by Nan O'Berry
To her surprise, a soft chuckle rose from Bethany’s lips. “My dear, Caledonia, any woman who gathered her courage to travel all the way from Virginia on nothing more than a promise to marry sight unseen, is brave enough to conquer the world.”
Callie looked away. “What if I fail,” she questioned.
“Every woman I know fears failure,” Bethany explained. Leaning back, a sigh escape her lips. “When I first came here, there were only a few shacks in town that really didn’t appear in habitable. The mines had failed. The town of Rattlesnake Ridge barely existed. We had to go to Reno or Carson City for supplies. And here I was expecting a child and barely able to help my husband. No doctor. The thought of giving birth without assistance gave me more than one or two sleepless nights.”
“What did you do?”
“I thought my husband had lost his mind at first. But he was so determined. He filed a claim on the land here and slowly began to cut the trees and build our home while working for Winthrop.”
“But you did make it,” Callie asserted.
“Yes, we did,” Bethany shook her head. “Not without our share of tears and heartache. With good friends we brought Max into this world. We focused and worked together. Just as the ranch was coming into its own, my husband Duncan was killed in a roundup. I thought my world had ended.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Callie whispered. “I shouldn’t have brought this up.”
Bethany reached over and grasped Callie’s hand. “It’s fine. If your mother were here, she’d tell you all good things come with a bit of pain. I’m so proud of all of my children. Their loss made them grow closer together. They understand what family means.” She cocked her head. “If I were your mother, I’d tell you as you begin your life as a wife, ask yourself what are your beliefs? Where are your feet grounded?”
Callie grew somber listening to the questions.
“When Melinda’s time comes to leave the house and begin her life, I’d tell her this; God made Eve from Adam’s rib, not from his behind. A woman’s place is not walking behind her man, but beside him. She is his helpmate. A man who is worthy of her, will adore her and hold her in the highest esteem. You work together. Your struggles will become his struggles and in turn, his struggles will become yours. Never stop talking or dreaming. Never go to bed before telling each other that you love them. The key is the word, together.”
Tears sprang into Callie’s eyes as Bethany’s words touched her. “Thank you, Bethany. I will cherish those words and do my best to live up to them.”
With a gentle squeeze, Bethany nodded. “Then you will do well.”
* * *
Max rounded the trail by the lake and the sound of axes biting deep into wood reached his ears. A familiar smell of pine and wood smoke drifted just about the tree tops reminding him he was almost there. The rumble in the emptiness of his stomach reminded him that he’d left before grabbing a bite to eat.
“Hurry, Jake, I could use a good cup of coffee and one of Sawdust’s biscuits about now.”
The horse flicked his ears and pulled at the reins as his feet picked up the pace. The tree line slid away and out of the wilderness a broad meadow spread across the mountain side. Logs in various stages of evolution transformed the landscape on the southern side of the hill. Up on the north face, tents that house lumberjacks while they were on the mountain littered the clearing.
The sound of the wagon drew attention from a group that was working on removing the limbs from a good sized pine. A logger put down his end of the two-man saw and called out, “Max!”
Max lifted a hand as he moved passed.
“Cameron is sure going to be glad to see you.”
Max laughed. “Cook got a good lunch today? I’d hate to have to go home for a bite to eat.”
The logger laughed. “Got some fresh stew and plenty of hot coffee.”
“Sounds good.” Max nodded.
A wave of his hand and the young man hurried back to his work.
Down at the far end of the encampment, a lone yellow clapboard cabin stood beside a longer pole cabin made from rough hewn logs. A pipe belched smoke into the sky and beside the door a pole with a metal triangle stood ready to call the men in for their hot meal of the day. Pulling past the kitchen, Max stopped his wagon at the yellow cabin as a tall figure in a white button shirt stepped out.
Cameron Cash rolled the ends of his cuffs back down to and buttoned them at his wrists. “Max, I’m glad to see you.”
“Whoa there, Jake. Howdy, Cameron,” he began as the wagon drew to a stop. He wrapped the reins around the brake and hopped down.
“Thought you’d be here sooner.” Cameron stepped around the horse’s head and extended his hand.
Max took it and they shook. “Would have been here sooner but ran into a bit of trouble.”
Immediately, the head of Winthrop Timber’s face became etched with concern. “Family okay?”
Max nodded. “Yes, they’re all fine. Didn’t get back until late. Ran into Lou, Dill and Teddy in Carson City….”
Cameron held up his hand. “You needn’t explain any more. Those three could talk the horns off a Billy goat and still not make sense.”
“You don’t know how right you are,” Max echoed beneath his breath.
“Did you get those blocks?”
“Yes, they came in.” Max reached into the pocket of his trousers and brought out a folded manifest which he handed to his boss. “There are six crates, four sets in each.” He pointed over to the back of the wagon. “Three heavy duty ropes and several new blades. You will have to send someone back for the engine to replace the one in the sawmill.” He pointed at the invoice. “Says, it will be in two weeks from tomorrow.”
“Good. Good,” he mumbled.
Max stood back and allowed Cameron to cross in front of him, then he fell in line behind as they walked over to the rear of the wagon.
“Here take this.”
Max reached for the papers Cameron handed him. He watched as his boss tossed back the tarp to get a visual accounting. He noticed the change in his boss’s composure. The careful concentration slipped from his features, to be replaced by intense astonishment.
Max asked, “Is something wrong?”
Cameron gave him a speculative gaze that made Max’s heart pound. “What?”
Without answering, Cameron leaned over and reached between two crates. His hand closed around something and Max craned his head to see if he could discern the problem.
“What’s this?”
Max swallowed as Cameron turned his hand over and slowly exposed the object one finger at a time.
His eyes bulged at the tiny purple satin ribbon rosette nestled in the palm of his boss’s hand.
Cameron’s brows adjusted high on his forehead as his expression questioned Max.“That must have been some trouble.”
Max gaze felt his jaw go slack. No words came as he tried to explain, “I – I,” he began. Yet, no words followed. He looked back to Cameron whose eyes seemed filled with mirth.
“I think, I’d like to hear about this bit of trouble. You unload the wagon and I will meet you over at Cookie’s.”
Shoulders slumped, Max walked to Jake’s head. From behind him, he could hear Cameron deep chuckle as he moved away.
“Lou, Dill, and Teddy owe me big time.”
* * *
Cameron sat back and stared at Max. “You are joking…right?”
Max stared his friend and boss, then began the slow shake of his head.
Cameron leaned closer to the table. His hands wrapped around each side of the mug. “You have to tell her.”
Max took a deep breath.“I know. I came up here hoping to find the answer. I have five days before I head back down to the ranch. Five days to come up with some plausible reason.”
“It sounds like you’re grasping at straws.”
Max snorted and ran his hand through his hair. “Because, I am.” He gave a shake of his head. “Lou said it was best
for me to take her to the ranch because Mother and Melinda would be there.”
“But?”
“The suggestion seemed like a good one.” Max scratched his head. “I mean it seemed a good thing at the time. I had to tell Mother and then, Augustus. They’re doing what they can to help.”
“So what are you worried about?”
Max glanced over the table. “What if someone comes from town?”
“You expecting anyone?”
Max shook his head. “But some of them church women might come out to get Mother’s help for the church. I’d hate for Miss Brown to find out.”
Cameron grew thoughtful. “Or worse, Mrs. Handley.”
Both men exchanged glances.
“You don’t think I could get arrested for helping them do you? Winthrop doesn’t take any mess and neither does the sheriff.”
Cameron took a breath. “I-I don’t think so. I suppose your mother will keep her busy.” Max nodded. “She promised me she would. I feel the longer she stays the more likely we are to run out of excuses for taking her into town. I just gotta keep her hidden until Lou and the boys get their money straight.”
“Yes,” Cameron mused.
The sounds of boots sliding to a stop made them both look up.
“Sorry, Boss, can we borrow Max?” Chip asked as he pulled the red cap from his head. “We got the ropes untangled at the log flume.”
“Sure.”Max pushed his cup to the center of the table as he rose.
“Let me know what you come up with,” Cameron said. “I’m curious to hear of the outcome.”
“You and me both,” Max grumbled as he left the building with Chip at his side.
They headed across the camp to where the huge wooden structure stood.
“So what’s going on? You got trouble?” Chip asked, bouncing along beside Max.
Max pressed his lips together. “You said you had problems over at the flume.”
“Oh, we do. We do. Ropes got twisted and the log jerked. Me and the boys have the ropes untangled, but we need an extra pair of hands to thread the rope in the block.”
“What about the log?”
“Got it resting on the flume. You really got lady problems?”
“Let it ride, Chip. Let’s concentrate on the problems at hand.”
“But—”
“Chip.”
The warning tone in Max’s voice silenced the young logger.
Pushing through the brush, Max could see several of the loggers were gathered around the block and tackle held aloft by three poles. The log sat one end on the flume, the other on the ground, its tip buried a few inches in the rich, dark earth. “You didn’t tell me part of it was skewered in the dirt.”
Chip shrugged and stuck his hands in his pants pocket.
“Going to take half a day to get this cleaned up,” Max muttered beneath his breath. “No one hurt?”
“No, just the rope tangled and snapped,” another logger spoke.
“So I see.” Max marched toward the group and they parted like the waves before the bow of a ship.
“It wasn’t our fault, Max. The darn rope got twisted when we was hauling it up.”
Max looked to his left. “And you didn’t stop to untangle it?”
The logger stared at his feet. “We were trying to hurry. I guess you can say we weren’t really paying attention.”
“Yeah, I see.” Grasping the dangling rope, Max gazed up at the wooden block and the ropes hanging slack. “Go to the supply house and bring me some of that new cable I brought back.” He looked around at the crowd. “Sam, you give me a hand and we’ll get this wrapping off. Ox, you and three more stay and help hold the log once we get this rethreaded. The rest of you log jockeys get back to work. Trees don’t fell themselves.”
Grumbling, the men dispersed.
“All right.” Max pulled his gloves from his back pocket. “Let’s get this fixed. I got some things to do at home.”
Chapter 8
Augustus wiped his shirtsleeve across his brow as he entered the living room of the Barringer cabin. “I think Max knew it was going to turn hot,” he grumbled as he tossed his hat onto the table by the door.
“Hang your hat up. I’ve put some fresh towels and water on the porch. You wash up before you come to my table,” Bethany ordered.
Grumbling, Augustus turned on his heel and hurried outside.
Callie entered carrying the platter of fried chicken, her cheeks ruddy red from the heat that seemed to be building all day long.
Bethany pushed her sleeves up her arms. “Put the platter in the center. I must admit, Augustus might be right. It has to be cooler up on the mountain rather than here in the valley.”
The sounds of boots at the door turned both their heads.
“I’m going up to get a fresh shirt,” Augustus announced.
“Send Melinda down will you? I sent her upstairs to clean up as well.”
With a nod, her youngest son went three steps up before yelling, “MEL, MOM NEEDS THE TABLE SET.”
Bethany cringed and then muttered, “You’d think they were all raised in a barn.”
Her annoyance made Callie giggle.
Her infectious laugh brought a smile to Bethany’s face. “Honest, I did raise them proper.”
“I bet you did.”
Melinda’s hurried steps pounded down steps.
Callie was delighted to see her wearing a soft sage colored skirt and off-white blouse.
Her face had been scrubbed and her ponytail redone. “Sorry.” She reached for the plate, Callie held out for her.
Between the two, the table was set and ready by the time Augustus rejoined them.
“Come, let’s take a seat and eat. Then we can go outside for a bit. It has to be cooler than inside.”
Augustus offered to hold the chair for each of the ladies before taking his seat.
“Caledonia, will you say grace this evening?” Bethany inquired.
“Of course.”
Hands joined around the table and heads bowed, Callie spoke, “Dear Lord, we thank You for a wonderful day. I’ve had the pleasure of learning so much about Your great wilderness. Look down upon this wonderful family and shed Your grace upon them as they go about their chores. In Your name, we pray.”
“Amen.”
The sound of a familiar male voice caused Callie’s eyes opened wide. The grasp of hands at the table fell away. Pushing back her chair, Callie drew her gaze to the door and watched as Max, hat in hand, strode through the opening. There was no ignoring the focus of his gaze.
“You came home,” she whispered.
His smile grew as he stepped inside. “I guess I couldn’t miss my Mother’s cooking.”
“I-I see.” Her voice was breathless.
“Max,” Bethany spoke. Her voiced sounded a bit bemused. “We didn’t expect you back this evening.”
“We finished up early, Cameron said, he’d call me if he needed any more help.” His gaze shifted momentarily away from Callie. “Do you have enough for one more?”
“Of course we do.” His mother chuckled. “Melinda will set you a place right beside Caledonia?”
Max focused once again on her and she smiled softly before lowering her gaze. He was staring at her with those deep intense eyes. Eyes that made her heart pound against her ribs. Lord, it was getting quite warm in the house. She wished for a fan to brush the breeze across her skin to take away the heat.
“Momma,” Melinda started to wail, but her mother’s quick glance silenced the young girl.
“Well, if it’s okay, I’ll run upstairs and clean up,” Max said.
“By all means.”
Callie was surprised to find her heart racing. His boots echoed against the wood as he made his way toward the stairs. Cautiously, she shifted her gaze and watched him bound up the stairway to the second floor.
A chair across the table squeaked as it was drawn back.
“How nice that Max could make it home,” Melinda
murmured as she rose. “Usually, he stays up at the logging camp for a day or two.”
“Yes, how nice,” Callie murmured.
“Melinda, go get the plate, dear, Max will be down very soon.”
“Yes, Momma.”
Hearing the Max’s sister move away, Callie lifted her gaze. She found three pair of eyes studying her. Flustered, she fumbled with her napkin and drew it into her lap.
“Go on, Melinda,” Bethany whispered.
* * *
Callie found that with Max sitting next to her, her appetite fled. She listened to the conversation and teasing around her. The laughter relaxed her, yet the nearness of the man next to her seems almost, overwhelming.
“Caledonia, do you prefer something else?” Bethany inquired. “You’ve barely eaten at all.”
She glanced over at the concern on Bethany’s face. “No, the chicken is wonderful. I’m just enjoying the company.”
“Ah. Well, I think I’m going to begin cleaning up. Augustus, Melinda, lets clear the table and get the dishes done.” Rising, Bethany Barringer picked up the dishcloth and fashioned it around the handle of the coffee pot.
“Lucky you,” Augustus hissed over the table as he gathered his plate and utensils.
Max kept his eyes focused on his plate but Callie caught the impish smile that flashed the dimples that surrounded his lips. “You seem rather smug.”
Max lifted his head and gave her a wide-eyed innocent glance. “What? Me?” His lips twitched. “Innocent as a newborn lamb.”
Callie shook her head.
“Don’t believe me?”
“No.” She lifted her hand in her defense. “I didn’t say that.”
Max rested his forearms on the edge of the table. His grin widened. “You’re a smart girl then.”
Callie put down her fork. “I declare it is just too warm to eat.”
“Yes.” Max pulled the napkin from his lap and placed it over his plate. “Shall we take a walk?”
