He found the oxen and showed Dan the mark. Ed knew it when he saw it. A notched left ear. That was how their father had marked the livestock. Dan always did things like their father. Ed, on the other hand, had always done things his way and paid the price for it.
He’d taken more swats with a switch in a week than Dan had his whole life. Even though he was two years younger than Dan, Ed had ridden out at the age of fifteen to see the world for himself.
Ed watched John. The man reminded him of Dan. Same gentle spirit. Going about his duty with a pure heart. Something Ed felt he’d never had. Maybe if he was a better man, he’d ride off today and let John have Susan.
Still, he’d looked at Susan and wanted her more than any woman he’d ever seen. Was it because she’d come for Dan? Ed couldn’t say for sure. He wasn’t sure if he could be a good man for any woman. But he was so tired of being alone.
“Ed, what about that one? How many oxen did Dan have?”
“I don’t know. You were his friend.” Irritated at John for being a good man, Ed strode over to the ox Dan had pointed out. “Yeah, that’s one of Dan’s. Either he has an extra, or he’s short one.”
John had a stick and was driving the cattle back to the wagon. “I’m sure Sam knows.”
Ed nodded. “I’ll get my horse.”
“Hey, over here.” Nick Pierce, the man from the wagon behind them, was leading an ox toward them. “One of your oxen decided to come and visit mine.”
Ed smiled. Good old Dan, he ought to know his brother wouldn’t leave them short. “I’ll take him.” He smiled at Nick. Another good-hearted man he’d have to contend with. From what Ed knew, Nick and his sister, Anna, were going west. So that meant another available woman and another man who might want Susan.
John didn’t seem worried.
Ed figured he ought to settle down and try for once to get along with others. Shaking his head, he walked the steer back to the wagon. How had he gotten himself into this mess?
Chapter 4
Susan had just put up the last of the bedrolls when the men brought in the oxen. They were big sturdy animals, but not the fastest creatures on earth. At the rate they moved to the wagon, she wondered if they’d be in Oregon before next year.
She watched the men work. They were so different. John backed away from the big animals and was clearly unsure around them.
Ed knew what he was doing but was in no hurry and acted as if he hated doing it.
Behind her, Nick had his oxen yoked and had come to help John and Ed.
Susan smiled at Anna. They’d just met, and already Susan was relieved to have a friend. They’d made plans to walk together.
Dan had never mentioned his brother, and from the way Ed talked about Dan, she gathered they hadn’t gotten along. She wondered how Ed found out about Dan’s death. Perhaps if they’d left the day before, she wouldn’t have had to contend with him.
She walked from behind the wagon to see if she could help.
Ed growled at her to get away from the oxen.
She put a hand on her hip. “I know all about livestock. The lead one needs the trace put through the line to the one behind.”
John looked at her. “You sure? Well, I don’t know what I’m doing, so it sounds good to me.”
Nick helped him set the line. “She’s right. Listen to the farm girl.”
Ed scowled and left them to saddle his horse.
Nick shook his head. “He’s an angry one. Stay clear of him.”
Susan nodded. “He does seem to be angry. Did he say anything to you, John?”
“No, I figure he needs some time to settle down. Had to be a blow to hear his brother was dead.”
Susan frowned. “I wonder why Dan never mentioned him in his letters.”
John finished with the last pair of oxen. “Dan never mentioned him to me either. From talking with Ed, there must have been bad blood between them.” He stood and clapped his hands. “Finished. I can see I’m going to have to get faster than that, or we’ll never get to Oregon.” He grinned at her.
She did like John. Of the two men, he was the most handsome. Although, it was hard to tell because Ed still wore the dirt from the trail. But John was definitely the more friendly of the two.
Nick left to help his sister.
Susan looked to the front of the wagon train. “When do we start. The sun is almost up now.”
As if to answer her, the wagon master’s voice rang out. “Wagons’ Ho.” And far ahead, she saw the first wagons lurch and begin rolling west.
“I’m going to walk with Anna. If you don’t mind.”
John shook his head. “No, I don’t mind at all. I’m going to become acquainted with these big beasts and encourage them to move.” He laughed. “I never thought I’d be going west. Dreamed of it often enough. Thanks for letting me tag along.”
Susan grinned. “I’m glad you wanted to go. I don’t think I could have handled Ed by myself. Even now, the man scares me.”
John patted the big red ox. “I don’t think he’s as bad as he lets on.” John looked down and then right at her. “I do hope you choose me.”
“I already did once. I’m not sure I would change my mind. I’m sorry that Ed showed up.” She felt bad for John.
He shrugged. “I guess we had little choice but to go along with Ed. That or we didn’t go to Oregon at all.”
“I agree.” She looked and saw Ed coming back. It hadn’t been that long, but he looked like he’d cleaned up.
Ed rode to them. “I see I’m just in time for the grand beginning of our journey.” He studied them. “Did I miss much? You two look as if you decided something.”
Susan looked up at him. “We both agreed to your terms. We’ll abide by them.”
Ed’s gaze hardened. “We? Already sounds like I lost. Maybe I should send you both back to town.”
John tapped the lead steer. “Let’s go, buddy.” He looked up at Ed. “I hope you don’t. This is the only chance I have of getting to Oregon. I need it to start a new life. I figure we can all be friends and start new lives. You included.”
Ed nodded. “All right then. Remember, Susan doesn’t make a decision until we reach Oregon. I’ll abide by what she says.” He rode on ahead.
Susan looked at John. “There we have it. We all get along until the end of the journey. I’ll be praying about who the Lord would have for me.”
“So will I.” John grinned and turned his attention to the oxen.
Susan dropped back and smiled at Anna. “Your brother helped John and Ed yoke the oxen.”
“Nick is a wonderful man. If you already didn’t have two men to choose from, I’d encourage you to consider him.”
“And you? Are you looking for a husband?”
Anna grinned. “Of course. I had one young man I was interested in back home, but he moved on before I was of age. I’m open to what the Lord has for me.”
“What about Nick?”
“He doesn’t talk much about it. But I know he’d like to settle down. Right now, he wants to take care of me. The little sister, you know.”
“You’re so pretty, you’ll find someone soon. I’m sure there are other eligible young men on the train.”
Anna nodded. “Yes, there are. But Big Sam doesn’t encourage matchmaking along the trail. He made that clear to me. Said he doesn’t like unmarried females on his wagon trains because we cause trouble. Frankly, I’m surprised he let you go.”
“At first, he told me I had to marry John. And I almost did until Ed showed up. Now, I am supposed to make a decision once we reach Oregon.” Susan sighed.
“I can see that you’d choose John. He is a nice man. What about Ed? Do you know much about him?”
“Nothing. His eyes look hard, though. I think he’s had a rough life.”
Anna nodded. “I agree. He’s a bit scary and intriguing.”
“Certainly, you are not interested in him?”
“Oh, no. I guess not. Nick would be furious with me
. He told me to stay away from Ed. I wonder why?”
Susan laughed. “Because he’s looking after his sister. Ed is a rough man. No telling what he’s done. The way he put his hand on his pistol makes me wonder if he’s wanted.”
“An outlaw? Hadn’t thought of that.” Anna stepped around a rock. “I guess we better get used to walking. It’s hard to believe it is going to take us six months. I hope I can make it.”
Susan put an arm around Anna’s shoulders. “You will. I can see that you’re a strong, young woman. Together, we’ll help one another. In fact, I have an idea. Why don’t we pool things together and share in making dinners? We can help one another and make the time go faster.”
“I’d love that. Thanks for being a friend.” Anna wiped tears from her cheeks. “I miss our home and our parents.”
Susan hugged her. “We’re all going to Oregon to start new lives. Part of that is letting go of our old ones.”
Anna nodded. “You’re right. But it’s not easy.”
Susan agreed. “No, it’s not.”
***
John kept the steers moving. They were agreeable animals as oxen go. But already, he was getting bored, and they’d only just begun. Hadn’t that been his problem all along? He never stuck with one thing for any length of time because he tired of the usual.
Always looking for something new, John had roamed about until he came to Independence and met Dan. They’d become friends right away, and Dan’s descriptions of Oregon had lit a fire in John.
He’d almost asked Dan if he could tag along, but he didn’t want to be a burden. He had nothing to offer but the shirt on his back. And Dan had been so excited about Susan and starting a new life.
John had caught the excitement from him. Now, it would seem that he was on his way to Oregon and even had a chance to marry Susan.
Ed was nothing like Dan. Yet, at times when Ed looked at him, he saw Dan. Their chin and noses were similar. Their eyes were both blue, but Ed’s was a deeper, brighter blue. Dan’s had been a more subdued color.
John knew he was along just by a hair. Ed could have sent him away. John had expected him to. But he hadn’t. Why? What was it about Ed that triggered something in the back of his mind? He’d never seen him before.
Because Ed was Dan’s brother, John had decided to be kind to him. That Dan never mentioned him made John leery of Ed’s reputation.
John wasn’t entirely sure who was better for Susan. He’d never accomplished anything. Knew nothing about farming or what he could do in Oregon. He glanced back at Susan. Maybe having her as a wife would be enough to make him want to be somebody and do something with his life.
Yes, sir. He would be proud to be Susan’s husband, but could he make her proud enough to choose him over Ed? Nick was a farmer. John figured he’d ask him about how to farm. John didn’t want Susan to think he wasn’t good for much.
Unfortunately, that had been the story of his life.
John had enjoyed being with Dan. The man told him all his plans and how he was going to make Susan happy. To build their farm. He’d shown John the plans for their cabin. Small at first. And impressed on him how important it would be to build it before the snow. Then the barn for the oxen. The milk cow he’d buy.
Such a shame that Dan had to get himself killed. He’d have been the perfect husband for Susan. Now, the woman had a poor choice between him and Ed.
Ed looked and acted wild, dangerous. But he was also a man that seemed like he could get things done.
With sadness, John thought how he’d accomplished little in his life. He could be friendly and make others smile, but he’d never made more than enough to survive the day. How was he going to take care of a wife?
He looked back at Susan. She’d be worth the struggle to change his life. It was his chance.
Chapter 5
Ed rode up to the front of the train. He had to get away. From her. From memories of his brother. He found Sam at the front of the long line and nodded hello to him.
“Well, Mr. Ed Mitchum. I see you’re riding your horse. It’s a long grueling journey by foot.” Sam smiled, crinkling the skin around his eyes. “You made your mind up if you want to try and marry that gal?”
“I said I was.” Ed didn’t like to be questioned. Never had.
“Didn’t mean anything by it. But you are letting her stay with John and letting her get to know him. It makes me wonder if you really want to get married.”
Ed stared at him. The man saw right through him. Yes, he wanted the wagon and chance to get to Oregon. He hadn’t bargained on Dan ordering a mail-order bride. But then that was Dan.
Dan always had a way of making things work. Even when they were kids. Dan did the chores. Took care of the farm when Pa died. He was the dutiful son.
Ed, well, he always had a wild streak. He just couldn’t make himself stay on the farm. He rode off on the family horse when he was fifteen. Pa never forgave him. Ed soon had a job on a ranch and sent money home to pay for the horse. Pa sent it back with a note telling Ed not to try and come home.
Ed had roamed around, never staying long enough to meet people. Worked odd jobs. Became good with a gun and traveled down to Texas and joined the Texas Rangers for a year. Tiring of that life, he became a deputy for a while. But after getting shot in the side and spending more than a month of convalescing, he’d ridden back to the old farm.
The farm had been sold. Strangers lived in it now but showed him his parent’s graves. They told him Dan had gone to Missouri to get on a wagon train going west.
That was four months ago. Ed knew the trains wouldn’t leave until April. So, he kicked up his heels and roved the wild towns. Then he’d had enough of himself and rode to Independence to find Dan.
Ed stared at the hard ground. He’d been a day late. If he’d gotten there a day earlier, he could have saved Dan. But like always, Ed was busy playing the hard, wild life. And that had cost Dan his life.
Now, he was the rightful heir of Dan’s belongings. Ed hadn’t counted on Susan. Still, Dan hadn’t married her. His brother had never even met her in person.
Ed did have a chance with her. If Dan had agreed to marry her, Ed knew that Susan was a good woman. Dan only had the best. Did the best.
Except for the other day when Dan had died. The sheriff said it was a wild shot. Not meant for Dan but found him anyway. One bullet flew straight to the head. Dan, who rarely drank, died in a saloon. Ed shook his head. That should have been his story, not his brother’s.
Ed slapped the reins against the saddle, causing the horse to jump. Dan didn’t deserve to go that way. He should have been the one to have a wife and family. Live to an old age, surrounded by children and a loving wife. Ed couldn’t figure God out.
Why God had saved his life on the plains of Texas, yet taken Dan’s life as he was about to meet his bride, was beyond Ed.
Sam cleared his throat. “You look like you’re doing some deep thinking.”
Clearing his mind of the past, Ed nodded. “Yeah, that’s for sure.”
Sam nodded. “Life is hard to figure sometimes. Sorry about your brother.” The wagon master looked at him. “He picked a pretty woman to marry, though.”
“Not like it did him any good.”
“No, guess not.” Sam yelled at one of the young boys riding like crazy Indians to the front of the wagon train. “You kids stay with your parents. I don’t have time to watch you, and there might be Indians out yonder to pick you off.”
One of the kids looked at him with wide eyes and raced back to his wagon.
Ed laughed.
Sam looked at him. “I suppose you would have been the one that rode on ahead.”
“Yeah, that would have been me. Thinking I know everything I need to know and, in a hurry, to make a mess of my life.” Ed watched the wild kid ride on ahead and up the hill.
Sam grinned. “I figured you’d be that way. It’s never too late to learn. You made a good choice of giving the woman a chance and letting
her and John stay on the train. Dan had plenty of supplies. Almost like he knew they’d be needed.”
Ed nodded. “Yeah, that would be Dan. Always taking care of others.” Tired of thinking, Ed tapped his horse and took off after the kid. If nothing else, maybe he could save the boy from losing his hair on the first day on the trail.
He reined the blue roan after the boy. Ed’s powerful horse dug into the loose dirt and charged up the hill. What he was doing, Ed wasn’t sure. That was how he usually did things. Charge toward the fray first, ask later. Pay now.
The kid stared at him, shock and fear on his face followed by defiance. “What do you want? That old wagon master send you?”
The boy was cocky. Skinny not yet filled out to be a man. Dark hair, darker eyes, and a scowl that said he was used to trouble.
Ed rode up beside him. “It’s a free country. You don’t own this hill, do you?”
Taken aback, the kid scowled but shook his head.
Ed pointed to the land before them. “It’s a pretty sight. Soon, all we’ll see in front of us will be covered by wagons rolling to Oregon. Like a long snake, the canvas will fill that valley.” Ed took in the sight of the green meadow. Creek to the right. The blue water, cutting the grassland like a ribbon.
Ed held a hand out to the kid. “Ed Mitchum.”
The boy worked his jaw as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to spit on it or shake it. Finally, he took Ed’s hand with a firm grip. “Laine Sterritt.”
Ed stared at the boy. Saw the wanderlust in his eyes. The defiance. He was looking at a younger version of himself.
The boy glared at him. “Why’d you come after me?”
Ed started to say he didn’t. Yet, the truth was he had. “I saw you. Saw myself in you ten years ago. Thought maybe you might listen.”
“Would you have?”
“No. But I thought you might be smarter than I was.”
Susan Page 3