Henry woke to the smell of coffee brewing. He rolled onto his side and could see Beth at the kitchen stove just beyond the bedroom door. He took in her figure, noting her nice, hourglass shape—perfect for holding, caressing, and being intimate. Her long blond hair was down and danced on her back as she moved. Rolling onto his back, Henry took a deep breath.
“What am I doing here?” he wondered. “This is crazy. It’s not okay to be here like this, having to do his brother’s work. Beth wasn’t his wife, she was Sam’s wife. The only girl Henry needed to take care of was Charolette and he couldn’t wait to get back home to her.”
“Henry, you need to get moving if you want breakfast,” Beth said as she went outside to call her six-year-old son, Sammy.
Henry got out of bed and got dressed.
“Morning, Uncle Henry.”
“Good morning, Sammy.” Henry took a seat at the table with Beth and Sammy. The empty chair was very noticeable this morning. “Any word from Sam?”
Beth said.
“What letter?” Sammy asked. “Did we hear from Pa?”
“No, this is business stuff, son,” Beth told him. “That’s why Uncle Henry is here—so he can help with a few things while your dad is away.”
“Right,” Henry thought. “I’m here to help Beth fix the dilapidated place my brother left her in. She can do better than Sam. What kind of man leaves his wife to raise his child alone while he travels and tries to find riches?”
The last letter Sam had sent stated clearly that he had no intention of coming home. The money was good in Nevada, and there were rumors of gold mines. Sam had said the landscape there was beautiful and that he would send money to Beth soon.
“He didn’t say anything about having his wife and son join him, though,” Henry thought. “Sam doesn’t understand that a family needs the man at home, and he’s a fool for not wanting to be with Beth all the time. She’s beautiful and tenderhearted. She deserves the love of a man willing to sacrifice everything for her.” Pushing his thoughts aside, Henry said, “After breakfast, let’s go see what all needs to be done around here. We’ll make a supply list and go to town tomorrow.” Henry told Sammy.
“Town! Oh boy!” Sammy squealed.
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