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  Vivian’s

  Morning Star

  Rachel Skatvold

  VIVIAN’S MORNING STAR

  Copyright © 2020 Rachel Skatvold

  ISBN: 9798657335682

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. Published by Rachel Skatvold.

  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version. Public Domain and from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations or events is coincidental.

  Edited by: Lisa M. Prysock

  Proofread by: Joy Davidson

  Continuity Edit by: Tina Caudill Conder

  Author Photo: Jennifer Davidson

  Cover Design: Carpe Librum Book Design

  For more information on Rachel Skatvold, please visit her website: www.rachelskatvold.com

  Brides of Pelican Rapids

  Series Page

  Lottie’s True Love, Volume 1

  Lisa M. Prysock

  Caroline’s Quilt, Volume 2

  Rachel Skatvold

  Rebecca’s Dream, Volume 3

  Jo Grafford

  Marni’s Measure, Volume 4

  Danni Roan

  Molly’s New Song, Volume 5

  Elaine Manders

  Nina’s Fresh Start, Volume 6

  Annie Boone

  Jenny’s Secret Diary, Volume 7

  Lisa M. Prysock

  Vivian’s Morning Star, Volume 8

  Rachel Skatvold

  Acknowledgements

  This has been such a fun project to work on. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. First of all, I’d like to take the time to thank a few people who made this book possible.

  Thank you to my friend, Lisa M. Prysock, for coming up with the idea for the series and inviting me to join in! I’ve always wanted to write a historical western and this series gave me the opportunity to do so. Also, a big thanks to all the other authors contributing books in this series. Working with each of you is such a blessing and I cannot wait to read the stories God has placed on your hearts.

  A big thanks to our cover designer, Evelyne Labelle for creating such beautiful covers for our series. Also, to Jennifer Davidson for taking my author picture. A big thanks as well to Lisa M. Prysock for editing, Joy Davidson for proofreading and Tina Caudill Conder, our continuity editor. I couldn’t do it without you.

  A note of appreciation to the members of the Brides of Pelican Rapids Facebook Group. You all are amazing! Thanks for all of your support. Also, thanks to all my readers and social media followers. I appreciate your encouragement. A big thanks as well to my family, friends and church family for supporting my writing. Every author needs people behind them for advice and encouragement and you have been that for me. I am so blessed to have you.

  Last, but certainly not least, thank you to God for giving me the words to write and the energy to complete these books. Every story teaches me something new about my spiritual life and this one taught me about accepting God’s plan for our lives. Things may not turn out exactly how we dream in life, yet His plan is so much better than we could imagine if we follow him. Even through the hardships, He has good plans for us.

  Thank you, dear readers, for taking the time to read Vivian’s Morning Star. I hope the message of her story is a blessing for you.

  Dedication

  In memory of my grandfather who descended from the Penobscot Tribe of eastern Maine who were known for basket weaving. I will always remember Papa’s faith, kindness, laughter and wisdom. One of my most treasured memories of him from my childhood include observing him skillfully weave a hammock out of string in our backyard. It was a long process, but he would sit outside and tell me stories as he weaved. After it was finished, we enjoyed swinging in his hand-weaved hammock for years after. The character of Micah in this story was inspired by him.

  “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

  Revelation 22:16 NKJV

  Chapter One

  “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

  Mathew 7:7 NLT

  St. Paul, Minnesota

  Late March, 1875

  Micah Russell finished carrying the last piece of furniture into the general store and then met his friend, Emmett Riley, by the front counter. He was purchasing some peppermint sticks, no doubt a treat for his children to enjoy when they returned to Missouri.

  After settling the amount owed for the furniture delivery, they headed through the city streets. “Carrying in all that furniture, I’ve worked up an appetite. Is Millie’s Diner still open on Elm Street?”

  Emmett shook his head. “Afraid not. I heard from the store owner it burned down a week ago. There was a fire at the inn next door and it spread to the restaurant.”

  “That’s too bad. Was anyone injured?”

  His friend nodded. “Yeah, several people, and one man died after saving his wife and then going back in to save a stranger’s child. He found him in time and the child lived, but the man inhaled too much smoke and died a few hours later.”

  “He died a hero. I suppose his wife will take some solace from that, but it’s still a terrible tragedy.”

  “Yeah, it is. I guess the local sheriff and his wife gave her a place to stay until she can get back on her feet.”

  “That was nice of them.” Micah stayed silent for a while, praying for the poor young woman who’d lost her husband. When they crossed the street, he turned to Emmett. “So, do you know of another good place to eat?”

  “Sometimes Solomon and I go to a little diner on Main Street. The cook makes some of the best pan-fried steak I’ve ever tasted.”

  Micah grinned, hearing his stomach growl at the mention of steak. “Sounds good to me.”

  “Thanks for coming in his place, by the way. He looks forward to these long delivery trips, but with his leg on the mend, it was best he stayed home.”

  Micah nodded, remembering how their friend and fellow carpenter had complained when they left. Even laid up in bed with a broken leg from being thrown from his horse, he was still stubborn as ever. “We’ll have to do something special for poor Solomon when we return.”

  Emmett nodded. “And for Esther, too. She’s probably had to listen to his complaining for three weeks straight.”

  “Yeah, I bet.” They shared a chuckle while turning onto Main Street. Micah couldn’t help looking at all the buildings and glancing at the merchandise for display in the little shops. Part of him longed for home, but he would miss the city. When they passed the St. Paul Gazette building, he couldn’t help stopping to stare for a moment. He knew it would be impolite to simply waltz in to gawk at the steam-powered, rotary printing press inside, so he continued following his friend through the busy streets.

  They reached an area where vendors had set up their carts and Emmett stopped in his tracks with a grin. “This is where it happened about six years ago.”

  Micah glanced up at him in confusion. “What happened?”

  “This is where I met Caro
line. She was chasing a runaway parasol and I caught it for her.”

  “I thought you met her through the mail order bride agency.”

  Emmett nodded, his grin widening. “Yes, but that was the second time. We met here in St. Paul first, but she had a fiancé through the agency. I helped Caroline find her way back to the train because she was lost. Then I watched her train pull away from the station, believing I’d never see her again. Little did I know, her first engagement would fall through and the matchmaker would choose me as her second match. I never believed in love at first sight. Really, I thought I was destined to be a bachelor forever, but meeting Caroline changed all that.”

  Micah shook his head in amazement. “Sounds like God’s divine plan to me. I see how happy you and Caroline are together.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” Emmett continued walking with Micah following close behind, still pondering his story. It made him want things he hadn’t thought of in a very long time. Was there someone out there for him too? Someone God had in mind for him?

  Before leaving Minnesota, they stopped by St. Cloud for a day to visit with Emmett’s cousin. Joshua and his wife, Amy, welcomed them with open arms, inviting them to eat dinner with them and spend the night. Although it was obvious Emmett felt anxious to be reunited with his family, they stayed. Micah knew it was a wise decision to start out the next morning refreshed and well-fed anyway.

  That night, he didn’t regret their decision to stay when Amy served her famous pot roast with potatoes, carrots, biscuits and brown gravy. Then after dinner, she served a delicious apple pie. Micah ate a little too much, but didn’t regret it in the least. Being a bachelor, he usually cooked simple meals for one unless having dinner with Emmett’s family. Eating a fine home-cooked meal was always a welcome change in his routine.

  Amy busied herself feeding her baby some mashed carrots, but smiled up at Micah when the baby was between bites. “So, how is your printing press going? I heard from Emmett’s letters you plan on expanding to print more than just furniture catalogs.”

  He nodded with a smile, pleased someone had taken interest in his business endeavors. “I only have a small Gutenberg style press inherited from my father. Printing newspapers is a hobby right now, but one day I hope to purchase a steam-powered, rotary press and maybe have a proper building in town. I’m still a long way from saving up enough money to do that, but it’s a dream worth working toward, anyway.”

  “That’s wonderful! I’m happy to hear you are using one of your many talents to start a new business venture.”

  “I agree,” Joshua said from across the table. “Emmett is always talking about how talented you are in his letters. I say let drive!”

  Amy nodded in agreement and then asked, “Do you have a family, Micah?”

  He shook his head. “I used to long ago. My wife passed away from Small Pox after two years of marriage. Our infant son passed soon after as well.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

  Micah shrugged with a sad smile. “Thank you, but like I said…it was long ago. About fourteen years, I suppose. I still miss my Mary Ann and Paul, but the pain isn’t as sharp as it once was. Perhaps one day I’ll marry again. I’ve spent so long caring for my father, but now that he’s gone too, it might be time to start a new chapter in my life.”

  Amy gave him an understanding look. “God has a way of healing us in His timing. Even bigger blessings can rise up through the ashes after a tragedy.”

  He nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. “I agree.”

  “You know, one of my friends owns a mail order bride agency in Pelican Rapids. I’m sure you’ve heard about her from Emmett. You really should consider stopping by her farm on your way home. She is the best at finding suitable matches for people.” She chuckled and pointed toward Emmett. “I mean, take your friend here for example. He took my advice and look at how happy he is.”

  Micah let out a nervous laugh. “I’ll consider it.”

  For the rest of dinner, Micah sat quietly observing Josh and Amy’s family. Their four kids were so sweet and well behaved. He also loved watching Josh and Amy’s interactions. They seemed so in love, like Emmett and Caroline. Part of him desperately wanted to share his life with someone like that, but could he take the leap and pay an agency to find a bride for him? The idea seemed unorthodox, but as the evening wore on, it had time to marinate into his thoughts, sounding better and better.

  Chapter Two

  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

  Psalms 34:18 NLT

  The Outskirts of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

  Mid-April, 1875

  Vivian Kane watched from the train window, struggling to keep her eyelids from drooping as the Minnesota countryside passed by. The terrain was much different from the North Carolina mountains with thousands of eastern white pine trees as far as the eye could see. The trees were shorter, more spread out than her old home, but the ones she saw were blooming already, bordering green and brown fields with wildflowers sprouting in all directions. The sight revealed spring had finally awakened—her favorite season—yet it failed to awaken her numb heart.

  As the outskirts of Pelican Rapids came into view, Vivian breathed a sigh of relief. The trip had been long and exhausting, yet a twinge of hope ran through her at the sight of civilization. Perhaps this new place was what she needed to start over.

  Within a few minutes, the train pulled into the station. Vivian waited for the more anxious people to clear out before gathering her own bag and stepping down the stairs to the platform. She stood rooted to the ground for a few moments, watching the other passengers reunite with family members. It brought back bittersweet memories of Connor coming home to her after the war. It had been such a happy moment—holding him in her arms after many uncertain years, wondering if he lived. She had been so young—only eighteen. Her father had been unsure of the match, but when Connor returned, he finally agreed they could be wed. A wave of nausea overtook Vivian along with the memory. If someone would have told her she’d be left with such heartache ten years later, she never would have believed them. The fire in St. Paul had taken Connor from her so unexpectedly, she still hadn’t quite processed he was actually gone.

  She gulped hard to compose herself. Now wasn’t the time to break down. She squared her shoulders and scanned the area for the person she was supposed to be meeting. It didn’t take long. As more people dispersed, she caught sight of a middle-aged woman with brown hair, holding a sign with her name on it.

  Vivian approached, heart pounding in anticipation of the next step in her long journey. “Are you Ms. Ella Milton?”

  The woman smiled, her kind blue eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun as she nodded her head. “I am. You must be Mrs. Vivian Kane. It’s so nice to finally meet you. Is there any more baggage you need to collect?”

  Vivian nodded, feeling thankful she hadn’t called her Widow Kane, since it always caused her to tear up. “Yes, I have a large trunk in the storage car.”

  “Very well. We’ll head to the carriage and I’ll send the driver to collect it.”

  She thanked her new acquaintance and followed her to the carriage, pleased when she sat on the comfortable padded seats. Vivian would have fallen asleep instantly if not for all the new things to look at. The town of Pelican Rapids was small, but charming, with lots of people out and about on the streets. She noticed the river right away and happened to see a pelican skimming the water in the distance. It was so peaceful and Vivian felt her body relax. Her journey wasn’t over, but at least she’d completed the next step. As long as she continued moving forward, she’d survive the difficult days ahead.

  After arriving at Ms. Milton’s large farmhouse, Vivian was ushered into the parlor and offered refreshments. She took a cup of peppermint tea and a small scone, thankful for something to ease her queasy stomach. They made small talk and within a few minutes, Vivian started to feel more like herself.


  “So,” Ms. Ella said, setting down her tea cup on an end table nearby. “I know you must be exhausted from the long trip here. Would you like to rest for the evening before we discuss potential matches I’ve found?”

  Vivian shook her head. “No, I would prefer not to beat around the bush. I don’t wish to rush into anything, but time is certainly of the essence. I’m quite a bit older than the usual mail order brides you work with I’m sure…and then there’s the Lakota heritage from my mother’s side to consider. I fear it may take a while to find a suitable match for me as it is.”

  “Quite the contrary. I have three in mind actually. They all seem very open minded.” When she didn’t respond, Ella looked up, studying her appearance for a moment. “Is something wrong, dear? You look flushed.”

  Tears pricked Vivian’s eyes and her lip began to tremble, but she managed to compose herself. “I sometimes forget Connor is really gone. It’s been several weeks…since his death, but, somehow, talking about suitors, I feel I am being unfaithful to him. Does that sound absurd?”

  Ella shook her head and handed Vivian a handkerchief. “No, my dear. It doesn’t sound absurd at all. Having lost my husband years ago, I understand the feeling completely.”

  She wiped her eyes and looked down, studying the intricate pattern on the cerulean handkerchief Ms. Milton had given her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize since you use the title, Ms.”

  “That is quite all right. I never have liked using the title, ‘Widow.’”

  Vivian sniffled. “Me either.”