Life Amidst Ruin

By Jessica Gober

In the second installment of the Rockford Life Trilogy, Dan and Lorena Rockford have built a successful ranch in Oregon and aside from the death of their youngest son, have a happy family. When war breaks out in the East, it seems far away but will affect them more than they can possibly imagine.

Dan’s brother, Jake, returns to Virginia so his children can meet their mother’s family only to be greeted by the War Between the States. Jake and the Hardways brace for the hard realities of war, knowing that they could lose their homes, their sons, and their lives. Yet even in this grim setting, they find reasons to keep living.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Gober
• Release date: Aug 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301288595

Jessica Gober

Jessica Gober calls the beautiful Pacific Northwest home. She received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, along with minors in Chemistry, English, and Russian, from Washington State University. Following graduation, she decided to pursue her lifelong passion for writing and published the three novels she had already written. After writing her fourth, which is currently undergoing editing, she returned to school and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Arizona State University.

Book preview

Life Amidst Ruin

Jessica Gober

The Rockford Life Trilogy

Book 2

Copyright 2013 Jessica Gober

Smashwords Edition

Cover design by Stephannie Beman

Cover photography by Jimsphotos, Rickaboo, and Christavengel

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please visit Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Family Tree

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

About the Author

Novels by Jessica Gober

Preview of There Is Life After Death

Family Tree

Prologue

The tan cowboys turned in their saddles to look as the wagon rattled along the dusty path. The owner had returned from his trip to town. After a quick glance, the cowboys turned their attention back to the task at hand: finding wild longhorns in the Texas brush. Spotting one, two cowboys set off after it to rope it and drag it back to the growing herd.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Luke Houston removed his dust-brown Stetson and wiped his sweaty brow with his forearm. Replacing the hat, he eyed the sun: almost time to go. He surveyed the herd that he was helping keep together; the wild longhorns did not relish the confinement. The cowboys were amassing a sizeable herd, and any day now the branding would begin. He grimaced. Branding was not true cowboy work since it could not be done in the saddle.

One steer suddenly made a break from the cluster of cattle. With a kick to his horse’s sides, Luke raced off after the animal to head it off. Breathing heavily, he turned the steer and chased it back to the group.

All right, boys, Bud Hardin, the foreman, called. Those of ya on first watch go on and git some grub.

Luke spurred his roan, falling in with those who were on the first watch with him. Curly Sloan and Red Holt led the pack, so Luke held back, avoiding the troublesome pair. Nathan Withers, the segundo, rode behind the two, never taking his steel blue eyes off them. John McCaleb and his cousin Billy Hayes were in the center of the pack. Brazos Stone, the quiet red-head, rode slightly apart from the group. And Wes Creighton, the youngest, brought up the rear. Luke rode in silence next to McCaleb before dropping back by the kid.

Creighton.

The kid nodded his head. Luke smiled to himself. At seventeen, Creighton was only two years younger than him, yet Creighton was the kid.

Luke turned his chocolate eyes toward the shack where his boss, Anders, lived. The wagon sat in front of the shack along with a second unfamiliar wagon. Luke squinted; half a dozen horses were picketed near the wagons. Luke’s brow wrinkled.

By this time, the group had basically reached the shack, and the others had noticed the additional wagon and horses. The already quiet group grew even more so as even Sloan and Holt fell into silence. The eight reined up in front of the shack. They dismounted and picketed their horses, allowing the animals to graze.

Pork Eye, the cook for the outfit, looked up from the fire. De beans, de’re ‘most done. De coffee’s hot. He’p yarselves.

The cowboys, however, had not waited for the cook’s go ahead; they had immediately began pouring themselves cups of the strong black liquid. Shortly, Pork Eye had the meal finished, and everyone dug in.

Anders emerged from the shack. The man looked nothing like a ranch owner. He had dark brown hair and with the exception of a neatly trimmed handlebar mustache, was clean-shaven. He did none of the work; he merely spent the money and kept the books. Behind him, a much taller man stepped out. This second man was close to forty but looked older. Under his dust-covered Stetson, his face was dark and lined, indicating a number of years spent in the sun. His blue eyes focused on the group, but he was taking in the surroundings out of the corner of his eyes – the subtle sign of a man from the West. He showed signs of physical strength derived from arduous physical labor, and the jangling of his spurs as he walked suggested that he spent a great deal of time on a horse. Unlike Anders, this man was a cowboy – or, in the very least, he looked the part.

Anders cleared his throat. Men, this is Jake Rockford. He’s bought the herd. Luke stared at Anders; he had just lost his job. I know y’all had signed on for a cattle ranch, but this cattle business isn’t for me.

Silence settled over the camp. Jake Rockford stepped up next to Anders. Anyone who wants is welcome to stay on and help with the branding. And y’all are welcome to stay on permanently if y’all want, but it’s a long drive north; my brother and I own a ranch in Oregon. Luke blinked. That would be a long drive – and a long way back. Anyone who hires on for the drive will have a spot at the ranch. Luke blinked again. An interesting offer, but it meant leaving Texas for good.

Several cowboys emerged from the shack. They were all close to Rockford in age – no longer young men. Rockford continued laying out the offer. As you can see, I’ve brought a handful of men with me, but I couldn’t pull everyone from the ranch. And there’ll be plenty of work there as well because in addition to the larger herd, a few of our hands are planning on… retiring. Several of Rockford’s men smirked. Any of you who want to stay on, I expect you to be on watch tonight, and we’ll start branding in the morning. Those of you who don’t, clear out tonight.

I’ll pay y’all for your work up to this point tonight, Anders added. He started with Sloan and Holt, and the two mounted and rode off.

Luke breathed a sigh of relief; he was glad to be rid of those two. He blinked. He would have been rid of them when he cleared out on his own anyway… Was he leaving? Or was he staying on and going to Oregon? It definitely was a tempting offer. He knew that if he did not accept, it would be a while before he could find any other work. With the possibility of conflict between the states looming, jobs for cowboys were sparse in 1858. Yet going to Oregon would mean never returning to Texas. He did not have any family holding him here, but it was still his home.

As Anders paid McCaleb and Hayes, the cousins mounted and left. Their departure came as no surprise. Hayes had a gal he planned on marrying, and McCaleb supported his brother’s widow and young kids. Next thing Luke knew, Anders was beside him, handing him his pay. Luke accepted the money and sat there as Anders moved on to Creighton. I guess I’m going to Oregon, he told himself.

Creighton accepted his pay and continued to eat supper. He had nothing left in Texas. He had left home a few years back to help out his family; upon visiting last August, though, he had found his parents and younger brother and sister victims of a Comanche attack. He had no reason to stay, and as Luke figured, he probably wanted to get away.

Anders paid Stone, and Luke was surprised when the quiet man stayed. Withers also choose to remain, which pleased Luke. Nathan Withers was a good man. Finally, Anders gave Pork Eye his share. The cook looked up at Jake Rockford. Ya wouldn’t be needin’ no cook now, would ya?

Rockford grinned. I’ve always got room for a cook. Couldn’t bring the one from home as the men there would’ve been upset, and I’ve had enough of my own cooking. We’ll all be glad to have a cook.

Luke smiled to himself. This trail drive would be interesting, but the real adventure was waiting in Oregon.

Chapter 1

The cold blast whispered amid the leaves and plastered the clothes to the girl. She bent even lower over the horse’s neck, silently urging it to gallop faster. She snuck a quick look over her shoulder; the clouds were becoming grayer. Turning back, she spoke to the horse in hushed tones. The wind continued howling and whipping her long blonde hair against her fair face. In the distance, she could see the ranch buildings. She could barely hear the chestnut’s pounding hooves above the shrieking of the wind.

I need to make it home before the rain starts, she thought as she glanced behind her again. The rain had started a few miles back, and the wind was speeding the dark ominous clouds closer every second. She hunched over the chestnut’s neck. Hurry, hurry, she whispered, but the racing wind carried away her words. A cold wet raindrop landed on her head. A second fell on her bare arm, and a third on her neck. C’mon, she urged the horse.

The log ranch buildings were creeping closer, but the cold drops kept falling harder and harder. The rain pelted her from the side as the wind continued howling. Her clothes, heavy with water, clung to her. The girl dug her heels into the chestnut’s sides.

Riding at breakneck speed, she flew directly into the open barn. Whoa! she cried, tugging at the reins. The horse screeched to a stop. Breathing hard, the girl slid off the horse in one swift, fluid motion. With one hand, she reached up and brushed away the blonde hair plastered to her face. At the same time, she began to unsaddle the chestnut.

Well, well, Carolyn. Cut it a bit close this time?

She jumped at the sound of the voice behind her. Spinning around, she spotted a grinning dark blonde boy. Benton Rockford! she shrieked before lunging after her cousin, two years her junior. But Bent who would be fifteen in three months was strong and agile from working on the cattle ranch his entire life. He darted to the right, catching the ladder and hauling himself up into the hayloft in one quick, skilled step. He kicked the ladder down before Carolyn could climb up it.

Can’t get me now! he taunted.

Carolyn grunted in exasperation.

What? Am I too fast for you?

It’s these stinkin’ skirts; I can’t move in them.

Right.

They’re heavy with water.

A bit wet? Uncle Jake’s gonna be mad. You’re not supposed to go ridin’ alone… or in storms.

Hands on her hips, Carolyn looked up at her cousin, her blue eyes sparking with defiance. I’ll go wherever I want whenever I want. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a second horse, partially unsaddled. She grinned. You should talk, Bent! You were out riding too!

Bent’s grin faded at the accusation. Uh… no… no, I wasn’t.

You were too! Oh, is Aunt Lorie gonna have your hide. You’re not supposed to be on a horse at all!

That’s not true!

Yes, it is.

But how am I supposed to herd cattle without a horse?

Bent, what are you doing in the hayloft?

Carolyn turned to look as a dripping thirteen-year-old girl entered the barn. Her golden-brown braid, saturated with water, hung down her back. Her hazel eyes glanced inquisitively from her brother to Carolyn and back to Bent. He’s hiding from me, Clara.

Bent flamed red. No, I’m not.

Clara laughed a breezy, carefree laugh, soft and sweet. Were you teasing Carolyn again? She shook her head.

What are you doin’ here anyway, Clara? Bent asked. Carolyn resumed unsaddling the chestnut while listening to her cousins’ conversation.

Mother sent me to find you. She wants you to come in. I told her you were working in the barn, but you were out riding, weren’t you?

Bent sighed and jumped down from the hayloft, keeping a wary eye on Carolyn. You know I was. I had to…

Clara nodded. I understand. I want to go riding too, but after Michael’s death, Mother won’t let us. She’ll have to soon though. Daddy’ll say something, won’t he?

Bent shook his head. I’d think so, but I just don’t know. Keeping his eye trained on his cousin, he made his way over to his horse and finished unsaddling it.

Carolyn held the chestnut’s reins. Is it clear?

Clara glanced out the door. No one was in sight. Yes.

At breakneck speed, the three cousins, leading the two horses, ran to the corral. Clara swung the gate open so Bent and Carolyn could guide the horses in. The three swung the gate closed and sprinted toward the log house on the left.

*****

From a distance, Luke Houston’s chocolate eyes followed the three cousins as they sprinted toward the house. They did not know he was watching, but Wes Creighton did. Wes smiled and holding his reins in his left hand, adjusted his Stetson with the other. A torrent of water spilled off the brim and down his back, but he did not care; he was soaked already.

Luke’s heart thudded as he watched Carolyn Rockford. She had captured his attention last September when he had first reached the Rockford ranch in Oregon. And for the past seven months, he had suffered; the worst part was that she had not noticed. Nearly everyone else had, but not Carolyn. Luke sighed. She was his boss’ daughter, so he had no options. Thankfully, the only one in the family who had noticed was Bent, and Luke trusted him not to say anything.

Houston. Luke tore his gaze from Carolyn to face Creighton. We got work to do.

Luke nodded, and his roan fell into a trot behind Creighton’s. The drizzle of rain continued. While the April weather in Oregon was a lot wetter than in Texas, it certainly fit his mood.

*****

Lorena Rockford looked up from the dough she was kneading as the three cousins stumbled into the house. They were drenched from head-to-toe. What were you two up to out there?

Um… Bent muttered as Clara stared at the floor.

Bent and I were grooming the horses when Clara came to find us, Carolyn replied, meeting her aunt’s gaze.

Lorena eyed her niece. The girl was like a daughter to her; after all, she had been the only mother figure in the girl’s life. Lorena suspected that Carolyn was not telling the whole truth. Go change into some dry clothes before y’all catch colds.

Carolyn and Clara scampered into one of the two bedrooms; Carolyn had been staying with them while her father had gone into town. Bent scaled the ladder into the loft that had been built for the boys. Lorena turned back to the dough. Blinking back the tears in her blue-green eyes, she pounded it a few times.

The door flew open again. This time Jake Rockford strode in. Lorena caught her breath; it still astonished her how much he resembled her husband. Jake’s brilliant blue eyes met hers, and he smiled.

Jake, how was your trip? He had only been gone two days, but it felt like much longer.

Fine. You got a letter from your sister.

Catherine? I haven’t heard from her in a while.

I thought the two of you were close.

We were, but I haven’t seen her in… fifteen years now?

Has it really been that long? It feels like just yesterday that –

Lorena turned to see what had interrupted Jake. He was staring at his daughter; Carolyn had just emerged from Clara’s room. Jake blinked. She looked so much like her mother. Every time he saw her it hit him again. Emotions and memories were tugging at him when Carolyn said, Daddy! and ran to him. He pulled her close and rested his chin on her blonde head. He could not believe that she would be seventeen next month. His gaze met Lorie’s; she was watching him strangely. He tried to hide his lingering sadness over his wife’s death nearly sixteen years ago from his brother and Lorie, but now she saw it.

Bent clambered down the ladder.

Jake released his daughter. Is Sam up there?

Bent shook his head. No, he’s out with Father.

At that moment, Sam, followed by Dan Rockford, walked into the house. They, too, were drenched.

Jake, welcome back, Dan said, shaking his younger brother’s hand. Did you get the price we wanted?

Dan Rockford, what do you think you are doing?

Grinning sheepishly, Dan turned to face his wife. Lorena stood with her hands on her hips, giving her husband a disapproving frown. "You are going to get out of those wet clothes, and you’re going to allow your brother to spend some time with – and say hello to – his children before asking about cattle. You hear me?"

Yes, ma’am. Turning, Dan headed into the larger bedroom.

Sam nodded to his father and climbed into the loft to change as well.

*****

After supper, Dan, Jake, and Lorena sat in the main room. They had verified that the children were all asleep in order to prevent eavesdropping as the cousins had a history of listening in on their parents’ conversations.

So did we secure the buyer? Dan asked, leaning forward. His wife sat beside him on the settee, and his brother sat across from them.

Jake nodded. There’s a demand for meat. The emigrants fresh off the trail are always ready for fresh meat after living off biscuits, bacon, and beans for six months.

Lorena smiled. We know what that’s like.

Both men nodded, and Jake continued. But the wagons won’t be here ‘til fall, so the stores won’t enlarge their stock ‘til then, just like every year. However, the sea thing looks promising. Many of the ships heading to California and on to the East are looking for meat to serve for at least part of their journeys. And it’s just about the season when the ships come in and out. Looks like there’s a great deal to be had there.

Dan nodded and leaned forward. Look, Jake, I know originally you could only swing about a third of the share – over my protests of giving you half anyway. And with the recent expansion, I’ve nearly doubled my original holdin’s – and that’s just with the land and cattle – while your turnover’s been less, equattin’ at best a quarter share in the ranch now.

That’s about right.

Lorena glanced from her husband to Jake and back.

I was thinkin’… this sea idea was yours. You take the majority of the profits and put ‘em toward doublin’ or triplin’ your holdin’s –

No. The sea thing was just as much yours as mine. Plus, you have to pay the men.

It’s not a big deal. I can suffer a little loss. But if you increase your holdin’s, we could truly be partners.

I’m not going to take your charity. Jake stood up. I’m gonna head home. Lorie, is it all right if Carolyn and Sam stay another night?

Of course. I’ll send them over in the morning. Good night, Jake.

Good night. Jake walked across the room and out the door.

After the door closed, Lorena turned to face her husband. Why didn’t you tell me that Jake owned such a small portion of the ranch?

Dan shrugged. It didn’t matter much in the beginnin’; we had nearly equal portions so we acted like partners. But in the last few years, I’ve expanded, and he hasn’t. Ever since we added onto the herd last fall, I’ve been paying all the men. Jake won’t even be part of the decision makin’; he argues that he doesn’t hold enough to have a say. It’s why he volunteered to go to Texas when we discussed growin’ the herd. He didn’t think he should run this place when he owned such a small piece. But he also didn’t have the money to expand, so most of the new herd’s mine. He paused, and his serious blue eyes met his wife’s. It’s frustratin’, Lorena. He won’t take any of my offers – tonight wasn’t my first attempt. I don’t think he’s even breakin’ even. He won’t let me pick up any more of the costs. He’s so stubborn.

Lorena smiled. Reminds me of someone else I know.

A slight smile lightened Dan’s serious expression, but it quickly disappeared. I don’t think I’ll be able to wear him down. He paused again. And soon he’s not goin’ to be able to buy some of the necessities.

Lorena put her hand on her husband’s. Don’t worry. He’ll figure something out. And if he doesn’t, he will come to you, but not a moment before he must. You Rockford men are not only stubborn but very proud as well.

He grinned and pulled her against him. You’re right about that. He held her for a minute in comfortable silence. Lorena, it’s time to let Bent back on a horse.

Dan. She spun in his arms to face him. He could see the tears welling up in her beautiful blue-green eyes.

It’s been three months, he said gently. I want to start showin’ Bent how to run this place, and I need him in the saddle for that.

But… She was too choked up to continue, so she merely stared at him.

Michael’s death was an accident, Lorena. No amount of skill could’ve prevented it. And it’s not fair to keep Bent out of the saddle.

I just… I don’t know.

He’s goin’ to find a way to get back on a horse. His patience won’t last much longer.

Lorena nodded softly and brushed a tear from her eye. Bent can. She swallowed. But not Clara, not yet.

Lorena, you’re not going to be able to keep her off as well. They grew up around horses. She’ll want to ride again soon.

I know… but for now she doesn’t need to be.

Dan closed his eyes for a second. All right, for now, just Bent.

*****

The next morning, April 21st, 1859, Luke placed his saddle on his roan. He looked over at Wes who was saddling his own mount. Got a lot of work ahead of us today, he muttered. Wes nodded, placing one foot in the stirrup and swinging the other leg over the horse. Luke secured his own saddle and mounted as well. He froze. We got company.

Sam and Bent Rockford came around the barn, each leading a saddled horse. Father said we’re to work with y’all today, Bent said.

Luke nodded. Glad to have the help.

Sam and Bent swung up into their saddles.

Good to have you back, Bent, Wes added. Luke smiled. Wes was the closest in age of all the men on the ranch to Bent – with the exception of Sam, but the soon-to-be sixteen-year-old rarely spoke – so in the last seven months, Bent and Wes had become good friends. Actually, Luke realized that all three of them – Bent, Wes, and himself – had formed a trio of friends. However, Bent and Wes were closer. Even with only two years between Luke and Wes, the younger cowboy had bonded more with Bent who would turn fifteen in a few months. Around that same time, Wes would turn nineteen, while Luke would turn twenty-one.

*****

Dan turned in the saddle to face his brother who had just ridden up. How they doin’?

Almost done. Bent doesn’t look like he’s missed a day.

Dan nodded. He’s a great herder.

The herd’s looking good. Who are you sending into town?

Don’t know. I reckon I ought to take it and secure the deal with the ships, but I hate to leave Lorena.

She’s still having a hard time with Michael’s death? Michael had been Dan and Lorena’s youngest son. He had barely been twelve when he had been thrown from a startled horse nearly three months before.

Dan nodded. Look, I hate to ask you to go again so soon –

I don’t mind.

It’s not fair to Carolyn and Sam.

They understand.

Silence settled over the brothers for a few minutes. Look, Jake, if you’re goin’ to do most of the work, you deserve a bigger cut –

Not this again –

This isn’t charity. If you put in the extra work, you earn a larger portion.

We’ve had this discussion before, regarding Texas.

It’s still true.

Jake was silent. Dan turned to survey the small herd his son, his nephew, Creighton, and Houston were putting together to take into town and sell. Business was booming; Dan only wished that his brother could benefit from it.

Dan. Dan turned to face his brother again. I want you to buy my share in the ranch. Dan spun further in the saddle to look his brother in the eye. Jake hurried to explain. I need the money –

I’ll give you the money.

I don’t want your charity.

Dan gritted his teeth. If you sell, what are you goin’ to do? When his brother did not respond, Dan pressed on. The money from the sale won’t last you – and the pay as a ranch hand is decent but not enough to support Carolyn and Sam.

I don’t plan on working as a ranch hand.

Dan’s eyes widened. Then…

I’m leaving. Looking into selling to the ships got me thinking about Virginia. The best thing for Carolyn and Sam is to return to Virginia – and I need the money from the sale to buy passage as well as property there.

Silence settled over the brothers. Dan massaged his temples, dragging his fingers across his eyes and squeezing the bridge of his nose. Look, Jake, I’m not goin’ to try to talk you out of this. I can see that you’re determined. I just want to know why.

Carolyn and Sam never knew their mother. Since the ranch isn’t working for me, I thought maybe it was time they met Anna’s family – and they are all back East.

Dan nodded slowly. I’ll buy your share, but… will you have enough?

Jake shrugged. I’ll make it work.

You said you’d buy sea passage… it would be cheaper to travel overland.

Jake shook his head. I’m not doing that again. I’m not subjecting Carolyn and Sam to the trail.

Dan pressed his lips together. The trail had taken Jake’s wife sixteen years ago; Dan understood his brother’s reluctance. I’ll buy your share, but let me give you –

Dan –

"Let me lend you some extra money, so you’ll have plenty for the journey and to last you when you get there."

Dan –

Fine. If you don’t want me to help, I’ll buy your share of the ranch, but I’ll pay twice as much as it’s worth.

Dan – Dan’s eyes narrowed. Jake sighed. All right. You can pay me more than it’s worth. There’s no sense in arguing with you; you’re too stubborn.

I’m stubborn? You’re the stubborn one.

Jake laughed. I reckon we both are.

Dan nodded.

*****

Whoa! Wes cried, reining up. He turned his blue eyes to see what had caused Houston to stop so suddenly in front of him.

Clara Rockford hopped down from her seat on the corral gate. Carolyn was right behind her. Wes glanced at Bent who was on the horse next to him. Bent flashed him a grin. Wes gave him a knowing smile before shaking his head. Houston’s feelings for Carolyn Rockford were no mystery.

Bent slid off his roan. Howdy, Clara. Whatcha doin’ out here?

The girl shrugged. Mother had supper finished and sent us out here to wait for y’all.

Bent grinned. I’ll unsaddle and be on my way.

I’ll wait for you. Daddy already headed in.

Bent nodded and scurried into the barn. Sam followed with a glance between his sister and Houston.

Silence settled over the two cowboys and the girls. Wes cleared his throat. So… Clara, did you go riding today? He had spent some time with both Clara and Carolyn over the past seven months. All of the cousins spent time together, and as Wes and Luke had gotten to know Bent, they had tagged along with the cousins on rides. Thus, Wes was comfortable talking to the two girls. Houston, however, had a hard time even functioning in Carolyn’s presence.

Clara shook her head.

Really? I thought you’d be excited to go again.

I’m still not allowed.

Wes blinked. Maybe he had not picked such a safe topic in an attempt to help Houston out. I’m sorry. I just thought that if Bent was back on a horse, you would be too.

Clara shook her head. You’d think so, but –

Bent and Sam returned, interrupting her. Carolyn spoke for the first time. Sam, we’re eating at the house.

Sam merely nodded, but Bent said, Really?

Carolyn shrugged. We’re eating separately tonight.

Bent’s eyebrows rose. Well, then, we’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Carolyn nodded. Bye, she said as she bounced off. Sam followed silently behind her; Carolyn’s fiery personality more than made up for her brother’s shyness.

Houston’s chocolate eyes followed Carolyn. Bent and Clara exchanged glances. Guess we better head in, Bent said. Clara nodded. See y’all tomorrow.

See ya tomorrow, Bent. Evening, Clara, Wes said. Houston merely nodded.

Bent started off for the house. His sister waved and hurried off after him. When the pair was about thirty yards away from the cowboys, Clara spoke. Poor Luke.

Bent laughed. Has Carolyn ever said anything to you?

Clara shook her head. I think she’s the only one who doesn’t see how he feels, and the sad part is that I doubt she’d even return the feelings.

Bent shook his head. You’re probably right.

Clara smiled as the two reached the house. They quickly mounted the steps to head inside for supper.

*****

Bent swung up into the saddle. I can’t believe y’all are leavin’, he said to Sam.

You’re leavin’? Luke asked. He and Creighton had ridden up in time to catch the end of the conversation.

Sam nodded.

Where ya going? Creighton asked.

Sam glanced at Bent who answered the question. They’re goin’ back to Virginia – where our parents are from.

They’re? Luke asked, his voice hoarse.

Bent nodded. Uncle Jake’s takin’ Carolyn and Sam; they leave in June by boat.

Luke blinked. His heart ached as it dropped into his stomach.

Creighton glanced at Luke. This is pretty sudden, isn’t it?

Sam shrugged.

We only found out last night, Bent said.

Silence settled over the four for a minute before Creighton spoke. I reckon we better get to work.

Luke nodded and turned his roan to follow the others. Leaving. She was leaving. He closed his eyes. Perhaps it was for the best; they had no future, and maybe it would be easier if she were gone. But he did not feel better; in fact, he felt much worse.

Chapter 2

Salina Hardway surveyed the room. It looked as it always did: elegant. She sighed. Why was she so nervous? She smoothed her red silk skirt. After all, it was only family coming to the plantation that November afternoon in 1860. All of them had been here before; in fact, her husband’s sister had even grown up in this very house on the Hardway plantation.

A creak behind her brought a sharp turn of her perfectly-pinned head. Her fiery green eyes landed on her daughter. Mary Anne’s fifteenth birthday had been the