childhood. They aren’t even looking forward to Christmas. It’s sad to see, especially because I remember how you and Pa always made our Christmas special when we were kids. These kids will be lucky to have a decent meal. That’s why I want to bring them home.”
“This time has been as difficult on the children as it has been the parents. John and I have been trying to help the families who have returned. Mr. Stanton, who owns the mercantile, is helping as much as he can. Sadly, many of the families have lost their land because they couldn’t pay the mortgage. I know Whitt’s land is in jeopardy. They may not have anything to come home to. We’ve been trying to talk the bank into delaying some of the foreclosures to see if the families return.”
“What about Amelia’s ranch? Is it in jeopardy?”
“I’m afraid so. Once her father died, there was only Casey left to work the ranch. Amelia was caring for everyone, and she couldn’t handle the ranch with just one person. I’m thankful your father was smart enough to pay off most of our mortgage years ago.”
“You’ll never have a reason to worry about the ranch.” Clint then told his mother about the gold he’d found at Honey Creek. “I’ll have enough money to pay the bank for whatever we owe, and for Amelia’s mortgage.”
“That’s wonderful, Son. I hope the other folks are as fortunate finding gold.” Ingrid reached over and placed her hand on Clint’s forearm. “Do you want to go back and pan for gold?”
“No, everything I want is right here. I found enough gold to be of some help to our neighbors and to give the children a memorable Christmas. That’s all I need.”
The doctor walked in, took a seat at the table and Ingrid poured him a cup of coffee.
“Will she be okay?” Clint asked.
“Amelia has influenza, not yellow fever.” The doc took a sip of his coffee. “Influenza can be dangerous, but she will recuperate. Her fever is up again, but this is to be expected before she fully recovers.”
Clint had seen several men die of influenza in the war, so he was aware of the dangers.
“I’m so happy you brought her home,” Ingrid said.
The doc studied Clint’s face. “You look exhausted. You’re not feeling ill, are you?”
“I’m just tired.”
The doctor slapped Clint’s shoulder. “I would tell you to stay away from Amelia until she’s over this, but I have a feeling my words would fall on deaf ears.”
“You might as well go talk to that horse out there,” Ingrid teased. “Son, go on in and talk to Amelia while I prepare dinner. I’ve asked John to stay, and now that Amelia is here, he might as well spend the night instead of coming and going from town.”
“I appreciate the offer to stay; it is a long ride to town.” The doctor glanced at Clint again. “Amelia told me she wants to go to her ranch. She’s worried she’s caused you too much trouble.”
Clint shook his head. “She’s not going anywhere.” He headed to the door. “I’ll check on the animals one last time before I visit with Amelia.”
Once Clint walked out the door, John looked at Ingrid. “I see why you are so proud of him, Ingrid. He’s a fine man.”
* * *
Clint quietly slipped inside his bedroom and sat in the chair beside the bed. Amelia was sleeping, and he watched her for several minutes before he fell asleep. Sometime later, Clint heard his mother in the room, speaking softly to Amelia. When he heard Amelia whisper a response, he eavesdropped on their conversation.
“I know you are so excited to have him home,” Amelia whispered.
Holding out another spoonful of soup to Amelia, she replied, “I knew my prayers would be answered.”
“He was wonderful taking care of me. I know he didn’t get any rest at all.” Amelia swallowed the soup Ingrid held out to her.
“I know you thought I was exaggerating about Clint,” Ingrid teased. “Though he’s my son, I think he is even more handsome than I remembered.”
Clint really wanted to hear Amelia’s reply, but when her response came he felt somewhat deflated.
Amelia lowered her eyes and smiled shyly. “The girls fell in love with him.”
“I’m not surprised. He was always good with children,” Ingrid responded.
“Thank you for the soup, but I can’t eat another bite.”
“You look much better,” Ingrid commented.
“I’m still worried that you could catch influenza from being around me. You certainly don’t need this after what