O'Malley Love

O’Malley Love

by

Joy Redmond

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2018 Joy Redmond

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Jenna -1929

Jenna lived with her parents and three brothers, Lester, Clifford and Brady, in a one-room log cabin amid the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Burlap sacks hung across ropes as dividers for sleeping spaces. Every night, Jenna unrolled a feather tick and made a pallet on the bare floor.

Every day, Jenna carried gallon buckets of water from the well for cooking and also for bathing. She was responsible for storing perishable food in the root cellar and milking the cows. She brought in wood for the stove and helped her mother with the cooking and cleanup afterward. The only work day she dreaded was Monday because it was laundry day. She hated the scrub board. Exhaustion claimed her by the end of each day, but she never complained. She loved her family and was happy to help with whatever it took to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.

Once a month, Jenna rode down the mountain in a wagon with her pa, where they bought supplies from the General Store. Jenna’s face would turn red when the people in the valley stared at her and her family as if they were no more than a pile of rubbish.

Pa, look at them snobs. They have their noses in the air like they think we stink or something!

Don’t you pay them any mind, Daughter. We’re poor, but we’re as good as those high-falutin’ knuckleheads.

Jenna held her head high. That’s right, Pa. We’re mountaineers, which makes us special. I’ll never let them get under my skin. She covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled. I’ll admit though, I would like to spit on a few.

Pa patted Jenna’s knee. Well, spitting on them would only bring you down to their level, but you’re right about one thing, we’re a special breed, and contrary to what valley people think, we’re not inbreeds or halfwits. We may not be school-educated, but we have natural smarts. And we’re self-educated. Your ma and I didn’t get past fifth grade, but we can read, and reading is the best education.

I’ve proved I’ve got natural smarts, Pa. I got better marks on my report cards than the other students, and most of them were valley kids.

Pa smiled and his eyes seemed to shine as brightly as stars on a silky summer night. You’re the first one in our family to graduate from high school, and I’m proud of you for making all those trips up and down the mountain on foot when I was cutting timber and couldn’t take you in the wagon.

Jenna playfully nudged her pa in the ribs. It was good for me. Those trips made my leg muscles strong enough to kick a slat out of a barn door! When they pulled in front of the General Store, Jenna said, If we have enough money could I buy a frame for my diploma? I could put it in my hope chest.

I think we can spring for one, replied Pa. What all do you have in your hope chest?

I have two quilts that me and Ma hand-stitched and some crocheted doilies. She tucked her head. I also filled it with pictures of things I cut out of the catalogue. All the other things I hope to have someday.

Pa’s eyes were misty as he replied, I hope you get everything your heart desires. You deserve the best because you’re a special person. You’re a seer, and that’s a gift from God.

Jenna wiped her eyes. Her brothers were embarrassed by her gift. Sometimes she wondered if they thought she was crazy or cursed. They laughed when she tried to warn them of danger. Her visions were always right, but they still scoffed.

One bright sunshiny day in May, Jenna and Pa made their usual trip down the mountain. When they reached the town, she sat up straight, held her head high and made eye contact with each person who looked her way. She took off her sunbonnet, shook her long black hair, letting it cascade down her back. Her dark-brown eyes were sparkling with pride as she nodded and smiled at a passerby.

Pa looked over at Jenna with a gleam in his eyes. I have a surprise for you today. Ma wants us to buy some material so she can make you a new skirt and blouse for the big shindig at the Crafton place this Saturday. Olꞌ man Crafton has five sons, and maybe one of them will take a liking to you. You’re eighteen, and that’s considered an old maid in these parts.

Jenna sneered. I don’t like any of those Crafton boys. They drink too much moonshine. I don’t care if I am an old maid. I’m not going to get married until I find a man that makes my heart pound at the sight of him. He won’t be a drinker of evil spirits either, I can tell you that much!

I hear you, girl, and I agree. True love is hard to find, but don’t settle for less. Marrying the wrong man would be worse than being an old maid. You listen to your heart. Love will find you.

Pa parked the wagon, tied the horses, and helped Jenna down from the wagon. As soon as they entered the General Store, Jenna headed for the fabric table. She closely examined each blot, wondering which color would look best on her. Finally, she picked out red-and-white checkered material for the skirt and solid white for the blouse. She also selected red frilly lace for the edges of the blouse collar and sleeve hems. She felt her stomach flutter as if butterflies were having a shindig of their own.

The following Saturday, Jenna rolled wet strands of her long dark hair around rag strips. That evening when it was dry, she pulled the rags from her hair and let the ringlets fall to below her shoulders. She donned her new blouse and her full skirt over layers of petticoats with huge ruffles around the hems. The petticoats made the skirt stand out in a full circle.

The only mirror in the cabin was wavy and cracked, distorting her image, but she hoped she’d be the prettiest girl at the dance.

Soon she and her family were on their way. They could hear the lively sound of fiddles, banjos, and harmonicas a quarter mile before they reached the Crafton place. As the wagon bounced along the road, Jenna tapped her feet and her body swayed with the music.

When they arrived, Pa pulled the wagon beside several others and tied the horses to a hitching post. Jenna didn’t wait for one of her brothers to help her down. She lifted her skirt and jumped to the ground. Pa held out his arm and ushered her inside.

As they entered the barn a square dance was in full swing. Jenna grabbed Pa’s hand, her feet itching to dance. Come on, Pa, let’s loosen up, Jenna said, tugging on his big calloused hand.

As the dancers began changing partners, doing a do-si-do, Jenna suddenly found herself in the arms of a handsome stranger, looking into the same face she had seen in a dream the previous week. He was tall and slim with red hair and a few freckles across his nose and cheeks. The musky sweet smell of his aftershave was intoxicating, and the touch of his hand sent tingles up her spine.

By the time the dance ended she was lightheaded. She walked across the floor and stood beside Ma. Before she could speak, she saw the handsome stranger walking toward them. Her heart quickened.

May I get you a glass of lemonade? he asked.

Yes, thank you. A body gets mighty thirsty after a good dance. Her face heated and she was sure it turned beet red. She had seen him in a dream, which meant their paths were meant to cross, but was it for love, or heartbreak?

As the young man walked away, Jenna whispered, Ma, isn’t he the most handsome man you ever laid eyes on? My heart’s pounding like thunder. I’ve never seen him around these parts. I wonder who he is and where he’s from.

I think you’ll get a chance to find out since he seems to be smitten with you, Ma replied. Her smile broadened. I have a good feeling about him. She paused a moment. But he is a stranger. We’ll need to find out more about him. You know Pa don’t trust strangers."

Shush, Jenna whispered, He’s coming back with the lemonade.

When the tall young man reached their side, he said, Here you go, ladies. He looked at Ma and smiled. I hope you don’t mind, ma’am, but I got one for you, too.

Thank you kindly, Ma answered.

The handsome young man smiled and his eyes danced as he said, Would you mind if your daughter and I step outside so we can talk? It’s pretty loud in here. You have to scream to be heard.

I think that’ll be all right. She looked at Jenna. Pa and your brothers will be close by.

Jenna’s face turned red. Why did her brothers have to keep an eye on her? If they poked their heads out the barn door every few minutes and gave her sly looks, she’d faint from embarrassment, and should their stares or snickers cause this handsome man to be so uncomfortable he’d come back inside before they got to know each other, she’d make their lives miserable.

Once outside, the young man pointed his finger and said sweetly, Do you think we could go up on that hill over there? We could sit and talk a spell.

I think it would be acceptable. We’ll still be in eyesight of Pa.

They made their way up the hill and stood beside a large weeping willow, where the young man took a white handkerchief from his back pocket and spread it on the ground for Jenna to sit on. He held her hand as she eased herself down.

He sat beside her, drew in a deep breath, and said, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Eugene O’Malley, but you can call me Gene.

I’m Jenna Allison. It’s nice to meet you, Gene. She studied him closely. You’re not from around here, are you?

No, I’m not. I’m visiting relatives over on Flat Ridge. I’ll be leaving in a couple days. I sure wish I had met you sooner. His dancing eyes suddenly changed to a look of sadness.

Her heart sank. You’re leaving? I thought maybe you were a newcomer to these parts. Where do you live?

Gene reached for her tiny hand and held it tenderly. I live in Western Kentucky, a week’s journey from here. He sighed deeply and gazed toward the sky. I love the mountains. Western Kentucky has rolling hills, but some of them are high enough to wind you if you climb them on foot.

Jenna’s heart sank further. However, she wanted to enjoy what little time she’d have with him. She knew his musical voice would echo in her ears for the rest of her life.

Gene continued to hold her hand, and she never wanted him to let go. How often do you come here to see your kin? she asked, her heart aching, fearing it might a few years before he would return.

Gene smiled and squeezed her hand. This is my first trip, but I can tell you it won’t be the last if I get permission to court you.

Jenna’s breath caught in her throat. She fanned her face with her hand. I think my parents will allow you to court me. When will you be back?

Gene dropped his head and scratched his ear a couple times. I’m not sure. I’ll have to plan it according to my crops and livestock. He paused. I’ll tell you what. If your parents will let me come courting, I’ll extend my stay for another week. Maybe two.

Jenna felt her face light up. I’ll get permission from Ma and Pa for you to come courting, but we’ll have to stay close to the house. She cleared her throat, hoping her parentsꞌ strict rules wouldn’t detour his desire to court her. We can sit out in the yard under a tree and talk. But right now could you tell me more about yourself?

Well, I am twenty-seven years old, my parents died in the 1919 influenza epidemic. My only brother, Wyatt, moved out to the West Coast the day he turned twenty. I live in a big house and I get mighty lonesome. My grandparents hailed from these parts, and all my life I heard my grandma tell stories about the Smokey Mountains. I always longed to see them, and I must say being on top of a mountain is like being in heaven.

Jenna smiled. I love the mountains, too. It’s like you can reach up, climb onto a cloud and see right into heaven’s door. But you know what? I’ve always wanted to see other parts of the country. Western Kentucky sounds nice.

I think you’d love Kentucky. When I was a teenager my grandpa told me, ‘Gene, boy, if you want to find a good woman, you need to get you one from the mountains of Tennessee. She’ll know how to keep a man happy and keep the home fires burning. Just look at me and your grandma.’

Jenna felt lightheaded. Was he looking for a wife? Although they had just met, she was smitten. Could he be the one? Was Eugene O’Malley her true love?

Would you like to go back inside? I want to ask your parents for permission to court you, then I’d like to dance some more. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to dance with a beautiful girl, and if I’m not being too forward, I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Jenna blushed. Why, thank you. She wanted to tell him he was the most handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on, but she didn’t think it would be proper. We probably should get back inside before Pa comes looking for us. You’ll be the first boy who’s asked Ma and Pa if they could court me.

What? A beautiful girl like you should have beaus fighting for your attention! You’re joking, right?

No, I’m not kidding, Jenna replied. I’ll admit there’s been a couple who talked to me about it, but I wasn’t interested, so I told them there was no use in asking Ma and Pa. Around these parts most of the boys drink moonshine, and I don’t take to drinkers. She narrowed her eyes. Are you a drinker?

I wouldn’t consider myself much of a drinker. He chuckled. I do have a little laced eggnog at Christmastime. One glass usually does it.

Jenna laughed. I don’t guess a little laced eggnog once a year would be a problem. Pa isn’t a drinker, but my two older brothers hang out with them Crafton boys, drink moonshine and act stupid.

Gene chuckled. Well, I might act stupid every now and then, but it’s not because of liquor. It’s my natural personality.

Oh, Gene, you’re funny, she said, giving him a playful shove on the arm.

And you’re beautiful, he replied, as he stood up and reached down for her hand. Jenna placed her hand in his and he lifted her from the ground. He picked up his handkerchief, shook it a couple times, and stuffed it back into his pocket.

Hand-in-hand they walked back to the barn and joined the dancers. When Gene twirled Jenna around and caught her in his arms, she giggled like a little girl.

After the dance, Gene asked Jenna’s parents if he could call on their daughter the next night.

Ma and Pa looked at each other, smiled, and Pa said, That you may. Just take the road straight up the mountain two miles. We live in the first cabin on your left. But tomorrow is the Sabbath, so don’t call until sunset, and you’ll need to take your leave by ten o’clock.

Sunset it is, Mr. Allison. He shook Pa’s hand. Thank you, sir. He winked at Jenna, I’ll see you tomorrow night.

I’ll be ready and waiting, Jenna said, clasping the top button on her blouse so her hands wouldn’t tremble.

Chapter Two

Gene made his way up the mountain just as the sun dipped below the horizon. He wiped sweat from his brow, which he was sure was coming from nerves because the evening air was a bit cool. He pulled his wagon up to the log cabin. Just as he stepped to the ground, he heard a soft giggle.

He looked up and saw Jenna’s brother running inside, and he could hear him singing, Jenna and Gene sitting under a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g!

Gene climbed the three steps to the porch. Just as he raised his hand to knock on the screen door he heard Jenna say, If you open your mouth again, I’ll kick the salt out of you, you little pest!

She abruptly stopped scolding when she turned her body and saw Gene. She cleared her throat and smiled, Don’t mind my brother. Sometimes I think he’s touched in the head.

Jenna opened the screen door and stepped out onto the porch. Gene laughed. I know all about brothers. I only had one and he was a booger, but I sure miss him now that he’s all grown up and lives so far away. I’d sure like it if Wyatt could come back and aggravate me.

Maybe he will someday.

Gene tucked his head. No, Wyatt was killed in a mudslide a few months after he arrived in California. I had his body sent back home and buried in the family cemetery. I erected a nice headstone for him. I visit his gravesite and I talk to him. He paused. As if I expect him to talk back. Silly, huh?

No, there’s nothing silly about it. I think spirits can hear us.

It’s a nice thought, so I’ll remember that the next time I have a talk with him.

I’ll probably miss Brady someday too, but right now I’d like to wring his neck! When Gene smiled with a knowing look, she said, Oh, where are my manners. Would you like to come inside? Or we can go sit under the elm tree.

Let’s sit under the tree. It’s a beautiful night. Maybe we’ll see a falling star and we can make a wish.

I’ll get a blanket. Be right back.

Gene peered through the screen door. He got the feeling Jenna was embarrassed for him to come inside. The house was small and cramped and not well furnished

Soon, Jenna came back outside and headed across the yard. She spread the blanket on the ground, took Gene’s hand, and together they lowered themselves to the ground.

They gazed into each other’s eyes and conversation came easy. By ten o’clock, Gene felt as if he’d known Jenna Allison all his life. When it was time to say goodnight, he asked if he could come back the next night.

I guess I’m supposed to ask Ma and Pa, but what the heck. Come back tomorrow night! But make it after six o’clock. I have to help Ma get the housework done, then I have to get myself pretty.

You don’t have to do anything to make yourself pretty, but I know how women are. You have to primp.

Get out of here! Jenna’s face flushed with embarrassment, and Gene found it endearing.

See you tomorrow. I enjoyed tonight. As Gene drove away, he wasn’t sure how he’d be able to breathe until he returned.

For the next week, Gene visited every night. On the seventh night, sitting under the elm, Jenna was talking when Gene leaned in and softly kissed her on the lips. When she didn’t protest, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply. He made himself back off in case he had taken things too far.

Jenna kept her head tilted upward and Gene kissed her again, lingering longer. It felt as if electricity surged through his body. He felt Jenna’s body slightly tremble, which told him she felt a jolt, too.

The following Sunday, Gene came after sunset and they shared their life stories, talked about what they wanted in life, and they found they were in agreement about everything. When it was time to say goodnight, Gene kissed her deeply, as if he never wanted to take his lips from hers. He finally broke the kiss and softly said, I have to leave for home on Friday.

Tears sprang to Jenna’s eyes. Will I ever see you again?

Well, that depends, he said. His eyes were serious and a bit sad.

Depends on what? Jenna asked, her eyes widening and her throat tightening.

Gene