Singing Montana Sky (The Montana Sky Series Book 7)

by Debra Holland

  That means, I can’t return to the logging camp. A job that had seemed so important a few months ago, now meant little. Even less than little, for working there had taken him away from his family—time he should have spent with his father.

  Kael was sure his mother would never leave their home, which meant he couldn’t seek work in Sweetwater Springs. Even if she agreed to move to town, after paying for a burial, he’d be out of money. He certainly couldn’t sell their place. Who’d want to buy it?

  Instead of all the things that were impossible, he forced his thoughts to what he could do. Soon, he’d have the use of both arms, which meant he could keep cutting railroad ties, plant a bigger garden for next year, and run more trap lines in the winter. Ma and I will survive.

  His Songbird would fly back to Chicago. Kael glanced down at Sophia, trudging steadily by his side. She must be weary, but no trace of exhaustion showed on her lovely face, and her expression remained serene.

  Without her, Kael couldn’t imagine his life being anything other than sad and lonely. Sophia had become so dear—not as the fantasy star in the sky whom he’d dreamed of, but as the very real woman he’d come to know. Maybe someday his memories of her would bring him comfort. But now, between his father’s death and Sophia’s pending departure, Kael felt as if he’d taken a double blow from an axe.

  They walked past the game trail that led to their grotto.

  Sophia glanced at the pine tree sentinels, wistfulness in her eyes.

  Kael was still shocked by how quickly everything had happened—how his life had changed. “We were just there hours ago, but it seems like weeks.”

  Nodding, she sighed. “We were happy, but now we’re sad.”

  That Sophia had come to care for his father meant so much. “Thank you for staying with us. You made an unbearable situation one I was able to endure.”

  She gave him a faint smile. “You would have done so without me.”

  Kael brought her hand to his lips. “You brought me solace.”

  “I think that was a good way for your father to go,” she mused aloud. “Knowing his death was coming. Making his peace. Not being in pain. Having his loved ones close, singing his favorite songs to him. I don’t suppose a passing could be more peaceful, more—” her voice hitched “—beautiful.”

  The constriction in his chest loosened, and Kael could breathe better. “You’re right. A few weeks later, and I would have been away at the logging camp. You’d be in Chicago. My mother would have suffered….” His throat tightened.

  Sophia gripped his hand, her eyes showing compassion.

  Perhaps, this is why God sent her to me—to us. Unexpected gratitude welled within him, making his eyes damp. Thank you, he sent to the One Who Knows The Past and Future. Thank you for the reminder that gratitude tempers sorrow.

  They fell silent again, lost in their own thoughts. As they neared the forest’s edge, the woodland thinned. Just as Kael and Sophia emerged from the trees, they saw a wagon heading their way, a rider on each side.

  A cool breeze blew the scent of the grassland to them, and Kael inhaled a deep breath before releasing Sophia’s hand, already missing their physical connection.

  Tyler was driving, Lily sat next to him.

  Aaron rode on the left, and Hank on the right.

  Lily saw them, pointed and wildly waved.

  Sophia waved back, hastening to meet the wagon.

  Guilt weighing him down, Kael followed more slowly. Throughout the night, he hadn’t given a thought to how worried Sophia’s family would be.

  Tyler halted the wagon.

  “Sophia, are you all right?” Lily demanded, scrambling from the seat without waiting to be helped down. Limping, she rushed to hug her sister.

  At the same time, Tyler demanded, “Where have you two been?”

  “My father passed away this morning,” Kael told him. “Sophia held watch with us.”

  “No!” Tyler reeled in the seat, looking physically stunned by the news. He tied off the reins, set the brake, and jumped down, coming over to give Kael a tight hug and some back pats before stepping away. “I’m so very sorry.”

  Kael rubbed his chin, feeling the stubble under his hand. “We spent the night by Pa’s bedside. Well, not really a bed, for he insisted on dying in his chair on the porch.”

  Tyler gave Kael a half-smile. “Sounds like him.”

  Sophia and Lily moved to join them.

  With tears in her eyes, Lily reached up to touch Kael’s shoulder. “I’m so very sorry. Your father was a wonderful man. What can we do to help?”

  Kael swallowed down the lump of grief threatening to choke him. “Pa wanted to have a funeral at the church and be buried in the cemetery in town.”

  “You thinking tomorrow?” Tyler raised an eyebrow at Kael. “Doubt we can get everyone assembled today. But I suppose it’s possible.”

  Kael glanced at the sun. The hour was still morning, but after having been up all night, he didn’t think they should rush the service. He shook his head, feeling so tired, he had to lock his knees to hold himself upright. “Tomorrow. We haven’t had any sleep.” He mentally estimated traveling times. “At one o’clock.”

  “All right, then,” Tyler said, reaching up to rest a hand on Kael’s shoulder. “We’ll handle things on this end. You go back to be with your ma. See if the two of you can rest.” He pointed in the direction of Sweetwater Springs. “Aaron, ride into town and inform Reverend Norton about Mr. Kelley’s death. Spread the word around. See if anyone wants to come to the funeral.” He lowered his arm.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Before Aaron could wheel his horse around, Kael held up a hand to stop him. “Can you, please, go by O’Reilly’s for me and order a coffin?” He lifted his broken arm. “Would take me too long to make one myself.” Nor did Kael think he had it in him to construct the coffin his Pa would forever rest in.”

  “Will do.” Aaron gave a salute. “I’m sorry about your Pa. He was a good man.”

  “Thank you.” Kael figured he’d be saying those two words a lot in the next few days in response to people’s condolences.

  Tyler pointed at the taller cowboy. “Hank, when we get back, you ride to the Barretts and let Jonah and Lina know the sad news. Then ride on to do the same with Gid and Darcy.”

  Lily tapped her chin with one finger, obviously thinking. “Have the Barretts and the Walkers bring as much food as they can.” She glanced at Kael. “When we get home, Mrs. Pendell and I will start cooking and baking. Don’t you and your mother worry about a thing.”

  Figuring out what to do next, Kael rubbed his forehead. “Can I borrow a horse? Need to rig up a travois or something to transport Pa’s body.”

  Tyler raised his hands, palms up. “Do you have to ask?”

  “Of course, I do.” Kael stiffened. He knew his tone was sharper than necessary, but he couldn’t muster up the patience to respond as was proper.

  Lily put a hand on his arm. “You’ve been up all night. You’re exhausted, and you’re shocked and sorrowing. Let Tyler and I—all of us—support you and your mother without you worrying about that prickly pride of yours.”

  “Is that what it is?” Stung, Kael asked her. “Prickly pride?”

  “Feels like that sometimes,” Tyler answered for his wife. “But I understand your family’s need to be self-sufficient. I always have.”

  The back of Kael’s neck burned. “I’m sorry.” He glanced from Tyler to Lily. “I didn’t mean to prick you.”

  “You didn’t.” Frowning, Tyler clasped Kael’s arm. “You wouldn’t.”

  Kael relaxed his shoulders.

  Tyler glanced at Hank and gave a jerk of his head toward the wagon. “Give your horse to Kael and hop in the back.”

  The ranch hand dismounted, led the gelding to Kael, and handed him the reins.

  His hand tightened around the leather, determined to be gracious and not prickly. “I appreciate the loan.”

  Hank cleared his throat.
“Least I can do at such a time.” He bobbed his head. “I sure am sorry about Mr. Kelley.”

  Kael mustered a tired smile and a dip of his head.

  Lily gestured toward the wagon. “We brought some breakfast along with us. I’m sure you and Sophia are dying for coffee.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, dear.” She covered her mouth with her hand.

  Kael almost smiled. “Yes, dying for a cup of Mrs. P’s coffee. Not sure I can stomach food, though.”

  “You’ll take some, anyway.” Sophia said firmly, sliding her hand around Kael’s arm. “You need to keep up your strength.”

  “Yes’m,” Kael said, imitating Oliver. He felt just a bit lighter at teasing her.

  Tyler pulled on his ear. “I’ll come by early to help you with the travois, and I’ll bring a mount for your mother.”

  Exhaustion and pride made Kael speak without thinking. “That’s not necessary.”

  “You’re being prickly again,” Sophia pointed out with a caring smile and gave his arm a shake. “Tyler has a good plan, and you know it.”

  “I’m a regular cactus,” Kael said in a wry tone.

  Sophia rolled her eyes then reached out a hand to Lily. “Shall we get out the food?”

  “Excellent idea.” Lily clasped hands with Sophia, and the two walked toward the wagon.

  Tyler placed a hand on Kael’s shoulder. “You were there for me when both Pa and Ma passed. Perhaps I didn’t tell you at the time what that support meant.” He squeezed, and then lowered his arm.

  “No need. I knew.”

  “I loved your father, too.” Tyler touched his free hand to his chest. “Allow me the honor of escorting him to his final resting place.”

  Kael stood there for a moment, soaking up the comfort of their connection—a deep abiding brotherhood that had carried them through good times and life’s misfortunes. God willing, our friendship will continue through many more years. “I felt comforted just by helping you when your folks passed, little as I really could do. Guess, I need to allow you to do the same.”

  With a pat to Kael’s shoulder, Tyler released him.

  Sophia returned with a tin cup of coffee and handed it to Kael.

  “Thank you.” He inhaled the bitter scent and took a sip of the lukewarm brew.

  She touched his arm. “I’ll send along a black dress for your mother. Lily and I can guess at the alterations and add a flounce to the hem to allow for her greater height.”

  Touched by Sophia’s gift, Kael wished he could kiss her. He never would have even thought of mourning clothing for his mother, even if he could afford a new dress. “She’ll like that.”

  Lily chuckled, handing Tyler his own cup of coffee. “No, she won’t. Your mother’s as proud as you are. But you just let Nina know that Sophia and I are sending that dress with all our love in every stitch. She’ll have to wear it or risk hurting our feelings.”

  “Sneaky.” Kael managed a smile for the three of them, his grief bolstered, somehow, by the knowledge that he wasn’t alone. A poignant reminder that on the worst day of my life, I can still find blessings.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  As much as Kael wished to be the one driving the wagon carrying his father’s body to Sweetwater Springs, due to his broken arm, he had to cede the honor to Tyler. Behind them came a procession of his neighbors—the Pendells and Lily with the baby in the other wagon, the Walkers’ carriage, with Sophia inside, the buckboard containing the Barrett family, and assorted riders, including Oliver on his pony.

  After the ordeal of collecting the casket and laying his father’s shrouded body inside, Kael was numb from grief. All he wanted was to honor his father and get through the funeral with dignity.

  Tyler drew up the wagon in front of the white clapboard church. Everyone else drove around him and down the street to the livery to park, discharge the passengers, and see to the horses. Once Tyler set the brake and tied off the reins, Kael went to the other side to help his mother climb down. He didn’t have a black suit, so he wore a black armband.

  Ma looked sad and elegant in mourning attire. He held out his arm for his mother, who gave him a wan smile and tucked her hand around his elbow.

  Reverend Norton and his son, Reverend Joshua, stood on the gray, wooden steps outside the church doors, greeting the members of the congregation. When the two ministers saw the Kelleys, they walked down the steps to meet them.

  His expression grave, the elder Reverend Norton clasped Ma’s hand and offered low-voiced condolences.

  Reverend Joshua went directly to Kael, briefly laying a hand on the side of his shoulder.

  The concern in his crystal blue eyes showed Kael not just the minister, but also the schoolmate he’d grown up with, even though Joshua had been in a higher grade. One of the drawbacks of living in the logging camp was not regularly attending church. He hadn’t seen much of Joshua since he’d returned from missionary work in Africa—only at the service he’d conducted at the logging camp, his wedding to Delia, and the funeral for Gundry and Atwell.

  “I’m so sorry about your father, Kael,” the minister said. “One thing that hadn’t changed when I returned home from Africa was how he would greet me with a twinkle in his eyes. While boys might take those kinds of looks for granted, ministers—” Reverend Joshua deepened his voice to a solemn tone “—rarely receive playful looks.” He grimaced. “All I usually get are serious expressions.”

  Smiling feels good. “Guess there’s no better eulogy than that.” Then, Kael remembered that he was talking to a man of God who might value goodness and piety more than a gentle sense of humor. Not that Pa wasn’t good and pious, as well. He just worshiped God in the cathedral of nature more than he did in church.

  “I agree.” Reverend Joshua flicked a glance toward the mercantile. “This town would surely benefit from more kindness and good humor.”

  Kael wondered if the minister was aware of the telltale look he’d given the business belonging to the unpleasant Cobbs. Bet both ministers often run afoul of that couple, especially Mrs. Cobb, just like the rest of us.

  Reverend Joshua nodded at the wagon containing the casket. “You all set for pallbearers?”

  “Aside from myself, there’s Tyler, Habakkuk, Gid, Jonah, and Hank.” As Kael spoke the names, the men gathered around the wagon, while their families walked past with nods to the ministers and entered the church. Good thing Hank had won when the three cowhands had drawn lots. He was the tallest, almost Kael’s height.

  The elder minister finished speaking with Ma and switched places with his son so he could talk to Kael, and Reverend Joshua could go to Kael’s mother. “I’m sorry for your loss,” the older man said. “Your father was a good man. A loving husband and father. In my opinion, those three qualities are about the most important a God-fearing man can posess.”

  Grief constricted Kael’s lungs. I will miss him all my days.

  Reverend Norton paused, allowing Kael a moment to collect himself.

  Kael reminded himself to breathe, as difficult as that was to do with a band of iron wrapped around his chest.

  “You have a choice today,” the elder minister said so both Kael and his mother could hear. He gestured between Joshua and himself. “Barring an emergency that takes one of us out of here in the next few minutes, we’re both available to conduct the service.”

  Reverend Joshua looked from Ma to Kael. “Therefore, you can have my father do the honors, I can, or we share the service.” He raised a placating hand. “Neither of us will feel hurt if you choose the other.”

  Kael exchanged a glance with his mother and saw the answer in her eyes. “We’d like both of you.”

  The elder minister’s pleased look lightened his austere features. “Miss Maxwell’s friend, Mrs. Rockwell, whom you may recall as the former Blythe Robbins, is already inside with her harp.”

  Kael hadn’t known the harpist would play. Sophia must have arranged for a surprise.

  “Mrs. Sanders will play the piano. She and Mr. Sande
rs happened to be shopping in town today, heard the sad news, and stayed to pay their respects. Mrs. Sanders asked that you excuse them for not wearing mourning attire.”

  “Goodness me,” Ma said, with a wave of her hand down her body. “I wouldn’t be wearing black if not for a generous gift.”

  Reverend Norton smiled and glanced toward the church. “My wife was relieved not to be the pianist accompaning an accomplished professional like Miss Maxwell.”

  Sophia, wearing a dramatic black lace gown with balloon sleeves, had moved to join them.

  Ma sent her a grateful look.

  Nodding in acknowledgment, Sophia greeted the ministers.

  Both men made comments on how well she looked, which Sophia received with a serene smile and a regal dip of her chin before moving past them to enter the church.

  Reverend Norton held out his arm. “Mrs. Kelley, let me help you to your seat.” He nodded at the wagon. “If you organize your friends to bring in the casket, we’ll begin the ceremony when you reach the steps.”

  The men slid the casket halfway out of the back of the wagon and lined up next to the plain pine box, according to size. Kael took his position at the front opposite Hank, Jonah and Gid following, and Tyler and Habakkuk brought up the end. He glanced back. “Ready?”

  Everyone nodded.

  “On three. One, two, three, up.” Kael hefted and the coffin rose, wobbling a bit, and the men worked to stablize the long box on their shoulders. “Right foot first. Ready, go.”

  After a few steps, the men fell into rhythm, traveling up the stairs, through the open double doors, and into the church.

  Sophia was already singing “Abide With Me” as they came into the sanctuary. Accompanied by the harp and the piano, her voice soared pure and beautiful. “Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

  His gaze first went to his Songbird. Sophia stood by the piano, looking breathtakingly beautiful in black. A wide black ribbon held back her curls. She’d regained her lost weight, and her skin had renewed luster, with a faint tint of gold from the sun.