The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [105]
A few days after they found Ralph Hanson’s body, Wirt joined the Timmonses for supper. John could read nervousness in a man, and tonight Wirt looked like a hen ready to hatch her eggs. Once supper was over, Wirt cleared his throat. Twice. John figured he’d have some fun and make his future stepfather sweat.
“I’d like a word with you, if you don’t mind,” Wirt said. “Can we take a walk?”
John figured he and Mama had set a date for their weddin', and out of respect, Wirt wanted to make sure John approved. “Sure. Grab your coffee.”
Outside, in the coolness of evening, John walked toward the corral. For a moment he expected Racer to join them. Deep longing coupled with fury bubbled up inside him. Justice would find its way to those who stalked their community.
“Leah and I would like to get married soon,” Wirt said.
“When are you thinking? Tomorrow? Next Sunday?” John chuckled.
“You know how hard this is for me, and you’re not making it any easier.” Wirt laughed too, but it sounded weak. “We’re thinking about Thanksgiving. Sort of fittin'.”
John let the reality of Mama and Wirt marrying sink in. He’d thought about the situation for weeks, and Wirt Zimmerman was a fine man. He’d loved Mama for a long time, and she deserved to be happy. Life had been hard on her after the Civil War, dealing with the move from Virginia to Colorado, mothering five boys, and the problems with Pa’s drinking.
“Wish you’d say something,” Wirt said. “Is the date not agreeable to you?”
John clasped his hand on Wirt’s shoulder. “Nope. The date’s fine. I’m thinking you and Mama make a fine pair. I’m glad for both of you.”
“Good.” The word breathed out like a sigh.
John thought for a minute about his dream to study law. He’d need to toss it aside since Wirt would be busy with his job as a US Marshal. The 5T couldn’t run by itself, even if Mark welcomed the opportunity to show his mettle. He and Ember could build a cabin nearby, leaving Mama and Wirt to their own home.
“I want to make you an offer,” Wirt said.
“I’m listening.”
“I’d like to buy the 5T. I have the cash, and I’d also make sure Aaron, Mark, and Davis received their homestead parcels when they turn eighteen. We could work out the details, put it all in writing, note acreage you’d want to keep for yourself, and I’ll help your brothers with their education. Like you, I believe they should have a stake in it, but I don’t want you to worry about a thing. And Mrs. Felter and her children are fine living in Parker’s cabin. I wouldn’t want to interfere there.”
Shocked best described John, as though a mountain stream had frozen solid in summer. “How are you going to keep your job as a US Marshal and work a ranch?”
“I’m going to resign. You see, I don’t want to put Leah through the worries of another husband working for the law. It’s not fair, and I’ve always wanted a ranch of my own. This may come as a surprise, but I even know how it’s done. Grew up on a ranch.”
Could this be God’s way of clearing a path for him to study law?
“The last thing I want is for you to think I’m trying to take over your ranch. This is an offer, an idea. Because—”
“And a fine one.” John spoke before Wirt could say another word. “I’d welcome the opportunity to put some figures together and see what we can do. I’d want to present it to the other boys. Make sure everyone is in agreement. Until then, I’d rather they not know about our discussion. And let’s hope we don’t lose any more cattle.” He remembered a recent conversation. “Victor Oberlander offered to buy the 5T. But I told him I wasn’t interested. I’d rather keep the land in the family.”
“Are you sure, John? This ranch has been your whole life since you were fourteen years old.”
“Sometimes a man has to move on.”
CHAPTER 49
The following evening, John helped Ember finish the dishes after supper, giving Mama a little rest and his brothers something to snicker about. While Davis showed the rest of the family his lasso