Forever Wildfire: Inspired by the Song Wildfire Written and Recorded by Michael Martin Murphey

FOREVER

WILDFIRE

Inspired by the song Wildfire written and

recorded by Michael Martin Murphey

ELIZABETH SWONSON

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2013 by Elizabeth Swonson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/30/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4988-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-4983-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013908249

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty~One

Chapter Twenty~Two

Chapter Twenty~Three

Chapter Twenty~Four

Chapter Twenty~Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty~Seven

Chapter Twenty~Eight

Chapter Twenty~Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty~One

Chapter Thirty~Two

Chapter Thirty~Three

Chapter Thirty~Four

Chapter Thirty~Five

Chapter Thirty~Six

Chapter Thirty~Seven

Chapter Thirty~Eight

Chapter Thirty~Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty~One

Chapter Forty~Two

Chapter Forty~Three

Chapter Forty~Four

Chapter Forty~Five

Chapter Forty~Six

Chapter Forty~Seven

Chapter Forty~Eight

Chapter Forty~Nine

Chapter Fifty

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

In the 1980’s I told my sister Tish how the song Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphey had influenced me to write. I had constantly daydreamed and romanticized about the words to the song. I wanted to write the full story of what the words said to me; turning his words into a true love story. We discussed at length on one of my visits to Montana to see her, the story and its characters. We even decided who would play those characters if it ever became a movie. We shared our thoughts and love as we sang the song repeatedly to make it come alive.

But somewhere along the road to writing the story, the road to life pulled me away from my dream. Now almost thirty years later and still dreaming; it’s time to put my version of the song’s story to paper and live my dream.

I’d like to acknowledge you Tish, for those early years of dreaming with me and having faith that I could do it. I hope you will enjoy reading Forever Wildfire as much as I did writing it.

To be inspired by another’s work of art is a fundamental acknowledgment of greatness. I’ve always viewed the song Wildfire as a magnificent work of art. It touched me so deeply that I’ve never been able to forget it. I’m very grateful to Michael Martin Murphey for his kindness in allowing me to use the words to his beautiful song in my book. Without Wildfire there would not have been an inspiration to write this story.

DEDICATION

They say behind every successful man, there’s a woman. I believe it can be in reverse too. Because behind this woman is a good man who has helped me succeed and who has never doubted my capabilities even when I have doubted myself, my husband Michael Swonson.

You’ve impressed upon me to believe in myself and my ability to write a story that had touched my heart so many years ago. Your belief in me encouraged me to continue writing when I felt overwhelmed, scared, or at a loss for words. Your insights as a man gave me direction about certain aspects of life in developing the main character Reese Granite. You became my first editor and critic. And believe me, I needed both. You’ve been behind me every step of the way.

Thank you for being proud of me and my accomplishments; for when you praise me to our family, friends and even strangers about my writing, I hear, see and feel the meaning of love.

With all the love a woman can offer from my heart and soul, I dedicate this book to you, my loving husband.

Nebraska July 1855

From the Diary of Katherine Hamilton

What was Papa thinking bringing us to this God forsaken place? It’s hot as Hades and not a shade tree insight to relieve my blistered skin. All I can see is sky and prairie for miles and miles. My feet hurt, my arms ache from carrying the baby and it’s just too hot. Why oh why couldn’t we have stayed in the cool mountains in Western Virginia? Pa said there is opportunity in the west and plenty of land to go around. Well that part is exactly true. But why wasn’t Western Virginia far enough west for him? I wish I could have convinced him to let me live with Aunt May. After all, I’m practically fourteen and can decide for myself where to live. Cousin Winnie is married already and she is just a year older. I’d be drinking ice tea on the veranda right about now, instead of hiding from the dust blowing in my eyes. He says right after this night’s camp we will be where he wants to farm. I pray it has some trees and a little stream of some kind to soak my weary feet in.

CHAPTER ONE

As Reese stood looking out the window of his corner office, forty-two floors above ground, he knew the city wasn’t the place he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Unable to see much of the gray sky even at this height and the giant buildings looming over the streets, made it easier for him to hate the city. He was used to wide open spaces and the terrain here in New York City felt almost toxic to him. Coming to the conclusion that he was done living here, Reese felt he had given this city ten years of his life, prime years and it was enough. No one could accuse him of not giving it his best. He knew when he arrived ten years ago he would have to make adjustments to his way of life. He felt he had met obstacles with optimism, became enthusiastic for the business and made it a priority to succeed. In fact he was quite successful by most standards with a bank account to prove it. But for Reese, that wasn’t the true measurement of success. He wanted more in his life than a wad of money. Being in the world of high finance had left him feeling soulless and craving for a life he didn’t have.

He’d only moved here to please his beautiful bride Mel. After they were married, her father insisted she move back to New York City to learn the family business. It can all be yours one day pumpkin, the words Reese heard her father say every time he called to check on her. He even wrote the words in the correspondences he sent to her and now it looked like they were about to come true.

Reese remembered how strongly Mr. Stafford felt that his only child would have to learn the family business of mergers and acquisitions. He wanted Mel to run the company someday, and he made it clear he didn’t care that she had a husband. Reese also remembered there was no reasoning with his father in-law when Mel refused his offers to move back home. He was a hard man to reckon with and with each call Mel’s resolve crumbled away little by little. She had begged Reese to give it a try; after all, he just might like living in the city. She promised she would move back to Nebraska if he had given city life a fair shot and didn’t want to stay. She even tried to assure him that after the Broadway plays and night clubs, he would wonder how he ever lived without them.

Somehow, Reese never got to that point; he knew he could live without them. He really didn’t like getting all dressed up in black tie for the opera, gallery openings, or the myriad of social events Mel loved to attend. He was a simpler person. Give him a pair of blue jeans and well worn cowboy boots any day to the stuffy, starched shirts Mel put him in almost every night.

He continued to think about how he had gotten into this way of life in the first place and his mind soon drifted to 1989, which now seemed so long ago, that was when he had met Mel at UCLA. Reese dreamed of being an Architect and managed to earn a scholarship to get his degree. Mel, who could have gone to any Ivy League school she wanted, attended UCLA to spite her father and to get as far away from him as physically possible.

Reese remembered how she use to stand strong like an oak tree against her father’s controlling hand. She was a regular spitfire back then when she scuffed at his demands. Her strength was one of the many attributes he loved about her. But it wasn’t too much longer that she became more like a willow, bending to his every whim. Now, it appeared that she admired her father, mirrored him in his ethics and controlled every aspect of the business that she could. Reese couldn’t stand the hypocrisy. He had to leave before she became her father or the next tyrant to run Stafford Corp. He couldn’t bear to see that happen.

The strong but sweet, caring girl of his youth was surely fading and it was killing him inside to watch the transformation. He had fallen hard for this woman. He was crazy in love with her, but that was changing and he couldn’t stop it. It saddened him to think that he was fool enough to trust her reassuring words. He winced to hear her words again. "I’m not really changing darling; it’s the nature of the business you see, not me. The practices we use benefits everyone involved. The client sells his company relieving his burden, the buyer gets what he wants, and we get the gravy." It took many years for him to see that the success of the company was at the expense of the hopes and dreams of unsuspecting clients. Stafford Corp’s gain was not always the client’s gain. His conscience wouldn’t let him stand by and watch one more person being taken advantage of by Mel or her father. He saw anguish on the faces of the clients trying to do what was best as they were brow beaten into submission until they signed on the dotted line. He had watched Stafford Corp’s practices for the last time.

Reese shifted his weight from the window and let out a heavy breath. He didn’t want his last day at Stafford Corp to suck any more life out of him. He wanted to feel positive about this decision and he needed pleasant thoughts to do that; he knew they were in there, somewhere. Quick enough, old memories flooded his mind like a desert rain, flowing into every nook and cranny of his brain. He reminisced about when he had met Mel and had gotten his first glimpse of her on a beach in southern California. He could see her beautiful smile, her long black hair blowing in the wind and the curves of her body even a full piece bathing suit couldn’t hide. A slight smile came across his face as he leaned his shoulder against the window and closed his eyes to remember.

Some of their mutual college friends had gotten together for beach volleyball, bonfires, burgers and beer. The four B’s they called it. Reese had never gone with them before; prior engagements of sorts had always kept him away. But on this fate-filled day it sounded like a good idea and fit perfectly into his schedule. Little did he know that his life was about to change. He hadn’t noticed Melanie at first. The fierce competition of volleyball had kept his eyes and mind on winning.

As the sun was setting and the bonfire began to roar, he saw her for the first time. He’d just gotten a beer out of one of the coolers when he turned around to look at the ocean and there she stood. She was looking out over the endless blue, at the magnificent pink and orange sunset, the waves lapping at her feet. He watched as the wind caught her raven black hair and twirled it around her neck. She was certainly beautiful from the backside and he could hardly wait for her to turn around. He could tell the waiting would be well worth it. As she was admiring the sunset, he was definitely enjoying his view. He took a step closer then there was a sudden, stinging pain on the side of his head.

Hey Bozo… come join the party! His best friend Greg yelled.

Reese cupped the place on his head as he looked down and saw the volleyball at his feet. Damn it… that hurt. He rubbed his left ear as his eyes threw daggers at Greg. Why didn’t you just call for me?

I did. You seemed to be in outer space, or deaf. Greg grabbed his friend’s shirtsleeve pulling him toward the bonfire.

Reese looked back over his shoulder catching a glimpse of her face just before she walked away; disappointment covered his. He punched Greg in the arm to relieve the frustration from the intrusion. Take that Buddy. They proceeded to the party.

He sat quietly among the others as they joked and laughed. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. The obsession forced him to continually look toward the ocean hoping for her return. He began to question if he would get the opportunity to meet her or had his chance been now and it was lost. I’ve had a lot of sun, maybe she’s just a mirage.

The growling of his stomach broke his concentration. He became conscious that he needed to tend to the hunger pangs he had been ignoring. Usually one of the girls purchased the food with the five dollars each person had pitched in and the guys always brought the beer. Deciding there was no use in sulking about something he had no control over; he offered to cook the hamburgers and hot dogs. His hunger subsided when he alone polished off three of the grilled hamburgers.

As he set his mind free of the scene that had consumed his thoughts, he started enjoying himself. After all, how could he not enjoy himself? He was in the company of good friends; there was plenty of food and lots of beer to drink. He contributed to the conversations and even threw in some jokes of his own.

Later that evening as they sat around the fire, drinking more beer, laughing at each other’s stories, his eyes caught the glow of the fire on her face. So she isn’t a mirage after all, the thought excited him. She was breathtaking; even more beautiful than he had imagined. In fact, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He couldn’t stop staring at her. He leaned over to Greg. Who’s that girl sitting by Tiffany?

Which one? There’s one on each side of…

Reese interrupted him. The gorgeous one; I know who Jenny is.

Oh, that’s Melanie Stafford and she’s way out of your league dude.

Reese frowned. What’s that suppose to mean?

Well let’s just say her father’s a big wig on Wall Street, so she’s loaded and she’s a 4.0 without even trying. Greg made a disgusted face to try and make his point to Reese.

"Hey, I hold my own where grades are concerned and the father does not make the girl, right?" Reese tried to convince Greg as well as himself that he could have a chance with the woman that mesmerized him so.

When the beer was running low, someone yelled for a beer run. As several people put their hands up to go, Reese volunteered to drive since he noticed Melanie was one of them. In the car he was introduced to Melanie by Tiffany who was beside her in the backseat. Reese knew this was his opportunity to say something intelligent to spark an interest with her then maybe he could hold her interest for the rest of the night. Even with the poor lighting in the car, he was able to see her big, dark, sultry eyes and long, silky, midnight black hair, leaving him speechless. He turned toward the steering wheel feeling stupid when hi wouldn’t come out of his mouth.

When they arrived at the store he noticed how fair skinned she was and not all bronze tanned like her girlfriends. Her rosy cheeks gave her flawless skin a soft glow. Her beauty was striking. He couldn’t imagine that she didn’t have a boyfriend. But at that moment a boyfriend was the last thing he wanted to think about. It was time to make his move, or so he thought. He opened his mouth to speak. Unexpectedly, nothing came out. He cursed himself under his breath as he headed for the beer.

As he grabbed an 18 pack of beer, his arm brushed Melanie’s as she stood there looking into the cooler. An electrifying jolt shot through him. It ran up his arm and right into his chest. He stood there stunned, not hearing Melanie ask if he was okay. Just as his senses returned, he saw Tiffany take her arm guiding her to the other side of the store. Wow, he thought. He had never felt anything like that before. Did she feel it too?

He saw Tiffany looking in his direction as he made his way to the check out. When he approached them he heard Melanie giggling and saw she was looking out of the corner of her eyes at him. Was she laughing at him? Was his hair standing on its end? Was there smoke coming out of his ears? Because that’s exactly how he felt. He wanted to show her he wasn’t as stupid as he felt but as he opened his mouth, his voice betrayed him once again.

Did you want to ask me something? Melanie questioned as she kept her eyes focused on his waiting for an answer.

Sounding like a high school boy afraid of girls, he sheepishly replied. Uhhh no, I mean, are you ready to go? She nodded.

On the way back to the beach, Reese kept quiet. His thoughts couldn’t leave the feeling he had gotten when he touched her. The girls were talking softly with an occasional laugh while he had an ongoing conversation in his own head. Say something you idiot, engage her in conversation so you can spend some time getting to know her. Don’t let her think you’re a bumbling fool.

Wanting to be a gentleman and open the door for her when they arrived back at the beach, he discovered his legs wouldn’t cooperate anymore than his mouth had. He looked in the rear view mirror to see the girls hop out of the car. Melanie turned around to face him sitting in the car. Are you coming?

He nodded yes then sat there for a moment trying to motivate his legs to move; it was as if he were terror stricken. But terror wasn’t what he would say he felt around Melanie, it was more like numbness. Or paralysis, he said aloud. He immediately wondered why.

Melanie shrugged her shoulders then went on to the beach with Tiffany. Greg came over to the car. Where’s the beer buddy?

Reese looked at him like he was speaking another language. Greg squatted down by the driver’s door to be eye level with him. What is wrong with you tonight? You’ve been acting weird.

Reese had a blank stare on his face. He wanted to ask Greg if a woman had ever made him feel the way he was feeling. However, remembering Greg had never been serious about a woman in his life, being somewhat of a Don Juan, a love ’em & leave ’em type of guy, he decided the question would be wasted.

Nothing, beer’s in the trunk. He popped the trunk for Greg. Finally making it to the beach, he sat quietly as the others laughed and drank. He did notice Melanie looking at him from across the fire but that only made him feel nervous. Was she interested in him or did his behavior make her think he was an idiot and she was looking for another laugh? There’s only one way to find out and it’s now or never, he said to himself. Just as he was pushing up off of the sand Rachel, a long time friend plopped down beside him knocking him back down. She put her head on his shoulder.

I’m drunk, Reese. She giggled.

So I see Rachel, you always were a party animal. He pushed into her with his shoulder to let her know he was teasing.

I think I should go home, but I don’t know which way to go. Her squeaky voice confessed.

Smiling Reese asked. Is this your way of asking for a ride? She giggled again nodding.

He wanted to oblige his friend but didn’t want to leave without talking to Melanie however, this matter seemed more pressing. He would have to forgo his plan to get to know her, for today. He tried to get up and help Rachel to her feet at the same time. She was dead weight leaning into him. Her legs were wobbly and before he could get his own balance they both tumbled to the ground and consequently, Rachel fell on top of him.

Smart move Rach. She was just inches from his face. Before he knew what was going on she began to seductively kiss him. To his surprise, he returned the kiss until he was aware of what was happening. He pushed her up, rolling her off of him. He quickly jumped up to see if anyone, and particularly Melanie, was watching. The glance in her direction reassured him she was chatting with Tiffany and possibly didn’t see what had transpired between him and Rachel.

Lying on her back and leaning up on her elbows, a surprised Rachel looked at Reese. In a baby voice she said. "What’s wrong Reesey? I wuv you."

Brushing the sand off of his pants and sounding irritated he barked at her. "I love you too Rachel. Your drunk and you don’t know what you’re doing. Now let’s get you home before you fall in the fire."

Once again he helped her up only this time she was able to stand. Glancing across the fire, he noticed Melanie was gone. He let out a loud sigh of disappointment. The idea of getting to know Melanie that evening was squashed.

As he drove Rachel home, his thoughts raced to why he allowed himself to kiss her. He scolded himself. Of all people, she’s an old friend, someone I’ve grown up with. She’s like a sister for hell’s sake! He glanced over at the passenger seat. This was not an attractive sight. There she was lying in the seat snoring with drool coming out of her opened mouth. He shook his head and smirked at her condition. Melanie’s face appeared in his mind. That’s it. In his desire to be with Melanie, it was her lips he thought he was kissing. Now that makes more sense.

A few days had gone by when Reese saw Melanie on campus. He stopped right where he was. His heart began to beat faster, his palms began to sweat and the nerves throughout his body began to tingle. He never understood why he hadn’t noticed her on campus before, how he could have missed such a vivacious woman. And now, there she was shooting arrows into his heart without even being aware. He watched as Melanie glanced in his direction then waved her hand in recognition of him. She picked up her pace. He didn’t move as he observed her long legs taking the strides across the lawn of the campus. As she approached him, he remembered the electrical spark he’d felt at the store that night. He could feel heat stirring in his belly.

Now’s your chance, he said under his breath, stay cool and don’t blow it this time.

Melanie spoke first. The excitement in her voice made him feel that she was glad to see him. Hi Reese, it’s nice to see you again. Did you have fun the other night at the beach? It sure looked like you did.

He wondered exactly what she meant by that statement. He tried to read her eyes but quickly answered instead. Hi Melanie, it’s my pleasure to see you again and yeah, I had a good time. There’s nothin’ better than having friends, food and beautiful women around. He spontaneously winked at her. How about you, did you enjoy yourself?

Definitely! That was my first time going and I just love the beach. Her tone lowered. Was that your girlfriend?

Trying to play dumb, Reese replied. "Which one? There were a lot of people out there and some I hadn’t met before, including you."

Melanie smiled. "Ooohh, I’m talking about the blond that was on top of you. Reese’s eyebrows furrowed. Melanie continued. You know, the one you were making out with. Don’t tell me you forget pretty girls like her so easily?"

He tensed, damn she did see. Oh, you mean Rachel? That was nothing. Smiling nervously, he tried to make light of it.

Nothing? It didn’t look like nothing to me. You two seemed like a pretty hot item lying on the beach, and that was from where I was sitting. She sounded a little agitated to him.

Melanie’s back was against the sun but it was glaring right into Reese’s eyes. Instead of squinting to get a better look at her expression, he blocked it with a notebook as he proceeded to explain the situation. "Well, number one she’s not my girlfriend. She’s an old friend from my hometown. Number two, we weren’t making out. It was a mistake; she was drunk and didn’t know what she was doing. Afterwards, I took her home to make sure she was safe. And . . . He paused to make sure she heard the next part without question. I handed her over to her roommate, whom I’m sure got her into bed."

Her tone softened. Good! Nodding her head to show she was pleased with his answer she continued. Good. Would you like to get coffee sometime or dinner?

Reese was glad she didn’t pursue the Rachel thing any further. Sounds like she wants to get to know me better. I’d like that. He began to relax. When?

I have a late class tonight, so that won’t work, but I’m free tomorrow around 4:00. We can meet at the coffee shop around the corner from here, how’s that? She bit her bottom lip in anticipation of his answer.

"Yeah that’s good… works great for me. So tomorrow it is, at four, at the coffee shop." He tried not to sound too excited.

Yes, the little voice went off inside her head. "Well then, I will see you . . ." She poked her index finger into his chest ". . . later." She grinned as she walked away.

He nodded in agreement as he watched her walk away. He stood for a moment taking in the last few minutes. He then remembered the recent encounters with Melanie and the effect her presence had on him. He didn’t normally stumble over words or feel so awkward about what to say. It was usually him and his handsome, rugged looks that made women unable to speak. And what about his temporary paralysis that night at the beach? Women didn’t normally do this to him. But somehow he felt getting to know Melanie wasn’t going to be what he normally experienced with a