Ulla's Courage

by Agnes Alexander

  Ivy didn’t tell any of us that she was with child when we left Independence. Her baby was the first child born in town after the terrible storm and of course, she became the darling of Winton Crossing. Pete was beside himself and was so overprotective that Ivy had a hard time telling him she could still do the cooking and other duties we women have to do.

  The other couples who decided to settle here with us were Saul Guggenheim, and Liam Mahoney and their families.

  Saul is a doctor and because there were so many people hurt in the storm, he felt he was needed here more than he was in Oregon.

  Liam Mahoney is Winton Crossing’s first lawyer and has recently been elected mayor. Needless to say, he and his family are well respected, too.

  Our children are growing and thriving. Becky is doing great in her school work. She’s such a smart little girl. Everyone is amazed that she’s already reading and can do simple arithmetic. Will has grown into an even more precious little boy. He thinks he can read, too, though he often holds his book upside down.

  There will be another little Dermott in the summer. Cord is acting the same way Pete did. He thinks I’m going to hurt myself if I pick up a can of beans. I send him to his newspaper office when he hovers too much, but of course I love the attention from the man I married. I was so lucky to meet him at just the right time in my life. We have fallen deeply in love and I know we have a wonderful life ahead of us.

  Please tell Wilbur that I think of you two often. You were my best friends and I miss you terribly, but marrying Cord and leaving Independence was the best thing I’ve ever done. I never dreamed a woman could be as happy as I am. I wouldn’t change my life with my husband and children for anything. I’m sure that my parents would be happy at the way things have turned out for me, too.

  I’ve heard rumors that there will be a railroad coming to our town in the near future. If so, I hope both of you will consider coming for a visit. I would enjoy seeing you and I want you to know that you would be welcome to visit anytime you can.

  Your adopted daughter,

  Ulla.

  Stuart folded the letter and took a deep breath. “I’m so glad she’s happy.”

  “So am I.” Wilbur discreetly rubbed his watery eyes.

  “I’m going to write her back and tell her that I may take her up on her invitation to visit. I don’t know if I can wait for the railroad to be finished. I might be too old when it’s done. But there are other ways to travel.”

  Wilbur stood. “Thank you for sharing her letter with me, Stuart. When you write back, please tell her I said I miss her, and my family and I are still thankful for telling me about this job. I’ll also have my wife write to her from us.”

  “I’m sure Ulla will like that, Wilbur.” He watched Wilbur leave the office. Wilbur may think he’s the lucky one, but I think it’s the other way round. I’ve never had an employee as devoted and hard working as he is. I’m telling him at the last of the week about the raise and the promotion I’ve decided to give him. And as soon as he learns his new duties, I’m heading to Winton Crossing, Wyoming.

  ~ * ~

  Ulla turned from dusting the canned food on the shelf as the bell over the door jangled and the stage driver and two passengers stepped inside.

  “Got some mail for you, Miz Dermott.”

  “Thank you, Silas.” She put her feather duster down and turned.

  Silas handed her a stack of mail and turned to leave to rest and water the horses pulling the stage.

  She smiled at the man and woman who came in. “I hope you folks are having a good trip.”

  “It’s a little tiring,” the woman said.

  “Did I see the sign of a sweet shop down the street?” the man asked.

  “Yes, and their pastries are wonderful.”

  “I thought so. The other man on the stage said that was where he was headed first. Let’s go down there, Mable. I want something sweet.”

  “We’ll be back.” They left the store and headed toward Ivy’s Sweet Shop.

  Cord came in from the back. “I heard the stage come in and thought I’d check on you. How are you, sweetheart?”

  “I’m fine. How about you?”

  He laughed. “Well, if you must know, I mashed my finger with the hammer while I was nailing that shelf up you wanted in your new kitchen.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. Come here and I’ll kiss it like I do Will when he hurts himself.”

  “I think my finger will survive, but I’ll let you give me the kiss on my lips if I can figure out how to hurt them.”

  “Cord, you’re awful.”

  “Nope. I’m just a man who loves his wife.”

  She shook her head and picked up the mail to sort for the townspeople who would be coming by to see if they got anything. “The stage will be pulling away soon…see if you can control yourself until then.”

  He winked at her. “I’ll try.”

  Instead of continuing the banter with him, she let out a little cry. “Oh, Cord. I have a letter from Mr. Roberson.” She ripped it open and began to read.

  Dear Ulla,

  You’ll never know how much your letter meant to Wilbur and me. I’m sorry it took me so long to write back, but I did want to let you know what all is going on in Independence. Wilbur said he and his wife will write you, too. They may have already.

  First, let me say I’m so glad you have found a happy life with a good man and the children. I know you’re excited to be adding to your family. I’m anxious to find out if I’m going to have a ‘grandson’ or a ‘granddaughter.’ Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll not lack for love.

  Things are going well at the bank. I’m pleased with the way Wilbur has worked out. He’s done such a good job that I’ve promoted him from teller to my assistant. I’m grooming him so he can take over and run things whenever I find I can take a trip west to visit my ‘substitute daughter’ and her family.

  I thought you might be interested to know there is no longer a Wingate’s General Store in operation here in town, but there is a nice place called Booker’s Store. When Alton Wingate and his wife let the store fail, they finally gave up and sold it. They also sold your old house to the Bookers. It would please you to see that Milton and Lavern Booker have restored the house to its former beauty. Just the way it was when your mother and father were alive.

  As for your Uncle Alton and Aunt Vida, they packed up and moved away. I’m not sure where, and Claudine said she didn’t know because they hadn’t written her. I know it will surprise you to learn that after her parents left, Claudine and her husband have settled on a little farm outside of town. This may be hard for you to believe, but they’ve turned into a settled hard-working couple. Colton took right to farming and the baby, a boy, has a good home. I told her about your letter and she asked me if it would be all right to write to you. She said she wanted to apologize for the way she and her folks treated you. I told her I thought you’d be pleased to hear from her. If you’re not, just burn her letter.

  I will close for now, but don’t be surprised if I show up in that store of yours looking for the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cord Dermott sometime in the near future. Hug the children and…

  My best to you,

  Papa Stuart

  “Oh, Cord.” She turned to him with tears in her eyes.”

  He rushed to his wife and folded his arms around her. “What’s wrong, darling?”

  “I’m so happy.”

  He took a breath. “Happy? I thought something terrible had happened.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t you know a woman sometimes cries when she’s happy?”

  “If you say so.”

  She crammed the letter in his hand. “Read this and you’ll understand.”

  After reading the letter, he again took her in his arms. “I love you, Ulla and I hope Mr. Roberson decides to visit us soon.”

  “Oh, I do, too. He’d be the perfect …”

  The bell over the door jangled and Becky came in. She held her bro
ther’s hand with her left and a businessman’s hand in her right. “Oh my, they’re kissing again,” she said. “They do that all the time.”

  Pulling apart they both looked at her when she added, “I found this man outside. He says he’s our grandpa. Is he, Mama?”

  For a moment, Ulla was stunned. Then she let out a little cry and ran to the man. Throwing her arms around his neck, she cried, “Oh, Papa Stuart, I just read your letter.”

  “Almost beat it here, didn’t I?”

  “Oh, it’s so good to see you.”

  Cord walked up and held out his hand. “Mr. Roberson, let me add my welcome to my wife’s greeting.”

  He shook Cord’s hand. “Good to see you again, Cord, and please drop the Mr. Roberson. According to Becky, I’m the only grandpa the children have and I think we should be on a first name basis.”

  “I agree, Stuart.”

  “I see you have done right by little Ulla. She looks awfully happy.”

  “I’m not so little now, but oh how happy I am.” She gasped.

  “Why are your frowning, Mama?”

  “No reason, Becky. I think….” she gasped again and grabbed her stomach. “Honey, go get Doctor Guggenheim and take Will to Miss Ivy. I think we’re going to need their help today.”

  “Okay, Mama.” She took her brother’s hand and looked up at her father and in a very grown-up voice, said, “You take care of Mama until I get back with the doctor.”

  Cord looked puzzled, but muttered, “Of course I will, Becky.”

  “I’m sorry,” Ulla said. “I think I … oh...” She grabbed her stomach again.

  “What the hell is going on?” Cord asked.

  “I think you’re about to become a father again, Cord,” Stuart said.

  “I know that. The baby is due in June.”

  Ulla reached for his hand. “Honey, it’s June the fourth. Now, help me upstairs. I think I should go to bed.”

  “Why?”

  Stuart took over. “For heaven’s sake, Cord. Your wife is about to give birth. Now get a grip on yourself and help Ulla to bed. I’ll take care of the store and wait for my newest grandchild to be born.” He began to hum. “Couldn’t have come to town at a better time, could I?”

  ~ * ~

  Six hours later the cry of a child sounded and Cord jumped up from the chair at the small table where he was having coffee with Stuart.

  Saul Guggenheim came into the room. “Cord, I’m sorry to disappoint Becky, but you have a healthy baby boy and Ulla is doing fine. You can see them both as soon as my wife gets them cleaned up.”

  In a matter of minutes, Cord joined his wife. He hurried to the bed, leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “How are you feeling, darling?”

  “I’m tired, but I’m happy. Now what do you think of your new son?”

  He grinned at the squirming wrinkled baby lying at her side. “He’s great, Ulla. You did a wonderful job getting him here.”

  “I’m glad you like him because I think he’s kind of special, too.” She gave him a tired, but happy smile. “Would you object if we named him Grady after my father?”

  “I think Grady is a wonderful name and a good way to honor your father.”

  “Thank you, my love.” She glanced at her son. “I hope Becky isn’t too disappointed because she kept saying she wanted a little sister.”

  “Once she sees her new brother, she’ll be proud to have him.”

  “Maybe I can have a girl for her next time.”

  “So you plan to have another one?”

  “Of course. You will cooperate, won’t you?”

  He grinned at her. “I can’t wait to cooperate.” He dropped to the side of the bed and kissed her again. “There’s someone else who’ll be here to help us raise them, too.”

  Ulla frowned. “Who?”

  “Their grandpa.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “While we were waiting for our little boy, Stuart told me he’d made plans to move his banking business here and set up a bank because Winton Crossing is now big enough to support one. He plans to hire Wilber to run the bank in Independence for him.”

  “Why in the world would he do that?”

  “Well, the way he explained it to me, he says he wants to be near his family. And to him, you, and now the children and me are his family.”

  Ulla grinned. “It’ll be nice to have him here.”

  “He plans to help me finish the house, then he wants to move into this apartment. He says that way he’ll always be near if we need him.”

  “Oh, Cord, that’s good news.” She began to nod.

  Cord eased his arm around her shoulders. “You’re getting sleepy, my love. I’m going to get the children so they can meet their new brother, then you can sleep.”

  “Don’t leave me. Let Papa Stuart bring the children.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Cord slipped her head to the pillow and stood. Walking to the other side of the bed, he picked up his son. Staring at the little boy he whispered, “I’m glad your mama named you Grady, son. It’s a fine name and you’ll wear it proudly.”

  He walked to the door and opened it. Naomi sat in a chair near the bedroom door. “Send Stuart to get the children, Naomi. Ulla asked me to stay in the bedroom with her and I’m going to do it. There’s nothing I’d not do for my wife as long as it’s in my power to do it.”

  “You’re a thoughtful husband. Just to let you know, the children are already here.”

  “Then send them in so they can see their brother. Also ask Stuart to come with them.”

  Naomi frowned. “Who is that man, Cord?”

  “He’s Ulla’s substitute father so that makes him family.”

  “Good to know, especially since Becky is calling him Grandpa.”

  Cord grinned. Maybe his children hadn’t had much love from the grandparents in Atlanta, but he was sure they’d have it now.

  He looked back at his wife, heard Stuart and the children coming and whispered, “Thank you, God. I feel like I’m the luckiest man in the world because Ulla Wingate had the courage to marry a mixed-up bitter stranger and with Your help turn him into a happy, happy man.”

  THE END

  OTHER BOOKS BY

  Agnes Alexander

  Valissa’s Home – Penniless, after her brother gambles away everything they own, Valissa has to cope with the big cowboy who now owns her home.

  Opal’s Faith – In the West, Opal’s family not only has to adjust to the strangeness of the land, but cope with a neighbor who is making slaves of young boys.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Agnes Alexander is a multi-published author with over 40 books in print. She writes in different genres, but says her favorite to write is the Western Historical Romance. Her first WHR was published in 2012. Since then she has had 12 in print and Ulla’s Courage, her 3rd with Wings, will be published this year. In the meantime, she’s busy writing number 14. As well as writing, Agnes enjoys working with serious new writers and has helped four unpublished writers see their books in print. But if you ask her what she enjoys best, she will tell you her most favorite thing to do is spend time with her two grandchildren.

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