In Search of Love and Affection (Preview)

Chapter One

“I’m going to be late, but that smells incredible,” Stephen said, looking at the eggs Julianna had prepared.

“Then be late.  You have been a tremendous miner for them so far, have you not?” she asked her brother.

“Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean I can start showing up for work past the time for starting,” he said.

Julianna finished up the last of the eggs cooked with onion, tomato, and cabbage and put them on a plate with a bit of bread for Stephen.

The small, wooden hovel was filled with smoke as it had been every morning for the past few months.  But they didn’t mind so much.  They had been able to build their own structure, even if it was a tepid one.

With the small inheritance they’d received upon the death of their father, years after their mother’s passing, the siblings had decided to try their luck out west.  And here, in the midst of the mines, they had used that money to make more.

Stephen had managed to get a job quickly, mining for gold alongside hundreds of other men in the small town that was being built up around them.  And all along the western side of the great country, thousands upon thousands of other young men were arriving to take their chances as miners as well.

“How is it?” Julianna asked as Stephen took his first bite.

“Perfect.  How did you get them to cook so evenly?” he asked.

“Do you even have to ask?  You know I’m the best cook around.” She laughed.

Not only had they afforded to make their own little, one-room house, but Julianna had planted the garden to provide them with a few vegetables and they had a small coop for three hens.

Now and then, she would take the excess vegetables and eggs and sell them, enterprising what they had in order to make more.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, the siblings were proud of everything they had been accomplishing.

“Can you believe it took us so long to finally come here?” Stephen asked.

“I often think about that.  Father’s death ought to have spurred us to come sooner,” Julianna said.

“It seemed such a risk then,” Stephen said.

“Little did we know that we would do so well,” Julianna added.  “I love our life here.”

“As do I.  This is the perfect place for us,” Stephen agreed.

“And Miss Beeke certainly helps matters, now, doesn’t she?” Julianna teased.

Stephen grew red.  Sylvia had not escaped his notice since she and Julianna had become friends almost immediately upon their arrival in California.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Stephen said.

“Of course you don’t.” Julianna laughed.  “But I daresay that Miss Beeke has noticed you.  She hasn’t said anything, but I have come to know her quite well and she is just the sort of young lady who will allow propriety to stop her from so much as grinning at you.”

“Not all ladies can be as obnoxiously bold as you,” Stephen retorted, putting a fork full of eggs into his mouth.

“And what a shame that is.  Imagine how much more colorful the world would be if young ladies knew how to speak for their wants.  If they could share their true feelings.  But Sylvia is just as quiet as she’s been told she’s meant to be,” Julianna said.

Oftentimes, since their arrival in California, people had scolded Julianna for her outspoken and brash behavior.  Many had thought her flawed since the deaths of their parents, but Stephen had confirmed to them that she’d always been this way.

“Have you ever considered that it might do you some good to keep your mouth shut?” Stephen laughed.

“I’ve thought about it, but I decided it didn’t really suit me all that well,” Julianna said, tilting her head in irritation.

“I think you’d be far better suited to the quiet now and then,” Stephen teased.

Julianna shook her head.  Even as a young child, she had been brash and out of place.  No matter how people tried to tell her to be ladylike, she was having none of it.  Not when she had so many thoughts and opinions.

Keeping things to herself sounded terribly boring.

“Well, your life would be fairly dull if I did that.  Anyway, let’s talk more about Miss Beeke.  Why don’t you go for it?  Her parents like you enough.  They have said it time and time again.  So you’d be a fool not to try,” Julianna told him.

“I think it’s better if I bide my time and make sure I really like her and that she really likes me,” Stephen suggested.

“You know as well as I do that you’re only saying that because you’re frightened that she might reject you.  You know you like her and it’s point blank clear that she likes you in return.  What’s all of this about?  Waiting and seeing?  Like anything’s going to change with it?” Julianna challenged him.

“I don’t see you out there trying to find a husband.  Why are you so obsessed with finding me a wife?” he asked.

“Because there’s a nice girl that you like enough.  I haven’t seen a decent man in the whole city,” she said.

“That ain’t true at all.  There’s plenty of good men.  Haven’t you seen all the friends I’ve got here?” Stephen asked.

“All of those miners?  Stephen, I didn’t come here to snag me a miner.  I came because you’re my brother and you decided to be a miner.  And with that, I came along.  Because I support you.  But don’t think for a moment that I’m going to go and marry one of your comrades,” Julianna said.

“But there are some good ones among them.  There’s James and Morris and Hamish.  All of them are good guys,” he said.

“That may very well be, but I am not interested in any of them.  Now, putting all of that aside, let’s get back to you and Sylvia.  Have you even prayed about it?  Asked God to show you the way?” she suggested.

“Now, why would I go praying about a young lady that I may or may not like?” Stephen asked.

“Don’t be so vague and ridiculous.  Just pray about it, that’s all I’m saying,” Julianna told him.

“Whatever you say, Miss Ryles.  And one of these days, you’re going to stop ordering me about and just accept that you need to learn a little bit of patience,” he said.

“Do you think?” she asked.

“I do.  You’re always up in arms about something, but if you ask me, it would be a whole lot easier for you to just relax and let the world take you where it’s leading you.  If you want God to grant wisdom and guidance, why don’t you stop trying to control everything?” he suggested.

“Because I fully believe that God will lead me.  But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t expect me to take a few steps,” she said.

Stephen sighed and shook his head.

“Whatever you say, little sis.  Anyway, I had best be off.  I don’t want to show up any later than I’m going to be,” he said.

“You’re not even late.  I don’t know why you’re always worried about that,” Julianna said.

“You don’t know how hard the job is or how strict they are about it.  We are talking about gold.  Gold is a treasure to every man.  And if my being late means the difference between gold being found and gold not being found, you can bet that I’m going to get into trouble if I’m late,” he said.

Julianna knew he was right, but she still felt a strange yearning to delay him.

Something in her gut said it was not going to be a good day.

She opened her mouth to say something, but shut it again.  It was a ridiculous thought.  And Stephen was right, he had to get to work or he’d be in major trouble.

“Well, then.  I hope you have a grand day,” she said.

“Thanks.  I’m sure it will be.  There’s a whole lot of fun to be had,” he told her, making a joke.

It was hard work.  That much, Julianna knew.  Her brother was down there sweating day after day, chipping away at the metal in the walls.  At some of the sites, there had been cave-ins and accidents of all sorts.  Men had lost limbs, developed coughs, and been worn down to nearly nothing.

But Stephen kept going, day after day.  He had been proving his strength with each effort.  He had been providing for her and reminding her what a wonderful man he was.

Their parents would have been proud if they had seen him at work like this.  They would have told him how great he was doing and their father would have given him a pat on the back.  Their mother would have thrown her arms around him in a great big hug and told him that she couldn’t have asked for a better son.

Yes, it was quite a shame that their parents were lost, but Julianna did not want that to prevent them from having a good future.  And if she had to knock Stephen up the side of the head to encourage him to finally consider marrying Sylvia, she was more than happy to do it.

“Do you have your lunch?” she asked, feeling once more the need to delay Stephen as he stood.

“Yeah.  It’s right over here,” he said, holding up the little sandwich wrapped in paper that she had put together for him.

“Is it going to be enough?  I don’t want you wasting away and getting too thin.  I know how hard you work,” she said.

“It’s enough.  I know how big your dinners are.  The breakfast and the sandwich will get me through the day,” he promised.

“Oh, but I also have some nuts and an apple for you.  Here, let me wrap them up,” she said.

“What’s gotten into you?  Why are you being so passionate about my food all of a sudden?” he asked.

Julianna took a breath and stepped back for a moment.  She really was being too eager.  Stephen was going to start thinking that she’d gone crazy if she kept finding excuses to make him stay.

“I-I have just heard a lot of stories,” she said.  “About the men, I mean.  You know, they get too thin from all the hard work that they’re doing.”

“I’m going to be fine.  You’re making your potatoes for dinner, right?” he asked.

“Yeah, along with that fine bit of chicken I got yesterday from Farmer Elfman.  It’s a good bit.  Not too scraggly,” she said.

“Then I think everything is going to be just fine.  Now, do I have your permission to head off to work or are you going to keep me here forever?” he asked.

Julianna bit her lip.  She had to let him leave.

“Have a nice day,” she said again.

“You too,” Stephen replied, looking at her with suspicion.

As she watched him open the door and leave, Julianna went to the little window and looked out.  That strange sense of foreboding still welled up within her and she was tempted to call out, to beg him to come back.

But it made sense that she would feel that way.

They had only just been talking about their parents.  She had their deaths in her mind even now.  That, along with all the rumors of the men being injured, meant she was bound to worry sometimes.

Stephen would be just fine.  He always was.

He was her strong brother and he always would be.  Now, whether or not she would ever need his strength was another story.  She was proud that she did quite well on her own.

And as Stephen grew smaller from her view, Julianna determined that she would not waste her day worrying about him.  Instead, she would start it with a bit of prayer and reading of scripture.  After that, gardening was her priority.

She had plenty of work to keep her busy.  And she could always see if her carrots were finally ready to take into town to try and sell.

There really was no other reason to fret.

And whatever the sense of looming darkness was, she was certain that God would be with her through it.

Chapter Two

Sheriff Thomas Wingate leaned back in his chair and rested his spurs on the desk.

“Couldn’t have gone any better,” Cain said, with a smile on his face.

“Can you believe they thought they’d get away with it?  A robbery like that?  Not in my town,” Thomas said.

“They ought to have known better.  But I for one like the stupid thieves.  They’re much preferable to the smart ones,” Cain laughed.

Thomas closed his eyes and tipped his hat over them to block out the light.  He was tired.  It had been a two day task of finding the men responsible for stealing the chiseling equipment of Conner Matheson.  And now that the three men were in custody, they could have a rest.

“Are you really going to have your nap at your desk?” Cain asked, amusement in his voice.

“Where else am I going to go?” Thomas asked.

“Home, of course,” Cain suggested.

“I could, but then I wouldn’t be here if another case pops up,” he said.

“Maybe you deserve a break,” Cain replied.

“Maybe so, but sheriffs don’t get breaks.  So long as there’s a possibility of crime, I can’t let myself just go home and get some sleep,” he said.

“Why not?  People do it plenty often.  I told you my wife’s sister’s brother was a deputy in Greensville and he rested all the time,” Cain said.

“And how is the crime rate in Greensville?  Have they solved every case in their books?” Thomas asked.

Cain grew quiet for a moment.

“No, I guess not,” he said, finally.

“Well, we haven’t got a single unsolved case in Branville and I intend to keep it that way,” Thomas said.

“I get that, but how are you going to think straight if you don’t ever get the least bit of sleep?” Cain asked.

“Are you trying to tell me that you’d like to go home and get a bit of rest, Mr. Franks?” he finally asked.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Cain said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Why don’t we get lunch and celebrate?  After a bit of food, we can see how tired we are and then maybe you can get a bit of shut eye.  How’s that sound?” Thomas asked.

“Grand idea.  Let’s head out,” Cain said.

The two left, making their way to their favorite inn with the best chicken and carrots the town had to offer.  And they were quite pleased with the offerings of their quaint little town.

Thomas had been one of the first settlers in Branville thirteen years prior, before all the newcomers grew greedy and started showing up.  He’d arrived and started working alongside the man of law who had helped establish the town.

Eight years later, he’d been made the new Sheriff.  And now, here he was, a legend in the very town that he loved so much.

And not only in his town, but in the surrounding area too, Thomas had a reputation for never letting a case go unsolved.  Even with his devotion to integrity and never cutting corners, he had managed to solve every single case.

There was not much that he allowed himself to feel pride in, but Thomas thanked God every morning for giving him the strength and ability to keep his town safe.  And when people praised Thomas for his efforts, he always reminded them that it had been God who had led him to his victories.

The two reached the inn and took their seats at the same table they always sat at.  Pretty much everyone in town knew not to sit there, across from the door, just in case Thomas and Cain came in for lunch.

“Wendy, how are you today?” Thomas asked.

“Grand, Sheriff.  And you boys?  How are you?  I heard you had another victory in your books this morning,” Wendy said.

“It would seem so,” Thomas said.  “Couldn’t have done it without Cain and we couldn’t have done it without the Lord.”

“That’s it, Sheriff.  He’s got his hand of favor on you, to be sure,” she said.

Thomas tipped his hat to her in agreement and waited for her to bring the same order she brought every time they visited the inn.

“Wendy’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Cain said.

“Sure.  She’s definitely beautiful,” Thomas replied casually.

“And she ain’t got a husband yet.  You know, she might be the perfect Sheriff’s wife.  Not to mention that I’m sure she’d give you free food every time you came in,” Cain suggested.

Thomas laughed.

“You think I’m looking to make Wendy my wife?” he asked.

“Why not?  She’s a great girl,” Cain said.

“Maybe so, but I’m not hunting for a wife just now.  Don’t you think we’ve got enough on our plates to keep me busy?” he asked.

“I’m just saying that my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I’d hate to see you miss out on the joys of marriage,” Cain said.

“But why would you pick Wendy for me?” Thomas asked.

“Because of the food,” Cain laughed.

They continued their banter until the beautiful young woman brought out their food and placed it before them.

“You fellas have a nice lunch,” she said, before heading over to another group of men that had come in.

“All right, I’ll pray,” Thomas said.

The two closed their eyes and bowed their heads forward just so slightly.  Thomas wrapped his fingers together tightly as he always did.

“Lord Jesus, we want to thank you for all that you’ve given to us.  Thank you for the victory of another case solved.  Thank you for our home here in Branville.  And thank you for this food that nourishes us as we go about the task you’ve placed before us.  Help us to be strong and do our duty well, to keep this town safe.  Amen.”

“Amen,” Cain echoed.

“Wendy’s right, you know.  We have some kind of favor on us in that we’ve managed to solve every case.  And learning from you?  That’s the best gift I could get,” Cain said.

“Don’t be a fool.  You’re mighty talented as a deputy in your own right.  But God has been good to us and I think we are just about the best team he could have put together.  I don’t know what I’d do without you at my side,” Thomas said.

“You got along fine before I came to work with you,” Cain said.

“I managed, but it wasn’t like it is now.  I’m just glad the Lord saw fit to bring you to Branville,” Thomas said.

“Well, anyway, I’m here.  And we’ve got plenty to do to keep us busy,” Cain said.

“That’s the truth.  And now that we’re getting some food in us, we don’t even need sleep now, do we?” Thomas laughed.

“I’d still give my right arm for a bit of rest,” Cain replied.

Thomas shook his head as if in disappointment, teasing his friend for the very human need for rest.  In truth, he knew it was best to send Cain home for a bit to be with his wife since he’d barely seen her the last two days.

As they were finishing up their lunch, the two stood to head out.  Thomas had let Cain know he could head home, but Thomas wanted to get back to the station and rest there.  Just in case he might be needed.

Heading towards the door, it opened in their faces.

“Oh!  Sorry, gentlemen,” Morris Grail said, nearly running straight into Thomas.

“Sorry about that, Morris.  How are you?” he asked.

“Fine, fine,” Morris replied, not making eye contact.

“Are you all right?” Thomas asked, sensing that something was off.

“Oh, yeah.  It’s just been a strange day at the mine.  You know, people not showing up and whatnot,” he said.

“Not showing up?  You think they’re going off to other towns?” Thomas asked.

“Maybe.  Anyway, I heard that the two of you had another victory this morning.  Phil Miller?  I never would have figured him for a thief,” Morris said, changing the subject quickly.

“I know.  I think everybody thought he was just the kindest old man they’d ever met.  But with his son and the boy’s friend, it seems even a man like old Phil could be changed,” Thomas said.

“Yeah, well you guys are doing a great job.  Thanks for keeping us all safe,” Morris said.

“Thanks.  It’s all God’s doing,” Thomas replied, making an effort to give God the glory once more.

Morris gave a nervous little smile and moved to walk past Thomas and into the inn, but Thomas stopped him.

“Are you sure everything’s all right, Morris?” he asked.

“Y-yeah.  Like I said, it’s just been a bit of a strange day,” Morris said.

Thomas took in Morris’ dusty clothing and the dirt caked beneath his fingernails.  Signs of a miner.

The man was shorter than Thomas, with blue eyes and dark brown hair.  A little overweight, but hardly obese.  And the body odor of a hard-working man.

He was different from Thomas in a lot of ways.  Tall, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a chin that tended to stick out farther than he deemed necessary, Thomas didn’t have the same signs of hard work.

His work was far more an investment of the mind, as opposed to the body like it was for the miners.  And although he wished he could have physical evidence that showed the energy that he put into his duties, Thomas was relieved that he was able to use the gift he had been given to deduce what was going on around him.

And in that moment, he deduced that Morris was worried about something.

But if Morris wasn’t going to tell him what it was, there was no sense in pushing for it.  No reason to force the man to tell him what was really going on in his mind.

“Well, let me know if you need anything.  You know we’re always happy to help,” Thomas said.

“Thank you, Sheriff.  Mr. Franks.  You two have a nice day,” he said.

Thomas let Morris pass them and looked at Cain.  They nodded to one another that they might as well leave.

Outside, they walked in the direction of the station, which was a fair bit closer than Cain’s house.

“So you really don’t think you should give Wendy a chance?” Cain asked.

“I don’t think Wendy and I are cut from the same cloth,” Thomas said.

“Nah, you’re definitely not cut from the same cloth.  She’s a silk and you’re a rag.  Don’t go thinking anything different,” Cain laughed.

“Tell your wife that I think she could do better than you,” Thomas teased in reply.

“She already knows she could.  But she chose me anyway.  And now, with the baby on the way, you know as well as I that she’s staying by my side forever.  And if you want a woman by your side, you had best get yourself together and find one,” Cain said again.

Thomas shook his head and didn’t reply.  He walked away from Cain and into the station while his deputy went onward.

The day was shaping up to be a quiet one, which Thomas always appreciated after a big case was solved.  No matter how much his work meant to him, he was happier when people were obeying the law and things were safe in town.  Otherwise, he had to worry about what might be going on in the place he loved most.

And if there was no peace in Branville, Thomas felt quite certain that there would be no peace in his heart.

So he leaned back in his chair again, put the hat over his eyes, and drifted into a deep sleep.  The kind that could only be broken by a new tragedy in Branville.

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“In Search of Love and Affection” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

Julianna Ryles has always been a fiery and enigmatic woman. She and her beloved brother, Stephen, have lived humbly in California for the last few years, after the tragic loss of their dearest parents; until one fateful day, Stephen goes off to work, but never gets back home. Being terribly upset and desperate, Julianna seeks help from the town’s Sheriff. Will his experience be enough to puzzle out this distressing and unexplained case?

Thomas Wingate is the quiet and diligent Sheriff of a new settlement in California. His meek demeanor tends to help him observe and solve cases quickly, and justifies his reputation for never letting a criminal get away. When hopeless Julianna asks for his services, he accepts with no second thoughts, and promises to make every possible effort to find her brother. But what will begin as a simple investigation, will turn out to be a challenging adventure. Will they maintain their hope that God will show them the way and bring Stephen home?

In their search for Stephen, Julianna and Thomas will encounter friends, bandits, and the hidden crimes of a small town. While trying to figure out the unsolved mystery, Julianna and Thomas will start growing feelings for each other. Will the endless research bring their vulnerable hearts finally together? Or will the complications and their opposing personalities tear them eternally apart?

“In Search of Love and Affection” 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!