"The Mayfields and the Thompsons have also expressed an interest in taking one of the boys, as well."
Allie looked at him, barely able to contain the sharp spark of anger that knifed through her. "Anyone else, Owen? Do you think I brought these boys here to peddle them off to people who needed farm laborers?"
"No. But they'd have good lives with these couples, Allie. The Mayfields are willing to take two boys, if you'll spare them. After losing little Albert last year – well, there'll be no more children for them."
Memories of being called to the great room and lined up when a prospective adoptive couple came to the Benevolent Christian Home filled her thoughts, hammering her mind, numbing her emotions. The younger children were always taken first, unless they were obviously of mixed blood or had some kind of infirmity. The humiliation of being forced to stand and be inspected, wait to be chosen, and then endure the shame of, once again, not being good enough, washed over her. Her palms tingled. She put her head in her hands, and Brandon's hand spanned her back in wordless support and understanding.
"The Mayfields have a nice-sized farm, as you know. The Thompsons live in town, and run the stage and telegraph office there." Owen looked at Brandon. "They're good people, Brandon. Neither of them had anything to do with what happened to you."
Allie knew that what Owen said was true. The Mayfields and the Thompsons were good people and she could trust them to do right by the boys that went to live there.
"Ranching isn't for everyone, Allie," Owen said quietly. "And the Thompsons just want a child. You've got two youngsters who'll find the rigors of ranch life quite taxing. The boy with the club foot, and the one with the withered arm."
"Lonnie and Cedric," Allie said dully.
Owen was quiet a moment. Then, "Operating a stage station and a telegraph could be manageable for either of them."
"They won't want to be separated."
Owen smiled at her in understanding. "They won't have to be. I believe both couples would be glad to take two boys each. Lenny and Mark can realize their dreams of one day becoming fine doctors, and you'll find yourself with only two mouths more than you intended when you started this venture."
Allie looked at Brandon.
"We'll do whatever you want," he said, "but I believe Owen's right in this, Allie. Of course, it'll ultimately be up to the boys. We'll let them choose." He reached to cup her cheek with his hand. "That's something neither one of us had. But every boy here has the freedom to decide, because of this dream of yours."
She would miss the boys that left. But even if every one of them made the decision to take a different path, she would take comfort in knowing that she'd helped them gain not only their independence, but their individuality. And none of them, she thought, would ever have to line up against a wall and hope to be picked to have a home. They'd all have choices. It was going to be fine.
She nodded at Brandon, but the smile wouldn't come. Looking back at Owen, she said, "The sooner the better, Owen. We want to do what's right for them."
****
It was harder than Allie had imagined it would be, letting the boys go. But she learned something about herself with each goodbye. She was stronger than she thought.
By the next day, a scant twenty-four hours after Owen had visited them, six of the boys had gone to a different life.
While she missed them as soon as they left with their new families, it was an undeniable relief to her to know that they were going to be well-cared for, loved, and have a roof over their heads.
After dinner, the Thompsons had left with Lonnie and Cedric. Owen had come for Mark and Lenny earlier that day, just after breakfast, and had not been gone an hour when the Mayfields came for a visit.
Brandon had suggested David and Rocky, as likely candidates who'd both mentioned having come from farming backgrounds. The boys got along well and were not more than two years apart in age. Allie had thought those two might do best with the Mayfields as well, and it eased her mind to know that Brandon felt the same way.
The other boys who had remained behind seemed content to stay, and the ones who'd gone had left with few regrets and much light-hearted eagerness. They understood they'd be welcome at the Gabriels' anytime. As Jay had solemnly proclaimed, that was part of 'Gabriel's Law'.
Allie smiled to herself as she and Brandon walked arm in arm toward the cabin. He'd sent their boys down to the creek for a swim after the Mayfields left. They'd taken their evening meal, the Mayfields their unexpected guests, and now the daylight was beginning to fade.
"Thirteen, now," Brandon said, low.
"You're not superstitious are you?" Allie teased.
He grinned at her. "I'd feel better if we had fourteen."
She laughed.
"Think they'll make it back to their place by dark?" Brandon asked.
Allie glanced at the sky. "It's a forty-five minute drive to their farm from here. I'll bet David is talking their ears off already."