RUFUS DEFENDS COURTNEY

Placing the list of orders in his hand then call to Gus, "Gus will you cut some two by four to complete this order please."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"I am going home." When she turn to leave hearing Carlos grumbling, Courtney turn around and take the list away from him, whispering, 'You are waste less.'

Calling out to Gus, "Gus, here is the list, will you ensure that this order is ready for the morning please, I am going home. "

When she turns to Carlos and said, "You really don't listen, now get out from here before I do or something crazy, and please don't bother coming to work tomorrow, because you stress the hell out of me."

"You can't stop me."

"Try me and we shall see."

Rufus thought his anger makes him do crazy things, but hers is worse than his."

When Pappie said, "Rawlings, this child is so different from when we leave, she was quiet and loving."

"You are right Dad, she was but she went through a lot when the storm hit the Island, but she has been managing the business since after the storm.

You will be amazed when you check the books, she has increased the sales, and has given a slight pay raise to the workers." Chuckling, "I believe she is better than the Dawson's."

"Then don't you think she should be a Dawson, son?"

"She is married dad, and haven't you notice she is with child!"

"Then she shouldn't be here son, it is not safe for her?"

"I know dad, but she is not working hard and she is just like Rufus, she like working in the mill."

Noticing as he walk to the office Courtney was still sitting in the van and that is over ten minutes ago, her head was resting on the steering wheel.

'I thought she had left,' checking the time it was almost five now, 'Oh God, is she alright? I only hope Carlos didn't pay much attention when she said she is a Dawson.

And now with Pappie and Grandmother return, she won't be able to lock the door. What are we going to do Lord?

She still has four months to go and with Dad telling Pappie about her pregnancy, what is going to happen now?

The men never say anything to her, even if they had observed, but she is smart wearing that obnoxious coverall, to conceal her pregnancy

My main concern is with her threat to Carlos, what will be her next move when tomorrow comes, Lord, please intervene on our behalf.'

Carlos had left, I thought with Dad pep talk, he might listen to her, but he is stubborn. Now Pappie and Dad are leaving, I know they are planning something.

Watching them leave from the sawmill then I went to her, knocking the glass as she raises her head slightly, she has been crying, "Honey, will you be alright?"

Getting no response, "Look take a few days for yourself, you have been working hard and it is getting late."

"Rufus, I am so sorry, I shouldn't have spoken to him in that manner, especially in front of the men."

"Don't worry about that, he frustrates everyone now hurry it's after five." Seeing the fear in her eyes, "Now stop worrying will you, he deserved a good buffed, and I don't want you getting sick."

Stroking her hand, "I will pass by later." Seeing the nod then she starts the van, "Courtney, I am so proud of you."

Watching her go, thinking, 'It still have some light,' so he decided to get her a few crab that might remove some of the stress.

Instructing Gus as soon as the order is full, they could lock up he will pass and check when he finish by the orchard.. Driving to the orchard Rufus takes his horse and ride slowly to the grove.

Hoping to get a few nice big crabs, but it seem none was running. When the place began to get dark Rufus left being disappointed, but at lease he didn't tell her anything, so she won't be looking out for it.

Entering the house overhearing Carlos complaining to Mom of what had occurred in the mill, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

Halfway up the stairs Mom call, "Rufus, I am glad you are home, is what Carlos saying is true?"

"And what is that Mom?"

"Did Courtney insult, Carlos, in front of all the workers?"

"Yes mom, but he deserve it, if only he will listen that would have never happened."

"Rufus, how could you allow that, he is your elder brother?"

"Mom, it was wrong of her to do that, but Carlos doesn't listen to instructions from anyone.

Because of Courtney, the work is running smoothly and I am able to get everything done. Carlos doesn't want to listen and the other men have to clean up his flaws after him. I am tired of making excuses for him."

"Rufus, no one asked you to make excuses for me."

"I agree Carlos so instead of you arguing with Courtney, try and pays attention to her instruction you might learn something and put good use to your energy."

Turning to his mom Rufus said, "Mom, if this is how he intends to manage the business, then I will leave this Island.

Because from tomorrow if he doesn't start listening to Courtney ,and doesn't want to work in the orchard, I will stop putting funds into his account.

He must realize he is not alone anymore, he has a wife and needs to maintain her. Courtney is right, he is too lazy, he doesn't think, but since you are taking sides with him. I want you to know if Courtney leaves the mill, so will I?"

When his mom said, "Rufus, you have to be patient."

Cheryle notices when he flinches realizing he was having pain but then he said, "Mom, Courtney lightens my burden, when I am resting, she manages everything.

I am warning you all, she cannot handle this stress in her condition, so Carlos better gets his act together, or the strain will come back on Dad's shoulders."