Love Under Thunderstorms (Preview)

Chapter One

Jane

A clap of thunder rolled through the bustling city, bouncing off the brick buildings. The sound vibrated through Jane’s body, causing her to cling to the smock draped over her shoulders. Lightning streaked through the darkening skies. Her heartbeat quickened as she hurried along the busy cobblestone street, hoping to make it to the small seamstress shop before the dark clouds opened and released the torrential rain trapped within them. She dodged other pedestrians who were all making their way to safety under the awnings or inside the shops.

“Best to be getting inside now, the storm is about to let loose,” the baker said as he scrambled to get his cart full of freshly baked goods back into his shop. 

Jane gave a sharp nod of her head and a quick smile to the old man. Like so many of the others, his eyes were trained on the sky, wondering just how bad the storm would be.

It wasn’t just the people that were nervous about the black clouds rolling in from the west, the livestock were jittery too. The electricity sparking between the clouds seemed to resonate and touch everyone. Storms always made Jane nervous. She wasn’t sure if it was the way they plunged the world into darkness or if it was the unexpected bolts that shot down from the heavens. Either way, she knew the best place for her to be was inside. She darted around the corner and, feeling the first small pelts of water from the sky, pushed through the open door of the seamstress’s shop.

A wild streak of lightning lit up the small shop just as the door closed behind her. She let out a soft whimper when the crack of thunder rattled the windows. Jane shuddered and clung to her smock, mumbling a prayer for protection. Could the dusty windows shatter by the noise alone? After a moment’s pause, she scurried down the center aisle, making her way to the back of the shop.

“Looks like you made it just in time.” 

Jane’s heart stopped the moment she heard Beth’s voice. Spinning around, her eyes widened as she stared at the plump woman in the doorway to her left. Beth arched an eyebrow and smiled. 

She was the owner of the small shop, a business her father had passed down to her after he passed. And by Jane’s reckoning, Beth was doing fairly well keeping it afloat.  

“You about gave me a heart attack,” Jane said, clutching her chest as she tried to regain her breathing.

“Where did you think I was going to be today?” Beth giggled. Jane found nothing about Beth startling her amusing. It wasn’t as if Jane was fearful of storms, it was more to do with what came about during such events that rattled her to her core.

“I thought you were going to be with your uncle this weekend,” Jane said, trying not to let her nerves get the better of her.

“Yeah, I thought so too. Turns out my uncle wanted to go on a hunting excursion. We got the letter just last night,” Beth said. The smile on her face stretched as she stepped closer to Jane and craned her neck as a new streak of lightning flashed in window, catching her attention.

“And you didn’t want to go with them?” Jane asked, trying to keep the conversation going so as not to have to listen to the rain pelting the building. 

“It’s best if I stay away from such events.” Beth chuckled. “Last time I went, I ended up scaring the critters away with the way I romped around in the woods. Ever since that mishap, well, let’s just say my family isn’t too keen on me going on any excursions with them.”

“Well, then maybe you can help me with the orders? I got Mr. Henderson’s coat that needs to be done. And then there’s Mr. Alex’s pants that we’ve been putting off for a few days. I’m sure they would both like to have their garments back before the weekend.”

“Just tell me what you want me to do,” Beth said, “you know I’m more than happy to help. As long as I can stay inside and keep busy I’ll be just fine.”

Jane grabbed the garments that needed to be mended and handed the coat over to Beth. She moved quickly around the counter and settled behind her desk. She tried to focus on the task at hand instead of the storm that was raging outside. But no matter how many times the thunder clapped and rattled the windows, Jane couldn’t get used to the sound. With each clap, she found her attention shifting to the window, wondering whether the little shop would hold up against the powerful winds that pounded against the wooden structure.

“Are you okay over there? You seem a bit uneasy,” Beth said as she merrily stitched the buttons back on Mr. Henderson’s coat.

“I’ll be fine,” Jane said. She tried to get her thoughts on hemming the pants instead of the storm.

“Be still,” Beth said. Jane’s eyebrows scrunched to the bridge of her nose as she glanced over at her friend inquisitively.

“What are you going on about?”

“Nothing,” Beth said, shaking her head. “Just something I read in the good book.”

“And what book was that?” Jane asked, pricking her finger with the needle. 

“The Bible, silly,” Beth said almost as if she was exasperated by the question. “One of the stories tells of how Jesus calmed the weather while they were out on the boat. I figured if you were so nervous about the storm coming through this way, it might give you a bit of comfort to know that it’s not as bad as you think it is. Just focus on the good Lord and all will be well.”

Jane rolled her eyes and shook her head. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe, but from her experience of praying and asking for help, the good Lord seemed to be ignoring her requests.

“Sure it will,” she said sarcastically under her breath. Beth cleared her throat and sat the coat down on the countertop. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at Jane.

“You have a problem with what the good book says?” Beth asked. Her voice was tainted with irritation and Jane wished she could retract her words but it was too late.

“No, ma’am,” Jane answered as she stopped toiling with the pants and looked over at Beth. “I don’t think the good Lord is too keen on me is all.”

“Whatever makes you think that?” Beth asked, sympathy replacing the irritation in her tone.

“Let’s just say that I haven’t had the best luck in this life, and no amount of prayers seems to be changing that. Perhaps I’m just not one of those folks worth taking notice of.”

“Now that’s just nonsense,” Beth said, moving closer to Jane. “Everyone on this planet has a purpose in life. Maybe yours isn’t sticking around in this city mending other people’s garments. For all you know, it could be out in the great yonder. Or even California—I heard there’s a lot of folks moving out that way.”

“Those people have the funds to do it, though. And what do I have? Callused fingers from pricking the tips one too many times and a strong will not to curse the damn things,” Jane said. She coddled her injured finger a moment. 

“You speak as if your lot in life has already been cast. You have no ties to this city. If it makes you so unhappy then go somewhere else. Or haven’t you figured out yet that happiness is a state of mind, not someplace on the map?”

All Jane could do was smile and bob her head in agreement. There wasn’t much more for her to do. It wasn’t like Beth could understand her plight or why she felt out of sorts with the world. After all, Beth seemed to have had everything handed to her on a silver platter. From Jane’s perspective, Beth didn’t need or want for anything. She even had a husband, who worked as the grocer. As for Jane, though, all she had were callused fingers and a heart hardened by guilt.

“Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to find such place or state of mind,” Jane said with a half-smile. “Till then, I think I’d rather focus on getting my work done.”

“Well, I can’t begrudge you for that,” Beth said. “We do have orders to fill. And would you look at that?”

Before Jane could get back to work, she glanced behind Beth toward the windows and found the skies clearing. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips and she found peace knowing that the worst had passed.

“You know, Jane, sometimes you might find yourself stuck in the middle of a storm and you don’t know which way to turn. But I’m telling you right here and now, if you stop and take a moment, you might find that the bad weather is already headed out,” Beth said as she moved back to her little desk and sat down.

Jane quickly finished up the pants she had been mending. She folded them neatly and made sure they were pressed before tucking them away to be picked up.

“I think I’ll go ahead and deliver these pants,” she said as she brushed her fingertips over the fabric.

“Why don’t you wait a few minutes until I get this coat done and you can deliver them both?” Beth said with a cheerful smile. “It’ll save me the trouble of going out later, if it’s all the same to you?”

Jane sat back in her chair and stared out the window, watching the water droplets streak down the window. She allowed her mind to wander as she contemplated the last time she had been happy. A great heaviness seeped through her and ensnared her heart. 

For a moment, the small shop in Chicago faded away and Jane found herself back in her hometown of Buckhorn, Texas. Although she hadn’t stepped foot in Buckhorn in nearly four years, she could recall everything about the place. From the rosy wood floors of her parents’ home to the way the golden light shifted through the dusty windows of the parlor, every detail was stark and vivid in her mind’s eye. 

Jane found her chest tightening. She glanced about the walkway as if she were actually moving through the home instead of just imagining it. A longing crept through her and filled every dark corner of her mind. Her heart skipped and sputtered when she heard a muffled male voice coming from outside. Jane glanced at the window and moved cautiously toward the light. Pressing her hand to the glass pane, she sucked in a quick breath.

“Gideon, wait up!” Jane’s eyes widened as she watched her younger self race across the front yard. Her heartbeat quickened. Slowly, her eyes shifted to the left and she gasped the moment she spotted her older brother running toward the large oak tree her father had planted when they first bought the property. 

“All done.” 

Jane blinked and the vision vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Her family home was replaced by the seamstress’s shop. A tight pain gripped her and made her blood run cold. She swallowed hard, wishing for a time long gone. Jane turned to face Beth and forced a smile. 

“Here you go,” Beth said, handing Jane the finished coat for Mr. Henderson. 

“Thank you,” Jane answered. The words scraped against the back of her throat as she took the garment from Beth’s hands. “I won’t be gone long.” 

“You go on and take your time. There’s not much left to do around here. I’ll tidy and probably lock up, so you’ll have to use the side door to get in.” 

“That’s fine.” Jane draped the coat over her arm and grabbed the pants. 

She pushed through the shop door and started making her way through the town. The air was crisp thanks to the rain. It always amazed her how the city looked after a good storm—it was as if the whole place had been cleaned. The dust that accumulated on the storefront windows was gone, and the sidewalks and carriages that passed by were washed clean. 

Making her way down the street, Jane dodged the various puddles and kept her head down. The memory of her brother haunted her. She couldn’t help but feel the prick of guilt jabbing at the back of her mind. 

Happiness is a state of mind. Beth’s words played over and over in her head. She wanted more than anything for those words to be true, but she knew deep down there was no way she’d ever find happiness. Not after everything she had stolen from her brother and her family. 

Desperately wanting to forget her woes, Jane glanced to the sky. The clouds drifted by so fast and darkness made her wonder if the storm was truly over with or if it was just a lull. Picking up her pace, Jane rushed down the street to Mr. Henderson’s house. 

The house was situated on a large lot at the corner of Main and Brussels. It was a two-story house with an oversized yard that looked as if it should be out somewhere hidden in the countryside instead of in the middle of the city. She paused at the gateway, studying the white columns holding the balcony up. The place reminded her of the ranch her family once owned in Buckhorn. 

Refusing to let the memory crash through her, Jane dropped her eyes and kept her attention on the cobblestone path leading to the front door. She moved swiftly to the porch and knocked. The creaking of the door stole her breath and she dared to steal a peek inside. 

“Miss Turner?” the butler said as he arched an eyebrow. “What brings you here today?” 

“Good day, Henry.” Jane extended the coat to him. “I’ve come to deliver Mr. Henderson’s coat.” 

“We dropped that off just this morning,” Henry said, taking the garment. “Are you sure everything has been mending accordingly?” 

“Yes,” Jane answered, trying not to let her curiosity lure her attention to the inside of the home. A part of her wanted to step into the house, to explore the fancy rooms and admire the lavish furniture. She held herself back and kept her eyes on the butler. 

“Well, I’ll be sure to give this to Mr. Henderson right away. He’ll be pleased to have it for tonight’s dinner.” Henry stepped back from the doorway. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Jane. “Was there something else I can do for you?” 

“I’m sorry, no,” Jane said, realizing her attention had shifted off Henry to the floral arrangement in the hallway. 

“If it’s a matter of payment, I’ll be sure to stop by the shop by the end of the day,” Henry said. Jane stepped back and watched the door close. She shuddered at the sound. It was as if that was her lot in life these days. She felt like she’d always be the one left out in the cold. 

A sadness seeped into her that she couldn’t shake as she made her way back to the shop. Although she had a job, a roof over her head, and the means to buy food, there was nothing she could ever do to repay her family for what she had done to them. No amount of praying would bring back her happiness. Chicago was her home now. Despite her longing for the country, and her home state of Texas, Jane could never face her family after what she had stolen from them.

Chapter Two

Levi

A hot wind ripped through the canyon, kicking up dust and pushing thick dried weeds tumbling along the path. Levi drew a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the sweat from his brow as the summer sun beat down on him. Had he known the day would be so brutal and dry, he would have waited to take the trip back to Buckhorn much later in the day. 

The trail before him shimmered and swayed as if there were a mist hovering over the ground. Just the mere sight of it made Levi thirsty. Reaching to the left side of the seat, he pulled the canteen from his bag and stole a few lukewarm sips before returning it. Although the trip to the small town didn’t take but a few hours, making the run in the blistering summer heat made the time drag on longer than it needed to.

“Are we almost there?” a cantankerous voice called from behind him. 

Levi glanced down to find his passenger sticking his head out the carriage window. The man’s eyes were narrow, trying to adjust to the smoldering yellow light of the sun. With no reprieve from the heat, or any shade to dull the light, the man lifted a hand to his brow for some comfort. 

“Be there soon enough,” Levi answered as he tried to appear as if he were steering the stagecoach. But the horses were doing all the work. They certainly had taken this trip enough times to know the way from Buckhorn to Bellville and back again. 

“That’s what you said an hour ago. I was promised a swift ride to Buckhorn, but by the looks of things, you’re dragging it out,” the man snapped. 

“I can’t push the horses in this heat, they’ll keel over,” Levi said, trying to keep his voice calm. It was the heat that was causing the man’s agitation. Had the weather been cooler, it would have been a pleasant trip. 

“The sooner they get to Buckhorn, the sooner they’ll get water,” the man said. “I say push them.” 

“Well now, see, there’s the problem. They aren’t your horses to push. And if this is the pace they want to go, I’m not going to complain. Now, I’d suggest seating yourself back into the carriage and enjoying the scenery.” 

“What scenery? There’s nothing but rocks and dried-out husks for trees. The brochure said this trip was to be relaxing and I’m not feeling the accommodations were met,” the man grumbled. 

Levi rolled his eyes and propped his foot up on the rest. “May I suggest you read?” 

“I’ve got no books with me in the carriage.”

“Well, sir, I really don’t know what to tell you other than we’ll be getting into Buckhorn soon enough. And I promise you the minute it comes over the bend, I’ll let you know,” Levi said with a sideways glance. 

The gray-haired man squeezed back into the window of the carriage, and a prick of jealousy shot through Levi. At least the man had some shade inside the carriage. 

The stagecoach continued through the canyon pass. It wasn’t until Levi spotted the water tower of the town in the distance that he sighed in relief. Although the road to Buckhorn wasn’t dangerous, there was always the off chance something could go wrong. 

He pounded on the roof of the stagecoach. “We’ll be in Buckhorn soon.” 

The sun seemed to linger in the sky without moving an inch. Of course, with the Texas sky being so big, the sun was always high in the sky until it wasn’t. 

“Well,” the man said as they finally reached the dusty town, “took long enough. That had to have been the most treacherous journey I’ve ever been on.” 

Levi rolled his eyes as he watched the man climb out of the stagecoach. Twisting in his seat, Levi reached over to collect the trunks and toss them to the ground. Coming to Buckhorn was always bittersweet. Glancing around the town, Levi couldn’t help but feel a tug of remorse, as usual.

“What’s this? What did you encounter along the journey?” 

Levi turned around to find Mr. Felix Moss coming from the small rickety building with a scowl on his face. The way his eyebrows crowded the bridge of his nose made Levi’s chest tighten. 

“It was awful, I tell you,” Levi’s passenger said exasperated, fanning himself.

“Why don’t you come inside and tell me all about it,” he said, giving Levi a sideways glance of disapproval.

Levi shrugged and continued to pull the trunks from off the stagecoach. People from town gathered around to see the new goods that he had brought in for the grocer as well as to listen to the gossip. Levi could only imagine what was being said inside Mr. Felix’s office.

Climbing off the stagecoach, Levi moved to the horses and checked the rigging. He let his hands glide over the horses’ backs as he tried not to pay any attention to the town folk around him.

“I bet they were held up by Indians,” Levi heard a kid to his left say.

“There’s no Indians in these parts,” the kid’s friend answered in a huff. “I bet the worst part was they broke an axle.”

“And how would you know? You’re only nine.”

Levi rolled his eyes as he listened to the children bicker. He couldn’t help but smile just a little listening to the way they went back and forth. It reminded him a lot of the way he would speak with his siblings. His chest tightened as his mind slipped toward his family. 

“What’s all the commotion about?”

Levi turned to find his friend Ryan standing behind him. There was a smirk on his face that eased Levi’s mind. All Levi could do was shrug as he turned to his friend and gave him a sturdy handshake.

“Beats me,” Levi answered, dropping his hand. “The passenger is going on about how treacherous the road was.”

“Was it?” Ryan asked.

“Not the slightest. It was blazing hot with no friendly cloud to block the sun.”

“Could have been worse—could have been a thunderstorm. And you know how those can get in the canyon. Last time Eddie went through that way, he nearly got struck by lightning.”

“The only thing that was wrong was the heat. But I’m pretty certain that the passenger will have found other issues with the ride so he doesn’t have to pay,” Levi said just as the office door opened and Mr. Felix stepped out with the old man. Levi couldn’t help but notice the way the old man’s chest seemed to be puffed out and a smug grin stretched across his face.

“Don’t you worry about a thing, Mr. Hofstetter,” Felix said, giving the man a pat on the shoulder. “We’ll see that you are well compensated for your time. And might I suggest you give us a try again on your way back.”

“I just might do that,” Mr. Hofstetter said. “As long as you don’t have him driving the stagecoach.”

Levi out a heavy sigh as he watched Mr. Hofstetter collect his things and make his way toward the saloon. There was something about the way the man staggered down the road that irked Levi.

“Levi, come here real quick,” Felix said as he motioned Levi closer. 

Giving Ryan a sideways glance, Levi followed Felix to the office.

“How long have you been working for me now?” Felix asked the second he closed the door behind Levi.

“A few months,” Levi said. Felix bobbed his head and gestured for Levi to step further into the shop as he moved around Levi to get to the counter.

“And what exactly is your job?” Felix asked. He busied himself with the paperwork on the counter.

“To take passengers from one town to the next,” Levi stated.

“And how many stagecoaches do you think this town has coming through?”

All Levi could do was shrug. He had never given much thought to how many passengers came and went to Buckhorn. In his mind, he believed those who left were better off than those who came.

“My stagecoach business is the busiest one in town. Now, how do you think it got that way?” Felix asked as he glared at Levi.

“Why don’t you tell me.” 

“Customer service, that’s how. I make a point to treat every passenger as if they are family. Now, how do you expect me to do that if you don’t carry on a conversation with them?” 

“I’m sorry, but I thought my job was to drive the stagecoach, not entertain.”

“Your job is to make sure that each person that steps foot inside one of my carriages is treated with respect and like family.”

Levi pressed his lips into a tight line, biting back the words he wanted to say. Memories of his family poked and prodded at the edges of his mind. He could remember how it was when he was younger. How happy they were despite having very little. Yet, it all fell apart after his father died. 

“Look, I didn’t want to do this, but I think I’m going to have to let you go,” Felix said. “I need someone who isn’t going to ignore the customer. Besides, you’re still working for the Turners, aren’t you?” 

Levi nodded. “It’s not a full-time job.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, they’re going to need a bit more help getting that ranch of theirs up to par for selling. Maybe you could work out a deal with them if you’re hurting for money. Perhaps get a cut of the profit when the place sells.”

“Sure,” Levi said, feeling put out. It wasn’t like he loved driving the stagecoach. The most enjoyment he got out of it was the ability to leave Buckhorn every day for a few hours. The coming back was what caused him remorse. 

“No hard feelings, now right? You understand this is all business, and I need a business that outperforms the other companies around here,” Felix said. 

“I understand,” Levi answered. “Good luck with that.”

“You as well, and remember, when the Lord closes one door, another will open. I’m sure you’ll land on your feet and everything will work out well for you.”

Levi sucked in a deep breath, turned, and walked out of the small office. The hot air swirled around him the moment he stepped outside. A small prick of sorrow touched his heart as he looked at the horses. They were after all one of the best parts of his job. Moving to the stagecoach, he ran his hand over the neck of the horse. 

“Well, Claude, it’s been a great run,” Levi said to the horse. “Thanks for listening to me on our trips, and I hope your next driver understands your ornery nature.” 

The horse pounded a hoof to the ground as Levi stepped away. He moved down the street, passing the barber, blacksmith, grocer, and finally the saloon. Levi wondered if it would be wise to go inside for a drink; after all, Mr. Hofstetter was certain to be in there. Levi thought of confronting the man but quickly turned away. He’d had enough of people for one day and was too hot to be getting rallied up. 

“What did Felix have to say?” Ryan asked as he jogged from the grocer’s to Levi. 

“Same ole, same ole,” Levi said. 

“You got fired again?” Ryan chuckled. “That’s got to be a record. But hey, there’s always the Turners’ place, right?” 

“Suppose, until they sell it. And then who knows where I’ll end up,” Levi said as they strolled down the street. 

 

“They’re selling? Are you sure?” Ryan asked. 

“I thought everyone in town knew that already,” Levi stated.

“Well, it’s news to me. I doubt they’ll get much for it. That place needs so much work done to it just to make it noteworthy.” 

“Felix made a comment about how the Turners are planning on selling all of it. Maybe I could put in a bid?” 

Ryan rubbed the back of his neck and didn’t say a word. There was something about his silence that made Levi pause. 

“What? Out with it. You know as well as I do I’ve worked hard on that land. And maybe if they’re planning on getting rid of it, I could scoop it up.” 

“That’s a novel idea, but how much you think that place is worth? Because I’m going to tell you right now, I don’t think even in the state it’s in, you’ll be able to afford it.” 

“Who knows, maybe if I talk to the Turners, they’ll sell it to me cheaper than what they’re planning. Then they won’t need to fix it up, I could do it.” 

“It doesn’t hurt to ask, I guess. I just hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. A place like that needs a lot of attention.” 

“Well, it’s not like I have much going for me right now. Being fired from the stagecoach job might be the opportunity I need. After all, what else have I got to do?” 

Ryan bobbed his head as Levi turned his attention to the long dusty road before him. Hope swelled within him as his mind started twisting and plotting. Once, his family had owned a ranch like the Turners’, so it wasn’t like he didn’t know what he was doing. But the funds would be a problem. Doing odd jobs around Buckhorn only provided enough for food—he had very little saved away. 

Still, the fire under him had been lit, and the only way he was going to get what he wanted was to take risks. 

“I’m going to do it,” Levi said, turning to Ryan. “I’m going to ask the Turners to sell me their ranch. Who knows, maybe with Gideon’s condition, they’re just looking to get out of it as quickly as possible.”

“And perhaps because of Gideon’s condition, they’ll hold off for more money,” Ryan said. 

“There’s only one way to find out for sure,” Levi said. “I’m going to go and talk to them first thing in the morning.”

“Just don’t get your hopes up too high.”

“Ryan, when you’re as low as I am, there’s ever only one way to go—and that’s higher than what I am now.” 

---

“Love Under Thunderstorms” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

In the small town of Buckhorn, Texas, Jane Turner led a life eclipsed by the fame of her daredevil brother, Gideon. Burdened with guilt after tragedy struck Gideon, Jane fled to Chicago in search of solace. However, when she received a heartfelt letter from her mother, bearing news of her plans to sell their beloved ranch, an undeniable longing to return home surged within her. Unbeknownst to her, amidst the rolling plains of home, an unexpected chance at love awaits her, in the form of Levi, a captivating and carefree ranch hand.

Will Jane’s homecoming spark a heartfelt connection?

For Levi, life had dealt its share of heartache. Having suffered the profound loss of his father and the shattering of everything he held dear, Levi sought solace amidst the rugged plains. Drifting from one odd job to another, his dreams of owning a ranch seemed like fragile embers in the wind. Little did he know that fate, in its infinite wisdom, had a different plan in store when he crossed paths with Jane.

Can Jane’s presence in his life mend his heart and ignite an unexpected love?

As their lives intertwine, Jane and Levi forge a captivating bond, woven through their shared enchantment and the trials they’ve faced. With each passing day, their friendship blossoms, becoming a bridge that connects their pasts and holds the promise of a brighter future. Amidst the challenges they face, will they find the courage to embrace their deepening infatuation and seize the opportunity for a shared future filled with happiness and love? Or will their fears and doubts cast a shadow over their special bond?

“Love Under Thunderstorms” is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get your copy from Amazon!