DOWN THE ROAD

When she got back up to the house, Kaye Leigh went to get the mail, and then headed into the house to get a drink. Setting the mail down on the counter she poured herself a glass of iced tea and then sorted through the mail. There was a letter in a yellow envelop addressed to her. Kaye Leigh looked at the return address. Morgan Thomas, who was that? Kaye Leigh had to think for a moment before it sank in Morgan was her ex-husband Sam’s wife. Kaye Leigh wondered why she would be writing to her.

Grabbing her tea, and the letter she went outside to the swing. She sat down, opened the letter, and unfolded it. A quick glance told her that it was not a very long letter. Kaye Leigh sighed, took a drink, settled back, and began to read.

Kaye Leigh,

I know that you and I do not know each other very well and I know that I have no right to ask you for anything, but I am wondering if you would allow me to come to Texas and meet with you. I have a few things that I would really like to talk over with you.

I read your books and that is one of the things that I would like to talk about. Sam is another, I love my husband very much, but I am afraid that I am going to lose him because he thinks that he has a chance with you again. I do not know how you feel about him but I need your help if you are willing. I hope that you can find it in your heart to talk with me.

Morgan Thomas

What happened to make Sam think he had a chance with her? Why did this come up after so many years? She had finally made peace with her past. Silently she prayed for God’s guidance. Kaye Leigh was still sitting on the swing with the letter in her hand when Jeff pulled in.

“Hi there, how’s my girl?” Jeff said as he came up the steps.

“Hi, I’m good and how’s my man?” she replied.

“Very well now that I am with the woman I love.” He said smiling at her and sitting down next to her. Kaye Leigh looked at him and smiled.

“What’s wrong?” Jeff asked. “Why do you look serious?” Kaye Leigh handed him the letter. Jeff opened it and read it.

“Interesting.” Jeff said when he finished.

“She wants your help to keep her husband huh?”

“Looks that way I guess.” She said.

“What do you think Kaye Leigh?” Jeff asked.

Kaye Leigh looked at him and said “I don’t know Jeff; I don’t know why all of the sudden Sam would think he had another chance with me. I don’t understand. What do you think?”

“I think that you should call her and see what she has to say.” Jeff said bitterly.

“Are you mad at me?” she asked him.

“No of course not, I’m just not thrilled that she wants to talk to you about Sam, I will be honest about that.” He said.

“Well I will call her tomorrow and she what she had in mind.” She said. “I love you Jeff.”

Jeff could see that his reaction upset her and he had not meant to upset her.

“I love you too K, when will the kids be home?” He asked.

“Not for a while.” Kaye Leigh replied. He stood up and took her hand,

“Come with me then.” He said. Jeff led her up to their bedroom intending on showing her just how deep his love for her was. Kaye Leigh just looked at him thinking how much she loves this man.

When the kids got home, they were of course, so Kaye Leigh made them all something to eat. They told them all about their day, they were all very tanned. They had a great day and had made plans to go the lake often over the summer. When they were done, the kids went up to change so they could go riding. Kaye Leigh and Jeff went to the stable to get the horses ready. Curtis was in there as usual.

“We’re going to have to stop meeting like this, people will start to talk.” He said laughing.

“Whatever Curtis.” Kaye Leigh replied but she looked at Jeff to see his reaction. He was laughing.

“I trust you a hundred percent K.” he said know what she was thinking. He gave her a hug.

One of the guys said, “Don’t say that too loud, Tim is already asking if something is going on between you two.” Curtis looked shocked.

“He’s just upset because he got talked to today about being more respectful to me.” Kaye Leigh said. “Just don’t pay attention.” The guy laughed.

“I figured it was something like that, he wasn’t really happy after you left this morning.” He said.

The kids had just come in. Curtis and Jeff helped the girls onto their horses. As they were leaving, Tim came into the stable.

“Evening Curtis I see the boss is off riding off with her husband.” Tim said.

“Yep she’s off with her family; by the way you need to keep your opinions to yourself regarding me and Kaye Leigh.” Curtis said. “She loves her husband and would never leave him for anyone or anything.”

“I was angry when I said that, I’m sorry Curtis.” Tim said.

“It’s ok this time, like I said before you’re a good worker.” Curtis said.

“I’ve got some chores to finish before I head into town.” Tim said.

Kaye Leigh and Jeff were enjoying the time with the kids, all of them rode well. The kids loved to race just not against Kaye Leigh. While they were racing back and forth, she and Jeff went to sit by a tree. Jeff sat down and pulled Kaye Leigh down to sit in front of him.

“They never want to race me.” Kaye Leigh said trying to pretend to be hurt.

“That’s because you never lose.” He said laughing.

“I can’t help it that Skye’s one of the best racing horses.” She said. Jeff wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back so she was leaning against his chest. Kaye Leigh loved to be in his arms, she felt safe and loved.

“I’m going to call Morgan tomorrow after the kids are out doing whatever it is they have planned for tomorrow.” She told Jeff. She felt him tense up beneath her.

“Ok.” He replied tightly.

“Mom, Uncle Jon, and Alexis are coming.” Josh yelled to her. Kaye Leigh and Jeff stood up so they could see. Jon is one of Kaye Leigh’s brothers and Alexis is his oldest daughter. Kaye Leigh waved at Jon.

“Hi Jon.” She yelled when he was close enough to hear.

“Hi sis, what’s wrong you look upset about something?” Jon replied as he got off his horse. Alexis went to join the other kids.

“Hi Jeff.” Jon said shaking his hand.

“Hi Jon, what brings you out our way?” Jeff asked.

“We haven’t seen you guys in a while and Alexis wanted to go for a ride.” Jon told them. Jeff loved all of Kaye Leigh’s family but she was particularly close to Jon.

“So tell me what’s wrong sis?” Jon said again.

“Nothing.” She replied. “What’s happening over your way?”

“Nothing we’ve just been working. I had to work overtime last night.” Jon said looking at Kaye Leigh with concern.

Jon moved down to Texas from Michigan a little over a year ago. He got a job at Pleasant Ridge police department in the K-9 unit, which was just a little way away from Peace Ridge. Miranda, his wife, is head of the pediatric department at Pleasant Ridge Hospital.

They all sat down again.

“What’s been happening in your world?” Jon asked.

“Not much, my next book is being released Tuesday.” Kaye Leigh said.

“Kaye Leigh got a letter from Sam’s wife today.” Jeff said. Kaye Leigh just looked at him; she had not planned to tell Jon.

“What did she want?” Jon asked a little harshly.

“She wants Kaye Leigh’s help in keeping her husband. She said Sam is thinking he has a chance with Kaye Leigh.” Jeff said. Jon looked at Kaye Leigh.

“I hope you’re not even considering it.” Jon said.

“I’m not discussing this with you Jon. I know how you feel about Sam and I certainly understand it.” Kaye Leigh said with a look that told him she would say no more on the subject. Jon just looked at his sister, he loved her, but at times she was too nice and she owed Sam nothing.

They sat and visited for a while, catching each other up on all they had heard from the family back in Michigan. Their parents, Brent and Amanda Williams and their brother Rich and his family all live in Michigan.

“Well sis I need to be getting back.” Jon said getting up.

“Yeah so do we.” Kaye Leigh said standing also.

“You guys come over for dinner sometime.” Kaye Leigh gave Jon a hug.

“You be careful with Sam, Kaye Leigh.” He whispered in her ear as he hugged her back. “I’ll have Miranda give you a call.” He said louder.

Jon and Alexis headed the opposite way; they live about five miles from Kaye Leigh. She, Jeff, and the kids headed back to the stable.

“We’ll take care of the horses, you guys go get ready for devotions.” Jeff said.

When they finished they went in and had devotions with the kids. Tonight was Dan’s night to lead the devotion. When they had finished and prayed the kids went to bed and Kaye Leigh went out to sit on the porch swing.

Jeff came out a few minutes later.

“Are you mad at me because I told Jon about Morgan’s letter?” he asked as he sat down next to her.

“I wasn’t going to tell him. So why did you do it?” She replied.

“Because you had no intentions of telling him and I thought he should know.” He said.

“You just want someone on your side.” Kaye Leigh said.

“I’m going up to bed.” Jeff said. He stood up and bent down to kiss her good night, then went inside. Kaye Leigh stayed out on the swing and prayed that God would give her direction where to go with the situation with Morgan. Joshua 1:9 this is my command be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Flashed across her mind, she gave a little laugh. Be strong? That was not something she could say she has been where Sam is concerned. Finally, she went up to bed.

When Kaye Leigh got into bed, Jeff said, “I’m sorry you’re angry with me Kaye Leigh, I love you though.” Kaye Leigh leaned over and kissed him.

“I love you too, and I’m not really angry I just don’t understand why you are so angry.” She said.

“You really don’t understand?” he asked her. “How would you like it if Sharon wanted to talk to me?” Kaye Leigh laughed.

“I know you love me, I wouldn’t have a problem with you talking to her. I might be upset if she still wanted to be with you, but I still wouldn’t be mad at you for talking to her.” She replied.