A Second Chance

[Coopsgirl]

Part One

“Get back here!” the street vendor shouted as he chased a young woman down the street. He quickly caught up to her and pried the apple from her hands as he continued to shout. “What’s going on here?” a tall stranger with a thick drawl and a big cowboy hat said as he approached them.



“She’s a thief that’s what’s going on” the vendor said as he tightened his grip on the girl’s wrist. “Did you steal from him?” the stranger asked her. “Yes,” she said, “but I only did it because I was hungry.” “If everybody who was hungry stole from me, I’d go out of business. Now come on, I’m gonna call the police” he said taking her back to his stand.



“Hold on a minute,” the stranger said. “What if I pay for the apple, will you let her go?” “How is that gonna teach her a lesson?” the vendor said tired of people trying to steal from him. “How much business do you think you’ll lose while you’re dealing with the police?” he answered back. “Okay,” he said after thinking for a minute, “but if I see you around here again girlie, 100 cowboys won’t be able to save you” and with that he let go of her. The man paid for the apple and handed it the young woman.

“Thanks mister” she said as they walked down the street. “You look like you haven’t had a solid meal in a while” he said noticing how thin and pale she was. “Let’s go get some supper”. “What’s it gonna cost me?” she said suspicious of him. “Nothing, I promise” he said with a smile. “My name is Cole Hardin, what’s yours?” “Ann Darrow.” “Is this place okay?” Cole said as they stopped in front of a steakhouse. “It’s fine” she said as he opened the door for her and followed her inside.
“Order whatever you want” he said as they looked over their menus. “Are you sure? It’s kind of expensive” she said.



“I’m sure” he said perusing his menu. “So how come you’re having to steal, haven’t you got a job or family or something?” Cole asked after they had ordered. “I was working in a department store but I got laid off. I don’t have any family. I feel kinda out of place here” she said uneasily as she looked down at her plain dress that was beginning to look faded and a little worn. “You look fine. Have you tried to find another job?” “Of course I have,” she said defensively “but all I can find are temp jobs and they don’t last long, or pay much.” “Well, you can’t keep trying to steal food. Maybe I could help” he said sincerely. “How are you at keeping house?” “I can cook and clean, if that’s what you mean” she said hoping he didn’t have anything else in mind. “Good, my housekeeper got married a couple months ago and I thought I could get by without her but I’m just lost” he said laughing a little. “I don’t know, I mean I don’t really know you Mr. Hardin” she said still apprehensive of his motives.

“Well, I’m 40 years old and I was married once but we got divorced about five years ago. She just couldn’t take another winter buried in the snow and I guess she got tired of my company” he said trying to laugh it off. “I don’t have any kids but I do have a loveable old hound dog named Hank. I like horseback riding, fishing and hunting and I’m a lousy cook” he said chuckling as Ann also laughed. “And I promise I’m not trying to take advantage of you Ms. Darrow” he said seriously. “I’ve always had a soft spot for strays…” “So I’m a stray?” she said joking with him. “In a way I guess you are. I just know I wouldn’t feel right leaving you here alone and without a job or anyway to get by if I could help you.”

Ann thought about his offer while they ate and she decided to go with him. He had an honest face and seemed sincere in his intentions to help her and she didn’t really have any other options. She was nearly out of money and her rent was due in a couple of days. After dinner, they stopped by her apartment so she could collect her belongings and Cole took her back to his hotel and got her a room. “The train leaves at 9 tomorrow morning and we should get there around 2. I’ll meet you in the dining room and we’ll eat before we leave, okay?” he said. “That sounds fine. Thank you again Mr. Hardin” she said as they walked to their rooms. “You can call me Cole, Mr. Hardin sounds too formal.” “Okay, goodnight Cole” she said as she unlocked her door and went inside.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Two

On the train Cole and Ann sat in their compartment watching the scenery whiz by. “I’ve never been out of the city before” Ann said with a tinge of excitement in her voice. “I’ve always lived in the country, but I like to come into the city every now and then just to see what’s going on.” “Is that why you were there?” she asked. “Yeah, just thought I’d take a few days and see some of the sights. They had an exhibit of Monet’s at the art museum I wanted to see.” Cole noticed the surprised look on her face at his interest in Impressionist paintings. “Don’t look so surprised; city folks aren’t the only ones who can appreciate things like art and literature.” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything…” she said apologetically. “That’s okay. Just remember, that old saying about not judging a book by its cover is true.” “I’ll remember that” she said smiling.

“So, what do you do for a living?” Ann asked. “I own a ranch.” “You mean with actual cattle?” she said. “No, we use to have livestock but we found oil on the land when I was a kid. That gave us all the money we needed but my father kept some cattle until he died just because he liked the work. I prefer horses so I breed and sell them.” “I’ve never been around a real horse before, I’ve just seen them in movies” Ann said excitedly. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” he asked and Ann shook her head to show she didn’t mind. “How old you are?” “I’m 25.” “Most girls are married by that age nowadays.” “Well not me” she said a little tersely. “I don’t mean to pry; I’m just curious how you ended up alone. Don’t you have any family anywhere?” “I guess I do but I wouldn’t know where. I was left at a children’s home when I was about 2 and I lived there until I was 17. I was old enough to get a job so I left.” She turned to the window and stared off in the distance. “Gee, that’s tough” Cole said sympathetically. Ann didn’t say anything further on the matter and soon they arrived in the small town of Birney, Montana.

Cole’s former housekeeper met them at the depot. She didn’t look anything like Ann expected. She was young, maybe a couple years younger than Ann, and had long blonde hair pulled up in a twist and a cute pink dress with white polka dots. “Hey Stretch!” she said as she hugged Cole. “Hiya Betsy, it’s good to be home.” “You must be Ann” she said chipperly as she reached out to shake Ann’s hand. “I’m Betsy Grant, I used to work for this old goat” she said laughing as Cole and Ann laughed too. “It’s nice to meet you” Ann said. They loaded their suitcases into Betsy’s car and within 20 minutes they pulled up at Cole’s house.

“You own all of this” Ann said in amazement looking at the prairie spreading out before her.



“Yep.” Inside the house Ann marveled at how big it was, and how smartly decorated. She didn’t really care for the animal hides and heads on the walls of the living room but she figured she would get used to them. “You can definitely tell a single man lives here” Betsy joked as she saw Ann looking things over. “Come on I’ll show you your room” she said as they went upstairs where the guest rooms were. As she followed Betsy, Ann began to think maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. After all, Cole had been divorced for a few years and didn’t currently have a girlfriend. Why was he so eager to have her come with him and live in his house? Had there been anything between him and Betsy, and if so, was he expecting the same from her? “You don’t have a thing to worry about sweetie” Betsy said sensing her unease. “Cole is about as perfect a gentleman as I have ever met, except for maybe Jack, he’s my husband. You’ll be fine here.” “Thanks” Ann said feeling better. “This looks real nice, you did a good job Betsy” Cole said standing in the doorway looking at the new curtains and bedding. “Do you like it?” he asked. “It’s beautiful. My whole apartment wasn’t this big” she said joking. “I asked Betsy to get some new things for you. The old stuff wasn’t really right for a woman’s room.” “I love it, thank you both” Ann said still trying to take it all in.

After a bit, they left her alone to unpack and freshen up after the long trip. This was such a change from her apartment it was like night and day. She had soft carpet and a couple of pretty accent rugs next to the bed and in front of the dresser. The new curtains were sheer and gave a light, airy feel to the room. The bed had a lovely white bedspread with little pink and purple flowers on it and soft, fluffy pillows. Ann smiled and giggled when she saw the bathroom. Before, she had to share a bathroom with everyone else on her floor. This one was just for her and it was so clean and fresh. Even though she had only been here a few minutes, it was so different that she felt like that dingy old apartment had just been a bad dream.

“She seems nice Cole. It was really sweet of you to bring her here” Betsy said as she and Cole sat at the kitchen table drinking iced tea. “You should have seen her. It was so pitiful Betsy. When I took her to eat, she ate every single bite. She did the same at breakfast this morning too. Poor kid, I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn’t run into her.” “Me too.”
“Did you get everything situated?” Betsy asked as Ann came into the kitchen. “Yeah. I found the toothpaste and soaps and stuff you got for me. Thank you so much for everything. Nobody’s ever gone to this much trouble for me before” Ann said getting choked up. “Don’t cry sweetie” Betsy said as she gave her a hug. “If not for you Cole, I’d be out on the street right now and I don’t know…” “Shhh,” he said cutting her off, “don’t even think about that. You’re here now and this is your home as long as you want to stay” he said taking her hand and gently patting it. “I’ll try my best to do a good job for you” she said. “I’m sure you will” Cole said sweetly.

Once Betsy had gone, Cole decided to show Ann more of the ranch so they drove around for a while. “I just can’t get over it, you really own all this?” “It’s been in my family for four generations. I’ve got a younger brother in Missoula but he’s not interested in ranching and neither are his kids. I hope someone will take care of it once I’m gone.” “You might still have kids one day.” “Yeah, maybe” Cole said half heartedly as they drove back to the house. When Ann opened her door she saw an old hound dog rushing up to greet her. She’d never had a pet before and didn’t really know what to do as he put his paw up. “He wants you to shake it” Cole said. “Oh” she said as she shook his paw. “That’s Hank.” “Hi Hank” she said gently patting his head. “You can definitely tell you’re a city girl” Cole chuckled. Ann giggled too as Hank sniffed her hand. “He won’t break, you can get a little rough with him” Cole said as he began playing with Hank. “I’ll think I’ll just stick to shaking his paw” she said.
“I’m hungry, how ‘bout you?” he said as they walked to the house. Ann nodded and Cole got a couple steaks out of the fridge and set them down on the counter. “Maybe I better do that” Ann said. “It’s your first day here, I don’t mind cooking.” “Yeah but you said you were a bad cook.” She didn’t give him a chance to answer as she took charge and fixed dinner. They were both tired from the long trip and went to bed shortly after they ate. That night Ann slept soundly for the first time in a long while.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Three

Betsy came by the next morning to kind of show Ann the ropes. “That’s an awful lot of food for two people” Ann said looking at the large portions of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits they were making for breakfast. “Cole eats enough to keep two or three people alive himself. I don’t know where he puts it though, he never gains an ounce.” “I can hear you talking about me” Cole shouted from his chair on the front porch. The girls just laughed and kept on cooking.

After breakfast, Cole showed Ann the stables where he kept a few of his older horses who needed a little extra care. The last one he showed her particularly interested her.



“This is Ella. She was rescued from a circus a couple years ago” he said as he gently stroked her nose. “What do you mean rescued?” “They kept her tied up most of the time and didn’t take very good care of her. She was real thin and had sores all over. I didn’t think she was gonna make it but she’s pretty tough, aren’t you girl?” he said sweetly to the horse. “She’s my favorite.” Ann understood now why he was so willing to take her in. She was like Ella; a pitiful forgotten creature that needed someone to look out for her. “Can I pet her?” she asked. “She’s a little skittish around people sometimes so pet her real gently right here” he said as he continued to stroke her nose. Ann reached up and Ella pulled her head back a little. She tried again and this time she let Ann pet her. “I think she likes you” Cole said. “I like her too” she said with a smile.

Later that day when Cole came in for lunch, he found Ann sitting at the table with her head down. She looked flushed and a little sickly. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Oh, yeah I’m alright” she said surprised as she didn’t hear him come in. “I’ve been on my feet too long today, that’s all” she said getting up and finishing their lunch. “Are you sure that’s all? You’re not in any kind of trouble are you?” he asked gingerly. “No! What kind of girl do you think I am?” she said upset at his insinuation. “I didn’t mean anything…I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” “I’m sorry” she said. “Don’t worry about it. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off and just rest.” “But I’ve got so much to do.” “It can wait till tomorrow. I don’t want to seem rude but you’re too thin and I guess that’s from not eating much here lately. You need to build up your strength. I don’t want you keeling over in the kitchen” he said teasing her. She agreed and after lunch went up to her room and quickly fell sound asleep.

The next few days passed smoothly as Ann settled into the routine of household chores. She felt more at ease around Cole everyday as they were becoming friends, something she hadn’t had many of before. She was still trying to get used to how quiet it was here but as each day passed, she felt more and more at home on the prairie. She and Betsy were becoming pretty good friends as well. With her fear of being abandoned again like she was by her parents, Ann just kind of closed herself off to people. Cole was happy to see her coming out of her shell a little bit and opening up. Her closest friend however had become Ella. She would talk to her and feed her sugar cubes every day.

One evening after supper, Cole found Ann with Ella brushing her mane. “I was thinking, if you want her, Ella could be your horse” he said. “Really?” Ann said surprised. “But I know she’s your favorite.” “Yeah but, I think you need her more than she needs me. I think she likes you better anyway” he said chuckling. “Thank you Cole” Ann said with a big smile as she hugged him. “I promise I’ll take real good care of her.” “I know you will or I wouldn’t give her to you.”

[Coopsgirl]

Part Four

Ann knew how to sew and with Betsy’s help she picked out some patterns and material and made some lovely dresses to replace her old clothes which had all seen better days. She put on a little fashion show for Cole one evening trying on each new outfit and showing them off. She had also gotten a new haircut that was a little shorter and brought out the curls in her lovely blonde hair. Cole hadn’t noticed it before, but now in her pretty new clothes, and with a little color back in her cheeks, she was really quite beautiful.



He could feel his face getting warm as she twirled around in each dress and smiled at him. When she was done, he stepped out onto the porch to feel the cool night air as summer was giving way to early fall.

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Every year in September the town of Birney had a Fall Festival and one evening Betsy, Jack and Ann were walking around the fairgrounds when Ann caught a young man’s eye. Dave James worked at the feed store in town and he had a little crush on her.



He asked her to dance and while she didn’t really want to, she didn’t want to be rude so she agreed. To her surprise, she had a good time with Dave who seemed like a sweet guy. He was tall and quite handsome with striking features and warm brown eyes. When he asked if she’d like to go out with him she said she would. He took her home and when they drove up they saw Cole sitting on the front porch. “Hello Mr. Hardin” Dave said politely as the two men shook hands. “Hi Dave how are you?” “I’m fine sir. You missed a good time at the festival.” “That stuff’s for you young folks” he said. “I don’t know why you say things like that, you’re not that old” Ann said picking on him. “I’ll pick you up around 7 tomorrow, okay?” Dave said. “Sure” she happily replied as she watched him drive away.

“I wondered how long it was gonna take him to muster up the courage to ask you out” Cole said. “What do you mean?” “He makes goo-goo eyes at you every time we go to the feed store. You just haven’t noticed.” “Oh stop picking on him, I think he’s sweet.” “He is a nice guy and I’m glad you’re going out with him. You need to go out more instead of just hanging around here with me and the horses.” “Well, the horses are good company” she said joking as she went inside. “Hey!” Cole shouted back at her pretending to be upset.

Dave came to pick her up right on time and he found her and Cole in the kitchen. He was washing up his supper dishes so she wouldn’t get her dress dirty. “You sure look pretty Ann” Dave said as he came in. “Thanks, you look nice too” she said with a big smile. “Now Dave,” Cole said in a stern voice wiping his hands dry, “don’t keep her out too late you hear.” “No sir, Mr. Hardin” he said a little nervously. “He’s just picking on you Dave. Come on let’s go” she said smiling.

“You know it’s hard to imagine that I ever lived in a city like Billings. I know it’s not huge but it’s bigger than here and this place feels like home now” Ann said as she and Dave walked down the charming Main Street of town. “It’s a little place, but I like it” he said smiling. “I like you too Ann.” Ann smiled and put her arm around his as they walked on towards the movie theater. Dave dropped Ann back home around 10pm and Cole saw her as she walked past the living room to the stairs. “Did you have a good time?” he asked as she passed by. “Yeah, we walked around for a while and saw a movie” she said. “What did you see?” “Sergeant York” Ann said sheepishly. “How many times have you seen that one now?” he asked. “I don’t know, four or five.” Cole just rolled his eyes at her. “You better not let Dave find out you like Gary Cooper more than him” he said. “I’ll try not to” she said giggling. “You know, you kind of look a little like him.” “Who? Dave?” Cole said confused. “No, Gary Cooper.” “No I don’t” he said blushing with embarrassment over the comparison. “Yeah, you do. I’m surprised people don’t ask you for your autograph. Well, goodnight” she said with a giggle as she went upstairs.

Bright and early the next morning, Cole began his yearly chore of chopping firewood for the winter. Ann could see him from the living room window where she was ironing the laundry but she wasn’t really paying him any attention until she looked up to see him taking off his shirt. Even though he was a very handsome man with eyes as blue as the sky on a clear day and standing over six feet tall with a lanky, athletic build, she had thought of him as an older brother or guardian type figure. Never the less, she could feel her whole body getting flushed as she watched him swing the axe back and forth with beads of sweat rolling down his tanned skin.



She quickly turned her eyes back to her ironing however when she saw him stop and walk back toward the house. She could hear him rooting around one of the drawers in the kitchen so she went in to see what was going on. “What are you looking for?” “I need a knife to get this splinter out.” “Goodness gracious! Don’t use a knife” she gasped. “That’s what I always use.” “Look, just wait a minute” she said as she went upstairs to get her tweezers. “Gimme your hand” she said as she worked to get the splinter out. “Next time this happens use these, okay?” “Huh?” he said. He hadn’t heard her as he was thinking about how soft her hands were, and how gently she worked to remove the painful splinter. “I said if this happens again, please use the tweezers” she said in a kind voice. “Okay” he said as he pulled his hand away and went back to work.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Five

A couple of weeks later, Ann woke up one night covered in sweat. The nightmares she used to have on a pretty regular basis had become much less frequent since she had been at the ranch, but hadn’t completely gone away. She lay awake for about 15 minutes before deciding to get up and go down to the kitchen. There was some pie left and while she was getting a piece she dropped the plate and it broke. The noise was loud enough to wake up Cole whose bedroom was just down the hall. “Is everything okay?” he asked sleepily as he saw Ann picking up the broken pieces.



“I was just getting a snack and I dropped the plate.” When she got up he could see she looked pale and her hairline was wet with sweat. “Something’s wrong, what is it?” “Nothing, I just had a bad dream” she said as she got another plate for her pie and sat down at the table. “It must have been a real doozy” he said sitting down as well. “They usually are. I don’t really wanna talk about it” she said looking down at her plate. “Well if you ever do, you know you can tell me or Betsy or Dave.” “No! I wouldn’t tell them” she said with a tinge of fear in her voice. “Why not?” “They’re always about some of the bad things that happened when I was a kid and I don’t want anybody to know. I don’t want them to look at me differently, you know. It’s bad enough they already know you picked me up out of the gutter.” “I didn’t pick you up from the gutter” he said trying to make her feel better. “I wasn’t far from it.” “I’ll listen if you want to tell me” he said with tenderness in his voice. “I guess your opinion of me can’t get any lower. You’ve already seen me at my worst” she said as she put her plate in the sink. “I don’t want to hear you talk like that” he said seriously.



“You’re a good person and you shouldn’t run yourself down for things you couldn’t control.” “I know, but it’s hard.” “You’re tough though, you can do it. Now go and on, get some sleep, it’s late” he said smiling trying to lighten the heavy mood as they both went back to bed.

About a month passed and Dave and Ann had become quite an item. One of Dave’s friends was having a costume party for Halloween and Ann was really excited because she never got to dress up or do any of that fun stuff that most kids do when she was young. It took her a long time to pick out a costume but finally she decided to be a princess. “So what do you think, do I look like a fairy princess?” she said as she twirled around in her costume.



“You don’t have any wings” Cole said very matter of factly. “I’m not a really a fairy, it’s a just a saying.” “Oh, well in that case you look very princess-y.” “I don’t think that’s a word” she said teasing him. “I don’t get why y’all don’t just wear regular clothes.” “What would be the fun in that?” Ann asked. Cole just kinda mumbled something and went back to working on the fly he was making to fish with.

“Cole, you keep to yourself too much and I understand that, believe me, but it’s no fun being that way.” “I’m fine, don’t worry about me” he said as he focused on the fly. “I don’t know how you make those things” Ann said watching his long slender fingers wind the wire around the bottom of it. “It just takes a little practice.” “You know, there are lots of women in town who would love to go out with you if you’d just ask them” she said turning the subject back on him. “My love life is none of your business” he said harshly. Ann ignored him and continued on. “Are you afraid another relationship will end badly like your marriage? Is that why you never go out with anybody?” Cole didn’t answer her as he walked over to the window. “Talk to me, it might make you feel better” she said frustrated with his silence. “Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?” he said knowing she didn’t like to talk about her problems either. She got up to leave when he spoke up again.

“How do you just stop loving someone?” he asked still looking out the window with his back to her. “She just woke up one day and realized she didn’t love me anymore. I didn’t change or do anything different” he said in a voice so pitiful it made Ann tear up as she sat back down. He turned around and saw that she was about to cry so he sat next to her and said “Now don’t you go crying over me, I’m alright, really.” “It’s not just you” she said wiping her eyes. “I’ve always wondered why my parents didn’t want me. I figured it was because they just didn’t love me.” “I’m sure that wasn’t it. Maybe they just weren’t able to take care of you” he said as he put his arm around her. “Why didn’t they ever come back for me? I hated it in that awful place” she said as the tears flowed freely, tears she had been holding inside a long time. Cole heard Dave coming up the drive and he knew Ann wouldn’t want him to see her that way. “Dave’s here, I’ll stall him why you go get fixed up okay?” he said softly. “Thanks” she said as she went upstairs to fix her makeup.

Cole stood on the porch watching them drive away and he thought about what Ann had said. She was right. He was afraid to begin a new relationship. It also didn’t help that the only woman he’d wanted to be with since his divorce was with someone else. Hank was asleep on the porch and when Cole sat down in his chair it creaked waking him up. “Hey boy” he said as Hank walked over to him and sat down near his feet. “She should be with someone like Dave” he said as Hank looked up at him. “They make a nice couple huh? I don’t want her to know I like her. She’d feel uncomfortable I’m sure and I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt her. She’s so sweet and she’s been hurt so much already.”

Dave and Ann had a great time at the party. They bobbed for apples and even went on a spooky hayride through the woods. Dave held her close as they rode along the bumpy trail and stole a kiss when nobody was looking. She had been out on a few dates here and there over the past few years but he was the first real boyfriend she’d ever had and she was beginning to have strong feelings for him. He was so sweet and funny and he always treated her like a lady. She did get the feeling from his mother though, that she was not pleased with his choice for a girlfriend. Mrs. James had never been outright rude to Ann but she just sensed that she was looked down upon and not good enough for her son.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Six

A few days later after breakfast, Cole went into town to run some errands. He asked if Ann wanted to go, but she made up a quick excuse and stayed behind. She went to the stable to visit Ella and she nuzzled against Ann’s shoulder sensing something was bothering her. “I gotta talk to somebody and I know you won’t tell anyone” she said as Ella watched her intently. “I had a dream last night. It was a romantic dream” she said almost in a whisper. “I was holding hands with a man and we were walking through a garden and we were all dressed up. He turned towards me and it was Cole. Then he leaned in and kissed me.”



“I’ve never really thought about him that way before but in the dream I really liked him. I think maybe I do like him, that way” she said as she began brushing Ella’s mane. “I mean, he is good looking and sweet and he’s so tall and kinda rugged” she said dreamily as she remembered that kiss. “What am I saying?! I have a boyfriend and he’s wonderful. I don’t know what to do” she said with a sigh.

Cole had some friends he played poker with every couple of weeks and this night it was his turn to play host. “You’re not going out with Dave tonight Ann?” Walter asked as he helped set up the card table. “He’s got a cold so I’m stuck here with y’all instead” she joked. “Here’s some snacks” she said as she brought the food in from the kitchen. “You spoil us too much” Ben said noting the last couple of times they played there she had done the same. “Oh, it’s no trouble. Now I’ll get out of your hair and leave you to it” she said as she undid her apron and walked towards the door. “Hey Ann” Cole said before she could leave, “you wanna try your hand at a little five card draw?”



“Sure, if y’all don’t mind” she said smiling. “We’re a man short anyway so come on” Walter said. “I don’t know how to play so you’ll have to show me” she said as Cole dealt the cards. They played for a couple of hours and Ann had doubled the money Cole gave her to play with. “I think she’s hustling us” Ben said joking at Ann’s good fortune. “I swear it’s just beginner’s luck” she said as she won another hand. “I think I’m gonna quit while I’m ahead” she said gathering up her money and heading upstairs. “Well, if I gotta lose, it’s better losing to a pretty girl than you mugs” Walter said as he dealt a new hand. “I don’t know how you do it Cole” Ben said. “Do what?” Cole asked. “Oh come on, you’re both single, she’s very pretty and you’re alone here together. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it?” “She’s not single, she has a boyfriend. Besides, I don’t think of her that way” he said so convincingly he could have given that actor that he favored so much serious competition. “Don’t you know Mr. Hardin here is a confirmed old bachelor” Walter joked. With that, they dropped the conversation and played a few more hands.

Once the guys left, Cole went outside to get some fresh air and think about things. Walter’s words “confirmed old bachelor” rang in his head like a bell the size of Big Ben, the old part especially. He knew forty wasn’t exactly old, but he didn’t really believe he could compete with the 26 year old Dave James’s of the world. Still feeling the effects from his failed marriage, he couldn’t see the wonderful qualities he had to offer a woman and he definitely could not imagine someone as young and beautiful as Ann being interested in him as anything other than a friend. He felt as if his heart was breaking a second time. He had fallen in love with her but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her. Ann came into the kitchen to clean up the boy’s dishes and she saw Cole sitting on the porch with his head down in his hands. “What’s the matter? Did you lose again?” she said teasingly as she joined him outside. Cole looked up surprised and Ann could see he was genuinely upset about something. “What's wrong?” she asked. “I was just thinking. It was around this time that Janet and I were divorced” he said which was the truth, but it was not what was bothering him. “I’m sorry” she said gently putting her hand on his shoulder. “I’m gonna go on to bed” he said getting up quickly and going inside. As Ann washed the dishes her mind drifted back to the many dreams she had been having about Cole lately. The last one was a real humdinger and her cheeks blushed as she remembered it.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Seven

It was nearing Thanksgiving and Dave had invited Ann to spend the holiday with him and his family. “Dave,” Ann said as they sat on the swing on his front porch, “would you be mad if I spent Thanksgiving with Cole? He’ll be all by himself.” “You can invite him here if you want” he said. “He wouldn’t come. Walter asked him to come over to their house and he wouldn’t do it and they’ve been friends for years. He’s so stubborn and he has it stuck in his head that he’d just be intruding or putting people out.”

“Do you like Cole?” Ann was surprised by Dave’s very frank question and she was quite flustered as she asked him what he meant. “I mean do you have romantic feelings for him?” “No, of course not. It’s just that I owe him so much and I’d like to make a nice dinner for him.” Ann could never have made it as an actor as her reply was completely unconvincing. “I may be a simple man, but I’m no dummy Ann. I can tell you like him and I can’t blame you. He’s a nice man and you spend a lot of time with him and he did save you from a bad situation.” “I’m sorry Dave” Ann said unable to look him in the eye. “Me too. I like you a lot and I know you like me too, but I think you’re feelings for Cole are stronger. I’ve seen the way you look at him. You light up when he comes into the room. You should tell him you know” he said tenderly as he gently squeezed her hand.

“I can’t. He doesn’t feel that way about me and I wouldn’t want to lose his friendship or have everything be awkward.” “But what if he does like you? I just want you to be happy. I wish it could be with me but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” Ann hugged Dave as she said goodbye and on the walk back home she thought about what he had said and she hoped that Cole had not picked up on her feelings as well.

“What are you doing with that turkey?” Cole said as Ann was bringing the groceries in the house the next day. “I thought Dave’s mother was doing all the cooking.” “This is for us” she said as she managed to the get the bird in the fridge. “I told you I was just gonna fix myself a steak or something. I don’t want you to miss spending Thanksgiving with Dave and his family for me.” “We broke up so I’m cooking us a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings” she said with a smile. “What happened? Y’all seemed happy together” he said genuinely concerned for his friend. “Nothing really, we just realized it wouldn’t work out that’s all.” Cole decided not to pry any further and as he turned to walk away he smiled to himself.

When Thanksgiving came, Ann wouldn’t let Cole help because she wanted to do it all herself. He watched her wrestle with the 20 pound turkey until he was laughing so hard he couldn’t stand it anymore and he stepped in and carried it from the fridge to the countertop. “Why’d you get such a big bird for two people?” “Because one of those two people eats like a horse and can probably put 15 pounds of this away himself. Now get outta here so I can cook” she said shooing him away. As he sat in the living room he could hear her singing happily as she cooked and he couldn’t help but smile.

“You know, my mom was a great cook, but on her best day she never made a dinner this good” Cole said after his fourth helping. “Really?” “This is my third or fourth plate isn’t it?” “Fourth I think. I just followed the directions Betsy gave me. I’d never made anything like this before but I think it turned out pretty good.” “It turned out very good” he said as he continued to eat heartily. “Let me help wash up. I know you’re tired after all that work” Cole said once he was finally full. “I won’t argue with you on that” she said as she sat back down at the table. “I’ve got an idea. How ‘bout after a while when our food has settled, we go riding.” “I don’t know” she said apprehensively. “It’s not as scary as you think I promise” he said. “Maybe.” “I’ll take that a yes then.”

Cole got his horse saddled up and then also went to put a saddle on Ella. She was still a young horse and was in good shape and he would ride her every now and then just to exercise her. He had tried to get Ann to ride her many times but she always refused because she was afraid she’d fall off and get hurt. He tried to convince her it was okay but she was too scared and just wouldn’t do it so Cole led Ella back to her stall.



Then he took Ann by the hand and led her to his horse. Before she could say no again, he picked her up and put her up on the saddle. Then he got on behind her and took the reins. “What are you doing?” she asked with her eyes as big as plates. “I thought you’d be less scared this way” he said as they slowly began walking down the dirt road leading to the pasture. They were both quiet as they rode along under the big, clear sky. It was a beautiful, crisp evening and Ann took a deep breath to drink it all in. She could feel the warmth of Cole’s body pressed against hers and for just a moment it made her feel a little faint. “See, there’s nothing to be scared of” he said breaking the silence and she could feel his breath on her ear. “I guess not” she managed to say in a trembly voice. He could feel her shivering a little and mistaking her trembling for being cold, he turned around and headed back home. Cole took care of the horses while Ann went inside. She went up to her bathroom and wet a washrag with cool water and placed it on the back of her neck. She could still feel his strong arms around her and now she was more confused than ever about what to do regarding her feelings for him.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Eight

December7th started out like any other day, but soon their quiet little town would be shook up along with the rest of the country. Ann was in the kitchen about to begin preparing lunch when she heard the news bulletin on the radio. She stood there in shock to hear that one of the Naval bases the U.S. had in Hawaii had been attacked by the Japanese. The details were sketchy at first but it was enough for her and everyone else listening to know this was a very serious matter. She ran outside to look for Cole but couldn’t find him. He was in the field putting out some more hay for the horses. After Thanksgiving she had finally decided to learn to ride and had become a pretty decent horsewoman so she saddled up Ella and they took off down the dirt road. Cole was in his truck driving back when he saw her. At first, he thought she was just taking Ella out for a ride until she got closer and he could see that she looked absolutely panicked.

“What’s wrong?” he said as he got out of the truck. “Our ships in Hawaii were just bombed by the Japanese. Turn on your radio” she said nearly out of breath as she got down and they walked back to his truck. Cole turned the radio on and they listened as more information came in about how severe the attack had been. “Let’s get back to the house, you’re gonna freeze out here” Cole said noticing Ann didn’t have her coat on. “You drive the truck back and I’ll take Ella.”

“What do you think is gonna happen now?” Ann said as they went inside and stood by the fireplace to warm up. “I don’t know but I’m sure it’ll be alright” he said in a comforting tone. “But what if it’s not alright, what if we have to go to war now?” she said getting more upset. “Sshhh, it’s alright. We’ll be safe here I promise” he said as he put his arms around and hugged her close. “I’m gonna go make some hot chocolate, you’re still shaking like a leaf” Cole said after a few minutes. Ann continued to stand by the fireplace to try and warm up. While he made the cocoa he noticed his hands trembling a little as well. He was not cold though. Holding Ann like that made him feel good, better than he had felt in years. He hoped it wouldn’t show, but it was getting harder for him to hide his feelings.

Everyone in town was glued to their radios for the next few days. When the U.S. issued an official declaration of war, many of the young men in town went to the local recruiting station to enlist and Cole was amongst them. He was over the age limit and most likely wouldn’t be let in but he felt he needed to at least try to do something to serve his country. While he was gone Ann stayed at home pacing the floor in front of the fireplace. She was a bundle of nerves and when he finally got back home she felt like she might faint as she waited to hear what happened. “So, did they take you?” she asked Cole in a voice small and weak. “It was what I figured, they said I was too old.” “So you don’t have to go?” “No.” “Oh thank God!” she said as she collapsed onto the couch and began to sob uncontrollably in great relief.

He was stunned at her reaction and he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words. Ann looked up at him and he weakly smiled at her as he moved closer to sit down beside her. Embarrassed by her outburst, she ran to the bathroom and it was several minutes before she came back out, her face red and puffy. “I need to tell you something” she said sitting down beside him as she fidgeted with the tissue in her hand. He lifted her chin and when their eyes met, he knew what she wanted to say. They moved closer to one another and Cole put his arms around her and held her tight as he felt her body go weak from his kiss.



“I’ve been wanting to do that a long time” he said looking into her eyes that were still wet with tears. “You have?” she asked with a big smile. “Uh-huh.”

“Is this why you and Dave split up?” he asked. “Yeah. I told him I wanted to spend Thanksgiving with you because I didn’t want you to be alone and he said he could tell I liked you. It’s more than that though. I…I love you” she said nervously. “I love you too sweetheart” he said as he pulled her closer. “You sure did a good job of hiding it” she said with a laugh as she rested her head on his shoulder. “So did you.” “I’ve never felt like this before and I didn’t know what to do” she said looking into those beautiful blue eyes of his; eyes that saw the person she really was and not that girl in trouble he found all those months ago.
“I’m glad it finally came out” he said taking her hand and tenderly kissing it. “Thinking of you going off to war was more than I could take. While you were gone I decided I was gonna tell you because I just couldn’t hold it in anymore. I love you so much Cole.” “You must because I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody cry that hard about anything” he said caressing her cheek. “I can’t believe I made such a fool of myself” she said hanging her head. “I guess I just have that effect on women” he joked trying to make her feel less embarrassed. “You sure do on me” she said as she kissed him again.

It was nearly dinner time and Ann and Cole talked more about their new situation while she cooked. “Love sure is a strange thing” she said as she cut up the potatoes. “What do you mean?” he said putting their plates and silverware on the table. “I’d been going out with Dave for about three months and I liked him but I wasn’t anywhere near being in love with him. Me and you haven’t even been on a date yet and we’re in love.” “Sometimes it just works out that way I guess” he said as he put his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder pressing his cheek against hers.

“So, when did you first start falling under the spell of my irresistible charm?” he joked. “It’ll sound silly” she said giggling not wanting to say. “Come on, tell me” he said kissing her cheek. “Okay. It was around Halloween, I had a dream about you. We were walking through a garden in these beautiful evening clothes and you kissed me.” “Aw, that’s sweet” he said leaning against the counter so he could see her face as they talked. “I’ve had lots of dreams about you since then”. “More kissy ones” he said teasing her. “Yes, but that’s all the details you’re getting.” “Oh, so you’ve had those kinds of dreams” he said implying they went beyond just kissing. “I’m not saying” she said with a big smile as she continued cooking. “I’ve had some of those too” he said standing behind her again kissing the back of her neck.

“Now it’s your turn” she said giggling. “It wasn’t really any one specific thing I guess. Just a bunch of little things like how hard you work around here to make this a nice home, how you laugh at my corny jokes, and how pretty you are in the evenings after you’ve washed off your makeup and you put your hair up in curlers.” Ann turned around and kissed his cheek for being so sweet. “I realized I was in love with you after you and Dave had been dating a while. I was pretty jealous, even though I knew he was probably better for you than me.” “Nobody’s better than you” she said smiling up at him. “Well, he’s closer to your age, nice looking, and he’s never been married before.” “I don’t care about any of that” she said sincerely as she squeezed him tight. “And about this good looking stuff, have you looked in a mirror lately?” she said laughing. “I’m alright I suppose” he said embarrassed by the subject. “I remember one day you were out chopping wood and you took your shirt off; oooh I couldn’t help but stare at you” she said with a big grin. “I don’t know about all that,” he said blushing, “but you’re definitely the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. I’m not just saying that either, I mean it.” Ann smiled and hugged him tight as their dinner burned.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Nine

Later that night, they sat cuddled up in their pajamas on a blanket in front of the fire. “This is nice” Ann said as she snuggled closer to him. He kissed her forehead and held her a little tighter. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time.” “I’ve never been this happy” she said with a sigh. “You’re an amazing woman.” “Me, why?” “You’ve had nothing but bad breaks most of your life, but you didn’t let it turn you sour. All that happened to me was getting divorced and I’ve been moping about that for years.” “I’m sure that was a hard thing to go through” she said sympathetically. “Yeah, but not as hard as growing up like you did, with no one to really love you and take care of you. I’ve only been on my own a few years since my parents passed away and Janet left. You’ve been alone practically your whole life, but you used it to become strong and it just made me weak.” “I’m no saint. I could have had more friends if I’d wanted to after I left the home but I was too afraid to let people in. I didn’t have to be so lonely” she said.

“We should get to sleep” Cole said as Ann let out a big yawn. “Aw, I don’t wanna go to bed yet” she said tightening her grip on him. “I know, but it ain’t gonna be very comfortable if we fall asleep here on the floor.” They stayed up a few more minutes until Cole had an idea. “Come on, we better get to bed” he said getting up and helping Ann up too. “Alright” she said begrudgingly as she kissed him goodnight. She was walking towards the door when he picked her up and said “You’re going the wrong way sweetheart.” “What are you doing?” she said giggling as he carried her into his bedroom. “You’re staying right her with me” he said as he gently put her down on the bed. “I don’t know” she said nervously. “It’s alright. Come here” he said as he lay down next to her. She snuggled up beside him and he wrapped his arms around her. She felt comforted by the steady beat of his heart as she fell asleep.

When Cole woke up the next morning, he could smell breakfast cooking and he yawned and stretched as he walked into the kitchen. “Good morning” he said. “Good morning” she replied happily. “Did you sleep good?” he asked while getting a glass of juice. “I sure did.” “Me too” he said giving her a quick peck on the cheek before sitting down at the table. “Do you think we could get our Christmas tree today?” Ann asked during breakfast. “I thought you wanted to wait a few more days so it wouldn’t get too dried out before Christmas?” “I did, but I just can’t stand it anymore.” “Sure, we can go this afternoon.”

They walked around the Christmas tree farm hand in hand until they found the perfect one and Cole cut it down. Ann clapped and jumped up and down just like a kid as the tree fell to the ground. “I think you picked the biggest one out here” Cole said as he dragged it back to his truck. “It’s gonna be beautiful” she said with a big smile. “It’s been years since I had a tree” Cole said as they put the decorations on it. “I always wished I could have one” she said putting icicles on the branches. “You never had one, not even while you were on your own?” he asked. “I was lucky to have enough money to buy food and pay my bills. I guess I should have stayed and finished school and maybe I could have gotten some better jobs. But, they had more kids than money to take care of us, so a lot of the older kids like me left.” “I can’t imagine being on my own that young” he said getting more decorations out of the box. “It was alright, besides I was much happier after I left.”

“Was it really bad there?” he asked concerned. “Yeah. Do you really want to know?” she asked. “My mom used to say that if you tell somebody else your problems they share it with you and you don’t have to deal with it alone” he said putting his arms around her. “When I told you all about me and Janet, it’s like a weight was lifted. I feel like all that’s really behind me now. If you tell me about it, then maybe your nightmares will go away for good.”

They sat down on the couch and Ann explained how the children’s quarters where she lived often had roaches and sometimes even mice. They were only inspected twice a year and it was always clean for the inspections so no one outside knew how bad the conditions really were. If you complained or cried you would often be punished which usually included a beating, going without food, or a combination of both. Ann raised her dress so Cole could see a little scar on the back of her thigh. She got it when she was 10. She stepped in between one of the women who worked there and a five year old girl who was getting spanked with a belt mercilessly because she was crying during a thunderstorm. When she was 15, the sadistic woman who had ran it passed away and new owners took over. They cleaned the place up and made it much better, but she still wanted to leave when she had the opportunity because she had too many bad memories there.

As Cole listened, he tried to fight back the tears but he couldn’t keep his eyes from watering a bit. It broke his heart to think that the woman he loved had to go through all that. “I’m glad you told me” he said putting his arm around her and kissing her sweetly. “I’ve never told anyone any of that before. I do feel better” she said smiling. “I know something that would make you feel even better” he said suggestively. “What’s that?” “Staying with me again tonight” he said kissing her neck. “I better not” she said trying to be strong. “Why not, don’t you trust me?” “I don’t trust myself” she said with a smirk.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Ten

Soon the news spread around to their friends that Cole and Ann were now a couple. They were surprised, but happy, as they made a lovely pair. They spent a wonderful Christmas together, just the two of them, and Cole had a surprise for Ann after they were done opening their presents. “Hey, you forgot one” he said as he pulled a small box out of his pocket. Ann, who had been gathering up the torn wrapping paper to throw away, smiled and took the gift from his hand. “You didn’t have to get me anything else” she said as she opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. “Cole, is this what I think it is?” she asked surprised. “If you’re thinking it’s an engagement ring then, yes” he said as he took it out of the box and placed it on her finger. “Look at that, a perfect fit” he said smiling. Ann threw her arms around him and giggled with joy. “So I guess this means you’re stuck with me” he said. “It sure does cowboy!”

Cole’s friend Walter and his wife decided to have a New Year’s Eve party and they also made it into an impromptu celebration of his friend’s engagement. They were all having a nice time until one of the women asked Ann if they had set a date yet for their wedding. “We’re not sure, maybe sometime in March or April when the weather is a little nicer. I kinda always wanted to get married in the spring” she said. “Now why do wanna go and do a stupid thing like getting married Cole” said one of the men who had a little too much to drink. “Why buy the cow when the milk lives in your house for free” he said with slurred speech. Without saying a word Cole stood up and slugged him right in the jaw. That put an end to the party and Ann put some ice on Cole’s fist once they got home.

“Do you really have your heart set on getting married this spring?” he asked. “Do you want to change it?” “I know people probably think we’re sleeping together and I don’t want them saying that about you.” “Then you better hurry up and make an honest woman of me” she said sitting down in his lap. “You don’t mind if we move it up?” he said resting his cheek against hers. “I’ll marry you any time you want” she cooed.

Two weeks later they were man and wife after a lovely ceremony at their church.



Cole carried Ann over the threshold into the living room and set her down in front of the romantic glow of the fire. Ann was so happy she couldn’t help but giggle as Cole poured two glasses of champagne. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand how a beautiful, sweet thing like you fell for an old cowboy like me.” “Because you’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever known” Ann said as they sipped from their glasses. “I’ve got something for you” he said walking into his bedroom and coming back out with a folded piece of paper. “What is it?” she asked excitedly. “Don’t laugh, but it’s a poem I wrote for you. Well, part of one anyway. I wanted to make it longer but I couldn’t think of any more.” “I’m sure it’s perfect” she said as she sat down to read it.

Still reelin' from a relationship that left me torn in two
Tryin' to find that first step that leads to someone new
Gettin' me back together, didn't know it could be so hard
But if I'm ever gonna mend this broken heart
You look like a real good place to start
I need a new beginning, and girl you fit right in
Sometimes a new beginning is found in an old friend
If I'm ever gonna mend this broken heart
You look like a real good place to start

“Do you like it?” he asked, not sure if it was good or not. “It’s beautiful” she said choked up over his heartfelt words. “I love you so much Ann” he said sitting down next to her. “I love you too, very much” she said hugging him tight. “I’ve got something for you too. Just wait here, I’ll be back” she said as she hurried upstairs. A few minutes later she came down wearing a baby blue silk nightgown. It was quite short, only going a few inches down her thighs and it had a low cut back. She spun around to show it off and Cole pulled her close and kissed her with all the passion he had repressed for so many years. When they went into the bedroom Ann could feel her face blushing and Cole noticed it too. “Are you nervous?” he asked her tenderly and she nodded. “I’ve never…and you’ve been married before and…” “I’ve never known any other woman, just you” he said putting his arms around her and kissing her so sweetly she could feel all her cares melt away. Lying in her husband’s arms, Ann felt a sense of contentment she had never known before. With Cole, she felt safe and happy. “What are you thinking about?” he asked her as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m thinking it feels like I’m in a dream and I hope I never wake up” she said running her fingers over the hair on his chest. “Ow!!” she said after he pinched her bottom. “Nope, you’re not dreaming” he said as they both laughed.

When Cole awoke the next morning, the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon. Ann was still sleeping and he carefully got up so he wouldn’t wake her. He put his robe on and turned the gas heater in their room up a little more. He walked over to the window and watched the snow fall as he thought back to how wonderful the night before had been. “Cole, what are you doing up?” he heard Ann say as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I didn’t want you to be cold so I turned the heater up.” “If you come back to bed then I won’t be cold.” He took his robe off and slipped back under the covers and snuggled up close to his beautiful bride. “I love you” she said softly resting her head against his chest. “I love you too” he said holding her a little tighter.

(The poem is part of a George Strait song titled A Real Good Place to Start)

[Coopsgirl]

Part Eleven

Later that morning, Cole and Ann took the train into Billings for their honeymoon. When he asked her where she would like to go, Ann said she wanted to go back there and do all the things she was never able to do before. He was more than happy to oblige and they got a suite at the ritziest hotel in town. “Have you ever stayed here before?” Ann asked as the cab pulled up to the door. “No, but it’s supposed to be the best.” “Well then, they’re surely not going to let us in” Ann joked. She had never seen anything so beautiful as they walked across the marble floor of the lobby. She had to crane her neck to see the ornately decorated ceiling illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Their rooms were equally as stunning and it warmed Cole’s heart to see Ann this happy as she marveled at their gorgeous surroundings.
So far they had spent three wonderful days together exploring sides of the city Ann could never afford to enjoy in all her years there. That night Cole took her to a swanky nightclub and as they were walking back to their table after a dance, Ann went to the powder room. Cole heard a familiar voice call his name and he turned to see his ex-wife and another man. “I thought that was you” Janet said surprised to see him after all these years. “Hello Janet” he said just as surprised.



“What are you doing in the city?” she asked politely. “I’m on my honeymoon. My wife went to the restroom, she should be back in a minute.” “Congratulations Cole. I’m happy for you” she said sincerely. “This is my husband Jim Holland” she said as the two men shook hands. “Here she is” Cole said as Ann joined them. “This is my wife Ann. Ann this is Janet and her husband Jim.” “It’s nice to meet to you” Ann said pleasantly trying to hide the fact that she was stunned to see them. Janet responded similarly as she shook Ann’s hand. “I hate to be rude but we should leave now if we’re going to make our reservation” Jim said. “That’s alright” Cole said as he shook Jim’s hand again and gave Janet a quick hug then said their goodbyes.

“That was weird running into them” Ann said as they sat back down. “Yeah, I knew she moved here after our divorce but this is the first time I’ve seen her since then” he said. “I think she was a little surprised to see how young and beautiful you are” he said as he kissed her hand. “She really did me a favor, you know. I guess we just weren’t right for each other. If we’d have stayed together we wouldn’t have been happy and I might never have met you, and I can’t imagine my life without you.” “You’ll never have to” she said as she gave him a quick kiss.

[Coopsgirl]

Part Twelve

When spring arrived there were many changes around their little town. In addition to the trees and flowers blooming, a factory had gone up where portable radio units were being built for the war effort. Jack, Betsy’s husband, was one of the many men who were now in basic training and would soon see action overseas. Ann invited Betsy over for supper one night and they were talking about the factory. “The fliers we got in the mail said they would prefer women since it’s gonna be detailed work and I guess they think our fingers are more nimble. I’m gonna try and get a job there when it opens. I gotta do something to help” Betsy said. “That’s good, it’ll keep you busy and maybe you won’t worry so much” Cole said.

After dinner Ann and Cole talked more about the factory. “I don’t mind if you wanna help out too honey” Cole said. “Maybe you could just work part time or something. I know you want to help too.” “I do but I don’t think I should.” “How come?” “I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure, but I think we’re gonna have a baby.” All his adult life, Cole had wanted a child. Janet wasn’t able to have children and he had made his peace with the fact that he would probably never be a father. When he turned 40 last year, he was sure the chance had passed him by. “Really, you think you’re pregnant?” he said barely able to speak. “I’m pretty sure. I’m just waiting for the test results to come back” she said smiling. Cole grabbed her and hugged her tight as a couple of tears rolled down his cheeks.

Ann had a pretty typical pregnancy complete with crazy cravings and mood swings that would cause her to cry one minute and then break out into laughter the next. Cole made her feel like a queen though as he took care of everything she needed. Ann loved to see the way his eyes would light up every time the baby would kick. They were sitting together on the couch one night doing a crossword puzzle when Ann realized it was time. They rushed to the hospital and a few hours later the doctor came out to give Cole the good news. “Mr. Hardin” the doctor said as Cole jumped up and rushed towards him. “Is everything okay?” he asked frantically. “Everything is fine. Your wife came through like a real trooper. You have a beautiful healthy baby girl.” “I’m a father” he shouted excitedly as he hugged the doctor. “Wait, wait you didn’t let me finish. You have a girl and a boy. You have twins Mr. Hardin.” “Twins” he said feeling his knees getting weak.

“Have you seen them?” Ann said as she tried to sit up when Cole came in her hospital room. “Uh huh. They’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen” he said sitting beside her. “Well, maybe not quite the most beautiful” he said as he kissed her cheek. Ann smiled and held his hand as she laid back down resting her head on the pillow. “That was pretty tough huh?” he said sweetly. “I’m glad we got two because I don’t think I could do that again” she said laughing. “I don’t need anything else in this whole world except you three” he said holding her hand.

As the years passed, the war came to an end and Cole and Ann watched their children grow up healthy and happy. They were very proud parents and reveled in every little milestone of their children’s lives like their first steps, the first day of school, and high school graduation. Their son and daughter had both been away at college for about a year and they were just getting used to having the house to themselves again.

“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years” Ann said as she unpacked her suitcase in their suite. They celebrated every fifth anniversary by staying in the same hotel where they had spent their honeymoon. “It’s gone by way too fast” Cole said looking out the window of the city which had grown bigger as the years passed. “Would you do it all over again?” Ann asked as she put her arms around him and reached up on her tip toes to kiss the back of his neck. “In a heartbeat” he said as he turned and kissed his beautiful bride.

The End

[maggiejones]

Brilliant !!! very talented indeed...keep it up

[Coopsgirl]

Thanks! I wasn't sure if anybody liked it or not. I have slow time at work sometimes (my computer is tied up processing large data files) so I work on these stories. I've got about 15 of them so I'll probably post some more.