Surrender

[landiek]

Cassi lifted David and wrapped another blanket about his body. She looked over at Masser Alex and gave a weak smile.

"We's ready to go Masser Alex." Without another comment she lifted some things and slipped them in her basket and headed out the cabin door.

Cassi couldn't help but smile as she noticed Miz Ava atalkin to Masser Luke.

 

[andygorn]

Clayton returned Julia's tenderness with equal vigour.
"Your softness and kindness really warm my heart, sweet lady."
===

"I love hearing you laugh, Julia; it's like soft cooling rain on a hot summer's day...just the sort of thing I need when it's too hot; I want to wash and immerse myself in it, letting it flow over me."
===

Clayton quickly became aeoused at the touch of his arm against her chest, yet he knew there would be plenty of time for that later and he told her so.
A mischievous came into his eyes as he mentioned this and he thought for an instant that he saw a flush of naughty embarrsassment cross her own face.
"You are a beautiful star, Julia, and I want you to know how wanted you are; you will never be taken for granted."

===

Clayton felt Julia shiver...Perhaps it was because they were getting close to their first destination?
He knew not to press her for an explanation as she would mention it in hjer own way and time.

===

"It looks SO beautiful in these parts, Julia; thank you for showing us the way, sweetheart...we'd have gotten lost at a dozen places already if it hadn't been for you."

 

[rvplymates]

Day One

The drive was long but lost its deariness with Clayton by her side. The talked as the miles went by. She thought of her home again and shivered. It was heading for twilight when they finally stopped at set up camp. They worked as a team setting of camp. The work went quickly as they talked and joked. Laughter carried through the air. Clayton took over the cooking like Julia knew he would. He was spoiling her and she loved it. She watched his strong body bend to cook.

She wanted to touch him, hold him and forget about food but she knew he would not allow that. Her condition when he found her was still too fresh for Clayton to let Julia get away with not eating. He walked over to her with a plate in his hand filled with food and handed it to Julia.

"Thank you Clayton"

She smiles at him as he gets his own food and something for Amy. He feeds her and comes by Julia and sits by her side. Thier hips touch as they eat. By the time dinner was over they were both hugry for each other's bodies

 

[macmillian]

Cassi lifted David and wrapped another blanket about his body. She looked over at Masser Alex and gave a weak smile.

"We's ready to go Masser Alex." Without another comment she lifted some things and slipped them in her basket and headed out the cabin door.

Cassi couldn't help but smile as she noticed Miz Ava atalkin to Masser Luke.

As if on cue, the undertaker and the parson arrived to take Jenny on her last journey here on earth. I put the lid on the coffin and nailed it closed with the undertakers help. Luke and Ava entered and we carried Jenny out to the flat bed wagon.

I returned and walked Cassi out to our wagon and held David as she climbed aboard and I handed the baby up to her. Ava and Luka joined us and they to climbed aboard and we were ready to leave. We followed the the other wagon to town and went to the church with the cemetary out back.

We held the grave side ceremoney and said our good byes. Cassi the last to leave with David. We return to the cabin a somber and quiet group. I put up the horses and feed the rest of the stock. When I was done the sun was just starting to set.

 

[landiek]

Cassi felt the full weight as she stodd there saying goodbyes for herself and a vow to care for David.

Then a breif stare into the skies as the Parson's words gave her some hope. Cassi then kisses David and dropped one last wildflower before walking away.

The trek back to the cabin was silent but then once they were in the warmth of the home Cassi set to work fixing a big meal. She was set on patterns, cause she didn't know any better.

Soon the scent of food baking filled the cabin and biscuits were pulled from the oven.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I could smell the food cooking, I could always when Cassi, dear Cassi was doing the cooking. I checked on my Dung and the rear hip wound was almost healed. Another day or two and he would be as right as rain. I had now lost Jenny, Julia twice and Clayton. Not a very good showing for a leader and we weren't even out of Georgia yet. Hom many more be fore we reached the Oklahoma Territory. Two men, two women and a baby. Maybe we should stay right here, put down roots and be safe. I'll ask the group after supper. I walk over to the wash stand and clean up. I don't need Cassi pinning my ears back cause I not ready to eat.

Luke ....

"Smells awfully good Cassi! Anything I can do to help, If not I stall over here out of the way!" I go and sit with Ava who has been holding David while Cassi was Cooking. David had been fussing eversince we got back and Cassi had asked Ava to hold him for a bit.

"Ava, you look good holding him. Someday you may be holding your own and this will be good experience for you. Ava, please look at me a moment. Right now I know that I'm still a mess and I ask you not to be angry with me. you can tell me off, scream at me, do what ever you want, but don't stany angry with me. That I couldn't handle." I smilled and I hoped maybe she would smile back at me.

 

[landiek]

"Smells awfully good Cassi! Anything I can do to help, If not I stall over here out of the way!"

"Taint noffin yore able to do 'cept gets out of my kitchen and wash yore hands and face!" Cassi fussed as Masser Luke invaded her space.

Still just like a kitchen marm she moved about setting the table and placing things in the proper place. It was a few minutes later that Cassi was calling.

"Time for supper."

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I walked into the cabin just as Cassi was fussig with Luke to get out of her kitchen and I had tm smile a little, things were starting to return to normal. I walked over to Ava and Luke and smiled at them both.

Alex .... "Livestock is all takin care of, it'll be an easy night." Just as I was about to say something, Cassi called out "Time for supper".

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled softly at Luke.

"I'm not angry with you, don't worry about that... sometimes I just... don't understand you I think."

She smiled down at David, gently kissing his forehead. Laying a hand gently on Luke's shoulder, she went over to the corner to put David down for a little nap. She stroked his hair softly, hoping that someday she would be holding her own child in her arms and not someone else's.

She also hoped someday that Luke might make an attempt to get to know her, instead of just professing his love to her at every moment. Maybe he was just shy....

 

[macmillian]

Luke & Ava ....

Luke .... "Ava I feel better knowing that you are not angry with me. Before the war I had very little interaction with girls or young ladies, so I kind of forget how to talk and act with them whrn thay are around." I watch you put David down hoping he will take a nap while we all ate.

"Ava, maybe later we can sit and talk about where we are going and what plans, if any, when we get there." Just then Cassi Calls out.

Cassi .... "Time for supper."

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Luke & Ava ....

Luke .... "Ava I feel better knowing that you are not angry with me. Before the war I had very little interaction with girls or young ladies, so I kind of forget how to talk and act with them whrn thay are around." I watch you put David down hoping he will take a nap while we all ate.

"Ava, maybe later we can sit and talk about where we are going and what plans, if any, when we get there." Just then Cassi Calls out.

Cassi .... "Time for supper."

Ava smiled at Luke and nodded. "Tonight then, after the others have gone to bed"

She went to the table and sat down to eat. "It looks wonderful Cassi, thank you very much." After the others had sat down, she spoke again. "I feel we should say a prayer in Jenny's name today for our grace." She clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this wonderful food, and for our friends, and for our love for one another. We ask you to watch over us, and especially little David, and keep Jenny safe with you in heaven with the angels. Keep us in your mind as we keep you in our hearts always, Amen."

 

[macmillian]

Alex & Luke .... "Amen"

Luke .... ."Ava, That was nice, Thank you for putting it into words I couldn't think to say."

Alex .... "Yes Ava, wounderful idea. You express what we are all feeling".

Luke .... "Not to change the subject, we will all miss Jenny, but when are we going to be moving again. It's has been a long time here and the livestock is ready to travel Alex."

Alex .... "Well that's what I wanted to talk with you all about, Leaving!" I take a deep breath and pause and everyone has stopped eating and is looking towards me.

Alex .... "To date I haven't done to good a job as your leader and protector. We have lost that I am aware of four people and one twice. There is of course Jenny, Julia twice now she's left us, Clayton and the Irish ghost. How many more do we lose on this Journey, for me no more. I say we stay here, this is a fine cabin and good fields, wood and water. There are four of us that can vote. I abstain from voting, you make the choice, To Stay or To Go, I will abide by whart you decide. That's all, That;s all I have to say," and sit down.

Luke .... "Alex do you know what your saying, have you even thought it through. I mean, Have you even gave a thought to Cassi and you. You stay here BOY and you kill her love and then they kill her and you and David too. Think Alex, Think". this was the first time in a long time that I cared for someone else beside myself. "Not to mention Ava, Me too. what do we do, stay and watch what happens, try to go it alone. What? Your were voted as our leader, So damit. Lead, lead us all. I vote to go on!"

 

[landiek]

"It looks wonderful Cassi, thank you very much."

"Yore welcome Miz Ava." Cassi injected as she brought hot coffee to the table and sat down by Miz Ava.

"I feel we should say a prayer in Jenny's name today for our grace."Ava clasped her hands in front of her and bowed her head. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this wonderful food, and for our friends, and for our love for one another. We ask you to watch over us, and especially little David, and keep Jenny safe with you in heaven with the angels. Keep us in your mind as we keep you in our hearts always, Amen."

"Amen"

"Amen" Cassi echoed but not sure why.

"Ava, That was nice, Thank you for putting it into words I couldn't think to say."

"Yes Ava, wounderful idea. You express what we are all feeling".

Cassi listened quietly as they talked. She was never sure whether she should say something or just be still. She reckoned being still was best as they continued to talk among themselves.

"Not to change the subject, we will all miss Jenny, but when are we going to be moving again. It's has been a long time here and the livestock is ready to travel Alex."

Cassi looked up at Masser Luke looking at Masser Alex. She felt a shiver race along her spine as she listened.

"Well that's what I wanted to talk with you all about, Leaving!" Alex spoke clearly, "To date I haven't done to good a job as your leader and protector. We have lost that I am aware of four people and one twice. There is of course Jenny, Julia twice now she's left us, Clayton and the Irish ghost. How many more do we lose on this Journey, for me no more. I say we stay here, this is a fine cabin and good fields, wood and water. There are four of us that can vote. I abstain from voting, you make the choice, To Stay or To Go, I will abide by what you decide. That's all, That's all I have to say,"

Cassi was flabberghasted at what got said. She knew that things would never be good here in the south. She hadn't forgotten that crowd in the city that didn't want her in the motel or in the town for that matter. The war was still hurting folks and many didn't take kindly to slaves thinking they was equal to white folks.

"Alex do you know what your saying, have you even thought it through. I mean, Have you even gave a thought to Cassi and you. You stay here BOY and you kill her love and then they kill her and you and David too. Think Alex, Think". this was the first time in a long time that I cared for someone else beside myself. "Not to mention Ava, Me too. what do we do, stay and watch what happens, try to go it alone. What? Your were voted as our leader, So damit. Lead, lead us all. I vote to go on!"

Cassi felt eyes on her and gulped hard. Did they expect her to make a say? What say did she really have, she was just a black woman that knew nothing more then how to care for others.. there was little that held her to anywhere since the slaves were freed. Yet what Masser Luke says was weel truth, some folks would kill her for lieing with a white man.. and what of little David.. they wouldn't care about his circumstances neither.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I looked around the room and saw it in their expressions that once again I had made the wrong choice and said the most incorrect things to boot. I looked at Cassi and then Ava and back to Luke. I looked back to Cassi and I think I see tears in her eyes. Damn, not again. I stood again.

Alex ...."Again it looks as if I have made a mistake and Luke is right and now I know that after such a short time, I call him friend. We coolness and straight forward talk, he has most likely said what everyone here would like to say. Like Ava's prayer for Jenny, she said what was in all our hearts. Again to you Ava, Thank you so very much. For what I just said.......(pauses).......I am wrong on staying here. We shop tomorrow and use what money we have for additional supplies and to load the wagon. Then the next day we will head northwest and get out of this red Georgia clay." I walk over to Cassi and kneal down by her side, "Still want to go west with this fool that loves you so very much?" It wasn't said quite low enough and Ava and Luke each heard what I said to Cassi.

Luke .... "YE-Haaaaaaa, Ava, We're heading west!!!!" was all that was said.

 

[andygorn]

The day had been a long one, but finally they'd managed to find a nice place to camp. Clayton had really enjoyed their conversation as they travelled and it had been really nice to just talk about their lives, hopes and dreams.
The setting up of the tent and campfire was quickly accomplished - they worked well as a team in the evening and -of course- Amy helped where she could.

With everything set up, Clayton made sure Julia was comfortable and then set to cooking the food for the three of them.
Julia had wanted to help, but he good-naturedly shooed away her helping hands, asking her to sit and to let him spoil her and that she must eat to build her strength back up...she had saved him and Amy, so it was the least that he could do for his lover.

Once the food was dished out, all 3 of them sat and ate, grateful for the filling nourishment it provided.
Clayton kept checking to see if Julia was eating properly and they exchanged quiet smiles - their mouths filled with the delicious food- enjoying each other's company; both seemed to be hoping that the night was not yet over for them both.
The nearness of Julia's body was thrilling now as it had ever been and their hips and legs rubbed enticingly against the other's thigh through their clothing.

When they had cleared their plates, Clayton set them to one side and smiled widely to Julia.
As ever, the look on his eyes was unmistakeably filled with love for Julia and he spoke softly to her: "I hope that you enjoyed your food, Julia...Although we have enjoyed each other's company on the journey, I'll be the first to admit that it HAS been a long and tiring day and that we have also eaten well..."
Clayton ran the fingers of one hand through Julia's gorgeous hair, stroking it gently as he looked deeply into her beautiful eyes and added:
"...but I hope that you are not TOO full, my darling?"
His other hand slowly travelled up to the nape of Julia's neck and he began to tenderly massage her skin, softly stroking away her troubles.

 

[rvplymates]

Julia watched Clayton clear the plates, as he looked into her eyes she felt herself yearning to be in his arms once more. He spoke about the food which took her mind off her needs for a moment.

"As always your food was wonderful Clayton, I dont know how you do it. I am a bit worried how my meager talents in the kitchen will disappoint you once we build our ranch. We may have to hire a cook, housekeeper to tend our home as I plan to work side by side with you on the ranch"

As Clayton ran his hand gently through her hair, Julia nuzzled her head into his hand. This affectionate display was not lost on Clayton. She chuckled as he seem to worry that she was too full. His hand went to her neck as he began to massage her lovingly.

"I will never be too tired for you, Clayton"

She let go of her reserve and moved her arms around his broad neck and kissed him passionately. His muscular arms went around her and pulled her tightly to his body. The kiss lasted several minutes when Clayton broke it, lifted Julia into his arms and brought her into their tent. He let her down and they began to undress each other feverously.

 

[landiek]

"Again it looks as if I have made a mistake and Luke is right and now I know that after such a short time, I call him friend. We coolness and straight forward talk, he has most likely said what everyone here would like to say. Like Ava's prayer for Jenny, she said what was in all our hearts. Again to you Ava, Thank you so very much. For what I just said.......(pauses).......I am wrong on staying here. We shop tomorrow and use what money we have for additional supplies and to load the wagon. Then the next day we will head northwest and get out of this red Georgia clay."

Cassi lowered her head.. she was forcing Masser Alex to choose things he wasn't ready to make. She froze when he knelt in her front of her and then she begin to cry as she heard him say,

"Still want to go west with this fool that loves you so very much?"

"Oh Masser Alex I'ze follow you plume all over the world iffin the good Lawd lets me."

Masser Luke let out a yell that made her jump. "YE-Haaaaaaa, Ava, We're heading west!!!!"

Cassi leaned in and hugged Alex tightly "I'ze will be agettin things packed by late mornin, Masser Alex."

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I leaned in against Cassi and and we hugged each other and then I heard her speak.

Cassi .... "I'ze will be agettin things packed by late morinin, Masser Alex."

Hearing those words, I knew Cassi would still be at my side. It was a good feeling, espicially being able to hold her. I layed my head on her breasts and I could hear her heart beat and I rested there a moment.

I rose up and sat down and we all started to eat. I guess things would be alright afterall.

 

[landiek]

The way Masser Alex rested his head made Cassi smile and stroke his hair gently as if calming a child. Cassi didn't know what else to do or say.. and maybe that was all there was to it.

"I reckon I'ze best be adoin them dishes." Cassi replied and set to work, cleaning them and packing them for the trip.. after she set aside the ingredients to make biscuits and gravy for breakfast.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

As you speak and make ready to stand, I hold you tighter and then let you go and stand and I take your hand to help you up too. "Leave the dishes, David is fine, come outside with me a few minutes. Luke, Watch David, Cassi and I are stepping outside a minute. Call if were needed. Thanks" and I take your hand and walk to towards the door.

Luke .... "Sure think Alex, I'll keep and eye on David. If I need's you I'll caal"

Alex .... "Thanks Luke"

Cassi and I walk out side and around to the side of the cabin and as soon as we are out of the light, I take you into my arms and gnly kiss your waiting lips. "That's my girl Cassi, Thanks for forgiving a fool." I kiss you againd and I push my tongue forward and you open and accept me as your own tongue darts out to meet mine. There's a bench along side the cabin wall and we sit there, your head on my shoulder and my arm around you.

Alex .... "Cassi, When we get to where we're going, how big of a cabin would you like for me to build for you?" looking up at the stars. "We leave here early the day after next. West and beyound!"

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled at Luke, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"Well, now that that is all settled, I suppose I should get my things together"

She went over to her bags and began arranging her things to make it easier for them all to fit in the wagon. She tucked her bank notes, bonds, and other financial information in the same bag as her diary. The information on her father's safe and other important documents went in there as well. She turned back to look briefly at Alex, Cassi, and Luke. They had no idea about her, and they clearly either didn't care enough or were too engrossed in their own issues. It was probably better that way, they wouldn't understand her reasons for travelling the way she did.

"All right... I am as packed as I am going to be and ready to leave tomorrow when we finish in town."

 

[andygorn]

When Julia mentioned the food, Clayton replied teasingly: "Don't worry, I'll show you how to cook...not many guys who can say that, I don't suppose..."
He laughed easily with her, watching her wonderful eyes and beauty, still quite unable to believe how lucky he was to meet up with such a gorgeous young woman.
"Maybe we could get someone to show us both how to cook things...y'know, fancy-like? My Mom said cooking was like love: you need a bit of knowledge, plenty of time and you will make lots of mistakes, but stick with hoping and a bit of perseverance will see you through.
"Well, I reckon that we've got the 'love'-thing cracked, so cooking should be no problem for us.."
He smiled confidently and warmly back to Julia as he spoke, reassuring her that he was hers forever.

Clayton truly adored the feeling of Julia's cheek in his hand...an intimate display of her affection and love which she was confident to make.
In return, Clayton stroked her nearest earlobe tenderly, lovingly running his long fingers playfully through the edges of her hair.

Though it only lasted a couple of minutes their kiss seemed to go on forever, their lips touching again and again...sometimes playfully, but more often betraying their mutual incredibly deep need for each other's bodies.

As he collected Julia's perfect frame in his arms and carrried her to the tent, Clayton knew that would never get tired of feeling the softness and warmth of her tender flesh against his own physique.
He stole a couple of quick kisses from her as he held her but, once inside the tent, their passions could not be contained any longer:
Smooting both hands through her lovely soft hair, he stroked her forehead, then her cute little ears and cheeks before running his hands down to the front of her blouse as he cupped the twin mounds of her pert bosom through the thin material.
Feeling the delicious weight of her beautiful breasts in his palms, Clayton gently caressed Julia's nipples with his thumbs, feeling her lithe body respond to his every touch.

 

[macmillian]

Luke ....

I check on daniel and he is still sleeping and I cross the room towards Ava. "Do you need any help Ava? David is still sleeping so I have some free time if you need a hand. Are we still going to be able to sit and talk later."

Davis chooses this time to stir and he makes some sounds to let all know that he is awake. He starts to fuss. I walk to the door...

Luke .... "Cassi, David is up and is beginning to fuss!"

Alex .... "OK Luke, we will be right in. Thanks!"

 

[landiek]

"Leave the dishes, David is fine, come outside with me a few minutes. Luke, Watch David, Cassi and I are stepping outside a minute. Call if were needed. Thanks"

Cassi stared into his eyes, she was always willing to follow him. "Yes Masser Alex."

"Sure thing Alex, I'll keep and eye on David. If I needs you I'll call"

"Thanks Luke"

The walk was refreshing, the crisp air floating about her body made her shiver then she felt that other rise of excitement being so close to him.

"That's my girl Cassi, Thanks for forgiving a fool."

Had she not been encompassed by his passionate kisses she would have told him that she didn't see him as a fool.. in her eyes he was brillant and amazing. He had qualities that surpassed anything she could imagine wanting.

"Cassi, When we get to where we're going, how big of a cabin would you like for me to build for you?" looking up at the stars. "We leave here early the day after next. West and beyound!"

"I'ze don't need much.. jus a kitchen to cook in... a bed to lie meh head on... an a full pantry.. I'ze would be plume happiest woman on the earth." It was honest truth on her part. She really didn't want for much or could imagine anything bigger then what she was raised with.

"Cassi, David is up and is beginning to fuss!" The voice called out and she chuckled.

"OK Luke, we will be right in. Thanks!"

"I'ze best be atendin to the tadpole." Cassi chuckled as she kissed Alex softly on the cheek. Silently heading into the doorway to ease a little soul.

 

[macmillian]

Alex ....

I walk back inside with Cassi and as you attend to David, I clean the kitchen are as good as I can and take the dirty things out to the wash station on the side of the cabin. When I return Cassi is feeding David and Ava and Luke are sitting by the fire.

Alex .... "Ava, do you have an extra piece of paper to make a shopping list on and can I ask you to write down what we will need." I continue to clean and wipe down the table and look thru items we have stocked her in the kitchen. The wagon is empty right now and all our supplies sit right here and this will make our task easier.

Luke .... "What can I do to help Alex?"

Alex .... "Check our ammunition supplies,.50 for the sharps, The pistols and remember the small .30 of Cassi's, My Winchester. You know the drill. Fill the belts first and then cout the backup. Thanks, Pal"

Luke .... "Sure thing Alex, be glad to help."

Alex .... "I'll use the wagon with just a single team and go in to get what we need. Should we all go. I would like us all to go but how do all of you feel.

Luke .... "I say we all should go!"

Alex .... "I knew that's what you would say. How about you Ava, Cassi."