s the boss today?” Tim asked.

“She’ll be out in a little while.” Jeff replied before Curtis could answer.

“Great I hope to see her.” Tim replied.

“Remember our talk Tim.” Curtis told him. Tim nodded and went down the fence line to make some more repairs.

Jeff was watching him curiously.

“What was that about?” he asked Curtis.

“The way he looks at Kaye Leigh makes her feel uncomfortable, so I told him he needs to be more respectful or he’s out of here.” Curtis replied.

“Oh.” Jeff said. He looked at Tim, he was not worried that Kaye Leigh would ever cheat on him, he was sure that she loved only him, but he did not want someone trying to hurt her.

The guys turned at the sound of a horse coming toward them. Jeff and Curtis waved, Kaye Leigh had come out to help; when Jeff was working she liked to help the boys.

“Ok guys let’s get this fence fixed.” Kaye Leigh said getting off Skye.

“Not even here a second and she’s giving us orders.” Curtis said looking at Jeff.

“Who does she think she is the boss or something?” The guys laughed, Kaye Leigh went to work without another word.

They had been working over an hour when Curtis said it was break time. They found some shade and sat down; Kaye Leigh had brought out a thermos of iced tea, so they shared it.

“Great work boss lady, I didn’t realize you liked to get those hands of yours dirty.” Curtis said laughing. He knew all too well that Kaye Leigh worked harder than anyone did. When they were building the ranch, she was the first one working and the last one to leave.

“Yeah well you know me; I want to surprise you every now and then.” She said leaning against the tree.

Tim had been watching then, finally he walked over and said “Mind if I sit down?” Curtis and Jeff looked up at him.

“Of course not.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Boss I need to apologize I’m afraid I was looking at you in a way that made you uncomfortable. I didn’t realize I was doing it and I certainly didn’t mean anything by it, I am just like any other man admiring your beauty.” Tim said. “You have a very beautiful wife; you’re a very luck man.” He added to Jeff.

“I think so.” Jeff replied smiling at Kaye Leigh.

“Thank you Tim for the apology I just don’t like being starred at, I never have and never will.” Kaye Leigh stated.

“Most women would be upset if men didn’t notice them.” Tim said surprised. Kaye Leigh looked over at him and smiled.

“I’m not like most woman, you’ll find that out the longer you’re here.” She said firmly.

“You are truly unique.” Tim said seriously.

“That’s our boss, one of a kind.” Curtis said.

“Let’s get back to work.” Kaye Leigh said blushing. The guys all laughed.

“Hey Kaye Leigh did you call Morgan?” Jeff asked as the others went back to work.

“Yes, she’s coming tomorrow.” Kaye Leigh said. Jeff stopped and looked at her.

“She was in a real hurry to talk.” She said.

“What are you planning on doing with the kids since tomorrow is Saturday?” Jeff asked.

“Sending them off with the most handsome man in the world, and Curtis too.” She said smiling at him.

“You want to do this by yourself?” he asked shocked.

“Jeff I am just going to be talking to Morgan, Sam I am sure won’t be there and I will be just fine.” She said. She went to kiss him but he just walked away and Kaye Leigh watched him go.

Kaye Leigh decided to not push the issue with Jeff and went back to work. Jeff watched her as she worked. He did not want to leave her alone with Morgan and he was not happy that she had gone and made plans without talking to him first. He knew she could take care of herself.

Kaye Leigh’s cell phone rang. As she was hanging up she caught Jeff’s eye, but he just looked away. By the time, they finished with the fence it was almost time for the kids to be home. Curtis, Jeff, and Kaye Leigh headed to the stable.

“You’re having dinner with us tonight Curtis. Be cleaned up and back at the house around seven.” Kaye Leigh said when they were leaving the stable. Curtis nodded and headed towards his house.

“Needing allies?” Jeff asked.

“If you want to yell at me go ahead Jeff.” She replied walking into the house without waiting to see if he was going to yell.

She went upstairs and Jeff followed her. “I’m going to take a shower before I start dinner.” She said.

“I was thinking of doing the same thing.” He said.

“You will have to wait, I have a hungry family coming, and I need to feed them.” She replied without looking at him.

“We could save on water.” He said smiling at her. Kaye Leigh just looked at him.

“You go ahead.” She said as she started to walk out of the bedroom.

“Kaye Leigh wait.” He said. She stopped in the doorway but did not turn around.

“What do you want Jeff?” she asked. Her voice was shaky but she could not help it, she hated it when they fought.

Jeff had come up behind her and put his arms around her.

“I’m sorry Kaye Leigh, but I can’t help the way I feel about this whole situation.” He said quietly.

“You can be here Jeff, I will just have the kids go to Jon’s I know he wouldn’t mind.” She said.

“No I will take them out for the day, just don’t go making anymore plans without talking to me first ok?” he said turning her around and kissing her. “Please.”

“I won’t I promise.” She said hugging him tightly.

Dinner was ready just before seven. Curtis and Jeff were setting the table and the kids were upstairs getting cleaned up.

“Need any help in here?” Jeff asked when they had the table set.

“Nope everything is ready, thanks though.” She said.

“Thanks for this afternoon too.” She whispered. Jeff laughed and hugged her.

They sat down, prayed, and enjoyed the kids’ telling them all about their day.

“Guess what? Curtis and I are taking you kids to the amusement park tomorrow for the day.” Jeff told them.

“That’s awesome.” Dan yelled.

“Are you going mom?” Faith asked.

“Not this time, I have things that I need to do. I know that Curtis and dad aren’t nearly as much fun as me, but I am sure you will still have a good time.” She said laughing.

“I was going to do the dishes but now after that I’m thinking you can do them.” Jeff said laughing.

The kids went into the family room to watch movies; the guys cleared the table, did the dishes, and cleaned up the kitchen.

“Thanks guys you are two of my most favorite men.” She said. They went into the living room, sat down, and talked.

“I was surprised that Tim apologized today.” She said.

“I’m glad he did.” Curtis said.

“Curtis I want to talk to you about something.” Kaye Leigh said seriously.

“What’s on your mind Kaye Leigh?” Curtis said cautiously.

“Becki.” She stated. “I want to know exactly how you feel about her.”

Curtis just starred at her. “Um, why?” he asked.

“Because you are both my friends and I want to know what is taking you two so long to get together.” She told him.

“Nothing like being forward Kaye Leigh.” Jeff said laughing. Kaye Leigh smiled at him.

“So Curtis how do you feel?” she said.

“You know Kaye Leigh I fell for her the minute I laid eyes on her.” He said quietly looking down at his hands. Kaye Leigh smiled.

“I know you did, so now my question is why haven’t you done something about it?” she said to him.

“What can I do boss?” Curtis asked looking up at her.

“Call her, send e-mails, and let her know how you feel.” She said exasperatedly.

“It’s not that easy boss.” He said shaking his head. Jeff was listening to the two of them; he had known that Kaye Leigh would try getting them together eventually.

“Why isn’t it?” Kaye Leigh asked.

“Becki lives in Michigan; I could never ask her to leave her family.” He said dejectedly.

“That’s just an excuse Curtis and you know it! I didn’t ask Jeff to leave but yet here he is, he made that choice, let Becki make it.” She said firmly.

“Really there wasn’t a choice Kaye Leigh I couldn’t live without you.” Jeff said smiling.

“But you could have asked me to come back to Michigan.” She said trying to make a point. Jeff winked at her.

“There are other things besides that Kaye Leigh.” Curtis said.

“What things Curtis?” she demanded. Curtis and Jeff both looked at her they could tell by the look on her face that she was ready for a fight.

“Things aren’t the same for Becki and me as they are for you and Jeff. I’m a foreman for goodness sake.” He said.

Kaye Leigh shut her eyes for a moment.

“You know Curtis I love you like one of my brothers and like them right now I could just smack you.” She began. Jeff laughed.

“Who cares that you’re a foreman? Do you think I married Jeff because he is a doctor? Do you really think that will matter to Becki? If that was the case why would Jeff marry me, I am an author and a part time rancher. Becki works for me just like you do. What does any of that matter if you love each other?” she finished.

“I didn’t know Becki worked for you.” Curtis said surprised.

“I don’t have to tell you everything Curtis; she has since I published my first book.” She told him.

“You’re changing the subject anyway and you’re making excuses.” Kaye Leigh yelled at him

“Kaye Leigh you don’t understand, I’ve said maybe a dozen words to her.” He said.

“The look in your eyes when you talk about her says it all Curtis and I am sure she has seen it too.” She said quietly putting her hand over his.

“Besides she probably thinks of me like you do, I’m like the brother she never had.” He said laughing.

“Well she has enough bothers, I on the other hand can use as many as I can get.” She told him.

The guys started talking about something else so Kaye Leigh grabbed her cell phone and punched in Becki’s number.

“Hello?” Becki said after the third ring.

“Hi Becki did I wake you up?” she asked.

“Yes, but that’s ok.” Becki replied.

“Good because I’m not apologizing.” Kaye Leigh said laughing. Becki laughed on the other end.

“I need you to come down here; I need help on some important projects.” She told her.

“When do you want me there?” Becki asked.

“Next week, I will make all the arrangements and e-mail them to you ok?” she replied.

“Sure thing I can’t wait to see all of you guys, I miss you.” Becki said.

“We miss you too Beck, see you next week.” Kaye Leigh said and hung up.

Jeff looked at her and smiled.

“I’m going to get going.” Curtis said. “Especially since I have to baby-sit Jeff tomorrow.” Kaye Leigh laughed.

“Good night Curtis.” She said hugging him.

“See you Curtis.” Jeff said.

When Curtis left Jeff asked

“What important project do you need help on?” Kaye Leigh smiled at him.

“Match making.” She replied.

“When they end up married it will be your fault.” He said laughing.