"You know son, there's nothing wrong with her being Indian. She's a decent, God-fearing woman."
"I know that." Clay fretted then looked at his father and smiled shyly. "But I've been trying pretty hard not to think of her as a woman at all. It's almost impossible because she's so danged pretty? She deserves our respect dad. I don't want to scare her."
"Now why would you do that?" Charlie asked.
"What?" Clay snapped.
"Why would you not think of her as a woman? Unless maybe you're attracted to her."
"Because she's our cook and housekeeper, and because she's beautiful, and here, and I'm getting to know her now. It's hard not to get to know her. She's a very decent woman."
When it got too quiet Clay looked at his dad seriously. "Maybe I need a trip into town."
"Is that what you really want?"
Clay's head turned so fast his head was spinning, "No, it isn't," He snapped at his father, then shook his head. "But it's a lot safer. Alright dad, you win, I'm attracted to her. I like her, too. It's hard not giving into temptation. You know, people in town never liked us much anyway. Her being here hasn't helped either. I don't think it's wise to get too close, and yet—"
"And yet your heart tells you different, doesn't it, son?"
Clay frowned, he didn't want to go there, and Charlie saw that in his eyes.
"Then I guess you are gonna have to figure out a way to deal with it, son, because we've invited her to stay on."
Charlie turned to look at Clay now, "It'd be alright with me, I just want you to know that."
Clay let a slight smile crease his lips, "Thanks dad, I mean it."
Charlie walked off with a smile on his face.
On his way back inside, he started coughing and Clay stared, "Why don't you get some rest now. It's nap time."
Charlie turned to look at him, "Maybe your right. Maybe I will." Charlie agreed a bit too quickly. "And Clay," he called to him over his shoulder.
"Yeah?"
"Don't let what the townspeo
ple think of her, influence how you feel about her. She's a good person, she's clean, she's a good mother, and she's a great cook."
"I'm not sure how I feel about her, dad. But I'm pretty sure I shouldn't go there. Sometimes you have to turn away from things, to keep the peace."
"Hard times never stopped you before." Charlie looked at the ground a minute then shot him a quick grin, "Maybe, and maybe it's time you found out exactly what you are feeling toward her."
Clay walked toward him now. "It's not just how I feel dad."
"What do you mean?" Charlie reared his head.
"She doesn't want trouble, and neither do I!" Clay muttered. "She might leave if I—"
"Son, trouble is part of life. It's how you handle the trouble that matters. And if you find out you love her; I'd bet my bottom dollar you won't let her leave."
"You are right, you are always right dad, but I'm thinking of her, and her baby. Her being our cook and housekeeper is one thing. If I took things any further, there'd be hell to pay for it." Clay told him. "She's not the kind of woman to have and not claim." He glanced at the cabin and murmured lowly, "She's the kind to marry."
"I'm glad you see that." Charlie smiled.
"Maybe it all boils down to the fact that she's a woman, and living here with us, and being around her so much. She gets along with you so well, and she's a great mother."
"She is that. And pretty to boot!" Charlie chuckled.