"Those blueprints look perfect. I think it'll be perfect somewhere around here."
"You'll have the mountains to the north, river to the east and valley to the west. That's the perfect central location."
"Not to mention, it'd be surrounded by water."
"What's the point of building there? We already have the ranch here," I yawned as I leaned back in my chair.
"Weren't you listening at all?" Jacob nudged the chair leg with his foot causing me to jump so I wouldn't fall on my ass. He was unfazed by the glare I shot him.
"The ranch is still under construction," Joseph took his glasses off to rub his eyes. "Once we start spreading the word and gain followers, we'll need a church for us to worship. Then the extra space for our followers to stay. I'd prefer it to be in the middle of the county, easy for everyone to access," he took a seat as Faith offered him a glass of water.
"How're we supposed to build there? It's private property," she frowned, tossing her black hair over her shoulder. I couldn't hold back the eye roll. Faith was smarter than the last with working on the Bliss but she had no common sense. I don't know what Joseph saw in her when he deemed her the next Faith and adopted her into the family.
"Everyone speaks the language of money. I've got it handled," I stood up to head to the kitchen. It was still bare since we had such few possessions. It was also littered with tarps, paint cans and other tool for the construction. My brothers didn't own many things back in Georgia so it was easy to pick up and leave. I took what was important to me, which wasn't much. It was my idea to buy this ranch and expand upon it. It was pretty run down and needed an upgrade. Opening the fridge, I was greeted with a carton of milk, various juices and eggs. "Is there really nothing to eat?"
"We've spent so much time planning we must've forgotten to get some groceries," Joseph replied. "Do you think you could head into Fall's End and pick up some things from the general store?" Before I could protest, Jacob spoke up.
"It's not like you've been helping with the plans. Go out before you fall asleep."
"Fine, but don't complain about what I buy," I grabbed the car keys off the counter.
"Oh John, please say hello to Gwendolyn for me," Joseph looked up at me from his seat. Who was Gwendolyn? Oh right, see was that singer he met while attending that church. It's been about two months since he started attending but the whispers of Eden's Gate were spreading and it was almost time for Hope County to officially meet the project. We even had some of our member from Georgia start showing up in Hope County.
"I won't be long," I waved, heading out the back door. It was mid-afternoon and there was not a cloud in sight. I had to admit that Montana was beautiful. Excitement build up in me as I thought about buying that plane I wanted so I could explore more of this place. That had to wait while we rebuilt Eden's Gate here. I had been to Fall's end a handful of times since we've arrived here but I've never had to go into the General Store. Joseph liked to do the shopping himself. I liked to meet the locals over at the Spread Eagle. I no longer drank but I need to get to know these sinners and start figuring out their sins. It wasn't hard for me to get them to open up once I put on the charm. My fingers have been itching to mark and cleanse people but Joseph was adamant that it was not time yet.
It took about twenty minutes for me to reach town from the ranch. The auto shop appeared to be pretty busy today and some people were probably heading to the Spread Eagle for an early dinner. Maybe I could just order some food to go? No, then we'd still wouldn't have food in the house for the rest of the week. I turned my truck into the dirt lot beside the General Store. It was a two story, red building. My guess was the second floor was the living quarters. I climbed out of the truck and locked the doors behind me. There was a bench and a few ice coolers in front of the store. When I stepped inside, a bell above the door rang. I could hear music from a guitar coming from the office behind the counter. Nobody was in the store. Was the store closed and they forgot to lock the door?
"Hello?" I called out as I stepped up to the counter. The music suddenly stopped and I heard movement about the room. The a figure swung around the doorframe and appeared before me. Long black hair framed a startled face as our eyes met. Lord, was she an angel? This must've been Gwendolyn.
"Hi, sorry, I must've not heard the bell," she chuckled, embarrassed as she pulled her cardigan closed. "You're a new face. Are you new in town?" I couldn't take my eyes off of her but I needed to speak before she thought I was deaf or dumb.
"Yes, just moved here about two months ago."
"Welcome, do you need help finding anything?" she asked, stepping around the counter onto the shop floor. She had a petite frame and stood a few inches short than I. She wore tight jeans that accentuated a nice looking ass. Her cardigan hid the tank top she wore underneath but I could tell she had a great body. Everytime she talked her voice sounded like a song. I'd have to attend church with Joseph to actually hear her sing. For once, I couldn't place what her sin could be. I could only guess lust but that was what she was making me feel.
"I came out to get some groceries. My family has been so busy this week and the house has no food," I chuckled.
"Well I have a pretty decent selection of food and supplies. If you ever want any fresh fruits or vegetables, you have to go to some of the local farms directly," she walked over to an aisle. "Here is the groceries section. Then it's general goods, medical supplies and fishing/hunting supplies," she pointed to each aisle. "Sometimes I'm able to place special orders with my suppliers if there's something specific you need."
"I'll make sure to remember that," I smirked and something in me stirred as I took in the blush that formed on her cheeks.
"I'll be right over there if you need anything else," she smiled again as she tucked some hair behind her ear. The smile made her eyes sparkle with life. She made her way back over to the counter. I had only met a handful of people in Fall's End so far but she was the most interesting. She appeared to be pretty young and Joseph said she owned the store. The bell rang again as the door opened. In walked two guys who headed straight for the fishing section. She obviously noticed their arrival but kept a close watch on them. They looked about her age. "Lou, you better have the money for those hooks you just pocketed," she caught their attention.
"I don't know what you're talking about," the taller one walked up to the counter and dropped some fishing line. His buddy followed close behind. She looked up at him, standing her ground.
"Don't make me call the sheriff. This isn't the first time I've had to tell you."
"You were never this outspoken when your daddy was still alive. Did you call the sheriff on him?" he smirked as she visually flinched at the mention of her father. "Why don't you search me for those hooks you say I have," he grabbed her wrist across the counter sparking fear in her eyes.
"You better let her go if you want to keep that hand," I finally spoke up, stepping towards them. The words left my mouth before I realized what I was doing. Lou and his pal seemed shaken by my presence. They must've not noticed I was there. The fear was still in her eyes as she looked over to me. "I won't repeat myself," I threatened as he still held her.
"Whatever, this place sucks anyways," Lou let her go and stormed out with his friend following close behind. She held her wrist to her chest as she rubbed it.
"Thanks," she whispered, giving me a faint smile. I just nodded and finished up my shopping. I just got enough things to hold us over until Sunday.
"I think I got everything I need," I smiled as I put a basket of goods onto the counter. "I never got your name," I pointed out as she rang up my items.
"Oh, I'm sorry. My name's Gwendolyn but you can call me Gwen," her smile reached her green eyes once again. "Here's all your stuff," she pulled up the two bags of items she packed away.
"How much do I owe you Gwen?" I pulled out my wallet.
"Nothing, it's on the house," she replied, waving her hand.
"No, I can't do that," I was taken aback by her kindness. Maybe this town wasn't full of sinners.
"Please accept it as a 'thank you', for earlier," she was referring to Lou. Her eyes told me she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. I gave in, putting my wallet away.
"Alright, thank you," I smiled, picking up both bags off the counter. "It was a pleasure meeting you Gwen." I started to walk out the door.
"Wait!" she called out causing me to turn back to her. "I, uh, never got your name," her cheeks were blushing again.
"John, John Seed," her eyes widened a little at the mention of my last name. "My brother Joseph sends his greetings."
