As he made progress toward his homestead, he heard hoofbeats approaching. Turning, he saw a frantic Mr. Hatcher. Wyatt slowed his horse.
“Dr. Sullivan!” Mr. Hatcher called as he neared.
What could be the matter? Then Wyatt remembered that his wife’s time for delivery was soon. Was it today?
Mr. Hatcher stopped his horse. He looked as if he could come out of his skin. “Nellie’s gone into labor. She’s in an awful lot of pain.”
Wyatt suppressed a smile. First-time parents. “Pain is normal. But I’ll come back with you just in case.”
The man turned his horse and set off again. Wyatt urged Rusty to follow.
* * *
David found himself waiting, yet again, for negotiations that droned on for hours. But these negotiations took place in Denver. For just a week prior, these men, Calderwood, Waite, and the mine bosses attempted to convene in Colorado Springs only to be pushed out by a mob of locals who were out for blood. Apparently, it wasn’t only the miners who were restless and tired of the violence that had disrupted their peaceful lives.
Today, the miners crowded outside the telegraph office, awaiting word from their leader. But David had long since tired of these proceedings. What if the mine bosses did concede and give them everything they asked for? What then? Would he go back to the mine and be happy there?
Not having been in those caverns for so many months now, he could not imagine going back. Would he return to the damp, lonely darkness? It was for his family. But there was another way. His mind had been shut off to it for so long, he recoiled against it.
Only this time, he considered it again. What would be so wrong about working for his father? Would inheriting a family business be so wrong? Why?
Just then the telegraph operator stepped out from his small office. “I have an announcement for the miners of Cripple Creek.”
The miners stood and faced him. David did the same. He would face his fate head on.
“Negotiations over. Eight hour work day. Three dollars per day. John Calderwood.”
There was an elated outcry and celebration such as David had never known. And he joined in. Their hard work had succeeded. They, the small-time miners of Cripple Creek, had outdone the mine bosses. It was unbelievable.
The strike was over.
* * *
He wasn’t coming. Katherine’s shoulders slumped. That was her answer. Wyatt wanted his freedom. And, as much as it pained her, she would give it to him. God would make a way for her and the children. But what would she do with a broken heart?
Katherine sat on the bed and faced the window that looked out over the town. So much had changed for her in this short time in Cripple Creek. But one thing was certain amidst the pain – she had hope. Hope that each day would bring something new, something better. Even if Wyatt was not by her side. And as much as her heart tore at that thought, as long as she breathed and trusted God, she had hope that she would make it through. Somehow.
* * *
Wyatt rode home at the end of an arduous day. For the last couple of Saturdays he had made up excuses to stay away—be it at the clinic, making house calls, or such as this afternoon, being called away unexpectedly by a long birthing. The awkwardness between him and Katherine was just too much. But being away from her proved almost more than he could stand.
Being near her caused his heart to constrict painfully, being away from her caused him to ache. Was there an answer? Of course there was—the truth. But was he ready for the truth? And what exactly was the truth?
He feared trusting her with his heart. His father had all but obliterated his ability to trust anyone. And his desire to commit. What if he turned out to be another version of that man? His heart clenched at the thought of putting his hands on Katherine or on one of the children in anger. Their trusting, innocent eyes wide and frightened in his vision.
Oh, God.
Wyatt had not prayed since he was a boy. Since he decided God didn’t hear him. Didn’t care.
God, protect them.
And he would do whatever it took to protect them. He would die for them. Because he loved them. All of them.
But my father spoke of love. He always apologized and said he loved us.
Wyatt remembered Timothy quoting from the Bible once that love keeps no record of wrongs. And he knew. Something urged him to forgive his father. Slowing his horse to a halt, he stared up at the sky, already starting to shift color. The sun would set within the hour.
“I can’t,” he spoke out into the void of the sky. “Don’t you see? I’m past that.”
A gentle breeze flowed over him and it was as if his chest warmed and expanded. He felt loved. Completely. In that moment, anything seemed possible.
“I don’t know how, God. But I am willing to learn. I choose forgiveness.” Leaning over the pommel of the saddle, he felt tears prick his eyes.
But just as sadness washed over him, it was replaced with something sweeter. Something more pleasant. Hope.
And his heart exploded. Everything became clear to him, his feelings for Katherine, and his desire that their marriage be more than just a piece of paper. He was free now. Free to love and trust and give himself to this woman.
Eagerness filled him and he dug his heels in the horse’s flanks, urging the animal into a gallop toward the homestead. No matter the awkwardness, he would make amends. He would make their family whole.
As Rusty flew through the meadow, Wyatt counted every second until he would arrive. Wyatt didn’t bother to stable the horse when he came upon the house, but tied his reins to a post near the porch. Rushing toward the door, he burst into the cabin to find it devoid of any life.
He felt as if the breath was sucked out of him. Where were they? Had something happened? Moving from room to room, he searched for any sign of where they had gone. At last, coming back to the dining area, he saw a note on the table.
Wyatt,
I am sorry for so many things. But most of all for trapping us in this marriage. We were fooling ourselves to think it would be adequate for either of us. I think we find ourselves at an impasse, you and I. And I want more from this marriage than you may be willing to give. So, if you do care for me, you will find me at the place you first brought me flowers. The first time I thought there might be more to you. If not, I will understand that you need to be free to start your own life.
Sincerely,
Katherine
Free to start his own life? What was she talking about? She and the children were his life. How could she not see that? He had to find her!
When had she written this note? Probably many hours prior. He was much later returning than she could have anticipated due to Mrs. Hatcher’s lengthy labor. Would she still be waiting for him? Where would it be? The first time he brought her flowers . . . He cringed to think he hadn’t done so since they’d been married. The only time he brought her flowers was when she was sick with the typhoid. How would she know that?
Regardless, that had to be it. He turned and raced outside. Thankful he hadn’t stabled the horse, he hopped on Rusty and rushed out toward the clinic.
God, help me find her. Don’t let me be too late.
Wyatt came upon the clinic in due time. His heart thundered in his ears as he made short work of securing the horse to the post out front. Then he rushed inside and up the stairs. The hallway and rooms were quiet. And his heart fell. Stepping into the room she had occupied during the plague, he found it empty. But indeed the bedcovers had been disturbed. Perhaps she had sat there. A single white lily lay next on the end table. She had been here.
He had missed her, but he refused to admit defeat. It was not over. Not if he could find her and bring her home. If she took the kids with her, there were only two places she could have gone. Her parents’ home or her brother’s. The former was the more likely.
The trip to Tom and Lauren’s home seemed to take hours, but he knew it was mere minutes before he stood at their door, knocking.
&n
bsp; Lauren opened the door for him. He entered the house, his eyes scanning for Katherine.
“Pa!” Jack jumped down from his seat at the table and ran toward Wyatt.
“Jack-boy!” Wyatt lifted him in the air before tucking him into his right side. Then his focus turned on Lauren. “Where is she?” He attempted to catch his breath from his hurried ride.
“She’s not here,” came Lauren’s sharp reply. Her arms crossed in front of her chest.
Wyatt’s eyes searched hers. What did she know? He wagered everything. So she was not happy with him. In her eyes, he had stood up Katherine. But she was always one to have faith in their little family unit. “Lauren, it’s not what you think.”
“Oh?” Her reply was short, measured.
“I had a patient. A long labor. I’ll explain later, but believe me, I only now found the note.” He threw himself on her mercy.
Lauren watched Jack in Wyatt’s arms and her gaze softened.
Wyatt hoped she saw that he truly wanted to make things right.
She reached out to touch Jack’s hair and then she met Wyatt’s gaze again. “She’s by the stream out back.”
Wyatt shifted to hand Jack over to his grandmother before moving to the door. He had to find her. And he prayed she would listen.
* * *
David brought his horse to a stop by the familiar barn and tied off the reins on a post. He took in the sight of the homestead that was almost as dear to him as his own. Then he began to search out his father. Shading his eyes with a hand, he scanned the field beyond the house.
A smile played across his face as he watched his father out with his horse, moving amongst the cattle. Tom Matthews truly loved what he did. And he was good at it, too. What a blessing. David dropped his hand and looked down at his shoes. Would he ever be so fortunate?
Life had thrown him quite the curve these last months. The strike, a new knowledge of God and prayer, a new appreciation for his family . . . lessons he would not soon forget.
The sounds of the cows drew nearer, and David raised his eyes again. Tom spotted him and waved. David returned his greeting and waited for his father to move the cattle to the south pasture. Once that was done, Tom rode over to where David stood at the fence line.
“Don’t often get the pleasure of seeing you during the day.” Tom pulled his hat off and rubbed his forehead with a kerchief.
David watched the cows, now spreading out in the field. “Don’t often have the time for it.”
“I heard talk that there are negotiations ongoing.” Tom repositioned his hat and leaned forward over the pommel of his saddle.
“They came to an end.” David examined a niche in the fence post, too nervous to meet his father’s eyes.
“Oh?”
David met his father’s gaze at last. “We got what we wanted. Our full pay at our eight-hour workday.”
“That’s great, son.”
“And I’ve been offered a position as foreman at the mine.”
“Glad to hear it.” Tom smiled, but there was still that sadness in his eyes whenever they talked about the mines.
David put his hands in his pockets and closed his eyes for a moment. Sending up a silent prayer for strength, he braced himself for what he knew he had to say. “But I’m not going back to the mines.”
“What?” Tom’s confusion was evident.
Meeting his father’s eyes once more, he continued, “No, that’s not where I belong. Never has been.” His heart raced in his chest. But he knew there was more to say.
Tom remained silent, waiting.
“See, I thought it was about me making my own way in the world apart from you. That was before . . . well, before life forced me to see a bigger picture. I now understand that it’s more than that. It’s about enjoying what you do. It’s about family. It’s about legacy.”
Tom continued to watch David with a soft gaze.
That didn’t make things any easier. David wished he would say something, anything.
“So, I was wondering, Pa, if you have any need for another ranch hand?”
Tom looked out toward the horizon and slowly shook his head. “No, ‘fraid I don’t.”
David’s heart sank. He had waited too long. Shoulders falling, he looked at the ground.
“But I do have a need for a partner. If you’re willing.”
Turning his eyes back toward his father’s face, David could hardly imagine the love he found there. All he managed was a nod.
Tom slid down off his horse and opened the gate to step through and embrace his son.
David, completely overwhelmed, did not know how to thank God for such a blessing, so he simply let his heart return praise.
* * *
Katherine gazed at the late spring sky as the sun began to set. She loved this spot by the stream. It had always been one of her special places to come and think. After relieving her feet of all coverings, she dug them into the soft grass as she sat among the flowers. The water flowing by as it made its journey across the earth’s surface tempted her. Should she dip her feet in? Would it wash away her hurt?
She could not make herself move. So she closed her eyes and let the breeze that rustled the grasses take her worries with it as it blew over her. Only, her ache remained. Would time be her only cure?
“I like your hair down.” A voice intruded on her solitude.
Her heart stopped. Could it be? She turned her head. Wyatt stood in the dwindling sunlight. Was it her imagination or was it truly him?
She moved to stand. He was by her side in an instant, offering his hands to assist her. Her hands slid easily into his and he lifted her with little effort. They stood, hands connected, but separated by unspoken words.
Katherine could hold back no longer. “You didn’t come.”
He swallowed. “I know. I’m sorry. There was an emergency. But if I’d known, nothing could have kept me from you.”
She looked down at his chest.
He hooked her chin with his finger and tilted her face toward his. “I’m sorry, Katie. For all the pain. For the walls between us. For everything. But right now and for always, I choose us.”
She nodded, her lip trembling. Leaning forward, she buried her face in his chest. “Can you ever forgive me? For my anger and my selfish pride?”
“It is long forgiven.” He stroked her back, pressing a kiss to her hair. Wyatt pulled back only far enough to look into her eyes. “How can you not know by now, Katie? You have captivated me . . . ” His voice broke with emotion. “And I love you with all that I am.”
Katherine made a whimpering sound, letting her eyes slide closed as fresh tears spilled down her face. Her hands slid up to his arms, and a smile pulled at her lips as a small laugh escaped.
“Good. Because I am lost.” Her eyes opened to meet his. “I’m so in love with you.”
His lips came down to meet hers. Gentle and sweet at first, but soon pressing and possessive. And she welcomed his affections. There, in that field, everything changed between them. The walls they had built came down. They were no longer Wyatt and Katherine; they became one heart.
Epilogue
Katherine’s mother placed one more flower in her veil headdress.
Surely the thing would topple. “I don’t think it will hold any more, Ma,” Katherine said, smiling.
“I just want it to be perfect.”
Of course she did. Didn’t every mother?
Katherine ran her hands along the white fabric of her skirt. She longed for a mirror to check her reflection, but her mother insisted she needed to wait until everything was completed. Ma and Mary worked to prepare her for the ceremony that would start within minutes.
“Please, Ma. I think I’m quite ready. May I have the mirror now?”
Ma exchanged a look with Mary. They stepped back to look Katherine over. Then Ma reached over to the shelf, grabbed the silver-backed mirror, and handed it to her daughter.
Katherine sucked in a breath and drew the mirror
toward her face. She was surprised at what she saw. The flowers created a lovely, colorful halo on her head, and her veil spilling down her back made the reality of this day come full force upon her.
She would be marrying Wyatt . . . again. But this time would be different. Had it been only two weeks since they had professed their love for each other? And they agreed not to come together until they had pledged themselves to each other. Only this time, it would be a pledge from their hearts.
“It’s time, Katie,” her mother took the mirror from her grasp and clutched her elbow, leading her toward the door.
They stepped out of the clinic and made their way toward the church where everyone awaited them. Including Wyatt. Katherine could not wait to lay eyes on him. After today, the waiting would be over and they would be man and wife in every sense of the words.
It wasn’t long before they arrived at the church and it was her turn to walk down the aisle. And though friends and family surrounded her as she made that short stroll, her eyes were locked onto her groom. For she would never forget the look on his face as his eyes met hers. Love, adoration, and joy were easy to read among his features.
She and Pa stopped just short of Reverend Dawson. In the end, Timothy had not been able to stay in Cripple Creek. Katherine regretted that she played a role in his decision to leave, but it was, in all truth, for the best. For his ministry as much as for her marriage.
When her father gave her away, Wyatt’s hands reached for hers. The familiar sensations flitted in her stomach at his touch. They moved through the ceremony they had been through before, but the words meant more to her this day.
And as she and Wyatt had their first real kiss as husband and wife, she knew that God had knit them together, heart to heart.
About the Author
Sara R. Turnquist is originally from Middle Tennessee where she currently resides with her family. Graduating with a B.S. in Biology, she first pursued a career in the field of Zoo Education. However, her great love of the written word drew her to write. She is an avid reader and enjoys reading and writing clean Historical Romance. Her travels have also served to inspire her writing. Sara is the author of The Lady Bornekova and The General’s Wife (both from Clean Reads).
Hope In Cripple Creek Page 27
