Endless Mercy

by Tracie Peterson

  “How many varieties do you think we should do?” John stepped next to Madysen. “Or should I ask, how many do you think we’ll be able to do with the number of ewes and amount of milk that we will get?”

  Daniel thought through the numbers in his mind. “Possibly three varieties to start. Then hopefully move to five.”

  John seemed to weigh this information. “You up for this, Maddy? Sounds like a lot of work—”

  “Miss Powell?”

  They all turned around. A man stood there, just outside the barn door.

  Madysen recognized him first as he removed his hat. “Mr. Merrick! How lovely to see you again. What brings you out to our farm today?”

  “Why, I came to see you, Miss Powell.”

  She giggled and wiped her hands on her apron before she took his arm. “You’re just in time for lunch. Will you join us?”

  Daniel felt gut punched and turned away as if to find something that needed his attention. Unfortunately nothing did, and he was forced to turn back toward the couple.

  Merrick nodded. “That would be awfully nice.”

  Madysen turned to John and Daniel. “Would you please tell my sisters that I will be in for lunch, shortly? And that I’ll be bringing a guest? I’m going to take a moment and show Mr. Merrick my new kitchen.” She looked back to Mr. Merrick. “Unless, of course, you’d rather not.”

  “I’d be delighted.” The man was all smiles and manners. Dressed in a fancy suit and shiny shoes.

  Daniel didn’t like him.

  Not one bit.

  The two exited the milking shed, and Daniel glanced at John. “I guess she doesn’t need me to teach her how to milk the sheep today after all.”

  John shook his head. “We can still get things built though, so we’re ready.” Disapproval flashed across his features.

  “I take it you don’t like Mr. Merrick any more than I do?”

  John’s frown deepened. “I have to say, after seeing the show and spending a little time with the man, I think he’s nothing but trouble.”

  “And Mr. Merrick is vying for Madysen’s attention?”

  “I hoped it was just a passing fancy, but he does appear to be doing so. And of course, Maddy thinks he’s charming and loves to hear all his stories about traveling the world and all the famous people he knows. But I suspect it’s all a façade.”

  “Don’t you think Madysen would be too smart to fall for someone like that?” Daniel swallowed down his doubt.

  “While she is very intelligent, just like her sisters, Madysen sees the best in people. It doesn’t help that she’s got it in her head that she’s always wanted to travel and perform in all the big cities. Thinks she can make some sort of memorial to her mother that way.”

  “I thought she loved all of this? Especially the sheep.” His stomach fell like a rock into his shoes.

  “She does. But after her mother died, she came up with this idea. She believes that God brought that man here. My wife thinks her feelings have more to do with the turmoil of all that’s happened. It’s been a lot for each of them to process.”

  “I see.” Daniel took a couple of the boards from John. Maybe he shouldn’t stay in Nome.

  Looked like God had it in for him again.

  FIFTEEN

  Chuck wriggled himself to the edge of the bed. The exercises were making him stronger every day, but he still couldn’t make his right arm and leg do his bidding. He prayed he’d be able to do that soon. Being confined to that wheelchair was making him go crazy. And his speech. How long before he’d be able to talk again? Thankfully, he could write well, but how he longed to voice his thoughts and answers again.

  And to sit around the dinner table with his family, feed himself, and talk about the goings-on of the farm. Was he destined to spend the rest of his life watching from the outskirts? That wasn’t acceptable. The doc said that the only way to improve was to put all the effort he could into his exercises.

  So here he was again. Working on the repetitive movements for the fifth time today. And it wasn’t even lunchtime.

  But if determination could win the battle for him, he’d get there. Soon.

  “Knock, knock.” Whitney stood at the door with her hands on the jamb. “I didn’t want to startle you, but I thought we could chat a few minutes before I took you to the table.”

  He waved her in with his left hand. “I’d . . . luf . . . dat.” Wasn’t perfect. But it was better than last week.

  “You probably have it figured out by now that I’m thinking through a lot of different things.”

  He nodded.

  “And I really just need someone to listen. With Dad’s kids coming up here, everything seems off. It’s hard enough that he’s back. And on top of that, I don’t know why, but I’ve been thinking about what it means to settle down. I mean, Havyn and John are perfect for one another, and I am so happy for them. Then Madysen declares she wants to go off and leave the family—I don’t think I’m ready for that. And here I am, the oldest, and have I pushed everyone so far away that there won’t ever be someone for me? Am I that hard and icy?” Tears made her eyes glisten.

  “I don’t want to be cold. I don’t want to push people away. But that’s what I find myself doing over and over again. Except for you and my sisters. Why am I like this? It’s not who I want to be.”

  He waved at her and pointed to his box of paper and pencils. She got it off the side table and helped him into the chair. With a deep breath, he started to write.

  You have always been the strongest of my girls. My beautiful granddaughters. Steadfast. Stubborn, yes. But we’re all stubborn. Do you remember when you were little and one of the mines collapsed?

  She nodded.

  It felt like an earthquake. We were standing in the middle of the street, and you fisted your little hands at your sides and just stood there. Your mama said that you refused to be shaken. You were like that on the playground . . . and thankfully, in life. Don’t let the changes shake you. You are Whitney Powell. You are a beautiful, talented, and powerful lady. Don’t forget that.

  As she read, a tear slipped down her cheek. She reached over and gripped his hand. “Thanks, Granddad. I guess I just didn’t realize what losing Mama would do to me. I miss her. I figured she’d always be here.”

  It was his turn to cry. A parent should never see one of his children die. It wasn’t right. He was supposed to go first. And yet, he was still here.

  “I guess it’s just a new season of life. Lots of adjustments. Lots of change. And as the oldest I feel responsible for everyone.” She folded her hands and gave him a smirk. “I must admit that I wasn’t happy with you for hiring John. I know you know that, but I was wrong. He’s the perfect foreman, the perfect choice for Havyn, and the best at running this farm. So you deserve an apology. I’m sorry. And yes, I just admitted that I was wrong. But you’re not allowed to tell anybody.”

  He lifted his mouth in what he knew was only a half smile since the apoplexy. But it was better than nothing. “It . . . be . . . our secret.”

  “Well, why don’t we get you ready to join us all for lunch?” She stood up. “Thanks for listening.”

  He gave her another nod. But her words troubled him. It was the third time someone had mentioned Maddy leaving. He couldn’t allow his youngest granddaughter to go gallivanting all over the world with who knew who. It was preposterous.

  All the more reason to get stronger quickly. And he needed to make sure John and Havyn were on his side.

  Someone had to talk some sense into Maddy.

  After a rather tense lunch, Madysen had suggested she and Mr. Merrick take a short walk. Why did her family dislike him so? They acted as if they expected him to steal her away at any given moment. Even Granddad watched him with a guarded look in his eyes.

  Mr. Merrick, however, had been the perfect gentleman. He didn’t seem to notice anything was wrong.

  Stopping by his mount, he fished something out of the satchel hanging from the saddl
e horn. “These are for you. And please, I’d like you to call me Buddy.” He held out two packages. One was a box wrapped with a beautiful ribbon, and the other was wrapped in paper and tied with twine. “Go ahead and open them.”

  Madysen looked at him, her heart pounding. “All right.”

  She took the ribbon-wrapped box first and untied the satiny bow. “Oh! They’re chocolates!” Each piece was a beautiful creation all on its own. The scent drifted up to her nose. “They smell so good.”

  “They’re from the finest chocolatier in all of Seattle. They’ll be divine, I promise.” He passed her the other package. “Now, open this one.”

  She tucked the box of chocolates under her arm and wondered what it could all mean. Normally chocolates meant something special. Like courtship or engagement . . . but that couldn’t be, could it? She undid the twine on the other package. The size and weight made her think of a book. As she carefully opened the paper, she saw the title, More Songs of Love, and she wanted to gasp.

  “It’s poems.” He stepped a bit closer.

  “How . . . lovely.” She put it to her chest. It must mean what she thought. . . . “Thank you, Mr. Merrick.”

  “Please. Call me Buddy.”

  “Buddy.” Her voice sounded raspy. Breathless. She needed to pull herself together.

  “I must admit, Miss Powell—might I call you Madysen?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I must admit, Madysen, that you are all I can think about.”

  Drawn in by his mesmerizing eyes and smile, she hung on every word. Not only was he handsome and dashing, but he also loved music. He knew literature and poetry. And he’d seen the world. She’d made a list several years ago of everything she hoped for in her future husband. So far, he fit perfectly.

  “In all my travels, I’ve never met anyone like you.”

  “Thank you for the compliment, but I believe you are trying to flatter me.” She tried not to blush, but it happened anyway. She and Buddy had spent a little time together here and there, but could he actually be fascinated with her? Out of all the faraway places he’d visited and all the famous people he’d met, was it farfetched to think he could pick her? Plain and simple Madysen Powell?

  “You sell yourself short, sweet Madysen. I know you must think me ridiculous, being drawn to one as young as you.”

  She started walking again and crossed her arms over the packages as she hugged them to her chest. “I don’t think you’re ridiculous at all.” Even if she had thought it, she would never have said as much.

  “Truly? That makes me glad. So many other women might take my intentions the wrong way, but I knew you would understand.” He sounded so eager to please her. Was this what love was like? She should ask Havyn.

  “You have so much to offer, and when I think of you being a part of my life . . . every day and night . . . it excites me in a way I cannot explain. I’ve never had reason to believe I would ever find someone to fill my heart and soul.”

  “I . . . uh . . . I feel the same way.” Should she have said that?

  “The future holds so many possibilities.” He touched her cheek. “I just know that there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together. When we—the troupe—leave Alaska, Madysen, I want you to come with us. With me.”

  For a moment Madysen thought he might kiss her. She’d never been kissed before, and the thought intrigued her. Should she let him? Mama would tell her to wait for her engagement, but wasn’t he, in fact, proposing with such bold declarations and asking her to go with him? It was all a bit too much.

  She started to ask for clarification, but he pulled her into his arms and gave her the briefest of hugs. “I can see I’ve overwhelmed you. Just know my heart is true.” He released her and climbed into the saddle. “I have much to prepare for my performers.” He smiled down at her. “I lingered entirely too long as it is, but I couldn’t resist.”

  “I . . .” Words escaped her. No man had ever talked to her like that before.

  He leaned down and placed a finger over her lips. “Shhh. We’ll talk again soon.”

  And with that, he rode away.

  Clutching the gifts to her chest, she watched him. Thoughts competed for an audience, but she tried to push them aside and just linger in the moment. A man had expressed his interest in her. Possibly he had proposed. She frowned.

  Or had he?

  “Well, that was interesting.”

  She jumped. Daniel! “What are you talking about?”

  “I didn’t realize you were betrothed.”

  “What makes you think that? Mr. Merrick and I have only known each other a short time. In fact, I met him shortly after I met you.”

  Daniel crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, you certainly haven’t embraced me yet.”

  He saw that? What must he think? “I didn’t embrace him. He embraced me.”

  “I see. So should I just jump in?” He stepped toward her with open arms.

  Powerful heat rushed to her face. “Daniel Beaufort! How dare you spy on me like that and tease. I don’t need to explain anything to you.” Did she? Oh, but she had just admitted to accepting an intimate gesture from a man she barely knew. But Buddy loved her . . . wasn’t that what he said? Or meant? And, they might be engaged. Or not. And the gifts. She should mention those. “He brought me these lovely gifts.” She tilted her arms to show them to him.

  “Ah, chocolates and love poems. Is that what it takes to earn the affections of the lovely Miss Powell?”

  One look at his roguish smile and the glint in his eye made her fury burn. “You’re teasing me. And I don’t find this amusing at all.” She spun on her heel and stormed toward the house. “I won’t speak of it with you.”

  “Hold on. We agreed that we wouldn’t give each other lists of things we couldn’t talk about.”

  She turned back around and narrowed her gaze at him.

  He raised a brow and crossed his arms against his chest as if to dare her to tell him he was wrong.

  “Oh . . . oh . . . you’re infuriating. I had a lovely moment, and you had to ruin it.”

  “If it was truly that lovely of a moment, nothing I say or do could dampen it.”

  He turned to head to the kitchen, leaving Madysen to watch after him. She stomped to her room as fast as she could, wanting to be alone. This must be love, right? Otherwise, why would she be embarrassed, joyous, and excited all at once?

  “Maddy?”

  Placing the gifts on her bed, she steeled herself. When she turned, she found both her sisters at the door.

  “What’s going on?” Havyn came over and took her hand. “You don’t stomp unless you’re quite furious.”

  Madysen wanted to yank her hand away. Her sisters would just talk to her like she was a child. Again. Little Maddy . . . always forgetting to do her chores. Little Maddy . . . needing mothering. She was sick of it. Maybe it was time to tell them how she felt.

  “I’m tired of being treated like a child.”

  Whit and Havyn both looked at her with wide eyes and then exchanged a glance.

  When neither one said a word, Madysen continued. “Buddy has given me some very personal and beautiful gifts to show me his intentions.”

  “What?” Whitney stepped close and lifted her chin. “His intentions? We just met the man! Maddy, neither one of us thinks of you as a child anymore—you are certainly of marrying age—but this . . . man, he’s entirely too old for you. And I think it’s a bad idea to let him think that you want his attention. Gracious, he’s not even going to be here very long.”

  “I think you need to mind your own business.” Madysen straightened her shoulders. “I’ve never had anyone interested in me like this, and it makes me happy. Granddad and Mama kept us—me especially—too protected, and I’ve never even had the chance to get to know any suitors. I don’t need anyone telling me what to do.”

  “Maddy . . .”

  Oh no, she didn’t. Havyn’s soothing voice—the one she used on Angry Bird
when she was trying to calm the chicken down—wouldn’t work on her.

  “We’re not trying to tell you what to do.”

  “Yes, we are.” Whit’s lips pinched together. “That man isn’t good enough for her.”

  “No”––Havyn sent a long look to their older sister––“we’re not. But we are your sisters, and we love you. We don’t want to get in the way of your happiness, but the last couple of months have been crazy. We all have a lot of hard things to work through. Good heavens, I feel like the world is completely topsy-turvy.” She let out a long breath. “I’m sure this is creating upheaval in you too. Especially with the interest of a remarkable man like Mr. Merrick.”

  Madysen held up a hand. “Just stop right there. I don’t want to hurt either of you. But for the first time, I feel cherished and adored. And Buddy believes I have many opportunities. Opportunities that I thought were silly dreams a few weeks ago. But now I intend to live my life the way I want to. I will honor God and hopefully see my dreams come true all at the same time.”

  “Live your life the way you want to?” Whitney’s voice was eerily hushed now. “Does that mean you intend to leave Alaska with this . . . Buddy?”

  Madysen looked between her sisters. The thought hurt. But at the same time, it was exciting. “Maybe. He has asked me to go with him when he leaves Alaska.”

  Ignoring the gasps of her sisters, she turned around and let her fingers slide over the gifts from Buddy. Expensive and intimate. Surely it meant his heart was true for her.

  It had given her the courage to speak her mind to her sisters, but . . . was she brave enough to actually follow through?

  SIXTEEN

  Buddy surveyed the crowd. The show had been going strong for weeks, and it was a huge success. Reynolds had been smart to bring him in. Not that Buddy wanted to admit that to the man.

  “Mr. Merrick.”

  Speak of the devil. Judas had come to stand next to him.

  “What did I tell you? The people love it.”

  “I assured you we could bring in the crowds, Reynolds. That’s what a good show does. And I’m an expert at putting such shows together.” He couldn’t let the man or his performers take all the credit.