over again. Shawne, I mean Casey, is my best friend, and I do see why she lied to us, but this is so hard.”
Bonnie turned to Morgan. “Now I see why she’s so different from me, and I understand why sometimes you treated her so badly. I guess I need time and prayer to love you both the way I should.”
Morgan stroked her pale tresses as though she were a child. “Bonnie, I don’t expect any miracles, but I know God will help us. I’m asking you to consider one thing as far as Casey and I are concerned.”
Bonnie nodded. “I’ll do anything.”
“God needed to hit me hard with something powerful, something that would get my attention. He used Casey to make me realize I was selfish and indulging in my own self-pity.”
“And I should have told the truth right from the start,” Casey said. “I thought I could start all over my own way. Please forgive me, Bonnie. You are the first real friend I’ve ever had, and I don’t want to lose you. You are all I ever wanted to be—a godly woman, a real lady. I understand if you need time. I’d do anything to change the past.”
“I’ll try,” Bonnie said. “I want it all back the same, too.” She brushed away her tears, then held out her hand to Casey. “I’m afraid we have another problem.”
“What?” Morgan’s thoughts flew in a dozen directions.
“Ben’s asked me lots of questions about Casey. Where she came from. Her family, and does the reverend know anything about her. I’m afraid he might suspect the truth.”
Casey inhaled sharply. “I’ve wondered the same thing—nearly left town because of him.”
“Perhaps I shouldn’t see him anymore.”
“No. Bonnie, I won’t stand in the way of your happiness.” Casey spoke with the strength Morgan remembered in Vernal when she announced she was leaving him and Doc. “I’ve seen the way you look at him, and I won’t have it.”
“I could never forgive myself if he arrested you,” Bonnie said.
“If he does, it’s because of what I’ve done—not because of anything about you.”
“I think we all need to put ourselves in Morgan’s and Casey’s places,” Grant said in a way that was uncharacteristic of his manner. He normally resorted to silence in matters of emotion. Yet today he’d displayed traits so much like their father. “Who knows how we might have reacted in the same situation? We’ve always had each other to lean on. But Casey didn’t have anyone, and Morgan refused our help.” He jammed his hands inside his jeans pockets. “I believe the only part I can play in this family is to support my brother and Casey. We have too much at stake to risk splitting our family. Remember how Pa used to talk about the war? He said most folks were against the North and the South fighting and killing each other, but what he felt was important was the common goal of preserving the Union. Isn’t that what we have here? We’re a family, and if we don’t stick together through this, well, then we have nothing.”
Admiration, respect, and love for his brother seized Morgan. “If Pa were here today, he’d be so proud of you. And I’m honored to say you’re my brother. I hope I can make up for the past, because there are some lessons I need to learn from you.”
Long after the evening’s conversations ceased and silence ruled through the house, Morgan weighed the words, feelings, and reactions of those he loved.
One matter convicted his soul. Casey had to be cleared of the charges against her without delay, and that meant the information he’d started compiling for her case had to be put to use. With Ben calling on Bonnie and asking questions, this whole thing could explode. Tomorrow Ben would be there for dinner. Could his old friend be trusted, or would he see this as an opportunity to advance his reputation as a lawman?
The following morning, Morgan left the cabin at daylight for Kahlerville. He hated staying at his old home. Ghosts from the past still haunted him every second he was there. The idea of moving his things into the bunkhouse made sense.
Today he wanted to see about reopening his law office and continuing his work on clearing Casey. He planned to send a telegram to Doc in Vernal for more than one reason. Foremost, he had to talk to Ben. His old friend needed to be on Casey’s side.