What Comes My Way

by Tracie Peterson

  Lizzy stretched to grab the saddle or Longfellow’s mane, but her hand met only empty air. She saw the sleek body of the horse move past her as she went down head first, and then everything went black.

  “Lizzy. Lizzy, please wake up.”

  She heard the voice as if it were coming from far away. The voice was familiar, yet she couldn’t clear the fog in her head. Nor could she seem to open her eyes. What was going on? What was wrong with her?

  “Please come back to us, Lizzy,” the voice said. “I can’t bear the idea of losing you, and I could never hope to explain it to your husband and mother.”

  This time the familiarity was strong enough that Lizzy realized the voice belonged to Uncle Oliver. She couldn’t understand his desperation, but she concentrated as hard as she could and forced her eyes to open. At first things refused to focus, but she blinked a few times, and the room started to right itself.

  Oliver came into view. “Oh, thank God!” He hugged Lizzy tight. “I was so afraid.”

  “What . . . happened?”

  The last thing she remembered, she’d been performing. Now, as she looked around, it appeared she was in a hospital bed.

  “You took a bad fall. The strap broke, and you lost your hold,” Uncle Oliver explained. “You fell on your head. The doctor said you have a concussion.” He patted her hand. “You scared at least twenty years off me.”

  She closed her eyes again. “I fell?” She tried to remember. I was performing, but no . . . I quit. She shook her head and opened her eyes. “It’s all scrambled in my memory.”

  “Never fear, my dear. It will all come back in time. I’ve had a concussion on several occasions,” Uncle Oliver assured her. “It tends to give you a headache and cause some confusion for a while, but it passes.”

  “I’m so sorry, Uncle Oliver.” Lizzy struggled to sit up, but Oliver pushed her back down.

  “Doctor’s orders. You’re to stay flat in bed for the next twenty-four hours.”

  “But why?”

  He smiled. “Well, for a couple of very good reasons. One is your health. You need time to heal.”

  “And the other?”

  “The health and well-being of your unborn baby.”

  Lizzy’s eyes widened at her uncle’s amused expression. “Baby? I’m going to have a baby?”

  “Yes.”

  She thought of Wes’s protests and fears regarding her performing. She put her hand to her abdomen. “Is the baby . . . all right?” There was a catch in her throat.

  Oliver nodded. “The doctor says the baby is just fine. No sign of any problems. You mustn’t fret.” His smile broadened. “I’m surprised you didn’t know.”

  “I had no idea. I mean, Wes and I hoped to have children right away, but no, I didn’t know.” She remembered something her mother had said about her months carrying Lizzy. “It certainly explains a great deal of my moodiness. I felt like crying one minute and yelling the next. I thought I was losing my mind. Not only that, but I was getting so thick-waisted. I had to have Mara let out the band on my skirt.”

  “Well, if your mother had been with us, she could have explained. She probably would have known right away what was going on.”

  Lizzy relaxed and shook her head in wonder. “A baby. I can scarcely believe it. Oh, I wish Wes were here with us.”

  “I do too, but you know the next best thing is that you and I make our way home. As soon as the doctor clears you to travel, I intend to see to it. I’ve already told Henry.”

  She frowned. “You didn’t tell him about the baby, did you? I mean, Wes really should hear it before everyone else.”

  “No, I didn’t mention it. I felt exactly the same. This is news that the papa deserves to hear before the world. I just told him that the doctor felt you should go home and rest, and he agreed. He felt horrible about you getting hurt. In fact, that huge bouquet of flowers by the window is from him. You should have seen the argument that ensued between the delivery boy and nurse. The nurse thought the bouquet was a menace and didn’t want to let him leave it.”

  Lizzy glanced past her uncle at a massive bouquet of pale pink roses. The roses were mingled with an arrangement of sweet peas, baby’s breath, and other delicate blossoms. “It’s beautiful.”

  “You know Henry. Money is no object. Anyway, there are some others who’ve been quite worried about you. Mary and Ella have refused to leave the hospital until they know you’ve regained consciousness, and Henry is beside himself, because the troupe is scheduled to leave tomorrow for England.”

  “By all means, assure everyone that I’m fine. But say nothing of the baby.” Lizzy smiled. “I still can hardly believe it.” She looked at her exhausted uncle. “I hope you know that we’ll need you now more than ever.”

  His bushy eyebrows came together as he frowned. “Why would you need me?”

  “Because someone has to take on the role of grandfather. You’ll be the closest thing we have, and I know you’ll do a better job of it than anyone else. The boys at the ranch will try to fill in and do what they can, but you’re family. You’re the one who can tell this baby stories about the old days, about the move to Montana, and all about my father.”

  Oliver took her hand. “I’ll do whatever I can, Lizzy girl. I haven’t been a very good uncle the last couple of years.”

  “We’ve had a lot to endure. Losing my father was nearly the undoing of us both.” She hated even remembering how hard it had been to accept her father’s death. “But God has gotten us through. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re family, and as such we are stronger together.”

  “I agree, and I want to apologize for ever losing sight of that. I’m afraid Amanda completely distracted me from what was important.”

  “The only thing that matters is that you saw the truth in time. You’re going to be all right, Uncle Oliver. We’re all going to be just fine. We have to be. This baby is going to need us.”

  He chuckled. “If this baby is anything like you, we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

  “I’m so glad you’re all right, Lizzy.” Ella gave her friend a complete visual examination from head to toe. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to the trip home? I’m positive Mr. Adler would put you up in a hotel for a few more days.”

  “I’m fine.” Lizzy was packing the last of her clothes in her trunk. “Uncle Oliver will make certain that I don’t overdo it.”

  “He’s been very protective,” Mary agreed. She and Ella had come to help Lizzy prepare to leave.

  “He finally has a purpose that is worth his effort. I know he’s happy to return home, the same as me.” Lizzy folded a long wool skirt.

  “But I thought he loved the show. You once told me he hated ranch life because he thrilled to the audience’s applause,” Mary recalled.

  “He does.” Lizzy looked thoughtful. “But I think he’s starting to grow weary of it as well. He knows family is far and away more important, and no matter what happens in life, he knows the value of being there for one another. I don’t think the show holds near as much appeal for him now that the family is gone or leaving it for good.”

  “That makes sense. He thought it was the show, when in fact it was the family. Your family was at the ranch as well, but maybe the busyness just separated rather than pulled everyone together.”

  Mary’s conclusion made sense to Ella, but she was still worried about Lizzy. “I hope you feel better soon. I hate that you were hurt. I thought we’d lost you when you fell and didn’t move.”

  “You know as well as I do that accidents happen, and usually they aren’t that severe.”

  “Severe enough that my father died,” Mary reminded them.

  “I know.” Lizzy gave her a sympathetic nod. “I didn’t mean to suggest it doesn’t happen, but it is rare. Usually we just end up with bruises or stiff muscles. That’s by far the worst accident I’ve ever had, and it was my own fault. I should have checked the straps.” She smiled, hugging the folded skirt to her chest
. “Let’s change the subject. You two are off for Europe and all the excitement and fun that comes with traveling abroad. Are you looking forward to the journey?”

  “I felt so green last time. I pray that won’t happen again.” Ella glanced around the room to see if Lizzy had forgotten anything. “I’m going to miss you terribly. It won’t be the same without you.”

  “No, it won’t,” Mary agreed. “I know it’s better for you to return home, but I wish you were coming with us. We’ve become such a close family that I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

  “You’ll still have each other,” Lizzy pointed out. “You’ll be just fine.”

  “Will you promise to write and tell me how Phillip is doing?” Ella pleaded. “I’ve had no other word, and I’m so worried about him.”

  Lizzy put the skirt in the trunk, then took Ella’s hands. “Of course. I’ll write, and I’ll make Phillip write too. I’m sure he’s just been very busy. Try not to fret.”

  Ella nodded. “I keep praying and praying that he’ll be able to forget about alcohol.”

  “Well, he has you to think on, so maybe that will be enough to replace thoughts of drink,” Lizzy offered. “I think the love you two share will give you each strength to endure the separation.”

  “I just care so much about him. I even told my mother that I was in love with him.”

  “You did?” Mary asked in disbelief. “What did she say? Was she disappointed that you had fallen in love with a lowly cowboy?”

  Ella shook her head. “If she was, she didn’t tell me. I’m sure she originally had plans for me to marry a man of means, although I know for certain that she never wanted me married to Jefferson. I heard her talk to Father about it once, reminding him that Jefferson was closer to his age than mine. But as an obedient Southern wife, she probably only spoke to him the once.”

  “I’m sorry that things are about to change so drastically for your family, Ella. But you should know that you will always have a home with us. Don’t ever worry about being thrown to the wolves,” Lizzy declared. “Mara too.”

  She added this as the slender black woman entered the room, carrying a stack of blouses.

  “These are mended and ready to pack, Miz Lizzy.”

  Lizzy took the blouses. “Thank you, and I hope you heard what I said. You will always have a home in Montana at the ranch. Don’t ever worry. If you need us, you have only to wire us, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.”

  “Thank you, Miz Lizzy. I ’preciate your kindness.”

  “Well, as I’ve said before, this troupe is a family. Some of us are closer than others, but the same is true of all families. Some members just work better together than others. Nevertheless, Brookstone’s Wild West Extravaganza has always been a family, and I hope it always will be.”

  “It won’t be the same without you and your uncle,” Mary replied, “but we will endeavor to carry on with the heart of your family at the center of all we do.” She waited for Lizzy to put the blouses in the trunk, then embraced her friend. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “You’ll be so busy shooting at Chris that you won’t give me a second thought. And just think, maybe this time next year, you and Chris will have added to the family.”

  Mary smiled. “And maybe you and Wes will have as well.”

  Lizzy blushed and nodded. “I hope so.”

  The parting was bittersweet, but Ella managed to say her good-byes without tears. She thought for a long time after the ship had sailed and Lizzy and Oliver had taken the train west about how she was embarking on yet another new journey in her life. Her brother and father had returned Mother to Robert’s farm in Kentucky and then made their way to Washington, D.C. Her father might well be sent to prison. Meanwhile Ella traveled all over Europe, performing on horseback to the cheers and applause of strangers.

  And then there was Phillip. Their separation had given her so much time to think about him and the future. She knew that her girlish attraction and romantic notions weren’t enough to make a solid marriage, but she also knew there was more between them. They both loved God and were seeking His direction. They had a lot to learn about each other, but Ella felt confident that they belonged together.

  The door to her ship cabin opened, and Jessie entered with Angel Adams close behind. They were Ella’s roommates for the trip over.

  “Why are you hiding in here?” Jessie asked. “There’s an amazing party going on upstairs. You really should come. Henry Adler has spared no expense.”

  Ella smiled. “I’m tired and figured I’d do better to just enjoy the quiet of the cabin. But you two go right ahead and have fun.”

  “We had to come back for our shawls,” Angel explained as if Ella had asked. “But I intend to dance and feast all night. I figure there will be plenty of time to rest when I’m old.”

  Ella laughed. Angel was older than Ella but acted years younger. Ella supposed the weight of her family’s problems and Phillip’s drinking had aged her somewhat.

  She was relieved when the girls were gone and she was once again left to the quiet of her cabin. But her solitude was not to be. A knock sounded on the door not five minutes later.

  Ella opened the door to find Mary on the other side. She held out a plate of food like an offering.

  “I thought you might be hungry.”

  “Not really, but come on in.”

  Ella stepped back, and Mary entered the cabin. She crossed the room to put the plate on a small side table.

  “You’re not seasick, are you?”

  “No. Just not hungry.”

  “Are you going to stay in the cabin and mope the entire trip over?” Mary asked in her brazen manner.

  Ella shrugged. “I might. I do have a lot on my mind.”

  Mary’s expression softened. “I know you do, but I’d hate for you to be swallowed up in it. It’s not worth it. I speak from experience. I know that times are hard and that facing the future and what might happen to your family is daunting. I also know my part in all of this.”

  “Your part? You simply wanted justice for the death of your brother. And I’m glad we’re moving closer to that.”

  “I am too,” Mary replied, “but as much as I’ve wrestled with that desire, I know it won’t bring him back.”

  “No.”

  The word hung heavy between them. Ella sighed. She wished that she could go back in time and change the outcome of the night Jefferson killed August Reichert. But to change that would change everything, including her falling in love with Phillip. Would she also change that?

  “I know you’re worried about your part in all of this, Ella, but you shouldn’t be.”

  Ella looked up to meet Mary’s compassionate gaze.

  “It was never your fault,” Mary assured her, “and even the fact that you kept what you knew to yourself wouldn’t have changed anything. I want you to know that I love you like a sister, and I’m grateful for our closeness. I hope in time you can find peace of mind despite what’s happened and what your father and Spiby did.” She paused and gave a slight shrug. “I just wanted you to know that. I want us always to be close. Like Lizzy said, we’re a family.”

  eighteen

  Lizzy strained to see out the filthy train car window, looking for any sign of Wes or her mother. The depot platform was unusually busy. People and porters were crowded together, making her task all the harder.

  “They should be here,” she murmured.

  “Don’t get yourself worked up. Of course they’ll be here.” Oliver stood and reached overhead to get their smaller traveling bags down from the storage rack.

  “I’m just so anxious to see Wes and Mother.” Lizzy smoothed her wrinkled suit coat. She had dressed in a burgundy outfit trimmed in black piping and matching buttons. Wes had once declared it his favorite. The small hat she wore was an older one she’d found at a secondhand store. It suited her better than the large, elaborate hats of the current fashion. “Do I look all right?”

  �
��You’ve asked me that a dozen times. You look beautiful. You’re all radiant and glowing, as an expectant mother should be.”

  “Uncle Oliver, hush.” She looked around, afraid someone might have overheard.

  He chuckled. “Your secret will be out soon enough.”

  “Yes, but I want to be the one to tell it.” She picked up her black purse. “Let’s hurry and see if we can’t be first off.”

  They followed the porter down the steps and onto the platform. Lizzy looked first one way and then the other. She finally spotted Wes, whose height allowed him to stand slightly above the crowd.

  “Wes!” She hurried down the platform, nearly tripping over her own skirt.

  She threw herself into her husband’s arms, delighted by the grin he wore. He wasn’t angry at her for all her bad behavior. Or if he was, he was hiding it well.

  “I’ve missed you so much.” She showered his face with kisses despite the inappropriate display it made.

  Wes held her snug against him, raising her up so that her feet didn’t even touch the ground. “This is quite the welcome,” he murmured.

  “I feel like we’ve been parted for a dozen years.”

  “What about me?” Mother asked.

  Lizzy stopped kissing her husband and turned to where Mother stood next to Uncle Oliver. “I missed you too. It’s just that I treated Wesley rather badly before he left with Phillip. Speaking of which, is he here?”

  “No,” Wes said, lowering her to the ground. “He’s not strong enough to deal with town just yet, especially with us staying overnight.”

  “Overnight?”

  “Yeah. It’s already late afternoon, and we figured it’d be better to wait till morning. Your ma and I got rooms at the hotel for the night.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful.” Lizzy was relieved to know they would be able to rest before the long drive home. “How thoughtful. I know Uncle Oliver will appreciate that. He’s feeling rather stiff after the train.”

  “Indeed.” The older man put a hand to his back. “I’m afraid years of physical labor are catching up with me, not to mention days of travel. I’m tired, but also famished. What say I treat us to the best steak we can find?”