© 2016 by Vickie McDonough
Print ISBN 978-1-62836-953-3
eBook Editions:
Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978-1-63409-884-7
Kindle and MobiPocket Edition (.prc) 978-1-63409-885-4
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher.
All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.
Cover Design: Faceout Studio, www.faceoutstudio.com
Published by Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.shilohrunpress.com
Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.
Printed in the United States of America.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
What did you say?” Sarah Worley leaned back against the corral railing, staring at her longtime friend Luke McNeil. His vivid blue eyes sparkled, making even the cloudless sky seem dull.
He removed his hat, and the light breeze fanned his blond hair across his face. He sobered and cast an uncharacteristically apprehensive glance around the empty ranch yard then refocused on her. Luke took hold of Sarah’s hand, sending odd tingles racing up her arm. “I said I want you to marry me. I think we should get hitched.”
Luke had been the one who made her smile when she’d first arrived at the Coulter ranch over eight years ago and had felt so out of place with the loving family. He was a happy sort, always joking or teasing, but from the look in his eyes right now, he was dead serious. Sarah glanced toward the Coulters’ two-story house, almost wishing Lara would call her to come in and help. She didn’t want to hurt Luke but neither could she marry him. “I don’t know what to say. This is so sudden.”
“It’s not sudden. I’ve been thinking about it for ages. Say you will. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.”
“You wouldn’t care that your children would be one-fourth Cherokee?” Heat rushed to her cheeks at such an intimate topic.
“Of course not, especially if they have your dark eyes.” He waggled his brows and grinned in a manner that made her squirm.
Usually he could pull her out of her doldrums on the worst of days.
But not today.
She tugged her hand from his. “I care for you, Luke, but as a friend, not a beau. You’ve always been there for me, but you know I have no plans to marry.”
His lips pursed as he rolled the brim of his hat. “But I thought—” He slapped on his slouch hat. “One of these days you’re going to have to forgive your father and forget about what he did.”
She had forgiven Pete Worley, but she could never forget how he used the women in the bordello he owned—that horrible place she lived for over a year when she was younger. She also couldn’t forget how horribly he’d hurt Jo, the first person who ever truly helped her, other than her mother.
She grabbed Luke’s sleeve when he started to walk away. “Luke, wait. You know my dearest dream is to have a home of my own. You’ve asked me to marry you, but you live in Gabe’s bunkhouse. Have you considered that?”
He shrugged. “I’ve some money put back. Probably enough to buy a speck of property somewhere. I can build us a cabin. Maybe I should’ve ventured out on my own before now. Then I’d already have a house to offer you.”
“If you had, you would have left years ago and our friendship would never have grown to what it is.”
“I don’t want just friendship, Sarah. I care deeply for you.”
She reached out and touched his arm. “I care for you, too, and even though I’ll be twenty-one soon, I’m not ready to get married. I feel like my life only started eight years ago when Jo brought me to her sister’s ranch. I still have so much living to do.”
He frowned. “We could do that livin’ together if you weren’t so stubborn. I can give you the home you’ve always wanted if you’d let me.”
Her heart broke a little at disappointing him. She crossed her arms, lest he take her hand again. “I can’t, Luke. I’m sorry.”
He stared at her for a long moment, nodded, and then turned and strode into the barn.
Sarah blinked her stinging eyes. Luke was the best friend she’d ever had, and now she’d hurt him deeply. She thought of the times she’d been lonely or not feeling like she belonged in the Coulter home, not that Gabe and Lara had ever made her feel that way. It had been her own insecurities, partly because of the way some people in town eyed her dark complexion. She was a half-breed, and some folks would just as soon spit on her as talk to her.
Feeling more out of sorts than she had in a long while, she pushed away from the railing and headed toward the house. The lovely day had dimmed. Why did Luke have to go and ask her to marry him? Why hadn’t she noticed he was getting serious? But why should she when she had such little experience with men? Could they still be friends, or had her refusal of him ruined that relationship?
The sad thing was, in a small part of her mind she could almost see them married. But she had her dreams, and one way or another, it was time she pursued them.
Luke leaned on the stall gate, staring at his palomino, Golden Boy. “I messed up.”
The horse nodded as if agreeing then poked his head over the gate, hoping for a treat.
“Sorry, don’t have any handouts today.” He scratched the gelding’s forehead. Why hadn’t he waited to talk to Sarah? Maybe he should have courted her before blurting out that he wanted to marry her. He kicked the stall gate.
“Something wrong with Golden Boy?”
Luke glanced at his boss, Gabe Coulter. “Uh … no. I’m just frustrated about somethin’.”
Gabe leaned one arm on the empty stall gate next to Golden Boy’s. “Care to talk about it?”
Luke shrugged. He and Gabe had been friends longer than Gabe had loved his wife, Lara, but this seemed almost too personal to speak of. Still, he needed another man’s perspective. “I asked Sarah to marry me, but she flat-out refused.”
Gabe’s eyebrows shot upward. “Well, I sure didn’t expect that was your problem.” He rubbed his jaw. “I find it hard to believe she’d refuse you. The two of you seem so close.”
“Friends.” Luke raised his hands in a helpless gesture then slapped them against his pants. “That’s all we are, according to her.”
“But you feel more than friendship, I’m guessing.”
“I reckon … yeah. I thought so, at least.” He scratched his hand across his heart as if that would stop it from hurting. “How’s a man to know for sure if he’s in”—he swatted a hand in the air—“love?”
“You must feel pretty certain about your affections for her to propose.”
Luke shrugged. He lifted his head and watched the dust motes floating in the shafts of light that streaked through the cracks in the barn wall. He needed to fix those before winter set in.
“You know, Lara didn’t want to have much to do with me at first.”
“Yeah, I remember. How did you manage to win her over?”
“Persistence. I kept at it, and I sure am glad I did.”
Luke thought of the three active children Lara had birthed since she married Gabe: Beth, Drew, and little Missy. It would have been a shame for them not to have been born. He couldn’t shake the vision of a son of his own with Sarah’s dark eyes and hair. Would that child ever have a chance at life?
He blew out a loud sigh at his sappy thoughts. “I’m thirty-one, Gabe. I’m grateful to have worked for you all these years, but if I ever hope to win Sarah’s heart, I’ve gotta get a place of my own.”
Gabe slapped Luke’s shoulder. “I don’t know how I’ll get along without you, but I understand. A man’s got to do what God’s calling him to do. Let me know if there’s any way I can help. And allow Sarah to consider your proposal. Don’t press her for an answer. You may be ready for marriage, but her life was difficult before coming here. She may simply need more time.”
He nodded. “I appreciate the advice.” Luke opened the gate and stepped into the stall. He grabbed a curry brush off the shelf above the feed trough and began running it across Golden Boy’s shoulder. The repetitive motion allowed him to think. Something Gabe had said nagged him. “A man’s got to do what God’s calling him to do.”
He believed in God. Daniel, Lara’s grandpa, had been a good influence on Luke’s life before he passed on. He missed the old man, as he knew the rest of the family did. Daniel had often talked about God as if they were old buddies. Luke’s life had been pretty good since he met up with Gabe. He liked being Gabe’s foreman, but now he needed more.
Maybe it was time he talked to God and asked Him if He actually had plans for him—and if those plans included Sarah as his wife.
The brush paused. But what if God said no?
A week after Luke had proposed, Sarah reread the article in the Guthrie newspaper once more, her heart pounding faster with each paragraph her eyes scanned. This was it—the chance she’d been waiting for—praying for. July 29th was less than a month away—and there was so much she must do to prepare. She folded the paper and stared out the window of the home she’d lived in for close to a decade.
Would Gabe and Lara be upset when she told them she’d be leaving? They’d so generously opened their home to her when she showed up on their doorstep with Jo, Lara’s younger sister. They had become her family. But she couldn’t let that hold her back from reaching for her dream. The idea of leaving here was both frightening and exhilarating. Jo would probably encourage her to follow her heart, but Lara would be more cautious and protective—motherly.
Her gaze shifted toward the barn, as it often did. She wished she could have given Luke the answer he’d wanted, but she couldn’t. Not yet. Maybe never. She’d never had a male friend like him, and leaving him behind would almost be harder than leaving Lara and the children. She was an older sister to the Coulter young’uns, even Michael, Lara’s sixteen-year-old son by her first husband. Oh, how she would miss them.
Sighing, she turned and glanced around her room. It had been hers since shortly after she and Jo had arrived here. She loved this private oasis with its lacy curtains and comfortable furniture, but she longed for a home of her own—not just one room. It was time for her to move on. Time for her to keep the promise she’d made to her mother.
Dropping onto her bed, she remembered the tiny cabin she and her mother had shared. Distant relatives had helped provide food and water when her mother became ill, but Sarah was always hungry—except for the rare times her father stopped by with a mule-load of food or sent money. Her mother had told her to study hard and make her own way—not to be dependent on anyone so that she could be in charge of her destiny. Winning land would be the start of fulfilling that dream.
Her clock chimed, yanking Sarah from her thoughts. She hurried downstairs and donned her apron. She should have been down sooner to bring in the laundry and help Lara prepare supper, but she’d been praying once again about her decision. Excitement and nerves had tangled with her prayers. There were so many things she had to work out.
Lara looked over her shoulder and smiled as Sarah entered the kitchen. Her smile dimmed. “Are you feeling all right?”
Sarah nodded. “Yes, I was reading something and praying for a bit. I apologize for not being down sooner.”
Lara waved a dismissing hand in the air. “You don’t owe me an explanation.” She glanced at her daughters. “Don’t peel those potatoes too thick, Beth.”
“I’m not, Mama. But could you tell Missy to stop playin’ with the peelings? She’s makin’ a mess.” The eight-year-old sighed like a frustrated adult.
Sarah walked over to the table and hugged Missy. “Are you making a mess?”
The three-year-old giggled. “I makin’ a house.”
“Ma–a–a!” Beth rolled her eyes.
Lara crossed to the table. “Missy, if you play with those peelings, you’ll be the one who has to clean them up.”
The little girl looked at her pile then suddenly pushed the whole mess back toward her sister. “I done.”
Lara’s light green eyes twinkled as she glanced at Sarah. “I bet Sarah would appreciate your help taking down the laundry.”
“Aw’wight.” Missy slid from her chair, took hold of Sarah’s hand, then glanced up at her with light green eyes, just like her mother’s. “C’mon.”
Sarah smiled and squeezed the girl’s hand. “We need to wash your hands before you handle the clean clothes.” She led the girl to the washtub, ladled in some fresh water from the bucket sitting next to it, and then cleaned and dried their hands. “Let’s get the basket and the clothespin holder.”
“I get it.” Missy dashed across the kitchen and out the door to the side porch the men had recently added.
Sarah chuckled. “She sure is fast when she wants to be.”
Beth snorted. “Don’t I know. She likes to play with my doll, and no matter where I hide it, she finds it faster than you can say Jack Sprat.”
“We need to make one for her to replace the dolly she lost. Then maybe she won’t bother yours.” Lara patted her daughter’s shoulder.
“Can we start on it tonight?”
Sarah grinned as she exited the kitchen, looking for Missy. With a houseful of children, there was always something to chuckle about. Missy trotted under the flapping clothes on the line, pretending to be a horse, her favorite animal. Given the choice, the little tomboy would go to work with her father, as Michael did most days. Oh, how she’d miss this family when she was gone. Her days would be so lonely after the craziness of a large family, but achieving her dream would be worth it.
Sarah snagged the wicker basket off the porch and headed to the clothesline. She would have to add rope to her supply list so that she could create her own line for hanging laundry. There were so many things she needed to set up her own place. Though she’d saved the majority of the money her father had sent over the years, she now wondered if it would stretch as far as she needed it to. She reached for a clothespin. Was she making a big mistake?
Sarah’s hand shook as she spooned a bite of mashed turnips into her mouth. Would Gabe and Lara be upset when she finally shared the news of her decision? Would they think her ungrateful for all they’d done for her? Jack, Lara’s brother and the local preacher, would probably try to dissuade her. He was like an older brother to her, and she highly valued his counsel. Maybe she should talk with him first.
The clink of silverware filled the room as eight people enjoyed their supper. Luke often joined the family for the evening meal, but his empty seat reminded her of their talk. Between bites, Missy jabbered to her pa about playing with the kittens in the barn with Beth, while Michael excitedly told his ma of the eagle he’d seen swoop down and snag a rabbit. Drew, a lively six-year-old with a sparkle in his brown eyes, stole a slice of meat off Beth’s plate when her face was turned. Normally, Sarah would have smiled, but instead, she clenched the edge of her napkin, already missing the children’s antics. This decision was the biggest one she’d made since choosing to run away from the bordello her father owned at the same time Jo did, eight years ago.
Lara glanced across the table and lifted a brow. “You’re rather quiet tonight.”
“I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.”
The chatter instantly quieted, and almost everyone looked her way. Sarah’s mouth went dry. Her leg started jiggling beneath the table. “I … meant … later.”
“Say it now. We all wanna hear.” Drew reached for another biscuit, but his ma snatched the plate away.
“Not until you finish your vegetables, young man.”
“But, Ma–a–a, you know I hate turnips.”
Lara eyed the boy as only a mother could.
“Do as your ma says.” Gabe pointed his fork at his son.
Jack glanced down at his own plate, looking as if he were fighting a smile. His son Cody, only a few months younger than Drew, leaned against his pa’s arm and looked up.
“I don’t like turnips neither, Pa,” he whispered loudly enough that everyone heard.
Beth giggled and ducked her head.
Jack glanced at the boy. “You eat what’s put on your plate, son.”
“But—”
Jack lifted his eyebrows, and the boy nodded. “Yes, sir.” He picked up his spoon, shoved in a tiny bite of turnips, and grimaced. Then he grabbed his glass of milk and took a long swig. He glanced proudly at Drew. “It ain’t so bad, if you drink your milk real fast afterwards.”
With a serious expression, Drew nodded then mimicked his cousin’s actions.
The adults shared private smiles.
Sarah sighed, glad that Drew’s dislike of turnips had taken everyone’s attention off her and helped her to relax. There was nothing like children to lighten the mood.
After the meal, Sarah helped scrape the plates. The boys were sent to the barn to do their evening chores, while the girls went out to water the garden. Jack started to follow the boys, but Sarah hurried to his side and tugged on his sleeve. He paused, gazing down at her. “I’d like you to stay while I talk to Gabe and Lara, if you don’t mind.”
He nodded. “I reckon the boys will be all right on their own for a short while.”
“This shouldn’t take long.” When she turned, Lara and Gabe were standing side by side near the counter, Gabe still holding his coffee cup. Lara looked a bit concerned.
Sarah glanced down and realized she was wringing her hands. She stuck one in her pocket and pulled out the newspaper ad then took a deep breath and blew it out quickly, hoping she didn’t lose her nerve. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying for a while, and I have come to a decision.” She held up the ragged page. “This article from the newspaper says the government is going to be opening up another section of Indian land—the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache reservation land left over after the allotment to individual members of those tribes. More than likely, it’s the last section that will be available in the Oklahoma Territory. It will be handled by a lottery instead of a land run.” She drew in a breath as she read the curiosity in Gabe’s eyes and worry in Lara’s. “I’ve decided to go to El Reno to register and see if I can get some land of my own.”
Gabe’s eyebrows shot upward while Lara’s mouth dropped open. He set his cup on the cupboard counter and wrapped an arm around his wife, as if knowing she needed comfort. Sarah hated to hurt the couple who had been so kind to her for so many years and had loved her as a younger sister. She struggled for something to say to soften the blow. “You know how much I love you both”—she cast a glance at Jack—“all of you. But I can’t stay here forever. Your family is growing, and you’ll need my room soon.”
“We have plenty of space. There’s no need for you to be concerned about that.” Lara’s eyes begged her to reconsider.
Sarah walked to the table and held on to the top of a ladder-back chair. “There’s more to it than that. I’m sure you figured I’d be married by now, but …” She shrugged. “I feel it’s time for me to get a place of my own. If I’m fortunate enough to win a homestead, I’ll pick land near one of the new towns being established. I have most of the money my father sent me, which I will use to have a house built and get the things I need initially.”
Lara stepped away from Gabe. “But what will you do until then? A woman can’t live alone on the open prairie.”
“I won’t be alone. All the others who win claims will be nearby.”
“But those will probably all be men. It wouldn’t be safe for a woman alone.” Lara spun around to face her husband. “Can you talk some sense into her?”
He shrugged. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but Sarah has the right to do what she feels God is calling her to do. Besides, how can you fuss at her when you rode in the land run? The lottery is a much safer option.”
“Gabe! I didn’t have a choice—you know that. But Sarah does. She can’t go alone. That’s just foolhardy.” She turned to Jack. “Can’t you be the voice of reason?”
Jack looked from one of them to another as if taking time to formulate his response. He stroked his chin, pursing his lips. “I guess it’s time to admit that I’ve been thinking of doing the same thing.”
Sarah’s heart jolted at the exact moment Lara gasped.
“You can’t be serious, Jack.” Lara squeezed her forehead “What about Cody?”
“What about him? Things have been difficult on both of us since Cora died. I’m thinking a change would do us good. If we get land, we can settle there and start a ranch of our own. If not, we can stay and help Sarah for as long as she needs us, if that’s all right with her.”
She nodded, unable to hold back her smile. “I would love that—if you’re certain that’s what you want to do.”
“I’ve been prayin’ about it ever since I first heard about the lottery, and I’m startin’ to believe it’s what God wants me to do.”
“What about the church? What will we do for a pastor?” Gabe turned to refill his coffee cup.
“Barry Addams would be a good one to take over. I’ve been meeting with him for two years and have taught him nearly all I know about God’s Word. He’s a good man who loves the Lord. He’d be a responsible leader for the time I’m gone. If I don’t win a homestead, at least we’ll have had a change of scenery for a bit. And if Cody and I don’t return, I believe Barry would be willin’ to consider a permanent position as pastor.”
Lara tugged out a chair and sat down. “I feel like one of my children is leaving home. And I dread seeing you and Cody leave, Jack. We’ve loved having you here with us.”
“We’ve enjoyed it, too, but things change, sis.”
Sarah walked around the table, pulled out one of the chairs, and placed it so that she could face her dear friend, who was like a mother to her. She sat and took Lara’s hands. “Please try to understand. This is something I feel compelled to do. I believe it’s what God wants me to do.”
Lara gazed at her with watery eyes. “You’ve prayed about this?”
“Yes. Ever since I first heard the land might be opened for settlement. El Reno is not that far away. The train already goes there, which is where I need to register.”
“How far away is that?” Lara still didn’t look convinced.
“Just west of Oklahoma City. A short train ride from here.” Sarah smiled, hoping to relieve her friend’s worries. “It’s about the same length of a ride from here to El Reno as it is to where Jo lives in Perry.”
Lara brushed her hand down the side of Sarah’s cheek. “I still remember the quiet, reserved little girl you were when Jo first brought you to us—the girl who craved learning. You’ve grown into a lovely woman, whom I dearly love.” She ducked her head a moment then looked up, her eyes watery. “I always thought you’d stay with us until you married.”
Sarah blinked away the sting in her own eyes. “I thought that, too, but God has changed my mind. You and Gabe have had someone living with you ever since you married. It’s time your family had this house to yourselves.”
Gabe cleared his throat. “You know that doesn’t matter to us. God has blessed us, and we’re happy to share what we have with others. But if God truly has spoken to you, then you should listen. Sometimes He asks us to do hard things—things that don’t make sense at the time.” He stared at his wife, and Sarah wondered if he was remembering their past—how Gabe killed Lara’s first husband in self-defense and then went on to track her down so he could return the money he’d won from her husband in a poker game. But that never actually happened because Lara wouldn’t accept the money. Later, after riding in Oklahoma’s first land rush, they fell in love and married.
It was such a romantic story that she nearly sighed. Did God have a special man out there for her? Luke’s wide grin and sparkling blue eyes invaded her mind. She shook her head to rid it of his image. Jack was a handsome, God-fearing man, but he was far too old for her. And besides, he was like a brother, and he was still grieving his wife whose death had shaken them all. There was a time that she thought she’d never marry, after living in her father’s bordello and seeing how horribly men treated women, but living in Gabe’s house, with his example as well as Jack’s and Luke’s, she’d learned there were good men who loved and cared for women.
“Have you talked to Jo about this?” Lara asked.
“I’ve tried writing to her several times, but I’ve had trouble putting my thoughts to paper. I don’t know why God is asking me to do this, only that He is. How can I explain it so she’ll understand?”
Gabe chuckled. “You’re selling Jo short. She’d probably be the first to encourage you to follow your dreams.”
Sarah smiled. “You’re right. She would. I just hate that this decision will take me farther away from her, since Perry is north of here and the lottery land is southwest.”
Jack walked across the room, his boots thudding on the floor. “That’s true, but it’s still not all that far away when you consider the railroad.”
Lara squeezed her hand. “You’re truly going to do this?”
Sarah smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
Jack admired the bright pinks and oranges on the horizon, created by the setting sun as he strode across the yard toward the barn. He’d been thinking and praying about leaving ever since Cora died in childbirth this past January. Both he and Cody had taken her death hard. Cody missed his ma, and he longed for his precious wife.
He’d been looking forward to having another child and raising the baby with Cora, but it wasn’t to be. His time with her had been far shorter than he’d expected. He could still see Cora walking down the church aisle on their wedding day, looking jubilant and beautiful in her pale blue dress. He had almost missed the blessing of a wife because he’d been such a dunderhead and hadn’t recognized that Cora cared for him. She’d been so happy that day, so filled with joy, as he had been. She’d pledged to love him until death parted them. Neither of them imagined death would part them so soon
He leaned against the corral fence and stared at the horizon. He’d hoped they would grow old together, especially since he hadn’t married until he was nearly thirty. But it wasn’t to be. God had given him seven and a half blissful years with Cora and a wonderful son, but they’d lost three babies, including the one that had been born dead during the difficult childbirth that took Cora’s life.
He gritted his teeth, still trying to understand. He loved children. He was a good father and would have been to any more children God blessed him with, so why hadn’t the good Lord seen fit to spare his wife and baby?
“I didn’t spare my own Son so that you could have eternal life.”
Jack clenched the fence railing as the truth hit him. God hadn’t spared His Son, and if He had, all men would still live in darkness. Who was he to question God? He gazed upward toward the darkening sky. “Thank You, Lord. I don’t have all the answers. Don’t know why You thought it was time to take Cora and our baby, but I will try to rest in Your arms. I miss her—and the daughter I never got to know.”
Behind him, Jack heard a snicker. He turned and saw Cody and Drew standing just inside the barn’s entrance. Their eyes widened and the duo ducked their heads when they noticed him looking their way. He pushed away from the corral and moved toward them. The boys shuffled their feet as he approached. “What have they done now, Lord?”
Drew leaned against Cody. “Who was your pa talkin’ to?”
Cody exhaled a loud sigh and took on a mature posture. “He’s talkin’ to God again.”
“Does he do that a lot?”
“Yep.”
“I can hear you guys, you know.”
Drew’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean nothin’, Uncle Jack.”
He grinned and ruffled the boy’s hair. “I know.” He squatted on his heels to be on their eye level. “Cody knows you can talk to God anytime you need to, but do you?”
Drew shrugged and glanced down, toeing the dirt. “I reckon so. Pa says that, too, but I just never saw you doin’ it outside of church and blessing our meals.”
“Maybe you’ll see fit to talk to God one day, too.”
Drew’s dark brown eyes, the same color as his pa’s, rounded again. “Ma makes me pray every night when I’m in bed. You reckon God knows everything I do, like I’ve heard you say when you preach?” He leaned in closer. “Even the bad stuff?”
Jack tried not to smile at the boy’s whisper. “There’s a verse in the Bible that says, ‘The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholdin’ the evil and the good.’”
Drew scowled. “What’s beholdin’ mean?”
“It means God’s watchin’ us,” Cody said, a proud look in his eyes.
“That’s right, son. God sees everything you do, so you’d best think twice before disobeying or doing something you shouldn’t.”
Drew gulped and glanced over his shoulder into the barn.
Just what had the two young’uns been up to? “Is there somethin’ you need to tell me?”
Drew ducked his head.
The whites of Cody’s eyes showed for a second before he, too, looked down. “We … uh … locked Michael in the tack room.”
Jack knew this wasn’t a laughing matter, but he still wrestled back a grin. Boys will be boys. “What do you think you should do about that?”
Cody glanced at Drew. “Let him out, I reckon.”
Jack stood. “That sounds like a wise idea. Go on and do that.”
“Yes, sir,” the boys said as they turned in unison and shuffled into the barn and to the door of the tack room. Cody reached for the lock.
“Son, let Drew do it.”
“Yes, Pa.” Cody stepped back.
“Why me?” Drew glanced at Jack.
“Because I suspect this was your idea, was it not?”
Drew pursed his lips then nodded. “How did you know?”
“I just did.” Drew was usually the one to stir up the trouble and Cody followed along.
The boy twisted the lock they had slipped through the loop on the latch then opened the door. Light spilled from the small room, and the familiar odor of saddle soap wafted out the door.
Sixteen-year-old Michael’s blond head popped up from where he sat polishing a saddle by lantern light. He grinned. “Howdy, Uncle Jack.”
“How come you wasn’t hollerin’ and poundin’ on the door?” Drew asked.
Michael grinned. “Because I knew that’s what you wanted me to do. I figured I’d continue on with my chores since I couldn’t go nowhere.”
“Aw, no fair.” Drew kicked the door frame.
“Was it fair for you to lock your brother in the tack room?”
“No, sir.”
“I think it would be fair for you to finish polishin’ that saddle for Michael.”
Drew’s gaze shot to his. “But—”
“Would you rather I tell Pa what you did?” Michael winked at Jack.
“No.”
“Cody, you get in there and help, too. And you boys be careful with the lantern on.” Jack stepped back so the boys could enter the small room.
Michael rose and stretched then stepped around the boys. “All that’s left is the other side of the saddle. This one’s done.”
Jack wrapped his arm around his nephew, who’d be close to his own height in another year or two. “I’m proud that you kept a level head and were a good example to your brother and cousin.”
Michael beamed, his blue-green eyes shining. “Thanks. I guess I should get to feeding the horses before the sun sets all the way.”
Jack nodded and watched him go in the dimming light. He peeked at the younger boys, glad to see they were obeying. He sure would miss all of the young’uns when he and Cody left. He hadn’t considered how hard that might be on his son. Drew and Cody were nearly inseparable. He needed to pray more and make sure he was doing the right thing and not running away again.
The railcar shimmied and the whistle screeched a long wail as the train pulled into the Perry depot. Sarah’s stomach churned with excitement at seeing Jo and her family again. Jo and Baron were so tied to their general store that they rarely got to visit the ranch anymore, especially when Jamie, their oldest son was attending school.
She spotted Jo on the platform with her two youngest children and waved. Four-year-old Emma hopped up and down, waving one hand while holding her mama’s skirt with the other. Jo held Matthew. The toddler stared wide-eyed at the noisy contraption. The train squealed and whooshed as it stopped, and the boy buried his face on Jo’s shoulder.
Sarah smiled, shaking her head. How in the world had fierce-hearted Jo ended up with a timid son? He must take after his father, not that Baron was spineless, but he certainly had a milder temperament than Jo. Sarah rose, eager to see her good friend. If not for Jo, her life would have been drastically different. She might still be living in a den of sin, and her father might still be running that dreadful bordello instead of eking out a decent living as a cattle rancher.
When it came her time to exit, Sarah trotted down the steps and into Jo’s open arms. She peeked at Matty as she hugged her friend. The boy offered a shy smile before turning his head away.
“Hug me, Aunt Sarah!” Emma tugged on her skirt.
Sarah put down her satchel and picked up the darling blond-haired, blue-eyed girl. She placed a loud smack on Emma’s soft cheek. “I couldn’t forget to hug you, sweetie. Look how much you’ve grown.”
“I’m a big girl now.”
“Yes, you are. And you’re getting heavy.” She gave the girl another squeeze then set her down and smiled at Matty. “And look at that boy. I can’t believe he’s already a year and a half.”
“I know. He’s growing fast.” Jo shifted Matty to her other arm. “You look wonderful. How are things at the ranch?”
“Thank you, and everything is good.”
“I was thrilled to get your telegram about your visit, but I was surprised since you were only here two months ago. Has something happened?” Jo’s vivid blue eyes dimmed with concern.
“There are some things I need to talk to you about, and I wanted to do it in person.”
“Like what?”
Sarah glanced around the busy depot. People still waited to board while those meeting friends and family were collecting their baggage and leaving.
“Forgive me.” Jo squeezed Sarah’s arm. “This isn’t the place to chat. Let’s get your baggage and head home.”
Sarah let out a grateful sigh and picked up her satchel. “This is all I brought.”
Jo quirked one blond eyebrow.
“Mama, can we stop for a treat?” Emma gazed up with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
“Did you forget that we made gingerbread for Aunt Sarah?”
“Oh yeah.” Emma spun around to face Sarah. “We fixed some ginnerbread.”
“Yum! That’s one of my favorite treats.” She reached for the girl’s hand. “Let’s go home so we can eat some.”
“Eat!” Matty nodded his white-blond head.
“This boy does like his food.” Jo smiled as she patted her son’s backside.
Sarah walked alongside her dear friend as they headed home. “It amazes me how much this town has grown since you first came here.”
“I remember when it was virgin prairie with no buildings. It’s hard to believe all the changes that have taken place in just eight years.”
At the top of the depot steps, Sarah paused a moment to study the town. It consisted mainly of two-story buildings constructed of wood, brick, or stone. Buggies and horses with riders moved down every street. As she descended the stairs, her gaze shifted toward the part of Perry dubbed Hell’s Half Acre, where a host of saloons and gambling houses existed. She was thankful that Baron and Jo lived on the opposite side of town. The seedier section reminded her too much of her father’s former business. She glanced up at the sky, thanking God again for protecting her and getting her out of that dreadful situation.
Emma chatted up a storm as they walked. She smiled down at the darling.
“Clarence is assisting Baron at the store so I don’t have to worry about going in today. I don’t work nearly as much as I used to since the children keep me busy.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m happy to watch the children, though, if you need to work while I’m here.”
“How long can you stay?” Jo glanced sideways at Sarah.
“Only a few days.” She thought of all she had to do, most importantly getting to El Reno in time to register for the lottery.
Jo stopped and turned to face her. “Why such a short visit?”
“Let’s get to the house. Then I’ll explain. I’d prefer not to do it on the street.”
Jo nodded, but it was obvious that she was curious. At the next corner, Jo turned left instead of right, which would have taken them down the street where Hillborne’s Mercantile was located. Sarah thought back to the days when Jo and Baron had married. Shortly after that he’d ridden in the 1893 land run, often called the Cherokee Strip Land Run, and won a plot where they’d built their store. Later they bought a lot from a man who was returning to Arkansas and built a lovely home there. Each time she visited, Sarah had to fight back her feelings of jealousy. The two-story house with bay windows and a wide wraparound porch was just what she longed for. Would she ever have a home of her own?
It wasn’t that she was ungrateful to live with Gabe and Lara in their big house, but she was ready to move on.
They rounded another corner, and Sarah’s gaze landed on Jo’s home. The lovely house was painted a soft yellow with white trim around the doors, windows, and porch railings. She exhaled a sigh, happy for her friend but unable to curtail the longing deep within her.
The noise of the business area softened as they moved into the residential part of town. Birds serenaded them from the trees that offered abundant shade overhead, and down the street a dog barked.
Someone who didn’t know the history of the town would find it hard to believe that less than a decade ago this had all been virgin prairie. She, of all people, knew how fast change could come. One day she was tending her dying mother, and then the next, her father—whom she only remembered seeing a few times—showed up and took her home with him. Less than two years later, she ran away from him at the same time Jo did. It was the best choice she’d ever made.
They walked through the front door into the cool house, and Jo set Matty down. He toddled into the parlor where he plopped down next to a basket of blocks. Jo pressed her knuckles into the small of her back. “That boy is getting heavy.”
Emma pulled her hand free from Sarah’s and went to play with her brother. Sarah smiled, watching the two precious children. Jo tugged the satchel from her hand and set it on the bottom step of the staircase. “Let’s have teatime while the children are occupied with their toys. I’m dying to hear your news.”
“Where’s Jamie?”
“He’s playing with a neighbor boy. Mrs. Carpenter offered to watch him while I met your train.” Jo lifted her brow. “So, tell me your news.”
“Who said I had any?”
Jo smiled, her blues eyes twinkling. “I know you, remember? It’s not your normal month to visit, and you wouldn’t travel all this way unless you had a good reason.”
“Can’t I visit whenever I want?” Sarah tossed her a teasing look.
“Of course. You know you’re welcome to move in with us, if you ever decide you want to.” Jo wrapped her in a warm embrace. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. Once she moved away, she would see Jo and her family much less.
Turning her stinging eyes away, lest Jo noticed, Sarah gazed around the pretty kitchen, gathering ideas for what she’d like for her future home. Jo’s cabinets had been painted a fresh white and had round knobs. She had a small table in the kitchen but also a larger one in the adjacent dining room. For Sarah, a medium-sized kitchen with a table would be sufficient.
Jo set a pot of water on to boil then dropped onto a chair. “Before I check on the children, tell me why you’re being so secretive.”
“I’m not. I just didn’t want to talk about things on the street.”
“What things?” Jo sucked in a gasp and laid her hand on Sarah’s arm. “Are you getting married?”
Sarah laughed. “I did receive a proposal, but I said no.”
“You did? From who?”
“Luke.”
Jo smacked the table with her palm. “I knew he was sweet on you.”
Sarah looked away. “How come you never mentioned it?”
“I have! I told you several times that he was attracted to you, but you always laughed it off. Why in the world did you turn him down? He’s a kind, honorable man. I know you’ve been attracted to him for years.” She sat back and shook her head. “Luke must have been devastated.”
“I hated hurting him, but you know how much I’ve longed for a home of my own. Luke is a good man, and I do care for him, but he lives in the bunkhouse.”
“So? I’m sure he has money set back that he could use to get his own place. He’s worked for Gabe for over ten years, and since he doesn’t gamble, I’d suspect he has a goodly amount saved.”
“He said as much, but I don’t love him. At least I don’t think I do.”
Jo lifted her index finger. “Hold that thought for a moment. Let me check on the young’uns.” She hurried from the room.
Sarah closed her eyes and blew out a breath. Telling Jo about Luke had been the easy part. Now she had to tell her she was moving.
A knock sounded on the bedroom door. “Sarah, it’s me.”
“Come in.” Sarah scooted over to allow Jo room to sit on the bed beside her and then continued running the brush through her hair.
Jo closed the door behind her. “Mind if I sit?”
“Of course not.”
Jo plopped down onto the bed. “This reminds me of the days when we ran away from your father’s place and first stayed at Lara’s.”
“Yes, it does.” Sarah smiled at the memory. She’d been a frightened twelve-year-old. When Jo gave her the chance to leave the bordello with her, she’d grasped it and left right then. She’d never felt comfortable in her father’s big house, especially since he made her stay away from the women who lived there and had locked her in her room when the men came visiting each evening. She’d been lonely and missing her mother when Jo gave her the opportunity she’d longed for.
“Why are you so quiet?”
Sarah shrugged and sent her friend a smile. “Just remembering those days.”
“I’m sorry our talk earlier got interrupted by the children. And then Jamie was so excited to see you when he returned home. After that, Baron came home and I had to get supper on the table.”
Sarah smiled. “I understand. Your life is a busy one. I can hardly believe you have three children.”
“There are moments I long for the quiet of when I just had Jamie, but I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone’s.”
“I’m glad you and Baron are happy. Who would have ever dreamed you’d end up marrying Mark’s brother?” Sarah remembered the awful tales Jo had told her of how Baron’s younger brother had deceived and beaten her, leaving Jo pregnant and alone. But God had restored the days the locust had destroyed and given her a godly husband who dearly loved her.
Jo laughed. “I’d have been the last to believe it, but I’m so glad I did. Baron’s a good man.”
Sarah thought about Luke. Had she made a terrible mistake in turning down his proposal? Would she look back one day and be sorry?
“You’re thinking about Luke, aren’t you?”
Sarah glanced up. “How did you know?”
Jo’s eyes gleamed. “Because your mouth tilts up in a special smile when you’re looking at him—the same one you had just now.”
“I didn’t realize anyone had noticed my feelings for him.”
“So you do love him.” Jo squeezed Sarah’s arm. “I can tell you from experience that finding a good man who loves God and you is far more important than getting a house. There’s something special between a man and woman who love one another deeply.”
“I can’t deny that I have an attraction to Luke, but I don’t know if I love him enough to marry him.”
“Well, it’s certainly important to be sure.”
Sarah nodded and laid her brush on the table beside the bed. She turned to face her dear friend. “That’s really not the thing I needed to talk about.”
“Oh?”
“No.” She swallowed back her nervousness and squeezed her hands together. “I’ve decided to leave the ranch.”
Jo’s blue eyes widened. “Leave?” She reached for Sarah’s hand. “Are you finally moving in with us?”
“No, it’s not that.” Excitement drove away her anxiety. “The government is opening more Indian lands, and I’m going to El Reno to register for the lottery.”
“How exciting!” Jo clapped her hands then sobered. “But you can’t go alone. It wouldn’t be safe.”
“Jack mentioned he had been thinking about going, too.”
Jo leaned back against the bed’s footboard. “Wow! I sure didn’t expect that. What will you do if you don’t get land?”
Sarah pursed her lips and lifted one shoulder. “Lara said I will always have a home with them, but I feel it’s time for me to leave. I can’t stay there forever.”
“Come here. There’s no reason for you to go clear on the other side of Oklahoma City.”
“Thank you, but I have this craving to have my own place. I never have, you know.”
Jo patted Sarah’s hand. “Of course I understand. I felt the same way in the past. You could always purchase a home here in Perry. We could be neighbors.”
“I would like that, but I feel pulled in a different direction.”
“Have you prayed about this lottery thing?”
Sarah nodded. “Over and over and over. I can’t help but believe this is what God is calling me to do. I know it doesn’t make a lot of sense for a single woman to homestead on her own, but if God is calling me to do it, I have to trust that He’ll help me and take care of me.”
“You’re so much more mature than I was at your age.”
Sarah blinked. “I am?”
“Yes, and I’m proud of you. Is there any way that Baron and I can help?”
“There are many things that I’ll need to purchase to set up my own place. I was hoping I could buy some supplies from y’all and maybe get a discount.” She flashed Jo a toothy smile, hoping her friend would see she was half teasing but also half serious.”
Jo squeezed Sarah’s forearm. “That’s the least we can do. Have you made a list?”
“A very long one.”
“Good. Let me see it in the morning. Having set up a home from scratch—twice—I know pretty much everything you’ll need, so I’ll check your list and see what all you left off. We don’t want you to get down there and end up not having something important.”
“That’s so generous of you.”