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    Walking His Way
    Walking His Way
    Walking His Way
    Ebook330 pages5 hours

    Walking His Way

    By Mildred Colvin

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    About this ebook

    Double cousins raised as sisters!

    Anne Atwood and Colleen O’Brien navigate the troubled waters of growing up and falling in love. When Anne falls for William Rohmeier, her perfect man, the one Colleen calls Anne’s knight in shining armor, everything goes awry.

    William leaves Denver to join his family on their ranch with a promise to write each week. Anne’s heart is broken when no letters come, and she listens to her friend, Graham Prescott, when he hesitantly reveals unflattering things about William’s character. What is the use? William obviously wasn’t what she thought. When Graham becomes her suitor, she decides she may as well marry him as anyone. At least he seems to love her.

    William doesn’t understand why Anne isn’t answering the letters he has faithfully sent. As soon as he can, he makes the trip to Denver to find out what’s wrong. There, his heart is crushed when he discovers Anne is in New York City shopping for her wedding to another man.

    Colleen is devastated when Anne and Graham Prescott announce their engagement as she knows Graham doesn’t love Anne because he loves her. The elderly Longworth sisters use hilarious manipulation in an attempt to help Colleen set things right.

    Graham’s life is ruled by insecurity from his impoverished background. His efforts to win Anne’s heart so he can gain her wealth bring him face-to-face with his inner man.

    Two couples searching for love, but will they find the right partners? Although God is not the author of confusion, could He be using theirs as a tool to bring each to a right relationship with Him?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMildred Colvin
    Release dateMar 19, 2018
    ISBN9781370531134
    Walking His Way
    Author

    Mildred Colvin

    Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

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      Book preview

      Walking His Way - Mildred Colvin

      Walking

      His Way

      Mildred Colvin

      and Jean Norval

      Walking His Way

      by

      Mildred Colvin

      and Jean Norval

      Copyright © 2018 by Mildred Colvin

      All rights reserved

      Smashwords Edition

      Cover Photo © 2018 Period Stock

      Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events, is entirely coincidental, other than those established by history.

      No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except in the case of brief quotations used in printed reviews.

      Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

      In loving memory—

      of my sister, Jean Norval, who wrote most of this book, especially the historical facts and fictionalized use of events and characters from history. Her talents were many.

      The Atwood Family

      Matthias Josiah Atwood—Born 1787

      Married 1817

      Henrietta Elizabeth Fowler—born 1792

      Children born of this marriage:

      1. Jerusha—1820

      2. Dorcas—1822

      3. Lydia—1824

      4. Eunice—1826

      5. Susannah—1828

      6. Thomas Josiah—1830

      ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

      Susannah Atwood—born 1828

      Married - November 29, 1849

      Rory O’Brien—born 1825

      Children born of this marriage:

      Sarah Colleen—March 10, 1852

      ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

      Thomas Josiah Atwood—born January 7, 1830

      Married June 17, 1852

      Laura Rose O’Brien—born May 16, 1834

      Children of this marriage:

      Born in New York City:

      1. Anne Elizabeth—March 19, 1853

      2. Thomas Fowler—March 17, 1854

      Born in Lawrence, Kansas:

      3. Patrick Rory—November 2, 1855

      4. Dennis Abraham—June 5, 1857

      5. Matthew Josiah—December 24, 1858

      Born in Central City, Colorado:

      6. Timothy O’Brien—April 16, 1860

      7. Sean Stephen—May 24, 1862

      ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

      The Rohmeier Family

      Augustus Rohmeier—Born 1821

      Married 1840

      Hannah Zorn—born 1823

      Children born of this marriage:

      1. Helga—1841-1841

      2. Jacob—1843

      3. Levi—1843

      4. William—1846

      5. Matthew—1849

      6. Ingrid—1855

      ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

      And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

      John 1:5

      He brought me also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

      And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.

      Psalm 40:2-3

      Chapter 1

      Late April, 1865, Washington DC

      A great longing for home and fear that nothing would ever be the same waged a private battle in William Rohmeier’s heart as the clatter of hoofs, clash of sabers, and a shrill bugle call filled his hearing.

      He stood by his brother Levi along with what seemed like a million other Union soldiers in the streets for the last and greatest pageant of the War Between the States—the Grand Review. The march through the capitol city would be Levi and William’s last as members of Sherman’s army.

      At sunrise on May 23, the spectators began to gather. Promptly at nine o’clock the signal gun was fired, and General Meade rode out on his garlanded horse at the head of the Army of the Potomac.

      William watched an endless ocean of blue. Several men marched abreast, their bayonets glittering in the sun. Yet all he could think of was, Where is Jacob? Why isn’t he here with us?

      Massed on stands and housetops, hanging from windows and balconies, the people sang the choruses of the tunes the bands played, Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, When This Cruel War is Over, and When Johnny Comes Marching Home. Showers of flowers rained down on the men, filling the street with their fragrance as they were crushed beneath thousands of marching feet. People wept as the battle flags passed and many rushed into the street to kiss their tattered folds.

      Cheers clashed in William’s ears, as apple blossoms and rose petals fell on and around him. It meant nothing. Not without Jacob. All he cared about—all he could think of—was getting to the end of this day. Then he would be free to go where he pleased. Only, where did he want to go? West with his comrades, or home to Iowa? The two choices swirled through his brain. His older brother, Levi, was eager to get home, and he wanted William with him.

      He would decide today.

      The sun slanted out of the west as Sherman’s men dispersed. Many went to the saloons. William had tried whiskey and found it only made the ghosts more vivid. More alive. Nothing erased the horrors of war.

      If only he could turn back time. But no one could.

      Have you decided, Will? At least Levi no longer called him Willie. Are we going home together?

      Yeah, I’ll go with you. I owe Mama and Papa that much. Right or wrong, William had made his decision. The two remaining brothers would go home together. One to build a future with Janie Braun. The other to recapture the past—if he could.

      ~*~

      By August, William figured he’d made a mistake in coming home.

      He stood beside his older brother in front of their home church and watched Levi’s bride walk the aisle on her father’s arm. How much longer could he work on the farm with Papa or keep a smile on his face for Mama after a night of battle-torn dreams had kept him awake? The emptiness in his heart proved the childhood he sought to reclaim no longer existed.

      As his brother stepped forward to claim his bride, William looked over the congregation. So many familiar faces, but just as many of the young men were missing. His friend Hugh Ely had fallen at Appomattox. Others in skirmishes and battles across the South. Maybe they were the lucky ones. For them the hurting, the exhaustion, and constant fear was over. His gaze passed over the remainder of his friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to rest on his own family.

      The Rohmeiers sat in the first pew, across the aisle from Janie’s parents. Mr. Braun held his wife’s hand in both of his, their loving gaze trained on their daughter. Mrs. Braun’s complexion cast a faint yellow hue, from the cancer in her body, no doubt. He turned his gaze to the other side of the church where his only sister, Ingrid, now ten years old, sat beside their mother who smiled yet held a handkerchief to her flooding eyes. His father, Gus, had his arm around her. His proud look was trained on Levi while sadness darkened his eyes. It was as if Mama and Papa didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

      Matthew, William’s youngest brother, sat with his wife, Emily, beside his parents. They’d gotten married almost a year ago after her mother passed away. Some might think because she was so young with no family, Matthew had offered out of pity, but anyone who paid attention would know Matthew loved his wife. Emily’s big blue eyes were moist. Matthew held her hand tightly in his.

      The space between the two couples looked as if they’d left room for a fifth person. Jacob? No. Jacob would have been standing up with Levi. His two older brothers, so near the same age, had been inseparable. But Jacob was gone. He’d been hit near the end of the war outside Fayetteville, North Carolina. They’d carried him to the injured wagon and continued their march as if his welfare meant nothing. First chance they’d got, they went to the hospital and been told he’d died. He was gone, buried in an unmarked grave. Such was war.

      William shut out the memories and turned his attention to his brother’s wedding. Janie, her blue-black hair worn in a simple twist on the back of her head, raised her face for Levi’s kiss.

      William looked beyond them to Serena, standing beside the bride. Her eyes met his, and she managed a tremulous smile through her tears. As she lifted a dainty, lace-trimmed handkerchief to blot them, prisms of color danced off the ring on her finger. The engagement ring Jacob had given her on that last Christmas they’d all been home together. She wore it on her right hand now.

      A small voice inside his head accused, "Jacob shouldn’t have died. It should’ve been you. You should’ve been the one. Jacob was too good. It should have been you."

      He’d known better than to come home. Things would never be the same. The past had died with the oldest Rohmeier son.

      ~*~

      William trudged through freshly fallen snow to the barn. Why was he still here? He’d been home six months, and the restless feeling deep inside wouldn’t leave him alone. Nothing was the same. Not without Jacob. Every time he saw Serena at church or in town, memory of the last time he’d seen Jacob lying on the medic wagon returned full force. Blood covered his chest, his pale face, his eyes closed as if he were— William shook his head, trying to force the vision away. He couldn’t bring his brother back by tormenting himself. He had to find a way to forget.

      He stopped outside the barn door as voices within reached his hearing.

      Janie’s mother passed this morning. Levi’s words came out clipped as if he held the emotion inside. I came to tell you, but I can’t stay. Janie needs me.

      I’m sorry, Levi. Yes, go home to Janie. I’ll tell your mother. Papa cleared his throat. Something he often did when he tried to hide emotion.

      William turned away from the door, his stomach twisting. So the cancer had finally killed Astrid Braun. He brushed a hand across his eyes. Astrid and Karl had been more than friends. They were family as long as he could remember. Janie would be devastated. They all would be even though they’d known this was coming. Why must death take those he loved the most? He swallowed his tears and stomped through the snow several yards before stopping. Papa would need him more than ever the next few days. He didn’t have time to grieve, just like he hadn’t been allowed to grieve for Jacob. He turned back toward the barn, his jaw clenched tight.

      ~*~

      The next few days seemed to pass in a blur until William stood in the churchyard and bowed his head as Pastor Erich Altman closed his message beside Astrid’s open grave. Shall we pray?

      He waited a moment then said, Father God, thank You for allowing us to know Mrs. Astrid Braun. For sharing her loving care with all she knew and making our lives richer for it. Thank you for her life, and may we each remember and follow her example in Christian service to You. We rejoice in knowing she’s safe in Your presence right now. Fill us with faith. Guide us with each step to walk as she did in Your way and in no other. Bring each of us home to You when the time is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

      His prayer had no sooner ended than Janie cried out, Oh, Papa!

      William sprang to Karl Braun’s side at the same time Levi did. Together they caught the older man as he crumpled, his hand pressed against his chest. Together they lifted him before he touched the snow-covered ground and carried him to his wagon.

      A woman produced a blanket and spread it in the back of the wagon where they gently placed him. Another blanket appeared as someone else covered the prone man and tucked it gently around him.

      It was just too much for him. The poor man. A voice drifted from the side.

      Another voice answered in hushed tones. They was close. What’ll he do without her?

      William looked up into his Mama’s tear-filled eyes. She’d been best friends with Astrid Braun longer than he’d lived. He wanted to go to her, lend what little comfort he could, but Papa slipped his arm around her, and she leaned against his chest. Mama didn’t need him. Papa didn’t either. Maybe for a little farm work, but he’d done fine with Matthew’s help while the war raged in the south.

      William watched Levi drive the wagon carrying Karl Braun home while Janie sat in the back, her father’s head pillowed in her lap. Janie was expecting her and Levi’s first child. She had no business caring for her father now. Hadn’t she done enough taking care of her mother all these months? How much more could she bear before something happened to her?

      He turned away and mounted his horse then followed his family’s wagon home. Funeral or not, there was always work to be done. Papa and Mama didn’t bother going inside after letting Matthew and Emily climb down. They would go on to the Braun’s and help in any way they could.

      That evening after William finished milking he left the milk for Emily to take care of then rode to the Braun’s farm, promising Matthew he’d bring word from the others how Karl was. He recognized the buggy and horse waiting at the back door when he arrived. Doctor Brown from Milen was there. His heart constricted at the thought of what he might find inside.

      He didn’t bother knocking but slipped in the back doorway and followed the soft sound of voices to the stairway leading up to the bedrooms. Taking one step at a time, he dreaded what he’d find at the top. If he thought it’d do any good, he’d pray. Instead, he pushed his way upstairs and started down the hall when the doctor stepped out of the room at the end with his parents’ following him.

      Papa, what’s happened? Instinctively, he knew from the set of his father’s shoulders he wouldn’t hear good news. Is he …?

      He’s gone, William. Papa’s voice was rough with emotion. Doc says it was his heart. He had another spell after we got here.

      It was the strain of burying Astrid. Mama spoke through the tears in her voice and running down her cheeks.

      I’m sorry, folks. Doc Brown’s shoulders slumped as if he’d put in a hard day’s work. I did what I could, but it wasn’t enough. I’ve been telling him for years to slow down, but he was used to hard work. Folks like that find it near to impossible to take life easy.

      William looked at the doctor, a man who went out in any kind of weather to tend the sick. He might tell his patients to slow down, but he didn’t appear to be following his own advice. He’d been doctoring the folks round about for years and wasn’t getting any younger.

      William’s gaze shifted to his father. If he looked close, he could see white mingling in the blond hair that appeared thinner than it had been before the war. Were those new lines of worry etched across his face or only grief for his long-time friend? And what of Mama? He’d always thought she was ageless. Had never really thought of her getting older. His parents were in their late forties, not ancient by any means, but not young anymore either. They were close to the same age as Janie’s parents had been. What would he do if he lost them?

      He refused to think of the possibility and turned from his thoughts. How’s Janie holding up? I told Matthew I’d let him and Emily know.

      Mama stepped forward and patted his arm. She’ll be fine. Janie’s stronger than she looks. We’ll stay awhile to take care of things here. Let them know we’ll be home later.

      All right. He hugged his mother then clasped his father’s hand. Tears stung his eyes, but he clenched his jaw and pressed his cheek against the top of Mama’s head. They’d just endured one funeral, now they faced another. Life wasn’t fair. The old saying that troubles come by threes had better not be true. Surely, they’d been through enough already. Maybe Jacob’s death counted and this was the last of it.

      William shuffled back outside and mounted his horse. He sure hoped so. Hadn’t they seen enough for a lifetime?

      ~*~

      Two days after Karl Braun’s funeral, Papa found William forking hay to the cattle on the snow-covered ground. You haven’t seen Levi yet today, have you?

      William shook his head. No, he’s usually here by now.

      That’s what has me worried. Papa glanced toward the house. Your mama got one of her notions. Said there was something wrong over there, but she wasn’t sure what. I’ve put her off, thinking he’d show up and everything would be fine.

      A long sigh escaped Papa’s lungs. She’s getting ready to go over on her own, so I’m going to take her. Most of these feelings … well, she isn’t usually wrong.

      Tension spread, tightening William’s chest. Not again. Do you want me to go with you?

      No, that won’t be necessary. You and Matthew take care of things here. The lines across Papa’s forehead deepened. Surely this won’t take long. Hold us up in prayer.

      William didn’t respond as his father turned and walked toward the house. He couldn’t remember when he’d last prayed. Maybe after Jacob was shot. One thing was certain, he hadn’t uttered even one word to the Almighty since learning his brother died. Not that he didn’t believe. Just figured it didn’t do much good for him to talk to Someone who wasn’t listening.

      He jabbed the pitchfork in the pile of hay in the back of the wagon and tossed it over the fence to the cattle. One thing he could do was work.

      When Papa came home that afternoon, he didn’t bring Mama.

      William met him at the barn. What’s going on?

      Papa released a weary sigh as Matthew came running from the house with Emily close behind. He ran a hand over his face while they gathered around him. Finally, he looked up. Janie lost her baby today. His eyes sharpened as he sought each of them out. We almost lost her too. Except for the grace of God …

      A tear trickled down Emily’s cheek. Will she be all right?

      I don’t know. Mama’s staying with them until they can get the fever down. Levi went for the doctor. He said there’s infection causing a fever. She isn’t out of danger yet. His gaze swept the three of them, seeming to linger on William before he held his hands out to each side. Children, we need to pray.

      Emily and Matthew immediately joined hands as Matthew took his father’s outstretched hand. William hesitated only a second. He wouldn’t defy his family no matter how he felt, and at the moment, it seemed life was determined to kick them again and again. Janie didn’t deserve this, and neither did Levi. Where was God? Why didn’t He step in and do something?

      Father God, we give You honor and praise as we ask for Your mercy now. We don’t understand when so much sadness comes to those we love, but You know all things. Janie is Your child, and she needs a miracle …

      William listened to his father’s prayer of entreaty for Janie’s life and even added his own silently. God, help Janie. He tried to add more, but the words wouldn’t come. All he could do was repeat his plea for her life.

      One week after another went by while Janie fought the fever that raged through her body then began the slow process of healing. Christmas approached as a bright spot in an otherwise dreary time for the Rohmeier family who had all been to see Janie several times. All except William. As the reports of her healing come in, he decided it was time to see how she was doing for himself.

      Gathering his courage, he approached the open bedroom doorway after letting himself into her and Levi’s house. Looking into the room, he saw Janie propped up against the pillows on her bed reading. He tapped on the door facing, and she turned toward him.

      William, I’ve been thinking about you. She held a slender hand out to him. Please, come in.

      He walked slowly to the bed and took her hand in his. The delicate bones felt fragile. He held her hand loosely, fearing he might hurt her.

      Here, sit down and talk to me. Levi had to go into town, and I’m lonely. She moved over to make room. Still holding her hand, he eased onto the edge of the bed. Her velvet brown eyes were huge in her face. Are you all right, William?

      Yeah, I’m fine. Releasing her hand, he picked up the thick, black braid lying across her shoulder and wrapped it around his hand. What about you?

      I’m all right now. Her hand caressed the book lying open on her lap.

      As William recognized her Bible, the deep anger that had been simmering ever since Jacob‘s death began to boil. What kind of God would allow this to happen to Janie? He knew the answer. The same kind that would let Jacob die. One who didn’t care. Who didn’t seem trustworthy.

      I don’t see how you can still believe in God. He tightened his fingers around her braid. He took your mother and your father, and now he’s taken your baby from you. What kind of God is that, Janie? Can’t you see He doesn’t care?

      Oh, no, you mustn’t believe that, William. Tears filled her soft brown eyes. Think of all God has given, not what we’ve lost. God gave me Mama and Papa when I needed them the most. True, they’re gone now, but I have a whole storehouse of beautiful memories, and someday I’ll see them again. My baby is gone, but I have Levi. Mama and Papa both loved him, and they lived to see us married. It meant so much to them. Knowing I wouldn’t be alone.

      William dropped his gaze to the thick braid wrapped around his hand and forced himself to relax. I know you find comfort in your Bible, Janie. But you just don’t know ... You can’t even imagine ...

      She touched his arm in a gesture of comfort. Levi has told me some of what it was like, William. I know it was horrible. But you’re right. I can’t imagine. I know the war hurt you deeply, but we still have so much. We have each other. There’s your mother and father. And Matthew and Emily. Most of all we have the Lord. Jesus said His grace was sufficient for us because His strength is made perfect in our weakness. In spite of our faith sometimes we’re very weak, William, but we find strength in His Word.

      Yeah, that sounds all good, Janie, but I don’t think I believe anymore.

      Oh, William, you can’t mean that. You went to the altar when we did. Remember? We all gave our life to the Lord the same evening. Me, Serena, Matthew, Levi, Jacob, and you. It was so wonderful. Don’t you remember how happy we were, William?

      Janie was beautiful and so dear to him. He couldn’t add to her pain. He should never have told her how he felt. He nodded. Yeah, I remember. It’s getting late. He slowly unwound the shiny black braid. I better go.

      When he stood, she grabbed his hand. Don’t blame God for my losing the baby, William. It was just one of those things. Emily hasn’t been able to come and visit me. Is she all right?

      Yeah, she’s fine.

      Good. I have some baby clothes put away that I’ll bring to her as soon as I’m able to be up and around. The smile on her lips couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes. It will be nice to have a baby in the family to love.

      Her words rang in William’s head as he walked outside and mounted his horse. A baby to love. Maybe so, if Emily’s baby lived. She was so small—and so young … He turned his horse toward home not wanting to think about it.

      A man on horseback rode in from the direction of town as William drew near the house. Who would be coming out this far? Perhaps a stranger who had lost his way. He sat for several moments looking around the farm as if getting his bearings. Papa and Matthew must be away from the house. Jacob’s old dog trotted to the stranger’s horse and stood looking up at him then barked a greeting, his tail wagging furiously. He was obviously too old to be a decent watchdog.

      William kicked his horse forward as the man dismounted, arriving before the other man had time to loop the reins around the hitching post. Hello, is there anything I can help you with?

      When the man turned, lifting blue eyes toward him, William’s blood drained from his face. He grabbed the saddle horn to keep from falling from his horse. Surely, his eyes were playing tricks.

      Jacob? Is that you?

      Chapter 2

      A wide smile crept across Jacob’s face. Willie, you made it home.

      We thought— William shook his head. I mean, we were told you’d died. Levi and I went to find you.

      Levi’s here too? Jacob turned his head as if searching for his brother.

      "Yeah. Well, no, he’s in town right now, but we

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