CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
The next day, after a stern lecture from Mavis that they’d all be fine in town without her, Belle sat atop a bluff at the ranch looking out over an empty prairie. Katie was doing surprisingly well, proving to be a stalwart example for Emma and Lavinia. Mavis was holding the three together.
We’ll get through this one day at a time.
No cattle. All were in corrals at the ranch. She’d grown used to seeing the muscular steers grazing in large herds. The valley before her felt lonely, and the air seemed to stand still. She’d needed a break from the sorting, dust, and flies, so she’d ridden out a short way to see if she could spot any strays. Today was her birthday. She missed her father with a heavy heart.
How much different this day could have been if he’d survived.
She turned at the sound of a long whistle.
Blake.
Loping to her side, he reined in with ease, his movements again reminding her of a dancer. The hair around his collar was tousled from his gallop out. Wide shoulders leaned her way as he searched her face. His handsome good looks made her feel worse.
“You doin’ okay?” He pushed up the brim of his hat. “Saw you ride out on your own. You know that makes me uneasy.”
She was surprised at his tone—neither scolding nor annoyed.
“Just needed a little open space,” she said without taking her gaze away from the view in front of her.
“A phrase your father said often. I’d find him out here in this exact spot just memorizing the horizon. I’m not surprised to find you here now.”
Cutting her gaze to him, she was unable to stop two fat tears from spilling from her eyes. She could talk herself blue in the face, but that wouldn’t change the way Blake’s voice melted any of her resolve.
He leaned forward and gently brushed them away with his thumb.
“Father was so right; this ranch is in my blood. What am I going to do when the six months is over and I’m supposed to return to Philadelphia? I’m so confused.”
He didn’t respond, just sat at her side giving her the support she needed.
“Blake?”
“You’ll have to decide that on your own.”
Several moments passed. It was as if he were deliberately giving her time to think.
He reached over and touched her hand resting on her saddle horn. “Why so sad today?”
She gave a small shrug. “Don’t know. Well, maybe I know. It’s my birthday, and I’m feeling a little sorry for myself.”
His brow arched. “Is that so?” He went for his inside pocket, making enough noise to make her smile. He pulled out an envelope. “Happy birthday.”
She studied what looked to be a letter in his hand. “You knew?”
He nodded. “Henry gave it to me. It’s from your father. He wrote one out for each of you while he still had the strength.”
She couldn’t speak for the knot lodged in her throat. Finally, she took the white envelope from his hand. “I-I don’t know if I can.”
A small smile played at the corner of his lips. “You can. I’ll ride over there a ways and give you some privacy. Go on, Belle. He’s waiting to speak with you.”
Belle took great care opening the precious gift. Her pounding heart made her head feel dizzy. Taking the sheets from the envelope, she was careful not to let any get away in the breeze that had begun to stir the grass. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, noting the stains on the paper.
My Dearest Belle,
Happy birthday! I can just imagine what a beautiful young lady you’ve become. If you look anything like your mother, rivers will still in your presence, and the sun will stop its track across the sky. I’ve loved you dearly through the years, and now have a story I’d like to share.
I remember twenty-two years ago today as if it were yesterday. You came earlier than expected, surprising us both. Your mother awoke me with a hand to my arm. Fumbling my way into my clothes, I hurried to send for the midwife. The labor was long and difficult, and I was scared. For a while it looked as if you’d not come at all.
Belle had to stop reading and search for her handkerchief in her pocket. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Glancing over, she saw Blake watching her. He gave a small smile, then looked away. Strengthened, she read on.
I paced the front room with Mavis in my arms, rocking and singing to her when she cried for her mama. Finally, the midwife came out with you in her arms. I took you, and she took Mavis, and we went in to see your mother. The room was so quiet after what had just transpired. You looked up at me with your large blue eyes in that perfect sweet face, wondering who your father was.
We thought all was well. The midwife left. After a few hours, we learned you wouldn’t eat. No matter how hard Celeste worked, you refused her breast. You weren’t a large baby to begin with, so in my mind, you wouldn’t last long. Your cries sliced through me like a knife. We tried everything. By the second day, you were growing alarmingly weak. Rejected the sugar water we offered.
Time was running out. Against your mother’s wishes, I bundled you up, mounted my horse, and rode off into the wilderness looking for the Indians. Not all the Indians were friendly. I had to be careful. Finally finding a small band, I approached slowly. They heard the crying infant. I offered the only thing of real value I had: my hunting rifle. They took you, Belle. The gamble was risky. That band of Cheyenne could have disappeared with you into the night since I had to go home to care for Celeste and Mavis. You stayed until I was sure you were eating as you should. Two days later, when I brought you back to Celeste, your cheeks were full and rosy. You had the sweetest smile I’d ever seen. And you’d learned to nurse. Don’t know if your mother forgave me for that. She never said, but we were both thankful to have you home.
Now you know why I’ll never forget your birth.
My special girl.
May this birthday be as special as you are . . .
All my love,
Father
A painful joy sprouted inside Belle. What a tale! And what a wonderful gift to hear the telling from her father’s own hand. He’d saved her life. He was so brave and smart.
How will I ever get over losing him?
As she looked up and met Blake’s eyes again, she knew how. She’d stay here, in Eden, working her father’s land next to the man he’d loved as much as he did his daughters.