by Cyndi Raye
He had thought of it but wanted to get back to Naomi. Besides, he had fresh pastries for her. “I’ll take my chances. Good-day.” Russell rode out of town a little faster than he normally did.
Passing the waterfalls, he noticed the sky getting black. That didn’t give him much time. “Go on, get moving,” he told his mare as if she understood his commands.
He was ten minutes from home, relief flooding over him the rain hadn’t started yet. Russell didn’t mind rain so much but thunder and lightening flashed in the distant sky. If it came any closer, he’d have to take cover for awhile. Hopefully, he’d make it home before that.
Except all of a sudden it came at a speed Russell wasn’t counting on. He was usually good at deciphering when a storm would hit, but today he had his mind on getting back to Naomi. It probably altered his thinking.
The rain came so fast there was no time to throw on the coat in his saddlebag. Water dumped down over the trail, washing away stone and dirt, making it hard for his mare to keep going. When a bolt of lightening flashed too close for comfort, his mare stumbled. He knew it was time to take shelter. She was one of the newer horses, he had trained her but she wasn’t as familiar to storms like this as the others.
Russell left the trail when he noticed a large oak tree with decent cover. He slid from his mare and guided her to a dry spot underneath the branches. They stood there for awhile, watching the torrents of rain pelt the earth. It had been quite awhile since they had a storm of this nature in the area. God knew they needed some good rains.
Except he was in a hurry to get home and talk to Naomi. He didn’t want to waste one more minute without telling his bride how he felt. He could understand her hesitation since she had lied to him, but he didn’t even care about this particular lie. It was a lie to protect herself from all she’d been through. If he had been in her shoes, perhaps he’d have done the same thing.
If he didn’t have his family to see him through, Russell didn’t know how he’d react. Even when they found out their father was none other than Nora White’s husband and they had three half-brothers, at least he had his family members to rely on to get him through. Naomi had no one. Absolutely no one.
He wasn’t about to let her leave.
Not now.
Not ever.
She was his and he was going to get home and tell her! Not even a storm of this nature will stop him!
Chapter 8
What a darn fool he was! Russell groaned. The mare was long gone by now. Here he was, stuck with his leg caught under a heavy branch. If she hadn’t been spooked, he’d have been able to reach the rope hanging from the end of the saddle and tie it to the branch. If she were his trained mare, he’d have been able to instruct her how to pull it off his leg.
But no, he was stupid to take a new horse out for the first time knowing a thunderstorm was brewing. It wasn’t her fault. Russell prayed she’d go back to the farm a few miles away and not wander off somewhere. Otherwise, he’d have to spend days, maybe longer, looking for her. After he got the heavy limb off his leg, of course.
He sighed. Lying on his back, he twisted his head, trying to peek through the leaves to see rain still coming down. The limb that fell was so large, the leaves so thick it almost buried him. This was one storm he hadn’t counted on. Storms around here would come and go, most finished in a short time. Not today. It was well over thirty minutes since the rain started.
Earlier, he had decided not to wait out the storm. He just got up in the saddle when a horrendous crack followed by lightening frightened the mare. She had reared up and he tried to hang on but when a branch cracked him on the back, it took him off guard. He fell to the ground just as another larger branch came down hard to trap his lower leg.
The mare reared again, turning and galloping off in the storm. He had called for her, to no avail. At least she was heading in the right direction, he hoped. It was still early enough someone may come by. They’d be crazy to be out in this storm though.
Russell tried to sit up but each time he did, the back of his neck and head began to ache so bad he got dizzy and was unable to focus. The way the smaller branch hit him probably gave him a concussion. When he felt his head, there was a lump the size of an egg on his skull.
If he didn’t return home by nightfall, he knew Wesley would begin to look for him. Maybe if he laid here for awhile, the head would stop hurting and he’d be able to get this limb off his trapped leg. The limb was heavy but nothing he couldn’t pry off himself if his head didn’t stop spinning.
He’d give it a few minutes. Perhaps take a little nap. Yes, that’s what he’d do.
<><>
Nightfall was just over the horizon. In another hour, the farm and surrounding area would be cloaked in darkness. Wesley had carried his Ma out to the table to eat supper. “I am allowed to walk with a cane, son. Doc James said I can put a little pressure on my foot. You don’t need to baby me.” She looked around. “I thought Russell would be back by now,” she said to them, a crease at her brow. “He usually isn’t gone this long.”
Naomi was starting to worry, too. “He did say when he returned today from Wichita Falls, we were going to spend some time together.”
Wesley raised a brow, even stopped eating. “That a fact? He probably got caught in the thunderstorm and is waiting it out.”
Naomi looked outside. “The storms been over for some time now.”
Wesley slid his chair back. “I’m going to saddle up one of the mares and go down the road a bit.”
Naomi knew Wesley was worried by the way his face looked so serious. He was usually calm by nature, but he had an anxious expression right now. If he was concerned, there may be cause to worry.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded when he left, chancing a look at Widow Young.
The Widow set her fork down. She clasped her hands together. “Something is wrong. I feel it with every breath I take.”
Naomi went to her, giving her a hug. “Now, now. Russell is fine.”
The moment she said the words, the screen door burst open. Wesley’s eyes were huge!
“What is it?” Naomi asked, her heart in her throat.
“Russell’s mare was at the barn, still saddled up. I went through the whole building looking for Russell but he’s not there. There is no way my brother would leave a horse outside in this kind of weather. This mare is pretty new to us. I think she got spooked and he’s out there somewhere.”
“Oh, my, no!” Widow Young began to cry. “I knew something wasn’t right.”
Naomi had to be strong. The thought of losing Russell was never a consideration. She tried to squelch down the fear that began to rise inside of her. She didn’t want to panic!
“I’m going to get Rusty and a few of the hands from next door, see if we can scout the area before it gets too dark. Keep Ma calm, Naomi.”
Naomi had her arms around Widow Young. She nodded to Wesley, almost in tears herself.
He looked in to her eyes. “I will find my brother,” he promised.
“I know you will.”
She was beginning to understand the bond between siblings. Even though she never had any, what she witnessed in the last few weeks being here was something she had always longed for. She just hoped it wasn’t too late for the two of them. Dear Lord, surround Russell with angels no matter where he is and keep him safe until we find him. Amen.
For the next hour, Naomi paced back and forth in between checking on Widow Young. She had settled the older woman onto the settee by the window so his Ma was able to keep an eye on the horizon. Naomi thought it would keep her calm if she was actively looking for her son this way.
Naomi stopped pacing to listen when Widow Young began to speak. “My late husband got caught in a lightening storm. We had been here about two years, the house was built and the barn just got finished when his horse threw him. I waited all night long for him to come home. Sitting here, by the window, waiting, watching. I sat on a wooden chair he had made with hi
s own hands. When daylight came, I knew he wasn’t coming back.”
Naomi gasped. “Maybe it’s not a good idea to sit by the window. I’m sure Russell is fine.”
“I don’t know if my heart can stand another break.”
Naomi wrapped her arms around her. The woman was falling apart. “Be strong, Widow Young, please. He’ll be okay, I know he will.”
She patted Naomi’s hand. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.” A sob caught at her throat. “It’s because of you I’m falling apart. If you weren’t here, I would try to be stronger. With you here, I can let my emotions out because I know you will comfort me. Thank you, Naomi, you are a blessing.”
No one had ever told her she was a blessing. All her young life she had been called an ungrateful urchin. When Widow Young looked her in the eye with gratitude, Naomi knew she was telling the truth. This past week the two had gotten real close.
Naomi pulled a wooden chair away from the table and set it alongside her. She sat down and faced Russell’s mother. It was time to be honest. Maybe now was not the time but it certainly would take Widow Youngs mind off of her son, at least for a few minutes.
Fearful of being rejected, she almost didn’t blurt it out until Widow Young gave her a curious look. “What is it, Naomi? What’s wrong?”
Naomi clasped her hands together on her lap. “I haven’t been honest with Russell or Wesley or you.” She had vowed to keep quiet before it was no longer an option. Naomi had some morals left.
Widow Young shook her head. “What do you mean?”
It was hard to be honest. She had lived most of her life hiding in alleys, stealing for food and waiting for hand outs until she went to the orphanage. If Widow Young rejects her, then her sons will, also. Naomi was afraid she’d die if she had to go back to that life. She wanted to stay here. It was beginning to feel like home. Even an orphan knew right from wrong. She’d never be able to live with herself if she didn’t speak up.
“Go on, spit it out. It’s not going to come out on its own.”
Naomi hung her head, unable to look her in the eye. “I lied. When I sent the letter to Miss Addie, I made everything up. I am not from a well to do family. I didn’t live in a fancy house on 5th Avenue. It’s all lies.”
Widow Young grinned. She took Naomi’s hands in her own. “Look at me, dear.”
Naomi slowly raised her head to look at her mother-in-law. There was no rage, no anger there. “I’m sorry.”
“No need to be. I was waiting for you to come out with the truth. From our very first conversation, I had a feeling you weren’t from upper crust. Do you know how I know this?”
Naomi was too upset to speak. She shook her head.
“I was upper crust, my dear. Before my late husband swept me off my feet, my family had a house in San Francisco most people long for. I grew up there, never wanting for anything. Then a handsome miner caught my eye, with promises to take me to Texas and build me the biggest ranch I’d ever seen. He was going to hit pay-dirt, he had said. He didn’t. He made enough to buy us this farm and we were truly happy until the night he never came back.”
“I’m sorry. It must’ve been hard for you with two children.”
Widow Young gave her a smile. “I’m afraid I have secrets of my own, Naomi. My boys are not from my husband. Since you will be here a long time, you should know, and maybe you already do. Their father is the deceased husband of Nora Young.”
“What!” Naomi’s eyes widened. She didn’t know what to say so she said nothing. Her mouth tried to ask another question but failed.
“It’s true, sadly. I wish with all my heart those boys were my late husbands. Please don’t judge me. I didn’t ask for Mr. White’s advances. He took advantage of me while I was in a vulnerable state, I realize this now.”
“I’m so sorry. Does Russell know?”
“Yes, he always knew. I never tried to hide it from him. Although we did hide it from Nora for ten long years. When she found out it was not very nice around here but we all worked it out. We’re all friends now. So, don’t you see, Naomi, you can work this out, too. I love you like a daughter.”
“Thank you.” Naomi was almost in tears. She never thought she’d be accepted for being an urchin. “I’m afraid I know nothing about being a housewife.”
A smile spread across the widow’s cheek. “That, my dear, will be my job to show you. Oh, look!” She pointed out the window.
A distant glare from torches lit up a line of riders coming in. Naomi flew out the door, standing on the porch, leaning hard over the bannister. “They’re coming this way!” Her heart beat against her chest so hard and fast she took in a deep breath of fresh night air to slow it down.
Was it him? Was he hurt? When she noticed Widow Young behind her, she helped the woman to the rocker on the porch. “Please, sit. You can see from here.”
The riders made their way down the path that led to the farm. Instead of bringing him to the farmhouse, they turned towards the cabin. Naomi ran towards the riders, holding up her skirts and going as fast as she was able.
She got to the porch in time to open the front door as they hoisted an unconscious Russell and brought him inside. They placed him on the bed. Immediately, Naomi got busy pulling off his wet, mud soaked boots. She looked up to see a group of men standing in the doorway. “Wesley, go let your Ma know he’s alright before she tries to walk down here on her own.”
He hurried out. The others tipped their hat. Rusty, the smaller, older man with a head full of red hair offered assistance. “I’ll be heading to get the doc as soon as daylight breaks. No sense in going out in the night. He hit his head pretty hard. Looks like his foot is swollen but not broken. Darn lucky that tree didn’t break a bone.”
“What happened?” Naomi poured water from the basin into the bowl, swishing a rag around and twisting it as water fell back into the bowl.
“Looks like lightening hit a tree branch and spooked the horse. The limb fell on Russell’s leg but it wasn’t too heavy for him to remove. Looks like his head injury is what kept him down. We’re gonna have to get the doc here to take a look. I think the leg is fine.”
“Much obliged for your help. All of you.” Naomi’s confidence was returning to her. Now that she knew Widow Young didn’t care if she was a fraud, she prayed others would feel the same way. Hopefully, she didn’t need to tell anyone and she’d be able to put it all behind her.
Except for one man. Her husband. She had to tell him sooner or later. Right now, his health was all that matters. His face looked so white as if all the blood had drained from their vessels. His clothes were soaked, pasted against his skin. “I’m going to need to get him into warm, clean clothes. Can one or two of you help?”
Twenty minutes later Russell was propped up on the bed with fresh, clean clothes and a blanket covering him to his neck. It looked as if the blood was returning to his skin. She kept wringing out a damp cloth and applying it to his forehead, sitting on the edge of the bed while patting it over his skin. He winced a few times but stayed asleep.
The lump on his head wasn’t getting any larger so that was a good sign. She knew, even though she wasn’t trained as a nurse that a knot on the head that is growing is a bad sign.
Wesley tapped on the door. “I hope you don’t mind, I let myself in.”
“It’s fine. How’s your mother?”
“She’s settled in for the night. I assured her he was fine and you were taking care of Russell. She wanted to come down here herself but when I told her that he already has a wife to take care of him, she agreed.”
“Thank you. She needs to take care of herself. I’m sure he’ll be up and about in no time.”
Three days later, Russell was still unconscious. Naomi was getting worried. The doc handed her a bottle of laudanum, instructing her to keep him as still as possible. She had to force the liquid down his throat several times a day.
Widow Young had settled herself in the chair by his bed, insisting on sitting with him wh
ile Naomi got some rest. “You must be strong for him. Now go and take in some fresh air.”
She was right. Naomi hadn’t left his side in three days. She caught site of herself in the mirror by the door. Was that the same woman who came here a few weeks ago? Blue eyes were puffy and tired, her hair was in a messy bun. She didn’t much care, her job was to make sure Russell woke up.
The doctor had reduced his medicine yesterday, telling her to give less each day, that he will slowly wake. He did look worried though. If a doctor looked worried, should she be?
When she confronted the doc he said to have faith. Most people recovered from head injuries and they were tricky. It was why he had given the medicine to keep him still and sleeping but now it was time for him to wake, if he wakes up.
If he didn’t, then what?
No, she had to have faith.
There was no way she wanted to live here on the farm without him.
Not now.
Not ever.
Widow Young was right. She had to get some air. Naomi made her way to the barn to find Wesley sitting on a stool milking Dolly. Her tail swiped him in the head several times when he forgot to duck. It was almost comical.
When she laughed out loud, Wesley turned his head. He smiled. “Dolly doesn’t like anyone except Russell milking her.”
“I noticed.” She wrapped her arms around her, slowly making her way closer. When Dolly saw her, she lifted her head.
“He was looking forward to showing you how to milk Dolly, you know.”
“He was?”
“Yes, he told me so.”
“We have to have faith, Wesley.” She heard the defeat in his voice. “He will wake up.”
Wesley turned to her, a haunted look in his eyes. “This is the worst thing ever. I keep walking in circles trying to will him to wake up. He’s on my mind every single waking moment. I love my brother with all my heart.”
“I love him, too. He knows he is loved. Let’s give him a fighting chance.”
A deep sigh escaped Wesley. “I’ll try. He looks so, so, awful. His skin is pale and drawn and I can’t see any life in him. I am so worried.”
