A Life Changed, a Family Changed

by Faith P.

Part 1

Summer 1882

Murdo, South Dakota

 Troy Swanson slowly opened his eyes and glanced around. All he remembered was a shocking pain thorough his left leg and kind people taking him out of that dark alley.

“Your awake! Are you in much pain?” 

Troy turned to see a tall young man with sandy brown hair and green eyes smiling down at him.

“Uh, no not much pain. Where am I?” Troy replied.

 “Your at the mission on 57th Street. My brother and I found you in an alley about 10 o’clock last night when we went to investigate a gunshot we heard. You were barely conscious when we found you, but you’ve been in and out for the past twelve hours.”

Troy leaned back into the pillow as it all came flooding back to him. He was in a poker game with a professional gambler. He won and the pro accused him of cheating. Troy, feeling it was time to leave, paid off his tab and left. On his way back to the hotel he took a shortcut though an dark alley. He was about halfway down the alley when a shot was fired and a searing pain shot through him. He hadn’t even seen who it was but he knew without a doubt it was someone hired by the pro gambler.

“I’m Matthew Smith. I help my family run this mission. What’s your name?”

“Troy Swanson.”

“Are you married? Is there someone I should contact about you being here?”

“I’m married, but there is no one you need to find.” There was something about this Matthew that made Troy trust him.

Matthew nodded, “ Would you like to tell me about it?”

Before Troy knew it he’d told Matthew all about Katherine and the kids, about her leaving him, about taking Andi and the kids to try and force Kate to come back to him, about robbing stagecoaches, and worse of all about drinking and hitting Katherine and Levi.

“I see,” Matthew replied. “I’d like to read to you out of my Bible.”

After all the talking Troy had already done and the pain that was coming back into his leg, he didn’t feel like arguing.

Something about the way Matthew read the Good Book made Troy believe him . . .

****

Fresno, California

  Several days later Mitch rode into town to pick up some supplies at the Goodwin’s Store and Andi went along.

“I’ll just wait for you here,” Andi said as Mitch dismounted.

“Alright Andi,” he replied.

 Mitch hadn’t been gone long when a man came around the side of the building and approached Andi. “I heard that young man call you Andi. You wouldn’t be Andrea Carter, would you?”

“I would. Who would you be?” She asked as she studied the man.

“I’m Matthew Smith. My family and I have a mission house in South Dakota, and I’m here on behalf of Troy Swanson.”

 Andi nearly fell out of the saddle when she heard that. She took a deep breath and turned to face the man standing next to her and Taffy. “I don’t know anything about you sir, but if you have a message from Troy Swanson, I don’t wish to speak to you.”

“Troy said you might feel that way. If you would just listen to what I have to say I’m sure you would change your mind,” Matthew pleaded.

There was something about Matthew that Andi couldn’t quite put her finger on, something that made her feel she ought to listen.

 “Alright, I’m listening,” she replied.

 “First, he ask that you don’t tell anyone about this,” Matthew cautioned.

Andi agreed.

 “Troy was shot in the leg a little over a week ago. That and being exposed to the Scriptures at the mission house has made him see his need to accept Christ into his heart and let God change his life. He gave his life to Christ two days after he was shot. He sent me to ask you to help him regain the love and trust of his wife and children,” Matthew explained.

Andi sighed and then said, “Mister, I would really like to believe what you’ve told me, but I’m not sure I can. You see Troy took me and his own children hostage to—”

 “To try and force Katherine to come back?  Yes, he told me about that. But if you would just meet him, that’s all he ask.”

Andi took a deep breath and made her decision, “When and where?”

 Matthew smiled, “Thank you. He said to meet him out by the creek where you first met. He’ll be there as soon as I get the message to him. But remember to keep it a secret.”

Andi agreed. And Matthew headed on down the street.

***

In the two weeks after meeting Matthew and hearing about the change in Troy, Andi wondered daily if it was true. She was always on guard, expecting Troy to show up. Every day she rode out to her favorite spot by the creek to check and see if he was there. Today when she threw the saddle blanket across Taffy a note fell out.

 Andi quickly snatched it up and read:

                 Dear Andi,

                 This is Troy. I’m camped by the creek where we first

                 met. Please ride out soon so we can talk.

                 God Bless,

                 Troy Swanson

 Andi breathed in deep in an attempt to calm her racing heart. Troy is really here! Has he changed? Is this another one of his schemes?

 She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart as she whispered a quick prayer. “Dear Lord, If it be your will please let the news of Troy giving his life to you be true. And if not please keep me safe as I ride out today. Amen.” She finished saddling up Taffy and headed out.

  When Andi reached the designated spot by the creek Troy was standing there watching for her. She slowed Taffy to a stop a few strides away from Troy.

 “Hello Andi! It’s good to see you again!” He called out to her with a friendly smile.

She could see a difference in him. In his voice, in his smile. Now he was smiling because he was happy, not because he was gaining something. Andi jumped down off of Taffy and walked over to Troy. He waited until she was directly in front of him and then he stuck out his hand. Andi ignored it and surprised Troy and herself by pulling him into a hug. He returned the embrace and Andi heard him whisper, “Thank you God!”

 Troy invited Andi to sit down and offered her some coffee. She noticed he had a slight limp from the gunshot wound, but was otherwise completely healed.

“I just can’t believe it,” she said as she studied this new Troy.

“God is good,” he smiled, “Oh, I meant to ask you how Katie and the children are doing?”

“They’re all doing good. They are living in San Francisco with Aunt Rebecca, but they are coming to visit in a few days,” she replied.

 Troy jerked his head around to look at Andi, “Don’t tell her I’m here. I mean, I want to see her but first I want to get used to this myself and maybe even get a steady job. Since the guy that shot me also stole every cent I had,” he grimaced.

 “Alright Troy,” Andi agreed. “If that’s what you want my lips are sealed.

 “Thanks,” he grinned.

“Wait until Kate see’s you!” She exclaimed.

Troy smiled at the thought “I hope and pray every day, she will believe me and learn to trust me.”

***

 Two days after Andi met with Troy at her favorite spot, Katherine and the kids arrived. Their train came into Fresno at 3 o’clock and they rode out to the ranch with Justin.

 Kate and the kids had a good visit with the family. The day before they planned to catch the train back to San Francisco Andi was passing by the library door on her way outside to go for a ride with Levi, Betsy, and Hannah when she heard someone. The door was open so she peeked inside. Katherine was sitting on the settee and Mother was sitting next to her

 “Have you heard from Troy recently?” Elizabeth was asking.

 “No,” Katherine replied “not a word. Sometimes when Levi smiles I see Troy. I miss him, Mother.” She sighed, “I sound so foolish, after all he’s put me and the children through.”

 “No dear, you don’t sound foolish. You love him that’s all.”

 “That’s just it. How can I love a man like that?”

 “Don’t worry over it dear, in time you’ll heal. Now come on let’s go see if Andi and the kids have left yet,” Elizabeth said as she stood and took Katherine’s hand.

 Andi quickly hurried to the barn, while trying to figure out the quickest time she would be able to go talk to Troy about what she had just overheard.

***

 

Several days later Katherine and the kids went back to Aunt Rebecca’s, promising to return in two weeks for Justin’s birthday on July 9th. Andi hadn’t been able to see Troy since Katherine and the kids had come, so she went riding as soon as they had left.

“Howdy Troy!” Andi called as she rode up.

“Howdy Andi!” He called back.

Andi hopped down from Taffy’s back and tethered her to a nearby tree, “Kate and the kids just left that’s why I haven’t been out here for a while.”

“How are they?”

“They’re doing good,” Andi said softly. “They miss you, and Kate still loves you.”

 Troy quickly turned to look at Andi, “You really think so?”

 “I know so. I overheard her tell Mother.”

“I hope your right,” Troy muttered.

“Get your stuff together your coming back to the ranch with me.”

“What?” Troy said looking at Andi like she was loco.

“Come on,” Andi grinned. “We’re going to meet the rest of the family and see about getting you a job at the ranch. Kate will be back in two weeks and we want you to make a good impression.”

“Alright,” he agreed. Andi helped him pack up camp and saddle his horse. 

 

Part 2

 

When Andi and Troy rode up to the ranch yard several of the hands were there but Chad and Mitch weren’t. Andi breathed a sigh of relief and led Taffy into the barn. Troy followed leading his horse, Diamond. She showed him into an empty stall. They quickly took care of the horses and headed for the house. When they walked up the steps Andi could tell Troy was nervous.

 “You stay here,” she said, “I’ll go try to pave the way.”

 He nodded and sat down on the porch swing. She hurried into the house and found Justin in the library. She waited until he looked up, “What can I do for you, little sister?”

  “I need you to get everyone together in here.” Andi said. “I have a good surprise.”

  “Alright,” Justin agreed. “Where will you be?”

  “On the front porch. Just come get me when you get everyone together.”

  Justin gave her a confused look, but stood up to go do as she ask. Andi went out on to the porch to wait with Troy. When Justin came to get them he glanced from Andi to Troy, but didn’t say anything.

 When they stepped in to the parlor Andi’s mother exclaimed, “Andrea, what is going on? Who is this young man?”

 “Will y’all please not jump to any conclusions until I can explain?” Andi asked.

 “Oh, swell,” Chad muttered, but everyone agreed.

 “This is Troy Swanson, Kate’s husband,” Andi began. Everyone gasped but then remained silent.

 “He has given his life to The Lord and vowed to never again drink, steal, or use foul language. He also wishes to regain the love and trust of Kate and the children. And I say that as his family we should accept him with open arms and help him. And Chad, Troy needs a job.” Andi finished and turned to look at Troy who was standing behind her. He grinned at her through tears and bent to give her a hug. She returned the embrace and then turned back to the rest of the family.

 “What do y’all say?” Andi asked.

 “Welcome to the family!” Justin smiled and stood to shake Troy’s hand.

 Before Andi had time to think the whole family was gathered around Troy welcoming him.

“You can start work tomorrow morning,” Chad told him.

“Sounds great!” Troy smiled at Andi, “Your plan’s working!”

She smiled back.

***

 

The next two weeks flew by. Troy worked hard and Chad was pleased with his work.

  When Katherine and the kids arrived the entire family was waiting on the porch for them, minus Troy who was in the library waiting for his cue.

 After everyone (except Kate’s children who went on up to their rooms) was settled in the parlor Andi stepped over to Katherine, “We have a surprise for you.”

“I love surprises!” Katherine said.

Andi grinned, “I’ll be right back.” Andi rushed down the hall to get Troy. When she returned he stood just outside the door, Andi went back inside.

“Kate, there is someone just outside that door that has changed drastically since you last saw him. He has been saved, stopped drinking, stealing, and swearing. He very much wants to regain your trust,” Andi said.

Katherine looked a little confused, but nodded for Andi to continue.

Andi opened the door and Troy stepped in.

Katherine gasped, “What is he doing here?”

 “I’ve been working here for these past two weeks,” Troy said. “I know Andi has already told you about God getting a hold of me and turning my life around, and I want you and our children to be a part of my life. Can you forgive me?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t believe that. I would like to, but I’ve heard that story one to many times,” Katherine answered.

 “But Kate if—” Troy started.

 “I have to consider my children, Troy.” Katherine interrupted sternly.

 Troy winced at the way she said my children, and turned and left the room. Everyone else left to freshen up before supper.

***

 

Two days later Katherine rode into town to pick up a few items at the dress shop and, at Mother’s request, invite the bank teller’s family for dinner. Chad sent Troy into town to run an errand the same afternoon.

  When Katherine entered the bank she didn’t know it was being robbed. As soon as she stepped through the door, the robber spun around and fired a series of shots. Katherine cried out and fell in the doorway.

  Troy, who from across the street had seen Katherine enter the bank, heard the shots and rushing right over found her lying in the floor unconscious. The robbers had got away out the back door and the bank teller was next to her checking her for a pulse. “She’s alive,” he said looking at Troy who also knelt next to Katherine. “Do you know her?”

 “Yes she’s my wife,” Troy answered through tears. “I’ll get her to the doctor. Would you please report this to the sheriff and go by Justin Carter’s office and tell him Kate’s been shot?”

 “Right away,” the teller said and he hurried out the door. Troy scooped up Katherine and rushed off to the doctor’s. “Please God, take care of Kate,” he prayed. “I need her and love her so much more than she realizes.”

***

 

 Katherine awoke the next morning, after being unconscious on and off all night. Andi was seated next to her and gently washing her forehead with a wet cloth.

“Where am I?” Katherine asked as she turned to look at Andi.

 “Your home at the ranch now,” Andi answered. “Doctor Weaver thought you would be more comfortable here, after he determined your wound wasn’t life threatening.”

 Katherine lay there thinking about what had happened. “All I remember is hearing shots being fired and a terrible pain through my side.”

 Andi nodded, “That robber got you pretty good. Into your left side and out the back, breaking a few ribs on the way. The good part is it didn’t damage anything internally.”

 “That’s good,” Katherine sighed. “How are the children?”

 “They’re fine, just worried about their Momma. Melinda has been playing tea party with the girls, and Mitch and one of the hands are outside with Levi,” Andi replied.

 “There is something that you ought to know.” Andi said hesitantly, after a few minutes.

 “Oh, what’s that?” Katherine asked with interest.

 “When you were shot Troy was across the street, he heard the shots and it was him who took you to the doctor,” Andi paused and looked into her sister’s face. “Kate, he sat right here with you all night and most of the morning, praying for God to heal you. He refused to leave until about an hour ago when Levi asked him to come outside with him. Troy is the ranch hand that’s outside with Mitch and Levi right now. “

  Katherine just lay there looking rather shocked so Andi continued, “He’s so different now, Kate. I know you said before you couldn’t believe Troy had really changed but would you reconsider, please?”

 Katherine nodded, “Alright I’ll think about it.”

 “Thanks,” Andi smiled. “Oh, there’s two other things you should know. One, I was the one that helped Troy when he first got here. When you and the kids were here a few weeks ago he was already here, hiding out by the creek.”

“Justin told me about that. You said two things. What’s the other one?”

 “It’s about Levi and Betsy, since Hannah isn’t really old enough to understand.”

“What about them?”

 “Troy talked with them a long time last night, they have accepted him. They need their father, especially Levi,” Andi said softly. “I’ll leave you alone now so you can think and I’ll go let everyone know your awake.”

Katherine simply nodded, already deep in thought.

“Andi, would you please ask Troy to come in here?” Katherine asked when Andi turned to leave the room.

 “Sure thing sis,” Andi grinned and rushed out the door.

 When Andi came running up to the corral, where Mitch and Troy were teaching Levi how to rope calves, Troy was concerned.

 “Andi, is something wrong?” Troy called.

 “No, something is right!” She grinned. “Kate is awake and she asked to see you!”

 “Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure! Come on!”

 Troy quickly hopped across the corral fence, and he and Andi hurried toward the house. Mitch and Levi followed.

 “Kate, you have a visitor,” Andi said entering the room just ahead of Troy. She sat back down by her sister. Troy sat across from Andi.

Katherine swallowed and began, “Andi told me how you stayed with me all night and prayed for me, and how our children have accepted you. A few days ago you said you wanted me and the children to be a part of your life. If that offer is still open...I’m willing.”

 “Katie that’s wonderful!” Troy smiling through tears of joy, took her hand. “Please forgive me for the ten years of heartache I caused?”

 “If you’ll forgive me for not believing you until now?”

 Troy agreed and leaning over gave Katherine a gentle hug, so as not to cause any other damage.

 Andi silently rose from her chair and slipping out the door found Levi just outside. “Looks like you’ve got your father back!” She smiled. Levi smiled back and they hurried downstairs to tell the others.

***

 

One evening about two weeks later, the family was gathered on the porch after dinner. Katherine had fully recovered from the gunshot. Before dinner Troy had said he had something special to do and he would be back later.

  Troy came racing up the road, brought Diamond to a halt, and sprinted up the walkway to the house.

 “I got good news!” Troy grinned. Before anyone could reply, he picked up Hannah and continued. “Someone struck iron ore up around Fresno Flats about a month ago. And it’s such a large deposit of iron that it’s livened that place up considerable. When the railroad company heard about it they decided to run the railroad out there, and I got a job laying the tracks!” Troy finished with a big smile. Everyone congratulated him.  “And you can live here?” Mrs. Carter smiled.

Troy nodded. ”That reminds me,” he said turning to Katherine. “I know you never liked living on the ranch, but I promise it won’t be for long. Just until I can make enough money for us to settle down somewhere and get our own place.”

 Katherine stood smiling at him, “I could live anywhere with you!”

 Troy slipped his arm around Katherine. Levi and Betsy joined them, making it the perfect family hug.

 “Are we going to be a real family now?” Levi asked looking up at his parents.

 “Yes, son we are.” Troy smiled, and everyone else did too.

 

The End