Where the River Flows Read online

  Where The River Flows

  By

  Hildie McQueen

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Other Books By Hildie McQueen

  Dedication and Acknowledgment

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  About Hildie McQueen

  Other Books By Hildie McQueen

  Where The Four Winds Collide

  Westbound Awakening

  Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.

  27305 W. Live Oak Rd #424

  Castaic, CA 91384

  http://www.DesertBreezePublishing.com

  Copyright © 2015 by Hildie McQueen

  ISBN 13: 978-1-68294-003-7

  Published in the United States of America

  Publish Date: November 2015

  Editor-In-Chief: Gail R. Delaney

  Editor: Lysa Demorest

  Marketing Director: Jenifer Ranieri

  Cover Artist: Taria Reed

  Cover Art Copyright by Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc © 2015

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information retrieval and storage system without permission of the publisher.

  Ebooks are not transferrable, either in whole or in part. As the purchaser or otherwise lawful recipient of this ebook, you have the right to enjoy the novel on your own computer or other device. Further distribution, copying, sharing, gifting or uploading is illegal and violates United States Copyright laws.

  Pirating of ebooks is illegal. Criminal Copyright Infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, may be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used in a fictitious situation. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, organizations, incidents or persons – living or dead – are coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

  Dedication and Acknowledgment

  Special thank you to my wonderful writer friends for their incredible support and assistance. Special thank you to my husband Kurt Bennett for his undying understanding and support. I could not do any of this without you, Earl.

  Chapter One

  Colter Valley, Montana

  There was a time Joshua McKade relished life in the valley. With majestic mountains cradling it, and a river running through, it was the perfect place to settle and raise a family.

  However things had not gone exactly as planned. Lately days were monotonous without any more to offer than the same exhausting chores. The winters seemed harsher when living alone and the holidays just another day of monotony.

  What had been a good life, for a few precious months, had somehow turned into a haze of one day blending to the next. Yet he kept working, driven to breed horses, grow the crops, and then plant again. The purpose of it all was sometimes lost on him. As far as Joshua was concerned, if he got up each morning only mattered to the hungry animals and the cows needing milking.

  Often he wondered if he made any difference. When he died and was laid to rest beside his wife and infant daughter would anyone consider he'd done little else than exist until the day came?

  Joshua pushed his hat back and wiped at his sweaty brow with his shirtsleeve. The horse nickered as if agreeing it was too hot to be out plowing. Unusually warm weather had lasted for three weeks, very unlike the normal temperate summers in Colter Valley, and already killed many crops across the valley. Heated winds caused the dust to swirl around him, the brown cloud billowing until he pulled up his bandana to cover his nose and mouth.

  He looked up to the sky. It was a beautiful sight, the brightest blue as far as the eye could see. Not even a whisper of white across the sapphire tapestry of the heavens.

  "Let's get this row done, boy, and then we'll head on back." Joshua told the horse realizing it had been a rash decision to come out in the heat. All his water was gone and it was dangerous to expose himself to possibly overheating and passing out by himself. With the nearest neighbor, his sister Abigail and her family, a couple miles away, it could be days before anyone found him.

  He let out a deep sigh at his thoughts and made a tsking sound to get the horse going again.

  Without any ranch hands to help since he'd sent the two men off once the larger plot of land was plowed, it was up to him to get the field ready for the next planting. Once again he gazed to the horizon. Hopefully it would rain soon. Although Colter Valley was usually plush and green, the last few weeks had seen very little rain and the larger plot of land was showing signs of dehydration.

  The horse turned back toward the house and, more importantly for the animal, the stables. Joshua let out a breath of relief and looked down at the ground when something moved just in front of the horse.

  A snake slithered across the path.

  He jerked back, attempting to stop the horse. It was just a second too late. The animal caught sight of the snake and reared up just as Joshua pulled the strap from around his waist. The horse took off at a gallop, yanking him to the ground face first.

  Thankfully the strap released and the horse didn't drag him. Unfortunately not before snapping his forearm, breaking the bone in half.

  Joshua rolled on the ground and screamed, unable to catch his breath at the searing pain running through his arm.

  Not wanting to move lest it cause more pain, Joshua remained still, his arm cradled against his chest looking toward the house to see that with the plow sliding sideways, the horse galloped toward the stables.

  For a long time, he lay on the ground shaking. Even the slightest of movement caused throbs of searing pains to shoot through his body.

  About an hour later he'd finally stumbled the short distance to his house. Once on the porch, he lay back on it thankful for the reprieve of shade it provided. He must have blacked out because he woke with a start, the aches instantly bringing to mind what happened earlier. He had to get to help, find a way to make it to his sister's ranch and get mended.

  It was a couple miles away, a distance he usually rode, not walked. The idea of somehow mounting a horse made his jaw clench.

  The horse with the plow attached grazed nearby, its tail swishing side to side. It would be impossible to disengage the darn animal from it. Fortunately the horse looked to be fine, content actually.

  He gritted his teeth and removed his belt, after fastening it with his left hand, he managed to refasten it and place it over his head. He then carefully fed his broken arm through it, unable to keep from yelling at the discomfort it caused.

  It took several tries to mount another horse. Sweat drenched and shaking, he slumped over the beast's head to catch his breath.

  *****

  Through the haze of pain and threat of darkness, he finally saw the familiar structure and his sister's husband, David, who rushed to him. Joshua sagged with relief to have made it as far as their ranch.

  Birds rousted from a nearby tree with a bustle of chirps and wings flapping. It was the last thing Joshua heard before blacking out and falling off his horse.

  "Is Uncle Joshua gonna be all right?" His niece's voice permeated through his foggy brain. He moved and groaned, pain shooting up his right arm.

  "Yes Libby, he'
s going to be fine," his sister, Abigail, replied to the tot. "Go and see if the doctor comes yet."

  Joshua pried his eyes open. He was in a small bedroom. "I didn't think I would make it here." He grimaced and closed his eyes to wait for the wave of pain even the slightest movement brought. "Can you ask David to go see about the horse?"

  "He's already headed to your ranch with Trevor, who's staying there to look after the livestock while you recover."

  He nodded in response, not liking the idea of needing help. "I should be able to take care of things once Doc splints me up."

  Abigail should her head. "When you fell off the horse you dislocated your shoulder. There is too much damage done at this point. You will stay here for at least a week." Without waiting for a reply, she lifted a cup to his lips. "Drink this, it has a couple drops of laudanum for the pain. Don't argue."

  He didn't. The throbbing of his shoulder and arm unbearable to the point if he were alone, he'd allow himself a good cry.

  "Now tell me how this happened to a seasoned rancher like you? Other than the fact you should not have been out there alone to begin with."

  If it weren't for the pain, he would have smiled. Abigail was direct, unbending, and caring. She took people at face value and without forming an opinion one way or the other until getting to know them. As a result, her circle of friends included the more "colorful" people in Colter Valley.

  "Sunshine is coming over. She is going to do a ritual to help you heal faster once the doctor sets your arm." Abigail pulled open the curtains over the window allowing daylight in. "I'm surprised it's still so bright out. It's almost seven in the evening."

  "How long was I out?" It was late morning when he'd been plowing.

  Abigail shrugged. "A couple hours I suppose." A frown marred her pretty face. "You'll have to hire a couple ranch hands to take over the planting. I'll ask David to go into town and see about it."

  Joshua's farm was smaller than his sister and husband's. He'd always worked the land himself, just a small portion, enough to sustain the ranch. There wasn't need for much more, with only himself to support and no plans for another family.

  Even if he decided to remarry, which he didn't, there weren't many women in Colter Valley, as there were only a few families who settled in the area only arriving just five years earlier. The town, once a gold mining town, had once been twice the size. When more gold was found further west, the miners left.

  The center of town was larger than the current residents required. Many of the buildings would fill up with business in time as more and more people moved west in search of a better life.

  Libby ran in, her blond curls bouncing about her face. "Mama, the doctor's comin'."

  By God's grace the laudanum was taking affect so when the doctor entered the room, Joshua could barely keep his eyes open.

  Two days later, he sat at the kitchen table watching Abigail and Sunshine, an Indian woman who married the local judge, bustle around making some sort of bread they both swore was the best anyone ever tasted. He didn't doubt it by the amount of fussing they both were doing.

  Abigail eyes sparkled when meeting his. "I sent a second letter off yesterday." She hid a smile behind a white dusted hand. "I hope you won't be too angry."

  A chill went up his spine. "What did you do?"

  When the women exchanged looks, he knew it couldn't be good. His sister shrugged. "I will tell you, but you have to promise not to holler at me."

  "Abigail." He kept his voice soft. "Whom did you write to?"

  "A newspaper out east first, then a lady. I saw Ralph Nader at the mercantile. He just got married to the sweetest woman. She has a bit of a lisp, but is just as sweet natured as you could ever meet. Her name is Gertrude. Her family is from..."

  "Abigail," he interrupted before she went into what the woman was wearing and the size of her shoes.

  Although he loved Abigail dearly, there were days he wished she'd remained back east with their relatives. When he decided to come west, the last thing he expected was for her and her husband, David, to come along.

  "Very well, I will tell you. Take a deep breath before you reply to what I say."

  Sunshine decided to join the conversation. Her flour marked face didn't distract from the look of disapproval. "Do not yell, it's bad for your healing process."

  Joshua gritted his teeth and nodded. "All right, tell me."

  With a wide grin, Abigail held her hands clutched against her chest. "It's so romantic really when you think about it. I wrote for a mail order bride for you. Someone responded."

  "What!"

  "Don't yell," Sunshine admonished.

  His sister placed her hands on both hips, ignoring they were crusted with dough. "It's time you begin to live again. I've given you a couple years patiently waiting for you to snap out of the despondency. A man cannot live that way, as if already dead in life. I wouldn't be a good sister if I didn't try to do something."

  "I am not despondent," he replied feeling like a ten year old. "I have the life I want. No need for a woman."

  His sister narrowed her eyes and jutted her chin out. "We will discuss it later. You need to go outside and get some fresh air." She turned her back on him and began discussing the bread with Sunshine.

  Properly dismissed, Joshua stood. His arm had finally stopped throbbing with every movement. However it still hurt each time he attempted to shift the arm. On the porch he settled into a rocking chair. Once again the sky was a clear blue. Several horses grazed in a large corral to his right, straight ahead was a large barn, and to his left fields his brother-in-law was currently pulling a plow through. The sight of the plow made him flinch and he wondered how long before he'd forget the agony of what he'd been through. David waved at him and he returned the gesture.

  Abigail's husband was her exact opposite. Rarely uttering more than a couple words, the man worked hard, his ranch thriving quickly.

  He had motivation. A family to care for gave purpose to a man. Providing shelter, food, and clothing for those who depend on him is what made a man work hard. He looked to his dusty boots and reached for a cloth on a small table.

  For the next few minutes he cleaned his shoes, then looked around for something else to occupy his time. Being right-handed it was awkward to perform any tasks, yet he stood and went to the well. It took a bit of time, until he finally retrieved a bucketful of water. Once he got another cloth and a bar of soap from his sister, he washed his hair and face. Undressing to his underpants and careful to avoid getting his splint wet, he washed his body and got dressed.

  "Doing pretty well with one arm," David came up and proceeded to lower the bucket into the water.

  Joshua stood by as his brother-in-law washed his own arms and face. "Heading back home tomorrow. I reckon Abigail will fight me about it."

  "Yep." David looked toward the house with a pensive expression.

  "Can you talk to her? Convince her I don't need a wife."

  His brother-in-law remained silent his arms crossed over his chest, his keen eyes going from Joshua's face to his arm in a sling.

  "I'm going to insist she write the newspaper in Virginia and the woman who responded and put a stop to anything she's started. I like my life just the way it is."

  David shrugged. He walked off toward the house with long, purpose filled steps. Once he neared, Abigail ran out and threw herself into his arms. The couple hugged, a wide grin splitting David's face.

  There was never any doubt in Joshua's mind the two loved each other. Every day they acted as if any time apart was a burden. He couldn't help but smile when Libby rushed out to greet her father and wrapped her arms around his legs.

  Then ever so slowly like a cloud covering the sky, sadness settled into his chest at the picture of what his life should have been.

  Chapter Two

  Williamsburg, Virginia

  Viola Bunting leaned backward, her hands on her lower back. It had been a long day in the kitchen and although exhausted she fel
t pride at studying the cake she'd just finished decorating. Mrs. Pratmore, the house cook, walked around the cake a wide smile splitting her face. "You have a gift for it. The cake is beautiful Dear."

  Viola looked out the windows to see the sun was low. It was past time to head home. "How about I make a pot of tea, Mrs. Pratmore? Sit down for a bit and relax. I'll clean up before leaving."

  The older woman sat down letting out a long breath. "It does feel good to sit for a bit. The Harrisons will want dinner served in an hour or so. I'll need your help to put the cake on the rolling cart so I can present it properly when the time comes."

  "Mm-hmm," Viola replied absently, setting the teakettle on the stove. "I hope Mrs. Harrison enjoys her birthday cake."

  "Oh I'm sure she will. And I will make sure she knows you made it."

  Moments later, Viola couldn't prolong her departure. The walk home would take over half an hour and she preferred to arrive before dark. "Are you sure you don't need anything else?" she asked Mrs. Pratmore, who pulled a roast out of the oven. "I can help with dinner."

  The older woman gave her an understanding look. "Things continue to be uncomfortable for you then?"

  Viola nodded. "If only I could afford to move out. To find a room to rent. It's only a matter of time. That man will make a pass and my sister will walk in on it. She will take his side of course. After all, her options are limited. Oh Mrs. Pratmore, if she kicks me out, I'm not sure what will happen to me."

  "There, there, girl, don't fret. We'll figure something out. Maybe after I tell Mrs. Harrison about the cake, she'll agree to bring you on full time."

  She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. "I am praying it is so. I don't want to hurt my sister's feelings by leaving, however it's the lesser of two evils. Her husband is a randy sort who refuses to take no for an answer. His flirtations have become more and more aggressive."

  "Some men are just nasty creatures." Mrs. Pratmore shook her head and moved back to the stove. "Go on, Viola. You don't want to be late and get caught out in the dark."