Callie Mae and the Marine

by Stevie MacFarlane

  Morgan’s mind was whirling with questions. How could this happen? Was this the night Callie Mae would have been killed? If it was, then the dates were all off. Was more trouble coming? Guilt swamped him. Mead would never have been shot if Morgan hadn’t come here, but Callie Mae would be dead. What kind of damn choice was that?

  Callie Mae jumped off his lap and Morgan stood the moment the doctor came into the room.

  “He’ll live,” he said, taking off his glasses and squeezing the bridge of his nose. “As far as walking again, I just don’t know. I’ve done what I could to repair the shoddy job the surgeon did on the original injury, removed the bullet, bits of bone and old shrapnel, but what the man needs is a new knee. Unfortunately, that’s not medically possible. At best his limp will be more pronounced and the pain of daily activity will be debilitating. At worst he’ll spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. I’m sorry.”

  Lilly collapsed into sobs and Jane and Callie Mae rushed to her side.

  “There’s another cot in the back room,” Doc stated sadly. “Take her in there and give her a teaspoon of Laudanum,” he continued, handing Jane a dark bottle. “She obviously won’t be much use to Mead the way she is.”

  “Is he awake? Can I see him?” Morgan asked.

  “He’s awake, but groggy. I don’t want him worrying, so try to be reassuring. He’ll have plenty of time to contemplate things while he’s recovering. Five minutes, Morgan.”

  Nodding, Morgan let himself into Mead’s room. As he approached the bed, he straightened his spine, trying not to let the guilt and sorrow show on his face.

  “How ya doing?”

  “I’ve been better,” Mead croaked out. “Are all the girls alright? I know Callie Mae and Jane are here. What about Marilee, Annalise, and Fancy?”

  “Everyone’s fine, thanks to you,” Morgan replied.

  “Hell, not thanks to me. All I did was go and get myself shot.”

  “You were trying to save Jane. That’s a pretty big deal in my book.”

  “Morg, you think you had it wrong, about the dates I mean?”

  “I guess so. We sure weren’t ready for this, huh?”

  “Well, at least they’re all safe. How’s Lilly taking all this?”

  “Not well,” Morgan admitted.

  “I didn’t think she would,” Mead sighed. “I’m afraid there’s not much starch to that woman.”

  “Callie Mae and I are getting married,” Morgan said, changing the subject.

  “That’s great, Morg, I’m happy for you both. When?”

  “Saturday. I want you to stand up with me, so I think we’ll have the wedding at the farm.”

  “I don’t know how much standing I’ll be able to do,” Mead replied, “but I’d be proud to bear witness. What’s the hurry anyway? Can you wait till I’m better?”

  “We could, but I kind of jumped the gun, if you know what I mean,” Morgan admitted.

  Mead grinned. “I thought you were only going to compromise her if she said no?”

  “So did I but things took a different turn tonight.”

  “I understand. Listen, Morgan, I’m getting a little tired. I think I’d like to go to sleep for a while.”

  “That’s fine,” Morgan said, patting his brother’s shoulder. “You get some rest and I’ll be back in the morning. As soon as Doc gives me the word, I’ll bring the wagon and get you home. Ma’s cooking and fussing will have you on your feet in no time.”

  “It will,” Mead agreed, closing his eyes.

  Morgan quietly slipped out of the room.

  “How is he?” Matthew asked.

  “He’s sleeping,” Morgan said.

  “Matthew, run over to the boarding house and wake Mrs. Jamison. Tell her I have a couple of patients I need her to sit with tonight. I’ll leave Lilly resting and see her home when she wakes,” the doc explained while Matthew hurried to do as he’d asked. “You folks go on now and get some rest.”

  “Thanks, Doc. Matthew and I will head home so I can explain things to Ma, but we’ll be back in the morning,” Morgan said, shaking his hand. “When Matthew comes back, tell him I’m taking Callie Mae home and to meet me there. Are you coming, Jane?”

  “I’ll see Jane back to the saloon when I get Mead settled for the night,” Doc stated firmly.

  As soon as the others went out the door, Doctor Horace Brubaker turned to Jane.

  “Take off the bloody apron, Jane.”

  Jane looked down at herself and removed the apron, staring at it as though seeing the blood for the first time. Her lower lip began to quiver and Horace opened his arms.

  “Come here,” he ordered gently.

  Dropping the apron, Jane flew across the room, throwing herself into his strong arms.

  “It’s alright, little one,” he murmured into her hair.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Saturday turned out to be a beautiful fall day. Callie Mae stood in her room and carefully slid her hand over her mother’s ivory satin gown. Her grandmother’s Irish lace veil was spread out on her bed and a bouquet of flowers sat on her dresser, brought by Morgan yesterday.

  She was getting married and for a moment she doubted the wisdom of her decision. It went against everything she’d been telling herself and anyone who would listen for months, but the truth of the matter was, she was in love. She’d been in love with Morgan Whittaker from the time she was seven years old and followed him into the mercantile, where he bought her a peppermint stick. He was seventeen at the time, tall and lanky with a shock of dark hair falling over his brow. When he squatted to hand it to her, she’d gazed into his warm eyes and lost her heart. He knew it too, she thought, remembering his lips twitching as he tried to suppress his smile. Morgan patted her head before he shooed her outside, and she made up her mind right then that someday he was going to see her as a woman instead of a little girl and fall madly in love with her.

  Her plan went horribly awry. As a child she’d dogged his steps until he scolded her and sent her on her way. As a teenager she’d mooned after him, watching him and Lilly even though it broke her heart. When she thought he was dead, she determined never to marry and refused every young man that came calling. Funny, it wasn’t until she finally gave up her dreams and began to make some serious plans for her future that Morgan returned. He invaded her life like a twister, tossing her emotions every which way until she didn’t know what she wanted.

  Now she was going to be his wife, it didn’t seem possible. She would belong to him, body and soul, as he’d been in possession of her heart always. Remembering the delicious things he’d done to her body, she shivered and hugged herself. It felt like she’d waited a lifetime for him.

  “Can we come in and help you dress?” Fancy called after knocking on the door.

  As soon as Callie Mae opened the door, the girls tumbled in. A whirlwind began, filled with tittering laughter, blushes, curling rods, and perfume. An hour later she stood before the mirror and stared at her reflection, smiling. Oh, it was going to be a glorious day!

  *

  Morgan had an early breakfast with his brothers as Emma flitted around the kitchen.

  “Come on, no lolly-gagging,” she insisted. “There are tables to be set up and a host of other chores to do before the guests arrive.”

  “Don’t think just because you’re the groom you’re getting out of the work, Morgan,” Matthew said, shoveling fried potatoes into his mouth.

  Morgan snorted. “I think we know who we have to keep an eye on around here, don’t we, Mead?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t agree,” Mead sighed, pushing his plate away. “I’m the one who’s not much use.”

  “Nonsense,” Emma called as she headed into the parlor. “It’s only been three days since you were shot. You can’t expect miracles. In time you’ll be back on your feet.”

  “I guess I better get busy,” Matthew said, wiping his mouth. He looked at Morgan and shook his head sadly, avoiding Mead’s eyes as he hurried out the back
door, letting the screen door slam behind him.

  “Poor kid, he doesn’t know what to say to me,” Mead said with a sigh. “I think we all know that I’ll probably never get out of this chair.

  Morgan got up and carried their plates to the sink. “Let’s go outside and get some fresh air,” he suggested. “There are a few things I’d like to discuss privately.”

  Mead nodded and Morgan wheeled him out the back door, stopping at the farthest corner of the porch. Sitting down he rolled a cigarette, offering one to Mead who shook his head. He knew he was taking a big risk. If his brother didn’t believe him, things would never be the same between them again. If he did, they could have the same outcome. Taking a deep breath, he told him everything.

  “I know it sounds like something out of a book, but I’m telling you the truth. You can take my place, Mead, go back instead of me. They have the technology to replace that knee and anything else Doc Brubaker didn’t find.”

  “Morgan, I hate to say this, but you sound like you’re the one who needs to go to that hospital and have your brain examined. What did you say the name of it was?”

  “Johns Hopkins, and it’s a real hospital in Maryland. Unfortunately, compared to the medical options available in my time, it’s obsolete.”

  “So let me get this straight. You’re from the future and you traveled back to 1880 and you want to stay. You say your name is truly Morgan Whittaker and that somehow you’re a descendant of the Whittaker family. What happened to my brother, my real brother?” Mead asked.

  Morgan sighed, fighting against the pain in his chest. “He’s dead, Mead. According to the records available, he never returned from his last stint with Sheridan. I’m sorry. I know I’m a piss-poor replacement for you, but…”

  “Morgan, I didn’t say that,” Mead replied, placing his hand on Morgan’s shoulder. “My brother and I were never close. He was a bit of a loner, a drifter who frequently disappeared for long periods of time. Missy adored him, Matthew worshiped him, but he and I didn’t agree on a lot of things. I resented the way he’d take off and leave all the responsibility on Ma and Pa. As the oldest he should have been more concerned with how they were getting on, especially as they aged. He knew Pa was sick when he signed up to fight the last time. I tried to talk him out of it, but he was damn stubborn. You’ve been the brother and son he should have been.”

  “Mead, I don’t know what to say. I feel like this is my family. I love you all and Callie Mae is the icing on the cake. I don’t think I could leave any of you.”

  “We wouldn’t want you too. It would kill Ma and now that I’m in this chair she’ll need you more than ever. So tell me again what we have to do.”

  Morgan blinked away a few tears and sighed in relief. Mead believed him. His life here would be so much easier because he now had someone to really talk to who didn’t think he was crazy.

  “We tell everyone you are going away with Callie Mae and I on our honeymoon trip and that we’re going to Maryland so you can receive treatment. Sunday mornings are usually the day I leave a message for Cara, and I’ll do that, telling her I’m coming back on Tuesday.”

  “What will she do when I show up instead of you?” Mead asked, a bit worried.

  “There won’t be anything she can do. She won’t realize you’re not me until it’s too late, but her dedication will demand that she help you. After all, this program is her baby.”

  “Callie Mae and I will go away for the two weeks and everyone here will think you’re with us. I’ll make it clear to Cara what time you have to be returned and we’ll be waiting for you.”

  “This all sounds pretty farfetched,” Mead said, shaking his head.

  “You think this is strange, wait till you get there. It’s an amazing time, Mead. They’ll probably ask you a million questions, but the important thing is they’ll fix your leg.”

  “Alright, but no leaving me until you know for sure I’m gone. I don’t want to be sitting out there yelling my head off, hoping someone hears me while you’re driving away with your pretty bride. God, I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation.”

  “Don’t worry,” Morgan laughed. “I’ll make sure you’re safely on your way before I leave and when you come back, we’ll be waiting for you. You’ll be so full of information and you won’t be able to tell anyone. Then you’ll know what I’ve been going through.”

  “We’ll have each other to talk to,” Mead pointed out.

  “I plan on being very busy starting tonight,” Morgan replied with a wink. “Oh man, I can’t wait.”

  “That good huh?”

  “You have no idea.”

  “Hey, what are you going to tell Callie Mae about all this?”

  “That’s the one thing I haven’t figured out yet, but don’t worry. I’ll think of something.”

  *

  Fancy played Mendelsohn’s wedding march as Callie Mae come down the stairs of Emma’s home on Matthew’s arm with Missy ahead of her. Friends and family gathered round as Morgan swore to love, honor, and cherish his bride. Callie Mae promised to love, honor, and obey, but Morgan figured she’d have a little problem with the last vow. He smiled when she repeated the word, thinking of all the ways he would help her keep that promise and how much fun they would have while he did.

  Mead sat beside him, confined to a wheelchair he might never get out of if he hadn’t agreed to Morgan’s plan. That would have been hard for Morgan to bear. The choices he’d made in coming here brought him a happiness that was bittersweet. He had a family he loved, friends, and a purpose to his life he hadn’t had in a long time. The woman by his side was one he’d give his life for, her love for him a treasure he never thought he’d possess.

  When Reverend Simms finally told him to kiss his bride, Morgan lifted her veil and saw the tears on her cheeks. Brushing them gently away with his thumbs, he nearly choked up himself as he bent his head and kissed her with all the love in his heart.

  Following a lovely dinner, complete with wedding cake, Morgan made the announcement.

  “You all know Callie Mae and I are heading back east for our wedding trip. We’ve decided to go to Maryland where a brand new hospital has opened that’s supposed to be one of the best in the world. Mead, we’d like you to accompany us.”

  “What?” Mead said, pretending to be surprised.

  “We want you to go with us. Johns Hopkins Hospital just opened last year. I’m sure they want to establish themselves as a modern medical facility. There’s a chance they will be able to help you. While you’re being treated, Callie Mae and I will explore the area and I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time. What do you think?”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Mead stammered. “It’s not every day a man goes along on his brother’s honeymoon.”

  The guests tittered but Doctor Brubaker spoke up. “Go with them, Mead. I’ve done everything I can for you and I’ve heard of this new hospital. It’s supposed to be top of the line and in a beautiful area. I encourage you to accept your brother’s offer.”

  “It’s a wonderful idea, Mead,” Callie Mae added, taking his hand. “Please say you’ll come.”

  “Okay, I’ll come,” he laughed. “How can I resist such a heartfelt invitation?”

  The guests clapped, impressed by Morgan’s selflessness.

  “Good, we leave Tuesday morning, early.”

  Lilly patted Mead’s shoulder, hopeful for the first time since his injury. She hugged both Morgan and Callie Mae as she departed. “Thank you,” she whispered tearfully before hurrying away.

  Matthew helped Laurie collect her children and piled them all in the wagon for the ride back to town. Ty lifted Annalise, Fancy, and Marilee into the wagon and followed on his horse. The Duchess was closed until Callie Mae and Morgan returned from their honeymoon and found a manager, but the girls would continue to live there. Lilly and Laurie would keep a careful eye on them.

  Doc Brubaker assisted Jane into his carriage and followed the caravan headed
back to town.

  Standing on the porch in her finest dress, Emma put her arm around Callie Mae as she waved the guests off.

  “I couldn’t be any prouder of you two than I am this moment,” she said, smiling.

  Morgan kissed her cheek. “Callie Mae, why don’t you go and get out of that dress? I know it’s heavy and Ma will help you. I want to talk to Mead for a bit.”

  “Alright,” Callie Mae said, smiling shyly. “Will you be long?”

  Morgan laughed and winked.

  “Heck no, we have to get started on those grandbabies I promised Ma,” he teased.

  Emma slapped his arm, blushed, and ushered Callie Mae inside.

  Later that night, when his bride was asleep, he penned his letters to Cara. Come Tuesday they would begin their journey, but Mead would be going much farther than Maryland.

  Epilogue

  Cara sat at her desk staring at the yellowed newspaper clipping as she composed a letter to Morgan. Slightly nauseous and with the beginnings of a headache, she chose her words carefully. This is what happened when you handed off important research duties to a subordinate, you got half-assed results. Not that the young woman who’d completed her request had any idea how critical the issue was, but she still should have done a more thorough job.

  The original article had been a mistake and off by nearly two weeks. Type was set by hand in those days and newspapers were notoriously inaccurate. The assistant brought her a copy of just the article on Callie Mae Walker’s death. Upon further investigation and after looking at the entire page of the newspaper, Cara found the discrepancy in the dates. An obituary could not be dated the 29th when the date of publication was well before that.

  Rubbing her forehead, she fingered the fragile clipping as she absently tapped her pen on the surface of the desk. He was going to be furious. While she didn’t know what was involved, the fact that he’d asked for specifics regarding Miss Walker indicated some kind of interest. The poor woman was likely already deceased if he’d gone by the information she’d given him. In all reality it was probably for the best, she thought, sighing. Altering history was dangerous and maybe her mistake had saved all of them a lot of heartache in the future.