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Waller and his wife helped the Timmons family hold up in the midst of a tragedy.
    Come on in, Parker. Leah and the boys are in the parlor. Preacher Waller filled the doorway, a mountain of a man, and Parker followed him into the small crowded room. As a youth, Waller was more trouble than he was worth. Fighting and drinking like a mad man. Now he often brought condemnation to the whole town. I do say, Frank Timmons met his maker as a drunk and sluggard. The coals are burning hot in hell tonight.
    Ire rose in Parkers gut. He grabbed Waller by the shirt collar. My brother knew the Lord. Just because his weakness was strong drink doesnt mean he didnt love the Lord or his family. And you arent the one to decide his future.
    Preacher Waller raised his fist. Ephesians 5:18 says, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.
    The parlor hushed. Leah stared at Preacher Waller, her eyes filled with tears.
    Parker released him before he vented all of his feelings on one man. You could have left that remark alone. Have a little compassion on Franks wife and children.
    Preacher Wallers round face reddened to the shade of a ripe tomato. I shall never stop speaking the truth.
    Parker glared at him. Maybe you should spend more time reading Scripture about love. Before Preacher Waller could throw him out of the parsonage, Leah made her way to Parkers side and looped her arm into his.
    Lets talk on the front porch, she said.
    Parker took a breath and escorted her outside. Hed come to comfort her, and shed been forced to rescue him. Turning his mind back to the needs of her family, he vowed none of them would ever do without, just like he had from the beginning. There was no one else to help her. The rest of his and Franks siblings lived in Virginia, where their mother lived.
    What can I do? he said when they had settled on the front porch.
    Well be fine, she said. I want to take my sons home after church tomorrow. Life goes on, and so does the work to keep us alive.
    She offered a faint smile, and he saw glimpses of the girl of so many years ago. Pray for us. We all need wisdom and strength.
    Parker nodded. In a few days, he would persuade Leah to sell their land and move onto his ranch. Hed move into the bunkhouse with his foreman so everything would look proper, and hed build a bigger house for Leah and the boys. Shed most likely agree, and the arrangements would make it easier for him to keep an eye on them. Times werent easy for anyone, and tomorrow and the next day would bring increasing difficulties for a widow and five boys. The hope that had once kept Parker believing God would change things for Franks family had dried up like his brothers flow of blood.
    The door opened, and John stepped out to join them on the porch. Uncle Parker, Id like a few words with you if thats all right.
    Moving toward the door, Leah squeezed Johns arm before leaving the two alone.
    The young man lifted his shoulders and stared at the church. I want to take my pas place. He pulled himself up to his nearly six-foot height. Deputize me. There were more than one set of horse tracks leading up to the porch that night.
    Parker peered into Johns face. A shadow of a beard sprouted, but eighteen years didnt make a man. Neither did bitterness and revenge.
    Son, your job is to take care of your mama and your brothers. I could put your pas badge on your chest, but what would your mama do without you? Ill find the rest of the gang. Aidens in jail, and it wont be long before the rest will be there too. The best thing you can do for your pa is what youre doing right now, holding on to that sweet lady who is fighting the tears for your sake.
    Johns chin quivered, and he swallowed hard. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. You werent the one who saw him draw his last breath or gasp as he said, McCaw.
    Thats right, son. But were called to live inpeace whenever possible. Parker almost said forgiveness, but he thought twice about asking John to forgive when his pas body