The Last Outlaw(132)

Every single family member seemed to watch out for Randy Harkner. She was the matriarch, the woman Jake Harkner loved, and woe to anyone who failed to keep her safe, warm, and cared for. He suspected there was more to it than that, however. They all were worried Jake wouldn’t come home this time.

As soon as he’d arrived, Peter had noticed the difference in Randy. It tore at his guts to think about her ordeal, and he couldn’t even imagine what that had done to Jake. Randy didn’t mention it, and Peter didn’t ask. In fact, she seemed to be living in a world removed from all of that, always cooking, always fussing, always asking if he was comfortable and had what he needed. And she talked about Jake almost constantly… Jake usually helps Lloyd this time of year, cutting and threshing oats and other feed for winter storage… Jake loves my bread. I’ve been making it fresh every day in case this is the day he comes home.

The man hadn’t been gone long enough to even make it back yet, but she kept talking about the day he would. He promised he’d make it back, and he always keeps his promises.

Peter sat in a nearby chair, reading a several-days-old newspaper as Little Jake finished stacking the wood. The young man was a true offspring of Jake Harkner. The kid had sprouted several inches taller since Peter had seen the whole family in Denver last summer at Jake’s hearing.

Still, it wasn’t the height or even the dark eyes and thick, dark hair that showed Little Jake was Jake’s grandson. It was his attitude, and those dark eyes had a look in them that said “don’t mess with me or my grandma.” Even now, he stacked the wood in a way that Peter could tell he was trying to show off how strong he was getting. When he finished, he turned and straightened, putting his shoulders back and puffing out his chest a little, as though to look as big as he possibly could. He looked at Peter with a sober face and folded his arms in front of his chest.

“Me and Stephen and Ben look after my grandma when Grandpa isn’t here,” he told Peter.

“Well, then, Randy is in very good hands,” Peter answered. “I’m sure your grandfather has every confidence that she is safe and cared for when he’s gone, Little Jake, or he wouldn’t have asked you to watch out for her.”

“I talked to my mom and Uncle Lloyd about my name,” Little Jake told him then. “I think I should just be called Jake, ’cuz I’m not little anymore.”

Randy was coming over to sit near Peter, and she heard the conversation. “Then how will you and your grandfather know which one we’re speaking to when you’re in the same room together?” Randy asked him.

Little Jake pursed his lips and thought about it. “You could call Grandpa Big Jake.”

Randy and Peter laughed. “I never thought of that, Little Jake,” Randy told him. “And I’m sorry, but you will have to give all of us time to get used to calling you just Jake. Come over here and give me a big hug like Big Jake would do.”

Little Jake walked over and embraced her. The kid was already the same height as Randy. “Do you want me to stay, Grandma?”

“I’m fine,” Randy told him. “Your mother must have chores for you to do, and I think it’s reading time at your house.”

“I hate reading. I’d rather go watch the men break horses.”

“I’m sure you would, but in this day and age, a man also needs an education. You can’t run a ranch just knowing how to corral a cow or break a horse, Jake. You need to be able to read and understand new laws, and you have to be able to count those cattle and keep track of your losses, but that’s for Lloyd to teach you. Go on now. I certainly don’t need any more wood until it gets colder out.”

Little Jake glanced at Peter. “I’ll be around if she needs me.”

Peter grinned. “I’ll remember that.”

“She’s scared for Grandpa, but he’ll be back. How long will you be here?”

“Jake, be nice,” Randy told him. “Peter is a dear friend, and he’s helped your grandfather in many ways. Mister Brown is welcome to stay as long as he wants.”

“Randy, he asked a fair question,” Peter told her, setting the newspaper aside and addressing Little Jake. “I’m going to stay until we’re sure your grandfather is fine and is coming home,” he told the boy. “Your grandmother says it shouldn’t take more than two weeks, and I have to go home by then anyway. I’m just here to enjoy this beautiful ranch and the cool, clean air. And I care about your grandmother and grandfather both. Your grandfather is…well, he’s the most interesting man I’ve ever known. I respect and admire him.”