Tracie Peterson - [Heirs of Montana 04] (37 page)

CHAPTER 24

“W
HAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN’T TAKE A FREIGHTER TO
V
IRGINIA
City?” Cole asked one of his employees at the Corrine freight yard.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Selby, but I’ve been stuck here for some time. The passes are closed, and until things started warming up last week, we didn’t even have trains coming in or out. Some of’em still aren’t running all the way through. Believe me, I’ve been as anxious to get back home as anyone.”

Cole calmed as he saw the man’s sincerity. Jim Riley had his own family in Virginia City to worry after. “I had a telegram that my wife was ill,” Cold told him. “I don’t know if she’s made it through or not.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“You will send me word when the pass is open? Even if it’s pickin’s, I’m willing to risk it. I’ll move rock or dig out snow, whatever it takes.”

“I’m with you, boss,” Jim replied. “I’ll let you know the minute we can leave.”

It wasn’t until nearly a week later, however, that word came to Cole. He was dressing for the day when a knock sounded at his hotel door. He opened it to find Jim Riley standing on the other side.

“You ready to head out?”

Cole laughed. “You bet. When?”

“Next twenty minutes. I didn’t know until a little while ago. Had a man come through from up Eagle Rock way. Said it isn’t easy, but it can be done.”

Cole grabbed his things. “Then let’s go.”

He was still wrestling into his coat as they made their way into the street. Jim had taken Cole’s bag to free up his hands, but Cole was so excited that he could hardly manage his own sleeves.

“I feel like a schoolboy, giddy and worked up about getting my first horse,” Cole said as they strode toward the freight yard.

“I have to admit, I feel the same,” Jim said. “This winter hasn’t been an easy one. Even in Virginia City it’s been hard.” They approached a group of wagons covered with tarps, and Jim called up to one of the drivers. “You set to pull out?”

“Just waiting on you to take care of the invoices,” the man replied.

“Guess we’re ready,” Jim said, looking to Cole. “How about it, boss?”

“I’m ready!” Cole jumped up into the empty wagon and waited while Jim finished signing off the paper work at the freight office. It would probably take them twice as much time as usual to make the trip, but at least they’d be on their way.

“Excuse me, sir!” a familiar voice sounded from behind Cole.

He turned and looked.

“Ardith?”

“Cole! I had no idea of finding you here. I’ve been trying to get transportation home. The trains aren’t running all the way, and the stage refuses to even try a trip north just yet. They said the passes, especially the Malad Hill, have been impossible.”

“I know. We’ve been up against the same thing, but a man came down from Eagle Rock and said it can be done. It just won’t be easy.”

“Please tell me I may come with you,” Ardith said. “I have to get home.”

“Of course you can come.” Cole reached down to grab the small bag she carried and help her up. “Is that all you’ve brought?”

She laughed. “I brought the only useful articles I own. I’m wearing three layers of skirts and at least as many petticoats. Most of what I had with me in New York wasn’t worth the effort of bringing.”

“So you did take that trip to New York?”

“Yes. It was a waste of time. Just as Dianne told me it would be.” She frowned. “I thought going away would help to heal my hurts.”

“But it didn’t?” Cole asked, blowing steam in the chilled morning air.

“I miss my daughter. I realize that while it’s painful to endure the memories of what I’ve lost, it’s better than feeling nothing at all. It’s far better than finding solace in the company of strangers.”

Cole nodded as Jim Riley climbed up on the wagon. “Jim, this is my sister-in-law. I had no idea she was in town, but I told her we’d take her with us.”

“Well, I’m sure we’re bound to spend extra time on the trail—probably with nothing but the wagons and tarps for shelter. Are you sure she’s up to such a difficult road?”

Cole looked at Ardith, and they both broke out laughing. “She’s one of the strongest ladies I know,” he said. “She’ll handle it just fine. Probably outlast you and me together.”

Jim smiled appreciatively at Ardith. “Then glad to have you with us, ma’am.”

The trip was more arduous than anything Ardith had expected, but her thoughts of home and Winona drove her on. She was anxious to see how much Winona had grown—to hear what her daughter had to say about all that she’d endured over the winter. Ardith had purchased several small gifts for Winona that were tucked safely in her small bag, but in truth she hoped Winona was happiest with the gift of her return. The thought of what she had said when she’d left for New York now weighed heavily on Ardith’s mind.

That night as they shared shelter in a small roadhouse, Ardith warmed herself by the fire and tried to imagine what she could possibly say that would make things right between her and Winona.

“I’ve been hoping we could have a quiet moment to talk,” Cole said as he came upon Ardith. “It looks like most everyone else has retired for the evening.”

“I tried to sleep, but there are just too many things to think on.”

“Well, unfortunately, I must give you one more.”

She eyed her brother-in-law curiously. His expression was quite grave. “What is it?”

“I didn’t want to say anything in front of Jim. I figured news like this needed to be shared in private.” Cole motioned her to take a seat at the long table where they’d had supper only hours earlier.

Ardith felt a chill as she settled on the bench, away from the fire. “Please tell me what’s happened.”

“It’s Dianne.” He began to explain everything that had happened the previous year. After he told Ardith everything, he sat back with a sigh and added, “I don’t even know if she’s alive.”

There were tears in Ardith’s eyes. “I knew Dianne had come back; she was in Virginia City before I left,” Ardith admitted.

“She didn’t want me to leave and we argued, but she finally let me have my way. Now, I wish she hadn’t.”

“I know what you mean,” Cole said, regret dripping in his tone.

“But I didn’t know about the baby. She didn’t tell me about that. Perhaps it was best she didn’t. I’m so sorry the baby died.”She reached out to cover his hand with hers. “Death is so hard to reason away.”

He nodded. “When my father died, I was saddened, but I expected his passing. I had a chance to say all the things I wanted to say to him before he went. If Dianne has … if the worst has happened, so much will have gone unsaid.”

“That’s why it was so hard with Levi. There was so much I felt was undone. I wanted to tell him one more time how much I loved him. I wanted to hear him tell me the same. I wanted so much more—more time … more children … more love.”

Cole sighed. “I don’t know how I’ll bear it if she’s gone.”

Ardith shook her head. “There’s no way to prepare for such a thing. No possible way to set things right so that you can reason through the situation. But please know this, I am here to help you no matter what. Things are different now for me. My heart is set upon the Lord again. It still hurts from time to time, but God has seen to mend it together.”

After more delays than Cole cared to number, they finally arrived in Virginia City. The trip made him more than a little aware that freighting over the passes was probably soon to be completely passe
. The trains now ran from the Union Pacific lines to Butte, while others crossed the entire state of Montana from east to west. Freighting to smaller towns that weren’t on the rail line would always be needed, but perhaps it was time to get out of the freighting business altogether. Or maybe just sell out to someone whose real desire was to be in that line of work. For

Cole, the long trip home had given him a better understanding of his own passions and dreams.

He wanted to go back to the ranch. He wanted to see it rebuilt—not after the fashion of Bram Vandyke’s dreams, but in his own. In fact, maybe he’d even be able to talk Dianne into buying adjoining land and starting their own place, leaving Jamie and his family to run the Diamond V. There were so many possibilities and so much he wanted to talk over with her.

Oh, God, she just has to be alive. Please, please let her be alive
.

Cole and Ardith made their way to the Selby house. He was amazed at the warmth of the day. The roads ran with mud and melted snow, making it difficult at best to navigate. Cole hardly noticed, however. He climbed the porch steps quickly, pulling his muddy boots off at the door before bounding inside.

“Hello!” he called.

Charity Hammond peered around the corner from the hallway. “Why, bless us all. Cole!” She ran to him and hugged him tightly. “We didn’t know you were coming.”

“I realize that and I’m sorry. It’s been a long trip. I wasn’t even sure I’d make it.”

“Do I get a welcome too?” Ardith asked softly.

Charity pulled away from Cole. “Oh, my blessings are double and my prayers are all answered.” She went to Ardith and embraced her.

“Where is Dianne?” Cole asked.

“She’s at the ranch,” Ben Hammond said as he and Joshua came into the room. “Welcome home, son.”

“She’s at the ranch?” Cole asked, disheartened. “I just knew she would be, but I’d still hoped she might be here.”

“No, I’m afraid not,” Charity said. “We’ve been waiting for the snow to melt enough so that we could make our way out there. George said …” She stopped and looked at Cole as if to ascertain how much he knew.

“George wired me,” Cole said. “He said she was gravely ill—possibly dying. He also told me about the baby.”

Charity nodded. “Poor wee boy.”

“I have to get out there immediately.”

“You can’t head out there yet today; it’ll soon be dark. Wait until tomorrow and we’ll go with you,” Ben suggested. “That way if there are problems, we can help each other.” Cole started to speak, but Ben cut him off. “I know you’re anxious, but you won’t change what’s happened by rushing out there tonight.”

Cole drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I know you’re right. I just can’t stand not knowing what’s happened.”

“It’s a hard thing to bear,” Ben agreed, “but the Lord will bear it with you. So, too, will we.”

“I appreciate that.” Cole looked around the room at the concerned expressions. “Wait a minute. Tomorrow is Saturday. Can you be away from the church on Sunday?”

“Joshua is now in charge of the church,” Ben replied. “I just add my help and guidance when needed.”

“Which is always,” Joshua chimed in, “but I’m sure I can muddle through for at least one day.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Ben laughed. “He’s quite good. The folks love him too.”

Joshua flushed in embarrassment at the compliment, and Cole had to laugh. “I never thought I would say anything good came from Chester Lawrence, but it seems there are blessings even from that man.”

Joshua shook his head. “My father is a ruthless and hardhearted man. I can’t say any good thing comes from him.”

“Well, you and your sister Mara turned out all right.”

“Grace of God,” Joshua said. “Purely by the grace of God.”