Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  Evangeline moaned. “Oh, no, Mayor Purcell is going to make a speech. He goes on forever without saying anything.”

  Mary giggled. “Typical politician.”

  Serena scanned the crowd gathering. “Looks like a good turnout.”

  But, no Brent yet. He’d said he might not be able to get back this soon. Still, she couldn’t help being disappointed.

  Aunt Esther and Uncle Willard arrived precisely at four. After the mayor’s long-winded speech, Reverend Jones gave a quick few words.

  “Let’s remember the reason we celebrate Christmas and be grateful for all our God-given gifts as well as those under the tree.” He ended in a prayer.

  As usual, the men made a major production out of pulling the ropes to raise the tree. Children were handed ornaments to place on the branches. When they’d finished, adults added decorations to the upper areas where children couldn’t reach. A bright brass star was fitted on top by a young man using a ladder.

  In spite of missing Brent, Serena had fun watching the children. When they decided to join in the snowman contest, she laughed at their antics. The Bailey children had the best snowman.

  Remembering Harry and his longing, Serena found the three and told them that their prizes were two bags of marbles for the boys and a set of jacks and a ball for Henrietta. Seeing their joy warmed her heart. Such simple things yet they meant a great deal to the children.

  As people started to drift away, Aunt Esther walked beside her. “I’m sorry you’re disappointed Brent didn’t show up. I told you he wouldn’t.”

  “I told you he might not but that he will be here before Christmas. Don’t you have faith in anyone?”

  “Not in a long time. I do like Brent, though. He reminds me of your father. Perhaps I was wrong to keep Jess away from you all these years.” Her aunt stopped and a look of horror graced her face. “I-I… um, never mind.”

  “What do you mean you kept Papa away from me? Did he try to see me and you didn’t let him?”

  Her aunt backed away a step. “I only did what I thought was best for you. He would have taken you and Anna to one of those mining camps. She would have died sooner and in discomfort. There would have been no one to look after you when he was prospecting.”

  Realization hit Serena. “He really did come the night before Mama died. He must have.”

  She fisted her hands at her sides. “How could you have been so cruel as to let me think he hadn’t tried to see me? How could you do that to your own sister?”

  “I tried to protect you. If that was wrong, I’m sorry. I did what I thought was best for the two of you.”

  “You stole years of happiness from Papa and Mama and me. I can’t bear it, Aunt Esther. Knowing what you’ve done, I simply can’t bear being in your home tonight.” She whirled and started running.

  “Serena? Serena, come back and let me explain. Please stop, Serena!”

  Blinded by tears and pain, Serena ran without knowing where she was headed. Her sweet Mama never knew Papa had tried to see them. Did Papa think they didn’t want to see him? How could her aunt be so cruel?

  She had no idea how long she ran. A wolf’s howl startled her. When she stopped and looked around, she’d come a long ways from town. Gasping for breath, she wasn’t certain where she was.

  She should retrace her footsteps. They’d lead her back to safety. Turning, she tried to follow the path she’d made on the snow.

  Clouds obscured the moon and stars. She could make out only the indentions close to her. A dark shape in the trees stayed even with her. Occasionally, glowing yellow eyes watched her.

  Was the dark shape a wolf? What a foolish thing for her to have done. Could she get to safety before the wolf attacked her?

  Oh, Brent, I love you and hope I see you again.

  Brent and Jess labored across drifts of snow. At times, they had to walk beside their struggling horses. Both had snowshoes for the times they walked.

  Jess panted and paused at the top of a ridge. “Reckon it’s like this in Hopeful?”

  “Hope not. Even a few miles can make a difference in weather. How far you figure we are from there?”

  “Couple of hours.” Jess scanned the sky. “Gonna be pressed to make it in time for that tree ceremony. I’m rested if you’re ready to push on.”

  Brent felt like cheering when he spotted the lights that meant Hopeful was up ahead. They’d missed the tree shindig but they would be there before bedtime. He’d soon see Serena. They headed for the Mercantile.

  What was happening? They stopped in front of the Mercantile. People had gathered on the boardwalk and on the road in front of the store.

  Willard spoke. “Our niece is lost in the snow. She ran off west from the tree ceremony. She’s wearing her coat but doesn’t have a weapon for protection.”

  Jess tied his horse to the rail.

  Brent called to Willard. “How long ago was this?”

  Willard’s relief spread across his face. “I sure am glad you’re here, Brent. She’s been gone about an hour. I’m trying to organize a search party.”

  “No point in every one getting lost. Willard, if you’ll come with Jess and me, we can track her. Bring blankets, lanterns, and a rope in case she’s hurt and needs a travois. We’ll need an extra horse if she’s able to ride.”

  “I’ve already loaded those on my horse and have hers saddled.” He stepped off the boardwalk. “Thanks, friends, more than I can ever say. Looks like the cavalry’s arrived. Sure appreciate your willingness to help if needed.”

  Several called out good wishes and to let them know if their help was needed later.

  Chapter Ten

  Brent led as they left Hopeful. The woman he loved was lost out there somewhere. He couldn’t get to her soon enough.

  Willard turned to Jess. “I want you to know right off I had no idea you’d tried to see Anna and Serena until tonight. Don’t know what got into Esther but she’s sorry now. She slipped and let our niece know and that’s what sent Serena running away.”

  Jess kept pace with Willard. “I’m happy you weren’t part of her deception. I’m also happy to know Serena didn’t refuse to see me. Esther told me Anna and Serena didn’t want anything to do with me. She took the money I gave her, though.”

  Willard appeared grim. “You can count on the fact she’ll be giving all that back to you. She confessed where she’d hidden it in the house.”

  Willard shook his head. “I’m embarrassed and sorry as can be about all this.”

  Jess said, “That part’s over and done. All I care about is getting Serena back safe so she can marry my partner here. Well, I’m the junior partner. He’s the major stockholder in our enterprise.”

  Brent rode leaning down dangling a lit lantern from his hand. “I see her prints. From the distance between steps, she was running fast.”

  The men followed the tracks.

  Jess said, “This is taking too long. How far could she have run?”

  Willard looked at his brother-in-law. “She’s strong and healthy. I reckon since she was upset, she could have covered a good distance.”

  Snow fell and Brent feared the tracks would be lost. A wolf’s howl set Brent’s teeth on edge. He prayed he’d reach her before a wolf or other predator did.

  The clouds parted and Serena sat on a rock to get her bearings. She’d never been this way and had no idea where she was. Her footprints were no longer visible.

  She grabbed a large stick before the clouds covered the sky again. Some good a stick would do her if she met that wolf or a cougar. At least she could use it as a walking aid to help get through the drifts.

  Snow fell around her. Even if someone tried to track her, the footprints would be covered. Who would find her?

  Sitting here was doing her no good. If she walked, surely she’d see a light eventually. How far was the next town or even a cabin?

  Standing up, she trudged on. Suddenly, the snow gave way and she screamed as she fell into darkness.

/>   Brent stood upright. “Did you hear a scream?”

  “I heard something.” Willard pointed. “Sounded like it came from over that way. There’s an old pit mine not far from here.”

  Jess looked at Willard. “Where?”

  Willard gestured ahead. “Right where we’re headed.”

  Brent hurried forward. “She must have been unable to see her footprints or she wouldn’t have abandoned them. This snowfall isn’t making our job any easier. Without the lanterns we couldn’t track her.”

  Please let her be all right and let us find her.

  Brent called, “Serena? Serena, can you hear me?”

  Nothing. He called again, over and over.

  Willard said, “We ought to be there about now. Look sharp or we’ll miss it.”

  Jess lowered his lantern to the just above the snow. “Won’t help her if we fall in a hole.”

  Brent yelled, “There. Looks like a mini-0avalanche where someone slid on the snow.”

  He was off his horse and at the edge of the gaping maw. Careful not to fall in, he held the lantern over the edge.

  “She’s here.” He yelled, “Serena? Are you all right? Can you speak?”

  Jess brought the rope. “Serena? Speak to us.”

  No sound reached them from the pit.

  Brent knotted the rope around his chest. “Tie the rope to my saddle. I’m going down there. I hope the rope is long enough.”

  He held the lantern as the other two men helped him descend. At the bottom, Serena lay on her side. When he reached her, he gathered her in his arms.

  “Serena, honey, wake up. Are you hurt?”

  She moved slightly. “Brent? Is that really you or am I dreaming?”

  He kissed her face, her lips, her eyelids. “It’s me, my love. Tell me if you’re hurt?”

  “I-I had the air knocked out of me. My ribs… hurts to take a breath. Might have passed out for a bit.”

  “Your ribs might be broken.”

  “No, doesn’t hurt like that—more like when I had pleurisy one time.” She held on to his arm. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  “You scared ten years off my life. I’m asking you right now, will you marry me?”

  “You know I will. I’ve made no secret of loving you.”

  He kissed her. “You’ve made me a happy man. How soon can we wed?”

  “As soon as we get to Hopeful would be fine with me. Maybe Sunday afternoon would be more practical.”

  “Jess and Willard are with me.”

  She twisted in his arms to look up. “Papa? Papa is here?”

  “He’s one of my surprises. Please don’t be mad at me. Jess is the partner I mentioned. I wanted him to be the one to tell his story.”

  She hugged Brent. “What a wonderful surprise.”

  Jess called down, “Hey, could you two possibly save the billing and cooing and get up here? I’d like to see my daughter.”

  “Will the rope support both of us?”

  Willard dangled another one over the edge. “Use this rope for Serena. Don’t know how hard getting up will be.”

  They pulled her up first then Brent. When he reached solid ground, Jess was hugging Serena.

  When her father released her she looked from one man to the other. “The three men I love most in the world came to my rescue.”

  Willard looked as if he’d burst with pleasure. “I thank you for including me, Serena. You know I love you like a daughter. Sure gonna be lonesome without you.”

  “I’m not gone yet.” She hugged her uncle’s neck and stepped back.

  Brent slid his arms around her waist. “Right now, let’s get you home and into a warm place.”

  “I could use a fireplace right now.” She climbed on her horse with his help.

  Brent tucked a blanket around her legs and another around her shoulders. “Let’s head for Hopeful.”

  They arrive in front of the Mercantile about eleven. Brent saw Esther watching from her bedroom window. As they rode up, she disappeared from view.

  Willard gestured to the others. “You might as well come in and talk things through.”

  Several people stood inside the Mercantile but they all came out when the four tied their horses to the rail.

  One man gestured to the others. “We were hanging around to see if you needed help, Willard. Looks like you found Miss Winters all safe and sound. Why don’t I take your horses to the livery stable so you can get inside where it’s warm?”

  Willard’s surprise turned to a grin. “That’s real nice of you, Jed. We’re pretty cold.”

  Serena said, “Thank you, Mr. Higgins.”

  Inside, she stopped. “I don’t know if Aunt Esther will want to see me. I’m not sure I’m ready to see her.”

  Willard patted her shoulder. “Best to get things settled before time passes. The longer you wait, the harder it is.”

  Jess nodded. “Willard’s right, honey. We all need to sit down with Esther and talk this through. We shouldn’t postpone something this important.”

  Brent slid his arm around her. “Let’s get it done so I can tell you about the other surprises.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Since you found me in the snow, I guess I can’t disagree.”

  Serena didn’t know what to say to her aunt. She’d cheated so many years of happiness from her and her father and mother. What possible excuse could her aunt have other than jealousy? How this must hurt her uncle as well.

  They left their coats on the counter and climbed the stairs. She wasn’t certain she could stay here tonight—could even speak to her aunt. Perhaps she could move to wherever Brent and Papa planned to stay while they were in Hopeful.

  In the parlor, Uncle Willard gestured to the sofa. “Find a seat while I get Esther.” He strode toward the master bedroom.

  She and Brent sat on the sofa and Papa settled on her other side. She held each man’s hand, happy to be reunited. Raised voices carried from the bedroom. She’d never heard her uncle raise his voice to her aunt.

  In a few minutes her uncle returned leading her shamefaced aunt. “All right, Esther, tell them why you did what you did. Let’s air this out and get it settled.”

  Aunt Esther wouldn’t look at anyone and instead stared at the floor. “I really did think I was doing what was best at first. Anna was sick and Serena had been nursing her. Jess leaving them to go look for gold seemed irresponsible.”

  Papa leaned forward. “You said ‘at first’ as if you knew better. Why did you tell me they didn’t want to see me?”

  “I knew you’d leave again. I thought it would be bad if you were here and then gone and then here and then gone over and over. Permanence and stability were what they needed. I could provide that. I thought that might help Anna get well.”

  Uncle Willard guided her aunt to her favorite chair. “Esther, you know consumption is fatal. The best thing you could have done is to let her husband visit her when he could. That would have made her and Serena happy.”

  “Maybe. I don’t see why Jess couldn’t have found a job in town so he could look after his family every day. Prospectors are only dreamers who waste their lives looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

  Brent glanced at Serena before he looked at her aunt. “We found the pot of gold. Jess and I own a gold mine that’s producing almost pure ore. The machinery we bought was purchased with the ore I brought here when I first came. We have the means to process our gold on site. What we’ve found already is worth many thousands, maybe millions of dollars.”

  Aunt Esther looked up then. She blinked and shook her head slowly. “How… how can that be?”

  Jess leaned back. “You can believe it’s true, Esther. You’re looking at two very wealthy men.”

  Willard chuckled and slapped his thigh. “Well, I’ll be dogged if that doesn’t beat all. Congratulations to both of you.”

  Brent squeezed Serena’s hand. “Thank you, Willard.” He turned to her father. “You said
all you mean to for tonight?”

  Papa nodded. “I think we should all get some shut-eye. At this hour, I reckon we’ll need to check into the hotel instead of the boardinghouse.”

  Willard held up his hand. “If you two don’t mind sharing, we have a spare room.”

  Jess looked at Brent. Brent inclined his head slightly.

  Jess stood. “That sounds mighty nice. Brent, you can do your sparkin’ in the morning.”

  Serena got to her feet. With Brent and Papa here she was content. Fatigue and gratitude overruled her anger.

  “Come on, I’ll show you to your room. Then I’m going to fall into my bed and sleep for hours and hours,” she laughed, “or at least until seven.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The following morning, tension filled the air. Papa might have said all he meant to last night but Serena hadn’t been satisfied with her aunt’s answers. The years she’d lost with her father left her feeling hollow and cheated.

  She cooked a large breakfast, so happy to have Papa and Brent present. Her aunt had yet to come out of the bedroom but Uncle Willard was in the parlor talking with the other two men. When the meal was ready, she called to the others.

  Her uncle sat in his customary chair. “I told Esther she has to come out and face you all but she’s afraid and embarrassed.”

  Serena set a platter of ham, sausage, and bacon on the table. “I understand her being embarrassed but why afraid? What does she think we would do to her?”

  “Frankly, she’s afraid of losing you. I believe that’s her main motive the last few years. She was afraid you’d go with Jess here instead of staying with us.”

  “Surely Aunt Esther didn’t think I’d desert Mama with her so ill.”

  He held up a hand. “I didn’t say it was logical.”

  Papa met her gaze. “What’s done is done. Let’s forget it and move on. Family is family and we don’t have so many kin we can distance ourselves from anyone.”