Road to Harmony

by Sherry Kyle

  A book was laid open on the kitchen table. Yvette snatched it up as Jonas marched into the room and laid Samuel down. “Your pa told us to wait here.”

  Elena grabbed the shears from a drawer and made quick work of cutting Samuel’s pants from the hem all the way up to her makeshift tourniquet. She removed his right boot.

  Nicolas and Yvette retreated to Elena’s bedroom to give the family space.

  What a relief to know that Nicolas was innocent of the crime. After finding him in the barn earlier, she’d suspected him of more than rummaging through his sister’s belongings.

  “There’s still a chance I can catch the thief. The calf will slow him down.” Jonas slipped out the back door.

  Papa checked Samuel’s leg. The makeshift tourniquet had slowed the bleeding considerably. “Looks like the bullet grazed the top of your leg and went clear through. Anja, boil water. Let’s clean him up. ” Her father gently laid Samuel’s leg back down on the table.

  Mama scurried to the kitchen to gather the needed supplies.

  “Can you extend your knee?”

  Samuel grimaced. “It hurts.”

  The room spun. Was she going to pass out? Elena held a chair to steady herself.

  Papa kept pressure on the wound. “Can you move your toes and ankle?”

  Samuel wiggled his toes.

  “There don’t appear to be any broken bones. “Papa lifted a grin in Mama’s direction. “He’ll need time to mend, but it looks like Samuel will be all right.”

  “Praise God above.” Elena squeezed her brother’s shoulder.

  While her parents took care of Samuel’s needs, Elena moved toward the window. Please, Lord, keep Jonas safe.

  “Elena.”

  She turned around at the sound of her name.

  Nicolas carried his hat in his hand. “Thank you.”

  What a long day this had been. Elena felt as if she’d been washed in the creek and hung out to dry. “Why thank me? What have I done?”

  “For encouraging me to talk with Yvette.” His eyes were gentle. “I think I’ve been wrong about the captain. I thought he was a respectable man, but now…”

  Elena hugged her waist with tired arms. “We all make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

  “I’ve been wrong about Jonas and his father, too. According to Yvette, turns out they’re the honorable ones. I didn’t think he was worthy to marry my sister, let alone become the father to my nephew.” Nicolas stepped closer, his words a mere whisper. “I’ve also been wrong about something else. I know you love him ... but they need him.”

  Elena’s chest constricted. Was it true? Did Yvette and Willie need Jonas more than she did?

  Samuel’s body splayed across the kitchen table caught her eye. Samuel needed Lars. And without her impending nuptials, Samuel wouldn’t have the secure future his health required.

  Elena swiped at the tear slipping down her cheek.

  Nicolas continued. “Allow Yvette a chance to win Jonas’s heart. She knows how much he cares for you.”

  An unnamed emotion coursed from the base of her skull down her spine. “How? We haven’t been near each other in her presence.”

  “She’s seen you two together.”

  Elena held the memories close to her heart. But it mustn’t happen again. She’d have to keep her distance—for both their sakes.

  Mama approached. “Nicolas, why don’t you stay the night? You can bed down in the barn.”

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Nicolas said. “I’ll take you up on your offer.”

  “I’ll get you a quilt.” Mama strode toward her room.

  “I’m going to ask Jonas if I can have my job back.” Nicolas grinned sheepishly. “After I apologize, of course.”

  “Jonas is a forgiving man.” Elena’s voice cracked. Her hand flew to her mouth and she turned toward the window.

  Nicolas placed his hand on her shoulder. “Jonas will be all right. He knows when to back down.”

  The brotherly feel of Nicolas’s hand brought her comfort. He was right. Jonas wouldn’t take careless risks. And yet ...

  “Here you go.” Mama handed Nicolas a blue and red patterned quilt and a down-filled pillow.

  Nicolas dipped his head and excused himself to the barn.

  Fifteen minutes later, Elena drew down Samuel’s bedding before Pa helped him into his bed.

  “Rest now. You’re safe.” Papa closed the curtains as Mama bent over and gently kissed her grown son on the cheek.

  Elena waited until her parents left the room before she knelt on the wood floor next to her brother. “I should’ve stayed with you.” Elena ran her hand down the length of Samuel’s arm stopping when she came to his chubby hand. She held it loosely. “You are a special brother and I will do anything to take care of you ... including marrying Lars.”

  He’d fallen asleep.

  Elena’s body ached beyond her years. “Good night, sweet Samuel.” She kissed his cheek, and then left his room to go to her pallet by the fire.

  But sleep eluded her. Her thoughts drifted to the moment when Jonas moved the wayward strands away from her face, brushing his fingers against her cheek. Disappointment welled inside. She’d never know this feeling again. She thrust her face into her pillow and let the tears flow.

  Thieving was one thing. Shooting someone was another. He pulled the calf by a rope as he scrambled over the hill. His boss would be thrilled he snagged such a young calf. The excitement outweighed his guilt for wounding the slow-witted man.

  His mare had more pep in her step now that she’d been fed properly. Still, she had a long way to go before she was completely healthy.

  The wind whipped through his hair. The swishing sound of the grass lapped against his horse’s legs. He felt lighter than air as he headed toward the ranch. His boss would give him a bonus. The younger the cow, the more money he made. A grin spread across his face. He’d have enough dough to buy himself some whiskey at the saloon and a night of lovin’ with one of the women. A shiver ran through him. It’d been too long.

  Jonas spotted the small man and the bedraggled mare that had been in the Seifert paddock. Sweat dampened his forehead beneath his hat. In his hands the man clutched a revolver. Jonas’s hands grew moist. He took turns swiping them down the sides of his trousers before he reached for the revolver in his holster. He’d rather not use the blasted thing, but if push came to shove, he’d be willing.

  As much as Jonas wanted to be quiet, the clip-clop of Shadow’s hooves across the grassy hill made it impossible to sneak up on him. If he came any closer, the thief would become suspicious. Jonas rode around a patch of trees, hoping to stay hidden.

  In the distance, the calf bawled in protest, wanting to be free from the man’s grip.

  Passing the last tree, Jonas rode into the open field. The man continued north in front of him. The only dairy farm between the Seifert’s place and the next town of Cambria was the Cavegns’. Bile rose in Jonas’s throat, and his stomach clenched. Not two days had gone by since he had encouraged Tobias to shake hands with Mr. Cavegn. He pushed the men into an agreement. Why hadn’t Jonas kept his opinions to himself? The responsibility pushed Jonas’s shoulders down like the weight of Samuel’s body not long ago.

  Jonas kicked his heels into the horse’s flanks, driving his steed forward at top speed.

  The man spotted him. He let go of the rope that held Buttercup in its grip. Gunfire pierced the air, and a whizzing passed closely by Jonas’s ear.

  Without a covering, the chances of getting hit rose with each bullet. A silent plea to God tumbled out of Jonas’s mouth. He grabbed his revolver, aimed, and fired.

  On the third shot, the thief fell from his horse.

  Knowing full well that his life was in jeopardy, Jonas inched closer. The man lay still. Jonas hopped down from his horse and kicked the man’s boot. No movement. Was he alive, and more importantly, would he shoot again?

  Jonas removed the revolver from the man’s hand and tossed
it aside. He leaned down and felt for a pulse. It was slow and thready.

  “Who’s your boss?” Jonas asked through clenched teeth as he shook the thief’s shoulders.

  The man’s eyes rolled back in his head.

  Jonas shook again. “Tell me.”

  The man grimaced in pain.

  “Now’s your chance to come clean.”

  After expelling a breath, the stranger whispered, “Peder. Peder Cavegn.”

  Then his eyes rolled back in his head and he was gone.

  Jonas fell back against the hard ground. Deep wrenching sounds gathered at his throat and burst from his lips. He had taken a life. No matter how justified, it would be an act he would relive forever.

  After a few minutes, his breathing slowed to a normal rhythm. Jonas closed his eyes. If he hadn’t killed the thief, the man would have killed him. He had to remember that. But the truth brought him little comfort.

  A wet tongue licked Jonas’s face. Buttercup. Jonas rubbed the top of the small cow’s head. Thankfully, she’d been unharmed. He couldn’t wait to see Elena’s face when he brought the calf and scruffy mare back to the Seifert farm.

  But now that he’d exposed the truth, he’d first take a ride to the Cavegns’ dairy farm.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Perched on her bed, Elena sat still as Yvette brushed her hair. This is what having a sister must feel like. Between the wildness of the previous night and her restless sleep, Elena chose to embrace whatever time she had left in Harmony and enjoy Yvette’s presence.

  With each stroke of the brush, Elena’s shoulders relaxed.

  Yvette bent over the side of the bed and rubbed Willie’s belly as he lay in the firebox. “Adrian wanted a houseful of children. I did as well. It’s important for a couple to discuss these things before they marry.” She dropped her gaze. “Have you thought about how many children you and Lars might have?” Her voice cracked.

  Elena’s eyelids fluttered open, and she straightened. “I asked him once, but the timing must not have been right. He evaded the question. I know some men would rather not discuss womanly issues. Besides Lars isn’t the romantic sort. He shows his affection in other ways.”

  Lars was getting up in years. Did he want children? Elena had always dreamed of being a mother. She turned to face Yvette. “Have you and Jonas talked about children?”

  “My heavens, no.” A slight blush crept up Yvette’s cheeks. She sectioned Elena’s hair and began braiding. “Jonas promised his pa he’d take care of me. Maybe in time, he might grow to love me.”

  Elena blinked back the moisture in her eyes. “You are beautiful. It will take no time at all.” She stared at the tiny stitches her mother sewed to create the intricate quilt.

  Yvette brushed a long strand of hair into silky submission. “You’re sweet to say so, but I have a feeling deep down that Jonas’s heart belongs to another.”

  Elena’s heart stuttered. “What makes you say that?”

  A tiny smile lifted the corners of Yvette’s lovely lips. “Don’t be coy with me. There’s something in the air when you two are together.”

  Elena’s shoulders sagged. She’d tried so hard to conceal her emotions. “Are my feelings that obvious?”

  “So are his.” Yvette positioned Elena’s head forward to continue with the hairdressing task. “May I ask why are you marrying Lars?”

  Ah. The question Elena had wrestled with ever since Jonas’s return. “Because Lars cares for Samuel and will provide well for my family.”

  “That he will.” Yvette twisted Elena’s hair into a knot and secured the bun in place with pins. She attached a comb on each side to tuck in the wispy strands. “What is this?” She tugged on the chain at the nape of Elena’s neck. “I’ve not seen this before. ”

  Elena’s hand shot to her chest, but it was too late.

  “You shouldn’t keep such a beautiful piece hidden.” Yvette fingered the silver locket. “Where did you get this?”

  Mama’s voice called from the other room. “Elena, Yvette, come quick. You’ll never believe what’s outside our window.”

  Elena hopped off the bed, grateful she didn’t have to answer Yvette’s question. If Yvette knew the necklace was a gift from Jonas, she’d question the upcoming marriage to Lars all the more.

  And Elena had been questioning enough for the both of them.

  Jonas rode up to the Seifert house beside Mr. Cavegn and four of their dairy cows, including Buttercup. The night had been long and hard, trying to prove to Peder’s father that his son was indeed the one who hired the cow thief. The scene between Mr. Cavegn and Peder had been full of emotion. Mr. Cavegn had been appalled that his own flesh and blood was involved in a crime as serious cattle rustling. Peder hung his head in shame when his pa said he would take him down to the sheriff’s office himself so that his son could pay for his crime.

  “Hold on now, sir,” Jonas had interrupted. “If we bring back all of the Seifert cows and sincerely apologize, Tobias might not press charges.” Jonas also considered his own actions from the previous night. He acted in self-defense, but it didn’t make the realization any easier. He’d always have the cow thief’s blood on his hands.

  As they approached the Seiferts’ home, the door flew open. Elena and her parents ran out to greet them.

  “Mr. Cavegn, Jonas, how can I ever thank you?” Tobias reached over and stroked the neck of one of the cows.

  “Hold on there, Tobias.” Mr. Cavegn hung his head. “You don’t know the whole story.”

  “What does it matter? We have our cattle back.” Anja knelt down next to Buttercup and wrapped her arms around the calf.

  Jonas dismounted his horse. Mr. Cavegn followed suit.

  “After we settle the cows, we need to talk this over.” Jonas took off his hat and held it against his chest. Would Tobias notice how Peder had branded the cattle to reflect the Cavegn’s farm?

  “Why yes, of course.” Anja stood and wiped her hands on her apron. “You’re just in time. I’m going to make coffee and a stack of pancakes.”

  Jonas glanced at Elena. Her hair was strikingly beautiful the way it twisted and turned into a delicate knot. Something else was different, but he couldn’t quite pin it down.

  Then he saw it. The silver locket, the one he gave her when he was a boy, glistened in the sun and lay on the neckline of her dress.

  Yvette walked out of the house carrying Willie in her arms. Reality once again struck Jonas almost like a physical blow. He was promised to another.

  “Why don’t we all enjoy breakfast together?” Tobias clapped his hands. “I’ll check on Nicolas. He offered to milk the cows this morning.”

  “I’m afraid your returning cows have already been milked.” Mr. Cavegn kept his head low, obviously having a hard time accepting the fact that his son orchestrated the crime. Poor man.

  Tobias swatted the air. “Making an agreement and shaking hands with you was the best decision I could’ve made. If I knew you’d find my cows so quickly, I would have done it months ago.”

  Mr. Cavegn whipped off his hat and threw it on the ground. “Blast it, Tobias. You’re making this difficult.”

  “Only trying to show our appreciation.”

  Jonas stepped forward. “Come on, Mr. Cavegn. Let’s go inside while Tobias gets Nicolas from the barn.” He clapped the man on the shoulder. “Sharing a meal will help spur the conversation.”

  Mr. Cavegn hesitated, and then followed Anja into the small house.

  Jonas caught up to Elena, his stride now matching hers. He brushed his hand against her small delicate one. A spark ignited. She glanced his direction. A moment passed between them, but Elena turned away. What was she trying to tell him by wearing the locket openly? “Elena—”

  “We’d better join the others.” She scooted inside and excused herself to her room. A few minutes later, she returned to help her mother in the kitchen. The silver locket was no longer around her neck.

  As they waited for Tobias to re
turn with Nicolas, Jonas placed a hand on Mr. Cavegn’s shoulder and directed him to sit in the rocking chair. Beads of sweat dotted the older man’s lip.

  Please, Lord. Give Mr. Cavegn the words to explain. And open Tobias and Anja’s hearts to the news they’ll receive. And Elena ...

  He’d better leave that one to the Almighty to solve.

  Had Jonas seen the locket? Men, particularly farmers, didn’t pay attention to women’s fashion or jewelry. Elena relied on that hope when she reentered the room with the necklace safely tucked inside. She busied herself in the kitchen. How could she prove to Yvette that she’d moved on? She had to concentrate on marrying Lars and Samuel’s returned health. Her brother lay in his bed still asleep.

  “Elena, can you gather the eggs? We’ll need at least a dozen.” Mama removed a bowl from the cupboard along with a wooden spoon.

  “Yes, Mama.” Elena would gladly fetch the eggs from the henhouse. Fresh air would do her good, as would distancing herself from Jonas. She grabbed a basket, dangled it on her arm, and left through the back door.

  She nearly walked right into Peder Cavegn.

  “Sorry, Peder. I didn’t see you there.” Elena twisted the basket in her hands. “Go on in. My mama’s going to serve breakfast. We’re thankful Jonas and your pa brought back our dairy cows.”

  Peder dug his hands deep into his pockets. “You don’t know, then?”

  “Know what?” Elena furrowed her brows.

  Peder avoided her question. “How’s Samuel?”

  Elena eyed Peder more closely. Something was bothering him. “He’ll be fine in time. The bullet grazed the top of his leg and went clear through. We’re grateful it didn’t hit any major veins or arteries.”

  Peder let out a deep breath. “That’s a relief.”

  “What’s your interest in Samuel?” Elena shifted the basket to the other arm. “Peder, you’re acting strange. What’s bothering you?”

  Peder fell to his knees and buried his face in his palms. The tough man who always seemed to have something to prove was down in the dirt weeping.

  Elena didn’t know what to make of the situation. She bent down and laid a hand on his shoulder.