Page 23 of Heart of Mystic Valley
Without a word, Cody stood and took his bowl to the kitchen. He didn’t return to the table.
The storm outside intensified, the wind howling through the eaves, and rain lashing against the windows. The house had thefeel of a fortress, the thick log walls and roaring fire providing a sense of security and refuge.
Grayson stood and raised a glass. “I’m thankful we’re all safe and together. Here’s to family and friends.”
The table echoed with the clink of glasses and mugs, a moment of unity and gratitude shared by all.
As the meal wound down, Joshua leaned close to Faith. “Why did you really come today?”
“Because you mentioned me coming out this weekend. And Evelyn wanted to deliver the cookies.”
He nodded, his lips curling into a grin. “I’m glad.”
The group lingered at the table, not ready to break the spell of warmth and camaraderie. Conversations drifted from one topic to another, the voices of the younger boys growing sleepy and subdued.
Evelyn looked toward the kitchen, where Cody stood alone, staring out a window. She wondered if he was watching the storm or seeing something else, something only he could perceive. She turned back to the table, her thoughts heavy with concern for the man who had once been the husband of her best friend.
At the far end of the table, Joshua continued to send occasional glances at Faith. She sensed him watching her and sighed.
“Joshua, if you have something to say, please say it.”
“I’ve been thinking about how long we’ve been friends. There are times I still see us as young children running around, playing behind the church, or out here in the fields. Lately, there are times when it seems I don’t know you at all.”
Faith opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, unsure of what to say. She cared a great deal about Joshua and believed he cared the same for her. But life was never simple. She had herwork, her own set of principles, and personal dreams. Could she fit his world into hers, or hers into his?
The storm created a sense of tension and confinement within the house, as if the walls were closing in, forcing each person to confront their thoughts and feelings. The events of the day played out in their minds.
Naomi cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “It’s late. Faith and Evelyn, you’re staying the night, of course. Boys, grab blankets from the closet and find a spot to bed down. No use trying to get to the bunkhouse in this weather.”
The group slowly dispersed, rising from the table with stretches and yawns. Little Joe, Samuel, Gavin, Jason, and Ted trooped off to find spots to bed down while the adults lingered in the kitchen a little while longer.
Joshua took Faith’s hand. “You and Evelyn can share a room upstairs.”
She squeezed his hand before gently pulling hers away, starting up the stairs behind Evelyn. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
As the group prepared to bed down for the night, a sudden knock came at the door, shocking everyone into alertness. They froze, listening.
The knock came again, more urgent this time.
Chapter Nine
The ranch house creaked and groaned under the assault of the fierce Montana storm. Lightning illuminated the darkened parlor in brief, electric bursts as the Beckett family and their guests made their way toward the stairs, ready to retire for the night.
As if on cue, a sudden, thunderous pounding on the front door caused everyone in the room to freeze. Grayson’s eyes narrowed, and he moved with the swift precision of a man accustomed to danger. He reached for his six-shooter, which hung on a peg near the door, and motioned for Joshua and Nathan to do the same.
Joshua’s gaze met Grayson’s, a silent understanding passing between them. He reached for his own weapon. Nathan, the youngest of the three, followed suit, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a focused intensity.
“Who could be out in this weather?” Naomi Beckett whispered, her brow furrowed with worry.
Grayson’s jaw clenched. “We’re about to find out, Ma. Everyone, stay back.”
As the three advanced toward the door, Grayson considered who could be on their porch in such an inhospitable storm. Who would brave such a storm to reach their isolated ranch? A traveler seeking shelter? Or someone with nefarious intentions?
Another round of pounding shook the door in its frame.
“Whoever you are, state your business,” Grayson called out, his voice raised to be heard over the storm.
The response was muffled by the wind, but the desperation in the voice was clear. “Please! I need help!”
