Bret caught Shawn in his arms before he could hit the ground. Heath moved to stand a bit behind Bret, as a tall, older but muscular black haired man with an unreadable expression started to walk towards them.
Jason nearly flew over the desk and stood between the stranger and his fiancé and his Poppa. He glared at his father. "Don't you take one more step." His lips were pulled back in a sneer, his teeth bared like a feral dog. Heath would later swear Jason's eyes flared devil red for a split second as he stared the older man down.
Bret's instincts told him this was Vince McMahon and he had to get Shawn out of there. He caught Heath's eye and with a nod, they headed for the backdoor. Bret carried Shawn through the dining room, to the kitchen. Heath moved ahead to open doors. Miss Mae and Charlie Young watched in silence as Bret carried Mister Shawn out the back door. "Miss Mae, block the door," Bret said quickly as they went out. Miss Mae nodded and shut the door behind them, then placed the trash cans in front of the door to block it.
In the alley behind the hotel, Bret stopped to readjust Shawn's position in his arms. "That had to be McMahon. We can't be followed. Heath, go ahead and keep watch, but stay out of sight. We'll go down the alley to your place, well Randal's, then cross Main, that will be the dangerous part. Let's go," Bret whispered to Heath. Heath ran ahead, looked around carefully, then waved Bret forward.
Jason knew Heath was leading Bret out the back and be damned if Vince would follow. Jason's nostrils flared as he snarled. "You leave Poppa alone! He's forgotten all about you. You have no business with us. Our lawyer will deal with you. Now, your rooms are in the front, third floor. I suggest you find them, NOW!" All the while Jason had been speaking, he'd made his way back to the desk.
Jason reached into the mail slots for the hotel's rooms and pulled out several keys and slammed them down on the desk. "Sign here, all of you," he growled as he turned the register to face the nine men.
Marshal Calaway had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. He gave Jason a lot of credit for courage. "Do as he says, gentlemen. You've had a long trip and that does not make for good temperament. My brother and I will be staying here as well," Mark said as he signed the hotel register. He then handed the pearl handled pen to Cole.
Jason managed to catch Morrison's eye, he flashed his former servant a nod. He wanted the young man to know none of his anger was directed at him. He hoped they would have a chance to talk soon. Society didn't matter now, so they could really be friends.
The men finished signing in and each took a key. Mark's half-brother led the men to the stairs, with Mark at the end of the line. They were silent, but all of them looked at Jason with a new respect, except for one.
Before he went up the stairs, Vince turned to his son. "Say what you will, William. I'm going to get sole custody of you and your brother. Of course, you'll be twenty-one soon, but Adam is only eighteen. He'll be returning to Boston, with me," Vince spoke with a sneer, his eyes blazing with hatred. He turned to go up the stairs.
Jason actually laughed. "I highly doubt that, Vince. I don't think his husband would like that too much. Sleep well... Father," he sneered back at his parent with a smug look on his face.
Vince shrugged and went up the stairs. Mark watched the whole exchange between father and son. Before he followed Vince up the stairs, he gave Jason a sly wink with a matching grin.
Jason was absolutely shaking with rage as he stepped outside to have a cigarette. The four salesmen who'd come on the same train had gone right to the dining room. They thought it would give the young desk clerk a chance to cool off.
Bret closed the door of the house behind him and Heath locked it. The younger man went up the stairs and lit the lamp in the master bedroom. He turned the flame low then drew the drapes. Bret, in the meantime, carried Shawn up the stairs and in to their bedroom. He very gently laid Shawn down on the bed.
Heath had already poured water into the ceramic bowl on the wash stand and wet a cloth. He took the damp cloth to Bret. "He's been out a long time. Do you think I should get the Doc?" Heath asked with worry in his eyes.
Bret ran the cool cloth over Shawn's face and neck. "Let's give him a minute. It was a bad shock. It's obvious Hunter didn't know, or he would have said... I think. Unless, perhaps Mark told him not to. Shawn... darlin'?" Bret asked softly as Shawn started to stir and waken.
Shawn's eyes fluttered open, then widened in fear. "Vince! He's here!" He tried to sit up, but he felt weak and faint, like all the life and happiness had been drained from his body... and his mind.
Bret again ran the cloth over Shawn's face. "Hush, my Sunflower. You are safe. I'll keep you safe, I swear it," he spoke in a soft, but reassuring voice as he continued to wash Shawn's face.
Heath jumped as a loud, banging knock echoed up the stairs from the front door. He looked at Bret with fear in his pretty eyes.
"Stay with him and do not leave this room. Lock the door and don't open it, unless it's me. Be strong and brave," Bret said in a firm voice with a stern expression on his face, his brown eyes dark with fire. The pounding on the front door continued.
Heath nodded and locked the door behind Bret. He went to the bed and ran the cloth over Shawn's brow. He might be afraid, but he vowed to protect Jason's Poppa from what ever harm intended to come through the door. He couldn't help the shiver that ran up his spine.
Bret went down the stairs and looked at his holster that always hung on the wall by the door. He slid the gun out, pulled back the hammer and silently moved to the door. He unlocked the door, knowing the screen door was still locked, and opened it just enough to clearly see who was there.
"Bret? It's me, Jason, let me in!" Jason said in a frantic voice just as Bret cracked open the door.
With an almost weak-kneed sigh, Bret released he hammer of his pistol, then replaced the gun back in its holster as he opened the door. "I was afraid it was... that was him wasn't it?" Bret asked his brow raised as he let Jason in and relocked the door.
Jason came into the house, panting slightly and his bangs damp with sweat. He'd run all the way from the Helmsley Arms. "Yes, it was. I was out having a smoke when Chris and Hunter showed up. Hunter said he'd meant to be there to meet the train, but those stupid Wyatts caused a ruckus at the fair. Hunter said he'd found out this morning that they were coming, but didn't want to spoil the wedding. He was going to tell you at the fair, but then Poppa took ill and he just forgot. Of course Chris had no idea Lance's ma would take sick and I'd be working the desk. The Helmsleys feel terrible. I told them it didn't matter. I mean we knew he'd come eventually..." Jason had spoken as they went up the stairs. They stopped in front of the locked bedroom door.
Bret couldn't be angry with Hunter. It was just bad timing, nothing could change that. "Your poppa will be alright, it was just a shock. Heath? It was Jason, open the door, son."
Heath opened the door and fell into Jason's arms as Bret went to Shawn. Shawn was sitting up in the bed, and he too fell into his lover's arms as Bret sat next to him. Jason turned to his poppa, his arm around Heath's waist.
"Poppa, I told him to stay away, that he will only deal with our lawyer. He's not going to hurt you," Jason said firmly, his eyes still blazing and his lips frozen in a frown.
Shawn nodded. "It... such a... shock. We should have been warned." His nerves steadied as he spoke. His brow furrowed in worry, but his eyes were still filled with fright.
Jason explained why they hadn't been warned and how bad Hunter felt about it. He was interrupted by another knock at the door. Shawn began to tremble. Jason and Heath sat with him as Bret left, after giving Jason the same instructions he'd given Heath earlier. In a few minutes they heard footsteps on the stairs.
"Open up, it's alright," Bret said through the locked door. Jason went to the door and unlocked it, and stood ready if Bret had been forced into anything.
Hunter entered the room with Bret. Guilt was written all over the lawman's face. It was all Hunter could do not to fall on his knees and beg for his friends forgiveness. Hunter couldn't look Shawn in the eye. "Shawn, I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to spoil the wedding..." Hunter was stopped when Shawn raised his hand.
Shawn motioned Hunter closer to take his hand. "Jason explained. It means a lot that you didn't want to spoil Adam's wedding, and it wasn't your fault I got ill. We all knew he'd be here at some point. In a way, I'm glad it's now. The sooner it's over, the sooner Bret and I can marry," Shawn smiled and gave Hunter's hand a squeeze. Hunter knew he was forgiven.
Hunter's lip quivered. "You are a special man, and I'm glad you're my friend. I'll promise you one thing, he won't get near this house. Matt, Jeff and John are going to help me keep watch. Mark's half-brother, Glenn, is here too. He'll keep an eye on McMahon. Mark and I haven't talked yet, but Glenn has to be here for a reason. All I know is Glenn was told to come by the Boston Marshal's Office. So, there's something we don't know yet. Thanks for forgiving me. Now, perhaps Chris will let me at least sleep in the house." His amber eyes twinkled and his lips twisted into a laughing smirk.
Hunter's last words made the others laugh, and broke much of the tension in the room. With hugs and handshakes, the sheriff left. He told Bret that Jeff Hardy would be watching the house.
Before Bret could go back up the stairs, Jason and Heath came down. "I'm going to walk Heath home. He needs to be with his ma. She's probably very worried about Widow Storm. Poppa suggested I stay with them, so I won't be back till morning. Take care of Poppa and thank you, Bret," Jason gave Bret a handshake and pulled him into a hug.
"Tomorrow we'll get you heeled, every man needs one," Bret said with a wink. He did think it was high time Jason had his own gun. After all, this was a wild country, not a city like Boston.
Jason smiled, he'd wanted a gun since they'd left Boston. "Thanks, you can teach me how to shoot, I hope. We only ever fox hunted, Poppa wouldn't let us shoot." He rolled his eyes. He was a man, he needed to be able to protect his family, especially now.
Bret slapped Jason on the back in a fatherly way. "Don't worry about your Poppa. Damn right I'll learn ya. Can't have ya blastin' your foot off now can we? Now, take Heath home and don't worry. Goodnight, son." He gave both boys another hug and locked the door behind them. Bret nodded in approval as he saw Jeffrey Hardy by the gate.
Upstairs, Shawn had changed into his night shirt and chewed on this thumbnail as he paced the floor. Shawn wasn't really afraid, he knew Bret would let nothing happen, but he was afraid of having to face Vince. He'd hoped that Vince would just sign some kind of paper and they would be divorced. Like the magic Merlin did in Adam's book about King Arthur. Sadly magic like that wasn't real. Shawn couldn't help but jump when Bret came into the room.
"Easy, my Sunflower. He won't come here, Hunter has the Hardy brothers on guard. Jason is going to stay at the Slater's. Come on, you need to rest. I have a feeling the next few days will be... intense." As he spoke, Bret stripped down to his cotton underclothes. He led Shawn to the bed and they slipped in.
Shawn curled up to his future husband. "Adam is going to be so upset. What a day! Adam and Wade's wedding, the fair, dinner, then seeing... Vincent. Oh, I just want it all over. Hopefully, it won't take too long." He kissed Bret's chest as he settled in Bret's strong arms, the one place he knew he was truly safe.
Bret kissed the top of Shawn's coppery blond head. "We'll go see Jerry first thing in the morning. Get some sleep, Rebecca needs it. I love you," he spoke softly as he closed his eyes. Bret knew he'd have a tough row to hoe to keep Shawn calm for the sake of the unborn baby.
Shawn nuzzled deeply against Bret and filled his nose with Bret's scent. "Love you." He too closed his eyes. He knew he'd have tough row to hoe to keep calm for the sake of their unborn baby.
Despite the shock of having seen Vince, Shawn slept soundly. He knew he was safe in Bret's embrace. When the bells of the courthouse chimed, Bret stirred.
Soon Shawn was downstairs preparing their breakfast.
"Poppa?" Jason called as he came in the front door. He was alone, Heath wanted to stay with his ma. She had been so upset about Widow Storm. Widow Slater had decided to take the train to Helena later, so Heath wanted to help her get ready for the trip.
"Kitchen," Shawn called back to his son. He was rolling out biscuit dough. Steaks were sizzling in two cast iron skillets. Bret came down the stairs just as Jason explained about Heath and poured a cup of coffee.
"Addy Joe should be home soon. What do we tell him?" Jason asked as he sat at the kitchen table with Bret.
Shawn turned the steaks. "The truth, son. We tell him the truth. I hope Wade can stay with him at the school today," he said as he seasoned the meat with a dash of salt and pepper.
Just as the biscuits finished baking, the three men in the kitchen heard the front door open. Adam and Wade followed their noses to the kitchen. There were happy hellos, loving hugs and kisses as the newlyweds were welcomed home.
Shawn quickly scrambled the eggs. "Wasn't the cabin beautiful?" he asked his son, who looked rather shy and sheepish as he sat at the table.
Adam smiled that smile that said he'd had a wonderful time. "Yes, it was. I can't wait to see it in the spring," he smiled, but couldn't quite lift his eyes. Adam knew that they knew what he and Wade had done in the bed. It made him feel... shy. It was what society called, "the wedding night flush".
Wade looked at his husband, thinking how adorable Adam was when blushed. "So how was the fair opening? Judge Ross make his usual boring speech?" Wade wanted to have a normal conversation, to help make Adam feel less embarrassed.
Shawn served their breakfast. While the family ate, Bret, Jason and Shawn told all about the fair, but no one brought up Vince. Why spoil the wonderful breakfast? The news would wait.
After they ate, Adam had just enough time to go upstairs and get ready for school. Jason made sure Adam had gone to the water closet, then Shawn spoke to his new son-in-law.
"Wade, can you go to school and stay with Adam today?" Shawn's brow was raised with worry, his eyes filled with concern.
Wade immediately knew something was wrong. "Well, I really need to do the tests. I was going out to the number seven, then work towards town, their test will be on Friday. Why?" He'd already told Adam the plan and they had worked out their schedule for the week on the ride back to town.
Bret cleared his throat. "McMahon came in on the train last night. Along with Mark and his half-brother, and some others," was all he said, but fire burned in his eyes, his lips curled into a growl.
Wade stared at Bret and Shawn, "Then I'm staying. I'm not leaving town till he leaves. Jim will have to understand the tests will be late," he spoke firmly, his lips set in a grim line.
"Why will the tests be late? I thought you were going out to number seven this morning?" Adam asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. He carried his books and wore his brow suit.
Jason stood and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, his eyes expressing his seriousness. "Father came to town last night. His... minions were with him; oh and Morrison. I want to talk to him, Morrison looked terrified. We don't want you left alone. I have to work, Bret's with Poppa, so Wade will stay with you." His face was like stone.
Adam stood frozen. His hazel eyes flicked from Jason to his poppa, then to Bret, and lastly, Wade. Something snapped inside him, and he took a deep breath before he spoke. He got a look of fiery determination in his eyes. "No, absolutely not. Wade has to give those tests. That man is not going to control me any more. He won't dare do anything, he'd be trapped like a rabbit. I know you worry, and I agree Bret should stay with Poppa because of Rebecca Grace, but I'll be fine." Adam paused and went to Wade. "Wade, please. I'm married now, he can't hurt us. You have to give those tests, you'll be home in time to walk me home from school. We planned on going to the fair. I will not let that man win over me, ever again." His lips were firmly set and his eyes blazed with confidence.
Wade looked at Adam with pride. "You're right, Poppet..." He turned to the others. "He is right. McMahon wouldn't dare do anything. If he knows we're afraid or worried then he does win. I do agree about Shawn, he needs to feel safe and relaxed. But we..." he indicated to himself, Jason and finally Adam, "need to go on like he isn't even here. Alright, Poppet, but, on the other hand, please be careful. I'll be back in time for the end of school. I'm proud of you and I love you, very much." He gave Adam a family friendly, but passion filled kiss. He also smirked and wiggled his brow in a teasing fashion, making Adam blush.
Shawn looked at his baby. No, Adam wasn't his baby anymore, he'd grown up overnight, or so it seemed from a parent's point of view. Shawn hadn't realized when his tears had started to fall.
Adam saw Shawn's tears. "Poppa? What's wrong?" He moved to his birth parent, concern etched on his face.
Shawn swiped his cheeks. " These... Rebecca emotions... " he laughed softly, then took Adam's face in his hands. "I'm proud of you. You're not my baby anymore, you are a man. I love you." There was nothing more he could say.
This time, Adam teared up a little. "I love you, Poppa. I wouldn't be the man I am now if it wasn't for you. I'd better get to school, I have to write my new name on the board." He gave Shawn a kiss, and hugged his brother and Bret.
Wade said his goodbyes as well. He walked Adam to the door, picked up his satchel, and together the couple left. "I'll take Chica to Kevin's then head out to number seven. Adam, I am proud of you, but please, do be careful. I don't want anything to happen, especially when I promised to keep you safe. I love you, Mister Barrett." Wade lifted Adam's left hand and kissed his wedding-ringed finger, then drew him in for a deep, tongue tangling kiss. Matthew Hardy had quietly gone to the backyard when he saw the couple embrace.
Adam blushed. "I wish we could go back to the cabin. I will be careful, my Dragon. I'm certainly not going to go looking for him. I love you so very much. I'll see you after school. You be careful, last time you went to the other schools, a tree fell on you!" His eyes gleamed with laughter.
The couple kissed again, the Wade mounted Lion. He hung his satchel over the saddle horn, took Chica's reigns and with wave to Adam, headed toward the town stables. Adam watched his husband, then took the short walk to the schoolhouse. He wasn't worried, he could run home if Vince did happen show up at the school if he was there alone.
Jason dried the last dish. "When did my baby brother grow up? I'd better get to work, I'm guessing. You don't mind if Heath stays here while his ma is gone?" he asked as he put on his suit coat.
Shawn shrugged. "He grew up when you and I weren't looking. Of course Heath can stay. You can stay down here and he can use your room now that Adam and Wade will be together. Jason, stay out of Vince's way, don't provoke anything, please? Let the Marshals handle any trouble." Shawn's eyes held a parent's sternness. He knew his son.
Jason sighed. "I won't, Poppa. But, he'd better not start with his bullwash. I just hope I can talk to Morrison. I've got to go. I love you, both of you," he spoke to both his poppa and Bret.
Bret spoke firmly, "Heed your Poppa. You're not too old for the woodshed." His eyes teased, but his tone said he wasn't. He would not have Shawn upset by Jason's antics. With a nod to Bret and a kiss to Shawn, Jason left for work.
"Oh Bretty, I worry about that boy. He'll speak or act before he thinks." Shawn bit his lip as Bret helped him into his suit coat. They had to get to Lawler's office.
Bret put on his cowboy hat as they went out the door. "Darlin', I'm sure Chris is aware of Jason's... antics. By hook or by crook, he will do whatever he can to keep Jason from kickin' up a row. Hunter will be around too. Tarnation, I was proud of Adam. Sometimes he's so quiet, but boy howdy he can stand his ground," Bret said with a bit of a chuckle as they stopped at the gate.
Matthew opened the gate for the couple. "Howdy. John will be here later," he said with a nod.
Bret shook his head. "No need. I'll tell Hunter. We are not going to let McMahon keep us prisoners. We do appreciate you and Jeff kepin' us safe last night. Now, you go get some sleep." He gave the part time deputy a pat on the shoulder.
Matthew nodded, but he'd wait for John. He wouldn't shirk his duty. He smiled as he watched the couple walk hand in hand toward town.
Bret walked them east down Maple Street, When they passed the schoolhouse, they waved to the children as they played in the yard. They crossed the street and went down the small narrow alley that made a short cut to the lawyer's office on Main Street. Bret wanted to keep Shawn off Main Street as much as possible. When they came out of the alley and on to the wooden sidewalk, they only had a few steps to walk to Jerry's office.
Bret cursed under his breath when he saw a sign on the door to the Lawyer's office. "Gone to Helena. Will return on Wednesday. I'm sorry for any inconvenience, Jerry Lawler, Esq."
Shawn laid a calming hand on Bret's arm. "I'm sure he didn't have any notion we would need him. Being with Lance is more important. We can wait two days. Come on, I have to do some shopping at the Mercantile." He tugged on Bret's sleeve.
Bret would have rather taken Shawn home, then do the shopping himself, but he also knew Shawn. "Alright, but stay close to me." He took Shawn by the elbow and led him down the sidewalk with purpose. There was no one else on the street as it was still a little early in the morning.
The couple stopped and went into the bank. Shawn waited while Bret withdrew some money. Hart wanted enough to buy Jason a gun, and he just liked knowing he had cash in his pocket. You never knew when it would come in handy.
Bret and Shawn left the bank, walked past the Dry Goods, then when they got to the Feed and Hardware, they crossed Main Street and went to the Mercantile. Zack was putting crates of fresh fruit on display in front of the store.
"Howdy folks. Hope you're well," Zachary greeted them with a warm smile. He wiped his hands on the canvas apron he wore, then shook hands with Bret and Shawn.
Shawn leaned in close. "Don't forget those peaches. I'll pick them up on Thursday morning," he winked at Zack with a smirk on his lips.
Zack laughed. "Yup, I remember. I'll keep your secret. Now, what can I help you with today?" the younger man asked as he took an order pad and a pencil out of his apron pocket, licked the lead and started writing down the things Shawn listed.
Bret went to the back of the store where Dolph kept the handguns, rifles, ammunition and bullet making supplies like lead bars, molds and melting pots and spoons. Bret still made his own rifle bullets, he felt his own skill was better than some factory made thing. However, the bullets for the six shot revolvers were very good. That was why he wanted a good model for Jason. He had one in mind and asked Dolph to show it to him. Bret looked at the revolver. Dolph told him it was the newest, even the Army now used it. Hart admired the Smith and Wesson six shot, single action revolver. He nodded his head.
"I'll take it, along with four boxes of bullets. Better gimme a holster too. I'll pay you now, but it hold it for me," he almost whispered. What Shawn didn't know just now wouldn't hurt.
Dolph stayed quiet as he slipped the weapon into a new leather holster. The belt part was dark brown leather, and the holster matched. The leather had some scroll work tooled into it. It wasn't fancy, but it was well made and would last a long time.
Bret paid twenty-five dollars, but it was money well spent. Jason needed it. In the east a boy who turned twenty-one got a key to the house, in the west he got a gun that helped keep his family in food, or more importantly, alive.
Shawn and Bret finished their shopping without any incident. Bret carried the box of groceries and Shawn carried a lighter box filled with other things they needed like soap, tooth powder, hair pomade for Wade, shaving soap and a new shaving mug brush. Shawn also had six large apples he would bake for dessert that night.
At the school, the children all buzzed with excitement. They were playing before the start of their lessons. Edward, Loretta and Leah told their classmates about the teacher getting married yesterday.
"Ha! I don't believe you Edward Helmsley. We would have been invited! My father is the richest man in town, we always get invited to things!" Mary Sandow said with her nose so high in the air, Edward wondered why her neck didn't break.
Loretta put her hands on her hips, her little blue eyes blazed. "Ith truth, Mary Thandow. He wedded Mither Barrett, yetherday at churth," she spoke with a marked lisp. She'd lost two teeth, one on Saturday and one at the fair yesterday when she bit into a candy apple. Chris had told Hunter the tooth was loose, but Hunter bought his daughter the treat anyway. Hunter loved to rile his Chrissy, plus he said it was better than having her crying about it. The tooth had easily come out without pain.
Before the argument could get any worse, the school bell rang. The children ran to the flag pole. Surprisingly, before their harvest break, they had elected Simon Sandow to be this weeks teacher's helper. Simon raised the flag and led the pledge of allegiance.
They went into the schoolhouse, and as the students settled into their seats, Adam wrote on the blackboard. When he finished he turned and faced the class. "Class, you need to know, my name has changed..." he stepped aside so the children could read what he'd written on the board: Mister A. Barrett.
The children murmured excitedly. Loretta turned in her seat and quickly stuck her tongue out at Mary as if to say, "I told you so." Mary glared back at her with angry eyes.
"Superintendent Barrett and I were married after church yesterday. So now, I am Mister Barrett. Now, if you will open your arithmetic books to page seventy-five..." he continued the mornings lessons happily.
Adam was surprised his pupils were so settled, especially with the excitement of the fair. He also knew they tried to stay on their best behavior so they could go work in the garden that afternoon.
At lunch time, after he finished the steak sandwich Shawn had made for him, Adam went outside to watch the children. The girls, even Mary asked to see Adam's rings. They had seen the engagement ring, but they admired the delicate looking wedding band and wished him a happy marriage.
Adam was so pleased at how well his pupils had behaved after their vacation, and fair opening, he decided to reward them. They had finished their spelling lesson and now busily copied their weekly spelling list of twenty-five new words on their slates or in a notebook.
Their homework was to define the words, then write a sentence with each new word in it. That had to be handed in on Thursday, then on Friday, they would have spelling test on the twenty-five words. Then at the end of the month, they had to write an essay or a story that used the one hundred word list. Some of the stories made Adam laugh; they had very active imaginations. However, Adam was very impressed with Ian Farrelly. He would make a real writer someday, if he chose to do so. What Adam liked was that each month, Ian wrote a new chapter to the story. It was about knights and dragons, maybe that was why Adam liked it so much, and the writing was very good.
Adam noticed they had all finished copying the list and were getting out their ink and quills for handwriting class. Adam stood and said, "Children, put away your things. You have been so good, I'm going to let you spend the rest of the day in your garden. You will have to be good all week, and if you are, on Friday, we will do your spelling test in the morning, then you can have the rest of the day to harvest and prepare your entries for the fair. But, that all depends on your behavior the rest of the week. Alright you may put on your garden smocks and go outside."
The children were excited, but orderly as Simon led them to the cloak room. They put on their smocks and went out to the garden. Adam did a bit of finish work at his desk before he went outside. Adam never realized that someone had been listening from the open eastern window for the last fifteen minutes.
Adam joined the students in the garden. For the rest of the school day, they worked to weed, hoe and water their crops. Even Mary seemed to enjoy herself. She had one really pretty cluster of purple Asters. She hoped to make a pretty arrangement for the flower arranging competition. Some of the girls were doing arrangements and the others were going to do dried flowers. Sarah and Martha were also growing gourds and Martin was growing some carnations.
At three forty-five, the students washed up at the water pump then went into the schoolhouse. By four they were neat and tidy, sitting at their desks like little angels.
"Have a good evening children, school is dismissed," Adam said with his warm teacher's smile. All ten children left and hurried home. Adam laughed to himself. No one wanted to stay after school for extra help with their schoolwork, not with the fair in town. He picked up the wiping cloth and cleaned the blackboard. He grabbed his mathematics book and began writing the next days problems on the board.
Adam had just about finished his work when he heard footsteps enter the school. He smiled to himself, his husband was there, he turned to greet Wade. The smile vanished from his beautiful face as saw who entered his schoolhouse.
"Hello, son. Good to see you again," Vince said with an evil smirk, and sneering chuckle. He laughed even more when Adam's book crashed to the floor.