Cassies miracle, p.11
Cassie's Miracle, page 11
One night he was hunting down a man who’d broken into a livery stable and stolen a horse. They had found the man hiding in a cave about ten miles away from town. As Ed was coming home that next morning, he became concerned as he noticed fresh horse tracks around his place and didn’t see any smoke coming out of the chimney like usual. Approaching the homestead, he saw the front door was wide open. In a panic, Ed jumped off his horse and ran into the house. Mary was laying limp on the floor, pale as a ghost. Ed ran to her, lifted her, and carried her to the bed. She was barely breathing. He didn’t want to leave her, but she needed a doctor. There was blood coming from under her skirt, and he worried that the baby was coming too early. Ed covered Mary with blankets and quickly built a fire, then jumped on his horse and rode into town to get the doctor. Together they raced back to the house. She was no better when they arrived. The doctor gave her some smelling salts that aroused her slightly. In her fragile state she told of the Indians that broke through the front door in the night and dragged her out of bed and threatened to kill her if she didn’t give them what they wanted. The Indians took the rifles and the knives and warned her to leave and never come back before they hit her on the head. That was all she was able to remember. Mary began to cry as she placed her hand across the motionless baby inside her. Without warning her body began to cramp and contract. The doctor told Mary she had to push and that there was nothing that could be done for the pain until after the baby was delivered. Exhausted from the night of terror and the hours of pushing, the baby was finally born and Mary sank into unconsciousness. On the bed lay a lifeless, tiny baby girl. Within minutes, Mary’s spirit withdrew from her body, leaving this world and Ed behind, joining her baby girl.
Sitting at the bedside, watching the love of his life leave him sent Ed into shock. His grief turned to rage that he blamed himself for not being there, and God for not saving his Mary.
Everything was gone now. There was nothing left for Ed; he didn’t care if he lived. His only motive to live was revenge. Ed became a machine, not eating or sleeping, only searching day and night for the Indians that took his wife and child from him. Months of searching led him nowhere. His mother and friends pitied him. Everywhere he went people would politely ask how he was doing out of respect. Everything reminded him of Mary and that she was gone and never would be with him again.
His chance to escape the memory of what happened to him came when he was asked by a friend to come out west to Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, and help regain order in town. Ed’s mother, being concerned about his state of mind, begged him to stay with her in Kansas. Ed had become bitter and angry and wasn’t thinking clearly in his grief. But he knew one thing, he was ready to escape the constant reminder of his loss and get on the stagecoach for Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory.
Cheyenne was being overrun with railroad workers and the tent city that followed. The city had grown from 150 residents to over 4,000 overnight. The saloons and dance halls brought in all sorts of ruffians and scoundrels. Thieving and murdering were common occurrences. It wasn’t a safe place to live, and the way Ed was feeling, this was perfect for him. It took him and a group of townsmen to band together and round up the worst of the troublemakers. He wasn’t proud of the fact that some of the worst had been hung as a warning to the others, but as a show of strength, they had gotten the job done and the town became a more civilized place.
Ed’s anger and rage were worn out after all the fighting with the worst scum imaginable. Softening some, he chose to associate with the church going folk of the community and met some very respectable men, one of which was George Hartford.
George and Mabel were some of the first people who’d invited Ed to their home for dinner and the best news was, they weren’t trying to set him up with a young woman. The women of the community were frequently trying to match Ed up with their daughters or granddaughters and he wasn’t interested. He never planned to marry again. His heart was broken. In time, Ed found his purpose by serving his community and the good people of Cheyenne. He was determined that the innocent wouldn’t suffer at the hands of anyone. He eventually stopped blaming God for the loss of his wife and daughter and reconciled that the Indians would be punished in God’s timing. The one person he couldn’t forgive was himself. In Mary’s honor he would keep her memory alive and his loyalty to her and never remarry. Ed had never told anyone in Cheyenne about his wife and daughter. He preferred to keep that private. Eventually the town folk learned to respect his wishes to remain a bachelor, imagining he had his own reasons. But it did pain so many of the women to see such a good man go to waste. The less honorable women in town still tried to get his attention, but Ed was always polite and very clear that he was not interested.
And then there was Cassie. Ed felt drawn to her. He had overheard the people at church talking about how she had lost her family. It was clear by the way she walked and her pale complexion that she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. Cassie was frail and needed his protection and it was in his nature to want to protect her. Or was that all he wanted? Well, he wasn’t going to figure it out today. When he arrived home, he decided he would simply put her out of his mind. Besides, he would see her again on Thursday and try and figure it out then.
That night Ed awoke in a cold sweat brought on by a far too familiar dream. In this dream, Mary was being held by Indians, screaming for help as he raced his horse as fast as he could to save her, but never got there in time. The nightmare ended the same way, with Mary on the floor, pale and bleeding followed by the screams as she gave birth to the lifeless infant. “Oh Mary, if only I’d gotten there in time,” he cried out.
The next few days passed slowly and Ed longed for Thursday to come so he could see Cassie again.
Wednesday, on his way out of town he thought of an excuse to stop by the Hartford’s place, hoping to see Cassie. His mind began rehearsing what he would say as he turned down their lane to their home. Feeling nervous, anticipation rose in him at the thought of seeing her. Oh, how he hoped he would see her.
Ed wasn’t disappointed, as he rode into the yard and spotted Cassie from a distance, watching her move as her slender figure bent forward, her ebony hair shining in the sunlight as she worked in the garden. Seeing her sent a thrill through him. Ed smiled to himself and tried to calm his shaking hands.
Cassie stood in the garden and quickly dusted off her apron and hands as something up the road caught her eye. She recognized the man on horseback coming towards her was Ed. Cassie pushed her stray hair back with her hand, trying not to put dirt on her face. “Oh my! I must look a sight!” She smiled nervously as she walked out of the garden to meet their guest.
Ed noticed the way her face was glowing from the heat of the morning as she walked towards him.
“Howdy, Cass!”
Cassie blushed deeply. “Good morning!”
Ed spotted Mabel coming out of the house and George emerging from the barn. He swung down easily and led his horse into the yard to meet them. He kept his eyes on Cassie for as long as he dared before turning to greet George.
“Good morning! How are you all doing this fine day?” Ed asked, as he shook George’s hand, then Mabel’s. As he took Cassie’s hand he was struck by her beauty. “You’re looking well this morning,” he thought. Her face was colored not only with a little dirt but crimson cheeks and rosy-pink lips. And there was a sparkle in her emerald eyes the moment she smiled.
“Yes, I’m doing well, thank you,” Cassie replied as she felt moisture at her temples and brushed it away with her shirt sleeve as Ed looked away.
George already had a pretty good idea but asked all the same. “Sheriff, what brings you out today?”
“I was on my way past your place on town business and thought I should ask when you’d like me to come for supper Thursday.” Ed adjusted his hat, trying to appear relaxed. He could face the most dangerous men with nerves of steel but was rattled with the thought of how obvious his intentions must seem to George and Mabel.
“We eat about six o’clock if that works for you, Sheriff.” Mabel looked at George and smiled knowingly. “We understand how busy you are, but you’re welcome to come earlier and visit for a while if you like.”
“I may just do that.” This was going better than he’d imagined. “If you don’t mind, may I water my horse before I go?” Ed asked. “It’s going to be a hot day and I still have a ways to travel.”
“We’ll do you one better; take your horse to the trough by the corral while Cassie and I get some cold drinks,” offered Mabel.
“Sounds mighty nice, thank you, ma’am,” Ed said tipping his hat and turned, walking with George leading his horse to the trough.
Cassie followed Aunt Mabel into the house while the men watered Ed’s horse. Aunt Mabel and Cassie soon emerged with glasses of cold buttermilk to find Uncle George and Ed talking as they sat in the shade on the porch.
“He’s some beauty, Cass!” praised Ed. “What do you call him?”
Cassie smiled as she handed Ed a glass. “His name’s Midnight. I got him for my twelfth birthday. My pa knew how much I loved to ride and made a deal with a neighbor. I started working with Midnight as soon as we got him. He took to the saddle very easily.” Cassie fell silent as she realized she was the only one doing all the talking. Stepping back shyly, she went and sat next to Aunt Mabel to drink her buttermilk, occasionally glancing up from under her hooded lashes to watch Ed.
Ed was content to listen to Cassie talk about anything as he tipped his glass up and emptied it.
George chimed in, “Cassie’s done quite a good job training him. He’s getting along with my other horses very well. As a matter of fact, Midnight’s taken a shining to Ginger. It’s like love at first sight. The two of them are constantly together.” George chuckled as he pointed towards the corral where the black stallion stood next to Ginger.
Everyone laughed and Cassie blushed. Ed could see Cassie was uncomfortable and changed the subject. “George, I must get going. Thank you for the cold drink, ma’am. But I really should be on my way. I need to get to Horse Creek and check on some suspicious activity.” Ed stood and put his hat on.
“Oh, what’s going on up there?” George stood, looking at Sheriff Havoc with concern. Horse Creek was only eight miles away.
“Someone’s been ‘squatting’ up that way. I want to find out what their intentions are. If they plan to settle here, they need to get the proper paperwork. Otherwise, they need to get moving.” It wasn’t uncommon for people traveling west to “squat” on someone’s land unknowingly. Or worse, “squatting” on public grazing lands, diverting water and trying to take over grazing lands without going through the proper legal process of paying a small fee. The Homesteading Act of 1862 stated that if a man worked hard, broke the land, planted crops and established a dwelling for five years, the 160 acres of land was his free and clear. It was a great opportunity for settlers, but it was a real problem for the local cattle ranchers. Mainly because it took away the free grazing land for their herds. Ed knew he needed to check it out before disputes arose. Although he could’ve sent one of his deputies to investigate, the road to Horse Creek passed the Hartford homestead. So, Ed decided he’d go instead, allowing him a good excuse to stop and see Cassie.
“I would go with you if I wasn’t already behind in my chores, but maybe Cassie could go with you? She hasn’t had a chance to ride Midnight since he got here. The ride would do them both some good,” George suggested, smiling at Cassie. “Unless you feel like it would be unsafe, Sheriff.”
“Oh, she’s welcome to come. I don’t expect to find any trouble.” Ed rested his hand on the belt of his holstered pistol. “I’m certain it’s just weary travelers. But if they’re still there I’ll be giving them a warning to either make a claim or move on.” Ed tried to keep his voice even as he spoke, although he was elated about the prospect of spending more time with Cassie. “She’ll be safe, I’ll take good care of her,” Ed reassured George and Mabel.
“I’d like to go, but I’m not sure Aunt Mabel can spare me today.” Cassie looked to Aunt Mabel for her answer.
“Yes Cassie, you can go. I can finish the gardening. You’ll be back in a few hours. Go ahead and change while Uncle George gets your horse saddled.”
“I’ll be out shortly. I won’t keep you waiting.” Cassie rushed inside to change. “What a day this has turned out to be!” she thought. Cassie was finally able to go riding, and with Ed. Cassie put on her riding skirt and buttoned her new vest over her white blouse and pulled on her boots. She sat in front of the mirror and adjusted her cowboy hat over her French braided hair. There wasn’t time to fuss, she looked closely and saw a smudge of dirt on her cheek; embarrassed, she wiped it off, realizing it had been there since she’d left the garden. Cassie blushed in humiliation. “Oh!” She rubbed both sides to make sure her face was clean. “It will have to do.”
Cassie emerged from the house and was greeted at the steps by Ed and Uncle George with Midnight saddled and watered. Ed’s broad smile said it all as Cassie wondered what Ed would think of her new riding clothes.
Ed cleared his throat. “Looks like we’re ready to go!”
Uncle George assisted Cassie onto Midnight and handed her the reins as Ed mounted his horse and turned toward the road. Cassie patted Midnight’s neck as her spirits lifted. “Let’s go, Midnight.” Midnight followed the gentle pressure on his withers and Cassie caught up with Ed as he slowed to ride side by side.
“You look like you know what you’re doing,” he mentioned casually. “And you make it look good too,” he thought as he grinned.
Cassie felt like he was teasing her. She would show him what a good rider she was before the day was through. But right now, in front of her Aunt Mabel, she would ride like a lady.
They rode along quietly, enjoying each other’s company when Ed suddenly remembered something Cassie had mentioned. “You said you got Midnight on your birthday. When’s your birthday?” He’d already done the math and knew she would be turning nineteen.
“June sixteenth,” she said, glancing over at him.
“You mean today?” he asked, looking at her for confirmation.
“Oh!” she exclaimed and blushed. “So much has happened this past week I forgot what the date was. I guess today!” Cassie chuckled lightly. “How embarrassing to have forgotten my own birthday. What must he think of me?”
“Well, happy birthday, Cass!” Ed was surprised by the date, and thought, “Three years ago, today was my wedding.” He gave her a sincere smile.
“Thank you, Ed! Just don’t mention it to my aunt and uncle, all right? I don’t want them to feel bad. I’m sure they don’t even know today is my birthday. Besides, they’ve already given me so much. This is the best present I could have asked for. I get to ride Midnight and I thought that would never happen again!” Her heart rejoiced over her miracle as she stroked Midnight’s mane.
“Well, I guess it worked out pretty well. My present to you, I mean. And I didn’t even know it was your birthday.” Ed laughed.
Cassie laughed with him, loving the sound of his deep bass laugh. She wanted to make him laugh all the more, just to hear it. Suddenly she kicked her horse and bolted forward, shouting, “Race you!” as she took off sprinting into a full gallop.
Ed was surprised, but quick to follow. “Come on, Major!” he shouted as he kicked his horse into action. “Don’t let her get away from us!”
Cassie glanced over as Ed closed in on them. “Go Midnight!” She kicked harder and leaned forward. This time she would show Ed how she could really fly! Cassie loosened the reins and let Midnight stretch out his neck as she pumped her legs with each stride. Cassie rode with only her weight in the stirrups, her body suspended above the saddle and laughed as she flew down the road! She hadn’t had this much fun in forever. Midnight gave her all his pent-up energy. Midnight and Cassie’s hearts soared as they raced free.
Ed did his best to catch her and marveled at Cassie’s grace and speed. She was an experienced rider, and what a beautiful sight it was to watch Cassie and Midnight move as one. He let her stay in the lead, wanting to watch her, and stay close.
After a mile or so, Cassie slowed and looked back to see if Ed was still there. Sure enough, he was about fifty yards behind her.
Ed rode up beside her, as she laughed. Was she laughing at him, or because she was happy to be riding? He couldn’t tell, but either way he liked it. Cassie’s laugh sounded like music to him, bubbly and playful.
“Wow, you gave me a run for my money!” he exclaimed, a little breathless. They slowed to a trot, cooling the horses as they went.
Cassie smiled at him. “That felt wonderful!” She patted Midnight on the neck. “Good job, Midnight! You hear that? We gave him a run for his money!” She laughed again.
“Well, you came to the right place, woman! An experienced horsewoman like you fits perfectly in this Wild West cowboy town of Cheyenne. I think you’d give anyone here a run for their money!” Ed hadn’t seen this kind of riding from a woman in his whole life. Cassie had talent and could easily learn how to herd cattle and possibly rope, if she had a mind to. He wouldn’t suggest it. Cutting and herding cattle is dangerous work, especially if a bull decided to charge. No, he didn’t want her to be in danger. But she could do it, if needed. “I’m honestly impressed. I’ve never seen anyone ride as well as you, and most certainly never seen a woman ride that well.”
Cassie was flattered to have impressed him but was sure Aunt Mabel and Uncle George wouldn’t like her riding like that. She’d shown Uncle George she was a safe rider but hadn’t let on that she could actually race. Cassie feared they would be worried that she would get hurt and not let her ride. But she felt she could be herself in front of Ed.
