Big Sky Homecoming

by Linda Ford

  “Oh, Duke, I’ve been so worried.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face to his shoulder. “Are you going to be safe?”

  Duke held her close. “I’ll be okay. After all, I am the son and heir. He wouldn’t dare do anything to harm me.”

  Rose jerked so hard he ducked his head and looked into her face with concern.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It hit me how what you said has a spiritual lesson.”

  “What? Trust God in the hard times?”

  “That, too. But Jesus is God’s son and heir, and what did people do to him? They murdered Him. I never before realized the full meaning of that.” And the knowledge that being son and heir didn’t guarantee safety made her hold him tighter.

  Duke looked startled. “Nor did I. Of course it was all part of God’s plan to provide salvation from our sin, but still...”

  She nodded. “Still.”

  “I must go.” He planted a quick kiss on her nose and ducked out the back gate.

  Rose stared after him. If people could murder God’s son, what was to stop Ebner from doing something to Duke?

  With a cry, she raced inside to pour out her fears to her sister.

  Lilly held her through the sad tale. “I’m sure he’s safe. You’re fussing needlessly.”

  Rose sniffed back her tears and nodded. “No doubt you’re right, but you know how little regard Ebner has for anyone’s property.” She thought of how close Pa had come to more serious injury, even— She couldn’t think the word death. “Thank God, Pa wasn’t hurt more seriously, but it proves Ebner has no more concern for life than he does for property.”

  “True, but one thing comforts me.” Lilly rose and went to the window to peer out. “At least with Duke watching Ebner, we know Ma and Pa will be safe.”

  Rose nodded. “At least we can be glad about that. I wish—”

  Lilly rushed back to Rose and hugged her. “I know. You wish you could be so certain that Duke and Billy are safe.”

  To Rose’s shame, she’d given little thought to Billy and now she bolted to her feet. “If he hurts Billy I’ll—” Her fists bunched at her sides.

  Lilly stepped back and studied her with a mixture of amusement and surprise. Then her eyes narrowed. “What would you do? Please tell me you won’t really do something foolhardy like confront the man.”

  “I won’t do anything stupid, but neither will I stand back and do nothing.”

  “Rose, sometimes you scare me. When you decide to tackle some problem you are like a stubborn dog with a tasty bone.”

  Rose squinted at her sister. “You mean I enjoy it?”

  “Enjoy it a little too much sometimes. But I mean you simply won’t let it go. For instance, always trying to find out who our birth parents were.”

  With a start Rose realized she hadn’t given the idea any thought for several days. She tucked a smile into her heart as she acknowledged the reason. Her thoughts had been on Duke and how much she enjoyed his company.

  Now the bulk of her thoughts and prayers were for his safety.

  “I haven’t given up hope that someday we can find them.”

  Lilly shook her head. “I wish you’d let it go. You—we—might discover something we don’t want to.”

  “You’re always saying that, but what’s the worst thing we could learn?” She gratefully shifted the conversation to this familiar topic. It was better than worrying about Duke.

  “What if they were running from the law?” Lilly turned back to the window. “What if our father is in jail? Or has been hanged? Maybe I don’t want to know if they were outlaws.”

  Over the years Rose had listened to many reasons for Lilly’s reluctance to discover their background, but this was the first time she’d heard this one. She went to her sister and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  “It wouldn’t change who we are.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not. What if there is something hereditary like madness? How could I wish to bring a baby into the world if I knew that?”

  Laughter burst from Rose. “All my life I’ve worried about that very thing. Many suitors shared the same concern, but I’m beginning to see that with God’s help and the love we’ve had all our lives, we are equipped to make our own future.”

  Lilly turned to stare at Rose. “You’ve changed.”

  “Maybe I have.”

  “But you still want to discover the identity of our birth parents?”

  Rose considered the question carefully. Finally she answered. “Yes, but not because I think it will make people look at me differently.”

  The sisters studied each other, searching for understanding. A slow smile creased Lilly’s face. “You’ve really changed.” She tipped her head. “Does Duke have anything to do with it?”

  Rose didn’t often hide anything from her twin but she was reluctant to admit how her feelings for Duke had gone from resentment to affection. “I misjudged him.”

  Lilly chortled.

  “He says he’s always admired me.”

  “Well, I guess that would make you feel good about yourself.”

  “It does.” Her insides felt warm and syrupy, but she didn’t want to discuss it further, especially when it made her think of Duke dealing with Ebner. “I hope and pray he will be safe.”

  A few minutes later she headed for home. She looked up and down the street hoping for a glimpse of Duke, but he wasn’t among those visible.

  Be safe.

  God, please protect him.

  * * *

  She rose Sunday morning with a song in her heart. Surely, Duke would come to church. She tried not to rush her folks out the door, and then refrained from suggesting Pa going a little faster on the way to town. She glanced across the churchyard before she jumped from the sleigh. King was not among the horses tied to the rail.

  Nevertheless, she wasted no time entering the church on the off chance she was mistaken. But a quick glance around the sanctuary revealed Duke was not there.

  She slipped in beside Lilly and tried not to be obvious in turning to watch every person who entered.

  Lilly leaned close to whisper in her ear. “He won’t be here. Ebner knows there is no one at the farm on Sundays so Duke will be watching him.”

  Rose nodded. She’d guessed as much. It was a generous and brave action on Duke’s part, but oh, how she wished for just a glimpse of him.

  Her sisters and their families came to the farm for dinner. Rose was sure everyone enjoyed themselves though only a portion of her mind was in attendance. The largest part of it worried about Duke. She missed him. Wanted to see him. Most of all, she wanted assurance that he was okay.

  The next few days she labored over the valentine card she made for him. She wrote and rewrote the verse she’d composed.

  Valentine’s Day was only a few days away. Would she be able to give him his card?

  She rubbed at a spot over her heart that had developed an odd ache a day or two ago. But no amount of massaging eased the feeling. Only one thing would relieve it—seeing Duke and knowing he was safe.

  Needing to escape her feelings, she grabbed her coat and headed outdoors. “I’m going to check the animals,” she said by way of explanation to her parents, who looked at her with concern.

  They were well aware of her restlessness and worry since Duke had last visited. They offered words of wisdom and encouragement but nothing would suffice until she could see him with her own two eyes and wrap her arms around him.

  She smiled as she imagined herself tipping her face upward, inviting him to kiss her.

  Her smile faded and she pressed her hand to her aching lips. Oh, to see him. Hold him.

  * * *

  Ebner knew Duke watched him. He did his best to make it impossible
for Duke to keep track of his whereabouts. Duke had taken to spending much of his time in the barn so he’d know when Ebner saddled his horse and rode away. Then he followed. There wasn’t much Ebner could do to stop him, but the man’s scowl grew darker by the day.

  Duke mostly left Billy in the house with Patches to amuse him. Ebner scared Billy almost to the point of tears. The man enjoyed tormenting Billy with his muttered threats of hurting him or his cat.

  Spending so much time in the barn also gave Duke plenty of opportunity to notice all the things that needed repairing. He replaced broken hinges and broken boards. One stall had been so badly damaged by one of the horses that Duke knocked down the planks and started building a new one—stronger than the original.

  The work occupied his time but only a fraction of his thoughts. Often he stopped and stared at the barn wall in the direction of the Bell farm. How was Rose? Did she miss him? Did she understand why he must do this? He snorted at his final question. She knew better than most why Ebner needed watching. What he really meant was that he missed her and wished he could ride over and visit.

  He especially missed her on Sunday. Likely Cora and Lilly and their families joined the Bells for dinner and the afternoon. The nice weather would draw them outside. He’d imagined them walking by the river, enjoying the shapes of the snow carved by the water and wind.

  If only his parents would return so this situation with Ebner could be resolved. Surely, his father would side with Duke. After all, he was a Caldwell and Ebner a hired hand. But doubt whispered in the back of his mind. Questions plagued him. Had Father really instructed the men to end the feud? Or was Ebner following direct orders from Duke’s father? Did his father know and approve of Ebner’s actions? He shook his head. He didn’t want to believe his father had a hand in the things done to the Bells but neither did he believe his father could be uninformed as to Ebner’s activities.

  He prayed as never before in his life for wisdom and the words to make his father see the foolishness and cruelty of Ebner’s actions. The feud must end in more than words and promises.

  With a shrug that was half despair, half resignation, he turned back to building the new stall. He struggled to hold a heavy plank so he could drive the spike in to secure it. It required another set of hands. Billy could help. He set aside his tools and stepped outside. His attention was immediately drawn to the sound of an approaching buggy. He squinted against the bright sun to see who it was.

  Mother and Father. His lungs tightened with a rush of emotion—welcome and uncertainty combined.

  He hurried to greet them. “Welcome back.” He helped Mother to the house. She kissed his cheek.

  “I’m glad to be home.”

  Father shook hands. “I got your message. We’ll discuss it later.”

  Duke nodded and carried in the many bags, then called one of the hands to tend the horse and buggy before he joined his parents in the sitting room.

  “Mrs. Humphrey is away,” he explained. “I’ll send someone to tell her to return, but in the meantime, I can make tea if you wish some.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Mother said. “Are you sure you can manage?”

  He laughed. “We’ve been managing quite well on our own, haven’t we, Billy?” He called to his friend who hovered at the kitchen door. “Come and say hello to my parents.”

  Billy knew them but he acted as though they were strangers as he eased into the room and murmured a greeting to both Duke’s parents.

  “I’ll make the tea.” Duke headed for the kitchen door.

  “I’ll help.” Billy rushed after him. “Will I have to put Patches in the barn now?” The cat sat curled in a ball in front of the stove on a little mat Billy had discovered somewhere.

  “I wouldn’t think so as long as she stays in the kitchen.”

  Billy’s breath whistled out. “Good. Ebner will hurt her if she’s in the barn.”

  Duke clenched his jaw. He wished he could assure Billy nothing bad would befall his pet but he knew he couldn’t as long as Ebner remained on the ranch.

  “Billy, you take in the plate of cookies. I’ll carry the tray with the teapot and cups.” In the sitting room he presented the tray to his mother as Billy set forth the cookies.

  He waited until both Mother and Father had sipped some tea and eaten half a cookie each to say, “Do you like the cookies?”

  They both nodded.

  “Billy and I made them.” He laughed at the surprise in their faces.

  “You don’t know how to make cookies,” Mother said.

  “Turns out it’s not so hard.” Especially with a teacher like Rose. But he would save that bit of information until he could speak to his father.

  They took their time about drinking tea and eating another of his cookies. He waited patiently for Father to address the concern Duke had expressed in his message to him.

  “That was very good. Thank you.” Father set his cup aside. He brushed a few crumbs from his lap, then turned to his wife. “Mother, Duke and I have some things to discuss, if you’ll excuse us.”

  “By all means.” She waved them away.

  Duke followed his father across the hall to the office. Father sat behind the big desk and indicated Duke should take a chair on the other side.

  “Now, what is this urgent matter that required I return home immediately?”

  Duke had had plenty of time to consider how he would present his case. He slowed his breathing and calmed his nerves as best he could. Here he was, a man wanting a man’s respect and responsibility from his father, yet sitting at the desk feeling like a little boy.

  He rose to stand behind the chair. That was better.

  “I need to speak to you about the Bells.”

  “I see.” His father’s words offered no indication of what he thought. “Continue.”

  “I thought you said the feud was over.” He waited for a response.

  Finally, Father nodded. “It is.”

  “You told the cowboys so?”

  Father barely hesitated before he nodded.

  Duke pressed on. “You told Ebner to stop harassing the Bells?”

  “I believe he understood me.” He planted his palms on the top of the desk. “Is this the reason you called me home?”

  Duke sat. “I’m not sure how much you know of Ebner’s activities.” He waited, hoping Father would give some indication, but he merely sat with his hands clasped together on the desk and his eyes revealing nothing.

  “Ebner tried to burn down the Bells’ barn. He would have succeeded if I hadn’t been nearby and helped put out the fire.”

  Still Father gave no indication of what he thought.

  “I knew you wouldn’t approve of such behavior. It’s bullying in its worst form. So I told Ebner he was fired.”

  “I don’t remember giving you that kind of authority. Where is Ebner now?”

  The floor must have tipped, because Duke fought to restore his equilibrium. Did Father mean he supported Ebner? “He refused to leave. Said you hired him so you have to be the one to fire him.”

  Father and son did silent battle with their eyes. Duke refused to yield.

  “If this is the way a Caldwell behaves, I wish I’d never been born into this family.” With that, Duke bolted to his feet and headed for the door.

  “Son.” His mother caught his arm as he passed. “I couldn’t help but overhear. Might this have anything to do with that pretty young Rose Bell?”

  “It has everything to do with her.”

  She smiled. “I always suspected you were attracted to her.” Her smile faded. “But you might be forced to choose sides and I don’t want to see that.”

  “That’s just it, Mother. There is no need for sides. This feud is so unnecessary. They aren’t taking Caldwell land. We’re trying t
o take theirs. The big landowner stealing the little guy’s land. It’s wrong. I want no part of it.” His feelings had never been clearer. He would walk away from the ranch rather than be involved in such behavior. Let Father keep Ebner if that’s what he wished.

  His long strides ate up the distance to the barn and he stepped inside.

  Ebner lounged against the nearby wall. “I see your pappy’s home and from the look on your face I’m guessing he ain’t none too happy with your failure to live up to the Caldwell name.”

  Ebner gave a triumphant little chuckle as he walked past Duke.

  Duke wanted nothing to do with the Caldwell name.

  The hammer and spikes were where he had left them by the new stall. He heaved the plank into place, held it with his hip and drove home the long spikes. Bang. Bang. The jolt along his arm hammered away at his troubling thoughts. After a bit, he stepped back and admired the pen. No half-wild animal would kick this one to pieces.

  He heard Ebner pass the barn whistling. The man seemed completely sure of Father’s support.

  Duke put away everything he’d been using as he considered his choices. This had been his home all his life. He’d grown up riding with the cowboys. Dreamed of the time the ranch would be his and he would be able to make some changes.

  But he would not be part of cruel, senseless activity.

  He didn’t know where he’d go or what he’d do but there were plenty of opportunities for a young man willing to work hard. And Duke was. And when he had a place of his own, he’d court Rose the way she deserved.

  One thing he would be certain of. He would stay close by and make sure the Bells were safe, even if it put him and his father at odds.

  Or perhaps he should remain at the ranch against his better judgment, against his conscience, simply to protect Rose and her parents.

  He struggled between the two options until his insides hurt. God, show me what to do. Until he was certain which way was best, he’d simply bide his time.

  He returned to the house, grateful his father had remained in the office and Mother had retired to her room to rest.