by Linda Ford
She hummed, smiling to herself often as she baked the rest of the cookies. Some were too dark. Some were too soft. But all in all, she’d done rather well. She fed Megan who’d grown fussy.
The meal was cooked. Cookies ready to eat. The men would work until dark. The cowboys would then eat their meal while the Hoopers went home for theirs. Connie sat by the wagon again, watching the work. Megan fell asleep beside her.
The day had gone surprisingly well. Connie had enjoyed the experience. And Jake’s compliment. But she didn’t know what it meant. Was he just being nice? Was he seeing her as a desirable young lady? Did he really like that she was not like Celia?
* * *
Jake had been distracted all day, his glance going so often to where Connie worked or sat watching that Blaze had asked if he wanted to take the rest of the day off.
“I’m working, aren’t I?” He made sure to keep up to the others after that.
He’d basically told her that she was ornamental. He meant pretty, not useless. Did she understand that?
She was certainly useful. The aroma of baking cookies had the others, even Sal, wishing it was time to stop so they could enjoy them.
“She’s a rare gal,” Sal said for everyone to hear, but he only looked at Jake.
Jake shrugged. He wasn’t about to argue otherwise and certainly wasn’t going to respond to the way Sal meant it for him.
He was careful not to check on Connie again until he was sure no one was looking. The best time for that was when he drove the wagon away.
She sat by the chuck wagon, Megan sleeping beside her. It had been a long day for her. She noticed him looking at her and gave a little smile to accompany the way she lifted her hand in greeting.
He nodded and drove on, smiling to himself. Or so he thought. One of the young cowboys following the wagon laughed aloud.
“Too bad it will be too late when we quit for sparking.”
Jake ignored the comment.
They worked until dark then the cowboys went to the chuckwagon. Jake helped Connie to the wagon, handed up a sleeping Megan, and began the journey home.
“I sure hope we break through tomorrow,” Blaze said, riding beside the wagon.
No one replied. They all knew how important it was to get the task done, and Jake knew every man on the place was as weary as he.
“Sorry it’s so late,” he murmured to Connie.
“Don’t be apologizing to me. I haven’t slaved over a bank of mud for hours. I wish there was some way to make it easier.”
“It’s one of those chores that can’t be made easier. We just have to keep at it as long as it takes.” He leaned his elbows on his knees and hoped he’d get home before he fell asleep.
She touched his elbow. “I’ve been praying as I said I would.”
“That means a lot.” He was relieved when she didn’t ask him to explain what he meant. Perhaps she took it to be about getting through the landslide. And, in part, it was. But even more, it meant a lot to think she cared enough about him and his problems to pray for him.
They reached the buildings and he took Connie directly to the house. Sleeping Megan nestled in his arms while Connie climbed down from the wagon. The baby was warm and cuddly. Something unfamiliar stirred in his heart. A softness he’d not before been aware of.
He held Megan a moment longer than necessary until Connie reached for the baby and took her. He watched them go inside then drove the wagon to the barn. He took care of the horses, washed mud off his boots and pants. Bowser had stayed away from the mud, so he was spared the cold bath he had yesterday. In fact, he hadn’t even come to the barn with them. Jake looked back to see the dog looking in the kitchen window. He was going to miss Megan when she and Connie left.
Could be they’d all notice the absence of the pair.
Too weary for conversation, the men traipsed into the house and sat down to the meal Audrey had prepared. Connie must have told her how the work had gone, because she squeezed each of their shoulders as she served the food.
The next morning, he thought of suggesting Connie and Megan stay at the house. But she was dressed and ready to go. They downed a filling breakfast and drove back to the worksite. The cowboys were already digging. Sal had cast-iron pots on the rack over the fire he cooked on.
Connie hurried to him. “Sal, you don’t need to do all the work. I’m here to help you.”
“Little lady, I doubt ya’ve ever had to cook for this many men and especially not over a fire. It’s second nature to me.”
“I know I won’t do as well as you, but it’s hopefully only for today. Then you can have your chuckwagon back. And I will forever be grateful for what you taught me.”
Sal’s eyes sparkled at her words.
Jake joined the others in the digging. Even though he wore gloves, blisters had formed and broken on his hands. It was one pain of many that his body protested about. But he tackled the task as furiously as the others did. It was a job that had to be done.
The day wore on. He let one of the cowboys take the wagon to be emptied as he concentrated on digging, feeling an urgency to free the cows.
They stopped for dinner then went right back at it. Jake was convinced they were almost through. They had narrowed the digging to a tunnel wide enough for a cow to get through. Two men dug side by side, others hauled away the dirt. It was like working in a cave. Closed in, damp smelling, lumps falling down around them.
A young cowboy had been digging beside him. “I need to get out of here.”
“Send someone to take your place.” Jake used a pick to loosen the dirt. Clumps battered his shoulders. He ignored them. Then a bigger one fell.
“Jake, get out of there,” Blaze hollered.
But before he could turn, the walls caved in.
9
Connie looked up at the urgency in Blaze’s voice. Then the ground rumbled. Men jumped back. For a heartbeat they stood still as statues. Then Blaze hollered. “Jake’s in there. Get him out.”
She paused to check on Megan. “Bowser, stay. Keep Megan here.”
The dog parked himself in front of the baby. Assured Megan would be all right for a few minutes, she ran to where the men dug.
She grabbed Levi’s arm. “Jake is in there?” She stared at the heap of dirt filling the tunnel they’d been digging.
“We’ll get him out.” Levi bent to digging and Connie stepped to the side. Could anyone survive being buried alive? She prayed as she watched and waited. Dear God, bring him out alive.
“Careful.” Cash was at the front of those digging. “He’s in there somewhere.”
Connie knew what he meant. They could injure Jake further if they struck him with a pick or shovel.
“I see light,” Cash called. “Jake, where are you?”
Jake must have answered because Cash said, “We’ll get you out.”
Connie tried to see what was happening. She saw a patch of light, so the tunnel must have reached the other side. Men dug with their hands, shoving the dirt behind them. But she didn’t see Jake. His three brothers were there.
They stopped digging.
The brothers knelt. They pushed aside more dirt and a rock.
Connie couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think past her urgent cries to God. Let him be alive. Please God.
A fourth figure appeared between two of the brothers and was lifted from the rubble.
It was Jake.
“We got him,” Cash called. “He’s alive.”
Connie fell on her knees. Thank you, God. Thank you, God.
Cash and Blaze half carried, half dragged Jake into the open and lowered him to the ground.
“I’m all right.” He coughed and ended on a groan. “Maybe a little sore.”
Connie pushed to her feet and went to him. She knelt at his side. “How much of you was buried?”
“My legs mostly.”
She wondered what mostly meant. “Someone should check and make sure nothing is broken.”
Blaze knelt beside her. He ran his hands along each of Jake’s legs and had him move his ankles and bend his knees. “Little brother, I think you’ll live with only a few bruises to complain about.” He leaned back. “Empty the wagon. Cash, bring it here. The rest of you widen the opening enough for the cows to get out.”
Everyone scrambled to do his bidding.
“Jake, you’re going home. We don’t need you in any more scrapes.”
“Hey, it wasn’t my fault.”
“I know. Cash, help him into the wagon and take him home.”
Connie saw Sal at the chuckwagon. “You don’t need me any longer.”
“Ya go take care of yer young man.”
“He’s not—”
Sal winked.
Connie didn’t dare look at Jake or his brothers. It was too much to think they hadn’t heard the comment. “I’ll go home with him. Them.” She meant them. It was simply a slip of the tongue. She picked up Megan and made her way to the wagon seat as Cash helped Jake ease into the back.
Bowser sensed something was wrong and jumped up beside Jake. No one ordered him to get down.
They were on the journey home when Cash leaned over to speak softly to Connie. “There was dirt covering his hips and a rock on his chest. He’s going to be a very sore man for a few days.”
“It’s a miracle he wasn’t buried alive.” She shuddered.
“I’m believing God was protecting him. Maybe because there is something important he needs to do.”
Did Cash’s gaze linger on Megan? Was he saying he thought Jake should raise the child as his own?
Nah. It was only the fright of the last hour that made her think such a thing.
She glanced back at Jake. His face was drawn, his skin pale. He opened his eyes, saw she watched him, and smiled, though she thought it cost him a lot of effort.
“Don’t look so worried. I’m fine.”
“I’m glad.” She heard the tension in his voice.
“We’ll soon be home,” Cash said.
She and Cash looked at each other, silently sharing concern over his brother.
As they neared the house, Audrey tented her hand over her eyes and watched them approach. Seeing Cash driving the wagon, she hurried toward them. “What’s wrong?”
“Jake had a little accident,” Cash said, stopping at the porch.
Audrey went to the back. “What did you do?”
“Nothing. Why does everyone think it was my fault?”
She looked to Cash. “What happened?”
“A bit of the dirt bank caved in on him.”
Audrey pressed her hand to her mouth. “And he’s alive?”
“And I can hear. I’m right here.” He edged toward the gate, grimacing as he moved.
Cash helped him out, half-carrying him inside. They made it to the nearest kitchen chair before Cash released him. “Brother, we need to get some of this dirt off you before you go any further or Audrey will take a broom to us.” They were both wearing a coat of mud.
Audrey hovered at Jake’s side. “Where are you hurt?”
“I’m not hurt.” He drew in a slow breath. “But I hurt all over.”
Cash chuckled. “He’s obviously not feeling too poorly. Look, you two ladies and the baby girl wait outside while I clean him up.”
Jake squinted at his brother. “Give me water and clean clothes and I’ll do it myself.”
Connie took Audrey by the arm and led her back to the porch.
“Tell me every detail.”
Neither of them seemed inclined to sit, so they stood on the porch. Connie put Megan down to play with Bowser.
“It’s like Cash said. They were digging through the landslide and it gave way on top of Jake.” Her legs threatened to give out as she thought of how this could have ended. She grabbed one of the upright posts to steady herself. Words flowed from her mouth as if a dam had burst. Every detail of the incident, every frightening emotion tumbled out.
Audrey wrapped her arm around Connie’s shoulders. “He’s all right. We can be grateful for that.”
Cash came to the door. “He’s decent.” Cash had on clean clothes and had washed away the dirt of the day.
Audrey rushed in. Connie picked up Megan and followed more slowly, not having any right to be involved in the family situation. She stopped a few feet away where she could hear and see.
“Cash, did you check him over for serious damage?” Audrey asked.
Cash laughed. “He threatened to injure me if I did, so I would say he isn’t seriously hurt.”
“I’m right here. You could ask me.”
At his annoyed tone, Connie grinned.
Jake shifted his gaze to her and caught her trying to hide her amusement. His eyes narrowed. “They act like I’m invisible.”
“They’re only concerned for you. It’s something you should appreciate.”
He rolled his eyes. “Easy for you to say.”
Cash shrugged. “He’s cranky enough for me to guess he’s only got bruises.” He rushed on before Jake could voice his protest. “The good news is the cows will be out by now. Blaze and Levi will be along shortly.”
“That’s the good news?” Jake’s protest made him groan and press a palm to his ribs. He waved away Audrey’s concern. “Shouldn’t the good news be that I’m alive? Me. Jake Hooper. Your brother.”
“There, there.” Audrey patted his head. “Of course, we’re glad you’re okay.”
Connie could no longer contain her amusement and burst out laughing. They looked at her, a bit surprised and a bit sheepish.
Abruptly her laughter turned to tears. She sobbed. Tears ran down her face.
* * *
At the sight of Connie’s tears, Jake half rose but the pain in his chest set him back. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head.
Megan looked at her and her eyes widened, her bottom lip quivered.
“Audrey, take the baby,” Jake said.
“Come on, little one, let’s go see what Bowser is doing.” Audrey went outside with Megan.
“I’ll see to the horses and wagon.” Cash followed on her heels.
Connie headed past Jake, toward the hall and likely her bedroom.
He caught her hand, stiffening against the protest in every muscle. “What’s wrong?”
She tugged at her hand, but he had a firm grip on it and drew her closer.
“Connie, would you please sit? It hurts to hold you like this.” He shifted his chair and turned the one next to him so they would face each other.
She sat down; her head dipped. Tears dripped from her chin. Her shoulders shook silently.
His heart squeezed out its own drops of sorrow at her distress. “Connie, don’t cry.”
She sucked back a sob. “It’s just that…you could have…just when I was beginning to…I was so…” A sob ended her attempt to explain.
He tipped her chin up.
She met his gaze, her eyes awash. “I was so scared.” The words were a throaty whisper.
He smiled. “Me too. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so hard. I might have even hollered for God to help me. Did you hear me?”
She shook her head. “I was too busy praying.”
With his thumb, he wiped away her tears. “For me?”
“Of course, for you.” She shuddered back a sob. “I didn’t see how anyone could survive being buried alive.”
“I wasn’t, thankfully. You should have seen the cows stampede when I fell through the bank.” He chuckled, groaning as his ribs protested. He pressed a palm to chest.
She caught his hand. “You’re hurt worse than you let on. Cash said a boulder was on your chest.”
He scoffed. “It wasn’t a boulder. Just a rock. I’m only bruised. And thankful.” He searched her gaze, finding there her pain and relief. And dare he hope, a tender feeling toward him? Or was that only a reflection of his own revelation as he lay trapped? When the thought of never again seeing Connie or Megan filled him, he fi
rst moaned with despair and then he was filled with a surge of determination to get out alive. “My biggest fear was I wouldn’t be able to keep my promise to take care of you.”
Their gazes went on and on. Hers searching. Cautious. Then she lowered her eyes. “You only promised to take me to the fort.”
“Guess that’s true.” Though in his mind it was so much more.
But that was only shock and reaction to his accident.
Boots thudded on the porch and he sat back. “The others are back.”
The door opened and his brothers and sister flooded in. Connie rose and took Megan, retreating to the kitchen.
Levi and Blaze stood before him and looked him over.
“You’re alive,” Levi observed. “I can hardly believe it.”
Blaze squeezed his shoulder. “Good to see. God had His hand on you today.”
With that, they sat around the table and reported on the cows. All out safe and sound.
Jake listened with half an ear as he watched Connie. She showed no more sign of tears as she set the table with Megan perched on her hip. She filled a bowl for Megan and fed her as Audrey served the food.
They bowed their heads. For a moment Blaze didn’t utter a word. Jake stole a look at him, wondering if there was a problem. Then Blaze began.
“Heavenly Father, we so often overlook Your gifts or take them for granted. But today we were reminded that we owe our very lives to Your care. Thank you for keeping Jake safe. Help him get over his bruises without any lasting damage. Thank You for the rich bounty we enjoy each day and for the loving hands that have prepared this meal. Amen.”
Jake stared at his brother, wishing he could find words to express his surprise and pleasure at being prayed for.
“Thank you for that,” Audrey said. “We are so blessed, and yet how often we forget it.”
“Yes, thank you,” Jake echoed.
“I say amen to your words.” Connie’s voice shook.
Jake turned toward her.
“I’m not going to cry again.”
“You cried?” Levi asked. “Why?”
