Isaac perked up, his grin widening.
There simply wasn’t enough to do around here if Isaac considered this exciting. Sure, Dave had enjoyed reading about his brother’s success but not enough to read about it over and over again.
“‘Success stories out on the western frontier aren’t unheard of,’” Dave read. “‘We’ve heard of men striking it rich mining for silver and gold in places like Colorado and California. Businessmen have made their fortunes transporting goods by shipping them along the Missouri River or establishing railways connecting the country from the east to the west. In Omaha, we have seen the rise of some successful entrepreneurs, and one of notable interest is—’”
“Richard Larson,” Isaac filled in for him.
He paused then continued, “‘Richard Larson came to Omaha with his wife, Amanda, exactly twenty years ago with nothing to his name except what he could carry in a small wagon. Richard had a dream of building homes, but, despite the fact that Omaha was expanding, he couldn’t find employment.’”
“So he decided to create his own company and build houses anyway,” Isaac said, wiggling in the chair in excitement.
“Well, it doesn’t say that exactly,” Dave began, “but yes, that’s pretty much what he did.”
“How old were you when Uncle Richard started his company?”
“I was twelve.”
“Were you surprised Uncle Richard made a company?”
Dave shrugged. “I didn’t think about it. I was busy helping your grandpa set up his homestead.”
“Are you surprised now that he did it?”
“It’s not something I ever think about.”
“Is it hard to make a company?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never done it.”
Isaac didn’t respond to that, so Dave figured Isaac wanted him to get back to the article.
“‘Richard didn’t have the money to get started,’” Dave read. “‘He had to obtain a loan from Wilson Bank. Business was slow at first, and Richard wasn’t sure he was going to make a profit. Few people wanted to take a chance on someone who was unknown to them.’”
“Aunt Amanda said she knew Uncle Richard would make a profit,” Isaac interrupted. “I asked her about it when we were at Grandpa and Grandma’s, and she never doubted that he would be successful. She said that he loved his work too much to fail.”
“Well, it helped that your aunt took care of the ledger and obtained the supplies he needed.” Now, Dave did remember hearing Richard say that had it not been for Amanda, he wouldn’t have been able to get through the first year, but that hadn’t been included in the article. With the way Richard always talked about Amanda, Dave doubted Richard wouldn’t tell the reporter about her contribution. Most likely, the reporter left it out. So few men were willing to offer women the credit due to them.
“Keep on reading,” Isaac said.
Dave’s attention went back to the article. “‘Despite how slow things started out, Richard gained momentum. Ten years after Richard arrived in Omaha, he had built up a reputable business and was among the town’s wealthiest residents, and he continues to be even more successful today. Unlike the other wealthy families, he wasn’t born into money. He worked his way up to it, proving that hard work and determination can yield incredible results. Richard and Amanda have three children: Anthony, Mark, and Annabelle. Anthony and Mark are currently working in the family business.’”
“Why did they call Tony ‘Anthony’?”
“Probably because the newspaper reporter wanted to address your cousin by his formal name. If they were to do an article on me, they would probably refer to me as David.”
“How famous will Uncle Richard be once he’s in the magazine?”
“I don’t know, Isaac. I don’t even read magazines. I have no idea how many people read them. It could be more or less than the newspaper.”
Mary stepped onto the porch with an empty pail in her hand and Rachel following behind her. “Alright, Isaac, your break is over. You need to milk the cow.” She held the pail out to him.
Isaac groaned. “How can my break be over? I just sat down.”
“Mind your ma,” Dave said then ruffled the boy’s blond hair. “She might give you a cookie if you behave.”
Isaac got off the chair and took the pail. “Take care of that article, Pa. I want to hear it again when I get back.”
Dave rolled his eyes as Isaac bounded down the porch steps.
Mary chuckled. “Did he make you read that to him again?”
“Yes,” Dave said, not amused. “I’m happy for Richard, but even I can only take so much of this article.”
“Isaac made me read it to him a few times, too.”
“He did?”
Mary nodded. “He’s thrilled about his uncle.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Do you need any more water?”
Dave glanced at the glass next to him that was half-full. “No. I’m fine.”
“In that case, I’ll get Adam up from his nap before your parents get here.” She waved for Rachel to follow her into the house.
The two had just entered the house when Dave remembered the newspaper in his lap. Great. There was no way Isaac would forget about it if he could see it. Dave had read it so much that he had half of it memorized. He crossed his arms, leaned his head against the back of the chair, and closed his eyes. In time, Isaac would find something else to focus on, and he hoped it would come sooner, rather than later.
Chapter Eight
“When they say August has the hottest days, they aren’t kidding,” Dave’s pa said as he waved the fan in front of his face. “It doesn’t help that there’s no breeze. Even sitting in the shade on the porch doesn’t help.”
Dave tried not to shift again in the chair even though his leg was itching in the splint. “I’m just
