The Better Thing

By PJ Hoge

Three days before her wedding, Autumns life fell in shambles. Emotionally distraught at Brads death, her parents felt it may be a good idea for her to visit relatives in North Dakota for a change of scenery. Her cousins became concerned about her use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills, and convinced her to get counseling.
While sorting through the mysterious web surrounding Brads death, it became necessary for her and Father Landers to travel to the Deep South to investigate. There they unraveled not only the mystery of Brads life, but their own childhoods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543415797

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

THE BETTER

THING

dreamstime_m_13103965.jpg

PJ HOGE

Copyright © 2017 by PJ Hoge.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/17/2017

Xlibris

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With special thanks to Mike, Mark, Dorie,

Sherry and Sarah

Other Books in the

Prairie Preacher Series

Prairie Preacher

Victoria’s Nest

Rainbows & Rattlesnakes

Z

Kartoffel Noggin

Coot & the Gophers

Life in the Petunia Patch

Pickle Jar

Potato Peelings

Winter Shadows

Venom of the Queen Bee

Probably Yesterday

Buck Fifty

Families! Good, Bad & Wobbly

Loose Ends

Miss Puffer and the Banshee

Rusty Zipper

Flutes and Fiddles

Balancing Rock

Summer Rain

Coming soon:

Rats in the Sleeping Bag

1-

Twenty-four year old Autumn Simms nervously looked out the window of the airplane. It was the first time that she had ever seen the prairies. She had heard about them to be sure, but had never seen them herself. Although she knew they were not wooded, from the air they looked nearly barren. Born and raised in the lushness of the deep South, she could barely imagine anything treeless, except maybe a desert.

She leaned back in her seat, ‘I’m certain there will be many things I’ve never imagined. Who would have ever thought that this July, I’d be moving to the northern prairies? I sure hope this isn’t another blunder!’

The brunette fiddled with the end of her seat belt and tried to keep from a total meltdown. Since May, her well-organized life had become a major, unadulterated disaster. There was little she could even refer to without her hazel eyes welling up with tears and her stomach contracting in agony. Autumn tried to think of something pleasant. Nothing came to her. Everything was dampened by the recent events. She had always been one who made a plan and adhered to it. She set her aim and worked to achieve it. Everything was organized.

She had graduated college and then received her RN pin and degree from Lawrence Medical in mid-May. She had a job lined up for the beginning of June. Her new employers promised her the time off for her wedding and honeymoon, even though she would have only worked a couple days before then. She would use that time for orientation. After she and Brad returned from their honeymoon, she would begin work in earnest. They were only going to be gone a few days.

The girl shook her head and returned to gazing out the window. This landscape was not exactly what she and Brad planned to be seeing. She and Brad were going to Rio de Janeiro for four days for their honeymoon! They had planned it for months and were anxiously looking forward to it. Instead, she was on a plane over the Midwest.

The pilot announced they would be landing in Bismarck in about twenty minutes. He said the weather was eighty-five degrees and light winds from the west. A pleasant day in the early 1970’s, and the first day of her new life.

‘I hope Auntie Alma doesn’t forget me. If I remember right, she said it is quite a drive to their farm. I can’t believe I’m doing this. If she isn’t there to meet me, I’ll just die.’ She rubbed her hands together and noticed her engagement ring. Stopping and staring at it for a minute, she frowned, ‘I probably should take this off. I have no idea why I am still wearing it. If only…’ She stopped herself.

That if only preamble always led to a crying jag, which she didn’t need now. Auntie Alma had been a saint to invite her to stay at their place. Since Uncle George was still struggling with his chemotherapy, she really didn’t need to put up with her whimpering as well. Certainly Auntie Alma could use some help, but everyone knew she had it under control. The request for her to come up was for Autumn’s sake, not Alma’s. It was Autumn who was falling apart.

She sighed and reached for her purse from under the seat. The girl looked into her hand mirror and shook her head in repulsion. She not only felt like a wreck, but looked like one. She went to the restroom and tried to do some magic on herself. It was an improvement, but by no means the creation of any glamor queen. She looked like a drudge. A total frump.

The beige pantsuit she had chosen for the trip only compounded that. It was like she was. Functional. She combed her short, curly ash brown hair and debated about putting on some makeup. The stewardess clicked on the intercom and told everyone to return to their seats. Her only consolation was that it solved the debate. Now she had an excuse to not put make up on.

Soon she was going down the steps to the tarmac in Bismarck. It was the capital city, in the center of the state of North Dakota. Her aunt and uncle’s farm was about 60 plus miles northeast of there, near a tiny hamlet named Merton. It should be a good place to hide out. The population was low so it likely wouldn’t require much interaction with other folks. She knew Auntie Alma and Uncle George very well. She could be as comfortable around them as her own parents, or even more so. Living out on the isolated prairies sounded to her like just what she needed. Alone, peace, and quiet solitude. She craved that and she was rather confident that life in rural Merton would be that place.

Alma and George Jessup were waiting inside the terminal with welcoming arms. Once in Auntie Alma’s embrace, she let a few tears slip down her cheeks but they were expected. She loved these people.

You look good, Auntie Alma, she said. I love your hair that way.

Thank you, Alma Jessup beamed. My girls did a make-over on me. They were embarrassed to be seen in public with my dowdy self!

Autumn smiled, but she couldn’t help but wonder what they would do with the dowdy self she was nurturing! It was okay however, because she didn’t plan to be seen in public. She reached out to Uncle George and gave him a hug, You look a little thinner, but other than that you still have that devilish glint in your eye!

I’m holding on to that! the man in his seventies said. The good Lord put it there for a reason!

I’m sure he did, Autumn agreed.

George Jessup hugged his niece and then said, I brought the farm truck so we could haul all your baggage! I suppose we should start retrieving it if we want to get home before nightfall.

You are so bad, Uncle George. Autumn said, Actually, I only have two bags. Mother sent the rest Parcel Post, so expect a semi-truck any day now.

Ye gads, we only set aside one room for you. Uncle George frowned, I suppose we’ll need to remodel, Ma! Looks like the girl will use that room for her closet!

No worries George, I’ll jam both pair of your jeans into your sock drawer and we’ll do fine! Alma took her hand, Come. Let’s get over to baggage claim and let these other folks do their greeting.

As they approached the conveyor belt, the bags were snaking their way in from the tarmac. George turned to her, I hope you marked them so we know which is whose. I mean it would be a sad thing to drag home a bag of diamonds instead of your bloomers, huh?

Autumn grinned. Now she remembered why she loved him so much. Auntie Alma was her mother’s sister and a saint, but Uncle George, while always kind, understanding, but full of the devil and loved to tease. Even when he was disciplining you, he managed to tease.

Two young men who were standing by the conveyor approached them. Sammy smiled, Autumn Leaves! It is me, Sammy. Your favorite cousin!

You aren’t her favorite, Joey made a face, pushing himself ahead of his brother, Everybody knows that Leaves and I go way back!

The two men near thirty hugged her and then started to squabble about who she liked best. She listened a minute and then said, You guys haven’t changed a bit! You were always a pair of clowns.

Stunned, Sam turned to Joey in mock concern, What do you think she means by that?

That we are her favorites! I mean, everybody loves clowns right? the taller man chuckled.

Uncle George raised his eyebrows, I don’t think so. I think she means you’d better get the girl’s bags to the car. She is mailing the rest so only has two with her. Think you can handle that?

Joey turned to her, Do you remember which one is the heaviest, Leaves?

She laughed, They are both navy blue and weigh the maximum allowed.

I just knew it, Sammy groaned. Old Leaves would do that! Hasn’t changed a bit! I remember when I got conned into carrying those pails of water for you! I think my back has been bad ever since!

Autumn crossed her eyes, I’ll give you an aspirin.

Her fair-haired well-built cousin who sported more than a few freckles under his tan, grinned, Mighty kind of you, Ma’am. Don’t overdo on my account.

Joey, who had darker hair but otherwise looked like his brother, watched the bags on the conveyor belt, Hey Leaves, did it happen to dawn on you that almost every bag is navy blue?

There was a sale, I guess, she shrugged. Mine have red tassels on them.

Tassel? Joey blustered, Who but you would tassel their bags?

They all looked over to the bags and over half of them had tassels, red ones. Oh. He crinkled his brow, Is there a particular shade of red we should be looking for?

Autumn turned to her aunt, I might just grab a return flight.

Sorry, Fallen Leaves, Sam said, We get few planes up this way. The next flight out is in January. Isn’t that right, Joey?

Yah, if they get enough people. Otherwise February.

Uncle George intervened, Boys, get the girl’s bag and quit bugging her. You aren’t ten anymore.

Well, I know I am, Sam boasted, What about you, Joe?

Yup, and have been for nearly twenty years!

Auntie Alma whispered to her, I have a spare bottle I keep in the corn crib. I’ll show you where it is when we get home.

Thanks. I may need it.

As the men tucked the two heavy bags into the trunk, Joey said, Hey, Sam said he is buying us a milkshake at the Log House before you head home. Okay?

Did I do that? Sam looked puzzled, Could have sworn that was your voice.

The medium height, balding Uncle George sighed, That’s what happens when you share a brain, boys. We’ll stop and you two can fight over the bill. I assume you each have your own wheels.

Yah, we do, Joey explained. That’s in case we quit talking to each other.

Autumn crossed her eyes, You guys are just plain weird.

You can ride with me, Joey offered with a boyish grin. I have a big pickup.

She cannot, Sam reprimanded him, There is so much junk in the passenger seat, you couldn’t get a pigeon in there!

Now just why in hell would I want a pigeon in my pickup cab?

While those two were bickering, the others got in their car and drove out of the airport parking lot. You know, Ma, Uncle George said to his wife, watching his sons in the rearview mirror, I think we should have quit reproducing after the first couple kids. There was no improvement on the rest, for sure.

Oh Pa, Auntie Alma commiserated, But the striving to produce a good one was the best part.

Autumn started to giggle and soon was in a full-blown laugh. She hadn’t laughed like that in months. She was surprised she still remembered how.

Their snack was some French fries with their milk shakes and were actually quite full when they headed home. The boys both had to leave for work and wouldn’t be home for dinner, so they had cheeseburgers with their milkshakes.

We’d love to be home to reminisce, but we have to go earn a living. Sam pointed out, Besides, if you rest up, you may be ready to handle us tomorrow.

Joey explained, Only because we work all night, so we will be worn down.

The three vehicles headed north on the highway toward Merton after having said goodbye to the young men. Do they work at the same place? Autumn asked.

They both work at a power plant, but different ones, Auntie Alma answered. They aren’t always that silly, but they’re very glad you were coming out.

I’m glad to see them. We used to have fun when we were kids. Autumn looked out the window, How far away do all your kids live from your place?

Well, Linda, of course, lives in Texas with her family. John lives in Illinois and the others all live within six miles or so of us. These two, Joey and Sam, will be home until they get married, Auntie Alma listed them off. They will be moving near to where their girls work. They both have to drive to their jobs anyway, so thought this way would be better.

Now, their fiancées are sisters, right?

Yes, they are both Fedders. You’ll like them. I think they are about your age and have been exposed to those two knotheads long enough so they understand us, Uncle George laughed. It does take a specific kind of mind to accommodate us!

I can’t believe they still call me Leaves. I hated that so much back then and they thought they were so funny, the young lady shook her head.

Apparently, they still do. Uncle George nodded, Don’t plan on them getting over it. They may not. They call Beth and Bonnie’s brother, who is a priest, Slick. Sometimes I honestly wonder if they even know he is named Bart.

They know, Auntie Alma said, But look at Darrell. If there was anyone who never uses someone’s real name, it is him. In fact, he started the Slick business.

He is married, too, right?

Yes. He married Jeannie Frandsen. She is a sweetheart. Eve is married to Mervin Olson, but everyone calls him Chatterbox. That guy has a heart of gold but he talks non-stop. He and our baby Eve make a good couple, because she doesn’t listen. Or if she does, she likely forgets anything the poor man says. Auntie Alma went on, Her head is a complete vacuum and no memory!

One thing about it, Uncle George grinned, Everything is always new and exciting to her!

She can’t be that bad, Autumn said, She went to college and has a good job.

We know. None of us can figure out how that happened.

2-

About an hour later, Alma pointed out the sign for Merton. On this side of town is the Retirement Home. It is very large and takes folks in from all over the state. It is a nice place with a good reputation. And here is our Main Street. It must be what, George? Five blocks long?

No. I think maybe it’s up to seven or eight.

We have a Greek Orthodox church and the Catholic church and school here. There is also the public school that our kids attended. Of course, a couple stores and such. We even have a city park. It consists of a water fountain and a bench by that one daisy. Fancy place!

It seems very nice, Autumn said mechanically.

Stifle the exuberance, Girl, Uncle George laughed, I’d hate to have you get the flutters!

I thought that Marly’s husband had a church here.

It is east about five miles, Alma explained. Marly asked us to stop in if you aren’t too tired from your flight. We’d like to check on Byron.

I’m tired, but wound up. I don’t mind stopping. How many kids do they have again? Autumn asked. I’m afraid I can’t keep them all straight.

Me, either, George moaned. But one meeting with any of the youngest will no doubt be an indelible impression!

Oh now George, Alma said. They are fine young people.

Didn’t say they weren’t, just memorable.

They have five, their four and they are in the process of adopting the youngest girl.

Autumn would have preferred to just go to her room, but knew they wanted to see them. Besides, they were family, so she almost had to be polite. The three got out of the car at the two-story parish house just north of Trinity Lutheran Church. There was no one around so Autumn hoped no one was home.

Once the car door opened, a darting movement was visible from behind the house. Before Autumn could blink twice, there were two little boys about eight years old each carrying shovels standing right by the car. One was blonde, blue-eyed with freckles and the other was an Indian boy with black hair and brown eyes.

Hi Grampa, the tow head said, Who did you bring to our house?

I brought your Mom’s cousin, Autumn. She is going to stay with us. Autumn, meet your second cousin, Charlie Ellison.

Autumn extended her hand to the boy, who studied her, Are you a grownup?

Kind of, she smiled. Are you?

No, me and CJ are kids yet, but we have lots of jobs. So, we are getting grownup. Do you have a job?

Not right now, she answered. But I am a nurse.

Do you give shots and that stuff?

I have done that.

This here is CJ, my best friend. You can shake his hand if you want.

I would like that, she held out her hand to the little boy who wiped it off on his jeans before he shook hers.

Hello. I’m CJ Grey Hawk. I live just over there, he pointed to the east. You can come to my house whenever you want. I’ll tell you where we keep the cookies.

Well thank you, CJ. That’s very nice of you.

He knows where all the food is, Charlie explained. Me and him always fill our pockets when we go exploring. Do you want to come exploring with us?

Maybe sometime. I flew in from Atlanta today, so I’m pretty tuckered out.

Charlie frowned, Do you know how to fly an airplane, too?

No, I meant I rode on the airplane. Do you know how to fly?

No, I’m just learning to swim now, but maybe I’ll learn that next week. We have this friend guy who flies a plane. His name is Crandall. Do you know him?

I don’t believe so. Autumn answered, It sounds like he has an exciting job.

CJ added, When he comes up here, he has his own room at our house. I told him where the cookies are. He was glad to know it.

Well, boys, we’re going to steal a cup of coffee from your Mom, Alma said.

You don’t have to steal it. She’ll give it to you. She’s pretty good that way. Charlie confided. We’d come in, but me and CJ have to put our shovels away now and take care of our rabbits.

Maybe you can come see our rabbits later, Miss Otto. CJ offered.

I think I would like to do that sometime. Likely not today though.

When you aren’t tired no more, you can call my house and ask for me when you want to, okay?

Okay, CJ.

With that, the two boys took off at break neck speed carrying their shovels to the tool shed behind the parish. George Jessup looked after them, They go by the name of the Dynamic Duo.

I can understand that.

Marly had opened the door and was coming down the steps to give Autumn a hug. Welcome to the prairies! It is great to see you.

They exchanged an embrace and Marly invited them in. There was a small, girl with a mop of very dark curly hair, holding the door open. When George and Alma got to the door, the girl who just turned five, gave them a kiss and hug. Come in, Grampa and Gramma. We have our tea dishes out for you. Mom and I did it.

Alma entered the homey kitchen and looked at the table. It was all set and even had a tablecloth with a vase full of flowers in the middle. It looks magnificent, she told the little girl.

Me and Mom picked the flowers from our yard. We wanted to make it ‘specially nice to be welcome.

Then Marly and Autumn came in and Marly introduced them. This is Autumn Simms, Gopher. She is my cousin from down south. Autumn, this is Miriam, our youngest.

The little girl smiled at her with her big brown eyes and pink cheeks, Hello.

Hello, Miriam.

The child quickly corrected her, I’m not Miriam. I’m Gopher.

Oh, I’m sorry. I have never met a Gopher before.

That’s okay, the girl responded, I never met you before, too.

Autumn looked at her aunt for understanding and she whispered. Just call her Gopher. I’ll explain later.

Marly motioned for them to take a seat and then told the little girl, Gopher, run tell Daddy that our guests are here.

The little girl looked at her Mom, Should I tell Brett, too?

You should. He is with your Dad.

Okay, she said as she dashed out of the room.

Marly explained, Brett is playing chess with Byron. Have a seat wherever you are comfortable. I leave this end open so Byron has room for his wheelchair.

How is my son-in-law doing? George asked.

Very well, Dad. The pretty, blonde, middle-aged housewife explained, He has been fortunate to have Pepper and Chris nearby so they can do his physical therapy every day. That has helped a lot. His balance is still unsteady, but it is improving. If he is going just a short ways, he can walk with his walker. Otherwise, he is relegated to his wheelchair, which he hates.

Is he still itching to get back to work?

Yes, but Marv… Oh, I’m sorry Autumn, Pastor Marv Olson is Byron’s associate at the church… has been sending him some folks to counsel with. That takes time and that’s what Byron has. It works out well for everyone.

Good, George approved, I’d hate to have him get rusty.

When did they remove the tumor? Autumn asked.

About two weeks ago. It was a meningioma, or however you say it.

You said it right, Autumn acknowledged. I’m glad he is doing well. Some can be quite nasty.

It sure was before they removed it, Marly agreed. We’re very thankful they were able to get it all. His vision is only slightly impaired. He got his new glasses. I think he looks distinguished.

No, I don’t, the middle-aged Pastor, Byron Ellison, interrupted as he entered the room, I look like Old Four Eyes!

Wait until you get landed with bifocals, George laughed. You can’t whine until then.

A tall, nice looking man in his early twenties wheeled Byron to the table, Hello, where do you want him parked, Marly?

Here at this end, she smiled and motioned.

Hi Brett, Alma grinned, We just picked up my niece from down south. Brett Schauer this is Autumn Simms.

Brett reached over and shook her hand, Pleased to meet you, Miss Simms.

Call me Autumn, please.

You can call me Brett, Autumn.

Hi Autumn, Byron stretched out his hand to shake hers. Marly is so excited to have you join us on the prairies. How was your trip?

Very good, but long. Layovers are dreadful.

Yes, they certainly can be. Byron agreed, Well, Pa and Ma will let you rest up… for what? Ten minutes before George works you to the bone.

No, I won’t. George replied, She’ll be all finished with her resting by the time we get to the house. Heavens to Betsy, she has been sitting all the way from Bismarck! And what about you, my son? Instead of lolling around here you could be putting down new flooring or something.

Right after you fix up Ma’s kitchen. Have you started on that yet?

Stifle it, you two! Alma groaned. What Brett must think!

Don’t mind me, Brett chuckled, Have you ever heard Carl talk?

Byron added, You’re right, Brett. That man is really something!

Marly explained to Autumn, Brett lives and works on Dan and Jen’s farm. He also works as a high line man and a karate and judo instructor.

Not to mention, Byron continued, He makes some mean barbequed ribs.

Really? Autumn smiled, A Renaissance man?

No. I just get bored easily. Brett said as he pulled Gopher’s chair up beside him and helped her sit on it. All set?

Gopher beamed, Yes, I am. Thank you, Mr. Brett.

He patted her curly head and grinned, Will you be having tea or milk today?

Marly answered, Mostly milk with a little coffee on top.

Gopher nodded, Like Mommy said, but a cookie, too.

Autumn watched as the young man held the plate of cookies for the little girl to pick out her favorite. He reminded her so much of Brad. Brad was a grade school teacher and had a wonderful way with children. He always said he wanted a houseful. Unless that was another lie. The conflicting memories clouded her present with confusion.

–do you think, Autumn? Uncle George was asking.

I’m sorry, I was lost in thought. What did you say?

I asked if you thought you might want to take karate or judo?

Oh, I doubt it. I’m not the athletic type.

It’s free, Uncle George explained. Of course, you have to put up with this numbskull for a teacher.

Brett grinned, Or your Uncle George can teach you. I’m sure he was around when it was invented.

Never did like you much, George laughed. So, how is Rain doing?

Much better. Carl and Mo took her in to the doctors to be checked out after getting buried in that landslide. Nothing was broken except her little finger, but she did have a cracked shin and a couple of cracked ribs. She is in a lot of pain and has a big gash on her leg. I bet there isn’t an inch of her that isn’t black and blue! Brett shook his head, She is still in enough pain so that she just sleeps, but poor Mo is going to have a time when she feels better!

Amen to that, Byron said. Lightnin is even more of a go-getter than I, and I sure hate being tied down.

I love you to death, son, George said, But that little girl does more in a morning than you do in a week.

You might just be right about that, but she is half my age. Byron agreed, How many days ago was that landslide?

Four. Brett answered, Zach says she can start getting up in a couple days. She wanted to sit up in bed last night, but she just couldn’t take it. She is so doggone stubborn, she tried to do it anyway, but finally had to give in.

It’s going to be difficult for her. I bet she is having a fit she can’t work with Kid, Marly replied, and then looked at Autumn. I’m so sorry. I need to explain what we are talking about. That was rude of us. Rain is actually Lorraine Harrington and lives with her grandparents, Carl and Mo Kincaid. She works as Carl and Darrell’s farmhand and with another neighbor, Kid, in his auto body shop.

Darrell Jessup? Autumn asked. My cousin?

Yes, Darrell and this Carl are partners, Alma explained. And of course, Darrell called her Lightnin and it stuck.

How old is this Lightnin?

Nineteen, Brett answered and then added with pride, She and I are going together.

Officially? Auntie Alma asked.

Well of course, you wombat, Uncle George said, How would you go with someone unofficially?

I’ve seen it done, Alma stared back. When did you two make it official?

We made it official, while she was buried under two and a half feet of dirt and rock! Brett laughed.

I have to hand it to you, young man, George chuckled, I never was that desperate, but if it worked out- hey! Good on you!

George, can you be nice? Alma frowned.

That’s okay, Mrs. Jessup, Brett nodded. He is almost right. I think we could have handled it in a less dramatic way, but whatever works. She had to promise to go with me or I wouldn’t dig her out!

And they think I had a brain tumor! Byron rolled his eyes, Have you made any plans on what you would like to do while you’re here, Autumn?

No. Nothing yet. I want to unwind a bit and then maybe decide, if that’s okay with Auntie Alma and Uncle George. Of course, I’ll be helping out at their place.

In about a week she’ll know, George determined. She needs to get her ducks in a row.

Pa, Marly frowned at her father, There is no rush. She doesn’t need to line up her ducks that soon.

Uncle George, first I have to round up my ducks before I get that far! Autumn pointed out.

Little Gopher couldn’t stand it anymore, Miss Autumn, I know where your ducks might be. Us gophers have a bunch over at the Patch. You can come over and see if yours are there, too.

Autumn looked at her as if she was talking a foreign language, but Byron rescued her. The children at the neighborhood babysitters have about a hundred and fifty ducks. All the kids are called gophers, but our little Gopher is the only one who uses that name! They all dig a lot, so that is why Carl calls them that. He and Mo are the babysitters and they have a huge sign out front of their place that says, The Petunia Patch.

You can’t miss it, George explained. It sits in the middle of a huge field of petunias.

Were these people teachers or something? Autumn asked.

No, Alma laughed, Mo is a natural mom and grandmother, but Carl is a retired FBI agent.

Autumn looked lost a minute, Auntie Alma, don’t forget to show me the way to that bottle in the corn crib.

After visiting for a while, the group dispersed. Brett was off to do chores and Jessups were taking their houseguest home. On the way, Alma pointed out where her other cousins lived. Carrie’s house was about half mile from Marly’s. Only quarter of a mile later, was the turn to go to Jen’s place where that Brett lived and then they passed that Petunia Patch. There must have been almost an acre of petunias between the house and the road. Autumn didn’t think she had ever seen so many petunias in one spot before in her life. They were right, one couldn’t miss it.

They traveled a mile further and turned north. They passed her cousin Darrell’s place and then went on a few more miles east to their home.

3-

Jessup’s farmhouse was unusual. Most of the farmhouses in the area were the traditional two story homes, usually with painted wood siding. Jessups however had a partial split-level. I call it an unintentional split-level, George bragged. It was designed out of necessity way before the designers had a name for it.

The main floor was ground level and as most homes in the region, it sat on a full basement. Inside was a massive kitchen and then one huge room, which served as a dining-living room. Opposite the kitchen end, there was a split staircase. Up from the living room was the master bedroom and to the right was a guest bedroom, sewing room and a den or office. Up another set of stairs, were more bedrooms and bathrooms sitting over more bedrooms that were down from the living room.

Down another staircase on the other side of the kitchen were the other bedrooms and a couple bathrooms, divided by a long hallway. Since Jessups had nine children and one grandchild living with them when they moved there, they used every room. Presently, the only permanent residents were George, Alma, Sammy, Joey and now, Autumn.

Autumn was shown to her room. It had a large window, since the rooms were only half way into the ground, with flowers that seemed as if they were in a window box, but were, in reality, part of a flowerbed in the back yard. It was very pretty. It was a generously-sized room with a small bathroom attached.

Autumn looked at her aunt quizzically, Are all your rooms this large?

Oh no. This one is the biggest, but when we moved here, we used it for Marly and baby Kenny. Now we can spread out! The kindly, round and cuddly woman smiled, Pa is wrestling with the suitcases, so I’m going to run help him!

Let me come, too. He can’t be hauling them!

When the women got to the front door, they were met with a surprise. Darrell, Jessup’s youngest son, and another man were carrying the bags in while George held the door open. Look who came into the yard just in time? George beamed.

Where do you want these, Ma? Darrell asked as they manhandled the huge bags into the house. What have you got in here, Cousin? Concrete?

Autumn giggled, No. Bricks.

I’m pretty sure you are right. Darrell set down the bag he was carrying and gave his cousin a hug, I’m sure you don’t remember me. I was just a little tyke when we left Arkansas.

You haven’t changed much! Autumn laughed, I would recognize those freckles anywhere!

The young dairyman grinned, I’ll take that as a compliment. You, on the other hand, have changed. You were a gawky thing as I recall.

I hope I changed for the better, she made a face.

He studied her, and then nodded with a grin, A bit of improvement, I’d say!

She swatted him and he laughed, This is my friend Matt Harrington. Matt, my cousin Autumn Simms.

Hello, Autumn. That is a pretty name. the thirty-one year old lean fellow smiled to her, You don’t look a bit gawky to me!

Thanks, she felt a bit embarrassed. I’d fall in the dowdy category.

Nope, you can’t, Auntie Alma winked, That’s mine! All mine!

You can stand here whining about how you look, but just know, I’m darned good looking and always have been! Uncle George announced.

Darrell rolled his eyes, Which room, Ma?

Marly’s old room.

He nodded and then said to Matt, This way, Tonto. When we drop these off, I’m pretty sure my Ma will have a cup of coffee for us.

When the men came back to the kitchen, Alma had coffee. George set the mugs on the table and thanked them for taking the bags down to her room.

Too bad we didn’t have more time to pilfer through them, Darrell teased. We’re here on business. Dad, we’ll be moving the combines over to your oat field tomorrow morning. It’s ready to go and we have a crew. So, my wonderful Mommy, whom I love ever so dearly, could I ask you to make one of your delicious lunches for us at noon tomorrow. You know how we all love your cooking.

Alma looked at him, unimpressed, You are so full of malarkey! Of course, I’ll cook! I have an assistant now!

Darrell grumped, Ma, I don’t want Autumn to cook. She only knows how to make mud pies! When I was little, she fed me at least seven pounds of dirt!

Autumn giggled, You and Eve were the only ones who ever ate them! Everyone else knew enough to pretend eat them!

That’s not very nice. Darrell leaned back, I was only eating them so you wouldn’t cry.

Very kind of you!

Darrell grumped, Well, you used up that quota. I don’t have to be nice to you anymore!

Does that mean you won’t eat any more of my mud pies?

You put chocolate on them, and he will. Matt laughed, his bright blue eyes twinkling, Count on it!

Autumn looked toward her aunt, Is anyone up here normal?

The four responded in unison, We all are!

George shook his head, So, when do all your guests start arriving for the cookout? You’re having a camp out before then, right?

No, Matt explained. The cookout is still scheduled for weekend after next, but the camp out is delayed. Boyds won’t be here for a couple weeks. Kathleen’s family decided to wait for the wedding, so they won’t be coming now.

Oh, there’ll only be the cookout people here then, George grinned. There are a bunch coming for that, huh? You’ll have a houseful.

Darrell nodded, Lightnin’s parents will be staying at our place, of course.

There will be people all over, Matt grinned. Seems everyone thinks they are a chef!

Hey Autumn, you should enter your mud pies! Darrell chortled, You might win, since no one else will be in that category!

I might be hitchhiking back home by then, Autumn frowned. I can see coming here to be with my cousins might have been a big mistake.

I could have warned you, Darrell laughed, But you wouldn’t have listened anyway. Seriously, my wife Jeannie and Diane, the best half of Matt’s team, will be over tomorrow morning to help with the meal. I think we will have a crew of about fourteen or so.

How is the harvest looking? George asked.

Better than we thought. The oats has headed out well and the other crops look good, except Olson’s corn. Chatterbox said he is making all his field corn into silage this year.

The men talked of the crops before going home, We have the girls and Josh and Joallyn milking. So, if we value our lives, we better help out. Darrell said and grinned at his cousin, Ever feel the urge to milk a goat, let us know. We have a bunch we line up twice a day. You can have your pick!

Gee thanks. Autumn nodded, But I had hoped to hide out here.

Good luck, Autumn, Matt said, I was going to do that, too. Within six months, I owned a dog, two cats, two horses and had a girlfriend! It was all this dude’s fault!

You’re welcome! And I’m damned proud of it! Darrell boasted, as he winked to his cousin, He’s never had it so good.

After the men left, Auntie Alma sent Autumn to unpack while she and Uncle George put the dinner on the table from the oven. Autumn was amazed at how many people she had met in this wilderness since she arrived! As she pulled on her blue jeans and a tee shirt, she thought, "Maybe I’ll have to hitchhike out of here!’

Over a quiet dinner, Autumn asked her hosts, Now why is it that sweet little girl wants to be called Gopher, of all things?

Her Mom and Dad were extremely abusive parents. Uncle George began, Her father was a criminal and her mother was insane. They used to leave their kids anywhere with God knows who. Sometimes the kids were left with thieves, addicts, prostitutes, or pimps, no matter. One time Miriam was left in a crib with her dead brother for at least a day. Their mom had bashed his head in.

Oh dear God, Autumn nearly gagged.

We know little about her life. When her parents were finally apprehended, Alma went on, Her father was shot to death and her mother committed suicide. Miriam was shot by her father in the fray, and would have died had not that FBI agent, Carl of the Petunia Patch, leapt atop her. The poor little kid, just about three at the time. George continued, So in the hospital while healing from her gunshot, the doctors began to piece together what had been going on. She was malnourished and terrified. Whenever anyone talked to her, she would say, ‘If you want to,’ for fear of being beaten again. She curled up into the fetal position at the slightest sign of any controversy.

How did she get to Marly?

Miriam’s aunt Ruthie was living with them then. Zach is her uncle, but since Zach is a doctor and works in Bismarck, it only made sense for Miriam to stay at Marly and Byron’s with Ruthie. It was a struggle, but the little one slowly began to recover and become the sweet little girl you see today. She’s had some serious problems from time to time, but is much better. Her psychiatrist thinks that since her life was hell while she was Miriam and good since she became one of the gophers, she prefers to be called Gopher.

Why did Byron and Marly adopt her if she has an aunt and uncle here?

Her psychiatrist wanted the girl to be in a family with kids her age. When Ruthie married Ian—

I thought her husband’s name was Zach?

No, that is Ruthie’s brother, Ian is her husband. Anyway, she just stayed with Byron and Marly since she thinks of that as her home. No one wants to upset her little life any more than she has already been through. When Byron was hospitalized with this brain tumor, she freaked because the doctor said his children could come to visit him. She was certain that she’d never get to see him because she wasn’t his ‘forever kid’ and didn’t have a paper that said she was. She meant adoption papers. So, they started the paperwork for her. Ruthie and Zach have no issues with it and so it should be completed soon.

Wow! Makes my problems look miniscule in comparison, Autumn mumbled.

How are things going for you? Uncle George asked. I know it must have been a terrible time for you. You know Marly faced a similar thing when her first husband was killed in Korea. I’m sure she would be glad to talk to you about it.

Thanks, but right now, I don’t even want to think about things. Autumn took a deep breath, I just want to coast for a while.

I can understand that. Auntie Alma smiled, Anytime, day or night, just know we are here to listen. Okay? Until then, coast. Of course, know that when you coast, the hill usually isn’t as long as you hope. It will soon come to an end and then you’ll need to start pedaling again!

Yes, I do know, Auntie Alma. I do know.

4-

It was only eight that evening, when Autumn’s aunt and uncle retired to their room. She was glad to head off to her room, too. She had only unpacked a change of clothes and thought she might get the rest of her things put away before a bath and bed.

She hadn’t packed a lot, since they were sending most of her things in boxes. She brought a couple nice things and the rest were everyday clothes. Her mom had insisted that she brought a few dressier clothes, since they had no idea what she might need. Autumn knew. She didn’t need anything more than jeans and a top. She had no intention of going anywhere.

She had to admit that she did feel grim in that beige pants suit. It was very drab and made her feel even more miserable. The bit of visiting she had done made her smile and laugh more than she had in months. She knew that because she had done little but mourn and moan since that fateful day.

As she was putting her underwear in the drawers that her aunt had readied for her, she remembered how jubilant she had been just a few short months before. ‘What an idiot,’ she scolded herself. ‘You really believed that you had the world by the tail. All the studying, saving, waiting, and denying yourself was about to pay off. This was the goal that