A shadow appeared out of the corner of her eye. Vivian startled and dropped the lantern as a large hand clamped over her mouth.
Chapter Eighteen
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
When Micah arrived at the Riley Farm with Sheriff Mills and Jeb Reed, rain poured from the sky. They stopped behind the cover of some brush on the edge of the property, leaving Jeb tied up in the wagon as they stepped out. When the shop came into view, Micah started to rush forward, noticing smoke billowing out the open door.
The sheriff gripped his shoulder, preventing him from going further. “The door is open and the smoke’s light gray. Look, it’s already starting to dissipate. That probably means whoever was in there has already doused the flame and escaped. We’ll make sure, but we have to be cautious. There’s no telling where the Reeds could be and I’d bet my life on it, they’re armed. We’ll come around the back and see what we can make out.”
Micah agreed, although it was difficult to wait, with the possibility his wife and unborn baby could be in the barn. As the rain started, they took the route through the forest directly behind the barn and hid by a large tree trunk. Micah peeked out and breathed a sigh of relief, seeing Vivian and Caroline tied up in the breezeway connecting the two barns, but unharmed. Mr. Reed and his eldest son, Abe, were standing guard.
“We need some kind of diversion,” the sheriff whispered, motioning his head toward the first barn housing the animals.
Micah’s eye caught movement around the corner of the barn. He recognized Emmett and Solomon waiting for the right time to act. “Yes, we’ll offer them what they want. It will distract them long enough to allow Emmett and Solomon to get close without being seen.”
“What do you mean, offer them what they want?”
He gave him a lopsided grin. “Me.”
Sheriff Mills shook his head. “I can’t let you do that, Micah. They almost killed you before. I won’t sit here and watch them do it for good this time.”
“If all goes well, they won’t have a chance to harm me. I’ll move further down before I start talking to them. Then you, Emmett, and Solomon will have a better chance at sneaking up on them.”
The sheriff clenched his jaw for a moment and then nodded. “You better be careful.”
“I will,” Micah assured him before creeping behind the shelter of another tree further down the hill. Upon reaching it, he leaned against the rough trunk and squeezed his eyes shut as rain dripped over the brim of his hat. “God, please give me courage for what I must do. Go ahead of me and protect me from these men. Protect Vivian, the baby, and everyone else involved as well. I put my trust in You.”
Vivian sat next to Caroline under the shelter of the breezeway, but the rain still blew in, soaking their hair and clothes. Mr. Reed and his son stood guard, but whenever their captors weren’t looking, she tried to move her wrists, presently tied behind her back with rope. Soon, her skin became sore and irritated from the movement, but she continued trying anyway. She noticed Caroline doing the same thing.
When Mr. Reed turned back around, his fists were clenched and an angry scowl was etched across his face. The rain seemed to make him more agitated. “Where are Jeb and Brant? They should have scouted out the Russells’ place and been back by now.”
“I don’t know, Pa,” Abe responded. “Maybe they were caught in the storm.”
“I can’t rely on anyone but myself.”
Abe’s eyes narrowed at his father. “I’m here, ain’t I?”
“Yeah, you sure are.” Mr. Reed’s eyes flamed. “You. The one who left the barn door wide open and let that lantern break. You’re lucky it was easily put out. We were only supposed to be scouting things out. Now we have two hostages and half the number we’re supposed to have with us.”
“I’m sorry, Pa. I know it was my fault, but please listen. We should leave while we still can.”
“We ain’t runnin’ away like cowards. We’ll take our revenge today.”
Shivers ran down Vivian’s spine, hearing the hatred in Mr. Reed’s voice.
The rain slowed until it was barely a mist. Then a voice came from the hills behind the barn. “Let them go, Hank. I’m who you really want.”
Hope surged through her heart and then panic, recognizing her husband’s voice. The Reed family had almost killed him and now he was going to give himself up to them for her sake. She couldn’t allow it to happen. She couldn’t lose another man she loved. Vivian tugged even harder at the rope tied around her wrists. Somehow, she had to free herself and stop them from hurting Micah.
“Put your hands out where I can see them and come down slowly,” Hank called.
Vivian saw movement in the brush and then her husband came into view, doing as he was asked. She wanted to scream for him to not do it, but with the gag in her mouth, it was no use. She could only watch and pray they wouldn’t shoot him.
A smile snaked across Mr. Reed’s face as Micah reached the bottom of the hill. “That’s it. Keep coming.”
A loud clap of thunder sounded as he approached. “It doesn’t have to be this way, Hank. We can have peace between us. Mary Ann would never have wanted this feud between us. It’s time for this to stop.”
“You never deserved her, savage…but you’re right about one thing. It is time for this to stop, once and for all.” Hank cocked his pistol and aimed.
At the same instant, there was a bright flash and deafening boom. A large branch fell from the tree and crashed through the roof of the carpentry shop.
Hank’s arm flew up in surprise. His gun went off, but the bullet struck the trunk of a tree well above Micah’s head. In a blur, Emmett, Solomon and Sheriff Mills surrounded Hank and his son.
“Drop your weapons,” the sheriff demanded, pistol aimed and ready if they tried anything foolish. The two men obeyed, allowing him to come forward and arrest them.
Vivian cried happy tears as Micah rushed to her side, took off her gag and cut the rope around her wrists. “Why did you do that? He could have killed you.”
He brushed his fingers over her cheek, blue eyes misting over. “Because I love you and the baby. I’m a family man now. I couldn’t risk anything happening to either of you. I prayed for protection and trusted God to deliver.”
“Well, it looks like He did.”
Micah nodded and pulled Vivian into his arms, kissing her before thunder clapped again. “We better find some shelter.”
Everyone managed to reach the cellar before the worst of the storm hit. They opened the hatch and descended the steps, finding Ma Riley, Felicia, Esther and the little children huddled by the storage shelves on the far end with a lamp and blankets. All the families grouped together while the sheriff guarded over Mr. Reed, Jeb and Abe. The third son had run off when Jeb was shot.
Micah held Vivian close and prayed for God’s protection as the storm raged outside. Jars rattled on the shelves and dust rained down from the rafters as a loud noise sounding like a train passed above. It was unclear how much time passed as they waited, but the storm soon quieted outside.
Emmett ventured out of the cellar first and then returned a few minutes later. “Everything seems safe now. There’s been some damage, but nothing that can’t be repaired. We’ll have quite a story to tell future generations…how the Lord delivered us from our enemies and a tornado all in one day.”
“Amen to that!” Micah agreed. He kissed Vivian on the forehead before helping her stand. They waited for the sheriff to lead the Reeds out first. Then, after helping the children toward the stairs, they made their way into the daylight.
Micah held Vivian’s hand as they surveyed the damage. The house had pieces of the roof and siding missing, along with a broken window. The outbuildings and Ma Riley’s cabin had taken some damage as well, but didn’t look too worse for wear. There were a
lso some fallen trees and branches around the property. Also, a few animals had gotten free through a broken area of fence. Seeing the damage made him wonder how their cabin had fared, but he knew they could rebuild, even if the house had sustained damage. The most important thing was God had protected them during the storm. It was a reason to be thankful.
He wrapped his arms around Vivian’s waist and kissed her gently. “I believe the danger is behind us. Are you ready to return to our home now?”
She smiled up at him. “I’ll never tire of hearing you say that.”
“What?”
“Our home.”
Chapter Nineteen
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Late August, 1875
Vivian sat with Micah on their front porch swing, watching the chickens scratch and peck at the ground. The mama hen stayed close to her brood of half-grown chicks, showing them the correct way to forage for insects and worms.
Micah chuckled, leaning his head against hers. “They’re growing so fast.”
“Yes, they are.” She smiled and rubbed the large bump forming at her abdomen. “Ours is too. So much I’m beginning to wonder if there’s more than one in there.”
“Really?”
Vivian shrugged and bit her lip. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see if the doctor can find two heartbeats when I’m further along. Does the idea of having more than one concern you?”
Micah grinned against her and placed his hand over her belly. “Not in the least. The more the merrier, my love. I have always dreamed of having this house full of love and laughter. It would be an added blessing.”
Vivian leaned her head against Micah’s chest, listening to the calming beat of his heart. She was happy to finally share a peaceful day with him. The past month and a half had gone by quickly as everyone made repairs after the tornado. Vivian was relieved their property hadn’t sustained too much damage, but they pitched in to help the Riley family and those in town whose houses needed repairs.
After the storm, they discovered Mr. Reed’s middle son had found his way home before the storm hit. The sheriff arrested him as well and they were all taken to the jail in Springfield. However, the youngest son, Jeb, was promised a shorter sentence since he cooperated with the Sheriff. It put both Vivian and Micah’s nerves at ease, knowing they would be able to live in peace.
Vivian felt a kick inside her belly and turned to Micah with a grin. “Did you feel that?”
He nodded, eyes shining with joy. “I sure did!”
“I think our little one…or maybe two little ones are excited to meet their pa in a couple of months.”
He gave her a tender kiss. “I can hardly wait.”
Micah couldn’t help being distracted with his beautiful wife during Sunday morning service at the little Baptist church in town. She was glowing in her calico dress. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood that morning as they filed through the door to find their seats. Most of the repairs to houses and barns had been fixed around the Niangua area and life was falling into a normal routine. There was also a welcome break in the hot humid weather, promising autumn would soon arrive.
The service was about to begin when Mrs. Reed entered the sanctuary with her ten-year-old daughter in tow. Micah held his breath as she approached their pew. It was the first time he’d seen her in church since before the attack. He hoped she wouldn’t say anything to upset Vivian. Did the woman hold any ill will against them for putting her husband and sons in jail?
Mrs. Reed stopped before them with tears in her eyes. Micah noticed she looked thin and paler than usual. “I’m truly sorry for what my husband and sons did to you both. It was wrong and I wanted to let you know, I do not condone their violent actions. You are a good, honest man and did your best by my daughter, Micah. I realize that now, and pray one day Hank and my sons realize it, too.”
He nodded, tears clouding his eyes as well. “It means so much to hear you say that. I did love your daughter very much.”
“I know that…and Mary Ann would have wanted you to be happy. That is why I’m pleased to see you have found a wonderful young woman to share your life with.” She turned to Vivian. “Can you forgive my family for what they did? I pray every day they will see the error of their ways and return to Jesus.”
Vivian nodded and stood to hug Mrs. Reed. “Of course, I forgive them. I pray daily for them, too. You and your daughter are welcome to our home anytime and please let us know if you ever need anything. We are only a short ride from town.”
Micah watched his wife continue to comfort his former mother-in-law while thanking God for His blessings. It was a beautiful moment of compassion, healing and forgiveness he would never forget.
The next Saturday, Vivian sat on the front porch with her sketchpad, working on a chicken drawing. Mrs. Clark had asked for a few samples of her artwork, so she was busy working on a small portfolio. Once Mrs. Clark chose her favorites, she would enlarge them to paint and frame.
While she was working, Micah came up from the printing shop, fingers stained with ink. “Do you have time to come see something I’ve been working on?”
She grinned and put down her sketchpad. “Of course! I always love to see your new projects.”
They headed to the printing press shop hand in hand. Upon entering, she waved at Mr. Cooper, who had been working as Micah’s assistant the past few weeks. Then she turned and saw a few large sheets of paper drying on racks. Micah picked one up and studied it for a moment before handing it to her. “This is the front page of the new town newspaper. What do you think?”
Vivian’s eyes scanned the top of the page and she gasped, seeing the name of the newspaper. The Niangua Morning Star Gazette. Beside the title was the familiar image of a morning star she had sketched. “How did you do this?”
He grinned at her. “I hope you don’t mind. I borrowed your sketchpad a few weeks ago and recreated the image into a mold. Do you like it?”
Vivian carefully placed the paper back on the drying rack and then rushed into Micah’s embrace with tears in her eyes. “I love it. I can’t believe you used one of my drawings.”
Micah brushed his fingers over her cheek. “You might say I’m an admirer of your work, Mrs. Russell. So much so, I want everyone in town to see it.”
“I feel the same way about yours, Mr. Russell.” Vivian stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. As he held her in his arms, she thanked God for bringing them together and allowing her heart to love again. Whenever she looked at Micah, she would always remember how God placed the star in the sky—a reminder that Christ was the true Morning Star and there was no limit to His power. He brought Micah back to her that night and placed a love in her heart for him that could never be blotted out.
Epilogue
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:17 NLT
Thanksgiving Day, 1875
After a delicious dinner at the Riley farm, Vivian enjoyed relaxing in the parlor with Caroline while the men and children went outside to play a game of horseshoes. She held up the morning star pattern baby quilt she’d been working on. “There. What do you think?”
Caroline’s face lit up. “It’s beautiful and unique, like the first one. I bet you and Micah are both ready for the babies to make their arrival, aren’t you?”
Vivian smiled while placing the quilt back on her lap. “Yes, we truly thought they’d come last week when they were supposed to, but I guess they’ll come in their own time.”
“Yes, they always do.” Caroline made one more stitch on her sampler and then put it in the basket next to her chair. “Would you like to go outside and watch the horseshoe game?”
“Yes, some fresh air sounds heavenly.” Vivian struggled into a standing position, holding onto her back for
support. Then she waddled after Caroline to the door.
She watched Micah take his turn, hitting the pole two times out of three. Then he helped little Will aim at the metal pole and throw his horseshoe. When he hit the target the third try, Micah celebrated with the boy, lifting him up on his shoulders and cheering. Vivian’s heart warmed at the sight. He was going to be such a good father.
After putting the boy down, he came over and kissed her cheek. “Would you like to give it a try?”
Vivian nodded. “I’d never turn down a challenge.”
He handed the horseshoes to her. “All right. Here you go.”
Everyone cheered when she hit her target the first time. She grinned and threw two more just like it, causing them to cheer even louder. “It’s been a long time, but I guess I still have good aim. Now it’s Caroline’s turn.” She leaned down to retrieve the horseshoes as pain tightened through her abdomen. Vivian groaned and tried to catch her breath.
Micah was at her side in an instant, offering his arm for support. “Vivian, what’s the matter? Is it the babies?”
She nodded as the pain released. “I…I think so.”
Caroline approached and took hold of her other arm. “Come in the house. You can lay down in the guest bedroom. We’ll have Thomas fetch the doctor.”
Vivian shook her head. “No, I want to have them at home.”
Micah studied her with concerned eyes. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yes. Will you go hitch up the team to the wagon?” He agreed and within a few minutes they were ready to go.
Caroline brought out her things and put them on the seat beside her. “Thomas is going to ask the doctor to come to your house. He should arrive soon. Emmett and I are going to follow in our wagon in case you need us.”
Vivian's Morning Star Page 10