“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 domhac 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 hascaught 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.”
