Strictly Taboo(104)

“I'm sure, but if I ever do decide to tell him, I’ll be sure to let you know.” He said, giving her a wink.

There was silence for a few minutes as they both considered the scenario and its outcome.

“So…you own all of that land?” Grace asked. Art nodded. “Do you suppose you might ever build your ranch? You know, when the oil is…umm…dry?”

“I sure would like to, but when Roosevelt and his men are through I don't know how stable the land will be.” He paused. “But I suppose there ain't nothin’ stoppin’ me from buyin’ a new patch of land now.” He thought out loud.

“Could you do that?” Grace asked, more out of curiosity than interest in his income. Art nodded.

“Sure, I just gotta find a nice plot of land and hope there ain't no oil under it this time!” He laughed.

“But wouldn't that mean that you would be richer than you are now?” Grace asked, now having no regard for the privacy of Art’s financials.

“I was just jokin’, Grace.” He said, giving her a smile. “It sure would be nice to strike oil twice, but it would be just as nice to settle down with my own ranch and watch the world go by.”

“I don't know many people who would choose a ranch over an oil…what did you call it?” She asked.

“Derrick…but I don't own that, that there is all Mr. Roosevelt, I just own the land.” He shrugged. “But I don't suppose many people would choose ranching life. Me? I've always been a cowboy at heart. Ain't nothin’ makes me happier than muckin’ stalls and roundin’ up cattle.” He said, slipping the piece of hay from his mouth and chucking it down to the ground.

“No…I don't suppose they would.”





Chapter 5



Grace and Art sat in silence on top of the makeshift hay bleachers, both staring out at the looming oil derrick. The music from inside, muted by the thick wooden walls of the barn, still leaked through providing a soundtrack to the night.

“I heard that Mr. Edgers is thinkin’ of sellin’ up.” Art finally said, referencing the old farmer who lived on the outskirts of town.

“I don't think anyone in their right mind would buy that old place, it's half falling down already!” Grace said, glancing across at Art.

“Well, I reckon’ wherever I go, I’d just tear the whole thing down and start from scratch.” He said.

Grace was beginning to grasp just how affluent Art’s land investment had been. She couldn't help wondering which of the two, Art or Everett, was the most well off. In terms of personality, she already knew who had won the race.



“Don't you think that would be a lot of work?” Grace asked.

“I guarantee it would be, but ain't nothin’ around here like what I wanna build.” Art said, his face lighting up at the mental picture of his dream ranch. Grace was intrigued.

“Oh?”

“First I want a big farmhouse. Big enough for a wife and plenty of kids. I always wanted a big family cause it was just me and my daddy since I was about five.” Grace felt her heart jump as soon as he mentioned having a family, she had never heard a man talk in such a way before. “What’re you smilin’ about? You look like the cat that got the cream…” Art squinted one eye, looking at Grace suspiciously. She smiled.

“It's just nice, that's all.” She said.

“Oh, just you wait until you see it!” He said excitedly. Grace shook her head.

“No, not the house – although I'm sure that will be lovely – but to hear you talk about a wife…and children…” She stopped, her heart was thumping so loudly in her chest now that she could hear the blood rushing in her ears.

“Family is what makes a man.” Art said matter of factly. “His family is what strengthens him to work hard each day, to be everything that he can be and to keep on even when he ain't got nothin’ left in him.” Grace stared at him, speechless. “Don't you think so?” He asked. She nodded slowly.

“Yes…yes, I think I do.” She said.



Fifteen minutes passed as the two sat once again in silence. Art’s portrayal of his perfect ranch forgotten after their most recent exchange. Finally Grace stood up, placing her hand on Art’s shoulder to steady herself.

“I suppose that I really ought to be getting home.” She said. Art’s face fell.

“So soon?” He asked. Grace nodded.

“I should. I need to check in on my sister and I don't want to get home too late or I will wake my daddy.” She said. Art offered his hand to stabilize Grace as he stood up. She took it. Art turned to her and pulling her hand gently, he pulled her to him. Before Grace knew what was happening, Art had his lips on hers. She felt the racing of her heart speed up. His warm lips caressed hers as his fingers interlaced with her own. She had never been kissed so deeply or passionately before. Grace closed her eyes. She tried hard to concentrate on her breathing as Art’s lips seemed to take the very breath from her lungs.