A Promise of Thunder

well came in in 1905, and when Grady was approached by geologists from a large drilling company asking permission to dig exploratory wells on their property, he gave reluctant consent. Results had been so promising, three more wells had been dug. Now, it looked as if their patience was going to be rewarded.
    “Storm, the drillers think it’s only a matter of minutes before Number One comes in,” Grady cried jubilantly as he spied her hurrying across the field. The entire family was assembled by the huge derrick in anticipation of the big moment. “If they’re right we’ll be rich beyond our wildest dreams. The children can go to the best colleges and have all that money can buy.”He held out his arms, and when she rushed into them he pulled her hard against the taut strength of his lean body.
    Breathlessly Storm was drawn into the warmth of his embrace, savoring the closeness she shared with the man who had become the great love of her life. Never would she cease to need this special man, to feel his arms around her, making her feel loved and cherished. In the years since he had retired his guns and promised to avoid violence, he had never given her cause to doubt him.
    “The children don’t need money to be happy,” Storm said, hugging Grady fiercely. “You have instilled courage in them, given them love, and taught them respect.”
    Grady’s eyes were suspiciously moist as he gazed down at her. “And you, wife of my heart, have made our lives special.”
    The words were no sooner out of his mouth than an ominous rumble emanated from deep in the bowels of the earth, shaking the ground beneath them.
    “Here she comes! Get back everyone, it’s going to be a gusher!” one of the drillers cried. Men began scattering in all directions as the rumble grew louder. Grady grasped Storm’s hand and pulled her back, shouting for the children to stand clear.
    With a mighty roar the top of the derrick seemed to explode as a thunderous spray of dark liquid spewed upward. Storm felt the heavy drops pepper her skin and clothingand looked down, expecting to see thick black sludge. Instead, she saw what looked like muddy water.
    “Grady, what is it? It looks like dirty water.”
    “Be patient, sweetheart,” Grady cautioned as he kept his eyes glued to the erupting well. Suddenly, he gave a mighty whoop, picked up Storm, and swung her around and around, laughing uproariously. “Look, Storm, look up!”
    Storm’s eyes shot upward, and her face was immediately covered with a thick, inky film. She glanced at Grady, and saw that his face was so grimy with black sludge that all she could see were his white teeth and the whites of his eyes. A resounding cheer went up as a tremendous pressure from inside the well shot a stream of oil high into the clear Oklahoma sky, as thick and black as the darkest midnight.

About the Author
     
    Connie is the bestselling author of 60 books and novellas and counting. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as in American locales. Connie has won awards from Romantic Times and has been listed in Who’s Who of American Women for several years. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
    Connie is a world traveler. She has visited every country in Western and Eastern Europe, Greece, Asia and Northern Africa. Also, countless islands in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Connie enjoys spending time with her three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grand-children. Visit her Website and www.conniemason.com .