by Sherry Kyle
He’d better stick to what he was good at—cow thieving. It paid well, but his boss was difficult to work for. Picky as the day was long. Maybe it was time to collect his money and move on.
The wagon passed. He smirked. The woman was mighty pretty. And he hadn’t had a female in a long time—at least not one that didn’t work at a saloon. This lady looked pure as the driven snow. He hadn’t had that type of woman ever. He might have to stick around and see what that was like.
A coyote howled.
He jerked back, afraid to come face to face with the four-legged creature. Coyotes rarely attacked humans, but why take a chance? He kicked his heels into the flanks of his horse.
Until next time…
Back at home, Jonas paused on his family’s front porch. This late at night he’d likely disturb everyone unless he was extra quiet. Pa needed his sleep. Moving as silently as possible, he slipped his boots off and then pushed the door open.
As he tiptoed across the wood floor, the sound of a match being struck echoed like a shout in the silent house. He turned to see someone lighting the candle on the kitchen table and jumped back.
“Ma, is that you?”
His mother’s night coat wrapped around her slender frame, and her gray hair hung loosely over her shoulders. “Yes, son. Come sit with me a spell.”
Jonas laid his hat on the bench by the door and shrugged out of his coat. He strode across the floor, laid his hands on his mother’s shoulders, and kissed her cheek before straddling the pine bench. “What’s on your mind, Ma?”
“Gabi told me you left with Tobias.” She twisted a cloth napkin in her hand.
“Didn’t take him long to discover I’d come home.” Jonas rested his hands on his knees. “Elena was late coming home, and he needed someone to fetch her in Cayucos.”
“Why didn’t Lars bring her home? Everyone knows Elena’s been spending time with the shopkeeper. I assume there’ll be a wedding soon.”
“He was fixing to, but someone broke into the shop.”
“Was anything stolen?”
“A broken window is all.” Jonas searched his mother’s eyes. “Mama, is something else bothering you?”
Concern etched his mother’s forehead. She glanced down at her clutched hands on the table. “I’m sorry, Jonas. Sorry for the part I played in your departure. I never should’ve put the silly notion about running your uncle’s newspaper in your head. Nothing good came out of the years you were away. And I’m afraid I helped tarnish your reputation.”
Jonas leaned over and drew his mother close. “If the San Francisco earthquake hadn’t happened, it might have turned out differently. Uncle Vincent said I was a good journalist. Said I had a gift of discovering the truth.” He cocked his head and asked the question that had nagged him for some time. “Why didn’t you tell Pa where I was?”
“Because you’re his only son. He would’ve gone after you and told you to come back home where you belong. Ever since you were little, your pa has wanted you to run the farm. But I could see the longing in your eyes for things beyond these hills.” Ma ran her finger along the table. “But I’m no different than your pa. I forced my dreams of living in town on you too. I know that now, but it may be too late. As you can see, your father isn’t well—”
He cut her off by placing a hand over hers. “It was my choice to leave and my decision to return. I won’t let you take blame.” A yawn threatened, one he couldn’t quite stifle.
“Get sleep.” She stood. “Thank you for coming home. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You don’t need to find out. I’m not going anywhere.” Jonas stood and blew out the candle.
The scampering of feet drew their attention down the hall. Which sister had listened to their conversation?
Chapter Five
Elena rolled the sticky dough flat on the floured surface, grabbed a tin cup to form perfect circles, and slid the biscuits into the oven.
“You’re up early.” Samuel swiped a piece of dough with jerky movements and popped it into his mouth.
Elena playfully tapped her brother on the arm, scolding him. “Thought you’d like a solid breakfast before you milked the cows.” She gathered the remains of the dough and rolled it out flat once again.
“You’re not engaged, are you?” Though slurred together, Samuel’s words stopped her cold.
She sucked in a breath. “Why do you ask?
“You never make breakfast unless you want to get on Mama and Papa’s good side. No, something’s wrong—”
For someone will low intelligence, her brother showed unusual insight. “Samuel, I need you to mind your own business.” She cracked a dozen eggs into a bowl, added a touch of milk, and vigorously beat the eggs before pouring them into the pan. “Now can you bring me bacon from the storehouse?”
“Yup. Something’s up.” Samuel walked away. The slap of the screen door followed.
“Why don’t you go catch the cow thief and leave my personal life alone?” She called after him, but he was too far away to hear. It was better that way. He’d always been too discerning for his own good.
She squeezed the juice from an orange half into a pitcher.
“Good morning.” Mama grabbed an apron from the hook and tied it around her waist. “You’ve started breakfast. Thank you, dear.” She came up beside Elena. “Now, tell me what’s on your mind.”
Like Samuel, her mother was on to her too.
Elena scrambled for words as fast as she scrambled the eggs in the pan. “I’m practicing. A man will want a wife who can cook a proper meal. Lars is coming to dinner Sunday. Can you to teach me how to make fried chicken?”
Truth be told, Elena planned on asking Jonas’s mother for cooking tips. Anyone who lived within a ten-mile radius knew Brigitte Bollinger was the best cook in the county. Elena’s mama, on the other hand, was known for her sewing skills.
“Why don’t we gather the neighbors together? They’ll want to celebrate your engagement with us.” Mama’s voice squeaked with excitement. She peeked into the oven and removed the tray of biscuits—a few minutes too early. The insides would be doughy.
Elena directed her mother out of the kitchen. “I’ll finish breakfast. I’m positive you have a list of things to do today.” She couldn’t handle any more questions—especially if they pertained to Lars and engagement parties.
Once her mother was out of view, Elena quickly slipped the biscuits back into the oven.
Samuel burst through the doorway. “Elena? Mama? Come quick. Papa needs you in the barn.”
Jonas crossed the field on horseback, moving the cattle to deeper grass. He trotted to the edge of the family property on the crest of the hill and looked out over the empty field. Something was wrong at the Seifert place. Their cows hadn’t been put out to pasture. If memory served him correctly, Tobias Seifert ran a tight schedule. Pa had tried to emulate Tobias’s work ethic and strict routine throughout the years, although Pa believed in branding his cattle despite living in a small community, unlike Tobias. With the cow thefts, that decision was sure to haunt Elena’s pa. Jonas shaded his eyes against the rising sun.
Something was definitely wrong.
He clucked his tongue and bumped his heels into Shadow’s sides. Whatever was amiss on Tobias’s farm, Jonas prayed it didn’t have anything to do with Elena. Her father’s scowl indicated his displeasure at her taking his shotgun. Jonas hadn’t meant to get Elena in trouble. Then again, that was the last time he wanted a gun pointed his direction.
He slowed his horse and descended the hill, careful to avoid the gopher holes that could cripple a horse with one wrong step.
Would God allow something terrible to occur when every day was a struggle for this family? Please Lord, no. Jonas’s gut tightened. He dismounted his horse and wrapped the reins around the hitching post.
Anja ran from the house toward the barn, her dress hiked up past her ankles. Samuel shuffled behind.
Elena stepped onto the back
porch. “Jonas?” She called after him. “What are you doing here?”
He glanced at her over his shoulder. “Where’re your pa’s cattle? They aren’t in the field.”
Elena caught up to him. “We had a late start this morning.”
“Why did your ma run toward the barn? Is your pa hurt?”
“If Papa was hurt, Samuel would’ve said so.” Elena put a hand to her hip. “Since when are you interested in my family?”
“It’s not like Tobias to get off schedule. Are you going to stand there or see what the trouble is?” Heat flared under his collar. Jonas thought about his own pa, sick and old. Now was not the time to tell Elena of his family troubles.
“It’s nothing we can’t handle.” Elena led Jonas through the barn door. “Papa, Mama, where are you?” She tilted her chin up, searching for her parents.
“Come.” Tobias’s voice drifted from the back of the barn.
Elena scurried toward the sound of her father’s voice. Jonas took off after her.
A wet newborn calf lay on the hay near its mother.
Jonas knelt down beside Tobias. “Need any help?”
Tobias wiped his brow with the sleeve of his flannel shirt. “Most of the work is done. It’s been quite a night.”
The Holstein calf stood on wobbly legs.
“Look, Mama. She’s strong.” Samuel leaned over the stall’s enclosure and smiled at Anja.
“All hundred pounds of her.” Elena grinned. “She’s a fine-looking heifer.”
“And in a couple of years, after she’s had her own baby, she’ll make a nice dairy cow. Thank you, Lord.” Anja clasped her hands and lifted them heavenward.
“And Daisy, her mama, will be ready to milk in short order.” Tobias’s grin spread wide. “Samuel, help me clean up.” He turned toward Elena. “I heard we’ve got a nice breakfast waiting.”
Suddenly, he felt like an intruder. He’d best return to his cattle, his family, his responsibilities. But he couldn’t leave without speaking his mind. “Tobias, I know you’ve never felt the need to brand your cattle, but please consider it. I think it would be a good idea with the cow thefts and all.”
Tobias looked directly at Jonas, and nodded. “I agree. Been thinking the same thing for a while now, just need to come up with a brand.”
Relief swept through him, grateful he hadn’t overstepped.
“Jonas, care to join us?” Elena asked. “I’ve made eggs and biscuits. We have a calf to celebrate.”
Though sorely tempted to accept, he felt like an outsider during this happy family time. “Now that I know everything is all right here, I’d better get on home.”
“Suit yourself.” Elena turned toward her father. “Don’t take too long, Papa. Come eat while everything’s hot.” The two women left the barn and headed toward the house.
On second thought, he couldn’t leave without testing Elena’s cooking. “But I’ll try a biscuit to go if you have one to spare.”
Elena flashed a smile. “Wait right here.” The screen door slapped against the frame behind her when she entered the house. Less than a minute later, she laid a warm biscuit in his hand, the yeasty smell making his mouth water.
“Congratulations on your newest calf.” Jonas tipped his hat. He popped a bite into his mouth as he strode toward his pa’s horse. “Not bad,” he muttered. Not as good as his mother’s, but not many women in the valley could cook like his ma.
Still, he could get used to those biscuits and having Elena bake them for him. But his pa had other ideas—Yvette Burkhart. And by his father’s appearance that morning, he wasn’t going to get well anytime soon. He mounted Shadow and rode away from the Seifert’s barn.
Back home, he discovered that Pa’s cough had gotten worse. When he wasn’t gasping for breath, he slept fitfully. After one look in the bedroom his parents shared, he closed the door quietly and turned to Ma.
“I’m going for the doctor in Cayucos.”
Sabrina rushed forward and planted herself in front of him. “Can I come too?” Though the request was a perfectly normal one, Jonas detected a touch of anxiety in the round eyes turned up to his. And no wonder. The last time he went to Cayucos of his own accord, he was gone for two years.
Squatting before her, he poured comfort into his smile. “Not this time, squirt. I have business to attend to.”
“But you just got here and now you’re leaving again? I don’t think you want to be home—with me.” The child frowned, her eyes narrowing.
“I promise I’ll be around all day tomorrow.” Though he itched to get going, the few minutes he talked with his baby sister would make the world of difference to Sabrina.
“Can we walk down to Harmony Creek and catch crawdads? Or have a picnic?” Sabrina’s eyes lit up like fireworks.
“You bet. Tomorrow’s all yours.”
That appeased her by the smile she sent his way. Now Jonas packed his saddlebag with a jug of water, an apple, cheese, and his ma’s homemade sugar cookies “Ma, I promise I’ll be home before sundown. Got an errand to run. And if possible, I’ll bring the doc home with me.”
Ma’s shoulders sagged. “Your pa’s a stubborn man. He thinks a bit of Jack Daniels and a spot of tea are all that’s needed to get rid of his cough. You and I both know he’s not well.” Lines creased his mother’s forehead. “His fever spiked again last night.”
“All the more reason to fetch Doc Christen.”
Ma stepped toward him and ran her hand down his sleeve. “It’s good to have you home. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost your father and you weren’t here.” Her voice hitched.
“No need to wonder.” Jonas mounted Shadow. “The sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll be home.” He situated his hat firmly on his head.
Ma gazed up at him. “Thank you.”
“If all goes well, I’ll be home in a few hours.” Jonas clucked his tongue, and Shadow moved forward.
His body relaxed in the saddle. At least he didn’t have to face Gabi this morning. She had gone to her quilting circle. His sister still looked at him with disdain. Would Gabi ever forgive him for deserting the family? He wouldn’t have peace in his heart until that day came.
Sabrina, on the other hand, hardly let him out of her sight.
Shadow whinnied. Soon the horse was galloping, the wind cool against Jonas’s face.
Thirteen miles of hills and valleys on horseback could make a man think about the deeper things of life. His past record didn’t bode well for him. He’d need to earn his family’s trust again. And the only way that would happen is if he kept his promises. After a couple of years being on his own, he had gotten used to coming and going without being accountable to anyone. In a way, Sabrina’s concern was a comfort. Someone counted on him. But it reminded him of the responsibility he might soon have for his mother and sisters if his pa didn’t get well.
Jonas crested the hill. The sprawling view of the Pacific Ocean and the small town of Cayucos came into sight. He’d need more time to pass before he’d be able to let go of the idea of living in a big city. His hands grew clammy at the thought. How he’d enjoyed working alongside his uncle at the newspaper in San Francisco until the earthquake destroyed everything.
A horse and buggy came toward him. He’d seen that rig before. The horse belonged to Cayucos’s general storeowner. It wasn’t Sunday. Why was Lars Rissler headed toward Harmony Valley today? “Whoa.” Jonas drew back on the reins and brought Shadow to a halt.
“Jonas.” Lars tipped his hat—ever the gentleman. His three-piece suit and fancy buggy sent a wave of jealousy down Jonas’s spine. “On your way to Cayucos?’
“Came to fetch Doc. My pa’s not doing well.” Jonas left out the information about his pending visit with Yvette. “What’s taking you to Harmony?”
“I don’t feel good about the way things ended the other night. It was my responsibility to see Elena home. I want to make it right with her parents. After all, they’ll be my family soon.” Lars grinned.
Indeed.
Jonas attempted a weak smile in return. “You’re coming on a good day. The Seiferts are celebrating. I’ll let them tell you all about it. It was quite something to witness.”
Lars chewed on his lip. “You’ve seen Elena this morning?”
“She makes tasty biscuits.” A smile lifted the corners of Jonas’s mouth. “Have a good day.” He nudged his horse forward and indulged in a chuckle at the perplexed look on the shopkeeper’s face. Gripping the reins tighter in his hands, he bent forward in the saddle and urged Shadow to full speed.
Chapter Six
Elena pulled a needle and thread over the hole in the stocking. Swift movements had Samuel’s sock darned in no time. Her thoughts drifted to the new calf in the barn. How good the Lord had been to bring a heifer into the fold. Another female cow meant more milk and more money for her family. And yet, not enough.
In two years’ time when the calf would birth one of her own, Elena would already be making a life for herself in Cayucos with Lars. That’s if she said yes to his proposal on Sunday. Thankfully, she had a few more days to consider the idea before she’d see him again.
Elena clipped the thread with her grandmother’s scissors and placed the needle in the pincushion. She picked up the sewing basket resting on the wood floor and returned the spool to its proper location.
A knock on the door startled her. Her family wasn’t expecting anyone. Elena stood from the rocker, ran her hands down the bodice of her dress, and opened the door.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Lars, what are you doing here?” Her cheeks heated at her abrupt tone. “I’m sorry. Let me start over.” She lifted the corners of her mouth into a smile reserved for guests. “Please, come in. It’s nice to see you.”
Lars stepped through the doorway. “Likewise, my dear.” He removed his Homburg hat.
“Allow me.” Elena hung the hat on the coat rack by the door.
