Winter's Refuge
Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Four
JED 'KID' CURRY
"Chrissy, everyone that came asked if they could help. I didn't know how to answer," I told my wife as we lay in bed the night our little daughter was buried. We held each other tight. We spoke quietly so we wouldn't wake the little ones. Martha and Michael were callin' them the little twins. But I couldn't forget they weren't twins…they were part of triplets. "Couldn't believe so many people were there."
"Jed have many friends." Chrissy hugged me tighter. "You should tell them only need the missing part of our family." Her voice told me she was cryin. But she pulled away and sat up, leanin' against our headstand. "Bring babies here. We keep warm."
Aiden told us they were healthy but small. We needed to keep them warm and feed them wherever they were hungry. There was no shortage of people in this family to hold and cuddle them. Earlier, I found Heyes in here holdin' both in one arm and readin' to them as Chrissy slept. He gave me a dimpled grin. "Letting them get used to their uncle's voice," he told me. Before we went to bed, we let the twins, as I still think of Michael and Martha, crawl into bed with us and each hold a baby. I went and brought Joy and Ruth Ann in to join us. Ruth Ann was fascinated by them and so gentle. She kept signin' 'baby' and reachin' out to touch their faces. Havin' our kids around with us filled my heart with love and the desire to protect each of them while I give them everythin' me and Heyes didn't always have growin' up, includin' a lovin' home that'll always be here..
Chrissy took Diane and started feedin' her. Nothin' more beautiful than that. Both babies were swaddled tightly, and I held Josiah close and watched his blue eyes look at me. Aiden said he's not really seein' me yet, but I hope he knows I'm smilin' at him.
Smilin, Chrissy said, "Cuddle tight. They lost sister they spent months with inside of me. Need their ma and pa to comfort them."
I realized that the grief doesn't end, but joy pushes its way in beside it.
ASJ*****ASJ
Every day I walk up to Trinity's Hill as we call it and just sit there. I'd told Heyes and Aiden that I don't want her to be cold or afraid. She's my baby. Often, I find Heyes sittin' there before me.
"Kid, I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you," he said, not meetin' my eyes.
"Heyes, you were where you needed to be. I saw you and Sam talkin' with Mr. Kolmad and Mike Loveland at…the other day. Sam get into the school he wanted? Sorry I haven't asked before."
He gave me that grin that he's about to tell me somethin' genius he did. "Well, about that…"
"Heyes, if you're tellin' me we have to pay for this school, we already agreed we could do that."
"No, not that. Sam got the highest local grade on the test. They offered him the scholarship."
"That's good news. I need to congratulate him."
"He's not going," he said, givin' me that same grin.
"Heyes, what are you tellin' me. Why isn't he goin' to school? It'll break Angie's heart…I know that smile."
"Sam's decided to go to that prep school in Bridgeport. Mike Loveland agreed he could stay with them. Sam surprised me. He wants to stay near home. Angie is very happy. And Mr. Kolmand was very supportive," Heyes explained. "Sam likes living at Phoenix."
Turnin; away from him I tried to hide tears. I looked at the grave. "Trinity Rose would have liked growin' up here, too."
Heyes took a deep breath. "You remember anything about your younger sister?"
I closed my eyes. I was just three, but I remember when my baby sister, Jessica, died after a few days of life. The house was sad, quiet, and Ma and Gramma Curry kept huggin' me. I just wanted everyone to stop bein' sad. Now I understand their grief. I know Heyes remembers that, too.
I nodded.
"You remember what your pa told us about her?"
I shook my head. "I was little."
"He told us that she was very special to the Lord, and He wanted her near Him. She'd be waitin' to welcome us into heaven when we get there."
"I remember I was sittin' on pa's knee when he said that. Wasn't even sure what heaven was." I sighed at the warm remembrance of my pa's hug.
Heyes reached over and put a hand on my knee. "I think maybe Jessica escorted Trinity Rose into heaven, probably our folks too.
"Gives me comfort to think she's not alone…but with the life I've led, don't think they'll let me into heaven," I finished.
"Kid, look at all the people that came to the funeral…all of your friends and people who you helped without them asking. They weren't not here for Kid Curry; they were here for their friend Jed Curry."
ASJ*****ASJ
I didn't leave our bedroom the next few days, except to go down and get food for me and Chrissy or visit Trinity Rose or go to my blacksmith shop. Seems like all the family's been stayin' close to home, too. Rocky's been openin' the blacksmith shop and takin' the orders in the mornin'. Except for shoein' the horses, he tells them he's not sure when the orders will be completed. He told me no one objected. Most just offer their sympathy and say just let them know when they are done. At first only one or two people came and now sometimes no one. I know they are tryin' to give us privacy to mourn. Rocky works on the horse's hooves, but that's all until I come down midmornin'. It's hard to leave Chrissy and the little ones so I get a late start and have to visit Trinity Rose first.
Rocky is helpin' with finishin' the Shoe and Boot Emporium across from the Blacksmith Shop. Glen told us he's assigned them official addresses on Curry Road.
It's been a week since…since. Well, Aiden came back today. He seemed subdued but smiled when he examined the little ones. I met him downstairs when he finished.
"They're doing well, Jed. And Chrissy is recovering too. Told her she could be up and about but only do the stairs ONCE a day. No lifting! Diane is developing a little faster than Josiah, but they both have gained weight. They can lift their heads briefly when I put them on their tummies, Diane for a little longer than Josiah. And they can both focus eight to twelve inches. That means they can see your face."
"Josiah seems to stare at me like he knows all the secrets of the world," I answered.
"Who knows, maybe he does," laughed Aiden.
Auntie brought us each a cup of hot coffee.
"How are you doing, Jed?" he asked.
"I'm fine, Aiden."
He nodded. "You got a strong family here; lean on them if you need to."
I nodded but was embarrassed I might need help. I'm the one they come to for help. And I noticed again the Aiden seemed quiet, like somethin' was botherin' him. "What's wrong, Aiden?"
"Why'd you ask that?"
"You seem quiet. Miss Denise and Ajay alright?"
And I got a smile. "Fine…he's growing and laughing, and I just don't know what I did before I met Denise. I owe you a lot, my friend."
"Me and Heyes."
"Yes, both of you, but you were the first real friend I made out west here."
"Miss Denise and your son are fine, but somethin' seems off," I repeated, wantin to move away from his last comment.
"Well, there's a new man in town and I just don't like the look of him. He's opening a saloon at the end of Birde Street. There's just something about him, he's arrogant and pushy. Just doesn't seem to fit into Three Birds."
"Maybe just because he's a stranger. Give him time. He got a name?" I asked.
"Calls himself Skyler Shaw. Maybe you're right, but there's just something about him."
HEYES
Miss Duhamel sent home word with Sam that he'll be graduating after school on Friday and we're welcome to attend. Not sure if she realized that meant we would all be attending. Well, all except the new mas and their babies. Angie and Nettie, Chrissy and the little twins, Mary and Kenny, and Miss Hortencia, who's due any time now.
We all crowded into the back of the schoolroom. The Kid even brought Joy and Ruth Ann with him. Joy was excited to be going to school like the big kids. She was restless and antsy in the way only a three-year-old can be. When the students had settled into their desks, Miss Duhamel clapped her hands for their attention. Silence followed.
"Sam CURRY, will you come to the front of the room," she announced, smiling as she said the new last name.
Looking proud and embarrassed at the same time, Sam stood up and walked to her. She whispered something. He turned and faced the class and us.
"Today I'm recognizing Sam as completing our course of education. He's graduating with highest honors."
The whole class clapped and hollered. We watched Sam blush until his teacher clapped again and the class was quiet. I couldn't help but think of that defiant kid that tried to steal my wallet. He'd grown so much in the last year…and revealed his kind and loving heart.
"Also, Mr. Kolmand has a certificate to present to Sam for getting the highest marks on his prep school entrance test."
Kolmand handed Sam a framed certificate written in fancy calligraphy in gold ink. It was beautiful. I knew Angie would hang it in a place of honor in our home.
"Thank you, sir," Sam said, respectfully.
The Kid had settled his little girls on the floor at the back of the center aisle. Joy stood and clapped and hollered when the class did. Ruth Ann imitated her, clapping and looked around interested. None of us noticed, but she toddled down the aisle, grabbing Sam's leg. The Kid started to chase her, but Sam reached down and picked her up. Joy clapped and Ruth Ann kept signing, "Sam good. Sam good."
Sam smiled at her and signed back love and she hugged his neck. The Kid grabbed Joy before she could follow her sister. "Down! Down!" she demanded.
"Not now, little one." He smiled at his daughter. His smiles are rare now, but he gives them often to his kids.
"Congratulations, Sam," Miss Duhamel announced. "Class dismissed."
As we tried to move forward to get to Sam, the class all crowded around him. Martha took Ruth Ann from him. She arched her back and signed 'no'. But Martha held her tight as her classmates crowded them, asking what Ruth Ann was doing with her hands.
"That's how she talks," Michael explained. "Because she can't hear."
"She can't hear nothing?"
"Can you teach us a word?"
Ruth Ann signed and said, "Pa," as the Kid approached carrying Joy. Handing her to Auntie, he took the squirming baby from Martha. She promptly hid her face in his neck.
"Where are your friends Freddie and Flossie?" he asked Martha, who was showing the group how to sign 'hi.'
"They lost their farm," Michael answered and the kids around him nodded. "Had to go live with their grandparents in Kansas."
I was surprised at the answer. Always thought their family had a thriving farm where they made a good living. I'll ask Kid to ask the sheriff what happened.
"Why don't you say goodbye to your friends and meet us outside so we can go to the diner?" The Kid smiled as he spoke. Although reserved, he's always had something that makes people listen to him.
JED 'KID' CURRY
I was embarrassed that Joy wouldn't sit still for Sam's graduation. And that Ruth Ann ran to him before I could catch her. I should have watched them closer. But Sam didn't mind at all, and Martha and Michael's friends wanted to learn sign language. So, I guess everythin' turned out alright. I was curious why their friend's family had lost their farm. Farmin' is hard work, but I would have helped them if I could. I'll ask Jeff what happened. The town council should know.
The diner was unusually quiet this afternoon. I'd been worried we'd get a table together. They pushed empty tables together. Come to think of it, we didn't see many people when we drove our two wagons from the school to the alley behind the diner. Joy insisted on sittin' between the twins and Ruth Ann was firmly planted on Auntie's lap.
There was only one other customer eatin' in the place. I wondered what was going on but was drawn into the lively discussion of what to order. Rocky hadn't been to Three Birds yet. He was still learnin' his letters and small words, so Arnie and Sam were readin' the menu to him. Glen was supposed to join us, but he didn't show up.
"Arnie, you heard from Glen?"
"Last I heard he was coming to dinner. Must have gotten busy at the telegraph office."
"Mr. Curry, that waitress that took our order sure keeps staring at you like she wants to tell you something," Rocky said. I could tell he wasn't comfortable here. He kept lookin' around and followin' what the rest of us did.
Heyes laughed. "All the girls stare at the Kid. Always been that way. It's those blue eyes."
"I have blue eyes. They don't stare at me," Michael protested.
"Give them time," Heyes teased.
Michael screwed up his face. "Don't like any girls but my sisters."
"Give that time, too," Auntie added.
But I realized the waitress was watchin' me like she wanted to say somethin'. Probably condolences for losin' our baby. I didn't think more about it because Heyes stood up and started talkin'.
"We're here to celebrate my son Sam's graduation. Me and his ma are real proud of him and how hard he worked." He held up his coffee cup and said, "To Sam!" We all raised whatever glasses we had and echoed, "To Sam!"
"I have a special gift that I bought in Denver to commemorate this day." Heyes handed him a small, rectangle box.
Sam hadn't even opened it yet and he was gettin' emotional. "Thanks, Pa."
"Open it now," demanded Martha.
Smilin', Sam opened the fancy white box. He stared inside and I could tell he was pleased and touched. He took out a fancy gold pen to show us.
"Just like the governor uses," Heyes informed us proudly.
It must have been engraved because Sam was studying it closely and gettin' more emotional.
Martha reached for it, but Sam grabbed it back. "Going to use this for the rest of my life."
"Well, what does it say?" she asked, impatiently.
Sam looked at Heyes, who nodded.
"It says, 'I'll always be proud you're my son.'"
HEYES
One thing about this family of ours that the Kid built, we support each other and it's a good place to heal. When the rose bushes came in, Jeff sent them out by wagon with a driver we didn't recognize. The Kid was upstairs with Chrissy and the little twins, and I was giving Nettie a bottle. Me and Juan had been discussing breeding one of our mares next week because there's only two visiting ladies coming. Juan went out the front door and I watched from the window.
"Nice spread," the driver said. "You live here?"
Juan nodded his head while signing the receipt.
"Interested in selling?"
I was surprised by the question, but Ken had followed the wagon up to the house to help Juan unload the plants. "Not for sale. Why don't you just go on your way?" I hadn't heard him speak that harshly since he was a US Marshal.
"Just being friendly," the man said as he left. But his eyes studied every part of Phoenix that could be seen from the road.
Ken's stern voice drew me out to the porch. In silence, we all watched the man drive away. Nettie finished her bottle, so I moved her to my shoulder to burp her. I have to admit it, I enjoy holding her.
When the delivery driver turned onto the main road, I asked, "Ken, you know him?"
"I know his kind. He was too nosey."
ASJ*****ASJ
The next morning, I heard noises from the barn at sunrise and found the Kid loading the roses into the wagon. "Didn't ask for your help, Heyes," he said, and I noted the one shovel he'd loaded.
I went and picked up another one. "You didn't ask but I'm volunteering, partner."
He looked up at Trinity's Hill, then put his arm around my shoulders. "Didn't want to bother anyone but welcome the help. Chrissy gave me this map where to plant these but I'm not sure I can follow it."
"Just give me five minutes," I said as I hurried to the house. I returned with my gloves and Rocky. And found that Arnie had joined the Kid by the wagon.
I could tell the Kid was touched to have our help but all he said was, "Glad to have your help."
Chrissy's map was well thought out and the rose bushes were four each of red, white, and pink blooms. It looked like random placement, but it nicely framed the small grave and I think they could be seen from the second floor of our house.
JED 'KID' CURRY
I brought Chrissy and all our kids up Trinity's Hill to see the rose bushes, even the little twins. Heyes, Angie, and Sam carryin' Nettie met us there. It's funny, but there is a sense of calm up here. My grief isn't any less but there is also joy in the world. The twins ran up and down the hill. Ruth Ann cried because she couldn't keep up with Joy but saw the roses. Before anyone could stop her, she grabbed the nearest rose bush…and a thorn lodged into her little thumb. She screamed loudly. Heyes scooped her up and examined the thumb she held out to him.
"Kid, pull that out," he told me.
I hated to see her hurt. I took the small thumb and tried to turn it over gently. "Pa!" she screamed. It's one of the words she can say and be understood. She pulled her thumb away, but I held it a little tighter. With a quick tug the thorn was out, leavin' a small trail of blood…my daughter's blood.
Angie had joined us, and she put a finger under Ruth Ann's chin and moved it to face her. Now that Ruth Ann could see her, she signed, "Pa make all gone."
Heyes used his bandana to wipe her finger. Ruth Ann held her arms out to me, and I took her and hugged her. Showing me the injured thumb, she signed "all gone," and buried her head in my shoulder.
I looked at those up here with me and the beautiful roses we had planted, and I knew our lives needed to go on. Trinity will be mourned, and I will celebrate each one of my family….and protect them.
And that's just what me and Heyes had to do.