Chapter 3 No.3

According to Chandler Jordan's standard, he was impeccably dressed when he noticed the casual attire of other passengers on the flight to the City of Sydney. The City has a population of about 30,000 people. As the largest urban area on Cape Breton as the island's historical capital, Sydney is the perfect mix of metropolitan charm and down-home hospitality.

As a native of Nova Scotia, Chandler knew very little about the City of Sydney. It's a place that's popular for its incredible waterfront. But then, he read the brochure that encourages its tourist. On a warm summer evening, it's a great place to go for a walk, stop to watch a busker, and watch ships in the harbor. Along the way, be sure to get your photo taken beside the world's largest fiddle, built in recognition of Cape Breton's musical talent.

"Interesting, being that I don't have much time for romance, this brochure might be handy for quick references."

He tried to sit back and relax. He read over the apartment amenities. He would be staying in a new apartment building in Sydney that his grandfather owned. 'Now, this is a place you bring a young lady to.' Chandler thought, browsing over the pictures.

'I don't know how I will convince Erin to come home with me to live at Whispering Creek ranch.' He thought. You see, Chandler and Erin never officially dated. He was friendly with her, and she was with him. He kept a safe distance because he never felt he had much to offer to a girl like her. Even though he knew he had caught her attention as she had caught him, Chandler never asked her to be his lady.

Chandler figured she would be interested in something other than his country lifestyle. Even her parent's home in Nova Scotia was pristine. She came from wealth and was used to modern conveniences, having what she wanted or needed at her fingertips.

What did he have to offer someone accustomed to so much more when he didn't even have running water sometimes? He wanted to improve his lot in life. Chandler figured when he started making enough money. He would change the ranch house too.

His new wife would have everything she needed a Whispering Creek. He was willing to change things for the right girl to make her happy. But, of course, her happiness would be his happiness.

~~~~~

Once the plane was in the air, Chandler relaxed as flight attendants worked quickly and efficiently to ensure everyone was comfortable. He put away the brochure in his portfolio and closed his eyes. His mind returned to everything he didn't see coming this past year. Shortly after getting over the shocking death of his parents, he had to shift his mind to something that was supposed to be a happy occasion. A few months later, he was getting out of his blue pickup truck from making the 3-hour trip to Halifax. He arrived just in time as he heard the bells outside the chapel announcing the start of the celebration. He ran a finger inside his shirt collar, suddenly feeling as stuffed as a rolled-up hay barrel.

A suit and dress clothes are something he rarely ever wears. Chandler stares for a moment at this contraption that's called a tuxedo. This was his first time putting on one of these. "Why are there so many parts to this thing?" Chandler asked himself, aggravated, fixing something called a cummerbund.

Chandler wasn't the type to shy away from new things or occasions. He rarely goes anywhere fancy. The last recreational event he attended was a barn dance about a year ago to shake a leg. But today is an exception, especially since his older and only brother was getting married. Chase made a lot of sacrifices before making the long-awaited trip to the altar to get that kiss.

So now that they both are grown men, Chandler wondered when he was going to find him, someone, to kiss. He closed the door to his truck, thinking. 'With all the hours I'm putting in at the ranch, especially since Chase is gone.

It doesn't seem like I'll ever have time for any kissing anyway,' he said, chuckling. 'I'm not in a rush. Let me get inside to enjoy watching Chase struggle kissing his girl in front of all those people.' Chandler laughed as he opened the door and entered the groom's dressing room.

"Hey, you made it!" Chase said, visibly excited, which Chandler rarely saw on his face.

Chandler came into the dressing room with a miniature plastic football and tossed it to his big brother, who caught it like an expert. "Of course, I made it. I wouldn't miss you about to kiss a girl for nothing in the world." Chandler said, smiling watching his brother's face get bashful.

"You're dumb! That's what you are. I'm getting married. This is not some kissing extravaganza." Chase said as the two of them laughed together.

"I know that! But make sure your lips are not crusty and chapped." Chandler said, getting close to Chase's face as he pushed him away.

Chandler walked quickly over to the hall door and peeked out to see if it was time for them to take their places. He stood there momentarily, watching the usher escort the beautiful guest down the aisle on his arm. That's when he saw Grandpa Thorn. You couldn't miss him with his cowboy hat, three-piece suit, and expression that showed his utter disapproval.

"Boy! This is some swell place you got here. Wow! Those are some fancy decorations, too, come over here and see Chase. So many people are coming to see you and get your first kiss. All this is swell, but I can't believe you rejected Grandpa's offer to stay on at Whispering Creek."

"Come on, get away from the door. You're making me nervous about my decision. But I know I don't want to be owned."

Chandler turned around. "Really? I don't think he wants to own us. I tell you what. I won't be nervous when my turn comes. I told you to get married on the ranch at Whispering Creek. That's where I want to get married. Right in my backyard."

Chase shook his head at his little brother. "First of all, what girl on this earth are you going to convince to marry you? And on top of that, marry you on a horse farm? I can't wait to see that day." Chase chuckled, still shaking his head at Chandler as he threw the small football back across the room to Chandler.

Chandler laughed as he caught the ball. "Don't you worry about that? You'll see. Prepare your nervous lips to say those vows and kiss your pretty bride."

"Oh, I'm ready! That's the best part. Kissing the bride." Chase replied, puckering his lips and teasing Chandler.

The guys got their cue to march out. Chandler says, "Don't you wish Maw and Paw were here too?"

Chase wrapped his arms around Chandler's shoulders. "Yeah, they would be proud of us. But I'm proud of you, Chandler." Chase said warmly, smiling at his little brother, who had become a full-grown man.

"I'm proud of you too, Chase, and I'm going to miss seeing your face back home on the farm." Chandler smiled at his big brother. The wedding ceremony started, and now the two tall, handsome young men stood in front of the altar in their black and white tuxedos. As the audience sighed happily, watching the bride go down the aisle. Chandler glanced at Chase with the biggest smile.

Sharon raised her blue eyes and met Chase's dark brown ones. Her smile seemed to hold so much love. The air whooshed from Chase's lungs as his wife so beautifully approached, leaving him with a burning need for oxygen. But when Chase studied her intently, gazing at her white dress and a veil that covered her face. He gave her a smile that was so full of love and happy he chose her over Whispering Creek.

And finally, when the word came, "You may kiss your bride."

Chandler's face lit up with joy in laughter as he clapped, watching his brother kiss his beautiful Canadian bride.

I was sitting on the plane almost a year later, thinking about that day. "I can't believe I will ask someone to marry me. I, sure enough, didn't see this day coming back then." Chandler mumbled under his breath.

But had he sold his soul to the devil in the form of Granpa Thorn? Chandler shook his head no. He thought he loved what his parents left for him and Chase as an inheritance, and he was willing to do what it took to keep Whispering Creek. Chandler had graduated, getting his Bachelor's degree in engineering and electronics. He knew he could sit behind a desk and bark orders at workers. But he wasn't his nature. He was a country boy at heart. He loved the land he grew up on, and he loved his horses like a man loves a wife and kids.

They were his family, and now he had to fight to keep them if he wanted to stay in the countryside of Nova Scotia on his land. He loved everything about his life here: it was just the opposite for his older brother Chase. He wanted no part of Grandpa Thorn telling him what to do or country life any longer after their parents died. But Chandler loved how his parents were with one another, despite how difficult his grandfather Thorn made it financially for his dad and family.

His parents gave their two sons the best life ever! Even though they struggled for years to make ends meet to keep the land. Grandfather Thorn made it very clear to his son and grandsons. If you can't live by his rules and follow his directions, you can't have any part of his wealth! So his father had to do without a lot if they didn't turn a profit by selling thoroughbreds, and sometimes they didn't. The family had to go without running water, electricity, TV, an internet connection, or any modern conveniences most people took for granted for months.

But his parents made those difficult days fun for him and his brother. The family took bathed in the cool creek on warm summer evenings. They learned how to plant and grow their vegetables, and mom was the best cook in Nova Scotia! Chandler was happily content with his lifestyle. It had become expected that hard times would come occasionally, but it was a way of life. He lived that way all his life and didn't mind if he could continue. But now that Grandfather thorn is forcing him to find a wife. Chandler thought.

"What modern woman would be willing to live without these comforts?"

He needed to think about those things quickly and find that girl, or else he could lose everything.