Love Finds Faith

by Martha Rogers

  Rose pulled on his shirt. “Micah, you have to do something. Go help Pa find Levi and make him come home.”

  Micah released Ma and cupped Rose’s chin in his hand. “Levi wouldn’t listen to me. He’s hurting over an argument with Pa, so Pa needs to talk to him.”

  Tears coursed their way down her cheeks. “Please, Micah. Go help Pa find him.”

  Her plea stabbed him with more pain. He glanced again at Margaret, whose mouth was set in a firm line. Her nod sent another plea to his soul. Micah stepped back from Rose and Ma. “All right, I’ll go. Not that it’ll do much good, but I’ll try. Let me get my horse saddled.”

  Ten minutes later he rode toward town without any idea as to what he’d do once he got there. Finding Pa should most likely be first. Maybe he’d already found Levi and was headed home with him now. Micah had his doubts, but he could at least hope for the best as he rode.

  Once he drew near Stoney Creek, he made his first order of business finding Pa’s horse. When he didn’t find him at any of the hitching posts along the boardwalks, he dismounted in front of the livery and sought out Burt and Willy. Micah found the smithy at his fire, shaping a horseshoe.

  Burt glanced up. “Micah Gordon. You’re the second one in your family I seen this morning. You looking for Mr. Levi too?” He laid aside his hammer and dipped the still glowing shoe into the water that sizzled and sent up a thread of steam.

  “Yes, I am. Have you seen him or my pa or know where they went?” He had to ask, but his gut told him he had come too late.

  “Yeah, your pa came by early a lookin’ for him. I heard he’d come into town last night, but I haven’t seen him for myself.”

  Willy stepped up behind Micah. “I saw him come into town, but he didn’t stay here. Took off for the south.”

  At least he hadn’t gone to the saloon, but of course Micah hadn’t really expected him to do that. That was a place he would’ve chosen, not his little brother. “What about Pa? Did you see where he went?”

  “Nah, but I told him what I told you about Levi heading south. He may have gone that way after your brother.” Willy scratched the stubble on his chin. “’Pears to me like you boys done had another fight.”

  That was none of Willy’s business, but Micah shook his head. “He and Pa had a little misunderstanding.” He turned his horse toward the road back home. He’d wait until Pa either brought Levi home or told the rest of them his whereabouts. Ma would be disappointed, but the highway south covered a lot of territory.

  Hannah held the invitation envelopes in her hand and stepped onto the porch. She and Sallie had spent the last two evenings writing and addressing them. Hannah still wasn’t sure if a party was the right thing to do to get know Micah, but Sallie loved entertaining. Nothing would probably come of it, but it would be nice to meet more of the townspeople in a social setting.

  When she reached the end of the walkway to the house, a horse barreled around the corner headed out of town. She gasped and swirled around to watch the rider disappear in the dust. Where in the world could Micah be going on a Saturday morning in such a hurry? If he’d been coming into town, she might understand, but it seemed that he had been in town already and now wanted to get somewhere else fast.

  She waited until the dust settled before crossing the street and heading down to the general store where she’d leave the invitations to be delivered by the lad who worked for Mr. Hempstead. Sallie’s ideas for the welcome party had grown bigger by the day. Of course it’d be nothing elaborate like they would have had at home in Mississippi, but she had already reserved the town hall for Saturday, July 14, just two weeks from today. Hannah hoped to meet some of the eligible men in town, but from what she’d seen already, not many prospects twenty-five or older lived around here. To her dismay, even James Hempstead was already spoken for by Margaret Gordon.

  With her birthday coming up in August, she’d be twenty-five soon, and most people would consider that to be on the road to becoming a spinster. She may not have a man in her life, but her nursing would take most of her time and give her plenty of excitement. A sigh escaped her lips. Who was she fooling? Ever since Sallie and Manfred’s wedding she’d longed to have one of her own.

  Best to put that idea out of her head and stick to the present. She pushed through the door of the store and the bell jangled. Mr. Hempstead glanced up and smiled at her then returned to helping the customer at the counter.

  Hannah gazed around at the store, which had turned out to be much larger than she first thought. Shelves lined two walls and were filled with everything from piece goods to lanterns. Cans of snuff and tobacco mingled with bags of coffee beans, molasses, and dried beans on another set of shelves. The scents blended to give a distinctive aroma to the store that was not at all unpleasant.

  The woman at the counter turned, said hello to Hannah, then left. Mr. Hempstead stepped from around the counter. “Now how can I help you today, Miss Hannah?”

  “Mrs. Whiteman would like for these invitations to be delivered if Lenny has the time.” She set the stack of invitations on the counter. “They’re divided so that they can be delivered more easily without backtracking.”

  “I see.” He picked up the one on top. “Mrs. Whiteman must be planning a big party by the looks of this stack.” Mr. Hempstead grinned and replaced the envelope. “I’ll have Lenny get these out this afternoon, Miss Hannah.”

  “Thank you, my sister will appreciate it.” She pulled a list from her reticule. “I have a few other things she wants me to pick up too.”

  After purchasing the items Sallie requested, Hannah made her way back to the street. The livery sign across the way caught her attention. A visit with Burt would be nice this morning, and maybe he would know why Micah had been in such a hurry. She crossed the wheel-rutted street and entered the stables.

  Burt held a horseshoe and stooped to pick up a few nails. He turned and spotted Hannah. “Good morning, Missy. What can I do for you?”

  “Nothing really. I wanted to stop and say hello since I haven’t seen you since the night of my arrival. How are Lettie and the children?”

  “They’s fine, Miss Hannah. Those two is growing so fast, I can scarce keep up with them.”

  Hannah laughed and nodded her head. “I know what you mean. I can’t believe how much Sallie’s children have grown.” She bit her lip then moved to the real purpose of her visit although it was really none of her business. “I saw Micah Gordon take out of town like the devil himself followed. Is there a problem at the Gordon place?” After all, a doctor might be needed and she could send Manfred.

  Burt laid down the shoe and nails then wiped his hands on a cloth rag hanging on a hook by the forge. “T’ain’t my business to spread rumors, but I do think somethin’ happened out there last night that sent Mr. Levi into town. Then Mr. Gordon came into town this morning looking for him. Willy told him he’d seen him heading south, so Mr. Gordon must have headed that way. Then Mr. Micah came in looking for Levi. Told him the same thing, but he hightailed it back to the ranch instead of heading out after his pa.”

  Hannah bit her lip again. She’d seen at church how those two brothers treated each other. Whatever had happened between them now must be powerful to cause Levi to leave the ranch. His poor ma. First one son leaves then comes home and then another son runs off. What were those two thinking, if thinking at all?

  “Thank you, Burt, and I do hope you and Lettie can come over for a visit again soon.”

  “We will, Miss Hannah, we will.” He picked up the shoe. “Now I got a horse that needs new shoes, so if you’ll excuse me, I best be getting to work.”

  She waved to Burt and stepped back into the sunshine. Such a beautiful day for a family to be out of sorts with each other. Why did boys create such problems? Tom and Will had their arguments and once even resorted to fisticuffs, but neither one had ever been so angry as to not speak to the other.

  As she walked toward home, a plan began to formulate in her mind. Perhaps if she
and Sallie were to ride out for a visit, they might create a diversion for Mrs. Gordon. Friends were a comfort when trouble reared its ugly head, and Sallie knew all the right things to say to encourage others.

  With that idea planted firmly, Hannah’s heart became lighter. Then it sank and became heavy once again. What if Sallie considered her idea to be meddling and not helping? Out here people may not welcome others into their private affairs. And Hannah didn’t really know the Gordons, so they were unlikely to confide in Sallie with Hannah nearby. With her thoughts now weighing heavily in her heart, Hannah dismissed the idea of a visit and trudged the last block home.

  CHAPTER 11

  FOUR DAYS AND no sign of Levi, and no knowledge of his whereabouts had reached the ranch. Pa figured he’d gone to one of the nearby ranches seeking work, and even though begging for a son to come home wasn’t a part of Pa’s character, he planned to speak to some of the ranchers who would be in town today for the festivities.

  Micah rode into town hoping Levi would show up at the Independence Day celebration. Couldn’t that fool-headed boy see he was doing exactly the same thing Micah had done five years ago? If Ma was as distressed then as she was now, he’d have found some way to make Pa understand. Now she had to go through it all over again.

  What he’d seen the past few days clamped his heart with remorse and guilt. If he hadn’t come home, they wouldn’t have this problem, but if he’d never left in the first place, things might really be different. He shook his head. No way to know what would have happened, and thinking about what he should have done or could have done didn’t solve the problem of the here and now.

  The weight of Levi’s absence fell heavily on Micah’s shoulders, but he wouldn’t disappoint his family again. He’d do what had to be done until someone could persuade Levi to come home. Of course Micah would like to wring his brother’s neck or tan his hide right now, but he’d forget all that if Levi would come home.

  The sight of the red and white buntings and decorations about town shoved thoughts of Levi to the back of Micah’s mind. Camilla would wonder if he’d forgotten their plans for the day if he didn’t show up soon. He nudged his horse to go a little faster and headed straight for the Swenson home.

  As he wrapped Smokey’s reins around the hitching post at the Swenson house, he glanced up at the second floor window that was Camilla’s. She must have been watching for him because she parted the curtains to wave down at him. He grinned and waved back then headed up the walk.

  Camilla opened the door before he had a chance to use the large brass knocker. “Come in, Micah. We can be on our way soon as I say good-bye to Papa.”

  A few minutes later they strolled back down the walk and toward town. “Are you sure you don’t want to use your pa’s buggy?”

  “No, it’s a beautiful day for a walk, and it’s only a few blocks to Main Street.” She hooked her hand under his arm and leaned close. “Did you see all the decorations when you came into town? Mrs. Thornton and I were in charge of them, and even if I do say so myself, they look a lot better than last year.”

  “I wouldn’t know about that since I wasn’t here.” He placed his hand over hers as they walked, and more people began to join them as they headed for the main festivities. Despite the problems out at the ranch, being here now brought pleasure to his heart. He hadn’t missed these festivities until this moment as he walked beside Camilla.

  “What events do you plan to enter today?”

  “I’ve entered Smokey in the race already. He’s fast, so we’ll see how he does against the others today.” Even if he didn’t win, he planned to enjoy the day. He hoped the rest of his family could do the same.

  At breakfast they had talked about coming into town, but Ma hadn’t shown much enthusiasm until Pa suggested that Levi might not be far away and might come back for the festivities. James had picked Margaret up right after breakfast, leaving Rose to complain about having to help with the dishes.

  Camilla’s pull on his arm drew him back to the moment. She smiled up at him and arched an eyebrow. “Are you going to enter the shooting contest? I remember you won it once.”

  “No, I’m too rusty for that. I haven’t really handled my gun much at all in the past few years.”

  “I’m sure you would do well with some practice.” Camilla batted her long lashes at Micah and smiled.

  His pulse sped up under the gaze of this beautiful woman. “I’d like to think so.”

  They stepped up onto the boardwalk lining the streets of Stoney Creek. Every store and place of business had gone all out to make their contribution to the celebration. Red, white, and blue streamers, banners, and flags decorated doors and posts all along Main Street. Mr. Hempstead had even tied patriotic bows on some of his merchandise in the windows.

  The sun shone bright and the temperatures rose as the morning progressed toward noon. He and Camilla made their way around the exhibits of items townspeople had for sale. As they left the booth showing a neighbor’s woodworking skills, he spotted the family carriage at the hotel hitching post. Ma must have decided to take Pa’s advice and come into town. She stood across the street talking with the doctor’s wife and Hannah Dyer.

  He glanced down at Camilla, who had stopped to admire a hat in the dressmaker’s shop. He’d like to go across and speak to Ma, but with Miss Dyer and Mrs. Whiteman there, it might not be a good idea. Too many times he’d noticed the looks of disapproval Camilla gave Miss Dyer. Those two ladies should be friends, not enemies, but then he’d never understood the workings of a woman’s mind.

  “Micah, it’s almost noon. At one o’clock the mayor will be giving his speech and telling us about the surprise he has for our town. Let’s eat at the hotel now and get out of the heat so we’ll be done in time for the speeches and entertainment.”

  “If you say so. I’m always ready to eat.” He led her across to the hotel and noticed that the ladies had disappeared. He’d have to wait and speak to Ma later.

  After they had ordered, Camilla toyed with the linen napkin. Finally she peered at him with a hint of a frown on her lips. “Levi’s leaving has altered things at the ranch, haven’t they?”

  “Yes, but why should that concern you?” The hairs on his neck bristled. From what he had gathered from their previous conversation, Camilla knew as much about Pa’s business as Micah—and probably much more, which would include the financial problems.

  “You were so set against being a rancher and rounding up cattle, but now with him gone, that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

  “Not so much. We have plenty of ranch hands who can take care of the herds. I help out where I can when I have to.” He sat back to see where this conversation might be headed.

  “I see. With the storm and all last year, has your father been able to recoup from the losses?”

  Micah’s hands clenched into fists, and he dropped them to his lap. She did know all about their situation. “I haven’t been that deep into the ledger books.” He had, but she didn’t need to know that. Was she that concerned with how Pa would repay last year’s loan?

  “Oh, well, I thought you would know more about his finances and how things are at the bank.” She bit her lip and frowned.

  “And just how are things at the bank?” He mentally scanned through what he remembered from checking the ledger books, and could only surmise she meant the bank loan last year.

  “I think you should let your father be the one to tell you those things.” Then she glanced up and smiled. “Here’s our food. Let’s not talk about business anymore and enjoy our lunch together.”

  She may not want to talk business any longer, but someone had explaining to do, and right now it appeared that person would have to be Pa. The conversation had tarnished the edges of what started out to be a beautiful day with a woman he admired. Any joy he held earlier took a backseat to the concern that arose in his gut about the ranch. If only Levi hadn’t chosen to leave. Somehow he had to be found and brought home.

&nbs
p; Levi pulled his hat down low on his forehead and stood in the shadows to watch the crowd for any sign of his family. He’d taken a risk coming into town like this, but he didn’t want to stay back at the Hudson ranch alone. He’d sworn Mr. Hudson to secrecy about his presence on the ranch. The two ranches bordered one another, but Levi made sure he went nowhere near the outer boundaries of either one. Mr. Hudson urged Levi to go home but continued to give him work. Levi suspected that Mr. Hudson gave him a job out of concern for his ma and pa, whom he’d always respected, but Levi worked hard to earn his keep.

  So far he’d been able to avoid the crowds strolling the streets by going through the alley ways behind the stores then edging up to the front to take a look around. No one had recognized him so far, but he’d have to stay away from the livery and the stables. Willy would run and find Pa soon as Levi made an appearance anywhere near there.

  The only ones he’d really miss today were his ma and sisters and Ellie Bradshaw, the schoolmarm. He had dreamed of marrying her and partnering with Pa on the ranch. Now that Micah had returned, little chance he had of that happening. Micah may be the rightful heir, but he’d done little if anything to prove himself worthy of that inheritance.

  Camilla and Micah came out of the hotel together. Anger swelled to a roar against his brother. Here he was back for only a few weeks, and he not only had the ranch but also a wealthy, beautiful woman at his side. He hated Micah for coming back and spoiling everything. Levi clenched his fists at his side and pushed the anger to a place where it could smolder. Somehow he’d get even with his brother.

  He moved closer to the street, staying well behind the crowds. People began heading for the town square and the bandstand where Mayor Thornton would make his annual speech to the town. Rumors had it that the mayor would make a grand announcement today. What it could be roused Levi’s curiosity and pushed Micah and Camilla aside for now.

  He blew out his breath and willed his anger to subside. Skirting around the crowds, he got within good hearing distance but out of sight. Across the way he spotted James and Margaret, but before he turned his head, he and James locked gazes. Levi shook his head, and James frowned but turned his eyes toward the bandstand without saying anything to Margaret. He may tell her later, but by then Levi would be gone again.