The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [68]
Every time his thoughts moved to Bert, he attempted to push them away. How could one man’s mind be fixed on so many things?
The hours rushed by until suppertime. Mama and Bert had prepared thick slabs of beef fried up tender and juicy and lots of vegetables from the garden. This winter, they’d still be enjoying the vegetables Mama was canning and drying today. The cornbread melted in his mouth, but then again, Bert had baked it.
“So there’s no changing your mind about helping Bob look for the rustlers?” Mama hadn’t eaten much, and the color of her face had faded to white.
“I’ve talked to everyone except Bert about taking precautions while I’m gone. I could be back day after tomorrow or in a week. There’re a few things I need to see for myself.”
“All right. But I’m not happy,” Mama said.
“That’s real plain.” Evan rested his forearms on the table. “But John has a job to do. Just like the rest of us. I’d be going with him if he didn’t need me here.”
John remembered Evan tried to get Bob to deputize him, but he’d keep that information to himself.
“Don’t even think about it, Evan Frank Timmons.” Mama’s eyes flashed a rare display of anger.
Evan held up his hands. “Calm down. I have plenty of tools to mend in the next few days, and a letter to write to the Colorado State Veterinary Association.”
John wanted to stand up and cheer. “Are you working on the admission papers?”
“Oh, I’ve already completed those. Looks to me like I need to get started on my education as soon as possible.”
Misgivings crawled through John’s mind, and he hoped Evan’s eagerness had nothing to do with Bert. The two would have plenty of time to be together while he was gone.
“I want to check on Oberlander’s mare before it gets dark,” John said. “I think he can pick her up anytime. I could probably deliver her in the morning on my way to Rocky Falls.”
Mama smiled. “That’s a good idea. Victor won’t need to make an extra trip here to get her.”
Good. She isn’t fond of Oberlander. John scooted his chair back from the table and noted Bert had finished her supper too. “Bert, would you mind joining me? I need to talk to you about what to do if you see someone strange. Everyone here has a rifle but you.”
Bert moistened her lips and glanced at Mama.
“Go ahead. This is important. We’ll have you sing and play for us later, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes ma’am. We won’t be long.”
John avoided Evan’s eyes and made his way to the door with Bert behind him. One of the boys laughed, and John figured it was Mark or Aaron. Stepping outside onto the porch, he breathed in the fresh air. He had Bert to himself, and he didn’t care if it was selfish.
They walked side by side to the corral. She stood almost to his shoulder. How could one so small have such power over him?
Concentrate on the horses. Racer and Queen Victoria had become cozy, which would help John stay in the rancher’s good graces. He could talk to Bert about horses and not get so flustered.
“Look at the sunset,” Bert said. “I love those soft colors of yellow, orange, and purple. God painted it very nicely.”
“Is this your way of telling me God’s now a part of your life?”
She laughed softly. “Yes, it is. I’m very new, a brand new Christian, you might say.”
Thank You. The news spread through him like warm syrup. “I’m real happy for you. When I was about twelve, I thought following God was the coward’s way out. Then I grew close to my Uncle Parker and realized a real man understood where his brave heart comes from.”
She was quiet, but he’d not pry. He’d learned that much about her. “Be careful while I’m gone. If you sense anything strange, let Mama or Evan know. My pa’s rifle is under Mama’s bed. I’ll make sure it’s cleaned and loaded.”
She nodded. “I hope you catch him before then.”
Him? What did she know?
“How did you get your name?” John said. “Not the nickname, but Ember. It’s unusual.”
“My mother gave it to me just before she died.”
“I’d like to hear the story.”
She hesitated, as though thinking through her words. “My mother birthed me and knew she was