by Karen Baney
Chapter 3
North Texas
August 28, 1863
The day started like any other on the ranch, early and full of work. After feeding and watering the horses, Will began rubbing down Jackson, his tawny brown stallion and best friend. There was something calming about the routine action.
Routine. That was just what William Colter longed for this day of all days. But today would be anything but routine, because today he would bury his father. Will’s breath caught as the thought passed through his mind. Moisture gathered in the corners of his eyes. He blinked several times rapidly, willing the tears to stay at bay. “Ranchers don’t cry son,” he recalled his father saying when his mother passed a few years ago. “At least not in front of the cowboys. You must be in control and run the ranch with strength.”
Sage advice from the man he admired so.
Clearing his throat, Will hastily saddled Jackson. His six foot frame easily mounted the majestic animal. This morning he dressed in typical rancher garb; sturdy levis, his trusty leather cowboy boots, and a blue button down cotton shirt stretching across his broad chest. His light tan Stetson covered his dark hair. Most days, he wore a handkerchief over his nose to keep from choking on the dust kicked up from the cattle, but he forgot it this morning, his attention scattered.
As he neared the far pasture, he spotted the ever faithful Benjamin Shepherd. Ben was a kindly cowboy, sitting astride his black mare, Sheila. Why Ben named his horse Sheila was still a topic of debate among the hands. Some think that Ben was once sweet on a Mississippi gal named Sheila. Others suspected the mare was named after his dear ol’ ma.
Regardless of the reason behind the horse’s name, it seemed contradictory to the rough appearance of the man. Almost twenty-five years ago Edward Colter, Will’s father, hired Ben as the foreman of the Star C Ranch. The two men formed a trusted friendship over the years. When the Colter brothers, Reuben and then Will, were old enough to ride and rope, Ben taught them the skills. When Will was younger, he used to think Ben a giant at almost six feet tall. His broad shoulders nearly spanned the door frame of the bunkhouse. His legs were as thick as a tree—at least to a child they appeared so.
“Didn’t expect to see you out here this morning, boss,” rumbled Ben’s deep voice, pulling Will’s attention back to the present. “Shouldn’t you be gittin’ ready to head in to town to bury your pa?”
Will always felt like he should respond to Ben with a “yes sir” or “no sir” like he did with his father. Countless times the elder Colter reminded him that was not necessary as the rancher’s son, and definitely not at his twenty-nine years of age. Still, Will respected Ben greatly, and found the old habit hard to break. Uncertain how to reply, Will merely grunted.
“The boys and me got things under control out here, so you can tend to the family,” Ben reassured, as he turned his horse back towards the long-horned steers grazing contentedly in the warm sun.
Being dismissed, Will turned Jackson back toward the ranch. What had he been thinking to ride out there? He should have known Ben would frown upon his presence rounding up the cattle today. Giving Jackson a kick with his boots, he urged the animal into a trot. Maybe he came out here because he needed the time to think. He did his best thinking in the wide open spaces sitting in his country style saddle. And his mind was going far faster than Jackson was covering ground this morning.
Watching his father die was not something Will cared to remember. But the memory pressed forward, obscuring the flat pasture land in front of him. Two days ago, Edward Colter was the perfect picture of health for a man in his late fifties. Trim and well muscled. Used to long hours in the saddle and the difficult labor of working the ranch. Though since mother passed, father spent more time at the ranch house and less time in the pastures.
Tears stung Will’s eyes as the unwanted images from his father’s last morning alive danced across his vision. Father insisted on accompanying Will out to see the herd. As the summer started to fade, the time drew near to send the cattle to market. His father told him he wanted to see with his own eyes the fine work his youngest son had done growing the herd.
At first, everything appeared normal with the herd as they grazed on the sweet Texas grass. Then the fearful sound started—a low rumbling giving way to a crescendo of thundering hooves. The cattle frantically stampeded towards them. Will kicked Jackson forcefully, moving him northward out of the way. His father chose the opposite, more fateful direction, not clearing the onslaught of crazed animals in time. When Will turned, expecting to see his father right behind him, his stomach sank to the ground. He only caught a brief glimpse of his father before the herd swallowed him and his horse.
Swiping at the tears now freely falling down his dust coated face, Will prayed that God would let the horrific memory fade. No one should watch his father die in such a painful manner.
By the time the herd cleared and Will made it to his father’s side, Edward squeezed a few words of praise for his son past his battered lips.
“You have made me prouder than any man has a right to be,” his weak voice etched the sentiment into Will’s soul before taking his last breath.
It was awful—slinging his father’s bloodied and beaten body over Jackson’s back, taking him to his home for the last time. Will snorted at the injustice of such an experienced rancher dying in an unexpected stampede. None of it made any sense. Edward Colter should have lived his life to old age, bouncing his grandchildren on his knee. But none of that would come to pass.
Will wished he could dwell on what should have been. Instead, his own future had become a jumbled mess in the wake of this loss. What would he do now that his father was gone? Would Reuben let him stay at the ranch? Doubtful. Did he want to stay, being reminded of his father’s last hours each time he rode out for the day?
What he wanted might not make a difference. Depending on the terms of his father’s will, the best possible situation Will could find himself in would be half owner of the Star C Ranch, though that was unlikely. Reuben, five years his senior, as the first-born son, would likely inherit the ranch. Given the option of staying under Reuben’s arrogant leadership, or striking out on his own, Will preferred the latter.
Other than appearance, the two Colter brothers shared little in common. Where Will learned everything he could about ranching, Reuben wanted little to do with the labor of working the ranch. He would rather sit in the ranch house plotting and scheming how he could get richer quicker—by any means necessary. Will lived with a deep faith like his parents. Reuben scoffed at religion, unless he could find a way to manipulate it for his own benefit. Will developed a keen business mind as well as the ability to work the stock. He was an expert with his rifle and his rope. While Reuben learned these skills as a young man, he wanted nothing to do with the dirt and dust of the outdoors.
As Will neared the house, he slowed Jackson’s pace to a lope. He looked up to see Julia retreating indoors. At sixteen years of age, the youngest of the Colter clan was just over thirteen years younger than Will. While there had been other children between Will and Julia, they died as toddlers or were stillborn. His mother had not expected to have any more children, but was thrilled at Julia’s birth.
Growing a bit too quickly into a woman, Julia favored their father more than the brothers did. She shared his bright blue eyes and sandy brown hair. The curls were a trait from their mother. Like their father, she was shorter than Will and Reuben, coming only to Will’s chest. Her petite waist and curvy features were starting to be noticed by the young cowboys, sparking Will’s protective instincts. She shared Edward Colter’s zest for life—everything was an adventure. She idolized Will and he spoiled her, teaching her to shoot, ride, and rope as good as any of the hands. In recent years, their father insisted she spend less time following Will around and more time in domestic pursuits. She resisted at first, but eventually settled into her new role.
He dismounted and tied Jackson to the hitching post. Absently kicki
ng the dust from his boots, Will walked through the front doorway, making his way to his room to change into his Sunday best. By the time he joined the family, Julia was already situated in the wagon. She held Reuben’s toddlers in her lap. Reuben helped his wife, Mary, up to the front seat of the wagon. Scowling at Will, he climbed up next to his wife without a word. Reuben slapped the reins and the wagon lurched into motion, groaning in protest.
Will mounted Jackson and followed along wordlessly. He learned a long time ago that the fewer words passing between him and Reuben, the more peaceful the day would be. Glancing over at Julia as he rode alongside, they locked gazes. Her eyes were swollen and red-rimmed from crying. She attempted a smile, but it was strained. He could only wonder at what changes would be in store for both of them, now that the family patriarch was gone.
Wagons and horses lined the streets near the small white church on the edge of town. Many ranchers and townsfolk already crowded into the graveyard next to the church. Edward Colter was well respected, so Will expected the large number of mourners. Will found a spot to tie his mount, then hurried to help his sister from the parked wagon. The family took their place at the front of the grave site where the pastor waited. Will stood next to Julia across from Reuben, Mary, and the two squirming children.
The service was short, but respectful. The pastor read from Psalms 23, while Will recited it quietly to himself. The Lord really was his comfort and he knew his father was dwelling in the house of the Lord even this minute—no matter how he longed to have his father still at his side. Julia reached over for his hand, but he put his arm around her instead as she tried to wipe the tears from her face. One of the ladies from church sang “Amazing Grace.” When she finished, Will took Julia by the hand and led her back to the wagon through the crowd.
Back at the ranch house, the women from the community prepared a meal for the family. Although Will longed for peace and quiet, he appreciated the gesture. Many of the area ranchers and townsfolk came for the meal as well. Each person offered their condolences and shared stories of his father. It was good to hear how much his father meant to these people.
Reuben seemed relatively unaffected by the events of the day. As Will watched from a corner, his older brother worked the room to his own advantage. Of course, Reuben would never do anything to lessen the perfect perception others held of him. He slyly used the mourners’ sympathies to garner support for his latest scheme—whatever it may be.
Will, disgusted by his brother’s display, moved to the background where he could observe without engaging. Looking around the room, he watched Julia in deep conversation with her best friend, Caroline. He hoped the time Julia spent with Caroline would lift her spirits. She had been inconsolable since he brought their father’s lifeless form home.
Another wave of sadness washed over him. Seeing that no one would miss him, Will ducked out the front door. He needed some time alone. Taking Jackson by the reins, he led him into the stable, removed the gear and began brushing him down.
Will would miss his father—he already did. His wise counsel kept Will from many a foolish decision over the years. He hoped to run his own ranch as well as his father. He led by example, full of integrity. His men respected him. His children—at least Will and Julia—loved and adored him. The townsfolk and neighboring ranchers thought highly of him. Will prayed he would be much like his father.
As he breathed in the scent of hay intermingled with horseflesh, his thoughts turned to his sister again. This was going to be toughest on Julia. She needed a father's love, especially with mother being gone. Who will protect her? Who will find her an honorable husband in a few years? Would Will be able to take her with him, wherever he went, to protect her?
Not having any of the answers to his many questions, Will dejectedly returned to the ranch house and to the waiting throng of mourners. One thing was certain, the coming days would bring change.
Monday morning dawned early. Three days passed since they buried their father, and today was the day they would hear Edward James Colter’s will. Although none of the children knew the specifics of their father’s last wishes, Will was certain each of them would be well cared for. As he donned his usual jeans and work shirt, he glanced out the window. Reuben already waited out front with the wagon and his horse. He must be eager to leave.
Julia sat sullenly next to Reuben, looking down at her folded hands in her lap. Will quickly mounted the saddled horse tied to the post and led the way to town at a gentle pace. The short distance to town passed quickly. Reuben pulled the wagon to a stop in front of the attorney’s office. After helping Julia down, he led the way into the building, leaving Will trailing behind.
Reuben took the seat directly across from Mr. Gainsly, Attorney At Law. Julia sat to his right. Will leaned against the wall furthest from Reuben, crossing his arms over his chest. He rested his right leg over his left, settling the toe of his right boot on the floor.
“Shall we begin,” stated Mr. Gainsly. In his gravelly monotonous voice he read the will. “To my first born son, Reuben James Colter, I give full ownership of the Star C Ranch land and house. The herd and stock are to be equally distributed between Reuben and my second son, William Edward Colter—”
“What!” Reuben shouted, pounding his fist down on Mr. Gainsly’s desk, causing Julia to jump at the abrupt motion. “Why should Will get half of everything?”
Will stood upright, uncrossing his arms. Facing Reuben, he said in a low voice through gritted teeth, “I have as much right to half of the ranch as you do. If anyone should be complaining about the terms, I should—since I am to get none of the land or the house.”
Reuben stood, puffing out his chest. The act made him look ridiculous in his fancy brown suit and bowler hat. Anger creased his face and his tone became harsh, “I am the first born son—”
Will moved closer, “A fact of which you remind me of constantly. Still, that has nothing to do with father’s last wishes.”
Reuben took a step closer towards Will, the two separated only by Julia still seated in the chair. Mr. Gainsly looked horrified by the confrontation between the two brothers and Julia began sobbing.
She reached up and touched Will on the arm. In a soft voice she said, “Please, stop.”
Will looked from Mr. Gainsly’s discomfort, to Reuben’s fierce anger, to Julia’s pleading. Returning his fisted hand to his side, he took a step back, closer to the wall. Nodding towards Mr. Gainsly, Will said in a flat tone, “Please, continue.”
Mr. Gainsly looked from Will to Julia to Reuben. “Very well, then. Mr. Colter,” he said referring to Reuben, “please take a seat. I understand that our loved one’s last wishes can be a bit of a shock—sometimes they make choices we may not agree with. I assure you, your father was very clear, wishing to be as fair as possible for all three of you.”
As Reuben returned to his seat, Mr. Gainsly continued reading, “Other than a sum set aside for Julia Catherine Colter, my daughter, the remaining financial holdings are to be equally divided between Reuben and William,” he paused, looking to Reuben. Reuben growled, but remained seated and silent. “If Julia has not yet reached her majority, Reuben will be her guardian and the trustee of her stipend.”
Reuben’s face went from anger to delight in a few short seconds, prompting Will’s distrust. Why did that news please Reuben? He barely seemed to notice her, though they lived under the same roof. Was it controlling her money? Or was there something more?
Finally, Gainsly’s irritating voice halted. The room remained silent for a few short seconds before Reuben made his wishes known.
“Please see to the details of dividing the money,” Reuben commanded with his usual air of superiority. “If there is nothing further, let us be on our way.”
Standing, Reuben, in an uncharacteristic display, waited for Julia to control herself. Looking at Will over her seated form, Reuben gave him a bone-chilling glare. If Will had any doubt about his brother’s feelings towards him, that look clear
ly communicated his loathing. When Julia finally rose, Reuben led her to the wagon without waiting for Will. As Will walked out of the attorney’s office, Reuben already set the wagon in motion towards home.
On the ride back to the Star C with the dust of the wagon in the distance, Will considered his options. With half of the financial holdings and half the herd, he could make a nice start somewhere else. He knew there was no chance Reuben would let him stay. The animosity between the two brothers was too great. Will was the conscious Reuben never wanted. Perhaps there was a nearby rancher looking to sell out. That would allow him to stay in Texas and keep watch over Julia.
His thoughts went back to Julia’s new guardian. Why had father left her to Reuben’s care? Will shook his head, knowing the answer. Father never saw the darkest side of Reuben, so he would naturally leave Julia to his eldest son’s care, especially since he left the land and house to him. While he left Will with financial holdings and a herd, he did not leave him a home; thus, limiting Will’s ability to provide for Julia. Though he understood it, he disapproved.
Instead of stopping at the ranch house, Will continued out to the pasture to work. The more he thought about his situation his aggravation rose. In one short day, Will went from being the rancher’s second son, to owning half of everything—except the land and house. A part of him understood why father did not leave him a home, yet a part of him resented it. Perhaps if he and Reuben acted more like brothers and less like enemies, father would have left them both the Star C. But, his wise father knew a partnership between his two sons would never succeed. This knowledge failed to take away the sting. Will spent his life putting his heart and soul into this ranch and now he would have to leave.
Will rallied from his thoughts, hearing the sound of an approaching rider. Ben must have spotted him, because he rode toward Will while he was still a hundred yards out from where the herd was grazing.
