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Novelo Rectangle

I have been away for a while, but I've missed writing .&nbsp;I've decided to bring this story back to wattpad readers. I will be working on each chapter to improve it. I do hope it will find the new readers to enjoy it and maybe some that already read it before.&nbsp;************&nbsp;The violent storm hit with its full force. The strength of the unexpected bitter and cold wind whipping through the plains. By the looks of it the end wasn't in the sight any time soon. It got worse by the second.Seven cowboys rode with their heads down, shoulders hunched in, trying to protect themselves from blowing snow. Just like the rest of them the large hat shielded his head, but his pants were soaking wet, they were glued to his skin, even the leather chops didn't do much to prevent that.They had almost no visibility, the nearby hills he remember so well were hidden behind the curtains of mist. It was the month of April and the seemingly endless pastures were green with lush tall grass, but now the spring snowstorm covered them with a thick, white blanket. The slippery and gooey ground was making difficult for them to get around.Austin fervently hoped it was the last storm, of this caliber, of the season. They already lost a few cattle this winter due to the horrendous weather. He knew the cloud covered mountains hidden in the background were responsible for this ugly conditions. It seemed like they sent final angry outburst down their sides before they allowed spring to come. It was just a reminder to the occupants of the valley down below that the mountains were here and that they are important.....One of the larger herds broke the winter-damaged fences and were scattered all over. They were still on the land belonging to the Jade family, but he didn't want them near the raging river right now. Cattle that would slip and fall in would be lost, there was no chance of saving it. The only good thing was that the young calves stay close to their mothers.They managed, with a little luck, to get them all back to the high pasture without loosing any. It took a few hours to accomplish that, and By then the snowstorm was easing and slowly the heavy clouds lifting up. The few older cowboys were already working on repairing the fences. Austin rode around inspecting the last of the work. The Big J ranch had been in his family for generations, he was the oldest son of Roy and Nelly Jade.Austin wasn't a stranger to hard work even if he was one of the Jades - one of the most powerful families in the country. He worked alongside their hired hands, no job was beneath him. The rest of his brothers were raised the same way, while they may be rich and powerful, all of it came with a lot of responsibility and they were required to work hard. The Big J ranch had thousands of acres of pastures. It was surrounded by three ranches, each of them as big, and they all belonged to Jade family. Roy bought them, one for each of his sons, but for now they worked them as a part of the Big J ranch. The ranches were only a small portion of their vast wealth.The rest of their riches came from many investments they had all over the country. The new rail project, shipbuilding shares and mines were just some of them.Austin last time looked around making sure all his men were around and gave the signal it was time to go back. They had finished just in time, again the storm every minute getting stronger. The relief on the cowboys' faces was visible, they looked forward to a warm meal and dry clothing. They rode back to the ranch dwelling in comfortable silence.......All the work done for the day, Austin turned his horse and headed towards the main house: a three story white mansion sitting on a hill that could be seen all the way from Main Street of the town of Kenth. The new house was built by his father Roy. The original log house was built by his grandfather and stood a little lower by an old willow tree. It was more of a monument. Nobody lived there, but they still upkeep and take care of it.The Jade family lived alongside Matt Ewans, their only neighbour, and owner of a large ranch to the east. The two families were the main employers to residents of the small town. The jobs they provided were the only source of income for many of them. Kenth had all the necessities, but for larger purchases they had to travel fifty miles to the south alongside the Elms river. Elms town itself was four times bigger than Kenth, and had all the big shops, bars and saloons. It was the last stop for a newly developed rail, and the primary reasons for its growth.......When Austin, Damian, Wes, and Nolan went to Elms, usually they visit one of the bars in town and mostly play cards. They didn't do it too often, with all the work, there wasn't a lot of time for leisure.&nbsp;However, no matter how close they were, all four of them with their own unique personality.&nbsp;Wes kept more girlfriends than he had fingers. Damian only wanted one night stands, but he always left generous gifts behind. Nolan, the youngest of them, got his fun whenever possible.Austin held his steady paramour for two years now. Laura was a widow, and the arrangement suited her as well as Austin. Especially as she liked the expensive gifts, he left each time he left. There were never any promises of any kind of commitment between the two of them.No matter how different they were one thing they had in common. You never mention the word marriage in front of Jade brothers without getting dangerous looks. They were confirmed bachelors. The word marriage would send shivers down their spines There were plenty girls in Elms to satisfy their needs. Who needs a wife?Having Roy Jade for a father was demanding. He was a hard man to please most of the time. His sons took after him. They were tall and muscular with dark hair and handsome faces with high cheekbones, a straight nose and firm lips. Only their eyes differ; Austin had his mother's blue eyes, the rest of the brothers had their father's dark eyes. Austin was the tallest of them all, he was downright intimidating.It was not just his stature, but when his firm lips came tight together and his blue eyes took a look of a stormy ocean, most people tried to stay out of his path. The exception was an old cowboy named Clay. He had worked for the Jade family some years now. He was hired before Austin was born.&nbsp;Clay was like a second father to him, and Austin never got angry with Clay. Almost. No matter what a silly&nbsp;thing he would do, Austin would turn a blind eye to it. Clay would always chew the end of his cigar when he was in trouble, so Austin knew he probably forgot to order something at the general store. It didn't mean he occasionally didn't lose his temper with him, and then that appeared almost comical."Clay!!" Austin would roar. Everyone else but Clay scattered. He would slowly walk towards Austin. Cigar in his mouth."What's with you? Did you fall off your horse? What are you screaming about?" He coolly asked Austin.&nbsp;"There are no plain boards left, and I don't see any on order.""Is that all! You go down there and get some. No need to huff in my ear. Is there now?" With that Clay turned around and kept on doing whatever he was doing before, puffing on his tobacco.Austin watched after him shrugging his shoulders. Clay saved his life when he was rebellious fourteen years old. Until today it stayed their secret. Austin disobeyed his father and went fishing when it was forbidden for all of them to go near the water.&nbsp;Clay followed him. He had a hunch Austin will get in trouble. When he slid in water and slippery bank prevented him to climb back to safety Clay simply threw him a rope and pulled him out. With a swat on his but he told him next time to listen to his father. However, he never told on him. Austin never disobeyed his father's command again.***Olivia and her father looked around the tiny cottage after Mrs. Helms unlocked the door. The stale air hit them immediately, movement in the middle of the room uncovered a few mice that were dispatching in every direction to escape sudden intruders to find the holes in the walls. The small cooking stove in a corner and two mismatched chairs were the only furniture left in the tiny room. The other rooms consisted of a small bedroom with a tiny window, and the pantry.&nbsp;Olivia was happy they found logging. With a little scrubbing and airing this won't be so bad.It was more than they left behind. The drought down south raged and burned all in its path. Olivia and her father had to move far up north for her father to find employment. They were grateful for the job her dad got at the Big J ranch.Kenth wasn't a big place and finding accommodations was difficult. They asked in the town and the town's blacksmith sent them to see Mrs. Helms. She was a widow living alone and the little cottage stood empty at the end of her property. It had not been used for some time. She looked at two people with nowhere to go and opened her heart to them.Olivia's curly long hair, the colour of honey, was stunning. Her deep violet eyes, full pink mouth on a heart-shaped face with flawless skin, made many young men turn their heads. Her happy nature and a kind heart were as beautiful as Olivia herself. Olivia's nineteen years had not been easy. Her mother died when she was only eight years old, she had to learn responsibility at an early age. Her father did the best he could, and they were never hungry, but they worked hard for it.***Finally, the weather cooperated and gave a few sunny days. The land dried up and turned the pastures into the deep green colour that announced spring season. Warmer weather brought rivers, even higher, they made sure the episode from a few days ago didn't repeat itself. Austin and Damian were riding their horses making rounds and inspecting fences. Only few cows were lost in the river and a couple of them managed to get out. They were lucky the number of lost cattle was low.Clay headed towards them riding his faithful Rosie. The mare must have been the same age as him, but he wouldn't want to hear about getting a new horse. Riding alongside him was another cowboy.They did the hiring of new hands themselves, but this time they let Clay do it. They expected someone younger though, this guy was in his forties. Both brothers touched the tip of their hats and nodded.Austin started to raise horses, this was his latest project. Albert worked with horses on the ranch down south. Experienced and hard-working hands were scarce these days, so Austin decided to give him a trial run. He returned to the ranch, and checked the inventory, making sure there were enough nails and boards. Tomorrow morning they were heading to the north pasture to repair fences.Clay didn't order enough nails again, needing few other stuff Austin rode to town. The Main Street was mainly empty at this time of the day. He tied his horse in the front of a general store and for a few moments observed a screaming wife getting her husband out of the saloon.He climbed the few stairs leading to the covered porch of the general store. Two pillars holding the porch looked kind of sad with paint peeling off of them. He opened the brown stained doors and walked in. The store was empty, and Mr. Whity was serving his only customer. A young girl, in a grey dress, patched twice over, and shoes with holes in them, was packing a few purchases in her basket. Austin, who generally never looked at a woman twice, got himself staring.She counted few coins and handed them to the store owner. Not even this ugly grey dress could hide her beauty. Tiny waist, the slight swell of her breast, her long honey coloured hair fell down to her lower back.He imagined it spread all over his pillow, kissing those full lips. The blood boiled in his veins at the thought of it, and the speed of his heart increased. Her cheeks coloured when she slipped out beside him. The deep colour of her eyes astonished him; they were deep violet. He was lust struck. Who was she

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Cowboy’s Regret

NinaLRauch

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