Ransom of Love

by Al Lacy

  “Hmm,” said Dan, shaking his head. “I guess they finally had enough brutality from those two. God’s wheels grind slowly sometimes, but they do grind.”

  “So I’ve heard,” said Benjamin.

  “Did Dorena say what Martha is doing with the plantation?”

  “She has it up for sale. She’s going to move elsewhere, but Dorena doesn’t know where it will be.”

  “I see. Martha is a sweet lady. I hope the Lord will give her a happy life.”

  “Me too,” said Benjamin.

  Tracie McCleod had enjoyed every minute of her trip to Houston. When the train carried her across Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and the northwest corner of Louisiana, she watched the changing landscape with great interest during the daylight hours. Even at night, when sleep was elusive in the uncomfortable coach seat, she marveled at the bright stars in the great black canopy overhead.

  Soon she was headed west toward San Antonio. Not knowing what to expect in south Texas, she stared with wide-eyed wonder at the sun-kissed prairie with its grassy fields, huge patches of forest, sparkling streams, and countless herds of cattle.

  When the conductor passed through the coach, calling out, “San Antonio … fifteen minutes!” her heart began to pump harder. She framed Dan’s picture in her mind—his kind eyes, dark hair, square jaw, and manly ruggedness. She felt a thrill go through her, and when the train did a slight turn and she saw the town, her excitement increased.

  Soon the train ground to a halt in the San Antonio depot and Tracie found herself stepping down from the coach with overnight bag in hand. Her eyes roamed the crowd of people on the platform and she saw him threading his way toward her through the throng, his eyes bright and shining.

  Dan was taller than she had imagined. In the photograph, he was seated. In less than a heartbeat, Tracie knew for sure that she was in love with him. This was, indeed, the man the Lord had planned for her all along.

  Dan’s chest felt like it was on fire as he threaded his way toward the lovely, petite blond. The tug he was feeling at his heartstrings gave him absolute assurance that he was in love with her. Strange as it might seem to someone else, he knew Tracie was God’s choice for him.

  When they were but a few steps apart, a huge smile lit up Dan’s deeply tanned face, and a beaming Tracie returned the smile.

  Drawing up face-to-face, they stood looking into each other’s eyes.

  “Tracie?” he said, breathlessly.

  “That’s me,” she replied, her cheeks a bit flushed. “Dan?”

  “That’s me.”

  Every inch the Southern gentleman, Dan gave her his arm and said, “Let’s get away from the crowd.”

  When he found a less public spot, he looked into her eyes and said, “The camera simply didn’t catch it all. No camera could.”

  Her cheeks flushed a deeper red. “Thank you.”

  A bit off balance with the moment upon him, Dan said, “Tracie, I … I don’t know whether to hug you, then go get your luggage, or just go get your luggage.”

  “Well, my mother used to say that first impressions are generally the correct ones.”

  Chuckling, he replied, “Your mother was a wise woman,” then took her in his arms.

  Looking down into her big blue eyes, Dan said, “I’ll go get the luggage now. I’ll put it in my wagon in the parking lot, then come back and get you.” A sly grin curved his mouth. “You won’t go away, will you?”

  “Not to worry,” she said with a giggle. “I’ll wait right here.”

  Dan hurried off toward the baggage coach, looking back over his shoulder once. She smiled and gave him a wave to assure him she was not going to move.

  As he weaved his way among the crowd, Dan said to himself, “You are one fortunate man, Daniel Johnson.”

  On the ride to the ranch, Dan and Tracie asked questions of each other. As answers flew between them, they got better acquainted. Between asking and answering questions, Tracie’s head turned from side to side as she tried to take in everything all at once. Her mind and her vision were so occupied that the time sped by.

  Soon they turned off the road and headed for the arch bearing the big Circle J.

  Tracie’s eyes widened. “I like that, Dan.”

  He grinned at her as they passed under the arch and followed the rutted lane that lost itself ahead of them in the huge stand of cottonwoods.

  Tracie suddenly spotted several cattle grazing in the rich grass a few yards from the lane.

  “Oh! Those are your cattle! I see the brand.”

  Dan chuckled. “Soon they will be our cattle, little lady.”

  Their eyes met as she said, “That sounds wonderful to me.”

  Dan’s heart felt like it was going to explode.

  As they neared the cottonwood forest, Dan purposely slowed the team to a mild walk and said, “Tracie, when we get to the house I’ll explain the arrangements I’ve made for you until … well, until we get married.”

  “All right.”

  “Right now, I need to explain about my ranch hands.”

  “Yes? You said you have five of them.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Dan told her he had not let any of his men know about her; he wanted to surprise them. He then brought up Benjamin, explaining in brief about his background as a slave in South Africa, and how his father had ransomed Benjamin at the slave auction in Charleston and set him free.

  Tracie was deeply touched when she learned how Benjamin had offered himself to Zack Johnson as a slave and was hired as a servant. Dan told her that by using Benjamin’s own ransom as an example, he had had the privilege of leading Benjamin to the Lord after explaining to him how Jesus had paid the ultimate ransom for him at Calvary.

  He told her that now he and Benjamin were best friends. Then he told her about Dorena, and how Benjamin was saving the bulk of his pay to go back to Charleston and ransom her so they could get married and he could bring her to the ranch to live.

  “That is so beautiful, Dan!” Tracie said. “I can’t wait to meet Benjamin.”

  “You’ll get to meet him real soon,” Dan said, as they neared the clearing. “I purposely put all five men to work on a stretch of fence out of sight from the house and buildings. I want to get you inside the house before they come back. I’ll bring Benjamin in so you can meet him first.”

  “This sounds fun!” she said, clapping her hands together.

  Dan grinned as the wagon came clear of the trees. Nodding straight ahead, he said, “There’s the house and the rest of the building.”

  Tracie leaned forward and strained to take in the placid scene before her. The house, barn, bunkhouse, and sheds offered a pleasant scene. She stared long and hard at it, shielding her eyes against the bright rays of the sun.

  The many-windowed ranch house was spread out and inviting. After living in a boardinghouse for quite some time with very little to call her own, she could hardly wait to make this her home.

  She could see a roofed porch wrapped around the front and sides with welcoming chairs placed in strategic spots all around. A person was sure to find shade somewhere, no matter what time of day they sought it.

  The windows were not large, but they were numerous, and she could glimpse the patterned tie-back curtains at each window. Wildflowers grew all around in abundance, and shade trees dotted the yard.

  A multicolored dog came out to greet them, which delighted Tracie.

  “Is he yours?” she asked.

  “No. He belongs to Tim Cook. He stays with the men in the bunkhouse.”

  “What kind is he?”

  “He’s half and half.”

  “Half and half?”

  “Mm-hmm. Half mutt and half hound.”

  Tracie laughed. “What’s his name?”

  “Mutt.”

  “Really?”

  “That’s what Tim calls him, so we all do.”

  Mutt raised up on his hind legs and put his forepaws on Tracie’s side of the wagon. She was sure he was smiling at her
as he puffed and wagged his tail. “Look, Dan! He’s welcoming me to my new home!”

  “Well, good for you, Mutt!” Dan said.

  Dan moved around the rear of the wagon and took a few seconds to pet the friendly dog, then gave Tracie his hand and helped her down. He kept hold of her hand while she spoke to Mutt and patted his head. When she turned to him, he took her other hand and looked into her eyes, saying, “Let me be the second, then, to welcome you to your new home.”

  Tracie could hardly catch her breath. She gave him a sweet smile and said, “Thank you, Dan,” then turned and let her eyes take in the house and surrounding lush prairie.

  “I hope this all meets with your approval,” he said, still holding her hand.

  “Oh yes. You have no idea how happy I will be to have a home of my own. This is perfect.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Before we go inside, I want you to get a glimpse of the back side.”

  As Dan led her, Tracie spoke to Mutt, who walked beside her. She told him what a nice doggie he was, and Mutt wagged his tail vigorously as if he understood what she was saying.

  When they reached the side of the house, Dan stopped. “I don’t want you too much in view from back there in case the guys might have come back for some reason.”

  Tracie’s eyes took in the barn, corral, bunkhouse, and other outbuildings. Shading her eyes against the brilliance of the sun, she said, “Oh, Dan, it’s such a nice place. I love it!”

  “Good. I want you love it.” He led her back to the front porch and up the steps. Telling Mutt to stay outside, Dan opened the screen door. The other door was already standing open because of the day’s heat. Letting go of her hand, he gestured toward the inside and said, “Ladies first.”

  The interior of the house was dim compared to the brilliance outside, and much cooler. It was a very pleasant sensation after being in the heat of the Texas summer sun.

  Tracie stood still for a moment, waiting for her eyes to adjust. Finally, she stepped further into the cozy parlor and turned slowly in a circle, trying to take in everything at a glance.

  Dan stood watching her, a grin on his lips.

  The furniture was rustic, but colorful throws and pillows, along with a bright rug and the beautifully patterned tieback curtains made it a pleasant, comfortable room. A gentle breeze came through the open windows and toyed with the curtains.

  Tracie recalled that in one of Dan’s letters he had told her that Hollis Jourdan—from whom he had bought the ranch—had been a widower for several years. The rug, pillows, and curtains were quite obviously new, and they definitely had a woman’s touch.

  There was a huge fireplace on the north wall; empty now, but she could picture a fire blazing in it on a chilly winter’s day. Again, the small figurines that sat on fancy doilies atop the mantel made her think it was not a man who put them there.

  Dan stood quietly, waiting for her reaction.

  Tracie turned to him, her face beaming. “I love it, Dan! It’s quite different from anything I have ever seen before, but I love it.”

  The man let out a pent-up breath. “I’m so glad. I want your happiness above all else.”

  Her flawless brow puckered and a tender look captured her eyes. “That means more to me than I can ever tell you,” she said.

  She grabbed his hand. “Come on! I can hardly wait to see the rest of the house!”

  When she had explored the bedrooms and inspected the closets, they entered the large, homey kitchen.

  “Oh, this is beautiful!” she exclaimed, then checked out the cookstove, cupboards, table, chairs, and pantry. The room had a definite feminine touch, as did the rest of the house. Smiling at Dan with her eyes shining, she said, “I love the whole house! It’s perfect!”

  Dan’s face was beaming. “I’m so glad you’re happy with it.”

  “It couldn’t be better,” she said, glancing over the kitchen again. “Ah … Dan …?”

  “Mm-hmm?”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, but it’s hard for me to believe a man decorated the interior of this house.”

  “Pretty observant, aren’t you?”

  Stepping close to him, she said, “Okay, who did it?”

  “Remember I told you in one of my letters about Hal Robards being my contact to Hollis Jourdan, from whom I bought the ranch?”

  “Yes.”

  “And I told you the Robardses are Christian neighbors?”

  “Yes. Her name is Ethel.”

  “Right. Shortly after I bought the ranch, Ethel Robards and Grace Custer, my pastor’s wife, came in voluntarily and decorated it up like you see it. I paid for it all, of course, but they did the shopping and decorating.”

  Tracie giggled. “I knew it! I just knew it! No offense, Mr. Johnson, but I knew it had a woman’s touch.”

  Dan laughed again and took her hand. “I want you to feel free to change or add anything you want. I’m sure with a little closer inspection, once you live here, you will want to add your own personal touch to our home.”

  “Our home,” she echoed softly. “What a blessed sound that has to it.”

  “We both know, don’t we?” Dan said.

  “Yes,” she replied in a whisper. “We both know.”

  There was a sweet silence between them for a moment. Then Dan said, “Now, as to your place to stay until we’re married …”

  “Yes?”

  “Other than Pastor and Mrs. Custer, the only other people I told about your coming were Hal and Ethel Robards. They promised to keep it a secret. You have been invited to stay at the Robards’s ranch until we marry. We’re supposed to eat supper there tonight. They have a large house and plenty of room, so you won’t be in the way one bit.”

  “I appreciate this.”

  “You’ll love them,” Dan said.

  At that instant, they heard Mutt bark as he ran past the side of the house.

  “I think the boys are coming in,” Dan said. He peeked through the curtain. “Sure enough. Mutt is meeting them at the bunkhouse.”

  He guided Tracie back to the parlor and sat her down, telling her to stay right there. He was going to bring Benjamin in first. After that, he would have the other four men come in and meet her.

  Tracie sat quietly on the couch and waited. Only a few minutes had passed when she heard the screen door open and a voice deeper than Dan’s say something she couldn’t distinguish. As their footsteps grew louder, so did their voices.

  She heard the deep-voiced man say, “What kind of a surprise, Dan? Can’t you tell me anything till I actually see it?”

  “Nope. Come on. The surprise is in the parlor.”

  Seconds later, Dan entered the room and winked at Tracie, waiting for Benjamin to see her.

  She was smiling as Benjamin drew up beside Dan and stopped short. His eyes widened and he quickly removed his dusty hat. “Hello, ma’am,” he said.

  Dan laid a hand on his best friend’s muscular shoulder. “Benjamin, I want you to meet Miss Tracie McCleod, who will soon become Mrs. Daniel Johnson.”

  Tracie thought she saw the black man’s face lose half its color as he stammered, “I … I am v-very g-glad to m-meet, you m-ma’am.”

  “And I am very glad to meet you, Benjamin,” she said rising from the couch. “Dan has told me a lot about you.”

  Benjamin looked at Dan, a huge question mark showing in his eyes.

  “I told you I had a surprise for you,” Dan said, chuckling. “You see, Tracie is going to be my mail order bride.”

  “B-but, you never—”

  “I wanted to surprise you!”

  Benjamin swallowed hard. “Well, you did!”

  “Come on. Let’s sit down and we’ll tell you how all of this came about.”

  Benjamin listened intently as Dan told him about placing the ads in the eastern newspapers, and how Tracie had dug his letter out of Leah Desmond’s waste basket and written to him. The Lord had brought them together.

  Astounded by it all, Benjamin told Trac
ie how happy he was to see what a wonderful young lady the Lord had given Dan.

  “Thank you, Benjamin,” she said. “And I’m happy that Dan has such a good friend in this world.” With that, she surprised Benjamin by leaving her seat and leaning over to give him a sisterly embrace.

  As Tracie sat down again, Dan said, “I’ve told her all about Dorena and that she’ll be here in October.”

  “Yes,” said Tracie, “and I think it’s wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “You will love her, Miss Tracie. And I know she will love you.”

  “Well!” said Dan. “Benjamin, will you go out and tell the other guys I have someone I want them to meet, please? And don’t tell them. Just bring them in and let me take it from there.”

  Benjamin grinned. “I will be back shortly, boss.”

  Dan’s other ranch hands were as surprised as Benjamin when they were brought in and introduced to the young woman who would become their boss’s mail order bride. Each one made Tracie feel welcome.

  When the ranch hands filed out of the parlor, Benjamin told Dan and Tracie he was going to write a letter right after supper and tell Dorena all about Tracie and the upcoming wedding. Tracie said she would like to write a note to Dorena to send along with his letter. This pleased Benjamin, and he thanked her for it. Dan gave her pen, paper, and ink, and she wrote it while Benjamin waited.

  When the sun was lowering in the sky, Dan drove Tracie to the Robards’s ranch where she was warmly welcomed.

  Tracie told Hal and Ethel how deeply she appreciated them opening their home to her, but they must allow her to do her share of work around the place. They agreed, and the two couples sat down for a hearty meal.

  That evening, Benjamin wrote the letter to Dorena and told her about the lady who had come from Wisconsin to become Dan’s mail order bride. He added that the way it looked, it would not be long until the wedding took place. Before sealing the envelope, he inserted Tracie’s note, in which she had told Dorena how excited she was that she would be coming to the ranch in October, and that she knew the two of them would become good friends.

  For the same mailing, Dan wrote to his parents and siblings in South Carolina, breaking the news to them about Tracie and telling them all about her and what a wonderful Christian she was. He told them he and Tracie already knew the Lord had definitely led them together, and the wedding wasn’t very far away.