A Gathering of Memories

by Lori Wick

“I would have come over here sooner, certainly before we had snow on the ground, but I’ve been sick and couldn’t get away. Not that it would have made any difference about this contract with Marks.” Mr. Brooks turned to Mandy and her siblings who were gathered close by.

  “Your father was no family man, but I guess you already know that. But he loved you—I know he did. We talked on several occasions and my willingness to buy the land was, in his opinion, money in the bank. That money he always said, belonged to you kids and your mother.

  “I guess that’s why I find it hard to believe Ward would sign the contract with Marks that Ross described to me. Not that I can do anything about it,” he said regretfully.

  “The main reason I’m here is because I don’t like the way Marks does business. You see, he wrote to me. Asked about my land, said something about studying rocks or some such nonsense. Well, I thought it pretty harmless until a lawyer showed up at my door and said he was working for Aaron Marks and did I want to sell my property in Baxter. I could see the man was not satisfied with the answers I gave him about selling, and I found evidence the next day that someone had tried to break into my safe.

  “I got sick a few days after that, or like I said, I’d have been over here much sooner.”

  “But what’s the mistake you mentioned?” Mandy wanted to know.

  “It’s here on the map, the original map. The boundaries on our properties are wrong. I actually own this section of land with the rock here.” He pointed to the map.

  “Believe me, Mandy, I’d have never said a word if your folks were still alive, but I don’t trust Aaron Marks and I want to make sure he’s not building anything on my land.”

  “Did you give him permission to be on your land at all?” Ross asked.

  “No, I did not! His lawyer showed up before I could answer, and after the incident with the safe I wrote and told him no, my land is not for sale and to keep off it. I said it just that plainly, too!”

  Ross looked over at the woman he loved to find her leaning over the map studying it intently. As though everyone in the room sensed her concentration, all were quiet. Some minutes went by before her attention swung to the dark windows and then to Mr. Brooks.

  “Mr. Brooks, did Ross tell you about the letter my father sent to me just before he died?”

  “He mentioned it, yes. Said you wished you could go to a rock he referred to and look around.”

  “That’s right. We thought it was Aaron Marks’ land, but I don’t think it is.”

  “Mandy, what have you discovered?” Carrie asked and touched her sister’s arm.

  “I think butterfly rock is on the land Mr. Brooks says is lawfully his. And I want to go there in the morning.”

  Ross let himself quietly into the house and made his way up the stairs. Pete, who had been in the kitchen, came out to call up to him.

  “How did it go?”

  “We’re headed out to the property in the morning.”

  “And the question I suspect you were going to ask Mandy?”

  Ross didn’t answer. Pete watched him lean against the stair wall, his look pensive.

  “I know this needs to be worked out, Pete, and I’m really pleased that Brooks has come, but I was headed out there to declare myself and it’s just—”

  “A letdown,” Pete finished for him, his voice compassionate. Ross nodded and Pete went on.

  “I won’t say I know how you feel, Ross, but she’ll be there tomorrow or the next day or whenever the time is right. That girl is crazy about you, and I’m sure you’ll agree that she’s worth any amount of time you have to wait.”

  Ross nodded, thanked his best friend and took himself off to bed.

  56

  It was a large group that headed for Larry Brooks’ land the next morning. Mr. Brooks, Silas, Ross, Mandy, Carrie, and Rufus, Baxter’s sheriff. All gathered at the designated spot a little before eight o’clock.

  The sky was clear and the snow not too deep. But the air was frigid so everyone was bundled to their eyes in an effort to keep out the cold.

  By unspoken consent Mandy led the way. Her memory was keen and with very little searching she took the group down a snowy path that led between the rocks.

  “Mandy,” came Carrie’s muffled voice as she clutched at her sister’s coat, excitement surging through her as she recognized her surroundings.

  The group came to a silent halt in a small clearing, and solemnly watched as the girls gazed at the rock they hadn’t seen for years.

  A near-perfect butterfly with outstretched wings greeted their eyes. The ledges kept the snow blocked and all but one corner of the wings showed perfectly.

  Both girls felt tears sting their eyes, and their mittened hands met. The years slipped by in their minds and they were once again little girls on a summer picnic with Mama and Pa at their family’s secret spot.

  Mandy’s memory was serving her well and she moved, almost instinctively, around the side of the rock to a good-sized opening. She had just ducked her head to enter when a hand stopped her.

  “Mandy, I wanted to remind you of what I said as I left last night. This is my land, but whatever you find in that cave is yours. Just as your father would have wanted.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Brooks.”

  “Amanda.” Ross’ voice stopped her when she turned again to enter the cave. “I’ll go first.”

  Mandy didn’t object. Ross, Silas, and Mandy entered the cave and stood quietly out of the wind waiting for Silas to light the lantern. He turned it high and stared at the illuminated cavern, about 15 feet wide and as yet, impenetrably dark at the back. Silas started forward.

  Five minutes later the three of them exited the cave, Silas carrying a small chest.

  “Look what we’ve found!” Silas exlcaimed. “The cave looked empty at first, but Ross spotted some loose rock on the floor. Right above it was a small ledge cut into the cave wall.”

  Mr. Brooks was holding a shovel that Silas had brought along. He handed it to Rufus, who used the handle to pound the lock. The wind had picked up and even though the clearing was sheltered, it whistled and whipped above them in an eerie whine.

  Again, by an unspoken vote, Mandy took the lead. She removed the lock, flipped the catch, and opened the lid. The group stood speechless. The small chest was laden with pouches. The top of one pouch was open and the group stared in silent fascination at the sparkling nuggets and dust. Gold!

  Mandy’s hand moved out to pull at some papers at the edge of the chest. She and Carrie looked at them before passing them to Ross and Silas.

  “They’re claim deeds. One in your father’s name and one in Aaron Marks’ name.”

  “And look here,” Ross added. “Marks’ is stamped worthless.”

  “I’ll take that.” The group turned as one at the sound of Aaron Marks’ voice. He held a rifle and Rufus’ own gun was out before anyone could blink. Ross and Silas simultaneously reached for the girls and pushed each behind them.

  “We don’t want any trouble, Marks,” Ross told him, never once taking his eyes from the gun or the man holding it.

  “Then what are you doing on my land?”

  “It’s not your land,” Larry Brooks spoke up. “And I can prove it.”

  “You’ll get your chance, but not out here and not with guns.” Rufus’ tone was firm, almost angry.

  Everyone watched Marks for his decision on the sheriff’s words. They were all surprised when he nodded and led the way back to the wagon and horses.

  “You mean it’s really ours?” Levi asked in shock.

  “Yes, it’s ours. Silas put it all in the bank,” Carrie answered as she stood by the bed, where a pale Mandy, who was drained of all energy and thought, lay.

  “I was so worried when you were gone all that time,” Amy added as she put her arm around Silas. “I was afraid something like this might happen.”

  “I’m just sorry it had to end the way it did. It really looked as if Marks was going to be reasonable, but w
hen he realized the gold wasn’t his, he went for his gun. It was hidden up his sleeve.”

  Amy bent over Mandy’s bed with a quilt in her hand. “Maybe if I took your shoes off you could sleep.”

  “I don’t want to sleep. Every time I close my eyes I can see that gun pointed at me.”

  The scene played again in Carrie’s mind—the papers on Ross’ desk, the men discussing everything so calmly, and then Mr. Marks getting furious. Before anyone could move, a gun appeared in his hand. He shouted something at Mandy about it being her fault. The bullet would have caught her in the chest if Ross had not thrown himself at her and moved them both out of the way. The sheriff’s gun was out in the next instant and Mr. Marks crumpled to the floor.

  Silas had left everything in Ross’ hands then, bringing his girls directly home.

  Mandy’s room emptied a little while later, but sleep did not come. “It’s over now,” her heart spoke to the Lord. “Thank You for taking care of us.”

  Mandy eventually drifted off to sleep with verses about God’s protective care moving gently through her mind.

  57

  “Welcome back.” Ross’ deep voice was quiet as he watched Mandy open her eyes. She turned her head on the pillow to see him sitting beside her bed.

  Unbidden, tears filled her eyes, and her hands came up to cover her face. Ross was instantly beside her, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed and taking her in his arms.

  “Oh Ross, Ross,” was all she could say, and he felt her tremble. His own heart was none too steady when he again envisioned the gun pointed at her.

  “I keep seeing it,” she finally said.

  “I do, too.”

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Ross continued to hold her until someone’s steps were heard in the hall. Mandy tried to get up when Mr. Brooks stuck his head in the door.

  “No, no, stay where you are. I’ve just come to say good-bye and thank you for all you did.”

  “Thank me?” Mandy questioned him. “I didn’t do anything, Mr. Brooks. I should be thanking you.”

  “Well, let’s just say I admire your courage, Mandy, and I’m glad we’re neighbors once again.”

  He was gone with those words, and Ross smiled at her surprised look. “He told me he hoped his own daughters would grow to be half as lovely and sweet as you and Carrie are.”

  “Oh!” Mandy was speechless.

  “Now,” Ross said firmly, “are you up to hearing a little story?”

  “Sure, I guess so.” She eyed Ross almost warily as he moved to the middle of the room and caught her eyes with his own.

  “My story is about a boy who had a woman come into his life, a woman who was a few years older than he was. Well, this boy was sure he was in love with that woman. But she wasn’t the one for him. Instead she introduced him to the greatest love of all—Jesus Christ. The boy was hungry to be loved by God and know Him personally, and he reached out and was saved by grace.

  “Then a miraculous thing happened—the boy had a chance to lead a girl to the Lord, a girl he’d cared about for a long time. The boy thought his life was complete. He knew Christ and this special girl knew Christ. It seemed a perfect match.

  “But it wasn’t what God intended for the boy, and as the boy grew into manhood God asked him to move away from home and practice law in Baxter.

  “He obeyed God and moved, believing as he did that he’d seen it all. But then he looked into the hazel eyes of a small brunette and realized he hadn’t seen anything.

  “The man found those eyes haunting him—he saw them day and night. The man leaned on God for strength, and God was his support. Then, miracle of miracles, the woman with the hazel eyes came to know Christ. But life was still not complete.

  “So afraid of making a mistake, this man held back and hurt the woman he loved. The woman he now knows he’s supposed to marry.”

  Mandy’s eyes had grown quite round, and she pushed herself back against the headboard. She watched Ross draw a gold chain from his breast pocket as he came to sit beside her on the bed.

  “Amanda, will you please take this man? This man who loves you from the very depths of his soul?”

  Mandy didn’t look at the chain, or the lovely heart and pearl. Her eyes were locked with those of the most precious man on earth. Her hands came up and gently cradled his face. With loving fingertips she traced his cheeks and spoke in a whisper.

  “Yes, Ross, I’ll take this man.”

  They leaned toward each other and shared a soft kiss. Mandy’s eyes were wet, and she could feel Ross’ heart pound.

  “You’re supposed to notice the necklace,” he teased, his voice not quite steady.

  “It’s beautiful,” she answered still looking at him. “Just beautiful.”

  Epilogue

  Cameron

  Family Reunion

  August 1896

  “Dad!” seven-and-a-half-year-old Becca called to Silas as she approached.

  “What is it? Becca?”

  “Eliza says I’m not an aunt. I am too an aunt, aren’t I, Dad?”

  “Yes, honey, you are. Mandy’s baby is your niece.”

  “I told her so,” Becca said with satisfaction. Mark, who was listening nearby, followed to have a talk with his daughter. Silas went back to his conversation with his sister-in-law, Abby.

  “Amy and I have talked about visiting Bayfield, and I know we will. Has the church really doubled?”

  “Yes, it has. Some weeks Paul cries tears of joy as he looks out over those full pews. I—” tears flooded Abby’s eyes and Silas touched her shoulder in understanding. Paul and Abby’s twin girls ran by then, followed closely by their brother Timothy.

  “I’m in the same condition, Abby,” Silas spoke again. “Levi and Clovis spent most of the summer with Amy’s dad in Neillsville. They both came back having made decisions for Christ. Becca made a decision last year. Now all five of my—” his voice broke.

  “Amy told me.” Abby was barely able to get the words out.

  Paul came over then and took the baby from her arms. He easily guessed what they were discussing when he saw his wife’s and brother’s tears.

  “I hate to interrupt, Red, but it’s our turn with the photographer.”

  “Oh, Paul! The girls just ran by and Timmy was chasing them. He’s a mess.”

  “I’ll get him and keep Matt. You get the girls. And you look beautiful,” he added, when her hands moved anxiously to her hair.

  “Hiding out?”

  “Oh, Preston,” Emily laughed up at her husband of almost two years as he entered the kitchen. He kissed her and asked what she was writing.

  “I want to be sure I write down everyone who’s here. I think I’ve got them all.”

  “Let’s see the list.” He took the paper and read out loud.

  Preston and Emily Culver

  Luke and Christine Cameron—

  Joshua, Kathrine, Rachael, and Grace

  Mark and Susanne Cameron—

  Emily, Elizabeth, Ellen, Erika, and Esther

  Silas and Amy Cameron—

  Carrie, Levi, Clovis, and Rebecca

  John and Julia MacDonald—

  Calvin, Charles, and Robyn

  Paul and Abigail Cameron—

  Jessica, Julie, Timothy, and Matthew

  Ross and Amanda Beckett—

  Kimberly

  Peter Culver

  Grant Nolan

  Chad and April Nolan

  Maggie Pearson

  “Looks complete to me. I heard Julia say that supper is served as soon as the group picture is taken.

  “We had better make ourselves available.”

  Pete and Carrie came in just as Preston opened the door. “We’re rounding everyone up for the picture.”

  “We were on our way.”

  “Okay,” Pete said with a smile, and the older couple watched them go off hand in hand.

  “He’s loved her since she was 14,” Preston mentioned as they went
outside.

  “It’s been the same for her,” Grandma Em added. “She told me there wasn’t anything she could do about it. She’s loved Pete from the moment she laid eyes on him and she’s never even looked at anyone else.”

  “We Culver men love for life.” He put his arm around her as they walked, and many of the family watched them smile at each other, causing their own faces to crease with delight.

  It had not been a complete surprise that Preston wanted to marry Grandma Em. None of her grandchildren would have denied her the joy of his companionship, and in truth, they found him delightful. What did surprise most everyone was to see that they married for love not companionship, something that was very evident whenever they were in the same room together.

  “Okay, folks,” the small man behind the camera called to them. “You’ll have to come in close—that’s right. Everyone look this way.”

  He gave instructions, which the adults tried to follow. The children, hungry and never wanting to stand still, squirmed and tried the patience of the ones who wanted the photo to be perfect.

  When the photographer was satisfied, supper was served on long tables outside. Food and good fellowship was plentiful. Everyone sang to Mark’s Emily, whose birthday was only a few days away. Paul was elected to say a few words, and when he stood, even the children were quiet.

  “I know I speak for Abby and myself when I say it’s wonderful to be here. And thank you for giving me this chance to speak. Being the only one to live away from Baxter, well, let’s just say we feel the miles very keenly at times. Please know that we love you, miss you, and pray for you.

  “The words seem insignificant when I say them, but say them I will—God has been good, hasn’t He? I love standing here and seeing our family together again, gathered not only as a family but gathered with our memories too. I love having my wife by my side with our four wonderful children.

  “I love looking over at Silas holding his granddaughter.” Paul’s eyes twinkled and everyone laughed as the very young grandfather snuggled Mandy’s little Kimberly close and kissed her.