Hope In Cripple Creek

by Sara R. Turnquist

  Wyatt tensed at the confrontation he saw coming.

  Tom raised his hands in front of him. “Sorry, son. It’s just that your Ma and I are awful worried about you.”

  Wyatt was surprised how Tom’s gentle voice had diffused much of the tension.

  “I gotta make my own way, Pa.” David remained on edge, but his voice was not raised.

  “I know you do, son.” Tom laid a hand on his shoulder.

  Wyatt almost couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. Is this what it was supposed to look like? A father and son? A solid lump formed in his throat as more memories of his own confrontations with his father flashed in his mind’s eye.

  A moment later, he realized they were standing in silence. So, he swallowed past the large lump and broke the stillness.

  “How’s the ranch?” He turned toward Tom.

  “Good as ever. Cows are healthy and will bring a pretty price at auction time.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Wyatt looked out at the horizon, stuck for something else to say.

  “How about you, Doc? How’s the clinic?” Tom crossed his arms in front of his chest.

  Wyatt was grateful for the interest. “Busy. This town needs another doctor. It’s just grown so fast, I don’t think they’ve been able to bring in enough of the right professions to fit a town this size. I think we’re due our own judge, too, if you ask me.”

  “Have you brought it up to the town council?” David kicked at the dirt.

  “Yes, but getting a judge requires more than a city’s desire of it. And getting another doctor . . . well, that’s a whole different matter. We have to search for one willing to come out to our town to practice.”

  “I’m sure it will all work out,” Tom assured him.

  Wyatt nodded. He wished he had the confidence and faith Mr. Matthews did.

  The front door opened behind them and all three men turned in unison. It was Lauren.

  “What are you three out here chattering on about?”

  “Nothing of any importance,” Tom said, smiling at his wife and exchanging a knowing look with both David and Wyatt.

  “Well, then y’all won’t mind joining us at the table for some food. ‘Cause dinner is served.” She made her way back into the house without waiting for the men to follow.

  But they didn’t need her to supervise, they moved into the house as requested. As they stepped into the dining room, taking seats next to their wives, Wyatt took a moment to soak it in. This was his family now. For better or for worse. And the past was in the past.

  * * *

  Katherine smoothed her hands over her long maroon skirt. It was one of her favorites, but she didn’t often have cause to wear it. But today was a special day, Founder’s Day. And the town hosted a big to-do every year with crafts, games, and excellent food. Even so, Katherine wished the waist wasn’t cinched quite so tightly.

  Turning this way and that, she admired the creaminess of the shirt fabric in the mirror, how it played against her skin tone and highlighted her chestnut hair, which she had left long for the day, pulling only the sides up. What a ridiculous color to wear on such a busy day! It was sure to be ruined. But she didn’t care. Lifting her chin, she decided to be well pleased with the visage before her.

  She checked the pins in her hair one last time, stepped out of the bedroom, and moved toward the sounds of Wyatt and the children. Before they were visible, she heard Wyatt telling Jack the history of Cripple Creek in the simplest terms possible. Susie gurgled and squealed along.

  Now in the family room, she leaned against the wall, unobserved, to listen as Wyatt finished his tale. Jack did not seem so enthralled, but Wyatt sat near him on the floor as he played and told him nonetheless. Susie, having mastered sitting on her own, chewed on her hand not far away.

  Katherine couldn’t tear her eyes away from Wyatt. She followed the rise and fall of his voice and marveled, once again, at how gentle his interaction with the children could be. It caused her breath to catch. Why, she did not know. Was it because it reminded her of her own father? Or because of the stories she had heard about Wyatt’s father?

  Everyone knew the man by reputation. He was the town drunk. And, word had it, that bit by bit he destroyed his family in his drunken stupors. That was all she heard her parents say. As a child, she never understood what that meant. But as an adult, she could only imagine. The thought of what Wyatt must have endured . . . Katherine’s heart twisted within her.

  Susie noticed Katherine and squealed, causing Wyatt to turn toward her. His eyes widened as they set upon her. He rose to his feet, his movements slow.

  “Katie, I . . . ” He swallowed hard. “What I mean to say is . . . you are beautiful today.”

  She blinked at him. That had been an unexpected compliment. And she felt the corners of her mouth turn upward. “Thank you.” Her face warmed at his words and at the intensity of his gaze upon her.

  “I don’t think I . . . rather, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you with your hair down.” He still seemed to be searching for words. “In the daytime, that is.” Was it just her imagination, or was he blushing too?

  “Thank you for getting the children ready.” Katherine tore her eyes from his and looked to where Jack and Susie still sat not far from the fireplace.

  “Of course.” He did not take his eyes off her.

  Her eyes met his briefly, then shifted to examine the floor. “Should we, um, get going then?”

  “Yes.” He jumped into action, seeming to remember they had plans today. “Of course.” Wyatt gathered Jack into his arms.

  The toddler protested being pulled away from his toys.

  “It’s okay, Jack-boy,” Wyatt soothed. “We’re going to go find more fun games. I promise. And we’ll get to see Grandma and Grandpa!”

  Jack’s frustrated whimpers calmed, and he stopped fighting against Wyatt. Once again, Katherine marveled at how easy it was for Wyatt to redirect those tantrums. Would she ever win those battles as easily as he?

  She picked up Susie and took the squirming bundle toward the door, followed by Wyatt and Jack. Maybe a little too closely. Katherine felt the heat emanating from Wyatt’s body as he reached around her to open the door. It made her a bit light-headed.

  Even so, she let him lead her to the cart and, in a matter of minutes, they were hitched to the horses and loaded up. The children secured in the back, Katherine sat next to Wyatt. She was close enough to reach back to Jack and Susie if need be and close enough to Wyatt to be uncomfortable. A few pleasantries were spoken between them on the ride to the churchyard, but she was too caught up in how alive her body seemed to be so near to his. And why that should be.

  As they pulled into the yard where the other carts were parked, Katherine attempted to shift her attention from her thoughts of Wyatt to the celebrating townsfolk. Founder’s Day had always been one of her favorite holidays growing up. Maybe because of the games and food and crafts. Maybe it was the celebration and sense of community togetherness that was never more keenly felt than today. The town had endured so much these last several months. But today there was no strike, there was no plague, there were no trials of life. There were just the festivities, the fun, and each other.

  Katherine searched out her parents. She spotted them by the pie-judging table. Her mother had baked a pie to submit again this year. Lauren had held the first place ribbon the last five years in a row and there was no reason to think she wouldn’t take it this year. Tom stood amongst the crowd gathered to watch the judging while her mother was at the table in front of her famous cherry pie.

  So distracted, Katherine didn’t realize Wyatt stood on her side of the cart, arms raised, waiting to help her down, until he cleared his throat. Turning her body toward him, she held out her arms to set on his shoulders. Then she dropped into his arms easily. Their bodies were so close, almost pressed against each other. He didn’t release her right away, but held onto her waist. His eyes were on her lips. Was he going to kiss her a
gain?

  Her lips parted to speak, but no words came out.

  He grunted and pulled away, moving toward the back of the cart.

  She felt cold in that instant, as if all the heat in her body had been drained when he walked away. Her hands crossed her body and rubbed her upper arms. As she watched, Wyatt beckoned Jack to come so he could help him down. Then she moved over to stand next to Jack as Wyatt jumped into the cart to collect Susie.

  Without a word, Katherine led them over to where her father stood by the pie table. They arrived in time to hear Mayor Jacobs announce that her mother’s pie took the first prize ribbon yet again. Everyone clapped as behind her, the table was cleared of the prize winning pies and replaced with the pies for the pie-eating contest. The mayor announced the next game and one by one, men stepped forward to participate. Pa was among them. At length, all the spaces were filled but one.

  “Do we have any other brave souls among us?” Mayor Jacobs asked from his spot behind a pie.

  Several people around them began prodding Wyatt to step forward.

  “C’mon, Doc, go on up there.”

  “I’ve seen you inhale food before, Doc. Give it a try.”

  At first Wyatt waved them off, uninterested. He glanced over at Katherine.

  “Show them what you’re made of,” she said, winking at him.

  He flashed her a smile that made her heart trip in her chest. Then he threw his hands up in surrender and stepped forward to claim the empty place.

  Ma stood in front of the row of men and spoke. “Now the rules, gentlemen, are as follows: you must finish the whole pie and you must keep both hands on the table or behind your back.” She demonstrated by putting her hands at the small of her back.

  The men nodded in unison. Wyatt’s eyes sought out Katherine’s once more. They seemed to dance with amusement. She wanted to turn away, but found herself unable to.

  “Ready, steady, go!” Ma shouted, waving her arm.

  Katherine laughed as she watched Wyatt shove his face into the pie.

  “Wyatt is quite the character,” a voice near her right shoulder spoke.

  She turned to see that Timothy had come up behind her. Her smile fell and she suddenly felt awkward.

  He stepped closer, coming up beside her. Then he reached toward Susie with a finger that she grabbed and tried to move toward her mouth.

  “How has it been with Jack and Susie?” he asked, turning his eyes from Susie to Katherine.

  “It’s been a learning experience.” Katherine saw no reason to lie.

  “I can imagine. You look as if you’re handling it just fine.”

  “Most days,” she smiled. And things felt easier between her and Timothy.

  “You were quite brave,” he said, his voice kind. “Taking them on, I mean. Blessed are those who take in orphans and show them love.”

  “Thank you.” She gazed down at Jack by her side and Susie in her arms. They were so much a part of her. Already, they had begun to accept and trust her, and she had grown to love them.

  She and Timothy stood in silence for a span of moments. Things that needed to be said hung between them.

  “I’m sorry if I hurt you, Timothy,” Katherine said, her voice quiet. “That was never something I wanted to do.”

  He looked down. “I know.”

  She put a hand on his arm to comfort him.

  His eyes met hers. “You know, Katie,” he said, his voice not much more than a whisper. “My answer to your proposal that day might have been different had I known the stakes.”

  Katherine looked away as she pulled her hand back from his arm. She felt a strange emotion overcome her. Regret? Regret that he had refused her proposal? Or regret that he had said such a thing? It wasn’t entirely appropriate.

  She decided to try to lighten the mood. “Our story would have had a completely different ending. You might have been stuck with me.”

  “Yes, I would have,” he responded. But though he smiled, his voice was serious. It did not put Katherine at ease.

  She turned her attention back to the contest. Pa had been declared the winner, but as her eyes caught Wyatt’s, she had a difficult time discerning what she saw there. His jaw set and his eyes stony, he was a mask of discontent. How long had he been watching her talk with Timothy? Whatever brewed in his thoughts, it wasn’t pleasant.

  * * *

  David found a place in the picket line. His cohorts were in rare form, much more verbose and rowdy than usual. Their leader and fellow miners had indeed been tried and found not guilty. It validated for many of them that their actions, even the actions they had taken against the deputies that day, were justified. This concerned him.

  There were also rumors. Stories about break-ins that were being blamed on the miners. Stores and warehouses ransacked for guns and ammunition. Did David believe it to be his cohorts? He would not doubt that some of these men would go to such extremes.

  Sure enough, as the scabs made their way to the mines, the voices of the miners became a roar, taunting them, threatening them. How bold they had become. Once the strikebreakers were close enough, David spotted a stone being hurled from the mob of miners. It couldn’t be! The stone did not find a suitable target, landing harmlessly on the ground near a couple of the men in the line. David sent up a prayer of thanksgiving. But it wasn’t long before more miners took up rocks to throw at the scabs.

  David wanted to yell for them to stop. But he feared they would turn on him, consider him no better than a scab, and exact some manner of violence on him. In that moment, David knew he had been wrong. What have I allowed myself to become involved with?

  So caught up in his own thoughts, he never saw who threw the first punch, but the next thing he knew a fight had broken out between the miners and scabs. But he wasn’t the only miner who hesitated. Those of the miners who were still grounded somewhat went to pull their friends and coworkers off the strikebreakers. It was a nightmare.

  * * *

  Katherine lay Susie down in her crib, humming the last strains of her favorite lullaby. Then she backed out of the room so that the tiny girl could rest in the quiet. She had some picking up to do. After the outing today, the family room was a mess. How could one toddler create such mayhem in one room? Susie wasn’t old enough to participate with the toys yet. And she certainly hoped Wyatt wasn’t tossing toys around.

  She was about halfway through the family room, restoring order, when Wyatt emerged from Jack’s room. Without a word, he came alongside Katherine and assisted in the cleanup.

  Once that room had been picked up, Katherine moved over to the kitchen sink. The dishes were few, but they needed tending to. Wyatt followed.

  “I can manage a few dishes on my own.”

  “I’m sure you can. Does it bother you for me to help?”

  Did he have to be so difficult? “Not at all.”

  They stood side by side. She washed, he rinsed and dried. As the stack dwindled and Katherine reached for the next dish, she was startled by the feeling of cold water on her stomach.

  Looking down, she saw that she had been sprinkled by her partner. Jerking her head to look at him, she pinned him with an accusing glare. Then she reached over to grab the dish. And was sprayed once again.

  “I am not in the mood for such silly games.” What was he thinking? It was too late for such childishness.

  She reached for the dish once again and felt even more cold water upon her front. This time she dipped her hand in the soapy water and splashed him, not caring about spilling water upon the floors. Her efforts were met with success. He had been surprised and well drenched by her swipe. There, that should be the end of it.

  He put his large hand in the soapy water and sprayed her. She closed her eyes against the water splashing into her face. Not good. Not good at all.

  Eyes glued to his, she splashed him again, using both of her hands to cup the water and went back to scoop more. He grabbed for her hands to halt her. She fought against his grip, now
laughing.

  Her arms were a bit slippery as they were wet and soapy. She felt them sliding in his hands. In a moment, she would be free.

  Wresting her wrists between them, he jerked her to himself. He, too, was grinning and suppressing laughter at their game.

  The moment their bodies were pressed against each other, it was no longer a game. Their eyes locked and things became all too serious. His mouth was but a breath away from hers. And it pressed down upon her lips.

  When he drew back, he did not apologize, he did not say he regretted the action. He laid his forehead on hers.

  “I saw you with Timothy today.” Did she hear him right? He kissed her and then spoke of Timothy?

  She pulled back from him, but his hands held her body fast against his.

  “Has he kissed you?”

  Her brows furrowed. She attempted to pull away again. “If you’re asking if I’ve been an unfaithful wife, the answer is ‘no.’”

  “I mean before.”

  “What business is that of yours?”

  He made a growling sound. “I didn’t like what I saw.”

  “Maybe I don’t like that I’m married to the man who left my best friend to die.”

  His eyes became steel again. The hurt was naked, but they became hard.

  How could she have said that? She meant it, but she hadn’t meant to say it.

  He released her then. So abruptly she almost tripped over her feet as she backed away from him.

  “You’re still stuck on that, are you?”

  She caught herself on the counter. “How can I not be? It haunts me. It wounds me.”

  “And yet you refuse to remember the whole of it.”

  What was he talking about? The entirety of the event was seared into her memory. Not one detail was forgotten.

  “You say I left Ellie Mae behind. You’re wrong. Or you just choose not to remember that I went back in.”

  Katherine’s composure dropped. Her face fell. The tight cords of her memory loosened, and a piece long darkened came to light.

  “Yes, that’s right. I took Ellie Mae’s father back into that mine to bring her out. No one else could do it. So I volunteered.”