Love Finds Faith

by Martha Rogers

  Camilla nodded and turned her head away. Micah’s shoulders slumped. So much had happened, and it was barely noon yet. He stepped back from Camilla and shook his head. At least she had tried to help Pa. He almost said something to thank her, but her eyes remained closed, so he left the room. This was probably the last time he’d have with her alone. Why would she want a penniless cowboy to court her now?

  His head swam with all that must be done in the next few days. He had no time to worry about Camilla or any woman but his mother and his sisters. Whether Camilla decided to end the courtship or he did made no difference. The end result would be the same.

  The door to where his mother sat with Pa was open. Her voice drifted out to the waiting room, and Micah drew closer to see if Ma had a visitor. Through the opening he saw her sitting by Pa’s side, holding his hand.

  He started to back away, but her words stopped him short. He clutched the brim of his hat and listened.

  “Joel, I don’t know why you were taken from me so soon, but something good has to come from it. Micah and Levi have to find a common ground and work together from now on. I don’t want to lose the one thing you had left to give our boys. I know they grew up at odds with each other. Our fun-loving, carefree Micah and our serious boy who worshipped you and followed you around are so different, but they are both stubborn mules, just like you.”

  Micah whirled around and strode from the room, anger boiling in his gut. What good could come from what happened today? God had played a cruel trick on Ma, yet here she was thinking something good could come from Pa’s death. Whatever good happened wouldn’t be God’s doing. It’d be up to him and Levi to keep the ranch alive, and unless Levi came home now, even that wasn’t going to happen.

  As soon as the foreman found Levi and told him the news of his father, he raced into town. All the way regret for the past few weeks gnawed at his conscience. How could he have been so cruel to the two people he loved most in the world?

  It was all Micah’s fault. If he hadn’t come home, none of this would have happened.

  Anger with Micah and himself boiled in the summer heat as he pulled to a halt in front of the infirmary. He shoved through the door to find Dr. Whiteman alone. “Where’s Pa? How is he?”

  The doctor shook his head. “Levi, I’m so sorry, but your pa died here a while ago. I’m sorry you didn’t get here in time.”

  Levi clenched his fists at his side. Pa couldn’t be dead. There had to be a mistake. “That can’t be possible. How did it happen? Ellie told me there had been a bank robbery.”

  “That’s right. Your pa was defending his money and got shot, as did Miss Swenson. The ordeal was too much for your father’s heart.”

  “What do you mean? Pa was in great health. He could ride and rope with the best of them.”

  “Levi, your pa had a weak heart. He’s been hiding it for a while. Even though I told him exercise and healthy eating would help, I don’t think he listened. Trauma like he experienced today was more than he could stand.”

  Levi let the words sink in and tried to comprehend life without his father. “Where is the man or men who did this?”

  He’d go after the man himself if no one else had.

  “I don’t know. The sheriff took off with a posse to find them. There were three men on horseback, but they didn’t have more than a five-minute lead. If he finds them, they’ll be brought back for trial and probably hanging.”

  Hanging wasn’t good enough for anyone who killed Pa. Then he looked around the room and frowned. “Didn’t Ma and the girls come in? Ellie said she went to the ranch first and told Ma.”

  “Your ma and the others have left to go back to the ranch so they can make plans for a funeral service. Mr. Morton has already taken your father’s body to his place so he can prepare the body for the funeral.”

  Levi backed up to a chair and slumped into it. He rested his elbows on his knees with his hands hanging down. Pa was dead, and there had been no time for a good-bye or a chance to seek forgiveness for causing him pain by leaving. With Pa gone, the ranch now belonged to Micah. That sent his stomach churning, but he had no time to think about that now.

  He jumped up and headed for the door. “I’m going down to Morton’s and see Pa.”

  The three blocks to the mortuary took only minutes, but in that time Levi made up his mind to let Micah have the ranch and do whatever he wanted with it. Levi had no desire to work the ranch with Micah for a boss. Let the ranch hands stick around and do his bidding.

  At the mortuary Mr. Morton led him to the room where he prepared bodies for burial. Pa lay on a table with a sheet draped over him. Mr. Morton pulled the sheet back just enough to expose Pa’s face. Levi’s throat closed and his heart pounded. Pa hadn’t looked this peaceful in many months, maybe years. So Micah had been right about Pa’s poor health. Levi clamped his mouth shut and ground his teeth against each other. If he’d only paid attention, he might have been more aware of Pa’s condition and done things to make life easier for him.

  “Pa, why couldn’t you have taken a rest and let me run things? I know more about that ranch than Micah ever will. Things could have been so different if only you’d listened to me.”

  Guilt tore at Levi’s heart with a vengeance and sent doubts flooding through his mind like a mighty storm. He should go back to the ranch and do whatever it took to help his sisters and Ma, but if he went back now, Micah would be in charge, and he didn’t deserve to be.

  The long tentacles of jealousy began inching themselves around Levi’s heart to replace the guilt and doubts. He’d played the good son for so many years expecting Pa to reward him with a share of the ranch. It wasn’t fair of Pa to keep hoping for Micah’s return when Levi stayed right there to do both his work and his brother’s.

  “God, why did You let this happen? Why did You bring Micah home to take over the ranch when it should have been mine? I’ve worked five years to earn Pa’s approval, and he gave me nothing.”

  “He loved you, Levi, and was proud of you.”

  Levi spun around at the words of the voice behind him. “Mr. Morton, I didn’t know you were there.”

  “Of course you didn’t, and I know you’re grieving, as you should be. But I do want you to know your pa was very proud of the way you worked beside him. He was always bragging on you when he came into town.”

  “He had a funny way of showing it. At home all he ever talked about was when Micah came back. Now Pa’s gone and Micah’s here, so I’m left with nothing.”

  Mr. Morton stepped to Levi’s side and pressed his hand on Levi’s arm. “Son, your pa left you a great legacy of integrity and a great faith in God. People in this town respected him more than you could possibly know. Don’t let your anger toward your brother ruin what you and your pa had.”

  Easy for him to say, but he hadn’t been at the ranch day by day. Pa hadn’t bragged or shown much appreciation to Levi. Pa could express his love for Ma openly, but he had a hard time showing it to his sons and daughters. Even when they excelled at school, they heard few words of pride. Pa was a stubborn, close-mouthed man who didn’t like others knowing his business or his feelings.

  “Thank you, Mr. Morton. I’ll see you at the services.” He headed for the door and then back to the infirmary to get his horse. He’d have to go out to the ranch eventually, and it may as well be now as later. Maybe he could see Ma without having to encounter Micah. That was one fight he really didn’t care to have today, and their meeting would turn into a fight. No doubt about it.

  He unhitched his horse and looked up to see Ellie standing by the post. She bit her lip and clasped her hands about her middle. “Did you see your pa?”

  Levi nodded. “I was at Morton’s just now.”

  She reached over and grasped his arm. “I’m so sorry. Your pa was a wonderful man.”

  “So I’ve been told.” He covered her hand and pulled her to him in an embrace. “Ellie, what am I going to do now?”

  She rested her head ag
ainst his chest. “I don’t know. Your ma needs you, so perhaps you should go back to the ranch. Your sisters need you too. Go, take care of them, and I’ll be waiting here in town for you when you return.”

  Levi rested his chin on her head. This was one girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and as soon as he could get his head and heart straightened out, he’d tell her again to make it official.

  “Thank you, Ellie. I do plan to go see Ma now.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for saying you’ll wait for me. Knowing that you’ll be here will get me through this.”

  He released her and swung up onto his horse. With one last smile and a tip of his hat, Levi left Ellie and headed for home.

  CHAPTER 18

  MICAH RODE OUT to gather the men and let them know what had happened to Pa. Some of the cowboys had been with the crew for many years and would take the news hard because they loved and respected Pa. Others had only come on board in the past few years, and Micah had no idea as to how they would react.

  His head spun with all the details that needed to be worked out in the days and weeks ahead. Pa had a will, and Micah had left Ma to take care of finding it. She planned to take it in to that new lawyer Hightower and let him take care of any legalities that needed to be handled since Mr. Murphy hadn’t returned from his trip. One thing for sure, Pa hadn’t changed his will in the past few years, so the ranch now became his full responsibility, and one he didn’t want to accept.

  Any plans for a relationship with Camilla evaporated with the events of the day, but that was just as well since he would have probably ended it soon anyway if she didn’t reject him first. He didn’t have time for a woman in his life right now.

  Once again the image of Hannah Dyer popped into his head. What a contrast to Camilla. Despite her handicap Hannah enjoyed life and had a sincerity about her that Camilla sorely lacked. If he hadn’t seen Hannah’s odd-looking shoe, he’d have never known she had any kind of deformity.

  He shook his shoulders. Lately, every time he thought about Camilla, Hannah managed to make an appearance too. As he rode, the good time they’d had at the dance and her happiness that day crowded his thoughts. It seemed as though everyone in town had come to love Dr. Whiteman’s new nurse. When things settled down a bit, maybe he could explore the reasons she kept intruding into his thoughts, but now he had another job to do.

  The herd came into view, and the foreman, Roy Bateman, spotted Micah and waved. He rode over to Micah’s mount. “Didn’t expect to see you here this late in the afternoon. We were about to come on back in.”

  “I need you to gather everyone here before we head back. I have some things I have to share now that may make a big difference on what happens when we get back to the bunkhouse.”

  Roy shoved his hat back on his head. “You sound serious. What’s up?”

  “I’d rather tell everyone at once.” Although Roy probably should know first, Micah didn’t want to tell the news twice. Once was plenty enough.

  Roy turned back to the herd and whistled then waved at the group of men headed his way. In only a few minutes all were gathered around, questions filling their eyes.

  “Micah’s come out to tell us something, so listen up,” Roy commanded.

  Micah let his gaze wander over the men. Some he barely knew and others he’d grown up around. A deep breath then letting it go bolstered his courage. “As you might know, Pa went into town this morning to see the banker, Mr. Swenson. While he was there, the bank was robbed, and Pa and Camilla Swenson were shot.” The men murmured among themselves then quieted down and looked to him.

  A lump once again formed in Micah’s throat, and he had to swallow twice to get the next words out. “Pa didn’t make it. His heart gave out on him and he died at Doc Whiteman’s place.”

  Frowns and looks of dismay followed the announcement along with more murmurs and questions among the men.

  Roy leaned forward in his saddle. “Micah, I’m so sorry. What a terrible thing for your mother to bear. What is this going to mean for you and the ranch?”

  “It’s too early to tell. The bank granted an extension on the loan before the robbery, but unfortunately the money that Pa was going to use was stolen by the bandits. So to be honest, for now everything is up in the air. I’ll be taking Pa’s place unless Levi will come home and help. If any of you don’t want to stay, then you’re free to go.” He’d rather find out who was loyal and ready to stay on now under all the uncertainty than lie to them about the future of the ranch.

  Shorty said, “You can count on me, son. I’ve been around here too long to go anywhere else now.”

  Roy nodded and sat tall in his saddle. “Count on me too. Figure I’ve done too much with this herd not to stick around and see it to the end.”

  Micah gazed around the group. “Anybody want to leave? Now’s your chance.”

  They all shook their heads, and their words of encouragement filled Micah with hope that they’d pull through. “All right, we’re in this together. Ma’s back at the house with the girls, so I’ll let her know that you’re going to work with us. She’ll appreciate that.”

  Shorty rode up beside Micah. “What about Levi? Will he come back?”

  “I have no idea, but I’m going to do everything I can to get him to listen to me and become a partner. We’ll know more when we go over the will in the next few days.” If he could find Levi, he’d hogtie that boy and make him listen to reason. Now, of all times, he should be home with his family.

  Levi pulled his horse to a stop at the corral and dismounted. He stared at the house a few minutes before heading for the porch, praying Micah was off somewhere else. When he entered the house, Rose ran to him and wrapped her arms around him.

  “Levi! You came. I’m so glad you’re home.”

  The other women in the room turned, and Ma stood. The look on her face sent guilt mingled with sorrow straight to his soul. She held out her arms, and he took three strides to be enveloped in her hug. “Ma, I’m so sorry. Doc Whiteman told me what happened.”

  “I’m so glad you’re here. We need you.”

  “Isn’t Micah around to take care of things?” He glanced around, but the girls were alone.

  “He went out to find Roy and the others to tell them about your pa. I found Pa’s will in the safe in his office. We’ll take it in to Mr. Hightower and let him take care of whatever needs to be done.” Ma gripped Levi’s hands. “I’m sorry, Levi, but he never got around to changing it.”

  She held his arm and led him to the parlor. His sisters left the room and headed upstairs. Levi clenched his teeth. That meant Micah had full control. He’d ruin the ranch in a few months. He couldn’t let him do that, but he couldn’t work under his brother either. “Then Micah’s going to be running things around here without me. I’m going back to Hudson’s. He’s paying me good wages, and I hope to get a spread of my own next year.”

  Ma’s eyes glistened with tears, and she gripped his arms, her fingers digging into his skin. Pain shot up to his shoulders, but he ignored it and set his jaw in determination to resist her pleas.

  “We need you here, Levi. Hudson has plenty of men to run things for him. He doesn’t need you like we do. I don’t know everything that’s going on, but I know the ranch is struggling financially right now.”

  Levi stiffened. “Did Micah tell you that?”

  Ma nodded. “He’s looked at the ledgers a few times now. I knew in general we were struggling, but your brother knows more specifics and has ideas that could help.”

  “Bully for him,” Levi muttered.

  Ma’s voice grew sharper. “Now that your father is gone, this ranch will need both of you to keep it afloat. You’ve put so much of your life into this ranch. How could you leave it now?”

  “That’s the problem. I stayed by Pa and helped him after Micah ran off on his own. I played the good son and did everything Pa wanted me to do. For five years I listened to him talk about Micah and how things would be when he
returned. I was doing all the work, but he got all the attention. Now I have nothing to show for those years. If the ranch is struggling, then even the bit he planned to give me is gone.”

  “Son, Pa was proud of you in more ways than one. Yes, you stayed here and worked hard for him, and you deserve some credit for that. He loved you, and he was praying and thinking through how he could change his will. He never got around to it, but he had come to the decision that you and Micah should share in the ranch.”

  “Maybe so, but it’s too late to change things now. I have to start out on my own and earn what I can. I planned to ask Ellie to marry me this fall, but now that will have to wait awhile, maybe a year or more. I don’t want to go into marriage with nothing to support her.”

  Ma loosened her grip and stepped back. “I understand that, and Ellie is a wonderful girl. I know she’ll wait for you however long it takes, but it doesn’t have to be a year. You can be married and live here on the ranch. Margaret and James will live in town after they’re married. This will always be your home.”

  His heart ached at the hope in Ma’s voice. He saw no way he and Ellie could live here as long as Micah lived in the same house. At least if he was alone, he could live in the bunkhouse and leave the house for Micah and the girls. What was he thinking? He had no plans to come back here and live at all.

  “I’m sorry, Ma, but that won’t work.” He bent down to kiss her cheek. “I’ll see you at the services. I understand they’ll be at the church.”

  “That’s right, on Monday.” She clung to him tighter now. “Please don’t go. Wait until Micah gets back and talk this out with him.”

  He removed her hands as gently as possible and shook his head. “No. It’s best for me not to see him with all the anger I hold toward him right now.” He jammed his hat on his head and turned to leave before she could change his mind.

  With a heavy heart he mounted his horse. Then he spurred his horse and rode away, guilt, grief, anger, and jealousy fighting for a place in his soul.