Naomi Beckett stood at the kitchen sink, her hands immersed in warm, soapy water as she rinsed the last of the breakfast dishes.
The scene beyond the window was a picturesque landscape straight out of a painting.
The vibrant sun rose over the majestic mountains and tranquil valley spreading out before her.
With a satisfied smile, Naomi dried her hands on a kitchen towel and turned toward her family gathered in the dining room.
“I believe we ought to take advantage of this fine weather,” she said. “Let’s ride to Millard’s Park for the day. The river should be high enough for some good fishing.”
Jolene, cradling her newborn son, Cody, in her arms, looked up from the table where she and Grayson were making a list of supplies for the upcoming week. “Sounds perfect. We could all use a little break.”
Joshua, seated next to Faith Goodell, who’d stopped by earlier with Evelyn Graham to drop off the latest edition of the Mystic Gazette and a large plate of cookies, nodded in agreement. “A day out could do us some good, Ma.”
“Faith, Evelyn, you’re welcome to join us. There’s plenty of room, and it’s always more fun with a bigger group.”
“The week’s paper is out, so I don’t have to rush back to town. It sounds lovely,” Faith said.
Evelyn’s face lit up. “No school on Saturday.” She smiled. “I’d love to come. It’s been ages since I’ve been to the park.”
“Settled then,” Naomi said. “We’ll leave in an hour. I’ll pack food.”
“I’ll help,” Annalee called out, followed by Faith and Evelyn also offering their help.
The group dispersed, each tending to their own preparations. Joshua walked up to Faith.
“I’ll saddle horses for you and Evelyn. She won’t be able to take her buggy out there.”
“Thank you, Josh. I’ll let her know.”
The caravan set off with high spirits. Two pack horses held the food and fishing gear. The landscape was a patchwork of fading greens and browns, awaiting the first snow of the season.
Jolene rode next to Grayson with little Cody wrapped against her chest in a cradleboard. Behind them, Joshua rode with Faith, and Evelyn with Cody, and the rest of the group behind them.
“Can you believe this weather? It’s cold but so beautiful,” Evelyn said.
Joshua glanced over at her. “Let’s hope it holds.”
The trail to Millard’s Park wound through low hills and along the riverbank. The cottonwoods swayed in the light breeze. As they neared the park, a broad meadow bisected by the river, the sound of rushing water grew louder.
Cody Beckett nudged his horse forward, catching up with Grayson. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to stay long,” he said, his voice carrying a note of concern. “The sky to the west looks like it’s brewing something.”
Grayson glanced toward the darkening horizon. “We’ll keep an eye on it,” he said.
They reined to a stop under a stand of trees, and the group set to unloading their gear. Fishing rods were set against tree trunks, blankets spread out, and baskets opened to reveal an array of food. The ranch hands dashed toward the river, only to be called back by Grayson.
“See if you can help out, then you’ll need to dig up worms before you can fish.”
The boys whooped in excitement before helping Naomi and Jolene unpack the food.
Evelyn approached Cody, who was checking the line on each fishing pole. “Do you think the fish will be biting today?” she asked.
He didn’t look up. “Probably,” he said, his tone flat.
Undeterred, she continued. “I remember you teaching me how to cast right over there,” she said, pointing to a bend in the river. “You were so patient.”
Cody finished his knot and stood, rod in hand. “That was a long time ago,” he said, then walked toward the river, leaving Evelyn standing alone.
Joshua observed the exchange from a distance. “You coming?” Faith said, interrupting his thoughts. She held two fishing rods, one extended toward him.
“Sure,” he said, taking the rod and following her to the riverbank.
The morning passed in a leisurely fashion.
The younger boys took turns swimming in the frigid water and fishing, the adults alternating between casting lines and lounging on the blankets.
Cody caught the first fish, a sizable trout, and handed it off to one of the orphans without a word.
Jolene and Grayson stole a few moments of quiet time, and Naomi kept a watchful eye on the whole scene, her expression softening.
An hour after noon, a low rumble echoed through the valley. The group looked up to see the once distant storm clouds now looming threateningly close, their edges flickering with lightning.
“Time to pack up!” Naomi called. “Move quickly!”
The serene picnic transformed into a flurry of activity. Blankets were shaken out and stuffed into bags. Fishing rods were stowed. The first fat raindrops began to fall as the group rushed to mount their horses.
“We’re going to get soaked,” Evelyn said, swinging up and into the saddle.
Faith wiped a wet strand of hair from her face. “We sure are.”
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.”
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 the feel 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 her work, 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.