Curious, Rebecca did not attempt to move closer but watched Sam’s interaction with the child from a distance. When the boy caught her eye, he shivered, then ran toward the front of the store.
Sam scratched his head as he approached her. “The strangest thing just happened. The kid that just ran into me wanted to know if you were an angel.”
Rebecca laughed. “Well, I know you set him straight.”
“I tried, but I think you spooked him. If you are going to get a pair of shoes, you best pick so you will have time to try them on. We will need to start making our way over to the law office soon.”
Rebecca waved her hand in dismissal. “I think I am going to have to pass. The prices are higher here than in Carrie Town.”
Rebecca took Sam’s arm. “I noticed the little fellow watching me, but when I acknowledged him, he took off and ran straight into you.”
As they approached the front of the store, Sam put his finger against his mouth and motioned with his head towards the young child who dragged an older but reluctant boy towards them. The younger spoke. “You’ve got to come with me. It’s her.”
“What are you talking about, Mark? Who is her?”
The younger boy Rebecca heard referred to by the name Mark grabbed the older boy’s arm and pulled. “The lady in pa’s watch. See for yourself. Hurry before she gets away.”
The boys turned the corner and stopped directly in front of Rebecca and Sam.
Sam nodded at the young boy. “Hello again, I see you brought reinforcements.”
Sam placed his hand on Rebecca’s arm. “This is the young man I told you about. Your latest admirer, I believe,” he said with a wink.
Rebecca knelt in front of the boy. His curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a spattering of freckles across his nose painted an adorable picture. “Hello, my name is Rebecca, it’s very nice to meet you.”
A shadow loomed above, and Rebecca craned her neck looking into a startling familiar face. Her eyes locked on the man even as she watched his large hands come down gently on the boy’s shoulders. They were the same hands that long ago had thrown her into the air safely, catching her as she squealed with delight. “Do it again, Papa.” Hands that comforted her, held her and made her feel safe.
Rebecca broke into a cold sweat. Another memory came to mind. Suddenly she felt five years old again, as she observed the giant of a man whose face wore a familiar frown.
“Boys, did you not hear me calling? Come, we must go. I have an appointment. My apologies, ma’am.” With a tip of his hat, he turned his sons around to head towards the door. He doesn’t recognize me. Rebecca stood slowly. She watched the young boy tug on her father’s sleeve.
“But Pa, it’s the lady.”
Charles Mueller ruffled the boy’s hair. “Come now. I told you I am in a hurry.”
The boy’s mouth formed into a pout. He pulled on her father’s arm more forcefully. “Pa, please wait, it’s your lady.”
Her father seemed unaffected by the remark. He placed one hand on each boy and steered them towards the front of the store. Frowning, he stopped mid-step. “My lady?”
Rebecca watched the older boy roll his eyes in her direction. She felt her breath catch. “Pa, Mark thinks she is the woman in the picture. The one in your pocket watch.”
Charles slowly looked from his son and turned towards Rebecca. For a moment time stood still. She’d dreamed of a reunion with her father since she was a little girl. He would be overjoyed to see her, open his arms and welcome her in a warm embrace. All would be well.
The lines around her father’s eyes softened. The shock she felt sure must be reflected in her own seemed to melt into another emotion, one that brought sudden moisture to her father’s eyes. “Becky?”
Blue eyes flecked with green, so like her own, met hers. “Hello, Papa.”
Still frowning, his voice rough, he said, “Forgive me for not recognizing you.” He shook his head. “You seem well.”
I suppose we are to converse like polite strangers. Rebecca lifted her chin. “Yes, your boots are quite safe, at least for the time being.”
Her father pinched the bridge of his nose. His mouth opened and closed but he didn’t speak.
Rebecca’s hand trembled as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She was relieved to feel Sam place her arm in his. He tilted his head towards the other customers in the mercantile. “I believe it best if we go somewhere less public to speak.”
Charles glowered, his body rigid. “What business is this of yours?”
Rebecca’s eyes widened. For a brief moment, she watched both men stand still and assess each other.
Sam sidestepped and maneuvered around her father without missing a beat. “We will see you shortly at the attorney’s office.”
Chapter 33
Dear Papa,
I didn’t think I would enjoy working at the diner but find I am content. The work keeps me busy, and I enjoy hearing the conversations between the customers. They discuss everything from the price of cattle to crossbreeding…
After leaving the mercantile, Sam suggested they stop at the local diner. “Let’s take a break here and get some coffee. That will give us a little time to get our wits about us.”
Rebecca wiped her tears and forced herself to relax in the cheerful atmosphere. She admired the large window that showered the room with sunshine, highlighting red gingham oilcloths on the tables. After being coaxed by Sam, she took a bite of the piece of apple pie he ordered. “I don’t usually like to eat sweets so early in the day. Still, this is delicious.” Closing her eyes, she took another bite, savoring the flavor.
“Your pa called you Becky. I don’t recall anyone else using the nickname.”
Rebecca shook her head. “He is the only one who ever did. But he had all sorts of nicknames for me from what I recall. Liebling is another name he used a lot.”
Sam reached for Rebecca’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Liebling?”
She took another bite of pie. “It’s a German word for sweetheart.”
Rebecca looked out the window and sighed. “No matter how often I thought of a reunion with my father, I would never have imagined what just happened. I thought he would be glad to see me. Somehow, I would know he loved me. The way he glared, I felt like I was a little girl again and in big trouble.”
“Try to give it a little more time, honey. Though, I admit just the size of your pa is intimidating. You are such a tiny little thing. I pictured your Pa as small too. Sure didn’t imagine he’d be akin to a grizzly bear. Though I’ve got to say, the way you described his shoes doesn’t do them justice. Those are the fanciest boots, I ever saw.”
Sam’s eyebrows rose as Rebecca took the last bite of pie. “I sure am glad you aren’t one to eat sweets early in the day. Otherwise, I would have to order the whole pie,” he added with a wide grin.
Rebecca gasped. “Sam, I don't know what has gotten into me. I am sorry.”
Sam chuckled. “Not a problem. I just have never seen you eat something with so much enthusiasm.”
Rebecca continued circling her spoon in vain, on the empty plate. “I suppose those were my brothers. This situation doesn’t seem real, and yet I feel anxious.”
Sam squeezed Rebecca’s hand. “The smaller boy, the one they called Mark, he seemed inclined to agree about the anxious part. You made him nervous.”
Rebecca placed the spoon down and sighed. “This whole thing is more taxing than I anticipated.”
Sam eyed his now empty plate. “We still have a little time to kill. I will order us another piece of pie. Or should I make it two?”
Rebecca stared out the window. “Nothing for me, thanks. I don’t eat sweets this early in the day.”
Chapter 33
Dear Papa,
I think I may be in love with Adam’s brother Sam. He is wonderful…
Placing his hands on his sons’ shoulders, Charles hurried them towards home. Lost in his thoughts, he silenced the peppering o
f questions with a growl. “Enough.” Both boys rushed to keep pace with the long strides of their father but remained quiet.
Arriving at the door, Charles kneeled at eye level with his sons. “Charlie, Mark, forgive me for losing my temper. None of this is your fault. Later, we will sit and discuss this fully. In the meantime, I must leave to make my appointment.”
Mark rubbed his nose and sniffled.
Charles reached in his pocket and handed his handkerchief to his youngest son. “All right, one question, what is bothering you?”
Mark’s bottom lip trembled. “Pa, the angel, does she want to take you with her?”
Charles frowned. “Angel?”
Charlie pointed his thumb towards his brother. “Pa, he thinks the lady at the mercantile is the woman whose picture you carry in your pocket watch.”
Charles opened his timepiece and blinked rapidly. “Boys, the young lady is indeed in this tintype.” Pointing at the picture, he explained. “The little girl is my daughter, your sister, who is now quite grown up. I am going to speak with her this morning. It is my hope one day soon, to be able to bring her to meet you both.”
Mark’s jaw dropped. “But Pa, she shouldn’t be here. Mama told us your daughter is…” He looked at Charlie and asked, “What does she call it?”
“Disturbed and not fit for polite society,” Charlie answered stoically.
Taking a deep breath, Charles kept his voice even, “Nonsense. You saw her. She is quite well. You will forget whatever your mother told you about your sister. Do you understand?”
Mark drew circles with his boots. “But Pa, we already got one sister. Ain’t that enough?” Surprising himself, Charles laughed. Not a soft chuckle, but a full belly laugh.
Looking at the astonished expressions on his sons’ faces, he replied, “Nonetheless, you have two sisters. Now go into the house. The housekeeper will be waiting for you.”
Chapter 34
Dear Papa,
My friend Lois inherited some money and used it to open her own dress shop. I think she is very courageous. Her father thinks she is foolish. He told her not to come running home when the shop fails. I am worried about her.
Rebecca’s attorney, Peter Marks studied the documents outlining the expenditures from Rebecca’s inheritance. “According to the stipulations of the will, the house, land, and a percentage of the livestock will one day belong to you. Based on the amount embezzled from the estate, even if your father sold everything not tied to your inheritance, it would be less than you are owed.”
Peter took a chair and seated himself across from Rebecca and Sam. “Your stepmother not only utilized your funds for her excessive spending habits but found a way to allot money for both your stepsiblings’ education. Knowing your kind heart, I hope you won’t decide to forgive all and forget.”
Rebecca traced the scar on her palm absently. “Papa Horace and Eloise sacrificed so much for me. All the while Lucy and my stepmother robbed them of money due, and me of both home and father.”
Sam gave Rebecca’s hand a light squeeze. “I notice you mentioned Lucy. Don’t forget your stepbrother received a college education at your expense, also.”
Rebecca turned towards Sam. “What do you think I should do?”
Sam cleared his throat. “This needs to be your decision. However, I will say this. When people take advantage of a defenseless child, it seems appropriate they feel some discomfort and be made to make things right.”
Rebecca straightened and raised her chin. “My stepbrother, Robby, was kind to me. Honestly, I don’t believe I would be here if he hadn’t brought help for me the day I was locked in my room. Rebecca bit her lip. “Because of what he did for me, I would like to forgive the expenses related to his education.”
Sam shook his head slowly. “Do you feel inclined to forgive the costs for your stepsister’s schooling?”
Rebecca felt her cheeks burn. “I don’t feel anything of the sort. In fact, I would request the full amount be paid first, along with any interest which would have accrued.”
Not understanding the look she saw on Sam’s face, Rebecca asked, “You think I am terrible, don’t you?”
“Not at all, honey. I am just surprised you could decide quickly and with such feeling, so sure of your choice.”
“I do feel good about it.” Rebecca picked up a pad and pencil. “Next, I would like to discuss a plan on how to reimburse Papa Horace’s estate, which now belongs to Adam and Sam. Elizabeth told me my father owns a small herd of Herefords he is raising for purebred stock.”
Rebecca tapped her mouth with a pencil. “Sam, selecting livestock as compensation could provide you and Adam with some new bulls for crossbreeding a little sooner than originally planned. Although I think it should be stipulated, the choices would be hand selected. Should you agree to it, an agreement like this could benefit my father also if he is cash-strapped. What do you think?”
Sam whistled. “A good Hereford bull is pricey.”
Peter popped the financial ledger with the back of his hand and laughed. “If I didn’t know better I would swear Horace is in this room giving you advice, Rebecca. But based on the amount owed, it seems you could get more than one prize bull and some additional cattle to boot. That could go a long way in revitalizing the ranch.”
Rebecca smiled at the reference to her guardian, also Sam’s uncle. She recalled his support for her thirst for knowledge with fondness. With every new achievement, Rebecca couldn't wait to tell Horace, and inevitably he would encourage her to write her father. His encouragement knew no bounds. I wonder, would he agree with my plan?
Sam smiled then nodded at Rebecca. “I would want to talk things over with Adam. But I can't imagine he would be anything less than thrilled. If things pan out, the idea of starting a small purebred stock sounds like a mighty good idea. Applying what Horace taught us about diversifying, we could also put one bull out on our open range for crossbreeding.”
Peter chuckled. “I believe Horace taught you both well. Of course, we could request a certain amount of cash also. While y’all are meeting with Rebecca’s father, I will be in conference with his attorney to outline this offer in principle. Are you still agreeable to the meeting?”
Chapter 35
Dear Papa,
Uncle Horace used the expression from time to time that he was so mad he could spit. I never really understood his feelings until now. I don’t know how it is possible to love someone and still be so angry with them at the same time. Molly says it is normal…
Charles entered his attorney’s office with a clenched jaw. “I have seen my daughter, Jacob. She looks surprisingly healthy, although the state of her shoes suggests she lives in poverty.”
Jacob moved to close the door to his office. “You must remember, she lived on her own for years. It must have been difficult for her to make ends meet.”
Charles wiped his hand through his hair. “I find it hard to believe Horace would not have provided for her, especially when I did not.”
“Like many in the area, during the last blizzard before his death, Horace’s ranch got walloped. By the time his nephews inherited, things were in dire straits. My guess is, there was nothing financial left.”
Charles dropped his head. “My daughter, I know so little about her.”
Scowling, he began to pace. “I saw her with some cowboy. Do you know who he is?”
“I imagine he is her intended, Horace’s youngest nephew, Sam Brady.” Jacob rose from his chair and set on the edge of his desk.
“Out of the question. She is too young to marry.”
“She is of age to do as she wishes.” Jacob pulled on his collar. “Be that as it may, my sources say he is a good sort, honest, dependable, excellent father.”
“Father?” Charles waved his large hand in the air. “I do not want my daughter saddled with another man's children.”
“It seems Becky has made her choice. My suggestion is to take it slow. Take time to know her, before you s
tart trying to run off her beau.”
“With my sons, I can teach them to rope, ride, build a campfire.” Charles placed his hands on his hips. “What does one do with a daughter?”
Jacob Weber placed his palm beneath his chin, and his fingers tapped his mouth. “My girls like to shop.”
Groaning, Charles took a seat before he covered his face with his hands.
~
Rebecca’s attorney, Peter Marks inclined his head towards the open door. “I will be conferring with your father’s lawyer separately. We thought you might want some privacy. Mr. Weber offered his office for your use. Is that acceptable?”
Rebecca clinched her hands together and nodded.
Sam winked, then placed Rebecca’s hand in the crook of his arm. As they entered the prestigious law office, a sweet aroma of cherry wood pipe tobacco filled the air. Rebecca blinked as her eyes became accustomed to the dark-paneled walls.
Her father rose to his full height of six feet four inches, wearing a familiar scowl. “Hello, Becky.”
Rebecca paused and took in a deep breath. “Good Morning again, Papa.”
Charles’ eyes narrowed at Sam. He motioned towards a pair of chairs. “Please take a seat.”
Rebecca felt Sam’s arm guide her to an armchair. She blinked rapidly. I will not cry in front of this man. “Papa, I would like you to meet Sam Brady, my fiancé. Sam this is my father, Charles Mueller.”
Charles glared at Sam. His hands opened and closed in fists in rapid succession. “Since just meeting after all these years, am I to lose you again so quickly?”
Sam extended his hand in greeting. “The decision to pursue a relationship is going to depend on your actions, Mr. Mueller.”
Their hands locked briefly in a standoff. Both men stared at one another. Charles released his grip, but his jaw remained clenched. “What gives you the right to speak of such things?”
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