A New Season - Chapter 1
#10 of Rocky Mountain Times
About eight months ago, I posted an intermediate Rocky Mountain Times Chapter which was meant to span parts one and two. In this post, I stated that I would begin work on part two shortly. Eight months later, I proudly present Chapter 1 of the continuation of Rocky Mountain Times. I don't know how long I'll stick with this before returning to the Task Force series, but for now... enjoy.
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Jen looked up from her work and gazed out of one of the windows which lined the walls of her studio. October had come bringing cool weather and more importantly snow. Today was clear however and she peered across the rooftops of town, between which the aspen trees were changing color and beginning to lose their leaves, up the slopes where green grass lay between the darker green of lodge pole pines, and onto the peaks which had begun to show signs of snow accumulation. Soon the town would be busy getting ready for the new season and hordes of winter tourists.
Today however it was business as usual and the streets were quiet, populated mostly with locals. Just because her normal customer base wasn't here, didn't mean there wasn't work to do though. Jen had just returned from a big art show in Kansas City which had followed the Ridge art festival. These back to back events had left her stock somewhat depleted and a long to do list was posted next to her work bench.
Jen had considered bringing on an apprentice, she had even met a few likely candidates at the shows, but she wasn't sure now was the best time. It had been less than a year since opening her own shop and it would be irresponsible to hire when she didn't even know how a full season's business would be. As she read through the list though, it seemed like a better and better idea to have a second body to do stuff, even if it was only simple and mundane tasks like ordering supplies, replacing pickle, and getting tanks refilled. Perhaps she could find I high school senior with artistic aspirations who would be interested in working part time. She decided to keep on the lookout.
Jen twitched an ear as she looked back at the ring on the table. Despite the excessive amount of work required to get ready for the tourist season, today was devoted to a single project. Jen had begun work on this piece two days earlier and it was only now reaching the point of completion. The ring in front of her was, unlike most of her projects as it had been designed for a single customer, was to be a one of a kind piece, would not be displayed in her collection, and would not appear in her portfolio. It was a fine platinum silver band which twisted elegantly into an offset spiral. One end of the band ended while the other rapped back in and around where Jen was putting the final setting on a single imperial cut sapphire.
She set down the fine nosed pliers she had been working with and leaned back in her studio chair, stretching her neck and limbs. She bent back over and pulled down a large, lighted, project magnifier and inspected her work for any new blemishes to polish out. The ultrafine sandblasted face showed no scratches and neither did the mirror polished inner surface. Finding no marks left from setting the stone, she carefully placed the ring into a simple black box with gold filigree and a small version of her logo embossed in gold on the lid, and shut it with a satisfying snap.
Again, Jen stood up and stretched this time from the tips of her whiskers all the way down to the end of her long spotted tail. She glanced at the clock. It was time to clean up and head home. More importantly, it was time to deliver the ring. Jen put away her tools, turned off the lights and walked down the stairs which lead to the street. A small pile of leaves had gathered on the lower landing and she swept them out before setting the alarm and locking her studio gallery for the night.
The sun hadn't quite set and the air was warm, not that it mattered with her thick fur, so Jen decided to walk rather than take the bus. As she made her way through the uncommonly empty streets, she began to think about the recipient of the project which she had devoted herself to for the past three days. Her heart began to race with the prospect of their reaction to it and she said a silent prayer to the gods what they would like it.
Jen finally reached her house and walked into the front door. The smells of simmering meat and warm sauce filled the air. Sam must be making spaghetti.
"Sam dear, I'm home," she called as she shut the door behind herself.
"I'm in the kitchen, dinners almost ready," came the reply from the other side of the large stone fireplace which dominated the space.
Jen walked around the corner and smiled warmly as she saw Samantha's lovely body, clad in a white apron which still managed to compliment her slim build, smiling back at her. She gave Sam a quick kiss before grabbing one of the white chocolate espresso squares sitting on a cooling rack by the oven.
"You're lucky I work out so much, or else I'd get fat from all your cooking," Jen chided jokingly between bites of Sam's delicious creation.
"Well, I'd still love you if you were," she replied, kissing Jen on the cheek, "besides, just as you are a jeweler and love your studio, I am a culinary artist, and love my kitchen, and therefore must spend time with it. Speaking of which, you're home late tonight."
"Yeah, I was working on a special project."
Jen hoped Sam didn't notice the slight quaver in her voice.
"Really, when do I get to see it?"
"Tonight if you want, I brought it with me."
"Ooh, show me."
Sam had always been the biggest supporter of Jenifer's work and, apart from being the secret inspiration of some of it, always loved to see anything new. "Artists appreciate art!" was her common excuse.
Jen slowly pulled out the black box and handed it over, trying to control the shake of her paw. Sam flipped it open and let out a gasp of astonishment.
"Jen, it's beautiful. What's it for?"
"It's an engagement ring, for a special client."
Jen's hear pounded somewhere near her throat and the butterflies in her stomach had apparently multiplied.
"Really, for who?" Sam asked mischievously, with a sly look on her face.
"Well, it's for... it's for," Jen stammered, something large and sticky seemed to have caught in her throat, "I made it for you," she finally got out.
Sam's look instantly changed to one of incomprehension and then to shock.
"What are you saying Jennifer?"
Jen took both of Sam's slim paws into her own and looked deep into her topaz green eyes. She took a deep breath.
"Samantha Oliver, will you marry me?"
Sam threw herself into Jen's arms who had no time to react before being covered in kisses, Sam's paws squeezing the breath out of her.
Sam released her slightly before replying joyfully, "of course I will!"
Jen was so relieved she almost couldn't think. But she pulled Sam into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately, running fingers through her short smooth hair and the soft fur of her bushy tail. She loved this girl so much and would do anything for her. The ring was just a token and in Jen's opinion a small one compared to Sam's love for her, but she was still very glad Sam had liked it.
As she held Sam, her heart began to slow its double speed beating. She hadn't realized proposing would be that hard to do. No wonder it took most guys so long.
Now that that was out of the way, the rest would be easy. Right?
To be continued...