Holding on to Heaven Read Online Free PDF Page A

glanced from his wife to Lauren. "We'll pray for all, Confederate and Union."
    "I'll pen a letter to Father tonight."
    "I think it's a good idea, Lauren," her aunt said. "Perhaps he'll be able to enlighten us, although the news is often stale by the time it reaches the settlements."
    Her uncle changed the subject with a smile, lessening her concern for the time being. "When you're finished eating, I've something to show you in the barn."
    Lauren perked up. "What is it?"
    "A horse and this one won't throw you."
    She pushed away from the table and rose. "Come on, I can’t eat another bite now."
    In the barn, he told her to close her eyes. She heard him bang into the side of a wooden stall and moments later felt leather straps placed in her hands. "You can open your eyes now."
    She'd never seen a finer steed, fell in love with him in an instant. His reddish-brown coat reminded her of the sun-dried cliffs surrounding Red Wing. A dark brown stripe ran the length of his back and matched his mane and bushy tail. Keen and alert, he stood apart from the rest of Uncle Mason's herd.
    "Adobe." She nuzzled his snout. "I must name you Adobe."
    "I purchased him in Dakota Territory last week with you in mind."
    "Can I ride him?"
    "Are you up to it with that sprained ankle?"
    With a nod, she climbed into the saddle and urged him from the barn. Uncle Mason opened the paddock and she rode Adobe into a nearby field. Her breath escaped in a rush as they sped across the land. His leg muscles taut and hard, his gait solid, Lauren had never ridden a horse as fleet of foot.
    Mason stood outside the barn when she returned. She scrambled from Adobe's back, threw her arms about her uncle's neck and fought back tears. "Thank you, I adore him."
    Adobe nudged her arm and her uncle snickered. "Looks like the feeling is mutual."
     
    * * * *
     
    That evening, Lauren, Estelle and Mason sat on the front porch and took in the clear, fresh air. Nelly brought out beverages and joined them.
    "Ah, here's my mint julep." Estelle reached for a glass. "The one thing I haven't been able to surrender since living in the South."
    Mason made a face and plucked a glass from the tray. "Why can't I just have my brandy straight up without the frothy ice, mint and sugar?"
    Estelle answered with a feigned sympathetic look. "You know you enjoy julep, dear, although you'll ever admit it."
    Still nursing a sore ankle, Lauren rocked in a nearby chair. "How did Full Circle get its name?"
    "I have a theory about life." Mason paused, tossed the drink back and then puckered his lips. "We're born and if blessed, grow to adulthood. Children come along and then grandchildren, perpetuating the never-ending circle of life. By the time we come to the end of our days, we've come full circle¾birth to death. Stella and I weren't fortunate enough to have children, but nonetheless, this is our full circle."
    "Aunt Estelle says you also claim to be holding on to your own little piece of heaven here."
    He nodded. "Look around you, girl. Have you ever seen such beauty?"
    "No," Lauren said and meant it. "I haven't."
    Mason raised his glass. "Here's to holding on to our piece of heaven, ladies."
    Estelle raised her glass of julep and Lauren her glass of lemonade. "It’ll be difficult to return to Beaufort now. I'm bedeviled with the land and the people."
    Mason placed his hands out as his sides and smiled. "Then stay, Lauren. Stella and I would love to have you remain at the ranch."
    "But what of Father? I miss him already, promised to return soon."
    "Don't decide this very minute, dear." Estelle's eyes met hers. "Give it some thought, that's all we ask."
    "All right, Aunt Estelle, I promise to think about it."
     
    * * * *
     
    The weeks flew by as Lauren familiarized herself with the routines of the ranch. The work seemed endless, and no one, including her, was permitted slack time. She became adept at cleaning out stalls in the barn, forking hay, and grooming the horses. The environment suited