The Callahans: The Complete Series

by Gordon Ryan

  “Thank you for your visit and for your blessing, sir.”

  Magnus Stromberg nodded once more at Katrina and walked slowly down the circular drive, turning west on South Temple and stepping carefully through the drifts of snow. Katrina watched him for a few moments until he disappeared behind the trees lining the street and then she closed the door and ascended the stairs.

  Re-entering the nursery, she found PJ had been dried, dressed, and was kicking his arms and legs, cooing all the while to his young Aunt Sophie. Katrina lifted her son and held him close to her chest.

  “Grow strong, young PJ Callahan,” she whispered in his ear, rocking him gently. “And listen with your heart as well as your mind. The world is difficult, my son, but I will guide you until you are old enough to see for yourself,” she said, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

  “Are you all right, Klinka?” Sophie asked.

  “Yah, Sophie, I feel just wonderful.”

  “Thomas, is that you?” Katrina called out as she heard the downstairs door close. Moving to the top of the second floor landing, she leaned over the railing and smiled as her husband came into view.

  “I understand a man can get a free meal here, if he plays his cards right,” Tom said, looking up the stairwell.

  “I’m certain we can rustle up something,” she said descending the stairs. “I didn’t expect you home for lunch.”

  Tom stood at the foot of the stairs as Katrina reached the ground floor. “Robert and I concluded the negotiations for UTB to purchase twenty-five percent ownership in the Ontario mine today. I decided I had earned the rest of the day off,” he laughed, picking her up and twirling her around.

  “Would you like me to fix you something to eat?” she asked.

  “No. I’d like you to fix us both something to eat, in a basket, if you please. I think we should take the buggy for a ride up the canyon.”

  “Thomas, there’s snow in the canyon.”

  “So! We’ll take the sleigh.”

  “It’s too cold for a picnic and I just got PJ down for a nap.”

  “Well, we’ll take blankets, and Sophie’s still here, isn’t she?” he said, fending off her objections as if they were serves in a tennis match. “Can’t she watch PJ for a few hours while I whisk my wife out into the brutal, cold wilderness?”

  “Well, I suppose ...”

  “Hey, Sophie,” Tom called out. Sophie came to the second floor landing and smiled down at Tom. “Katrina has a desperate need to see the cottonwoods up the canyon,” he laughed. “Would you mind staying through till dinner and watching PJ for us?”

  “Yah, Tom. I’d be happy to,” the young girl said.

  “Thanks,” Tom replied, looking again at Katrina. “That settles it, Katie. Just a few sandwiches, some hot drinks, and we’re off. I’ll hitch up the sleigh.”

  “Thomas, you’re always so impetuous.”

  “And that’s why you love me.”

  “Oh, go get the buggy ready, Mr. Mine Owner. And don’t forget blankets and our heavy coats. I’ll get the food.”

  The argument flared just as they passed the university grounds, before either of them realized what had happened. Katrina’s simple pronouncement, that Magnus Stromberg Sr. had paid her a visit earlier that day, brought a sharp response from Tom.

  “Haven’t we had enough of the Strombergs?” he asked.

  “He was most courteous, Thomas.”

  “And well he should be. His son and grandson led you a merry chase through the jungle, or have you forgotten?” Tom pressed.

  Katrina didn’t respond immediately, and they rode in awkward silence for another few minutes till they reached the plateau Tom had chosen for their impromptu picnic. The blanket spread on the ground and the food basket arranged, Katrina took an extra blanket from the buggy. She sat down next to Tom and snuggled up against him, pulling the blanket across their shoulders. Ignoring the food, they sat in silence for several minutes before Tom wrapped his arm around his wife and pulled her closer.

  “It’s not really Brother Stromberg, is it, Thomas?”

  He remained silent another few seconds, looking out over the valley below.

  “I suppose not,” he said, a resigned tone in his voice, “even though it gets up my nose that he would choose to come by during the day while I was gone.”

  “I understand that,” she replied. “Perhaps he never even gave it thought. He was very kind and apologetic. Did you know he has a big ranch down near Draper?”

  “Hidden Valley is Stromberg’s ranch?” Tom said, surprised. “UTB loaned the Hidden Valley spread fifteen thousand last year for winter feed. The owner was gone, and the ranch manager applied for the loan. Come to think of it, George Cannon co-signed the loan, or I wouldn’t have been able to approve it. Robert knew the owner, he said, and felt it was a good risk.”

  “Was it?” Katrina asked.

  “Ummm,” Tom mumbled, nodding his assent. “Paid in full last month, but I was in Denver when the owner ...” Tom paused and looked at Katrina, “that would be Stromberg, I suppose, came in and paid the loan in full.”

  Katrina nodded. “But it isn’t Stromberg that’s worrying you, is it, Thomas?” she asked again.

  “As I said, I suppose not. Are you happy, Katrina?”

  She thought for a moment, and responded without looking at Tom. “I have a lot of blessings, Thomas. Much to be happy for.”

  “Aye. We’re both blessed with worldly things. But are you happy?”

  “Has Father Scanlan been at you again?” she smiled, pausing for a moment.

  “Is there someone else, Katie?” he asked, reluctant to voice the words.

  “What!”

  Tom turned to look down at his wife seated next to him on the blanket. “Do you care for someone else?”

  “Thomas, how could you ask such a question? You know that I love you.”

  “Aye, but I also know that you are sad that I can’t or ... that I haven’t provided the things that you really seek. And Captain Masterton can,” he added.

  “How did Geoffrey Masterton get into this conversation?” she said, bewildered.

  “Katie, I ...”

  “What, Thomas? You what?”

  “I read your journal.”

  Katrina sat quietly for a moment, her expression one of disbelief. “I would never have thought, Thomas, that you ...”

  “Katie, I’m sorry. I truly am, but I was worried about us, and frightened about our marriage. You wrote that Masterton had all the qualities you admired in a man.”

  “Thomas, my personal journal is just that—personal. I resent you invading my privacy.”

  “Do you love him, Katie?” Tom asked, his voice lowered.

  “Yes,” she replied, “I do love him and all his qualities … just as I love Anders, the same way I love Brother McKay and Robert. But you are my husband, Thomas, and I have never taken our marriage vows—even without the sanctity of the temple—never taken them lightly. I’m hurt and angry that you would ask such a question.”

  Tom just sat silently, his chin practically resting on his chest.

  “Seriously, Thomas, this talk is long overdue, isn’t it?” Katrina said.

  “Aye,” he nodded again. “But I’m torn apart inside, Katie. I love you with all my heart, but my whole family history is … well, it’s just going against everything I’ve ever been taught.”

  “Our spiritual paths, you mean?”

  “Aye. The men you admire, the things you seek for our family, and the path we’re trying to provide for our son.”

  “Yes. We’ve placed quite a burden on ourselves and any children we might have, haven’t we? Have you reached any conclusions?”

  He shook his head. “That’s just it, Katie. I have no answers. My spiritual leader tells me that my son is in danger of losing his eternal soul, while your spiritual leaders tell you to rest easy, that if anything happens to our son, he will be in heaven. Father Scanlan also tells me that eternal marriage is a mist
aken notion, according to the scriptures, and your church teaches that families will be together in the hereafter. How can a God be so different in His teachings?”

  “I know,” she agreed softly.

  “But that’s not all, Katie. We travel different paths sometimes, you and I. Oh, we’re always together, holding hands, sharing our love, but I can tell sometimes that you’re far away, sort of wistful, and the family prayers you always want—well prayer has not been a common factor in my life, other than the book prayers I learned as a child.”

  The afternoon was brilliant and clear, with a light breeze playing through the canyon. Notwithstanding the blanket of snow, the early afternoon temperature had risen to the mid-fifties and the view of the valley from the mountainside was as magnificent as ever. Katrina let Tom’s questions hang in the afternoon air, while they both gazed out toward the Great Salt Lake, mentally wrestling with their differences.

  “Katie, it’s not as if we can go to someone for answers. We know what my priests and your bishops believe. It’s how we come to terms with it that eludes us. For me,” he said, pulling her closer and burying his face in her hair, “the problem is simple. If there is but one God, he wouldn’t give such diverse instructions to the various churches. The solution however,” he laughed out loud, “is another matter. Whose God is right?” he asked, throwing his hands up.

  “The God is right, Thomas. It’s mankind that’s wrong. Our interpretations of God’s teachings. We’ve had centuries of men, some good, but others bad, seeking to use God’s word to their own purposes. But only in your own heart can you come to hear the whisperings of the Spirit.”

  “That’s even more frustrating,” Tom fumed. “Take Anders for instance. Why do some receive such a powerful, spiritual witness, while others,—and believe me, I have prayed for guidance, Katie—why do others receive no direction?”

  She looked up and smiled at him and kissed his cheek, then laid her head back on his shoulder. “I don’t know, Thomas. I truly don’t.” She lifted her head to smile at him again. “And I do know that you’ve prayed to find the answers. I’m very thankful to you for all you’ve tried to do to honor your commitment to me, and to our family. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

  “I love you, Katie m’darlin’. That has made it much easier,” he smiled.

  “Thomas, would you like Father Scanlan to baptize PJ?”

  “That would be easiest, wouldn’t it? Cover both requirements. Believe me, I’ve thought of it. But what would I tell PJ when he’s eight, and your Bishop asks about getting him ready for baptism. ‘Hey, PJ, your Mom and I wanted to be sure you could get to heaven, so we ...’” He stopped as Katrina began to laugh at his mimicry.

  “We’ve paved a hard road, Thomas.”

  “Aye, we have. And PJ’s baptism is only the current problem, isn’t it, darlin’? You say you know that I’ve prayed for guidance. Well, I know a bit about your prayers, too, sweet Katie,” he said, taking her face in his hands. “Alice and Robert have spent hours trying to help me understand the complexities of eternal marriage. They’ve not pressured me, of course. Robert is too loving for that, and he cares very much about both of us. But Alice knows what’s in your heart, and Katie, I’ll tell you God’s truth, that it pains me to know there is something in this world that I can’t provide for you. Sure, I could just join the Mormon church and go to the temple with you, but I love you too much, and if I look into my own heart, I respect the God we both love too much to fake such a commitment.”

  Katrina laughed and stretched her legs out, leaning back to look upward toward the sky. “Thomas, believe it or not, I’ve entertained thoughts about becoming a Catholic. I even had a brief conversation with Sister Mary some months ago.”

  “You did?” Tom asked, incredulous.

  “Yes. But I came to the same conclusion you did,” she said, shaking her head. “Thomas, I have a testimony that I’m where the Lord wants me to be. I cannot turn my back on Him.”

  “Nor would I allow it, Katie. But thank you for the thought.”

  They sat for a few moments in silence. Finally, Tom sighed and said, “So you really don’t love Captain Masterton?”

  “Oh, Thomas, don’t be silly.”

  “He cares for you, Katie. I’ve seen it in his eyes.”

  Katrina nodded. “I know. But he has always been a complete gentleman, Thomas. Absolutely proper.”

  “So, where do we go from here?” Tom asked.

  “First, we go home. I’m cold, Mr. Callahan. What a day for a picnic,” she laughed. She got to her feet and reached for Tom’s hand, pulling him to his feet and wrapping the blanket around both of them.

  “Then, my loving husband, we continue to ask the Lord for His guidance. His ways are not our ways, Thomas. All I know is that He loves us. Somehow, someway, we’ll find the answers. In the meantime, Mr. Thomas Matthew Callahan, Irish larrikin of the first order, I will love you with all my heart.”

  “Ah, you Scandinavian girls sure know how to win a man’s heart, don’t ya?”

  “And, Thomas, you have all the qualities that I want in a man. I trust you, I love you, and when the Lord sees fit to reveal his truths to you, then the Brethren better look out. The stake president will have just gained himself another bishop.”

  Chapter 9

  The New Year’s Eve party at the Hansens’ was to be a private affair. The Brigham Street neighbors of the Callahans had planned for weeks to stage a progressive dinner party, with a scheduled stop at each of the magnificent homes along the street. But Tom and Katrina had accepted her parents’ invitation to spend a quiet family evening in the Hansen home on Third South and had sent their regrets to the Brigham Street gentry and removed Valhalla from the list of intended stops.

  The only two people attending Lars and Jenny Hansen’s party who were not directly related to the family were Henrick Jensen, seventeen-year-old Sophie’s new boyfriend, and an absolutely beautiful Sarah Richards. Tom and Katrina watched as Anders helped Sarah out of her coat. Dressed in a dark green, velvet gown, with gold braid looped throughout the sleeves and bodice, she was a stunning young woman to whom Anders was obviously devoted.

  “Ah, Katie. She reminds me of a young lass I met in Ireland once,” Thomas said, his eyes riveted on Sarah.

  “Oh?” Katrina tugged at his arm.

  “Aye,” he said, looking down into Katrina’s green eyes. “There is one difference, however,” he said, smiling at her.

  “And what would that be, Mr. Callahan?” Katrina asked, aware of Tom’s keen sense of the tease and trying to keep a straight face.

  “Well,” he continued, looking back at Sarah and Anders walking toward them, “this lass I’m speaking about, she was just about as beautiful as young Sarah there, but she changed over the years.”

  “Over the years,” Katrina exclaimed, her eyes now wide.

  “Aye,” Tom laughed softly, “as she grew older, and became a mother, her beauty also changed.” His face became serious now, and he held her eyes in check as he completed his thoughts. “Her beauty became ... well, one day I noticed it came from within, if you know what I mean. She was beauty, whereas young Sarah there,” he said, nodding toward the approaching couple, “has beauty.”

  A delicious shiver ran up Katrina’s spine as Thomas’s meaning unfolded. He was not one to praise on every occasion, and she had learned that he had this knack, when she least expected it, to make her heart flutter. “Oh, Thomas, I—”

  “So, how’s my baby sister and her Irish hooligan?” Anders said, breaking the moment and leaving Katrina to simply squeeze Tom’s arm in loving reply.

  Throughout November and December, in full view of the Salt Lake community and with the full support of Sarah’s parents, Anders had paid continuous court to Sarah Richards. Tom and Katrina had enjoyed watching the relationship develop. Sarah was not only a beautiful young woman, she was refined and loving too. And it was wonderful to see the change she made in Anders. Previously shy and withdrawn with
regard to women, he had become confident and even witty with Sarah as a companion. He was devoted to her, and he beamed with pride as he escorted the young woman to public functions during the holiday season.

  Though only nineteen, Sarah was a remarkably mature young woman. As the only daughter in a family of four boys, she had been pampered, but she had also been well trained by her mother in both domestic duties and social arts. The tragic deaths of her two brothers was the first real adversity she had experienced, and dealing with the grief and adjusting to the loss had created in her a sensitivity and depth of character unusual in such a young woman. Anders was eight years her senior, but he had a young-looking face, and being in love had transformed him into a near giddy young swain. The couple presented a picture of mutual devotion and contentment, and their engagement was accepted in the community as a happy event.

  Theirs was seen as an almost “arranged” marriage, with both young people accepting their role in the matter. The two were content in the understanding that they had indeed found their respective soul mate and that the Lord, who had confirmed His intentions to each of them, was pleased. For Anders, who had found it painful to even ask a young woman like Martha Young for a dance at Saltair, this new relationship with Sarah Richards was comfortable because it had been confirmed by a spiritual experience. It didn’t hurt either that he was near breathlessly in love with the strikingly beautiful young woman. As for Sarah, she never lost the starry-eyed attraction she had first felt for Anders.

  Anders had become something of a hero. The story of his daring rescue of Stitch Walkinghorse and the even braver attempt he had made to rescue the two Richards brothers had become well known in the Valley. Public knowledge of the spiritual experience he had had in his deliverance by Tony and Fletcher Richards was limited, however, to the Richards family and to Reed Smoot. Anders’s stock in the community had risen rapidly. Prior to her departure to convalesce in Indiana, Sister Mary had granted an interview to the Salt Lake Tribune regarding Holy Cross Hospital’s participation in the Cuban campaign. Her description of the valor of young Anders Hansen and John “Stitch” Walkinghorse left no doubt as to their heroism.