Thursday, September 1 and Friday, September 2, 1910
Ross Watson was working in his office upstairs at his brother George's house. It was the middle of the day and he was the only one at home. The door bell rang. He went downstairs. As he walked through the parlor, he could see Mildred standing on the porch.
He opened the door.
"Good afternoon," he said respectfully.
She gave half of a smile. "Hello Ross."
"Um," he sighed. "Peggy's not here, if that's who you came to see. She and George took Lynn and Emily to River City to meet their train. Those young ladies have quite an adventure ahead of them."
"So I've heard. Actually, Ross, I want to talk to you."
He nodded and invited her into the parlor. They sat down on the couch.
He asked carefully, "What do you care to discuss?"
Mildred rubbed her chin attempting to choose her words. "How are you?"
Ross shrugged. "Busy. I'm reviewing some plans for Lassiter. Dealing with contractors, securing materials, organizing reviews for the boys back in Helena; you know the routine."
"I do."
They both sat quietly for a moment.
Mildred said wistfully, "I've been doing a lot of thinking. It's been almost two weeks since Jake's accident."
Ross looked at her hands, they were shaking violently.
"I've been spending a lot of time in my room at the Grand."
"Playing solitaire?"
Mildred slightly chuckled, "You know me well."
"I understand you are making friends in town."
"I have. Crystal Hines has been especially nice to me. She checks on me once a day and we visit with each other. Sometimes we go for walks. I've also talked with Jean Clementine down at the bakery. Well, actually, Jean does most of the talking in that case."
Ross smiled. "As expected."
"I've gotten to meet most of Jake's friends. I can certainly understand why he's so in love with Sarah Conrad."
Ross nodded. "Indeed."
"It's been difficult for me to be out of my familiar surroundings. However," she sighed. "I know it's for the best."
Ross said, "I appreciate your attention to Jake these last few days. At times like this he needs his mother."
Mildred slowly shook her head. "Jake needs us."
Ross sat up. He wasn't sure how to respond.
"When Peggy took me to the Mothers/Daughters events I had an... an awakening. When we were married, we never really discussed religion but, you do believe in God, don't you?"
Ross nodded. "Of course." He rubbed his chin. "As a matter of fact, sometimes lately, God's the only thing I believe in. When I heard about Jake's injury, I was reminded how incredibly fragile life can be. And then, as I watched him go through all of the pain, both physical and emotional, I became fully cognizant of his need to have you around."
Mildred whispered, "I'm not leaving him ever again."
Ross sighed. "I want to believe you but...."
"This isn't Butte. Ross, this is a small dry town. I can make it but, if I don't have a cause to believe in or a goal to obtain then any victory I may grasp will blow away like dust in the wind. I'm not like you. I can't lose myself in contracts and then move on down the line. I simply can't pretend that only reason I wake up in the morning is to make it through another day. I must have something greater, higher, holier in my life."
"And religion can provide that service for you?"
"Partially. It was so good to be with Jake in church that first Sunday. And I know it was for you as well."
Ross nodded solemnly. "It was. Up until that service, I'd only known God as some fanciful notion, a life boat for the weak and feeble minded. I never saw it expressed so eloquently through that horrific experience.
In a few short days, I saw a vivification of all of the concepts which attracts people to spirituality. Motherly and fatherly comfort for Jake's pain. My forgiveness of Sarah. Jake never gave up hope, even in the darkest hours, he held on tightly to that spark. And when we went to River City that afternoon and the doctor removed the cast and Jake was alright,"
Ross tried not to choke up.
"I was overwhelmed with his response. He barely expressed his gratitude to Doctor Shuster, instead he asked, 'Can you take me to see Sarah?'"
Mildred wore a warm smile. "His joy, his relief was incomplete without her."
"I did not know Jake was so wise. I never knew," he wiped away a tear. "I never knew what the words forgiveness, compassion and tenderness really meant until I saw it in my son's eyes."
"I learned something too," she gently placed her hand on his hand. "I learned that I belong with my husband."
Ross bit his lower lip and looked down.
"Ross, I love you."
He slowly began to withdraw his hand. "But I'm not sure I trust you."
"You shouldn't. You are an investor and I am a very, very poor commodity. That being said, you also know how to read the market. There is something greater here than you and me. There is a larger spirit at work in this town. When Michael Conrad and his wife, Paula came to see Jake in the hospital, what did he say to you?"
Ross shrugged. "Welcome to Eagle Creek."
"He didn't discuss business. He didn't ask suspicious questions."
"I concluded that he must not know about Lassiter. We've worked hard to keep the project under wraps."
"Maybe there is something else happening. Ross, maybe you just didn't move here. Maybe you were put here for a reason."
"That's ludicrous."
"No, living for money and sacrificing your wife and son, that's ludicrous."
"Perhaps."
"Think of me and my role in all of this. I just happened to be living in Butte. I had all of my bags packed. Lynn made a couple of calls. They wired me money for a train ticket and Jake woke up after experiencing nightmarish pain and the first face his saw was that of his mother."
"That was good luck."
"That was a miracle, Ross Watson, and to call it anything less than that is blasphemous. Lynn took me home that day and I spent the night in Eagle Creek, a small town with no alcohol or... any other manner of temptations. Incidentally, I appreciate your warning about me to the apothecary and the doctor."
"You figured that out?"
"When I walked into the apothecary, the lady druggist all of a sudden had to perform an inventory so various medicines were no longer available."
Ross said to himself, "Good girl."
"She is. Her name is Dixie. She and her husband Gene lost a baby recently, so, they know what its like for married couples to stop talking. She and Gene are better now but for several weeks following the death of baby Madison they hardly said two words to each other. Dixie never lost her faith in God but Gene attends sporadically at best. Once again, I'll ask you, is that just coincidence?"
Ross didn't know how to respond.
"Ross, I'm here for a reason. I'm here at the right time. If I had come back into his life before the injury I never would have known about the wonderful, wonderful people in this town. I wouldn't dared to darken a church door and I would've not even dreamt of saying what I am about to say which is," she stammered. "I'm, I'm so sorry for the way I've treated you."
Ross rubbed his chin and continued to look down.
"I am so sorry for the way I've treated Jake. Essentially, I haven't been with him since he was six. Except for two one week visits each a year, I have been completely absent from his life."
Ross said, "I do appreciate those visits. I know it’s a struggle for you and, thankfully, Jake has never relayed stories to me about being exposed to your... weakness."
She whispered, "And I've appreciated the money, but, looking back on it I view the entire circumstance as a massive obscenity and a despicable, inhuman crime committed against our child. He belongs, he deserves to have his mother and father living with him under the same roof."
Ross was unsure about himself and the proposition. He began to slowly shake his head. "He... I... we will not move to River City or some other metropolis so you can be close to...."
"I'm staying in Eagle Creek with or without you. I'll sell dresses, stock cans, sweep streets, anything to keep me away from junk."
Ross nodded. "We'll see. What do you have in mind?"
"Tomorrow night, I want you and I to go see someone. They are a married couple, like us, who have a few years and lot of tears behind them."
"The preacher and his wife?"
"No. I love Crystal and I'm happy she's there for me, but, we need a couple who are a little more like us."
"Who?"
She wore a coy smile. "Tomorrow night?"
He placed his hand atop hers. "Tomorrow night."
She stood up. "Can you pick me up at 6?"
He stood up. "Of course."
They both smiled and fumbled with their hands. They were unsure if the other expected a hug or a warm handshake to finalize the transaction.
Mildred shrugged and giggled, "I know, Ross, I know. It's not entirely comfortable for me either."
"Thank you, Mildred. I'll be there at 6 tomorrow."
She put a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you." She walked out the front door.
Ross didn't know what to think as he watched her walk away. He only knew that a powerful force had compelled each to take courageous measures and make bold moves.
The next day, at 6 pm precisely, Ross pulled up in his car in front of the Grand Hotel. He opened the door for her.
"Lovely day wasn't it?" 
Ross chuckled, "All day on the phone, so, I'll have to take your word for it."
She pointed. He started the car and they took off down the street.
"Last week I was really feeling the bite. I went to see the doctor. Nurse Westbrook was there. She checked my pulse, took my temperature, poked and prodded and then correctly guessed that I was faking stomach cramps. You talked to her too?"
Ross nodded.
"Thanks. I mean that, sincerely. Take a left here."
The car turned left.
"Just to cover my bases, there's a dentist in Quincy; he already knows your history."
"Understood. Anyway, Nurse Westbrook said she was an unofficial town counselor. She likes to talk to people, or listen to people, so as to resolve internal conflicts. I suppose it's too easy these days just give any old soul a bottle of elixir and collect for the bill.
Turn right by that big oak tree.
We talked for about an hour. I told her about how I was re-examining my role in our divorce. I want to make changes, I told her. I really, really, really want to stay clean this time. I asked her who would be willing to listen to us."
The car began to slow down. Ross put on the brake when he recognized the house.
He shook his head. "You've got to be joking."
Michael and Paula Conrad stepped on the porch.
"Ross, put this car in gear and let's have dinner."
He shook his head but then he stopped. He drummed on the steering wheel.
"For Jake?" she asked.
He nodded and put the car in gear. "For Jake."
He parked in the driveway.
The Conrads met the car. Paula and Mildred hugged.
Michael stuck out his hand. "Welcome to my home, Ross."
"Thank you, Michael." He sniffed. "Corned beef?"
Michael nodded.
The couples walked in and sat down in the kitchen. They enjoyed a scrumptious dinner.
Ross put two scoops of cauliflower on his plate. "Thank you for inviting us over."
Paula replied, "It is our pleasure. Michael and I always enjoy having company over. And we feel honored that you two are seeking marital advice from us."
Michael said, "I am glad we finally have the chance to talk to each other. So, Ross, what brought you to Eagle Creek?"
Ross thought for a moment: "Automobile."
They laughed.
Ross hemmed and hawed. "I'm here on business. I grew weary of big city life so I moved out here. My philosophy is the rat race is for rats."
Michael put a wad of butter on his bread. "Lassiter."
Ross stopped chewing his potato. "What's that?"
"Ross you are a terrible liar. Lassiter is the name of the city that your building."
Ross was not amused. "Apparently, your daughter cannot keep a secret. This dinner is over, good day."
He scooted back his chair and stood up.
Mildred pleaded, "Ross, please, you promised."
Ross hesitated.
Paula asked, "What does 'your daughter can't keep a secret' mean?"
Ross shrugged. "Didn't she tell you about Lassiter?"
Paula and Michael looked to each other. "No. How would she even know about it?"
"Sarah found out by accident. She told me that she'd not tell anyone. I thought I had secured her silence, financially."
"You did. Sarah never said a word to me. Why would you feel it necessary to purchase her compliance?"
"She's a sixteen-year-old girl. It was nothing personal."
Michael hemmed and hawed. "I can understand that. Ross, please, sit down; really, it's no skin off my teeth. As a matter of fact," he stood up. "Please excuse me for one moment."
He walked briskly up the stairs. When he returned he addressed Ross.
"Last December, I received this telegram."
Mildred was shaking and crying to herself.
Ross hung his head. "Jake already knows. Trent and Joseph on the other hand…."
Michael interrupted him, "My reply was this."
Ross wore half of a smile.
Michael shook his head. "That's not how we do business. I wish you would've financed Lassiter through Montana Chemical Bank, but, I'm old enough to know… its just money.
You acquired that land legally. Its negative impact on Eagle Creek will be minimal. I would have liked to finance it, believe me, but you went with someone else, that's your prerogative. We won't try to stop you."
Michael added, "Ross, you are enjoying this meal not because I wanted to talk about Lassiter but because you and Mildred need our advice. Do you want our help or not?"
Ross looked down and said solemnly, "Yes."
Mildred humbly nodded.
Ross asked, "How do we begin?"
Michael shrugged. "We'll let you know."
Paula said, "Let's have some peach cobbler."
After dessert, the two couples moved to the porch.
They watched the sunset.
Ross said, "Magnificent sky."
Michael smiled. "I'm glad you liked it. There are countless people out there who never notice the sunset. They are so caught up with the rush of life that they actually believe that they do not have the time to do it."
He turned to Mildred. "Every second is yours to do with as you wish. Spend it how you see fit with this one all important caveat, always respect the time of others. Do not waste it with trivialities or pointless drama."
Ross leaned towards Michael. "By the way, exactly when did you know about Lassiter?"
Michael stared straight ahead. "I am available 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday at the Eagle Creek branch of the Montana Chemical Bank on Main Street. If you want to talk business do so only at that location during that time frame. When I am at my home, well, let me show you. Paula, what is the prime interest rate for a 20 year fixed?"
She laughed. "No clue."
He winked. "I love you too."
He turned back to Ross. "See what I mean?"
Ross nodded. "I do. You know, Michael, I came here with much trepidation?"
"I know. This demonstrates to me that the two of you are serious about this undertaking. Paula and I will assist you two provided we receive compensation."
Ross reached for his wallet.
Michael signaled for him to cease. "Oh please, I am not referring to money. I am referring to time. I refuse to give you advice with mere words so you can forget them the first time you two have another argument. Paula and I have both made arrangements on the methodology we will employ so you can be in a receptive state whereby you can properly ingest our wisdom. Let me rephrase that, it isn't our wisdom, it is God's intuition."
Mildred looked to Paula. "So, we’re going to talk about God?"
She shook her head. "Not yet. You will first work for a month."
Ross chuckled, "I work too much as it is."
Michael chided him: "You push paper."
"Oh, and you don't? I happen to know that you own every building in downtown Eagle Creek."
Michael quickly retorted, "I helped build all of those buildings: nails, paint and mortar."
Ross was smug. "All by yourself?"
"Of course not, but I still put my own sweat to everything I own."
"And I suppose that makes you nobler than I?"
"I did not claim that, I merely stated that one of the reasons why some companies fail is because there is a significant disconnect between the manager and the item he is supposed to manage."
Ross conceded. "True."
Mildred said, "Listen to him, Ross."
Ross scratched his chin. "So, if we are to be counseled by you and your lovely wife we will do so only under your instructions?"
"Yes" replied Michael.
"Mildred?" Paula said, "For the next month you will come to my house every day, Sunday through Saturday. For one hour you will assist me in house chores. The next hour we will talk and crochet."
"Crochet?"
"Crochet. You need to learn to do housework with your hands to teach you order. You need to see immediate consequences for your actions. You need to learn crochet to teach you patience. You need to learn to be quiet."
Mildred was slightly annoyed but agreeable. "That's true. I need to learn how to be quiet."
Paula smiled. "You need to learn how to be a wife."
Mildred looked down. "I suppose you're right; but he can’t get off Scot free!"
"Listen to yourself. You have no idea what my husband has in store for Ross but you are already accusing him of getting off Scot free? I trust Michael. I have faith in his ability to make a proper decision. I trust the outcome, even if I don't know it at the time."
Mildred asked, "Why have you put your faith in him?"
"Because I first have faith in the One he serves."
Mildred wore half of a smile. "In so many ways I envy you."
Paula didn't quite know how to respond.
Mildred sighed. "So I have to be over at your house every day for two hours?"
Paula nodded.
Michael spoke up. "Ross, a few miles out of town is the home of an elderly farmer named Abraham Windsor. There is a fifteen-year-old boy who lives with him named Benny Clayton. They are not related, officially, but their relationship is, essentially, father and son. Abraham is dying of tuberculosis."
Ross bowed his head. "That is sad."
"Abraham is the only father figure Benny has ever had. He was orphaned at an early age. Benny's uncle raised him but also sorely mistreated him."
Ross shivered. "That poor child."
Michael agreed. "That farm is their only income. You will help them on that farm five hours a week. You may do so at your convenience. Benny must be allowed to attend church on Sunday, that is my only condition."
"Five hours?" said Mildred. "And I got fourteen?"
Paula spoke softly to her. "When Michael and I visited Jake in the hospital that first day you were not in the room. Lynn said you came in, saw him lying there helpless and then ran off. You came back an hour later looking glassy eyed."
Mildred whispered, "I was upset. I mean...," she shook her head. "I've been clean in recent days."
"Only because we do not have opium in this town, or, at least, none available to you."
Mildred was hurt. "I didn't want to; it's just, he was so small in that big hospital bed."
Paula put a hand on her shoulder. "Life is filled with pain. You can run away from consequences but you can never run away from yourself. That is one of the things Michael and I will teach you."
"You and Michael?"
"We are one flesh. I am his heart. He is my hands. After we have received our compensation you and I will talk. After we talk, you and Michael will talk. I know what it's like to be a wife. I can only guess what it is like to be a husband. Mildred, you and Ross need to learn from us both."
Michael continued the tone. "After the month, you will come as a couple to talk to us. Sometimes that means I will talk to you alone and sometimes I will speak with Mildred alone."
Paula added, "Ross, you and I will speak on the back porch. In the event of foul weather, we will both go inside."
Mildred asked, "And then we can talk about our problems?"
"Not yet. First you will learn why Michael and I are happy. A few years back, a man named Thomas Troward said ‘The law of flotation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things, but by contemplating the floating of things which floated naturally, and then intelligently asking why they did so.'"
Michael echoed his wife’s agenda: "Compensation, discovery and then we will listen. Can we shake on it?"
Ross smiled; he stuck out his right hand. They shook.
Michael reached in his coat pocket. He handed Ross and then Mildred two sheets of paper.
"Are you familiar with these words?"
They both shook their head, no.
Paula smiled. "Soon you will be."
Michael bowed his head.
"Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind
In purer lives Thy service find
In deeper reverence praise.
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
Till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be numb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!"
When the hymn was complete, Ross looked up with heavy eyes to Michael. "Thank you."
"Follow the directions, I tell Benny to expect you sometime Saturday morning."
"I just thought of something." Ross asked, "Can I take Jake along with me? Benny might appreciate spending time with a boy close to his own age."
Michael tilted his head. "I did not consider that, but you do make a valid point. That'd be just fine."
Paula asked, "Mildred, what time do you get up in the morning?"
"8 or 9."
"Then be here at 10. I think it'd do you good to walk to my house. Weather permitting, of course."
"I would enjoy that very much."
"Then I will see you tomorrow at 10. Ross, I'll see you soon.”
"Paula, can I start now by giving you a hand in the kitchen?"
Paula hugged her. "How can I turn that down?"
They went back into the house.
Michael asked, "Ross, since we're going to be here a little while longer do you know how to use a scythe?"
Ross pantomimed sawing.
Michael chuckled, "Well, I suppose that's one way to harvest wheat. Come on; let me take you to the tool shed. If you are familiar with some basic skills it will save time with Benny."
Ross and Mildred spent another hour with Paula and Michael. They drove away with the assurance that they were about to change their lives for the better.
When Ross dropped off Mildred at the hotel he walked her to her room. They shook hands good-night much like they did on their first date 20 years earlier. Just as then, they slept in separate beds confident that they had made a heart felt connection with a very special person.
