Page 22 of Heart of Mystic Valley
They started for home, the trail already slick from the brief burst of rain. The storm hit in full force moments later, sheets of water driven by gusting winds. The sound of thunder drowned out attempts at conversation, and the group hunkered down, powerless against the onslaught.
The trail became a mire, the horses slowing in the deepening muck. Grayson shifted in the saddle to yell back to Joshua. “We need to take it slow. The horses are slipping.”
Naomi, riding behind Jolene and Grayson, turned to see Gavin struggling to control the horse with one good arm. “Gavin, rein up!” She dropped back and took the reins. “You get on behind Samuel.” A few minutes later, they were moving again, with Naomi ponying Gavin’s horse.
The rain was a curtain, the trail ahead barely visible. A flash of lightning illuminated the landscape, followed by an immediate crack of thunder, spooking the horses.
Jolene shot a look at little Cody, who was tied to a cradleboard and secured to his father. The horses whinnied as they took a bend in the trail, sensing they were close to the homestead.
“We’re almost there,” Naomi yelled, her voice barely audible over the storm.
The group was drenched, their clothes clinging to them like second skins. Faces were streaked with rain and mud, eyes fixed on the trail ahead. They were almost home.
The warmth of the Beckett homestead was a stark contrast to the cold, wet world outside. The group filed in, dripping and shivering, forming puddles on the wooden floor.
“Get the fire going,” Naomi instructed Nathan and Parker. “Annalee, let’s find some towels.”
The house was a bustle of activity as wet clothes were peeled off and hung to dry. Annalee and Lilian distributed towels and offered spare garments to Faith and Evelyn.
“These should keep you warm until your clothes dry,” Annalee said, handing Evelyn a simple cotton dress.
Evelyn accepted the dress with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Annalee. This is perfect.”
“You’re welcome. I need to find Faith and give her these.” Annalee held up the clothes for Faith.
In the kitchen, Naomi and Jolene prepared a meal. The smell of hot biscuits and simmering stew filled the air, mingling with the scent of wet earth clinging to the almost dry clothes.
The large dining table in the Becketts’ main room was set with mismatched China and napkins made of the extra fabric left from making a dress. It was an inviting sight. The family and their guests took seats, settling into the warm glow of the fire and the comfort of each other’s company.
Faith, wearing one of Annalee’s dresses, sat next to Joshua. He looked at her longer than usual, as if committing something to memory. She noticed, of course, and wondered what was going on in his head.
Evelyn found herself seated next to Cody. She hesitated for a moment before sitting down. “Cody,” she said. “It’s good to see you. I mean that.”
He didn’t answer right away, instead focusing on ladling stew into his bowl. “You’re persistent.”
“I just care, is all. A lot of people care about you.”
He met her eyes, and for a moment, she saw the old Cody, the one who laughed and joked, the one who was full of life. Turned out, it was only a flicker. “I know,” he said, then started to eat.
The meal progressed with a mix of boisterous and casual conversation. The young boys contributed with stories and questions, the Beckett family responding with the patience and warmth of true kin. Laughter punctuated the talk, and for a while, the storm outside was forgotten.
Joshua watched Faith, noting how she interacted with his family, how she fit in, even with her initial reservations. When she caught him staring, she raised an eyebrow.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing,” he said, looking away. “Just thinking.”
“About what?”
He shrugged. “About how nice it is to have you here.”
Faith didn’t know how to respond. She liked Joshua. More than liked him, if she was honest. She also valued her independence, her ability to come and go as she pleased. His quiet declaration left her feeling both flattered and unsettled.
At the other end of the table, Evelyn made another attempt to engage Cody. “Do you think you’ll stay at the ranch? Or are you planning to go back to the Marshal Service?”
Cody finished his stew and set his spoon down carefully. “I haven’t decided,” he said. “There’s a lot to think about.”
Evelyn nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. “Well, whatever you choose, I hope you find some peace.”
