A Choice Considered (The Heart of Cheyenne Book #2)

Books by Tracie Peterson

THE HEART OF CHEYENNE

A Love Discovered

A Choice Considered

PICTURES OF THE HEART

Remember Me

Finding Us

Knowing You

THE JEWELS OF KALISPELL*

The Heart’s Choice

With Each Tomorrow

LOVE ON THE SANTA FE

Along the Rio Grande

Beyond the Desert Sands

Under the Starry Skies

LADIES OF THE LAKE

Destined for You

Forever My Own

Waiting on Love

WILLAMETTE BRIDES

Secrets of My Heart

The Way of Love

Forever by Your Side

THE TREASURES OF NOME*

Forever Hidden

Endless Mercy

Ever Constant

BROOKSTONE BRIDES

When You Are Near

Wherever You Go

What Comes My Way

GOLDEN GATE SECRETS

In Places Hidden

In Dreams Forgotten

In Times Gone By

HEART OF THE FRONTIER

Treasured Grace

Beloved Hope

Cherished Mercy

THE HEART OF ALASKA*

In the Shadow of Denali

Out of the Ashes

Under the Midnight Sun

———

Beyond the Silence*

Serving Up Love**

*with Kimberley Woodhouse

**with Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano

For a complete list of Tracie’s books, visit TraciePeterson.com.

© 2024 by Peterson Ink, Inc.

Published by Bethany House Publishers

Minneapolis, Minnesota

BethanyHouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ebook edition created 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4934-4657-5

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

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover design by Peter Gloege, LOOK Design Studio

Cover image from Joanna Czogala / Arcangel

Background images: Shutterstock

Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and postconsumer waste whenever possible.

Contents

Cover

Half Title Page

Books by Tracie Peterson

Title Page

Copyright Page

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Epilogue

A Sneak Peek at Book Three in this Series

About the Author

Back Ads

Cover Flaps

Back Cover

1

APRIL 1868

CHEYENNE, WYOMING

What do you mean they stole the fire ladder? Melody Doyle asked her father over breakfast.

Well, just what I be sayin’, her father replied. Judge Kuykendall has run an ad in the paper sayin’ somebody stole it, and he wants it back immediately.

Seems like sneaking off with a large ladder would be difficult—and even harder to hide. She poured hot coffee in her father’s cup.

For sure it would be, now. He downed half the cup in one gulp, then folded the paper. No doubt someone will be findin’ it. Hopefully before the next fire. Oh, I forgot to be tellin’ ya, I’m gonna go to the prizefight tonight.

Are you sure you’re feeling up to it, Da?

Ever since late January when her father fell at work, his back had been giving him nothing but trouble. He couldn’t even get clearance from the railroad to return to work because of the problems it was causing him.

I’m sure to be just fine, daughter. Don’t ya be worryin’ none.

But Melody did worry. Da wasn’t his usual self. All her life, he had been the very image of strength and resilience. These last few weeks, however, he’d seemed so weary, and Melody was certain he was in pain.

She knew her father was frustrated after taking that fall. He’d been quite high on the ladder when he’d lost his balance and hit the ground on his back. The doctor said it was a wonder he hadn’t hit his head, but Da had only laughed and said if he had then there wouldn’t have been any injury at all. He was a hardheaded Irishman who’d definitely gone through worse, but for some reason, this fall had taken its toll.

There is something I was hoping we could discuss. Melody pushed back her empty plate. Do you feel up to it?

For sure I do. Don’t be worryin’ about me. I won’t be coddled.

She smiled and reached out to place her hand over his. You’ve never allowed anyone to coddle you, and I won’t insult you by trying to start now. In fact, what I want to say is about as far from coddling as I can get.

Then speak. What would be on yar mind?

For as long as Melody and her father had lived in Cheyenne, they’d called a tent home. It was the way of most section hands and their supervisors since the railroad kept them moving along the line.

Melody hadn’t minded in the beginning. It was fairly comfortable—at least as much as they could make it. The entire tent wasn’t much bigger than ten by ten, but it was all Melody had known for some time. Now, however, she was more than ready to enjoy the comforts of a real house with windows she could look out of and a nice large fireplace. Da seemed most content when he was living like a nomad, but not Melody.

Melody straightened. "I want to stay in Cheyenne. I know the railroad is moving out and that your job will take you west with it, but I’ve had my fill of moving from place to place. I like Cheyenne and the people we’ve come to know. Marybeth and Edward, the Taylors, Dr. Scott. They’re all good people, and I want to be a part of their lives. So I’d like to remain here when you go.

And you won’t be that far away. They won’t get down the track more than a couple hundred miles, and you can always take the train back here on the weekends. I could find a nice place to stay and have room for you as well. Just think how pleasant it would be for you to leave the chaos of the end-of-the-tracks town and come back here to rest. You wouldn’t get to go to church with me since services are still held in the evening, but at least we’d have some time together.

So ya have yar heart set on staying in Cheyenne? I cannot say that this is surprisin’ to me, Da began.

She nodded. It’s been on my mind since Julesburg.

I cannot be holdin’ against ya the desire to settle yarself near friends. The folks ya named are good and godly people. He tossed down the other half of his coffee and held out the cup for more. But I cannot have ya stayin’ here without a man to protect ya. There will still be dangers even after the rowdies pull out.

She refilled his cup. But our friends will keep an eye on me. Marybeth even said I could come and live with them. I could stay in the house or in the little shed out back where they were living before the Hendersons sold them the house.

Her father shook his head. No, ya’ll be needin’ a husband, Melody. I’ve been feelin’ that way for a long time now. Ya need a man of yar own and children. Yar made for love and family—like yar ma.

Melody only had vague memories of her mother. She’d died when Melody was barely ten years old. Now, almost sixteen years later, the memories were cloudy. She could hardly remember what her mother looked like, although Da said she was the spitting image of her mother.

And while I know yar old enough to decide for yarself, I’m still yar da.

I respect that, Da. I don’t want to do anything against your wishes. I just hadn’t thought of marrying anyone. You’ll soon be heading west, and finding a husband in that short time is going to be difficult. After all, there’s no one special in my life.

Not that I don’t have men askin’ me all the time if they can be courtin’ ya. Of course, they know there’s a risk in approachin’ me, but that’s the first part of the test. If they’re brave enough to come and discuss it, it shows strength of character. Da chuckled. Yar a beauty like yar mother, and ya could have yar pick of suitors. We’ve only to put out the word.

Advertise for a husband? Is that what you’re suggesting? She was surprised not to feel more appalled by the idea.

And for sure it could work. We could be lettin’ folks know that yar of a mind to marry and live here in Cheyenne. I could take this time away from me job to inspect each man and listen to his story. Then I could be pickin’ a few suitors for ya to choose from. Ya know for yarself that I have God’s gift of discernment. I can be tellin’ when a man is truthful or false.

Melody shrugged. I suppose we could give it a try. It’s not like I must marry any of them. I can always head west with you if none of them appeal.

And for sure ya could, and ya would, for I’ll not be leavin’ ya here without protection and security. After all, how would ya make yar way and pay for all that life costs ya?

Well, I supposed I’d get a job. I can clean house, and I’m a fair cook, as you well know.

Aye, that ya are, and I know ya enjoy workin’. It’s havin’ ya alone that torments me.

Melody knew he was just concerned about her well-being. She patted his hand. If you want to pick out some suitors for me, then I’m not opposed. I love and trust you. I don’t want to stay here to be rid of you. I’m hoping, in time, you might even want to come back and settle here as well. My children will need their grandda.

Could be. But ya know me wanderlust. He beamed her a smile. Yar a good daughter, Melody, and God has given ya sound judgment. If ya have a young man who has caught yar eye, ya might be lettin’ me know. I can talk to him and give ya my opinion. After all, the choice is gonna be yars.

She got up and kissed his cheek. Thank you, Da. I know that together we should be able to figure it out.

He nodded and picked up his paper. Now, didn’t ya say ya were gonna go visit Marybeth?

Aye. After I do up the dishes, I’ll be on my way.

"Is é do mhac do mhac inniú, ach is í d’iníon d’iníon go deo." He went back to reading.

Melody smiled at the old Irish saying. Your son is your son today, but your daughter is your daughter forever.

Aye, Da. I’m yours forever.

And so Da said he’ll put out the word that I’m looking for a husband. I figure we have about forty-five days to find one because the doctor said Da can rejoin the workforce in June. Melody glanced from Marybeth Vogel to Granny Taylor. These two women were her dearest friends in the world.

That doesn’t give us a whole lot of time, Granny Taylor observed. Are you sure you want to choose a husband this way?

It wasn’t my idea. Da won’t let me stay if I’m not married.

Marybeth had been frowning since Melody first told them of the situation. Maybe Edward can speak to him.

My Jed could do the same. Granny Taylor picked up her knitting. I can’t abide for you to marry without love.

Nor I. The very thought is abominable, Marybeth added. You deserve love, Melody. You above all people.

The latter comment made Melody laugh. Why me above all? I’m nothing special.

But of course you are, Granny Taylor replied. You are God’s own child, and your heart is one of the kindest and most loving. You deserve a husband who will adore you—love you and make you happy.

I won’t marry a man unless I think I can love him in time. To be honest, Melody had been somewhat concerned about this very issue. She could always refuse to marry any of the men her father chose. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she had to push on with Da. She could always make her way back to Cheyenne. Still, the thought of leaving the friends she’d made nearly broke her heart.

But I want more for you. I want passion and romance, Marybeth said, sounding as if she might soon be moved to tears.

Marybeth, you married to save your little sister from being taken away from you. You married a man for convenience.

Yes, but I loved him. I didn’t realize just how much, but I knew that I loved him at least as a friend.

Love is important, Melody. Isn’t there anyone who has caught your eye? Made you think he might be the one? Granny asked.

Melody thought about it for a long quiet moment. No, there’s no one. I know we live in a town where the men probably outnumber the women forty to one, but I’ve honestly not found myself thinking that way about anyone. You forget, I’ve been with Da all along the way on building this railroad. I’ve seen the antics of the men working the line. I know a lot of them, but they’re like brothers or wayward relatives. She laughed. Definitely not men I would consider as a husband.

We need to get to praying about it, then, Granny said, once again setting her knitting aside.

She’d picked it up and put it down so many times that Melody thought it a wonder she ever got anything accomplished. Still, she was right about praying. Prayer was the answer for getting answers, as Granny Taylor was always saying.

I hadn’t even thought to pray yet. Melody smiled and folded her hands. That’s why I come to you, Granny. You always know the right way to handle a matter.

Not only do we need to pray, but we need to be keeping our eyes open. I’m sure Jed might know a fella or two who would make a decent husband.

I can also ask Edward. He spent most of his time with Fred Henderson. . . . Marybeth’s words faded.

We all miss Fred, to be sure, Granny Taylor said. And we’ll miss Eve and the young’uns.

Fred had worked with the town marshal’s office and had hired Marybeth’s husband, Edward, to be a deputy in Cheyenne. Unfortunately, Fred had been shot and killed not even two weeks back, and his sweet wife had fled the town she hated. The loss was still keen, and none of the women had quite been able to move on.

I find myself still expecting Eve to come through the door since it was her house to begin with, Marybeth admitted. She was such a dear friend.

You can’t blame her for leaving. This town would only serve to remind her of what she lost. Granny shook her head. I am heartily sorry for that woman. Left with two little boys and a babe soon to be born.

She’s got a good family, Marybeth threw in. They love her most dearly and will see to it that she has everything she needs. They’re quite wealthy.

Granny gave a sigh. But money can’t bring back the one thing she truly longs for. We need to remember her in prayer as well.

The women were used to getting together to pray on a regular basis. Often they would talk with one another for an hour or more before speaking to the Lord, so Granny’s comment was expected.

Yes, and we should pray for my da, Melody requested. His back is hurting him something fierce. He doesn’t say much about it, but I know he’s in pain.

And pray for my Jed. His arthritis is causing him grief in his hands. A mechanic with bad hands won’t be much use to the railroad. And while we’ve saved a good bit of money, it won’t last that long if he finds himself out of work. Of course, we could go live with one of the children and make ourselves useful to them.

I’d hate to see you leave Cheyenne. Having Granny Taylor here was one of the reasons Melody wanted to stay. She was a sort of mother figure to the younger woman, and after so many years without her own mother, Melody cherished Granny’s advice.

Say, don’t you have a birthday coming in a few days? The thirteenth, isn’t it? Granny asked.

Yes, I’ll be twenty-six. Melody hadn’t been overly concerned about it. Her father always remembered and took her out to dinner for the event. And he always had a gift for her. His gifts weren’t bought without thought either. He was most meticulous in what he gave her.

Granny laughed. Just a youngster. Well, we should plan a party.

I don’t need a party, Granny.

Marybeth’s frown finally left her face, and she offered a grin. No, she needs a husband. Maybe we could have a birthday party and invite all the eligible bachelors in town.

Melody chuckled. That would save Da the time and trouble of running them down for himself.

Maybe he could just take out an ad in the paper, Marybeth suggested.

Or announce it from the pulpit at church, Granny countered, more than a little amused by the entire matter. Goodness, perhaps we could just put up an auction block in the middle of town.

Melody laughed but wasn’t all that certain her father wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to try any of their suggestions. What exactly had she agreed to? The thought of marrying a stranger was starting to sink in. What would the rest of Cheyenne think when they learned the truth? And what would the men of Cheyenne think? Would they think her wanton? Or perhaps unreasonable and difficult since she hadn’t been able to find a man on her own?

Things were about to get very interesting in the Doyle world. No doubt about it.

2

Charles, banking is in the Decker blood. You have your Dutch ancestors to thank for that. His father had pointed this out on more than one occasion for the youngest of his three sons.

If banking truly ran in the Decker blood, then Charlie was certain he’d been adopted. Even now, as he reviewed the small Cheyenne Savings and Loan his brother Jacob had started the year before, Charlie couldn’t find a single thing that held his interest.

I didn’t expect you to come until summer. This came from the bank’s assistant manager and teller, Jefferson Lane. At twenty-eight, the man was eight years Charlie’s junior. He was the epitome of what Charlie’s father would have expected in a banker. Jefferson was neatly groomed and wore a stylish suit. His black hair was cut close and parted on the right side, and his face was clean-shaven. He carried himself like a man who’d been raised in high society. Shoulders back, chest out, and he wasn’t afraid to look you in the eye.

Yes, well, there was a change of plans. Father felt it was important to have me here now. I got into town two days ago but wanted to settle in before coming here. Charles smiled. I can see he had nothing to fear, however. The place seems to be in order. Have you been in banking long, Mr. Lane?

Call me Jefferson or Jeff. Jefferson smiled.

And you should call me Charlie. He immediately regretted it and spoke again. Actually, Mr. Decker is probably best. That way when my brother returns you won’t have to change names again. He hoped that would sound reasonable to Lane. He didn’t want to come across as snobbish. Truth was, he could use a friend, but Father always maintained you didn’t befriend your employees.

Jefferson nodded. When does your brother plan to return?

I’m not sure, but I do know this arrangement is only temporary.

I see. Jefferson gave a slight shrug. As for your question, I’ve been working in banks since I graduated from college. Working my way up, you might say. I hope one day to own my own bank, but for now I’d settle for just managing one.

I wonder why my father didn’t just put everything in your hands once Jacob felt the need to leave.

How is Mr. Decker doing? I knew he was having a terrible time of it here. He was always having headaches and nosebleeds. I do hope the doctor has found a cure for what ails him.

The doctor felt my brother just needed a rest, though he suggested it could be the altitude. Charlie shrugged. I don’t seem to notice it.

I hailed from St. Louis and later from Denver. I’ve spent a good deal of time in the mountains over the last few years. The altitude doesn’t seem to bother me either.

I’m glad to know that. We’ll no doubt have plenty of work to do to continue building the business, and I wouldn’t want you going the same way as Jacob.

No worries about that, Jefferson replied. I’m in perfect health.

Charlie noted that the man did seem strong and capable. He could only pray that Jacob would heal and return soon. He looked back at his brother’s small office. I take it that you usually work out here in the teller’s cage?

Jefferson nodded and moved to stand behind the teller counter. I manage the day-to-day transactions. You will handle all of the requests for loans, of course. I will make sure you get introduced to everyone as they come in. Most are just private citizens with nominal savings. We hold quite a few home and several dozen business loans. The newest business being a freight company who intends to expand as soon as the first loan is paid in full. That should happen later this summer. They’ve been quite devoted to getting the loan paid off.

I can’t blame them. I’m against carrying debt myself. Charlie chuckled. "I suppose that seems strange for a banker whose bank name includes loan, but I’ve always been careful to save and pay for things in cash."

I agree with that philosophy, Jefferson replied. A man should never be burdened with debt. It’s a frightening thing.

Charlie picked up one of the ledgers. There are quite a few healthy savings accounts. Nothing too grand.

We have a few customers who are better off than others. There are men in this town who wield the power, and they are men of means. Some of them were good friends with your brother and trusted their savings to us. They intend to do more business with this bank in the future as well. I’m sure they’ll come by soon to introduce themselves.

That’s good to hear. Charlie looked down a list of figures. Jacob said that our species . . . that is, our gold and silver reserves are held in my father’s bank in Chicago.

Yes. This is the Wild West, and marauders are known to cause problems, although I cannot imagine anyone coming into our bank to rob it. But it is possible. Look at the havoc wreaked by Jesse James and his gang. They could come this far west.

They’d have a lot of empty territory to cover to get here, Charlie said, thinking it very unlikely.

True enough, and there is our vigilante committee to deal with when the law is broken, as well as our marshal and deputies. And don’t forget the army. For miles around us, there is nothing to escape to, and it would be sheer madness to attempt theft. Still, your brother said it was wiser to leave that much gold and silver in Chicago.

I’m sure my father knows best. Charles began to relax a bit. So we have some wealthier clients who have put their money here. What about the loans? I know my father has never been one to lend on living collateral, such as crops and livestock. I’m not at all sure why he agreed to start this savings and loan, given his attitude, since most of the men who will need loans will be ranchers and farmers.