Blowing on Dandelions (18 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Talk about stubborn men! Katherine clenched her hands around the reins as Micah struggled to get up into the wagon on his own. The obstinate man had refused her offer of help in spite of his apparent discomfort. Just because he could manage around the house with the aid of crutches didn’t mean he had the strength or ability to hoist himself onto the seat.

“Everything all right?” She wanted to fuss over him now that he’d settled himself but knew he wouldn’t accept it. Besides, he wasn’t her husband, her beau, or even a close friend. Time to grab these wayward thoughts and corral them before they galloped away. Besides, she must speak to him about his son. More than likely, by the time she finished he would never want to ride with her again.

“I’m fine. Nothing to it.” But the slight panting belied his assertion. “I’m just glad to be out of the house.” Worry flickered in his eyes. “Sorry. I’m grateful you offered us rooms, but it’s hard being dependent on—” He paused, then continued, “Others.”

Katherine shook the reins and clucked to her mare. “You were going to say ‘a woman,’ weren’t you?” She shot him a quizzical look, hoping she didn’t sound as amused as she felt.

He hung his head for a moment, then lifted it. “I’m sorry. I’m so used to caring for women—first, my mother after my father passed, then my wife, Emma. I guess it feels wrong, somehow, having it the other way around.”

The tension eased from her shoulders. “I understand. Is your mother still living?”

“No. She passed away when Zachary was three. I think she pined for my pa so much that it weakened her heart. She was never the same after he died.”

“I’m sorry.” Katherine wished there were more she could say, but the mention of Zachary’s name renewed her anxiety.

Micah adjusted his bad leg against the footrest. He peered at her with a slight smirk. “At least you still have your mother.”

“Yes.” She stifled a groan, then allowed a chuckle. “And she makes her presence known daily.” She sobered. “Seriously, I’m very thankful I have her in my life, but at times …”

“She can be difficult. So I’ve noticed.” He tossed her a grin. “Not that I’m complaining. I must say, she managed to raise a very nice daughter.”

“Why, thank you.” Warmth suffused Katherine’s body, and her palms grew damp against the leather reins. She’d better concentrate on her driving and not the man beside her, or they’d be in trouble. If only Lucy and Zachary weren’t so young and hadn’t chosen to break the rules. Attraction drew her to Micah, but the relationship forming between her young daughter and his son wasn’t acceptable. In her heart she knew it would place a wall between any chance she and Micah might have of growing closer.

They crossed the bridge over the Powder River, the wagon wheels clattering against the wood boards. A black raven flew from an overhanging branch, screeching his displeasure at being dislodged.

She reined the horse to the left and onto the dusty main street, taking in the Elkhorn Mountains towering above the town. She loved this settlement, with the two mountain ranges to the east and the west and the river running through the middle. The wide valley extended for miles, allowing ranchers and farmers to raise cattle and crops that helped sustain the miners and residents.

“Where would you like to go first?” She slapped the reins against the mare’s rump, then turned toward Micah.

“What? Oh, sorry.” He ran a hand over his head. “Wherever you’re going is fine.”

“But you wanted to see …” She didn’t finish as she caught a glimpse of pain etching deep lines around his mouth. “I’ll be about an hour or so. Will that be enough?” She scrambled to decipher what had happened. Why had he changed his mind about going to the site of the livery?

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“Whoa, Gracie.” Pulling the mare to a stop, she waited. “Will you be all right, Micah?” Katherine touched his arm, and he jumped.

“Sure. I’ll be happy to get down and stretch this leg a mite.” He hitched himself to the edge of the seat and twisted his body, gripping the side rail and easing down onto the step. “I don’t reckon I’ll go far.” He reached back up and pulled the crutches off the seat. “Not this trip anyway.” Shooting her a grim smile, he tucked the crutches under his arms and hopped away.

Micah wanted to kick himself a minute later for not having Katherine drop him off in front of his old business and home—even more, for allowing her to see his discomfort. He was a grown man, for pity’s sake, not a child who couldn’t handle a little tragedy in his life. Why had he told her he wouldn’t go far when the burned-out building four blocks away beckoned him? Surely he could make it that distance without too much trouble.

Glancing around, he took in the people strolling the boardwalk in front of the stores and the wagons rattling past on the dirt street. He’d forgotten how good it felt to be out in the sun and standing on his own two feet. A wry grin formed—well, sort of on his own feet.

“Jacobs! Good to see you in town.” The voice of Pastor Seth came from close by. “You drive yourself in from Mrs. Galloway’s place?”

Micah shook his head, leaned his weight on one crutch, and extended his other hand as the man strode up. “No. Mrs. Galloway had some shopping to do so I hitched a ride. I was considering moseying on down the street.”

“Ah.” The pastor cocked his head in the direction Micah indicated. “Care if I walk with you?”

Micah shrugged. “Sure. I’d appreciate the company after being cooped up so long. If you think you can stand visiting with me yet again.” He grinned.

Pastor Seth laughed. “Not sure about that, but I’ll try.” He gestured toward the crutches. “When do you get rid of those?”

“Doc says soon, but it can’t be soon enough for me. I’d dump them now if I could, but he’s worried the cut will split open again if I put too much pressure on it. Another day or two, I reckon.”

“Good. You put any more thought into rebuilding?”

“That’s about all I think about these days.” Micah slowed his pace and shifted his balance. At least he’d gotten the hang of moving quickly, and since his arms were strong from swinging a blacksmith hammer so many hours a day, it was no chore to carry his weight with his arms and one leg. “But no, I haven’t made any decisions yet. Still no idea where I’ll come up with the money, but I’ll make it happen somehow. I’ve got to.” He tried to keep the desperation out of his voice but knew he’d failed when the pastor regarded him with compassion.

“Something will turn up, Micah. I’ll be praying about it, as well. God’s not going to let you down.”

“Right.” This time Micah didn’t try to hide the sarcasm. “That would be a first.” He shook his head. “Sorry. It’s not your fault. You’ve been decent and kind since I met you, and I appreciate it. But I don’t feel the same way about God. He’s let me down more than once in past years, so I have no reason to believe He won’t again.”

Pastor Seth nodded. “Sure, I suppose we all feel that way from time to time. God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we hope and sometimes it seems as though He’s ignoring us. But I can assure you that’s never the case.”

Micah planted his crutches and pulled to a halt. “Then He made an exception for me when He allowed my Emma to die and left me to raise our son alone. Not trying to be rude, Pastor, but I don’t think I’m in the mood to visit the site of yet another disappointment. I think I’ll head back to the store.”

“Wait, Jacobs.” Pastor Seth placed a hand on Micah’s arm. “I know it appears that way, but believe me when I tell you life will get better. God hasn’t abandoned you.”

“Whatever you say, Pastor. Now I need to go. Good day to you.” He headed back the way they’d come as fast as his crutches would take him. A twinge of guilt mixed with some bitterness. The pastor was only trying to encourage him, but the words stung all the same. He was tired of hearing from do-gooders that God cared and hadn’t forgotten him. He didn’t believe it, and no amount of preaching would change his mind. Maybe he shouldn’t have been short with the man, but he wanted Pastor Seth to understand once and for all that he didn’t care to discuss the subject. Hopefully this would end all the foolish talk about God taking care of him and seeing him through this current calamity.

He settled into a chair against the wall of the mercantile, content to watch the traffic go by and the people traipsing up and down the street. Katherine had picked a busy time of day to do her shopping but all the better for him. At least it kept his focus off his troubles.

And he had another pleasant ride with Katherine to look forward to, so the day could only get better from here.

Katherine exited the store, content with her purchases and anxious to return home. Hopefully Micah would be close by and they could head out now that the wagon was loaded with her provisions. She looped her reticule over her wrist, noticing the difference in weight. She’d spent more than she’d planned, but with the increase of boarders, her pantry was low and must be restocked. A small movement pulled her attention to the side, where a chair was tipped back against the wall. Micah Jacobs sat with his eyes closed, his crutches resting beside him.

How could she wake the man without startling him? She’d been longer than the hour she’d promised and worried he might be tired, but his evident exhaustion pricked at her heart. She leaned toward him and spoke in a whisper. “Micah?”

The man’s eyelids quivered but didn’t open.

“Mr. Jacobs?” She said it a little louder this time, but there was still no response. Taking a chance, she touched his shoulder.

He jumped, and the front legs of his chair thumped down on the boardwalk.

She drew back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

He scrubbed a hand across his eyes and focused on her face. “Katherine. I didn’t hear you walk up. I was resting for a moment.”

“Of course.” She fought a smile. “The clerk has finished loading my purchases. Are you ready to return home?”

“Sure. Whenever you are.” He grabbed the crutches and slowly eased to a standing position. “Guess I got a little stiff sitting so long.”

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”

“No matter.” He swung to the edge of the boardwalk and made his way to the wagon.

“Did you accomplish what you’d hoped in coming to town?” As soon as she said the words, she wished she could retract them. Hardness settled over his features again. How had she forgotten the pain she’d witnessed less than two hours before?

“I got out in the sun and on my own two feet, so I guess I did.” He mumbled the words, then headed toward her side of the wagon. “Let me give you a hand.” Leaning his crutches against the driver’s box, he took her arm and assisted her onto the seat.

“Why, thank you, Micah.” Her breath caught at the touch of his hand on hers, and she wished he didn’t have to remove it to go to his own side of the wagon.

Grabbing his crutches, he made his way to the rail where the horse stood, untied him, then limped to the side and hoisted himself up onto the bench. The muscles in Micah’s shoulders and upper arms bulged as he tried to avoid using his leg. Katherine averted her gaze, afraid he’d catch her staring. She waited until he got situated, then picked up the reins and released the brake.

Silence settled around them as the horse pulled the load up the dusty street. She longed to bring up the subject nibbling at her thoughts since last night, but how could she do it without troubling Micah? He already seemed burdened, but he had the right to know about his son’s behavior. Drawing in a deep breath, she mustered her courage. “I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

He turned his head. “All right. But if you’re wondering what I’m planning to do about my business and home, I don’t know. But as soon as I figure it out, I’ll make other living arrangements.”

His brusqueness shocked her. “Why in the world would you think that?”

Micah hunched one shoulder. “I ran into the pastor today, and that’s all he wanted to talk about, so I figured it was probably bothering you as well.”

“Oh. I see.” She didn’t but saw no sense in pursuing the subject. It was apparent something the pastor said had hit him wrong, and she’d probably only add fuel to the fire by saying anything more. “No, that’s not what I had in mind.” She wished she could think of something else to talk about besides Zachary, but nothing surfaced. Better to stick with her original plan, get it over with, and pray he wouldn’t be upset.