RAWLINS SUGGESSION

Noticing how the supervisor was looking at her, from head to toe but she ignore him.

"Sir, Ridge Construction wanted to get an extra order as they are here, this is the order, can we full this order now?"

"We have an order for tomorrow, but we could make it up, we still have some time to get it ready."

"Okay, we will fill this now, and will you write the price and when we finish I will assist."

"But Ma'am, only the Dawson do money transaction."

"You fix the bill, I will complete the money transaction."

When the order was met and the bill was written up, Courtney sign and collect the cash then went to the mill to see that the order that was broken for the morning was made ready.

Enjoying the time she spends at the mill, this is better than sitting inside that cottage whole day. Courtney decided to help Uncle out with Rufus unwell, she can lighten his work load knowing what has to be done.

When the men finish and close up for five, Courtney, knew she just had very little time to reach home.

Wanting to see Rufus but she didn't want a repeat episode of what had happen for the wedding.

It was then as she drive the thought of the night before the wedding flashes back, 'She was out late, it was almost twelve when she drives home, but the van glass was up and she was fine. Or is it because Pappie and Mom's was home, how would I know?'

Then, the other evening when she was walking just like the first day, the evil force sense her presence and followed her and they wasn't home, oh this is so confusing.

How is that possible? Is it while I am driving and the glass is up, it cannot sense my presence? Then what sort of evil spirit is that?'

Trying to figure it out Courtney didn't realized when she reach home. 'I still don't want to take chances, Martha said as the months go by, the force will become stronger.

Which means Martha knew of my pregnancy, that is how Rufus must have known. She must have warn him of the outcome.

She is right though, the night the storm came it was bad, but then Rufus came. He is now unwell due to that storm and coming to my aid, so I will have to battle on my own, and now I have the baby to consider.

He already rescue me twice, I cannot depend on him to keep coming, but why is it he is heavy on my mind.

I should really go and visit him and say thanks for his help, and apologies if it is I that did the extra injury to his back.'

****

Two weeks has gone by so quickly, since Rufus had last seen his Dad, when he enters the room, he looked exhausted. "Dad, is Pappie back, and you look so tired?"

"No Son, your Pappie hasn't return yet." Noticing him place his finger on his lips, Rawlins realized he could have reveal his parents absence if anyone was in the room. "Then who is at the mill, if you are home this hour?"

"Courtney, Son, she has been helping me out this last two weeks, but she was asking about your health, did she came by to visit?"

"I don't think so, unless I was resting and she didn't wake me. But Dad, you need someone responsible to manage the mill."

Turning his head feeling the tears threatening, if she came and he didn't see her, when he so wanted to see her.

It has been almost two months now, when she said she will never love him. It pains a lot to know he love her, and he will never get her love in return.

I never see her again since that last conversation, but my heart yearns just to get a glimpse of her. I love her not because she is having my son, but I know we will be happy together.'

Hearing his dad saying, "Rufus, Courtney, I was in a jam when she came, she supervise the order that was fulling and two others after, and another order that she break to full an order.

The men told me she sends the three orders, and help with the order she brake, for the next day.

Son each morning after that, she reaches at the mill for seven, and leave half four, Son she knows the work and has lightened my heavy burden."

"But Dad, you could take Carlos with you to help, it is not safe for her to be there."

"I know you mean well Son, but I don't have the patience to teach that crash course right now. My brains is over worked and Carlos might cause me more headache, you know how stubborn he can be at time.

Courtney is sighing the bill after she told the workers that she is my niece, and she is very responsible, she is managing the mill well.

Everyday I just check her before I go to the orchard, and after lunch to see how she is doing.

From what I observed she had everything running smoothly and she never made a mistake with an order, she always have each order ready on time.

She also straighten out that messy office, and the men have no complain,. What more do I want and now she is working alongside Samson in the office."

"But Dad!"

"Listen, Rufus, I am tired and with Courtney helping me, I am able to think more clearly. I know you mean well, but I am glad for the help.

She signs Courtney Brown Dawson in the bills, what is the harm? And the men believe her." Looking at him seeing his concern.

"Rufus, I was thinking seeing that you love the plantation so much, and it seems as though Courtney like working in the mill just like you.

How about you ask her to marry you, so your work load will be so much lighter, well that is if you like her, but she is very hard working and she is very talented."