Singing Montana Sky (The Montana Sky Series Book 7)

by Debra Holland

  Next to her sat Blythe Rockwell at the harp. She wore a flowing black gown.

  The church was more crowded than he’d anticipated, with people in mourning clothes, even if some men only wore a black arm band.

  The two ministers stood in front of the altar, closed prayer books in their hands. The cross on the altar was surrounded by vases of flowers. He’d seen some of the women bringing them into the church.

  The weight of the casket on his shoulder grew heavier, but not more challenging than the weight in his heart. Tears threatened. To distract himself, Kael glanced at each side of the aisle to see some expected faces. All his neighbors. Doctor and Mrs. Cameron. Mrs. Norton and Delia Norton, with young Micah. Sophia’s friends, Peter Rockwell and Caleb Livingston. Nick Sanders, with his daughter on his lap.

  To his surprise, Kael saw Gundry’s family members take up a whole pew, and behind them sat Aagaard next to Atwell’s girl. How in the heck did Aagaard find out about this? The Norwegian’s family lived all the way out on the prairie.

  At a signal from Kael, the men lowered the casket to two wooden trestles waiting beside the altar. The rest of them dispersed—the married men to rejoin their wives and the ranch hands to a pew by themselves. Kael moved to sit beside his mother in the right front row and clasped her cold hand. As he watched his Songbird sing the last verse of the hymn, he held onto his mother, needing comfort as much as giving it.

  When Sophia finished, respectful silence lingered, as if everyone wanted to break into applause, but refrained because they were at a funeral.

  Reverend Joshua squared his shoulders and started the service. Without opening the prayer book, he said, “‘I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.’” He nodded to his father.

  Reverend Norton finished the verses from the chapter of John. “‘And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.’” His gaze swept the congregation, an apparent prelude to more personal remarks. “Though Leith and Nina Kelley didn’t get to church often, living as far out as they did, I always felt blessed when they could attend a service.” The minister paused and directed a smile at Nina and Kael.

  Kael nodded in acknowledgement.

  “When the congregation sang a hymn, I knew exactly where the Kelleys sat because I could hear their voices making a ‘joyful noise unto the Lord.’” Reverend Norton faltered, his eyes sad, took a breath, and continued. “They were a beautiful-sounding duet. Or, a trio, if Kael was able to make the service. I will miss their combined voices raised in song. I have no doubt Leith has joined the glorious company of angels in heaven, who continually praise the Lord.” He nodded for his son to continue.

  Reverend Joshua placed a hand on the casket. “I didn’t know Leith Kelley well. As my father said, the Kelleys weren’t often in town. Growing up, I only knew Leith as Kael’s father. He always seemed to me to be so big and strong. Yet, instead of looking intimidating, he usually had a twinkle in his eye when he greeted me.” The minister smiled at his wife in the first pew on the opposite side.

  Kael glanced over and saw Delia Norton wipe away a tear with a gloved finger.

  “At our wedding reception, we received the oddest advice from Mr. Kelley. Or rather, I should say, I received the advice. He advised me to sing to my wife, especially if, for some reason I ended up in marital disharmony. He told me to sing love songs and songs that would make her laugh.” Reverend Joshua’s impish grin made him look about as young as his son Micah. “I’ll leave it to your immagination as to whether I’ve yet needed his advice.”

  A rumble of smothered laughter went through the congregation.

  “When I paid a pastoral visit to the Kelleys a few weeks ago, Leith told me he wanted a funeral with more singing and less talking.”

  With raised eyebrows, Kael glanced at his mother. His parents hadn’t said a word about the visit.

  His mother’s faint smile and pointed look toward Sophia reminded Kael of what she’d said yesterday about Pa wanting them to heal and enjoy themselves.

  Reverend Joshua smiled at Kael and stepped sideways, making space. “At this time, I’ll invite Kael Kelley to come forward and sing the hymn his father requested, ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’”

  Suddenly nervous and fearing he’d croak like a frog, Kael rose and moved to the front. Only yesterday had he learned that his father had picked the hymns for this service. One for Sophia, one for him, one for both, and one for everyone.

  Sophia gave him a nod and warm smile of encouragement.

  Her belief in his ability gave him courage.

  The two ministers took seats in the first pew across from the Kelleys, next to their wives.

  Kael faced the congregation and took a deep breath of flower-scented air, and then another to loosen his chest and stomach muscles. He glanced at the accompanists and nodded a go-ahead.

  The piano and harp played the introduction and then he joined in. “Nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee, e’en though it be a cross that raises me….” After a slightly shaky start, he settled into the hymn.

  Looks of amazement crossed some faces. Aagaard gave him a nod of acknowledgment. When he glanced in Sophia’s direction, he saw her look of pride. Some of the women dabbed their eyes with their handkerchiefs. Their responses heartened him, and his voice reflected that strength.

  His last note died away. Relieved he hadn’t made a fool of himself, Kael moved back to his seat.

  The senior Reverend Norton stood and lifted his hands. “Together, let us sing, ‘Rock of Ages.’ Please pay attention to verse three, which Leith felt stated his approach to dying. ‘Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.’”

  Kael choked up.

  Ma took his hand and squeezed.

  Two verses passed before Kael calmed enough to join in the singing. Still, all too soon, Reverend Joshua beckoned him to come forward again. “Now, Miss Maxwell and Mr. Kelley will join together in ‘Amazing Grace,’ the final hymn.”

  Sophia stood and moved to Kael’s side, a few inches closer than conventional. With a smile and raised eyebrows, she asked if he was ready.

  Kael nodded.

  The piano and harp started up, and Sophia began, her voice as sweet and loving as the words of the hymn. She finished the first verse solo, and Kael poured his heart into the second.

  On the third verse, Kael sang the harmony. On the fourth, they switched.

  Something about singing with Sophia, the energy and connection between them, deeply rooted Kael’s baritone, while his Songbird’s soprano soared, their voices intertwined—light and dark. Goosebumps broke out over his skin. We’ve never sounded better.

  Pa, I hope you can hear us.

  * * *

  After Leith Kelley’s burial in the small cemetery behind the church, everyone walked to the hotel. There, Sophia knew the mountain of food she’d seen brought by the women was already set out in the restaurant, privately reserved courtesy of Caleb Livingston.

  Sophia followed slowly, deliberately not joining any group, and avoiding eye contact with anyone who glanced her way. She wanted a few minutes to herself to recover from the astonishing experience of singing “Amazing Grace” with Kael.

  Never had she been so moved by her own duet with another singer—a song full of spiritual and earthly love, soulful and perfectly interpreted—brought about because of the depths of their connection. Ending the hymn meant descending from a marvelous, magical high into reality and the longing for more—of him, of singing together—had shaken Sophia to the core.

  Mourners filed into the hotel, moving through the lobby, with Sophia walking a few feet behind.

  Blythe released Peter’s arm and dropped back to walk with Sophia. Her eyes were red, and the black of her flowing gown made her pale complexion appear washed out. “For years, I’ve heard you sing,” she said. “But never like that, Sophia Maxwell! You and Mr. Kelley brought me to tears, both from the beautiful tone quality
and….” Her voice broke. She sniffed and dabbed her nose with the handkerchief she carried. “I was so afraid you’d never sing again.”

  Sophia stopped to hug her friend. “I still haven’t recovered from the experience at the funeral. Will you understand if I’m rude and say I still need a few more minutes alone to recover?”

  Blythe’s sudden smile lit up her face. She clutched Sophia’s hand. “I’ve long awaited this day.”

  “What day?” Sophia asked, bewildered by her friend’s reaction.

  With a mischievous expression, Blythe shook her head. “You need some thinking time. We’ll talk more later.” She squeezed Sophia’s hand and released her. “I have a new husband to return to.”

  Sophia gestured toward Peter. “Go on.”

  Blythe whirled so fast her loose gown and hair spun behind her. She hurried toward Peter, a bounce in her step.

  Shaking her head, Sophia followed more slowly into the restaurant, gratified to see how long banquet tables laden with food and drinks were set against the near wall. Already, people had filled their plates and taken seats at the round tables in the middle of the room. The scent of the roses in vases on the tables and the clink of silverware on plates and hum of conversations came to her.

  After the funeral and before the burial, she’d quietly taken Caleb aside to give the hotel owner carte blanche in adding any needed food and drink to the fare provided by the Kelleys’ friends. She’d stressed to Caleb that her monetary contribution must remain confidential because she had no doubt the Kelleys would feel uncomfortable and beholden if they knew. I have no desire for Kael to break out in prickles.

  After assuring herself that Nina had a full plate and plenty of company, Sophia helped herself to some food, taking mostly desserts, and joined her sister’s table. Lily was busy feeding Adeline, a shawl draped discreetly over her shoulder and the baby. Aside from a smile and a speculative look, she let Sophia eat in peace.

  Sophia took a bite of a tart lemon pie, savoring the flavor. One of the benefits of her illness had been eating whatever she wanted. However, now that she was back to her normal size, she’d have to start being careful again. A hefty, full body was a good form for an opera singer, but Sophia was too vain to allow herself to gain extra weight.

  Yesterday, after a long nap, Sophia had even joined in the frenzy of cooking and baking taking place in Lily’s kitchen. She could claim credit for the oddly shaped cinnamon cookies, which she’d chosen to make because Mrs. Pendell told her they were Kael’s favorites. Although her cookies looked odd, Tyler assured her they tasted just fine. She hoped Kael would like them, as well.

  She glanced over at the man in question and frowned. Kael was doing plenty of talking, or at least, listening, acting the good host, and going from table to table. But she hadn’t seen him eat anything.

  Concerned, Sophia rose and moved to the banquet tables. She took a small plate and searched for her platter of cinnamon cookies. Only a few remained, and she scooped up two, poured a glass of cold milk, and threaded her way around the tables to him.

  Just as he detached himself from talking to Gideon and Darcy, Sophia reached Kael’s side and flashed him a charming smile, which hid her determination to force food down him. For his own good, of course.

  His sad eyes warmed.

  Holding out the plate, she said, “I baked these. My very first batch of cookies and probably the last. Therefore, they are rare and valuable. Get one while you can.”

  Kael picked up a cinnamon sweet and examined the cookie from all sides. “I don’t know whether to eat one or lock it in a bank vault.”

  The twinkle in his eyes reminded Sophia of his father, but the memory made her happy instead of sad. She laughed and nudged his shoulder. “Eat!” She softened the command with a flirtatous sweep of her lashes.

  He chuckled and, with a deadpan expression, took a bite. After swallowing, Kael gave her a solemn look. “Tolerable.” He finished the cookie.

  “Hmmph.” Hiding her gratification that he was eating, Sophia handed him the glass of milk. While he drank, she took the other cookie and made an obvious inhale of the cinnamon scent. “If they’re only tolerable, then you won’t miss this one.”

  “Mine!” He swiped it from her. “I need to compare this to the other.”

  Sophia elbowed him in the side. “Well, let me know what you decide.” She waited for the verdict, all the while suppressing her amusement at how easily he’d fallen for her scheme—not that many people could resist desserts. Maybe this batch won’t be my last, after all.

  Caleb Livingston approached them. “I have something I want to talk to you two about. Will you please step away for a few minutes and join me in my office?”

  Kael finished the last bite of cookie, drank the rest of the milk, and nodded.

  They both glanced at Nina. She was engrossed in a conversation with Mrs. Cameron and shouldn’t miss them for a while.

  Sophia and Kael silently followed Caleb from the restaurant, walking along the side of the lobby and to his office.

  When she stepped into the room, Sophia couldn’t help remembering how less than two months ago, she had stood here—exhausted, despairing, fearful, mourning her appearance and career. Now, my life has changed again. The thought brought a jubilant bounce of her spirits that deflated when she glanced at Kael. Leaving will bring about another change, one that will deeply hurt.

  Caleb waved them to seats in the blue wing chairs in front of the big desk. He took a seat in his leather desk chair. “I know this isn’t the perfect moment for a discussion, Mr. Kelley. Forgive me for plain speaking at such a sensitive time. However, I know life is changing very quickly for each of you.”

  Sophia and Kael exchanged puzzled looks.

  Caleb leaned forward and set his arms on the desk top. “Sophia, obviously your voice is as lovely as always, and you’ll soon be returning to Chicago. Mr. Kelley, with your father’s death, you need to make plans for your future. I don’t know if either of you have thought of this possibility…but what occurred to me during your duet at the funeral was that I would like to schedule several concerts where you two perform. Certainly at Christmas. But perhaps also a concert at Thanksgiving and one around Valentine’s Day. We can plan more later.”

  Barely catching a full breath, Sophia seized the idea, which would give her a chance for more sublime performances with Kael. I’ll have an excuse to return, spend time with Kael, his mother, and my family.

  “Well,” Kael stammered, obviously not sure what to say.

  Sophia put her hand on Kael’s arm. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, don’t you?” For the first time since yesterday, she saw him grin. She smiled back, so grateful he had a few minutes of relief from his sorrow.

  “If such performances bring you back to Sweetwater Springs from time to time, then I’m all for it.”

  “Excellent! We can talk terms in a few days, and I’ll pay a deposit on the bookings.”

  Kael looked dazed. “I can’t believe I’ll be paid to sing, and the cash would certainly come in handy.”

  Sophia chuckled. “You’ll find the experience is quite addicting.”

  Caleb sat back in his chair. “Now, this is the point where I interfere beyond what is my business.”

  What on earth? She released Kael’s arm and folded her hands in her lap.

  Caleb waved a hand between Sophia and Kael. “If I may be so bold…. I see the connection between you. The new and improved Caleb Livingston—” he tapped his chest “—the one who’s fallen in love with the widow of a lowly miner, knows what appears like a misalliance can come to be a wonderful relationship.”

  Heat flooded Sophia’s cheeks. She hardly dared to hope for such a future. She snuck a sideways glance at Kael.

  His face looked frozen. He clenched a hand.

  Sophia’s stomach dipped. “Jenny Lind did those kind of tours, traveling with a supporting baritone and a pianist.” Jenny later married her pianist. Although, now’s probably not the
time to mention that fact.

  “From my point of view—” Caleb continued with a pointed glance at Sophia, “—you and Blythe have often toured and given performances. I see no reason why Kelley can’t join you.”

  “I don’t have the training,” Kael raised his hand in protest. “Performing in Sweetwater Springs, among people who know me, is one thing. To sing professionally….”

  Caleb shot Kael a penetrating look. “I think your voice is as professional as any I’ve heard in Boston, and I do not say that lightly.” With a sideways tilt of his head, he looked at Sophia for confirmation.

  “I agree. You only need polishing.”

  Caleb’s eyebrows rose. “Think about this. I’m not suggesting you do opera. Instead, sing hymns, folksongs, popular music.”

  “Blythe and I include those types of songs in our concerts. We don’t just perform opera and classical music.”

  Full of hope, Sophia held her breath and waited for Kael’s answer, knowing her heart must be in her eyes. Dwelling in the city, working as a performer, would be a tremendous change from his simple lifestyle—one he might not wish for. Nor can I fault him for choosing to remain in Sweetwater Springs. She unclenched her hands and then, needing to hold onto something, clutched the arms of the chair.

  Kael covered her hand with his, stroking across her skin with his thumb.

  His expression was so sad Sophia wanted to cry. Her stomach clenched, expecting the answer.

  “As much as I might wish with all my heart to join your tour….” Kael shook his head. “I must decline,” he said formally. “I cannot leave my mother alone.”

  Fighting a gasp, Sophia bit her lip and turned away. So close. I was so close to absolute happiness. Yet, she knew Kael wasn’t one to think of himself before his loved ones. He put the needs of his mother first—a quality she respected and admired. If he’d chosen to tour with me, he wouldn’t, truly, be the man I love.

  But, oh, how that truth hurt.