Distant Lovers - 8

It was a cold rain coming down in buckets full; and the stage pulled up in front of the Sheriff's office some six months after they had send notice the case was solved. 1

But it could not close until the Judge spoke the final words. He was an snappy ole cuse, about five feet tall with a pot belly. Big stinking cigar hangin' from his lips. Everybody could smell him coming a half mile off from that 2

smoke of his.3

Well after he spoke with Sheriff Hunt The Judge thought deeply on sending the boy to jail. "Hunt I have got to talk with the parents of this boy, find out if they are up standing" said the Judge.....About that time the Hunt figured he better tell him the whole story. After listening4

the judge just grump! "Well I can send him to the aslyum or jail if'n they marry up. Other then that He's going to hang like any other killer" firmly spoke the Judge.5

Then to save the child from death Poppy, went to Trace and told him what she had over heard. Trace still loved her and had hopes of winning her back. "Don't look at me like that you have to marry Eve to save your son from hanging. I will never marry you now because of your children. Trace gather your senses and do the right thing" requested Poppy.6

"I have to think about it", said Trace. "NO YOU DON'T YOUR CHILD IS SICK IN THE BRAIN, AND FACING THE LOOSE! I will never be yours in anyway. Trace you have no choice and I will not give you one" at that Poppy turned and ran to her horse Bella, mounted and rode off. On her way back to town with tears in her eyes she saw Mace headed to the Reed Ranch.7

So slowed down to speak. He saw the tears and asked her the matter.8

Mace turned and rode with her, until they came to a water hole. They stop so the animals could get a drink...while they talked. Poppy told all she had heard..Mace wondered now if the man was a fool. "How can we get him to marry Eve? asked Poppy. "Well there has to be away" Mace said. "I have a idea" said Poppy. "I have a idea!"9

"Well Poppy it better be a good idea cause that man has his heart still set on you. Maybe he doesn't realize how much water done ran under the bridge" Mace said in deep thought.
"Well his children are the most important to me. I have my
morals to worry about. I could never take him away from those three kids. He belongs to Eve and those three young'un now" Poppy said. She was still standing by the tree wondering if Mace would understand and go along with her plan...10

"Okay Miss Lady what's your plan or idea? It better be a good one too. Cause only one thing will get his sniffer off you heels now and that's if'n you wed up with a preacher"...Mace laughed..for the first time in a long time.
Poppy smiled at Mace and she was just as beautiful as her twin. She reminded Mace why they were here in Layfayette.
To see the justice was served, and the child did not hang.
"Mr. Mace what if I called on you?" asked Poppy.11

Mace looked up! "What in the hell did you say?" "I asked to call on you as your intended, your betroth. You see if we get married Trace will go a head and marry Eve." she replied.
"Does a rooster wear socks? Hell no! then you have your answer said Mace. Poppy started to cry, softly at first. He keep on bickering. Thats when she really let out the tears...she was bawling her pretty little head off. All he could make out was..."We have got to save T.J. p-l-e-a-s-e" requested a blured eyed Poppy. 12

About that time she walked right up to Mace and started beating on his chest. Punching, screaming! He didn't know what do with her except grab her and hold her. 'Miss Poppy let me ponder a bit on this idea of yours" asked Mace.
Still sniffing she told him the best part, "we only have two days Mace" to save T.J. (Trace Jr.) and she held him closer.13

(more to come)