Love on the Run [Wattys 2017]

4. Getting Aquainted

Delia was back outside the next day but this time she was washing masta Bradford's clothes and while doing so, she hoped to see Coleman again.

She looked around for awhile to try and spot him out, but she didn't see him anywhere.

She sighed to herself and picked up the large metal pale to go get some more fresh water.

When she emptied out the old water, she dipped the pale in the water and drug it out.

She stood up to pick up the heavy pale, when a muscular frame stood next to her

"Let me get that for you." Coleman offered as he bent down and scooped the metal pale up with ease

Delia's face lit up with a smile, "Thank you."

"Don't worry bout it. I'm always willin to help a pretty lady in need." He said as Delia's cheeks were turning red from her blushing

"I know we jus meet and everything, but I'm really happy to see you again." He said

"Really?" She asked in a surprised tone "So was I. I enjoy talkin to you."

"Me too." He said as he set the pale down on top of a wooden table and gazed into her beautiful brown eyes

"Well, I bests be gettin back to my work." He said as she put her hand on top of his

"No. I mean, please stay. I still want to talk."

"Me choppin wood ain't gon bother you none, will it?" He asked and she quickly shook her head

"No, of course not. It'll be nice to have some company."

"Alright, if you say so."

"Is Caleb your son?" Delia asked as Coleman came down on a block of wood, splitting it in half and then wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand

"No, his daddy was sold and I help see bout him from time to time. He's a good kid, jus gets into the wrong things sometimes."

"Oh, so you don't have any kids?" She inquired as she wrung water from the clothes

He smiled, "No ma'am. How bout you? You have any little ones?"

"Nope, I ain't neva been married before either." She said as she quickly put a hand over her mouth and looked down with embarrassment of what she just said

He chuckled as he looked at her, "Neither have I." He said and she looked up with surprise and began to laugh at herself

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that."

"It's alright, I'm glad you did." He said as she smiled while continuing to wash the shirt

     •

[1 month later]

It was a bright and early Sunday morning, and today would've been the birthday of Ms. Margaret.

Master Bradford decided on going by her grave and setting some flowers down, but before he would, he was going to go to the church they attended together on some Sunday's

Delia got his breakfast to him, and then afterwards, she had gotten herself ready to go with him.

She put on her clean, black and white dress and headscarf as she waited on the front porch for him to come outside, while Clayton pulled up in the horse and carriage.

He came outside with his black top hat on and a clean and pressed black suit to match.

"Did you get those flowers I asked for?" He asked Clayton as he was walking down the porch steps