Come Away To the Meadow

Hi friends. I hope you all are having a pleasant New Year. With the rush of Christmas behind us, I’m settling in to more writing time. In addition to “Come Away To the Meadow” I’m also writing and illustrating a children’s book about a trumpeter swan pair named Loyal and Penny. Not only does it entertain, but it helps children learn about nature and how to interact with swans and ducks. Over the years, I’ve had a difficult time trying to decide what to do with my painting skills. I finally settled on using my art for children’s books. That’s in addition to my adult books. So I keep fairly busy doing both.

For those of you who enjoy my romance novels, “Legend of the Lake” and “Before You Find Me” are both available on my website: www.sherischofield.com. For those who enjoy heart-pounding suspense, my book “One Step Ahead of the Devil” is also available. It is the true story of a battle I fought to save my husband’s life against incredible odds. I had to write under the pen name S. M. Hausen to protect my identity at the time. This one appeals to men, too. Every man who has read it did so in one sitting, refusing to put it down even to go to bed!

Today, though, let me share with you the next chapter of “Come Away To The Meadow..”

Blessings,

Sheri Schofield

Chapter 6

            Ramie held onto the saddle horn and wiggled forward. Ethan mounted carefully behind him, holding onto the reins. With one hand around Ramie’s waist, he adjusted the reins and nudged Buck into a slow walk.

Lord, keep Ethan and Ramie in your peace tonight. I saw the pain on Ethan’s face when he learned about Jodie’s death, and the bewilderment when he met Ramie. I saw Ramie’s sorrow when he said good-bye to Becka. He’s lost his mommy, his grandma, and his aunt. Comfort this child, Lord! Comfort them both. For Ethan, the sun rose and set on Jodie. I don’t know where I fit into all this. But I know you brought me here for them.

I watched Ethan and Ramie ride back home, my heart going with them both. How would Ramie feel without anyone familiar near-by?

***

            Later that night, Ethan laid a sleeping Ramie in the twin bed he had moved into his room. He didn’t want the toddler to awaken and be all alone in the dark. Rummaging around in the kitchen, he found a night light and plugged it into the wall near Ramie’s bed. Perfect. That should do it.

With a sigh, he sat down on his own bed and sat looking at his son. Pulling off his boots, he lay down and pulled one of his mom’s quilts over himself, but he couldn’t sleep. Staring at the ceiling in the semi-darkness, he thought back over his day. What a strange mixture of emotions! His ordinarily methodical thoughts were a complete jumble.

            Jodie! I can’t believe you’re gone. My heart is breaking again for you … I wonder if the pain will ever go away? I thought I was over losing you. But somewhere in my heart, I couldn’t quite believe you would truly disappear from my life. I still had hope. Until today. Oh, Jodie. Why didn’t you tell me about our baby? How could you do that? Did I hurt you so much by not spending enough time with you? Jodie, my love. I thought I was healing. But today Becka pulled the scab off the wound, and I’m hurting all over again.

            Skye. What comfort she’s been to me. I trust her to help me with our son. That’s strange because I haven’t trusted anyone since you left, Jodie. I trust Skye, though. She will help Ramie and me. We’re going to be okay. I’m sorry I failed you.

            Our son! Oh, Jodie, he is precious. I’ve never felt such a strong sense of protection as I did when Becka placed him in my arms.

            Tears flowed down his cheeks in the night until sometime in the late hours, he fell asleep.

            Early in the morning before the sun arose, he awoke suddenly to the sound of sobs. Ramie was sitting up in bed. “Mommy!” he called. “Where are you, Mommy?”

            Ethan slid out from under the quilt and  reached for Ramie, drawing the crying child into his arms. His own eyes blurred with tears. “It’s okay, Ramie. Daddy’s here,” he murmured tenderly.

            He moved back to his own bed and lay down, settling his son against his shoulder and pulling the quilt over them. It wasn’t long before Ramie began to calm down, safe in his father’s arms.

The next thing Ethan knew, his phone alarm began beeping. He started to turn to reach for it, but his shoulder was weighed down. Ramie lay snuggled up close to him, his head on Ethan’s shoulder and his arm thrown across his daddy’s chest.

            “Rise and shine, Ramie,” Ethan said softly, leaning over and kissing Ramie’s hair.

            The child’s eyes opened sleepily, and he yawned. Looking up at Ethan’s face, he said, “’Mornin’ Daddy. Are we gonna ride horseys today?”

            Ethan sat up and lifted Ramey to his feet on the bed. “We will later. Right now, we need to get dressed and have breakfast. Then I’m taking you over to Skye’s house. She has horseys, too.”

            “Okay.”

            An hour later, having dressed and eaten, Ethan buckled Ramie into his car seat, placed a diaper bag full of things Ramie might need on the seat next to him, and drove over to Skye’s house.     Stepping out of the car into the fresh air, he helped Ramie out and removed the car seat. Skye might need it. Turning, he saw Ramie running toward the horse pasture.

***

Standing on the deck to meet Ethan and Ramie, I saw the child heading for the horses and ran after him, swinging him up into my arms and planting a kiss on his cheek. “Later ‘gator. We have to say bye-bye to your daddy.”

            Ramie laughed as I carried him back to the car.

            “Is there anything else you’ll need?” Ethan asked anxiously as he fastened Ramie’s car seat into my car.  

            Picking up the diaper bag and checking its contents, I could see he’d brought everything he imagined I’d need. Being used to children, including my niece and nephew, I assured him we’d manage. “We’ll be okay, Ethan. I assume you ate breakfast?”

            “Yes. Ramie and I had some cereal and milk, and I made us some scrambled eggs.”

            “Good.” I lifted the little boy toward his daddy for a good-bye hug.

            Ethan stooped down and drew Ramey into his arms, kissing his hair tenderly. “See you tonight, Ramey.” He looked up at me briefly, his eyes shining. He handed Ramie back to me. “Have fun with Skye today. I’ll see you at dinner.”

            I smiled and waved. “See you later.”

            “Bye-bye Daddy,” Ramie called, waving his hand.

            Ethan’s face shone with wonder as he headed toward town. In that moment, I knew he would be alright. Yes, there would be times when he thought of Jodie and would feel like his heart would break. But with Ramie there, I knew his sadness would pass someday.

            “’Kye?” Ramie said, looking at me anxiously. “Will my daddy come back?”

            “Yes, honey. He will come home after work today.” I felt tears come to my eyes and blinked them back.

            Ramie sighed, rubbed his eyes, and gave a little sob.

            I kissed him on the cheek.

            “Would you like to help me dig in the garden?” I pointed to the raised beds enclosed by eight-foot-high rabbit wire.

            “Okay.” He nodded.

             I carried him over to the toolshed and set him down. “We’ll need some little shovels for digging.” The small spades were hanging neatly inside the door. I reached for some gloves, too. Dad kept child-sized gloves in the shed for the grandchildren, and there was a pair just right for Ramey, and another pair for me.

            “Here. Let’s put your gloves on first,” I said.

            Ramie lifted his hands solemnly and I slid them onto his tiny hands.

            “If you don’t want to wear gloves, that’s okay,” I said, noticing how poorly they fit.

            “I want to wear ‘em.” Ramey was firm.

            A few minutes later, we were inside the garden, enclosed by the eight-foot-high fence Dad had built to keep deer and rabbits out. I showed Ramie a place where he could dig. “Make the dirt all soft, and we will plant some things there later.”

Solemnly, Ramie dug into the soft garden soil.

I worked next to him, digging into the warm earth, turning it over and hammering the clumps out. Watching me, Ramie copied what I did. Dirt flew when he shoveled and pounded it. When we finished, I scooped him up. He was covered liberally with dirt.

            “Let’s get you cleaned up a little, then we’ll have cookies and milk.”

            “Okay, ‘Kye.”

            We went inside. I ran some warm water in the tub, adding a liberal dollop of bath bubbles. A few minutes later, Ramie was playing in the water, happily rubbing bubbles on his head and face.

            Dipping a washcloth in the water, I took one of his hands in mine and sang the old nursery tune. “This is the way we wash our hands…” Using my niece’s bathroom bucket, I told Ramie to close his eyes and hold his breath, then dumped a bucket-full of water over his hair to get the dirt out.

            Ramie laughed. He played in the water until his hands started to wrinkle.

            “Time to come out. The water’s getting cool.” I held a towel up for Ramie and lifted him out of the bathtub to dry off. Once he was dressed, we went into the kitchen where I set cookies out on a plate. He climbed up into a chair at the table and looked up at me. His nose barely cleared the surface. I laughed and put a fat pillow under him to raise him higher.

            “Is that better?”

            “Yes.” He smiled.

            I placed two cookies on his plate. “Can you manage two?”

            “Yes.”

            Tatum walked over and sat next to Ramie, her tail thumping and her big brown eyes looking up hopefully.

            Ramie reached out and patted her head.

            Good. He’s used to dogs. Tatum’s used to children, too. She’ll help me watch over Ramie.

            I’d baked some oatmeal-raisin cookies for him that morning. Did he have any allergies? I wasn’t taking any chances with chocolate or nuts. We munched companionably on the cookies and drank the milk.

            “Where’s Daddy?” he asked, looking toward the door.

            He needs to see where Ethan works so he won’t think his daddy is gone, too. “He’s still at work. Say, why don’t we make a lunch and take it to your daddy?”

            “Yes! An’ let’s take cookies.”

            “Okay. Can we make him a sandwich, too?”

            Soon the two of us were busy putting the lunch together. A fat, roast beef sandwich for Ethan. Since Ramey still didn’t have enough teeth to manage roast beef, we made some tuna sandwiches for the two of us and put everything into a wicker basket. A thermos of cold milk, oranges cut into pyramid shapes, cookies, plus napkins, two plastic cups, and Ramie’s sippy cup went into the other side of the basket. Wetting a washcloth, I put it into a baggie. With oranges, we’d need extra help cleaning up. I placed a folded tablecloth over it all, tucking in the corners.

            “Let’s go,” I took his hand in mine and lifted the basket with my other hand.

            I wonder if Ethan has told his staff about Ramie yet?

Come Away To The Meadow

 Hi! I hope you all are having a happy new year. For those of us in the frozen northern plains, we had a short reprieve from the cold and were able to enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures lately. We were able to visit both our kids and their families at Thanksgiving. Christmas was quiet. We decorated outside our house for the first time since the children were small. The little girl next door loves Christmas lights and tried to decorate our trees a little last year, so we decorated a lot for her this year. She’s a sweet child.

Here’s more of my book, Come Away To TheMeadow. I hope you will enjoy it!

Blessings,

Sheri Schofield

Chapter 5

            We began a pattern of dinner and horseback rides that day, a pattern I hoped would last the summer. I wanted to find out more about this older, adult Ethan, my childhood friend and hero. Tall and muscular at age thirty, he still resembled the high school football running back for whom I’d cheered many years before.

            “Skye,” Ethan said after dinner a few days after I’d returned home. We were sitting on the deck pulling on our riding boots. “Aaron said he wants some of us from church to meet with the leaders of the Crow reservation about their missing children. He’s has been wondering where to have the meeting. He suggested my place, but I’m not much of a host.”

            I could see he was unsure about this. “Would you like me to have the meeting here?”

            Ethan relaxed. “Could you? I’ll help.”

            “Sure. I’d be glad to.”

            “Good. I’ll let Aaron know. He said he’d like to have the meeting Sunday evening. Is that too soon?”

            “Not at all. Do you know how many are coming?”

            “Let’s see. Mayor Brooks and his wife Lenore. Pastor Barrett and his wife Martha. Max, their son and our local newspaper editor. Eli and Shirley Delaney, who own the general store. And of course, Cecilia Cottrell from the library. John Red Hawk and the new deputy, Liam Webster, will be there, too.”

            “That’s ten, plus Aaron, you, and me. Is Annette coming?”

            “Yes. She’s lined up a babysitter for the evening.”

            “Good. I look forward to meeting her. I’ll bake some cookies for snacks.”

            “Okay. I’ll bring some soft drinks.”

            “Do you know what the meeting is about?”

            “It’s about the forming a group to pray for and look into the problem of the missing children from the Crow reservation. We want to help solve the problem.”

            “Oh. I am eager to hear about that. I can’t imagine the pain those families are feeling.”

            Ethan gazed out across the pasture and shook his head. “What’s happening is purely evil.”

            “Out here in all this beauty, it’s hard to imagine how this can be going on.”

            Ethan stood and reached his hand out to me. “Come on, Skye. Look at Rio and Buck over there, pining for a ride.

            I looked toward the pasture. Sure enough, Rio and Buck were looking toward us, ears pricked, waiting impatiently for us. Ethan had left his horse at our ranch the night before, waiting for the ride we would take today. Tatum wagged her tail and dashed ahead toward the barn, eager for her evening outing.

            Stopping under the May tree, its white blossoms filling the air with perfume, Ethan turned to face me, still holding my hand.

            “Skye, I’m so glad you were able to come home this summer. It doesn’t feel so lonely anymore. Having you here brings back the good memories of childhood, when we all used to play together. You are a blessing to me. I was feeling alone and kind of lost when your parents reached out to me after Christmas, and now you’ve reached out, too. Thank you.”

            Suddenly, I knew in my heart that God had brought me here to help Ethan, my good friend.

            “Ethan, you have always been the one I ran to for help when I was a child. I’m happy to be here for you now.” I smiled up at him.

            A car drove past the ranch slowly. I watched it turn into Ethan’s place. “Um, Ethan?”

            “What?”

            “A car just pulled into your place.”

            He looked up. “Huh. I wonder who that is? Guess we’d better ride over and see.” We mounted our horses, cantering across the meadow and through the aspen grove, Tatum running on ahead checking out smells along the way and barking once at a squirrel. As we reached the house, the car door opened, and a dark-haired young woman stepped out. I didn’t recognize her.

            “Becka?” Ethan was clearly startled.

            “Hi Ethan.” Becka’s solemn face prepared him for the news.

            He dismounted. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

            “Yes.” She shook her head then dashed a tear from her cheek.

            “Jodie?” I heard the pain in his voice.

            Becka nodded. “She was in a boating accident with a friend three weeks ago and drowned.”

            Oh no! Jodie is—was—Ethan’s wife. I caught my breath.

            “Why didn’t you call me?” His voice was soft. I could hear the hurt in it.

            “I wanted to, but Mom wouldn’t let me.”

            “I see.”

            “But now she’s had a breakdown, and I have to make all the decisions. She’s in a rehab center and we don’t know how long it will take her to recover.”

            “I’m sorry, Becka.” He stepped forward and hugged her gently.

            She stepped back after a moment. “There’s more.”

            “What?”

            I dismounted and remained at a discrete distance, not wanting to interrupt their shared pain.

            Becka turned and walked back to the car. Opening the back door, she reached inside and gently pulled a little boy from a car seat. “Come on, Ramie. We’re here.”

            The child seemed to be about three, with ash blonde hair and green eyes. The resemblance to Ethan was unmistakable.

            Ethan froze, speechless, unable to process what he saw.

            I stepped forward, sensing Ethan’s shock.

            “Ramie, this is your Daddy.” She looked up. “Ethan, this is your son, Ramie.” She placed the little boy in Ethan’s arms.

            “Why didn’t Jodie tell me?” Ethan asked his voice anguished. His eyes fastened on the child who gazed up at him uncertainly.

“I wanted her to tell you, but she refused. She said she wanted to keep him all to herself. And Mom backed her up. Jodie was very bitter, Ethan.”

“I see.” Ethan looked up at her quickly, then back down into the face of his son, who was looking up at him. “How old are you, Ramie?” he asked gently.

“Aw-most fwee,” he said, holding up three fingers.

“I have his birth certificate and health files with me.” Becka ducked into her car and pulled out a box with papers and stuffed animals in it. Setting it on the ground, she opened a file and pulled out a birth certificate.

“I see she put my name down as his father, at least.” Ethan’s voice sounded gruff.

“Yes.”

He looked up. “Thank you for bringing my son to me, Becka. I hardly know what to say. Or think. But would you like to come inside? I have iced tea if you’d like some.”

“I can only stay for a few minutes. But yes, I’d like some iced tea.”

Ethan turned to me. “Skye, this is Becka, Jodie’s little sis. Becka, Skye is my good friend from across the pasture. Please come inside. You too, Skye.”

Leading Rio over to the hitching post near the house, I looped the reins over it, feeling helpless. I followed Ethan and Becka into the house, telling Tatum to wait on the deck. It was the first time I’d seen the inside of the Russell house since coming home. His parents’ furniture was familiar, but the kitchen was bare, as though he rarely used it.

Ethan turned to me. “Skye, would you take Ramie?”

Reaching out, I took the child in my arms. Looking into the little boy’s apprehensive eyes, I smiled to try to reassure him. “Hi, Ramie. I’m Skye. I live across the meadow.” I walked over to the big picture window. “See that house? I live there.”

“Horsey?” he asked, pointing to the dapple-gray.

“Yes. That’s Rio, my horsey.”

“Dat?” He pointed to the tan horse.

“That’s Buck, your daddy’s horsey.”

He looked solemnly at the horses. “I like horseys.”

Ethan opened a cupboard and brought out three glasses, filled them with ice, and added tea. “I don’t have any juice,” he said glancing at Ramie, not certain what the child would drink.

“That’s okay. I have his juice in the car.” Becka slipped outside to fetch it.

“Skye …” Ethan’s voice trailed off helplessly, his eyes on my face.

I walked toward him carrying Ramie. “Everything is going to be okay, Ethan.”

Becka came into the room carrying a sippy cup. “Here, Ramie.”

The little boy took the cup, turned his head toward Ethan and offered it to him. “Dwink?”

For the first time, Ethan smiled. He took a quick drink from the sippy cup. “Yum. Apple juice.”

I sat Ramie down on the floor and took the ice tea Ethan offered. Together with Becka, we sat around the table. Ramie climbed up on his aunt’s lap and leaned back against her shoulder as he sipped his juice.

Ethan asked about Ramie’s health records. Were his shots up to date? Was he prone to colds? What kind of foods did he like?

I can’t remember everything about the conversation, but I noticed Ramie watched his dad and his aunt intently, not wanting to miss a thing.

Finally, Becka stood, Ramie in her arms. “I need to get back on the road. I’m sure you will do just fine, Ethan.” She glanced at me and smiled sadly. With a sigh, she looked into my eyes. “You will help, too?”

“Yes, Becka. I will help.”

            She turned. “Can I visit once in a while, Ethan?”

            He nodded. “Just let me know when you can come for a visit. We’ll all be glad to see you.”

            “I have some things in the car that you’ll need.”

            “Let me help you unload.”

Becka handed Ramie to me. “Go to Skye now, honey.”

            I held Ramie in my arms while Ethan and Becka unloaded the car.

            A stroller, diaper bag, small suitcase, and miscellaneous blankets and toys ended up on the couch and floor. A box of food and juice landed on the counter. Ramie looked on solemnly.

            “He’s not using diapers anymore except at night,” Becka said. “Soon he won’t be needing them at all.”

            “Thanks for the information.” Ethan nodded.

            Together we walked out onto the porch. Becka reached out and took Ramie for a moment. “Honey, I’m going to leave you with your daddy now. But I’ll come back to see you sometimes. Okay?”

            Ramie’s lip trembled and eyes filled with tears. Becka’s eyes nearly flooded over, too. She hugged her precious nephew and handed him to Ethan. “Your daddy is going to take good care of you now, Ramie.” Kissing the little boy on the cheek, she turned quickly and walked out to the car.

“Bye, Auntie Becka,” Ramie called, his lips trembling.

“Bye, Ramie. See you later.” She waved and started the car.

We watched her drive away. Ramie began to cry loudly. “Auntie Becka!” He reached his hands out toward the retreating car.

“It’s okay, Ramie,” Ethan murmured as he drew his son closer to his shoulder. “Everything is going to be okay.” He stroked Ramie’s hair, comforting him. But Ramie sobbed louder.

After a couple minutes, Ethan looked over at the horses and asked, “Do you want to ride a horse, Ramie? We need to walk Skye home.”

The little boy hiccupped and looked up with interest. He nodded. The tears began to slow down.

When Ramie was calm, Ethan lifted his son onto his saddle. “Hold tight to this,” he said, patting the saddle horn.

Ramie gripped it with both hands, his eyes wide with wonder, still a little tearful.

Together we walked the horses back to the M-bar. When we reached the edge of the porch, Ethan put his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for being here for me, Skye. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ethan?”

“Yes?”

“It’s only Thursday. You have to work tomorrow.” Would you like to bring Ramie over in the morning on your way to in?”

“Oh!” Ethan looked startled. “I was so overwhelmed, I forgot.” His eyes sought mine.

I nodded at his silent question. “Yes, Ethan. I’d love to have Ramie visit me tomorrow while you work.”

“Are you sure you want to take Ramie for a whole day?”

“Yes.” I smiled up at him and at the child in the saddle. “I’ve always loved children. That’s why I went into teaching. Besides, I’m an experienced auntie.” Turning to Ramie I asked, “Would you like to help me with the horses and the garden tomorrow?”

His face lit up and he nodded solemnly.

“We’ll be fine, Ethan,” I said. “We can talk tomorrow after work.”

Giving me a quick hug with his free arm while keeping his other hand on Ramie, he murmured softly, “Thank you, Skye.”

Ethan looked up at Ramie, who was still sitting in the saddle. “Mind if I come up there

and sit in the saddle behind you, son?”

Come Away To the Meadow

The winds of Wyoming winter are blowing fiercely today in the run-up to Christmas. We’re glad we were able to visit our kids and grandkids early so we won’t be driving as Wyoming slips into winter storms. I wish you all a blessed, merry Christmas!

Sheri Schofield

Chapter 4

            By mid-May I was packed and ready to go. I quit my tutoring job. I wasn’t planning on returning to Denver. The memories were too bitter. Maybe after I’d been home for the summer I’d move to Loveland. Maybe they needed tutors. I gave up my apartment, put my furniture and household goods in storage, and headed north.

            On Friday afternoon, I turned off the highway and headed toward Chisum. The town itself held almost a thousand people, still a small town by most standards. But with the outlying ranches and the nearby towns of Wild Horse Bend and Cougar, the area warranted a medical clinic and two grade schools, and a high school.

            Our town lay in a winding valley tucked up against the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. The hillsides along the road which led home were covered with velvety green grass and crested with golden balsam root blossoms interspersed with deep, blue-violet lupines, dandelions, and several other wildflowers. The sky was mostly blue to the east, but I could see a thunderstorm advancing from the west.

            As I drove into town, I heard the vague rumble of the coming storm. I hope I can reach home before the rain. Those storms can drop torrents of water at a time, and the creek between the ranch and town could flood quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief after crossing the bridge over the creek before the rain hit.

            The winding dirt road led to our ranch. The old log home with its high, rock foundation rose in a clearing, and I felt a rush of warmth. Home. Comfort. Freedom from the emotional pain I’d left behind me in Denver, at least for a time. Nearby spruce and aspen trees provided a natural fit with the rustic beauty if the warm brown logs and red metal roof at the end of our driveway. The honeysuckle bushes next to the house and the green leaf flowering May tree were in bloom, filling the air with sultry perfume. My homecoming was complete when I saw Dad and Mom step out of the house onto the wide covered deck as I pulled into the driveway.

            “Mom! Dad!” I called and waved through the open window. Pulling up into the parking area, I stopped the car, hopped out, and walked swiftly into their welcoming arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”

            “We’ve missed you, too, honey,” Dad rumbled in his deep voice.

            “We’re so glad you’re here. It’s good to have you home again, Skye.” Mom held me tightly for a long moment.

            “Let me get my things inside before the storm hits.” I turned and dashed back to the car. Dad helped me carry my luggage and bags into the house.

            “I made some lemonade for you.” Mom handed me a chilled glass filled nearly to the brim.

            “Thanks, Mom.”

            Lightning slashed across the sky as I took the glass. “Just in time,” I said looking out at the sudden burst of rain as thunder crashed outside, shooting nitrogen into the earth to sustain life and green up the grass and trees. The meadows needed both the nourishment and the rain.  “I would have hated to bring things inside during a storm. I glanced out the big, picture window and took a sip of the lemonade.

            We moved into the living room to catch up on recent events in our lives between rolls of thunder.

            “So tell me. What’s been happening in town since Christmas.”

            Dad shrugged. “Not a whole lot.”

            “We do have a new deputy on staff at the sheriff’s office,” Mom said. “He’s helping John Red Hawk on some cases. His name is Liam Webster, from Montana. He wants to become a detective. Since he’s native American too, John thinks Liam can help him search for the missing Crow children. He’s sure the Crow will feel more open with having a native officer helping with the search.”

            “Have more children gone missing?”

            Mom sighed. “Yes. With the drug cartels traveling through Crow nation and following back roads north through other reservations all the way to Canada, it’s likely the children are being taken for trafficking purposes.”

            “Oh, no.”

            “John said sometimes they find the children’s bones on back roads. There’s no way to know for sure what has happened to them.”

            “Doesn’t the FBI or the US Marshall help find the children?”

            Mom shook her head. “They’re too short-staffed. So’s the tribe. That’s why John is trying to help.”

            My heart ached for the missing children and their families. “How many children have gone missing recently?”

            “Three this year,” Dad said, shaking his head. “So far.”

            I had no words. The shock stunned me.

            “But let’s not leave on that note,” Mom said. “Your dad wants to show you what’s happening here on the ranch.”

            “Come along, Skye,” he rumbled. “I can show you from the deck. No point in going out into this downpour.”

            The sweet scent of rain on the earth and lawn welcomed me as Dad pointed out the various improvements and projects he had going on the ranch.

“I planted the garden yesterday, too. There’s carrots, radishes, peas, and broccoli. I’ve marked the rows in the garden. If you’d like to plant squash and tomatoes, the nursery in town has starter plants.”

            “There’s nothing better than fresh veggies. I’ll love it, Dad. I didn’t have a place for gardening in Denver. This will be great.”

            “I’ve asked Ethan to check in on you after work every day.”

            “Dad!”

            “He told me about Joe Alders. I’ll feel better if Ethan keeps an eye on you, honey.”

            I thought about Joe for a moment and nodded. “You’re right. I guess I’ll feel safer with Ethan around, too.”

            “Good.” Dad smiled and hugged me. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my girl.”

            “Doug, could you help me with our suitcases for a minute?” Mom called.

            “Coming.”

            We both turned and tackled the job of lining up the suitcases and last-minute extras on the deck, waiting for the rain to stop before putting them in the RV. Twenty minutes later, the storm had passed, and we loaded the RV.

            “Well, we should probably head out now,” Dad said reluctantly. “I’d rather stick around another day, but your grandma has plans for us out there in Kentucky.” He hugged me and climbed up into the driver’s seat.

Mom put her arms around me and whispered, “You take care of Ethan for us, Skye. We’ve been trying to cheer him up by being hospitable. He needs looking after. I don’t think he knows much about cooking, so we’ve had him over to dinner a lot. I told him to drop by when he gets off work to check on you. That’s around five.”

“Come along, Suzanne,” Dad called.

            “Have a safe trip.” I smiled and waved as they pulled out of the driveway onto the long dirt road to town. Standing on the deck, I looked around at the ranch. I felt lonely with everyone gone. But I’d manage.

            If Ethan is coming by later, I should probably bake a pie. He’ll be tired after a long day at work. I’m glad Mom has been taking care of him. Maybe he’d like to start having dinner with me, too. I’ll ask.

Opening the fridge, I checked the possibilities. There on the top shelf was a package wrapped in butcher paper containing two steaks. I looked at my watch. There’s just enough time to bake a pie if I use Mom’s canned cherries and the rolled pie crust she left wrapped in wax paper for me. I turned the oven on. Checking the cupboard, I took out two potatoes from the bag of russets. The fridge held lettuce and tomatoes. Everything I needed for dinner was there. I turned the oven on, washed the potatoes and set them on the counter for later. Pulling out the pie crust, I filled the bottom of Mom’s glass pie plate. Mixing a jar of Mom’s canned cherries with some spices and cornstarch, I poured the mixture into the shell, added the top crust, cut some slits in it, crimped the edges and slid it into the hot oven.

***

By the time Ethan’s truck pulled into the driveway, the coals in the barbecue were just right and the potatoes were staying warm in their foil wraps inside the oven, while the pie cooled on the counter.

“Hello Skye,” Ethan called, climbing down from the truck. He pulled off his white clinic coat and his tie, tossing them into the truck before closing the door. His blonde hair, no longer hidden by a cowboy hat, brushed his eyebrows in front. I liked the look.

“Hi Ethan.” I walked out to greet him. “Mom said you’d be dropping by to check on me when you’d finished at the clinic. I have baked potatoes in the oven and cherry pie cooling on the counter. I hope you’re hungry.”

“You didn’t need to do that!”

“Yes I did. Mom said you needed looking after and gave me the assignment. As long as you’re going to be checking on me every day, I’m going to meet you with supper, just like Mom did. Besides, I like the company.” I grinned up into his face and pulled him toward the house. “Mom left steak, and the coals are hot in the barbecue. You want to oversee that part of dinner while I fix the salad?”

Ethan’s eyes twinkled. “I surrender. You’re just as persuasive as Suzanne.”

“Good.”

I brought the fluffy potatoes, butter, and salad out to the deck as Ethan finished barbecuing the steaks. We sat down to a leisurely meal facing each other across the old round table. With the pleasant evening breeze  blowing over freshly washed grasslands, we caught up on each other’s lives while we ate.

“Your dad said you were home for the summer. Any chance you’ll stay longer?” Ethan asked.

“I don’t know yet. I’m going to ask Mrs. Cottrell if there’s a need for tutors. If there isn’t, I’ll check out jobs in Loveland for the fall.”

“Um. I see. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you with the guy you were dating.”

“Don’t be. I’m not.” I paused, looking out over the pasture. “What you told me about recognizing love helped me see the truth about Dale. He was really in love with someone else. I guess that’s what I was sensing. Yes, it hurt at first, but I’m happy to be home now and far away from him.”

“Well, it’s his loss,” Ethan said. “I’m personally glad you are here, Skye. I’ve missed you. Having a good friend across the pasture will be nice.”

I grinned. “Yes. It will be nice to have a good friend here. Any of our other friends home now?”

“There’s Aaron and Annette. I don’t know if you remember Wade Martin or Sandi McCoy. They’re deputies working with Aaron now.”

“Didn’t remember Sandi graduate with your class?”

“Yes. Wade graduated a year earlier.”

“I don’t remember Annette.”

“Aaron met her at the county fair one year. She was in charge of the Wild Horse Bend 4-H girls. I guess one of the kids accidentally let a pig out, and Aaron and Annette chased it down. The way he tells it, they tackled the pig at the same time, and they’ve been together ever since.” Ethan grinned.

I laughed. “I can picture it. What a hoot!”

He shook his head. “Doesn’t sound very romantic, does it?”

I shrugged. “I guess romance comes in many disguises.”

Ethan stood. “Let me help you with dishes. If you’re up to it afterward, would you like to join me horseback riding?”

“I’d love to. I haven’t had a chance to even say hi to Rio yet.”

Come Away To The Meadow

Chapter 3

Crow Reservation

            “We saw them leave the church together,” Jay Stuart said. “It was dark, but it always is this time of year.” Jay shrugged helplessly. He was the youth pastor at the small, native church, and he felt responsible, though he could not have walked each of the youngsters home.

            Mary White Swan moaned and covered her face, swaying back and forth. Fay Little Bear sat stone-faced beside her, staring straight ahead with a blank look on her face from which all color had drained.  

            Sheriff Bold Eagle looked down at the pad of paper in his hand. “George Mac saw a dark van speeding down the lane headed for the freeway. He saw the first two numbers on the plate, four-six. It’s not much, but I’ve checked it against the license plates here, and nothing matches it. So it was someone from outside.”

            “I’ve called the family together,” Fay spoke softly. “We’ll need to pray about this and decide what to do.”

            Sheriff Bold Eagle bit his lip and held back the words. Until the family met and decided what to do, he could do little. He could contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but their resources were limited, as were his own. The tribe couldn’t afford to hire enough law enforcement to manage all their problems. They would need outside help. He thought of the young native deputy who had stopped by his office recently. Liam Webster. He was on his way to Chisum to take up a position there. Yes, maybe he would help….

Chisum

            After Jason, Chuck, Jill, and Skye left Chisum with their families, Ethan remembered every moment they had spent together. Especially the moments he had spent with Skye. She surely has grown into a real beauty. Her skin has the Scandinavian undertones, and she has that slight upward slant to her almond eyes, like Suzanne does. But her blue eyes and copper hair are  like her dad’s. His hair’s turning white at the sides now I noticed.

            Skye was always kind as a child. I’m glad to see she had retained that same gentle spirit. She’s beautiful, not just in her looks, but in her heart as well. I hope her boyfriend smartens up and realizes how fortunate he is. But from what she said, I think he’s probably self-centered. Skye needs a man who will treasure her.

            Memories of their ride up to the ridge, the confrontation with Joe Alders still bothered him. Something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. He remembered the phone call his brother had mentioned…about the youngsters on the nearby Crow reservation disappearing. Were they being trafficked? The evidence was piling up. His brother Aaron thought something unusual was happening there. The Crow were mostly Christians. But there was a small percentage who were into drugs and alcohol. Drug trafficking on the reservation was a known problem. The missing children? Maybe they were part of the same problem.

His thoughts turned back to Skye. He remembered the confidences they had shared and treasured those thoughts in his heart. The time spent with the McCann family had helped him pull out of the depression he’d been struggling with.

            After the younger generation left at the end of the week, Suzanne invited him to start coming by for dinner after work. Ethan was relieved. He hated going home alone to the house on the hill overlooking theirs, seeing the warm lights, and hurting because he had nobody with whom to share his life. He insisted on sharing the cost of food with them, though they’d protested at first. But times were difficult across the country, and he wanted to help. After a little friendly wrangling, they’d agreed to let him help some with the food.

            Sometimes he and Doug would go fishing together as spring melted the ice from the creeks and lakes. It helped to have another man to talk with. When he was alone, he often remembered the good times he’d had with his friends at Christmas. Especially with Skye. Their childhood friendship had blossomed sometime during the Christmas holiday, and he was fiercely glad, even if it hurt to think she would probably marry Dale.

***

            Two weeks after Christmas I was back at my apartment in Denver. The Christmas break had been just what I’d needed. Refreshed, I looked forward to seeing Dale again. Had he missed me? Remembering Ethan’s advice, I now knew what to look for in the relationship, and I hoped this short time apart would have increased Dale’s commitment.

            He had been away for a few days and was due to arrive at the airport Saturday evening. But at three in the afternoon, he called.

            “Hey, Skye, my flight has been delayed because of a snowstorm here. I won’t be arriving in Denver until midnight. I’ll just take a cab home from the airport. I’ll see you at church tomorrow morning. Okay?”

            “Oh, Dale. I’m sorry you’ll be late. But it’s okay. I’ll save you a seat at church.” I felt disappointed, but I understood.

            “Good. See you soon, sweetheart.”

            “Okay. Love you.”

            “Ditto.”

            Why does he always say “ditto” instead of I love you? Why must I always say it first?

            The next morning, I took extra care getting ready for church. Dale had always liked my blue sweater. He said it made my eyes look crystal blue. A navy skirt, midi length, went well with the sweater. High-heeled black boots completed my Sunday attire and gave me a little more height, a little more confidence. I was five-foot-three, a little on the short side. Since Dale liked seeing my hair down rather than up, I brushed my hair until it shined like burnished copper and left it cascading down my back in loose curls. A dash of the perfume he had given me before Christmas would please him.

            A few minutes later, I was on my way to meet him at church, eager to spend time with him.

            We’ve been dating now for almost a year. I wonder what Dale will say about Dad’s request for me to spend the summer in Wyoming. Will he be okay with it? There he is. Waiting for me at the edge of the parking lot. His face just lit up. He’s headed my way. Oh, I’ve missed him so much!

            Dale came toward me with confident steps, hugged me close to his heart, and gave me a quick kiss. “That’s a taste of things to come,” he teased. “Let me take you to lunch after church and we can catch up.”

            “Sure. Sounds good. I’ve missed  you, too.”

            His hand dropped to the small of my back. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s cold out here.” He ushered me into the building to our usual seats.

            As he removed his coat and turned to help me with mine, he froze.

            I looked up, wondering what had stopped him. His eyes were fastened on someone behind me. I turned to look.

            It’s Sandra Lehman, his old girlfriend. She broke up with him just weeks before Dale started dating me. He said it was over. But from the look on his face, I don’t think it is. Look at him. His face is flushed, his eyes are bright. He’s totally forgotten me.

            Sandra glanced at me, tossed her short golden hair, and looked away.

            My heart sank. All through the service, I felt Dale’s tension and excitement. After the benediction he excused himself and made a beeline for Sandra. The look on his face told me everything.

            This is the woman on whom the sun rises and sets in his heart. Not me. It’s over for Dale and me. We’re finished. No matter what he says, I know the truth now.

            Trying to hold back my tears, I made my way back to my car and drove home, where I spent the afternoon crying. The phone did not ring. Dale did not come over to explain. It was as though we had never been in love. At least he hadn’t. My own heart was broken, for I loved him and knew it was hopeless.

            I didn’t see or hear from Dale afterward. He ghosted me. It was as if we had never even met. I cried often in the days ahead.

            I threw out the perfume he had given me, along with every other gift, photo, and reminder of him. But everywhere I went in town, I saw his face in my mind. The restaurants where we’d dined. The mountains we’d climbed together. The parks where we’d walked hand in hand. All were reminders of the illusion of love Dale had created.

            I will never trust another man. All they leave me with is broken promises and a crushed heart.

            Three weeks later, I called Dad. “I’ll come home for the summer, Dad. It will be a pleasure to ride horses and move the cattle around. I need the break.”

            “Is Dale okay with you being gone so long?”

            “Dad, it’s over. I’m coming home and moving on.”

            “I’m sorry, Skye.” I could hear the compassion in his voice. “Are you going to be okay?”

            “Yes. I’ll be fine. I’m going to focus on spending time with friends in Chisum.”

            “I’m sure you’ll enjoy reconnecting, honey. You’re overdue for a break from the city. Rio will love having you home again, too.”

            “Oh, Dad, I have missed Rio. We’ll have a good time together.” Rio was a pal I could count on.

            “Cecilia Cottrell said there’s a need for tutors in Chisum, if you decide to stick around.”

            “Is she still running the library?” I asked.

            “You bet. Age hasn’t slowed her down in the least. I’m sure she’ll be happy to fill you in on just about anything you need to know. Her brain is encyclopedic. When will you be home?”