by Jim Cox
The balance of the morning and afternoon passed rather quickly. His approach was to read two or three pages and then pause to consider its meaning. Sometimes more than one meaning came to mind. He had finished a chapter when he heard the back door open.
“How was your day, honey?” Liz asked in a nonchalant way as she entered the sitting room.
“It lingered a little, not having you around, but I started reading a Blackstone book which speeded things up.” Liz leaned down for a kiss and then sat down in a nearby chair.
“How did your day go?” he asked. “Did you have any trouble with the kids?”
“They behaved, but two of the boys are having a hard time keeping up in numbers. I plan to tutor them.” After several minutes of small talk, Liz changed clothes and went to the kitchen table where she sat grading papers and preparing the next day’s lessons. Scar stayed with his Blackstone book.
Sometime later, Scar put his book down and sat watching his wife, now bustling around the kitchen preparing supper. Two steaming pots were hanging from a fireplace arm. One contained boiling potatoes and the other held peas. The second fireplace arm had coffee hanging from it. On the grate between the pots was a skillet of frying beefsteak.
As Liz was setting the table, a streak of sunlight came through the kitchen window highlighting her beauty. Scar sat in awe as he gazed at her. He was still mesmerized by her beauty. She’d transformed from the skinny girl with freckles and pigtails he first knew, into the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She had a tall, slender figure with curves in all the right places. Every feature of her face was perfect. Her sparkly, large green eyes were accented by creamy white skin that seemed to glow. Her lips were full, and when she smiled, her teeth were pearly white. Her long, light red curly hair was piled high on her head, which magnified her beauty and height.
Scar smiled broadly. How did an ugly cuss like me ever get a woman like her? She could have had any suitor she wanted.
Liz turned and saw the smile on her husband’s face. “Why are you smiling?” she asked.
“I’m smiling at you.”
She quickly looked at her dress, thinking she might have spilled something on it. She felt her hair, but it seemed to be in place and without hanging strands. “What’s wrong with me? What’s causing you to smile?” she asked with a puzzled expression.
“I was thinking how lucky I am to have a beautiful woman like you for my wife, a beautiful woman inside and out.”
She smiled. “Thank you, dear. I’m lucky to have a man like you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” He rose and started for her. A couple minutes later she pushed him away after they had kissed. “Bart Carter, you go sit down and let me finish supper. If we’re not careful our supper will be burnt.”
Chapter Five
The next few days were repeats. Liz insisted Scar stay off of his feet, which caused her to rise earlier than normal and work later in the evenings. He wasn’t happy with the arrangement but gave in to his wife’s wishes and stuck to his book. Most early mornings were cold, but by noon things warmed up. One morning there was a light covering of snow.
Before noon on Friday, Scar saw Jake coming down the alley leading Maude. He quickly put his book down and headed out to meet him.
“What brings you to town, Jake?” Scar asked as he went to his mule. He gently scratched her forehead.
“We have things pretty well caught up at the ranch, and since Maude’s leg is healed, I thought I’d bring her to you…thought you might need her.”
“Thanks, Jake. It’s time I’m getting back into circulation. I’ve been holed up with these sore feet about as long as I can stand.”
“That’s what a wife will do to you, Bart.” They both laughed as Scar nodded his agreement.
“It’s almost noon,” Scar said. “Let’s go to Jenny’s and eat.” Scar made a fast, nonchalant inspection of Maude’s leg, not wanting it to appear he questioned Jake’s diagnosis. The leg looked normal, so he tightened the saddle’s girth strap and climbed aboard. Jake followed on his Double D horse.
There were only two tables in use when they entered Jenny’s. The sheriff and his niece occupied one. The lawman waved them over. “Why don’t you join us? We just got here.” Scar sat across from the sheriff. Jake eyed the girl. “Do you remember my niece? She accompanied me to your Thanksgiving party last Thursday. Her name is Rebecca.” The men across the table nodded their greetings. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Kaiser brought their food.
Scar and the sheriff enjoyed a lively conversation as they ate their meal, but Jake and Rebecca only eyed each other, remaining in complete silence. The table had been cleared and cups refilled when Rebecca said, “Mr. Carter, may I ask you a question?” The statement took Scar by surprise. To his recollection, he’d never been referred to as Mister.
“We’re not very formal out here, Rebecca, and I’m not much older than you. Please call me Bart.” She looked back with a question in her eyes and nodded with a smile. “Now, what was it you wanted to ask?”
“I’d like to speak to your wife about school.”
There was a long pause. “I’m sorry, Rebecca. She only enrolls students under fourteen,” he said.
The girl looked offended. “I’m not a child, Mr. Carter,” she protested. “I’m seventeen years old and have graduated from the most prestigious high school in St. Louis. Since I have my teaching certificate, I…I might be of assistance to Mrs. Carter…without compensation, of course.” Scar’s face turned red.
“I’m sorry, Rebecca. I misunderstood your request. You certainly don’t look like a child. I’m sure Liz would be pleased to speak with you whenever time permits.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ca…I mean Bart.” Everyone at the table smiled.
The men were finishing their coffee when Scar made a suggestion. “Rebecca, you’re new in town and probably haven’t been exposed to much social life. Why don’t you and the sheriff plan to have supper at our house tonight?”
“Thanks, Scar,” the sheriff said, “but I’ll be staying home. I’m sure Rebecca will accept the invitation.”
The girl spoke up. “If it’s not too much bother, I’d be pleased to join you.”
“It’s all settled then. We’ll see you at six o’clock, Rebecca.”
The four patrons were nearly to the café’s door when Jenny called Scar back. “The plan worked…didn’t it, Bart?”
“What plan are you referring too, Jenny?”
“You know. The plan to have Jake in here at the same time the sheriff’s niece is here.” Scar shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
“At the party last Thursday, I saw Jake eyeing Rebecca, so I told him she and her uncle ate at the café every day at noon. I told him to make up some kind of excuse and come to town so he could eat with her. It’s apparent he followed my suggestion.”
“He did,” the big man said with a grin. “He brought Maude home.”
When the men returned to Scar’s house, Scar was taking Maude’s saddle off when Jake said, “I might as well be heading for the ranch. There’s not much to do around Flat Peaks. Besides, it’ll be time for evening chores by the time I get back.”
“I thought you might stay around for supper, Jake. I’m sure Liz will be fixing something special since Rebecca will be eating with us. But I know you’d rather eat with the ranch hands than with Rebecca.” Both men grinned.
The evening went exceptionally well. Liz had fixed a delicious meal topped off with apple pie. Conversation between the two women seemed endless. They had hit it off with a great deal in common. Both were teachers, both had been exposed to city life, both loved the wilderness, and both were young. Only two years separated them. Of course, unlike Liz, Rebecca was still unwed, but it was clear she desired to change that sometime in the not-too-distant future.
Liz was excited to have the girl join her in the classroom. They discussed the roles each would play and talked about new teaching methods they could incorporate with two t
eachers involved. It was decided Rebecca would start the following Monday.
The women paused for a minute to find the men with folded arms, sitting in total silence. Liz reached across the table for her husband’s hand. “I’m sorry, honey,” she said with a smile. “We’ve totally ignored you and Jake all evening. But Rebecca and I have so many ideas to talk about.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Rebecca said. “I promise not to be so talkative when we get together next time.” Jake looked like his heart skipped a beat. For the next hour or so all four were in a joyous mood sharing stories of their past. Finally, Rebecca said, “I’ve had a wonderful time. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed an evening so much, but I’d better be going, or my uncle might get worried.”
“I’d be happy to drive you home,” Jake offered.
“Thank you, Jake. I’d like that,” the girl said, eyeing him with a smile.
Chapter Six
Scar eased out of bed the next morning, being very careful not to wake Liz. She could sleep late because it was Saturday. The house seemed extra cold, so Scar picked up his clothes along with his moccasins and vest and slipped out, closing the door behind. After dressing, he kindled the fire and put water on for coffee. As he walked around waiting for the coffee, he noticed his feet weren’t as painful as yesterday. After drinking a cup, he put on his coat and hat and headed for the barn to feed the stock. When he opened the back door, snow was coming down at a fast rate. If it continued, they’d have several inches on the ground by nightfall. In the barn, both the horse and Maude were in their stalls waiting to be fed.
Scar had returned to the kitchen when Liz walked in. “Good morning, Liz,” he said. “Hope you slept well.”
“I did sleep well, but I overslept,” she said. “It’s time to feed the stock.”
“I’ve already done the feeding,” he said with a smile.
Liz looked at him in amazement. “Were your feet up to it?”
“I did fine. They’re not hurting at all today.” He lied a little.
The weekend was fairly quiet. Liz graded papers and worked on other school projects while Scar stayed with his Blackstone book. Sunday morning started with a delicious breakfast before heading for church. As they headed out, they saw Rebecca coming their way, so they waited for her. She sat beside Liz during the service. When it was over, Liz introduced her to several people who were standing around talking.
Scar and Liz were walking home with Rebecca after church when Rebecca asked if they knew when Jake might be visiting them again. Scar said he was sure he’d be coming later on in the week.
On the way home, Liz asked, “Why did you say Jake would be visiting later this week? He very seldom comes to Flat Peaks.” Scar smiled. “Times have changed, Liz. He has a reason to come now.”
Scar hadn’t mentioned it to Liz, but he had plans to go see his old friend, Eli, as soon as she left for school Monday morning. It was a struggle, but he managed to get his boots on before slipping into his sheepskin coat and putting on his hat. He raised his collar against the cold breeze when he stepped outside on his way to get Maude.
“What brings you out?” Eli asked when Scar came through the livery’s door, leading Maude.
“I’ve taken all of the confinement I can stand, Eli. It’s time I’m out and about.”
The old friend reached for the coffee pot set on top of the potbelly stove and then filled Scar’s cup. He pointed to a chair not far from the stove. Scar removed his coat and sat down. They sat in silence for a couple minutes.
“I can tell you have something on your mind. What’s bothering you?”
Scar squirmed a little and then took a drink before answering. “Eli, I’m nineteen years old, and I’m married to a wonderful woman, but I have no idea what I’m going to do to make a living. I have no plans.”
“What about the job you have now? The marshal’s position the governor created.”
“It doesn’t amount to much, Eli. It’s only temporary at best. It’s likely to be eliminated at any time. To be honest, I don’t like the work. I don’t like to be away from Liz and my friends as much as it requires. She hasn’t said anything, but I’m sure Liz wants me to work at something different.”
“How about working for the Double D? The way its herd is expanding, Herb will need more hands. And besides, you’re the reason he has the ranch in the first place. You provided part of the money from the money your pa left you, and the Indians have stayed away because of you.”
“You’re right in a way, Eli, but I don’t figure it like that. What I did was only a small payback for all they’ve done for me. I wouldn’t be alive if it hadn’t been for Mr. and Mrs. Douglas.” There was a pause. “On top of that, Liz would have to give up her teaching job. It’s too far to drive back and forth from the ranch. I couldn’t do that to her.”
“It seems to me she’d have to give up her teaching job if you took on another job…that is unless you find work here in Flat Peaks.” Scar frowned and shook his head. Eli continued, “If I were you, Scar, I’d have a long talk with Liz about the matter. Her thoughts might surprise you. Most likely things won’t change for a year or two, but you and Liz need to have plans for the future and be ready to act upon them when the opportunity arises.”
“Thanks, Eli. That’s good advice. I’ll talk with Liz about it. She’s very smart and open-minded about things like this.”
Eli rose to fill their cups. “What do you want to do, Scar? What’s your dream?”
Scar looked to the floor after a long pause, giving Eli’s question his full attention. When he looked up and their eyes met, he said, “I’d like to be my own boss, Eli. I’d like for Liz and me to make our own decisions that guide our future. I know we’re young, but I believe we can handle it.”
“I have no doubt about it,” Eli said. “What do you want to be boss of?”
Without hesitation he responded, his eyes bright. “I’d like to be a rancher. I’d like to own a ranch…a horse ranch.” But then the brightness left his eyes as he continued, “I know it’s not possible, Eli. It takes too much money. I’ll have to be satisfied doing something else.”
“You have a bad attitude, Scar. Never give up on your dreams. They’ll become a reality if you work hard, make plans, and chase after them.” Scar nodded. He remembered his pa telling him the same thing. The words were a little different, but their meaning was the same.
»»•««
Christmas was only a week away, and winter had set in. Due to the area’s high altitude of nearly five thousand feet, most days were below freezing with gloomy, low-hanging gray clouds. Snow showers occurred almost daily, adding to the accumulation on the ground.
With school out for Christmas vacation, Liz stayed busy preparing for the holiday. She decorated their house with simple handmade figurines and hung popcorn strings and other small Christmas ornaments on the pine tree her husband had cut.
This was the couple’s first celebration in their own home, and Liz wanted to make an impression. One evening Rebecca helped Liz bake cookies and make candy. Many nights Liz worked into the late evening sewing and knitting items for presents. Scar was given the task of making something for Little Eagle and running errands for his wife. He also delivered bags of cookies and candy to their town friends, who in turn had gifts for them.
Two days before Christmas, Scar and Liz went to the Double D. They found the ranch house decorated beautifully. Candy and cookie dishes were scattered about on tables in every room, and in one corner of the sitting room stood a decorated tree nearly touching the ten-foot ceiling. Large presents were lying underneath, and smaller ones were stuffed onto tree branches. Everyone was in a joyous mood and hustled about humming tunes. Morning Sun kept coffee and hot chocolate warming over the fire, with platters of cookies nearby. Her holiday meals were exceptional, with a wide array of food. Two or three kinds of pie were always available following the main course, which caused people’s belts to be loosened. Folks joked with her and made a big to-d
o over her meals, believing she was enjoying the celebration as much as they were. However, Mrs. Douglas knew otherwise, and when they were alone, she asked, “What is it, Morning Sun? You’re putting on a good front, but I can tell you’re unhappy. Is something wrong? Has someone said something that’s upset you?”
Morning Sun turned toward Mrs. Douglas with tears in her eyes. “I am not mad at anyone. I am treated very well…I like the ranch very much.”
“Then what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
The young Indian woman stood looking out the kitchen window for a full minute before she answered. “The soldiers killed my husband last Christmastime. Little Eagle and Little Turtle almost died. We had no food—no shelter—no buffalo robes. Christmas is not a good time for me. God does not like Morning Sun.”
Mrs. Douglas gathered Morning Sun in her arms and held her tightly for several minutes. When the women separated, both had tearstained cheeks. It made no difference. One was red, and one was white. Both had broken hearts.
Morning Sun went to the sink to wash dishes, and Mrs. Douglas poured coffee and sat down at the table remembering the situation as if it was yesterday. Christmas was approaching, and Thomas had gone to the food storage cave behind the waterfall to fetch a hindquarter of beef. When he entered the cave, a young emaciated Indian mother and two children were huddled behind the food shelving looking at him with large glassy eyes. Somehow, he was able to calm them and brought them to the ranch house where, over time, they became a part of us. Mrs. Douglas smiled as she continued to reminisce. Within four months I taught Morning Sun to speak English and some of the white man’s ways, and likewise, the young Indian woman taught me some of her tongue and ways.