A Love to Have and to Hold

by Linda Ford

  Walker would sooner ride a horse than drive a wagon, but the man seemed pleased that he could offer this, so he thanked him. “Can you give me directions to the Boulter place?”

  “I heard about the accident. I hope he’s okay.” He waved his hands as he told Walker how to get there. “And Godspeed.”

  “Thanks.” Walker was soon on his way from town, going west toward the Boulter place. He kept his attention on his surroundings. Perhaps the preacher’s horse had come up lame. But he didn’t see man or animal, and half an hour later, reached a set of buildings.

  A half-grown boy greeted him. “Can I help you?”

  “This the Boulter place?”

  “Who wants to know?”

  “Walker Jones. I’m staying with the Kinsleys. I came to see if the preacher needed anything. How’s your pa?”

  “Pa ain’t as bad as we thought. Just that there was lots of blood and dirt on him. But the preacher ain’t here. He left some time ago. You sure he ain’t in town?”

  “I guessed I missed him. Thanks for your help, and good to hear about your pa.” Walker turned the wagon around and headed back down the road. He drove slowly, looking for clues on the road. Not satisfied with what he could see from his perch, he jumped down and led the horses, stopping every few yards to search the surrounding area. The road curved close to the river.

  He stopped and studied the trees growing along the water. Maybe he should look there.

  He pulled the horses after him, tying them to the nearest tree. He couldn’t imagine why Jacob would be there, but he had to be sure. A broken branch indicated someone had passed by. He followed the narrow trail through the trees. The gurgle of running water informed him he had almost reached the river.

  Knowing that there might be a reason for caution, he slowed and studied the view. A body lay on the grassy bank. It could be Jacob, though he couldn’t be certain. He edged forward, searching for danger. He saw nothing to give him pause and rushed toward the man.

  It was Jacob. A wound on his head oozed. His hair was matted with dried blood.

  Walker turned him onto his back. “Jacob. Can you hear me?”

  The preacher groaned and reached for his head.

  “What happened?”

  “I was robbed.” Jacob tried to sit up but wobbled and fell back to the ground. “He took everything.” He touched his head. “Even my hat. He wasn’t satisfied with robbing me. He hit me with his pistol.”

  Same as what happened to Walker. “Did you notice anything about the man?”

  “He had his face covered, but there was a cut on his hand. Like this.” Jacob drew a line down the back of his hand along the thumb to the wrist.

  “It sounds like the same man who robbed me.”

  “It pains me most that he has my Bible.”

  “Lay still and I’ll clean you up.” Walker went to the river and cupped water in his palms. Using his shirttail, he dabbed at the dried blood in Jacob’s hair. “You have a good-sized goose egg.” Walker watched the man as he worked. Several times he opened his eyes, and each time he hurriedly closed them, but Walker had seen that Jacob was having trouble focusing. “I’d say you’re going to have a dilly of a headache for a bit.”

  “I’ll be okay in a minute.”

  “Take your time.” Walker studied the situation. He couldn’t bring the wagon any closer, but he doubted Jacob could make it the distance to where it was tied. At least not on his own.

  “I need to get home.” Jacob again tried to sit but moaned and crumpled to the ground. He turned his head to the side and vomited.

  Walker knew that wasn’t a good sign. He had to get Jacob home as soon as possible. “You can’t walk on your own, but I’m going to help you to your feet, and then we’ll make it to the wagon on the other side of the trees.”

  He grabbed Jacob under the arms and leaned his entire weight into the lift. He managed to get Jacob upright, pulled one arm around his shoulders, and held it tight. He clamped his other arm around Jacob’s waist and, together, they stumbled through the trees.

  By the time they reached the wagon, they were both sweating and out of breath. Walker tipped Jacob over the end of the wagon and pushed him aboard.

  Jacob groaned and curled up on his side.

  “I’ll get you home as quick as I can.” Walker was headed for the wagon seat when something in the trees caught his eye. It looked like…

  He trotted over and picked up Jacob’s Bible. It was tied shut with leather straps, so even though it had been tossed aside, it was still intact. He took it to the wagon and put it in Jacob’s hands.

  Jacob mumbled, “Praise God.”

  Walker slowly guided the horses, knowing that every bump sent pain through Jacob’s head. Back on the trail, he urged the horses into a trot.

  He glanced back at Jacob several times. The preacher clutched the Bible to his chest. At least he was breathing. Walker prayed aloud, “Lord God, please let Jacob be okay.” He repeated the words over and over until they reached town. He guided the wagon as close to the back door of the manse as he could.

  Josie ran out. “Where is he?”

  Walker pointed to the back of the wagon. She raced around and saw her father. “Oh Pa, what happened to you?”

  Jacob moaned.

  Walker answered her question. “Same thing as happened to me. Only my head is harder.” He jumped down. “Help me get him into bed.” He climbed into the wagon and eased Jacob to the end.

  Together he and Josie half carried, half dragged Jacob inside and down the hall. She threw back the covers on a wide bed, and Jacob lay down.

  Josie bent over to examine the wound. “Who did this?” She pulled off his boots and tossed them aside.

  “He was robbed.”

  Josie wrung her hands. “I think I should send for Ma.”

  Jacob stirred himself enough to say, “No. I’ll be fine. Just let me rest.” The effort to speak left him breathless.

  “Is there a doctor?” Walker asked.

  “Not close by.”

  Jacob opened one eye and looked at Josie. “You know what to do.”

  Walker was certain the man had passed out. Was this injury going to kill him?

  Josie wanted Ma. Yes, Ma had taught all of them how to tend the ill and injured. But this was Pa. And he was hurt bad. “I should take his clothes off. They’re dirty.” She couldn’t bring herself to do so.

  “Step outside while I remove them.”

  She gratefully ducked out the door and waited for Walker to call her back.

  When he did, she returned to Pa’s side. “I wish Ma was here.”

  Walker touched her arm. “He has faith in you.”

  “Despite what he said, I don’t know what to do.”

  “If she was here, what would she do?” Walker’s calm voice went a long way to settling her, and she sucked in air.

  “She’d wash his wound. And keep him flat.”

  “Then that is what you must do.”

  “Right.” Her hands trembling, she removed the pillow from under her father’s head.

  “I’ll stay with him while you get water.” He snagged a nearby chair and sat down.

  Josie hurried from the room and quickly told Stella that Pa had a head injury.

  “What happened?” Donny asked.

  But her voice failed, and she couldn’t answer. Thankfully, Stella drew him away. “He’s been hurt. Aunt Josie is going to take care of him.”

  Josie filled a basin with warm water, gathered towels, and returned to the room.

  Donny followed, but his mother ignored his protest and led him away.

  Walker rose and headed for the door.

  “Please stay,” Josie murmured. “I’m not feeling very brave.” In fact, her limbs were ready to melt into a boneless puddle. Having Walker there, calm and encouraging, made it possible to keep functioning.

  “Very well.” He stood at the end of the bed.

  Josie knelt at her pa’s side. “Pa, I’m going
to wash your wound. Okay? Pa?”

  No response. Her heart stalled. She turned to Walker. “He’s unconscious?”

  He nodded. “It’s a good time to deal with his injury. He won’t feel it.”

  She held his gaze a moment, saw the depth of concern, and understood what he didn’t need to say. This was not a good sign. But she must do what she must do.

  She swallowed hard and gently cleaned Pa’s hair. Done, she moved aside the basin and soiled towels and sat back on her heels, watching the rise and fall of Pa’s chest, catching her breath every time there was a pause.

  Walker moved the chair closer to the bed and guided her to it. “All you can do now is watch and wait and pray.”

  “I have no words.” She looked at him. “Will you pray?”

  He bowed his head. For a moment, he didn’t speak, and then he began. “Lord God, as this man said, You are a God of miracles. We’re asking You for one this evening. Please heal the preacher.” His slow, deep-toned words filled the room even as it filled Josie’s heart with courage and strength.

  He touched her shoulder. “I have to return the horses and the wagon, but I will be back as soon as possible.”

  She barely heard him leave the room, but a shiver of fear crossed her shoulders when she realized she was alone with her injured father and helpless to do anything. But pray. She clung to the words Walker had uttered.

  Sometime later she looked up as he returned.

  He smiled…a steady, encouraging look. “Any change?”

  “No.” She continued to watch for Pa’s chest to rise and fall.

  Walker pulled a kitchen chair in with him and parked it beside her. “I reported the robbery to the sheriff. He’s getting together a posse.”

  The words barely registered.

  Time stood still as they kept vigil.

  A sound outside the house distracted her.

  Walker rose to see what it was. “You need to see this.”

  She shook her head. There was nothing more important than waiting for her Pa to open his eyes and recognize her.

  Walker urged her to her feet, took her hand, and drew her to the window. The last of the daylight faded, but in the shadows at the front of the church, she made out a dozen or more people, some holding lanterns. “Why are they here?”

  “I believe they have come to pray for your father.” As he spoke, three more joined the group.

  By the light of the lantern carried by the latest arrivals, Josie saw that they all stood with heads bowed. Her throat tightened. Ma might not be here, but she was not alone. She was surrounded by those who loved her pa and encouraged by the presence of a man she’d only recently met. She wondered at the confidence he provided for her, but rather than question it, she’d gladly accept it.

  Strengthened and encouraged, she returned to her father’s side.

  Walker sat beside her. He said nothing. But having him there was all she needed from him.

  Pa stirred and moaned.

  She sprang forward. “Pa. Pa. Are you awake?” But he didn’t respond.

  Walker lit a lamp and put in on the table by the bed so they could see her pa.

  Her head fell forward, and she jerked awake. She looked at Walker. He leaned back in his chair, but his eyes were wide open and watchful. “What time is it?” she asked.

  “After midnight. Stella and the children are asleep.”

  “Are there still people out there?” She tipped her head toward the window.

  “Last I looked, there were more than before.”

  “That’s nice.” She gathered her strength around her. “You don’t need to stay here if you don’t want to.”

  His blue gaze held her like a steady grip. “You shouldn’t be alone.”

  “Thank you.” She sat back, waiting and watching.

  She drifted off again and jerked as her head dropped forward.

  Walker touched her arm, drawing her attention to him. “I’ll stay with him if you want to rest a bit.”

  “I can’t leave him.” She’d seen no change, and that worried her. A little later her head again fell forward, pulling her from sleep. Gray light filled the room. Walker reached out and turned down the lamp until the flame went out.

  She went to the window. A crowd of people still gathered in front of the church. “Have they been there all night?”

  “Some have. Others have left, and others took their place.”

  Stella poked her head in the door. “Any change?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “We’ll keep praying. Come along, children.” She shepherded the children away.

  A pot rattled on the stove, and Josie guessed Stella was preparing breakfast for the children.

  A bit later, Stella returned with a tray. “Breakfast for you both.”

  “I didn’t expect that.” Not that Josie minded. The coffee smelled good and would revive her. Eating gave her something to do besides worry. “Thank you.”

  Walker and Josie shared the tray as they ate breakfast. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to feel a need to talk.

  The front door opened and shut. Josie assumed Stella was sending Donny out to play. Likely she was tired of dealing with the boy’s questions.

  “Oh.”

  The sound brought Josie’s attention to the bedroom door. She sprang to her feet and ran into her mother’s arms. “I’m so glad to see you. Pa wouldn’t let me send for you.” Thank goodness someone else had done it.

  Her mother stroked Josie’s hair. “I’m here now.” She looked past Josie to her husband. “How long has he been unconscious?”

  “Since last night. He’s stirred a couple of times but nothing more.”

  Walker stood by the bed.

  “And who is this young man?”

  Before Josie could answer, Walker spoke. “Walker Jones, ma’am. I found your husband. He’d been robbed by the same man who robbed me.” He touched his head to indicate he’d also been hit there.

  “Thank you for your kindness,” Ma said.

  “I’m only returning the good deed. Your husband helped me after I was robbed.” He stepped aside as Ma knelt at the bedside.

  “Jacob, wake up. We need you.”

  No response.

  Ma bowed her head into her palms, and her lips moved soundlessly.

  Josie knew she prayed. She signaled to Walker, and they tiptoed from the room.

  A wagon rattled into the yard. She looked out the window. “Flora and Kade.” She rushed out and threw herself into Flora’s arms. “God bless whoever thought to send for you.”

  “How is he?” Flora asked. Her red hair had been hastily braided as if they had left home in a hurry.

  Kade patted Josie’s back. “We need to be together at a time like this.”

  They barely made it to the house before another wagon approached.

  “Eve and Cole. And they have Victoria and Reese with them.” All three married sisters and their husbands were there. Josie was surrounded by those who loved her.

  Walker stood by the door, and she introduced him.

  “He brought Pa home,” she said.

  The men all clapped him on the back and thanked him.

  “I’m certain Jacob was robbed by the same man who robbed me and left me with nothing. Took my horse, my tack, my supplies, and even my hat.”

  “What makes you think it was the same man?” Cole asked.

  “The preacher was able to talk a bit when I found him. He said the man had a cut from the base of his thumb to his wrist. So did the man who took my things and then hit me over the head for no reason. Same as he did with Jacob.”

  “At least we’ll be able to identify the man if we ever see him.” Reese’s words offered a bit of comfort.

  “How’s Pa?” Eve asked.

  Josie gave them an update of their father’s condition, then they went to the bedroom. Ma sat on a chair by the bed, and when she saw the family, she held out her arms to them. “I’m so glad to see you all.” Everyone hugged her
.

  “He’s going to be okay,” she told them. “I feel it in my heart.”

  No one argued, and Josie hoped her mother was right.

  Reese slipped out to inform those keeping vigil that Pa had not yet wakened. He returned a few minutes later. “They intend to stay until he is awake.”

  Josie bit her bottom lip. How long would it be before they knew what the outcome would be for Pa?

  Chapter 6

  Walker soon found himself standing with Josie’s brothers-in-law as she and the girls took over the kitchen. He studied the others. Flora had a mane of red hair. Her husband, Kade, was tall and angular. Eve had black hair and blue eyes. Her husband, Cole, was a big man, head and shoulders above the others but with a gentle bearing. The third sister, Victoria was a fragile-looking blond married to Reese, a man with black hair and black eyes who watched her constantly with an adoring look.

  The ladies made coffee and cookies and took them out to the people waiting and praying at the church.

  The three men wanted to tour the addition, and they made comments about the work. They worried how the preacher would get around without a horse.

  “Sure hope Ma is right about him getting better.” Reese no doubt spoke for all of them.

  Walker saw the pile of wood that Donny had collected. The boy followed them around. “I haven’t forgotten that I promised to help you,” Walker assured him.

  The others wanted to know what he had promised.

  “I told Donny if he collected the scraps of wood, I’d help him build something.”

  “Let’s all do it,” Cole said.

  So, the men sat on the ground by Donny’s pile of lumber.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “A barn,” Donny said. “I keep the one Pa made me inside, so it won’t get ruined.” His bottom lip trembled, and the men quickly picked up pieces of lumber and examined them.

  Donny’s attention shifted to the project.

  With plenty of good-natured joshing about who had the best idea, the men guided Donny in the construction of a barn. It wasn’t yet finished when the ladies returned from serving coffee and joined them.