The Brides of Chance Collection Part 71

So tallied up with the wool the MacPhersons bundled up and the dried flowers and such Lovejoy measured out, two packhorses were added on to carry the gifts. The Chance men unanimously decided that the two horses wouldn't be returning, either. One would stay with Hattie and Widow Hendrick, and the other would be given to whomever Logan and Bryce deemed needed it most. The only exception was Lovejoy's father. She said, "Though I love my pa greatly, I won't be holpin' him carry his moonshine to other poor folks, and you cain bet that's jist what he'd do with the animal."

Logan pulled out his train ticket and stared, willing the date to change. No such luck. He was stuck here for another day while everybody rushed around packing. It was almost enough to make him and Bryce regret how they'd balked at the women's initial plan to just send along a list of what went to whom. Now they scurried around trundling items into packages with Delilah's fancy script designating some lucky citizen of Salt Lick Holler.

He could scarcely believe it when he thought of how he and Bryce would be hauling around more than twice as much baggage as Eunice, Lois, Tempy, and Lovejoy combined brought when they first came to Reliable. Two packhorses. He shook his head.

"Put this in that great big burlap sack for Silk Trevor's family." Miriam thrust a bundle into his arms and pointed across a veritable obstacle course.

Logan bit back a groan and trudged across the room. Tomorrow couldn't come quickly enough.

Chapter 5.

Logan woke up with a smile on his face. Today his journey would begin. He jumped out of bed, shaved his whiskers, and flung on his clothes in record time before realizing Bryce hadn't joined him.

"Come on. Get up!" He thwacked his brother on the shoulder with his hat. "You're the morning person, remember?"

"Nope. No recollection of that." Bryce pulled the covers over his head. "Breakfast bell ain't even rung."

"Now let me think back to what you told me when I said the very same thing the morning you decided Salt Lick Holler was the place to go. Oh, that's right. I know!" Logan yanked off the blankets and hunkered down to grin at Bryce.

"If I'd only known then how that whole thing would turn out..." Bryce's grumble died off as he yawned.

"That's just it," Logan retorted. "Neither of us knows how this whole thing will turn out!"

Three hours, two loaded-up packhorses, one train, and thirty-one hugs later, they were on their way. Bryce snoozed in the aisle seat while Logan kept his nose against the gla.s.s window, determined to remember every bit of Reliable so not even a twinge of homesickness would come between him and all the adventure that lay ahead.

Sure, he'd miss Gideon, t.i.tus, Paul, Daniel, Miriam, Alisa, Delilah, Lovejoy, Obie, Hezzy, Mike, Eunice, Lois, Tempy, all the kids, and even Britches, but it would only be for a few months. Who knew what he'd see and do and who he'd meet in between. G.o.d had something for him, Logan was sure of it. And no man could regret following the road the Lord laid before him.

He took his Bible out of the pocket inside his coat, and it fell open to the story of Jacob. He read, feeling the presence of the Lord in the words, until a couple of verses stopped him cold: "So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange G.o.d with him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth...."

He brushed the fragile paper with his fingertips and mouthed the words. This had been Mama's Bible. His brothers had decided to use Pa's as the household Scripture and gave Ma's smaller version to Logan. They thought it was only fair, since Logan hadn't had as much time with her. Ma's faith had been a big part of her, and Logan could feel her love right along with G.o.d's whenever he opened this Bible.

He had everything he needed, and now he was heading toward whatever the Lord planned to show him.

Hattie picked up the flour, salt, and water that served to make paste for the medicine labels. She combined the flour and salt but hesitated to add the water. She'd done this three times already today, and three times the paste had dried before she could put it to use. It wasn't because folks needed help. No, 'twas that they were curious and hoped to be the first to meet the men from California.

Sure enough, a knock sounded on the door. Miz Willow was off at the Peasley place helping clear up a case of poison oak. Usually that would leave Hattie alone with her thoughts and the sound of the rain. But not today. She bit back a sigh as she swung the door open.

Bethilda Cleary sailed out of the rain and into the cabin with her daughters, Lily and Lark. All three were cleaner than Hattie had ever seen them, and the girls were wearing shoes. From the looks of their tiny steps and periodic winces, the shoes were far too small.

"Good day, Mrs. Cleary." Hattie gestured for them to sit down. She'd prefer they stated their business and went along, but she couldn't let those poor girls stand in their pinched shoes for even a second. Besides, no potion Hattie could concoct would soothe the afflictions of Bethilda Cleary-two unwed daughters.

"Thankee kindly, Hattie." The woman peered into the corners of the room as though what she sought would magically appear.

"What cain I do for you and yourn?"

"Well, on account of our fine health," Bethilda's voice rose on the last two words before continuing, "we ain't had cause to visit you. So's we reckoned we should come an' see you on this...glorious spring day." She faltered at the end as Lark squeezed a handful of water from the sodden hood of her cloak onto Hattie's clean floor.

"I see." She didn't hide her smile. She might as well appreciate the humor in this visit, after all. "Pity yore visit hadn't waited a couple days. By then you coulda been introduced to our visitors." Hattie saw Bethilda's shoulders slump and blithely added, "We're expectin' their arrival any day now, ye ken."

"Yep. Mawma sayed as how those two rich city bachelors would be here, we'd git first dibs on account of the rain iff 'n we-ow!" Lily broke off as Mama Cleary kicked her under the table.

"Well, that sh.o.r.e is a shame." Bethilda smiled wanly and stood up. "It'd be nice to have some new blood in these hills."

Hattie pushed back the thought of a mother mountain lion hunting for her cubs. The poor Chance brothers probably had no idea that every family with so much as one single daughter viewed them as fresh meat for the pouncing.

"You'll be sh.o.r.e to come on by once they get here." Hattie wasn't extending an invitation, just stating a fact.

"That's right neighborly of you. It's good to hear you won't be keeping the gentlemen all to yorself, Hattie Thales." Bethilda looked at her daughters. "Gotta give the young girls as could make 'em good wives the opportunity to meet them boys."

Hattie excused herself to the storeroom for a moment. The woman had all but accused her of having designs on the visitors and having no right to do so since she couldn't be a proper wife. As if Hattie didn't know that though she was a good woman, she wasn't a whole one. When a man took a wife, he wanted sons. Her hands fisted for a moment as she prayed for forbearance.

Good Lord up above, You know I've made my peace with the life You've seen fit to give me. I don't angle for another husband, Jesus. I'll never bear a child, but I protect the lives of all who're born into this holler. That and Yore love are more'n enough to fill my heart. Holp me to remember all the blessings You've bestowed upon me rather than my failures. The Chance brothers bring with them excitement and possibility. Please don't let me begrudge my neighbors those things. Holp me to forgive Bethilda her hurtful words and not let old sorrows taint the present. Thank You for Yore constant goodness. Amen.

At peace once again, she took a deep breath and reached for the medicine she'd come for. She took out the large jar of salve and scooped some into a smaller tin. Made with ground ivy and marshmallow root, the cream would help soothe the blisters Hattie was certain the Cleary sisters would soon be nursing. She took a deep breath, pasted a smile on her face, and went back to the table.

"It sh.o.r.e was nice of y'all to come and visit me. I cain't holp but notice those fine shoes yore gals is wearin', Mrs. Cleary." Hattie waited for the older woman to nod. "But when it's wet, sometimes the leather cain rub somethin' awful. Here's a salve just in case yore gals need it."

Mrs. Cleary spoke through tight lips and gritted teeth. "That's right kind of you, but my gals are used to such things. I don't think-"

"Thankee, Miss Hattie!" Lily snagged the tin and put it in her pocket before her mother could refuse.

The glower in Bethilda's eyes warned Hattie that the woman would make her daughter sorry she'd spoken up. She thought hard for a moment before consoling her. "Well now, I ken yore right, Mrs. Cleary, but I'd sh.o.r.e hate to see Lily and Lark miss out on meetin' the fellas at the doin's iff 'n their delicate skin should take an exception to the weather."

"Good thinkin', Hattie." Bethilda's brow unfurrowed, and she nodded sagely. "Sh.o.r.e am glad to have such a long-sighted healer. Sounds like the rain's lettin' up a mite, so we'll be takin' our leave."

After a flurry of good-byes and a hug from Lark, who whispered her thanks for the salve, the Cleary women set out. Hattie sank down in Miz Willow's rocking chair and buried her face in her hands. The Clearys had been her fourth visitors that day alone. What would happen once the Chance brothers actually arrived?

"We'll be pullin' in soon." Bryce, who'd somehow managed to sleep through most of the five-day trip in his thinly padded seat, tipped up his hat brim.

"Praise the Lord," Logan said fervently.

"Goin' a bit stir-crazy, are you?" Bryce grinned.

"Maybe a little," Logan admitted, "but today we saddle up and ride on to Salt Lick. I can hardly wait to get there."

"Me, too. It'll be nice to sleep lyin' down again."

"What?" Logan stared at his brother in disbelief. "You slept through the whole trip!"

"Not lyin' down." Bryce shrugged. "Besides, I think you did more dreaming than I could lay claim to."

The whistle cut off Logan's response as the train slowed on the tracks. The better part of the next hour was spent unloading everything from the train. Then came the onerous task of fitting everything onto the backs of the two pack animals. Finally, they were ready to set off.

Logan left Bryce with the horses and sauntered up to the only other fellow around.

"Excuse me, could you point us to the road to Salt Lick Holler?"

The old-timer chewed steadily on his straw before nodding and pointing. "Over yonder's the path. Ain't no road, but it'll git you and yore animules thar. 'Bout half a day's ride. We don't git many foreigners up these parts." He stared at Logan, obviously waiting for an explanation.

"Visiting some kinfolk." Logan smiled as he remembered Lovejoy's word for extended family. The man just shrugged and walked off, but it was clear the answer had been understood. Logan rejoined Bryce, and they swung up into their saddles.

Over to the west of the train tracks lay a dirt path, now overgrown from a long winter and wet spring. They set out more slowly than Logan would've liked, avoiding ruts and puddles as they followed the winding way through the mountains. Evergreens of all shapes and sizes spread thickly across the ground, punctuated by wild gra.s.s and blossoming shrubs. Squirrels and rabbits darted to safety as they rode by, chipmunks chattering at them all the while.

Occasionally they'd have to stop to clear deadwood out of the path, fallen branches Logan remembered Lovejoy warning them about. She'd said they were called "widow makers," and one of them had caused the death of Hattie Thales's husband. With that in mind, Logan kept an eye out for dried-out trees. He didn't see many, but he did see birds flying, singing, courting, and building among the needles of practically every bough.

Overall, Logan and Bryce pa.s.sed the pleasant ride in silence. It was best to take in their surroundings and enjoy the crisp fresh air for now. Besides, after five days on the train, they didn't have anything new to say to each other. That was fine. There'd be plenty to keep them busy in Salt Lick Holler.

Be polite and considerate, Logan dutifully reminded himself. Remember that your actions reflect on Lovejoy and the Chances in general. You aren't here solely to have a good time roaming around the hills. It's not like recess at school-you're going on this trip to find what G.o.d has in store for your life. You'd better be certain you're not too busy having fun that you miss the message.

All the same, Logan couldn't help but smile. It was going to be an eventful trip.

The sun had long since set by the time they reached the valley. They squinted to find the fork in the road Lovejoy had told them would lead to the healers' place. They inched along in deepening darkness, the only light coming from the waxing moon and more stars than Logan had ever seen before. The soft hoots of owls underscored the chirps of lovelorn crickets.

They guided their horses to the right and went a few hundred yards before spying a comparatively large structure to their left, exactly as it had been described. There. The cabin. Regardless of the weariness of cross-country travel, Logan felt a surge of excitement.

Chapter 6.

Hattie rolled out of bed and slipped on her overdress almost before she was awake. She grabbed her satchel and padded across the floor in her bare feet to answer the door. If someone was calling in the dark of night, it must be urgent. She opened the door to a blast of frigid night air and a man on her doorstep.

"What can I do for you?" Hattie placed her satchel between them and tried to make out who it was in the dim flicker reaching from the fireplace.

"I'm looking for the healer's home." The stranger took off his hat. "By that satchel you're holding, I'd guess I found it. You must be Miss Thales. I'm Logan Chance. I believe you're expecting me and my brother?"

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Chance." She dipped her head.

"So you two young bucks made it all right." Miz Willow hobbled up next to Hattie and squinted through the door. "Where's yore brother?"

"You must be Widow Hendrick." Logan smiled and gave a little bow. "Bryce is watching the horses. We weren't positive we were at the right place."

"You sh.o.r.e are. We'll have you come in and warm up after we see to yore animals. Hattie, why don't you show 'em to the barn while I brew some tea?"

Hattie fetched two lanterns and stepped outside as the first brother motioned for the second to follow. She could scarcely believe her eyes when she saw not two but four horses. Two of them were loaded down with more than she'd ever owned in her whole life. They had just enough room in the barn for the animals. Good thing she'd put fresh hay in all the stalls.

She opened the barn door and went ahead to light a few hanging lanterns so they could get the horses situated. She gestured to the wall of empty stalls.

"They can stay here. While you unload 'em, I'll fetch some water." She grabbed a bucket and went out to the well, making four trips to see to every horse's thirst.

She'd never seen the barn so full. Their mule and milk cow looked at the newcomers curiously. The chickens ignored the entire proceedings as the opposite half of the barn suddenly became occupied, and the final empty stall filled with all the gear the Chance brothers had hauled up the mountains.

"This here's the ladder to yore loft, where I've made up some pallets for you. You should be plenty warm, but if yore needin' more blankets, jist let me know straightaway." She put her hand on the ladder but didn't climb up it to show them their beds. She figured they could manage fine on their own. "Miz Willow's made you some tea inside to warm you up, iff 'n you'll follow me." She blew out the hanging lanterns and left the barn.

When they reached the cabin, one of the men hurried to open the door for her. It was the first one, Logan. She'd studied their faces in the lantern light as they took care of their horses. Both had dark hair and comely features, but Logan boasted a stronger jaw and wasn't quite as tall as Bryce.

"Thankee." She acknowledged the gentlemanly gesture and walked over to where Miz Willow was rocking in her chair. The kettle steamed over the fire, while a loaf of bread warmed in the niche.

"You've both met Hattie by now, and I'm Willomena Hendrick. Most folks in these parts call me Widow Hendrick, but when folks lodge with me I prefer Miz Willow. Hattie started callin' me that, and I like it right fine. Ain't that right, Hattie?"

"True 'nough." Hattie placed a jar of blackberry preserves on the table and nodded. "I don't like bein' called Widow Thales, so I reckoned Miz Willomena probably didn't shine to it after all these years, either."

"And Willomena's a mouthful and a half, so's she shortened it to Willow." The old lady rocked contentedly.

"Because it's fittin' for a healer to be named after a soothin' yarb." Hattie finished telling the story and placed the warm sliced bread on the table along with freshly brewed tea. Then she motioned for the men to sit at the table.

"We'll be happy to call you Miz Willow. It suits you. This is Bryce, since you didn't get to meet him before we took care of the horses."

"Nice to meet you, Miz Willow. Miz Thales." Bryce took a swig of tea and raised his eyebrows. "Say, I'm more of a coffee man, but this is pretty good!"

"No arguments here. We're much obliged for your hospitality." Logan slathered his bread with jam and took a large bite.

"Yore welcome, Mr. Chance." Miz Willow beamed and rocked more quickly, the runners giving tiny squeaks on the wooden floor. "Both of you Mr. Chances."

"You can call us Logan and Bryce. Everyone in Reliable does, since there are six Chance brothers." Logan grinned. "No one'd know who you meant back home if you called any of us *Mr. Chance.' Plenty more for the next generation, too, so we just stick to first names."

Hattie blew on her tea to avoid saying anything. These good-looking men came from a large family that was getting larger all the time. How different they would find it here, with just her and Miz Willow and no little ones to play with or cuddle.

Not that it would matter. The older youths of the holler would keep them plenty busy. Abner MacPherson and Rooster Linden would want to meet their kin. Silk Trevor's boys, Ted and Fred, would take them hunting and trapping. Asa Pleasant was teaching his Albert the best spots for fishing, and his two girls, Sky and Lizzie, were of the right age to be courted. Not to mention the Cleary gals. Hattie had a sneaking suspicion that Logan, with his bright blue eyes and easy grin, would be much in demand. Both of the handsome brothers would be before they went back home to their nieces and nephews to start having babes of their own. If any of the folks of Salt Lick Holler had their way, the mothers of those babes would be their very own daughters.

When Miz Willow tried to hide a yawn, Logan knew they'd stayed and chatted long enough. He swiped one last piece of bread.

"Much as we'd like to stay right here at this comfortable table with you lovely ladies..." Logan glanced at Hattie when he said the words. Sweet wisps escaped the long braid down her back. They caught the red glow of the fire and framed her young face. She moved quickly and gracefully; those deep blue eyes seemed to catch every detail. He realized he'd paused too long and covered it with a yawn of his own. "It's been a long time since we hit the hay." He stood up and waited for Bryce to follow suit.

"Thanks for your warm welcome and delicious treats." Bryce rose to his feet.

"Here's a fresh lantern for you. There's another in the loft. I left water in the bucket should you wish to fill the pitcher I left on the bench up there." Hattie handed the light to him.

"Thanks. We'll do just fine. Good night."

He and Bryce made their way back to the barn and climbed the ladder to the loft. Surprised at its size, Logan held the lantern high to look around. Two pallets made of fresh hay beneath clean blankets looked homey and inviting. Several blankets piled on the end would ward away the nighttime chill. A st.u.r.dy bench held the lantern and pitcher Hattie spoke of, as well as a basin, two hand towels, and a tin cup. A large empty trunk sat in a corner where the sloping roof kissed the loft floor, and a few nails were stuck in the wall to serve as hooks. Everything was clean as a whistle.

Someone-no, not someone-Hattie had taken a lot of time to clean up this place and make it comfortable. It fit with the way she watered the horses and took care of the tea and such. Hattie Thales had a kind heart to match her pretty face.

"Nice digs." Bryce lit the other lantern and hung up his hat. He grabbed the pitcher and started down the ladder to get the water Hattie had left for them. Logan caught the bundles Bryce slung up to him. They'd want fresh clothes in the morning.