A Love to Last Forever

by Tracie Peterson

  “Well, you have them now, and being a sister is something I know very well.”

  “That’s the last of it,” Nick said. He climbed on top of the wagon that he and Forrest had been helping to load. He handed a rope to his uncle, then secured the canvas while Forrest tied it down tight. “You shouldn’t have too bad of a time going over the passes,” Nick added. “There really isn’t a whole lot here.”

  “I figure we can buy what we need soon enough,” Simon answered.

  Nick jumped down and came to where Beth stood. He looked at his brother and Ellie and nodded. “I suppose you know what you’re doing. I’m not suggesting you don’t, but . . . well . . .” He left the thought unspoken.

  Simon grabbed Nick’s shoulder. “I know. But this is the right thing to do. I prayed about it and so did Ellie. It’s best we start our new life elsewhere. Dave’s never been able to learn anything about my attack, and I worry that somehow I’ll bring on more trouble if I stay here in the area. Not to mention that Ellie would have to see Rafe and the others all the time. That just isn’t fair.”

  Nick embraced his brother in a big bear hug. “I know. Just don’t forget where I’m at.”

  “You will come visit us, won’t you?” Ellie asked Beth. The hope in her expression was too much to deny.

  “We’ll certainly do what we can.” She gave Ellie a hug. “Now, you write me lots of letters, and I promise to answer them.”

  Ellie nodded and when she pulled away, there were tears in her eyes. “I’ll never forget you or your family. When Lacy told me she might do some traveling, I told her she’d always have a place to stay with us.”

  Since when did Lacy plan to travel? Beth bit back her concerns and just smiled. Nick put his arm around her while Simon helped Ellie up into the wagon.

  “Thanks again, little brother,” Simon said once he was seated. He took the reins in hand and released the brake.

  The brothers exchanged a look, and Beth imagined all of the unspoken things they might be telling each other. She knew how she’d feel if this were one of her sisters leaving for parts unknown.

  Finally, Simon slapped the reins gently across the backside of the matched black Percherons. Ellie turned and waved until they had moved so far down the road that the gentle curve took them from sight.

  “It’s going to be different without them here,” Nick said. “I suppose it was for the best, though. A man has to do what’s right for his family.”

  Beth felt a twinge of concern, but it passed quickly. She smiled. “Before you know it, we’ll be hearing from them, and it won’t seem so bad. Besides, with Justin in the house, you can hardly get bored.”

  Nick laughed. “I wasn’t worried about getting bored. I have you, after all.” He gave her a wicked grin and a wink. “I was more concerned about keeping up with all the work.”

  Although he’d acted rather secretive about the entire affair, Hank called a community meeting for the night of Wednesday, August twenty-fifth. He had told Beth and Gwen that he would have preferred having it on a Saturday, but Rafe had protested that Saturdays were his busiest day, so Hank had taken pity on him.

  Once everyone was convened in Gallatin House, Hank came to the front of the room and called the meeting to order. Beth couldn’t imagine what was important enough to hold such a gathering. Gwen was completely clueless as to what her husband had planned. Lacy had even tried to get information out of Dave, but it was to no avail. Beth settled in and put her arm around Justin as Hank began.

  “I know you’re all wondering what could possibly have been important enough to call you away from your regular duties. I’m afraid the news isn’t all that good, but it requires our consideration.”

  “What news is that?” Rafe asked. He crossed his arms, clearly annoyed by being summoned into the piety of Galla-tin House. Gwen had told him quite plainly that he couldn’t chew tobacco or smoke while at the meeting, and Lacy made him clean off his muddy boots before entering the house. Beth could see he was more than a little anxious to be on his way.

  “I’m going to let someone else explain exactly what news I’m talking about. Mr. Murphy, will you come up?”

  Beth tensed. Adrian Murphy maneuvered from the back of the room to stand beside Hank. He looked out and caught her gaze. He smiled broadly, causing Beth to quickly look away.

  “It’s good to see you folks again, but . . .” He paused and let his smile fade. “I’m afraid the news isn’t what you’d hoped to hear. We can now confirm that the Northern Pacific will lay tracks well to the north of this location.”

  “That’s hogwash,” Rafe declared. “I’ve got it on good authority that it’s gonna come right through here.” This caused a rush of murmurings.

  Adrian held his hands up for silence. “I don’t know who’s been telling you such a thing, Mr. Reynolds, but it’s not true. I just came from headquarters. The tracks will go in north, passing through Bozeman and out to Butte. There will be land for sale along the tracks, and it would be in your best interest to consider getting in early on the opportunity to buy. You could easily move your town and relocate to accommodate the railroad and benefit your community.”

  “That’s crazy talk,” Rafe said, shaking his head. “We got too much going for us here. The stage runs right through, and I’m planning to build a new hotel. Should get started on it before winter sets in.”

  Beth cringed at the idea of a full-fledged brothel going up next door. It was bad enough that Rafe had the small rooms attached to the back of the saloon. Once he built a bigger establishment, there would be nothing but chaos.

  “That alone would cause me to relocate,” Forrest said in reply.

  Several people laughed, but many others nodded in agreement.

  “It’s not so bad for you ranchers,” Adrian continued. “I can tell you without a doubt that several towns will spring up along the route. I don’t think anyone will end up more than four or five miles at most from a town along the railroad.”

  Beth listened as the talk continued. People asked Adrian questions, and others argued about the sensibility of trying to start over. A part of her wanted to cry. When the discussion got more heated, Beth excused herself, telling Nick she and Justin were going to go to the kitchen to prepare some refreshments. Nick was so completely caught up in the discussion, he didn’t really give her a second glance.

  “I want to stay with Pa,” Justin said, surprising her.

  Beth couldn’t understand why a boy his age would prefer sitting in a meeting to eating cookies, but she only nodded. She made her way to the kitchen and tied on an apron. The thought of moving—again—played out in her mind. The packing and unpacking, the building and cleaning. It all promised more work and aggravation than she wanted to face. Even silly things like establishing the flower and vegetable gardens seemed daunting, not to mention trying to make new friends. But perhaps most everyone would relocate to the same area.

  She checked the large pot of coffee on the stove, then went to work arranging cookies on a platter. Why should it matter where the railroad went in? she wondered. Towns had existed for years without a railroad.

  “Why doesn’t someone point that out?” she muttered to herself.

  Beth put the cookies out on one of the dining room tables and drew a deep breath. She knew her feelings about the situation didn’t account for much at all. The Northern Pacific had certainly never once asked for her opinion. If they had, they would have gotten an earful.

  Hank’s booming voice sounded, and Beth could hear that the formal part of the meeting was breaking up. Soon everyone would adjourn for refreshments and more heated arguments that they would call discussions. She hurried into the kitchen to retrieve coffee mugs and nearly jumped at the sight of Adrian Murphy.

  “Is there something you want, Mr. Murphy?” she asked.

  “I wanted to see you. Is it true you married Nick Lassiter?”

  Beth met his gaze. “Yes. Yes, I’m happy to say I did.”

  He frowned.
“I guess we were never meant to be.”

  She looked at him and shook her head. “No.”

  He moved closer and took some of the cups from her. He let his warm fingers slide over her hand. “I think that’s a real shame. I know I could have made you happy, Beth.”

  Again, she shook her head. “I don’t think so. I like staying in one place, and you’re threatening even the security I have living here.”

  “I didn’t mean to. I only came to give you all a fair chance to make a move before someone else snaps up all the good land. The railroad has an easement, you know—property they’re given and even extra for the purpose of encouraging towns to be built. Once word gets out, it’ll go fast, and what’s left will be sold at prices so high no one will want to pay them.”

  Beth turned away and carried the cups to the dining room. Murphy followed as she knew he would. She went about arranging the cups, then hurried back to the kitchen for more.

  Adrian paced after her faithfully. He didn’t try to talk, at least, and for that, Beth was grateful. When she retrieved all the cups, Beth took a hot pad and reached for the coffeepot.

  “Why don’t you let me carry that?” Adrian said, coming to her side. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “If I can’t marry you, at least I can help you.”

  Beth put the pot down with a thunk and turned to Adrian. “Do what you like. I need to go check on something else.”

  He put his hand on her arm and smiled. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  Squaring her shoulders, Beth met his gaze, then looked at his hand until he dropped his hold. When he let her go, she smiled. “Good evening, Mr. Murphy.”

  Nick looked at Beth as she kissed Justin good-night and sent him off to bed. The house was strangely quiet, or maybe it was the silence that seemed to blanket Nick’s heart that made it seem so. He kept reliving the picture of Beth and Adrian Murphy together. Murphy had a possessive hold on her and was smiling as if she’d just agreed to run away with him. Nick had quickly turned Justin away before he could spy the same scene and ask questions, but now Nick had questions of his own.

  “Did you know Murphy was back in town?”

  Beth was already busy folding clean dish towels. She looked up and shook her head. “No, I have to say I was quite surprised to see him.”

  Nick nodded and then began pacing the floor. He went first to the window and then checked on the fireplace. He toyed with the poker a few minutes and even added a log, but he couldn’t seem to calm his racing thoughts.

  “I saw you two alone in the kitchen,” Nick finally blurted out. He straightened and marched to where Beth sat. “You want to tell me what that was all about?”

  Beth looked stunned. “It wasn’t about anything. He followed me into the kitchen and asked if it was true that I’d married you.”

  “And what did you tell him?”

  She looked at him as though he’d lost his mind. “What do you suppose I told him?”

  “Seems odd that he wouldn’t just leave you alone once you told him you were a married woman.”

  “Nicholas Lassiter, are you accusing me of wrongdoing?” She put the towel aside and got to her feet.

  He could see the fire in her eyes but pressed another question. “I’m not accusing, I’m just asking what was going on. I saw him whisper in your ear and put his hand on your arm. I turned Justin away so he wouldn’t see.”

  “See what? Me about to drop the pot of coffee?” She put her hands on her hips. “Jealousy does not become you, Mr. Lassiter. I seem to recall a couple of other times when such things reared up between us. I won’t have it. I’m in love with you. I pledged my life to you.” She waved her hands upward. “I pledged it before God and witnesses. Do you really suppose I would throw out a promise so lightly?”

  Nick began to see how silly he sounded—how awful it was to be thinking such accusations. Beth had never done anything to give him doubts about her love. He sighed.

  “I’m sorry, Beth. I didn’t mean to accuse you. It’s just . . . I know Murphy wanted you for himself. He seemed too familiar.”

  She shrugged. “Wanting something doesn’t make it so. If that were the case, I’d never have to worry about leaving this area or having anyone ever get sick again. In fact, I have a whole list of wants that I’m pretty sure will go unfulfilled, but I want them just the same.”

  He smiled and stepped forward. “Forgive me, Beth. Please. I was stupid. I see that now. I guess I just saw red.”

  Her expression softened. “Nick, you don’t ever have to worry about me being unfaithful. I love you with all of my heart, and even if that weren’t enough—and it is—I wouldn’t sin against God in such a manner. The harm it would do us would never be worth the price. The harm it would bring to Justin would be even worse to overcome. I want no part of any such thing.”

  He drew her into his arms and just held her for several minutes. It almost frightened him to realize how much he needed her.

  “I love you, Beth. I’m not sure I could live without you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  “Ellie says they are both well and that the trip went fine,” Beth said as she scanned the letter they had received from the couple. “She says it’s a lot more damp there, more rain and such. Simon started his new job, but she doesn’t say much about how he likes it. She said the railroad provided them with a small furnished house to live in.” Beth looked up to find Nick taking it all in.

  “It sounds like she’s happy,” Nick commented.

  “Yes,” Beth agreed. “I suppose we’ll hear more about Simon’s work in the next letter.”

  “I miss Uncle Simon. Do you think we could go visit him someday?” Justin asked. He had just finished his supper and was delaying his chores by asking the question.

  “I think we probably will . . . one day,” Nick said before Beth could comment. “Would you like that?”

  Justin nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe we could take the train. Grandpa and me took the train for a long ways when we came here. I like riding on the train.”

  Nick laughed. “Do you know I’ve never ridden on a train?”

  “Truly?” Justin asked. “I rode on another train a long time ago when we went to see Uncle David in St. Louis. Did you ever ride a train, Mama?”

  Beth shook her head and got up from the table. This kind of talk was making her nervous. Folding the letter, she put it aside and began to gather the dishes. “We were much too poor to travel by train.”

  “Well, we ain’t poor now, are we, Pa?”

  “We aren’t poor,” Nick corrected and answered at the same time. “But we do have responsibilities. A fellow can’t just be running around all over the countryside when he has a job to do. And you have schooling to do. Your mother’s been working hard to help you keep up with your studies.”

  “I know, but we could always take my books with me.” Justin looked at Beth as if for confirmation.

  “No matter what, we have horses that need to be fed and wood that needs cutting tonight,” Beth countered. “We need to get our chores done.” She took a stack of dishes to the kitchen and drew a deep breath.

  I cannot let these things bother me. It’s only reasonable that Nick would want to visit Simon someday. It’s not the same as pulling up and moving.

  But even as she told herself these things, Beth wasn’t convinced.

  Another letter followed a few days later. This one came from Simon, and Nick eagerly shared the news with Beth.

  “He says the work is good. He likes working in the machine shops. He makes parts to repair the locomotives. He also says that the railroad is working to lay track in our direction. Apparently they’re coming at it from both sides.”

  “I’m glad he’s happy,” Beth said. “Justin is still working on his studies. Maybe you could wait and share the rest with us at supper. He might get too excited if he hears about the letter now.”

  Nick folded the paper and put it in his pocket. “Simon says there’s plenty of
work to be had, and if I want a job, he can get me one.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be out at the forge if you need me.”

  Beth wasn’t sure why he’d shared the information about Simon getting him a job. She tried to focus on the piecrust she was making, but Nick’s comment began to eat at her peace. Was Simon encouraging Nick to leave Gallatin Crossing?

  This thought was on her mind long after Nick shared the full letter. Beth found sleep impossible that night as Simon’s information and Nick’s comments continued to dance in her thoughts.

  “It gives us something else to consider,” Nick had said at supper. “If the town falls apart, we could think about joining Simon and Ellie instead of moving north.”

  “I don’t want to move at all,” Beth had told him, but he hadn’t listened. He had gone on about how it would be hard to remain here and earn a living, and how Rafe’s plans to enlarge his business would only serve to bring in less-desirable clientele.

  Beth clenched and unclenched her fists. The tightness in her chest increased with every worried thought. It just wasn’t fair. Here she finally had the husband she’d dreamed of and a home of her own—not to mention a son. She was happy, and yet now it seemed to be threatened by one little letter from Simon.

  She got up from the bed, leaving Nick sleeping soundly. Obviously, he had no worries about the future. Beth pulled on her robe and made her way downstairs. She didn’t bother to light the lamp but instead went to her rocking chair and sat in the dark.

  “I want to be at peace about this,” she said softly, “but I don’t know how.” She thought of all the things that had been said regarding their little community. If they couldn’t make a living, there was no hope of keeping the town alive. They would have no choice but to relocate.

  She leaned her head back and rocked. There had to be a way to save Gallatin Crossing—to keep from moving once again. Beth thought of her mother packing their belongings for yet another move. Her mother was always a cheerful woman, and even when forced to leave the comfort of her home for yet another place, she had always managed to keep a smile on her face.