Chapter 5

Charlie had never been so full in his life. He figured most of the men around the table probably felt as stuffed as he did. Mrs. Cooper had put on an amazing Easter luncheon, and none had been shy about eating.

"Mrs. Cooper, I am amazed at all that you prepared for us," Charlie said, shaking his head, "and it was so very good."

"It was indeed," Otis Jackson replied. "Had my newspaper been up and running, I would've devoted an entire article to you, ma'am."

The older woman laughed. "You boys are too kind. Most of it's just simple fare that my ma and granny taught me. I'm glad you've enjoyed it."

"It's a pity Mr. Nyman had to miss this," Otis continued. "I'm sure whatever he's managed to eat in Denver isn't nearly as good."

"Mr. Nyman told me he has an elderly aunt in Denver, so perhaps they've partnered together to share an Easter meal," Mrs. Cooper explained.

Charlie knew from a discussion with Nyman that he had bought into a new freighting business that made regular runs between Denver and Cheyenne. It worked well for the man because his aunt allowed him to have a room in her small house so that he didn't need to keep two residences. Still, Charlie figured Nyman got the worse of the deal in missing out on Faith Cooper's Easter feast.

The conversation changed several times, finally landing on cattle and the great number of herds that were forming up around the growing town. Charlie listened with great interest as the railroad men, who seemed to have some knowledge of cattle, discussed the necessary needs that the ranchers would have.

"So long as the grass and water are good, they'll be in great shape," Bryce declared, nodding when Mrs. Cooper offered him another cup of coffee.

"A couple of our boys raise cattle in Kansas," she said before moving on to the next boarder to fill his cup.

"The real problem will come in the winter months," Stuart Johnson piped up. "You have to be ready to supplement their feed and bring them into safety up here. Blizzards can be fierce, especially when they last for days."

"Yes, but the newspaper ran an article earlier this month about Seth Wood. He left his cattle out to range all winter and did just fine. Hardly lost any at all."

"I heard the same for a couple of other herds. Most got through just fine," Otis said, helping himself to another dinner roll.

"Most, but not all."

Charlie listened as they discussed the various farms and ranches in the area and how well or poorly they'd done. Seemed sheep were also taking to the land around Cheyenne. There was talk of the small temporary slaughterhouse becoming permanent and expanding.

"Once they make up their minds about running trains up from Denver, this place is going to be busier than ever before," Mr. Cooper declared. "We'll need that slaughterhouse running full time. I'll bet our population will triple. Maybe even quadruple."

"Quadruple. What a word," Mrs. Cooper said, shaking her head.

Once dinner was over, Charlie offered to help wash up. Mrs. Cooper was more than happy to accept his offer. "We're bringing some help in, starting in the morning," she told Charlie. "A young lady who goes to our church, Melody Doyle."

"I met her at the bank." Charlie easily remembered her sweet smile and pretty face.

"She looks as delicate as a china doll, but I've seen that girl hoist a fifty-pound sack of flour over her shoulder. She's got muscle aplenty on that petite frame."

Charlie laughed and took up a dish towel to dry the plates that Mrs. Cooper had just washed. "She seemed capable of handling herself, and she invited me to church tonight."

"She's a good Christian girl. Her pa is a godly man. He works for the railroad but had an accident a few months back, so he's healing up right now. I reckon once he's well, he'll be heading on west with the railroad."

"Town seems a little emptier every day. I haven't even been here that long, and I have certainly noticed."

Mrs. Cooper handed him one of the plain white plates. "It was a terrible place last winter. Fighting and murdering. Thieves everywhere. A woman couldn't walk alone in town. Not even in the better part. It just wasn't safe."

"And is it now?"

"It's a whole sight better," she replied, ready with another plate. "The railroad is already fifty miles to the west, and they've set up another town. Soon the workers won't be flocking back here for much of anything."

Charlie hurried to dry the dish he held, then set it aside so that he could take the next one Mrs. Cooper offered. He was glad to hear another person confirm that the town was in better shape than it had been. He didn't like the idea of living in a lawless society. His father would never have started a bank in Cheyenne if he'd known just how bad things were to begin with. Jacob had written home about some of the lawlessness but hadn't fully described the danger. If he had, Father would no doubt have put an end to the venture.

"The vigilante committee and town marshal's office have done a good job cleaning things up. Mr. Cooper told me the committee has been needed less and less, and we're all glad about that."

"Were they pretty ruthless?" Charlie had never lived anywhere that boasted a vigilante committee before.

"They were just. And they saved the town a lot of court costs. Still, I like the idea of law and order by the book." She handed off another plate.

Charlie nodded. "So do I. Vigilantes make me think of a lack of civilization."

"Well, that for sure was Cheyenne a few months ago, but it's settling down day by day. I think we're going to be a great town now. We still have some lesser-desired characters, and of course there are still the saloons and gambling halls." She glanced around before meeting Charlie's gaze. "Not to mention those places where certain women ... make a living."

"Of course. Hopefully that will be cleaned up in time."

"I do hope so, although I suppose sin is sin and will always be with us."

"It's mighty nice to have everyone gathered for Easter services," Dr. Scott said from the front of the room. "As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it's good to remember His sacrifice for us."

Charlie fingered the leather spine of his Bible as the man continued to speak of God loving the world enough to send Jesus. Easter always brought to mind the hopelessness of the world without a Savior.

"Most of us have seen this town at its worst," Dr. Scott said, and many of the people around Charlie nodded or made some comment. "We've borne the brunt of terrible men who've done terrible things. A few women as well. Sin abounded, as it always seems to do, but as God's people have come together in prayer and worship, we have seen God change hearts and minds."

Charlie glanced to the right, where he'd seen Melody Doyle and an older man take their seats. He presumed the man was her father. Next to them was a young couple with a little girl, and just ahead of them, an older woman and man. Charlie could hardly wait to get to know everyone.

"We are glad to see Cheyenne take on the refinement of law and order, just as we rejoice when a lost sinner comes home to accept Jesus as Savior. Cleaning up the foul and dirty brings a light and joy to those who experience it. The people who turn themselves over to Jesus rise up from the grave of sin and sorrow to a new life eternal. And the process is as simple as believing and accepting."

Charlie had heard the salvation message preached many times, but on Easter the message always held special meaning to him. He thrilled as a boy to hear the story of Peter and John racing to the tomb to find it empty. He tried to imagine himself there as one of the disciples learning that his Lord was no longer in the grave. He could picture the group gathered later to discuss the matter and Jesus appearing before them. Were they terrified? Were they completely awestruck when they realized that Jesus was alive?

"If you don't know the Lord," Dr. Scott preached, "then you don't know peace of mind and soul. Jesus welcomes all to come. He tells us in the book of John that He is the way to God the Father—that there is no other. Not even one option. Salvation is through Christ alone. And it's not hard to obtain. We don't have to do anything special. No tricks. No cost to us, because Jesus already paid the cost. We just have to believe and confess."

Mother had once told Charlie the same thing, adding that far too often people tried to make it much harder. They couldn't believe that something so important should be so easy ... but it was.

It wasn't long before they were singing the closing hymn and prayer was offered to end the service. Charlie felt a sense of joy in having joined this congregation to celebrate the resurrection. They had welcomed him as if he were already a member, a part of the family.

"Before we leave this evening," Dr. Scott said, holding up his hands, "I'd like to ask you to retake your seats for just a moment. Clancy Doyle has asked to address the congregation."

Charlie watched as the older man with Melody moved past her into the aisle and headed to the front of the room. Charlie and the others sat down to hear what the man had to say.

"Most of ya would be knowin' me, but for those who don't, I'm Clancy Doyle." His brogue betrayed his Irish heritage. "I work for the UP, and me daughter, Melody, is just over there." She gave a little wave, looking almost embarrassed.

"It's on account of Melody that I asked to be speakin' to ya now. The fact is, she would be likin' to settle down here in Cheyenne, and since the railroad is soon to be movin' me westward, I find meself in a bit of a fix." He took hold of the lapels of his coat and smiled. "I need to be findin' a husband for me daughter."

Charlie's eyes widened. He was begging for a husband for his beautiful daughter? Grief, but the woman could surely have a dozen suitors if she wanted them.

"Now, if ya know me," the older man continued, "then ya'd be knowin' I'm mighty particular about who comes courtin'." There was laughter from around the room. Most of it from the men. "But I'll be entertainin' any man who cares to come and speak to me about Melody. He must be a God-fearin' man with a good job and decent place to live. He must talk to me first before he goes talkin' to Melody about courtin'. That's me first and most important rule. She's a good woman with a kind heart. She loves the Lord and keeps our house well and cooks meals that melt in yar mouth. She'll make a fine wife for someone, but first they must come speak to me."

Charlie glanced over at Melody, who looked to have slidden down a bit in her chair. Poor woman. Her father wasn't making this easy. For all purposes, she was on the auction block with her father esteeming her virtues.

"Well, that's me piece," Clancy finished with a nod. "May the good Lord lay His blessin's upon ya."

Immediately folks started talking around him, but Charlie was far more interested in the men who approached Clancy Doyle as if his announcement were the most natural thing in the world. The older and married men seemed to clump together, while several women went to Melody's side.

He wasn't at all sure what to do. He'd wanted to say hello to Melody, but now it seemed as if that might not be the best idea. He didn't want her father to think he was disrespecting his command to talk to him first. But on the other hand, Charlie wasn't truly seeking a wife yet. Was he? God knew he prayed about it nearly every day. He often imagined settling down and having a family, and he even liked the idea of staying in Cheyenne permanently.

"I'm Edward Vogel," a man announced.

Charlie looked to his side. It was the man who'd sat near the Doyles. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Charles Decker, president of the Cheyenne Savings and Loan."

"Good to meet you. I figured you were new to town. I'm one of Cheyenne's deputy marshals. I usually work evenings, but Sunday's a day of rest for me."

Charlie shook the man's hand. "Good to meet you, Mr. Vogel. Or should I call you Deputy Vogel?"

"Call me Edward."

"I'd like that. You can call me Charlie."

"Are you related to Jacob Decker, then?" Edward asked.

"Yes, he's my brother. He fell ill and moved back to Chicago. Our father sent me here to take his place, at least temporarily. We're hoping Jacob will recover and be able to return. Starting a bank on the frontier was his idea."

"Kind of like coming to the ends of the world after living in Chicago, eh?" Edward smiled. "I haven't lived here all that long myself, but I know it was quite a lot to take in when we arrived at the end of last year. We hail from Indiana."

"Then we were neighbors," Charlie replied.

"Well, except you were at the top of your state, and we were at the bottom of ours. But close enough. Glad you could join us here today."

"Edward, I see you've met Charlie," Melody Doyle said, coming to join them. Beside her stood the woman and little girl who'd sat next to her in church. "Charlie, this is Edward's wife, Marybeth, and their daughter, Carrie."

Charlie gave a slight bow of his head. "Good to meet you." He locked eyes with the little girl, who was reaching out to him.

"When she takes to someone, she immediately believes they should accommodate her," her mother said. "Carrie, the man doesn't need to hold you."

"I don't mind." Charlie laughed. "It has been ages since there were any youngsters around to hold."

The little girl dove from her mother's arms, and Charlie had no choice but to catch her. "Hello there. I'm Charlie."

"Chawie," she said and patted his face with both hands.

"I feel like I should go around and apologize to everyone for Da's announcement, but especially to you, Charlie." Melody's cheeks were flushed as she met his eyes. "Here it is your first Sunday with our church, and you're forced to experience my father's outspoken ways." She gave a nervous laugh. "But Da is determined."

"To find you a husband?" Charlie asked.

"Yes."

Carrie held out her arms to her father. Edward took his daughter and smiled at Charlie. "Carrie seems to approve of you, but then, she approves of most everybody. We'll have you over to the house some Sunday."

"I'd like that." Almost immediately they were surrounded by others in the congregation who wanted to welcome Charlie. He tried for a time to keep a side glance on Melody, but she was soon swept up in a circle of women who seemed to want to discuss the new turn of events.

Charlie chuckled to himself. Cheyenne was looking better all the time.

Melody stretched out on her cot and nestled down into the beautiful quilt Granny Taylor had given her that evening for her birthday.

"I wasn't sure if we'd have a chance to see each other tomorrow, so I wanted you to have it tonight," the older woman had said as they left church.

"Oh, Granny, this is such a surprise." Melody had taken the quilt and hugged it close. Just as she did now.

"You're a dear girl, and it does me good to bless you with this gift. I hope you enjoy it for many years. The double star pattern is my favorite."

Melody knew it would be her favorite as well. She loved Granny Taylor and sought her advice and counsel as she might have her own grandmother, if she were alive. Granny and her husband, Jedediah, had been a part of Melody's life since Omaha. Jed had put in to stay in Cheyenne when the railroad continued west, and that was part of the reason Melody had desired to stay as well. Knowing he and Granny would be close by would be almost as good as having Da with her.

Still, it was hard to imagine life without Da there day-to-day. He always made Melody feel that she was loved and cared for. Despite his rough-around-the-edges personality and readiness for a fight, Da was the gentlest of men when it came to dealing with his daughter.

"Ya still awake?" her father asked from the other side of the curtain.

"I am, Da. Do you need something?"

"No, just wanted to be sayin' happy birthday to ya. Me watch shows midnight."

Melody smiled to herself. "Thanks, Da. I was just enjoying my new quilt. It's nice and warm and so pretty. Not that I can see it all that well." The glow from the lantern on Da's side of the curtain didn't afford much light.

"Well, I was just puttin' out the light. There'll be time enough to see it tomorrow."

The tent went black, and Melody closed her eyes. "Good night, Da."

"I thought we might be takin' our supper at Belham's to celebrate your day."

"That sounds fine, Da." She sighed in the darkness. Her father was always so good to make sure she felt special on her birthday.

"I have a gift for ya, but of course ya'll have to be waitin'." He sounded so tired.

"I'm sure it will be wonderful, Da. We should go to sleep. I love you."

For a moment her father said nothing, and Melody wondered if he'd nodded off. Then he cleared his throat. "I've only loved one other woman more than I would be lovin' me darlin' daughter, and that was yar ma." He gave a long pause. "I love ya, Melody. I've always been blessed to be yar da."

Tears came to her eyes. "I'm the blessed one, Da. You've always been there for me, and I know you always will be."