No Place Like Home

by Lisa Prysock

  Before Tory could absorb what was happening, the other contestants surrounded her and helped place a white sash over her gown as the former Miss Lander placed a crown on her head. The D.J. began playing “You Are So Beautiful” and tears of joy and surprise began streaming down Tory’s cheeks.

  As she walked down the runway with the bouquet of roses they’d placed in her arms, the D.J. expertly changed the song into “What a Wonderful World.” All Tory could think about as she made the walk and waved at guests from all over Lander and the surrounding county was that she was no longer a klutz.

  She’d be able to give Mama the funds needed to catch up on the property taxes, and she was head over heels in love with Bronson Edwards. His had been the first face she looked for in the crowd. He stood in the front row with her family, watching her walk down the runway, clapping and smiling at her with so much love in the expression on his face and in his eyes that she could hardly wait to embrace him.

  She reminded herself to give Harper a huge hug and a verbal thank you as soon as possible. Sometimes even kid sisters knew what was best. Her heart was full of thanks to the Lord for bringing her through challenging days, and to Harper for praying extra hard and listening to God’s voice of direction when she filled out the application for the pageant. Plus, her mom had held down the fort on the business front without her help at New Beginnings for an entire month.

  When she was finally standing before her family and the fuss had died down, Bronson pulled her close. “Guess what, my beauty queen?”

  She laughed, blushing shyly. “What?”

  “You get to see me ride a bronco in the rodeo later this afternoon.” Bronson hadn’t mentioned this before, so it was a huge surprise he’d been saving.

  “Seriously?” Tory was beyond excited.

  “Yep! Jill and Logan are saving seats for your whole family to sit with them. I’ll introduce you soon.”

  “That’s awesome!” Ryan grinned. “We’ll definitely be there to cheer you on.”

  ONE MONTH LATER, LATE August

  “Are you ready?” Logan asked as he switched on all sorts of buttons and the wings began whirling around.

  “All set.” Buck closed the door to the rear passenger seat of the helicopter and turned to lock eyes with his sweetheart as he put his seatbelt on. The belt clicked in place and he said, “This is a very special day.”

  “Yes, it is. Let’s bring our Ella home.” Logan smiled at Jill. He knew they what they were both thinking. Finally, their last trip from the Cheyenne hospital. He looked over his shoulder and glanced at the couple in the rear. Buck clasped his wife’s hand looking happier than Logan had ever seen him. All of the Saturday flights had been worth that one glimpse of the joyful couple in the back of his helicopter.

  Jill turned and looked at the delighted passengers behind them. “Ready, Ella? Are you comfortable? Ready to go home?”

  “I’m just fine and can hardly wait to see our beautiful cabin with my new walk-in closet. Home is a beautiful word. Let’s get this baby in the air.”

  Everyone in the helicopter laughed. Ella’s humor was still intact after nearly a year in a coma and many weeks of therapy.

  EARLY SEPTEMBER

  “So where are we going again?” Bronson was relaxing in the front passenger seat of Corinthia 13 as Tory sped down the highway.

  “You’ll see.” She had a huge smile on her face, hoping he’d like her plan.

  “Okay. Shucks, I thought you might tell me that time.” He sighed. It’d been the third time he’d asked since she’d picked him up at the ranch, trying to figure out what the surprise might be.

  They sped alongside farms, trees, meadows, and distant mountains. Twenty minutes later, she pulled Corinthia 13 into the long lane entering her family home. He’d been there before to have dinner with her family, but it’d been dark and he hadn’t been able to see the place in the daylight. She brought the car to a stop in front of the detached garage, not far from the two-story farmhouse with the big front porch. “Ready?”

  Bronson looked around, interested in everything. “This is your home during the daylight? It’s even bigger than I thought. Real nice flower beds and landscaping, big front porch, tall shady trees in the yard, a huge yard to play in. Tire swing, front porch swing, buckets and containers of flowers everywhere. Decorative arches and trellis. This is great! So peaceful. Beautiful, Wyoming countryside. Yeah, I’m ready.”

  “Okay then,” she replied, pulling him along. “Follow me. I’ve got an idea for you, for us. Something I want you to see.”

  She led him along a stone path behind the farmhouse, holding his hand, passing her mother’s roses and a bird bath with a little fountain making pleasant trickling water sounds. “That’s my horse, over there.” She pointed to a red barn with a large fenced pasture and more meadows beyond where Glory, her white horse grazed. “As you can see, plenty of land.”

  They came to a stop before a mid-size garden house with eight paned windows across the front and a green shingled, low-pitched roof.

  “You want me to start a green house?”

  “No, but what if we renovate the place? You know, remodel it into our dream cottage? We could live here on the property and I wouldn’t have to worry about taking care of Mama when the time comes. We’d be close to her already. We’d have our own home, free to come and go as we please. And as you can see, it’s completely detached from the house. It has so much charm with all of the windows across the front. More windows in the back and on the sides. Skylights, too. It’s perfect for the two of us, just starting out.”

  Bronson stood back to think about her idea. “It does have a certain charm and appeal. You know,” he paused. “I really like it. We’d have to completely remodel everything. I mean, it’s gonna need new windows, electric, plumbing, flooring, appliances, some inner walls, but I can see the potential here. Does your mom like the idea?”

  “She loves it! Mom wants her children to live close if possible, but just so you know, she doesn’t intend to be clutchy or meddlesome.”

  Bronson laughed. “Being an only child, I’ve always wanted to be part of a big family. This is awesome!” He gazed up at the garden house again, his mouth open as he absorbed the idea.

  Tory held her arm out toward the rest of the property. “Plus, there’s plenty of pasture for horses, and plenty of land here for almost anything we’d want to do. I mean, you could bring Trumpet Rose and Crimson Lily here if you want. Mom said we could have our own vegetable garden or expand hers.”

  “I’d like that, more than you could ever know.” He turned and tenderly, brushed her lips with another sweet, soft kiss.

  She blushed and pulled away to tell him more of her thoughts. “And you wouldn’t have to be in the bunkhouse much longer. When we’ve finished fixing the place up, it will be a home of our own and we can make our wedding plans for next September if you think we can have the place ready by then.” She gave him one of her shy smiles. “I have to stay single through next July, being Miss Lander and all.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to him. “I adore when you smile at me like that. And there’s nothing I’d like more than next September, except, well maybe next week. But as long as I know we’re going to be together, I’d be happy anywhere and I’ll be patient. Lord knows I’ve been banking my earnings long enough for some good reason. Apparently, to fix up what will become our first home. Getting out of the bunkhouse sounds mighty fine. And marrying you, like heaven.”

  Tory blushed. “I’m not trying to rush things, but I thought this might give us something to work towards with real investment into our future together.”

  Bronson nodded. “I completely agree. And the rest of your family, Ryan, Harper, Stephanie—they’re okay with this idea?”

  “They’re actually relieved. Especially Ryan, since he feels the weight of keeping up with things around here more than we girls do. He feels like you’d be around to help out.”

  “I can unde
rstand that. I can’t wait to get started. Another project for us to tackle.” He winked at her playfully.

  “We’re pretty good at projects when we work together, cowboy of my heart!” she agreed, a wide grin on her face.

  They stood back to admire the possibilities the garden house offered. Tory sighed happily, dreaming of all the things they could do to bring out the features of a garden-themed home.

  “So much potential,” she breathed. “We could add a covered porch or patio, with a swing and places for containers of hanging plants. You know, things that help make a place like a home. And we’ll have lots of babies and laughter and sunshine! So we’d best plan on adding extra bedrooms. At least one for all the girls we’ll have and one for all the boys we’ll have.”

  “All rightie, Miss Lander! Porch swing, hanging plants, extra bedrooms, babies, laughter, and sunshine coming up! This place will make the perfect country cottage.” Bronson laughed with one of those smiles that lit his whole face up, even his hazel eyes sparkling, pulling her close into his arms again. “There’s no place like home, queen of my heart.”

  Author Note

  Dear Reader,

  Many thanks to wonderful readers who suggested names for the new foals in this story mentioned in Chapter 4. Thanks go out to Charlene Whitehouse for Gallant Thunder; Sheila Mast for Dutch and Duchess; and Sharon Swartz Nutter for Liberty.

  From the first moment I finished writing Dreams of Sweetwater River, I felt Jill and Logan’s honeymoon story had to be told. It was there inside me waiting patiently to be written, along with the story of Buck and his love for his beautiful wife, Ella. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a little more of their stories and travels. Tory and Bronson’s whirlwind attraction to each other and loving patience with each other to wait a full year before marrying was another wonderful romance to write.

  My research for this novel took me on a wonderful journey of discovery of both Ireland and the Oregon Trail. After reading this story, I hope you feel like you’ve been to Ireland and feel as though you’ve experienced a little taste of life as a pioneer. Growing up and to this day, I remain an avid fan of the “Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, as I suspect many of you are. With this in mind, it was a joy to include many elements in the book to refresh my memory banks about the challenges and lifestyle of early American pioneers. I was amazed to learn how much history converges in Wyoming for many of the pioneers who rose to meet their dreams and endured much hardship along the way.

  I also want to mention that the snow goose typically only winters in Wyoming until the months of March or April. I learned the snow goose spends spring and summer nesting and breeding in the most northern parts of Canada, Alaska, and the Arctic. However, it is true that if a storm occurs, birds of many kinds will sometimes migrate further south temporarily to escape severe weather conditions.

  Also, stay tuned for a few recipes, including one from my home to yours, regularly enjoyed by my family here in beautiful Kentucky where we make our home.

  My Warmest Regards & Happy Reading,

  Lisa

  Recipes

  With summer on the horizon, and thinking of all of the wonderful Irish recipes which are made from potatoes, and the many Wyoming barbeques at The Sweetwater which would frequently include potato salad, I thought you might enjoy a favorite summer recipe from my table. This particular recipe is also featured in a blog post at my Inspirationals Blog on my author website (and it’s free to sign up for my newsletter while you’re there).

  Feel free to stop by and have a look around, sign my guest book, and enjoy the free reader resources offered there—: www.LisaPrysock.com

  Lady Lisa’s Potato Salad

  INGREDIENTS

  Potatoes (any kind, redskin, Idaho, or russets work well) About 12-15 (more if you want plenty of leftovers)

  3-5 boiled, peeled, rinsed, and sliced eggs

  1 and 1/2 cups of diced Celery

  1 Large diced Onion, Vidalia preferred

  1 Large green pepper, chopped or diced

  Fresh or dried and chopped parsley, about two teaspoons

  2 and 1/2 cups of Miracle Whip, more or less as needed

  1 cup mounded of sour cream, low fat or light is fine, more or less as needed

  1 and 1/2 cup of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

  Sea Salt, about 1 teaspoon

  Ground Pepper, fresh ground if possible, about 1 teaspoon

  Basil, about half teaspoon

  Dill, about one teaspoon

  Paprika, sprinkle on top

  DIRECTIONS

  Boil a large pan of peeled and quartered potatoes until the potatoes are soft. (About 40-50 minutes) At the same time, boil about 5 eggs for about 18-20 minutes. Since the eggs will be done first, crack and peel the shells, rinse, and slice. Set these aside in a small dish to add to the top of the salad at the end. If you are still waiting on the potatoes you can begin chopping the veggies. When the potatoes are not under cooked or over cooked, but soft enough so a fork can easily slice through them, drain the potatoes into a colander, rinse with cold water, and cut into slices, cubes, and chunks. Pour these into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

  Dice three to four stalks of celery rinsed in cold water to make enough for about 1 and 1/2 cup. Peel and dice a large onion. Wash and dice a large green pepper. Add the celery, onion, and green pepper to the bowl. Wash the parsley by rinsing in cold water. Set on a paper towel. Take another paper towel and pat the parsley until it is fairly dry and then chop it into approximately half inch pieces. Add all of these ingredients to the bowl along with the seasonings.

  Now add the shredded cheese, miracle whip, and sour cream. Stir gently and thoroughly. Taste it to see if you need more or less seasoning and more or less miracle whip or sour cream. If you need less seasoning, you may add more cheese and sour cream to the dish to tone it down. If the ingredients are too dry, add more Miracle Whip or more sour cream until it is a texture you like.

  When you are satisfied with the taste, pour the entire contents of the bowl into a pretty serving dish, add the sliced eggs to the top, and add more chopped parsley or celery leaves as a garnish. Season generously with the paprika by sprinkling it across the top of the dish. I like to serve this dish right away slightly warm, but the second day the chilled leftovers are also fabulous. I usually get a ton of complements on this salad so when I make it, I make a very full pan of potatoes and adjust the recipe as needed.

  SWEET IRISH BREAKFAST Scones

  This is my own variation of this traditional Irish recipe:

  INGREDIENTS

  2 1/2 cups Self-Rising Flour

  1 tsp Baking Powder

  1/4 cup Raisins

  1/4 cup each of Dried Cranberries and Dried Cherries

  1 tsp grated lemon or orange peel

  1 cup Milk

  2 Eggs

  1/2 cup Butter

  1/2 cup Sugar

  1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon Almond

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Preheat oven to 425 degrees and in large mixing bowl, mix the flour, and baking powder. Then add butter. Using a pastry cutter or table knife, cut butter into flour until it makes crumbs.

  Stir in raisins, cranberries, cherries, lemon or orange peel, and the sugar. Mix well.

  In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and almond flavor until thoroughly combined. Pour into flour mix and stir until dough forms.

  Add more flour in 1/2 cup measurements if too thin. You want it to have a firm enough texture to shape, but it should be soft and wet. Be careful not to add too much flour.

  Transfer dough to a flat, clean, floured surface. Use a floured rolling pin to flatten dough to 2-inch thickness.

  Cut scones with a round cookie cutter.

  Place scones on a pizza pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a stone baking tray. I recommend using a little non-stick spray.

  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and lightly golden brown. Cool on wire rack.r />
  Serve warm or cooled with tea, coffee, juice, butter, jelly, jam, or as they do in Ireland, fresh cream.

  These may also be served with icing, glaze, or powdered sugar sprinkled on them for other variations.

  They are wonderful served with bacon, scrambled eggs, and fried skillet potatoes brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley.

  GLAZED IRISH TEA MADELEINES

  I found this fabulous recipe doing my research for Irish foods at a wonderful place, Cindy’s blog, Little Miss Celebrations, at this link: http://www.littlemisscelebration.com/2014/03/05/glazed-irish-breakfast-tea-madeleines/

  These can be made in lemon, almond, orange, or vanilla flavors. They’re actually French sponge cakes in a cookie form with an Irish twist. Serve with Irish Breakfast Tea. Traditional Madeleines are baked in shell loaf molds, but you can adapt the recipe to use muffin pans or other miniature mold or loaf pans. There were a number of similar recipes for this cookie, but I liked this one the best. You’ll want to read the whole recipe before attempting. Here’s what Cindy writes:

  INGREDIENTS

  ¾ cup of sifted cake flour

  1/2 cup plus a few tablespoons unsalted butter (Use extra butter because some is lost during the straining)

  2 eggs

  ½ cup sugar

  ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel

  1/8 teaspoon baking powder

  ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  2 teabags of Irish Breakfast tea

  INSTRUCTIONS

  Cut open tea bags and pour tea into a small bowl. Over medium heat, melt butter until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and add tea leaves to butter. Allow to cool and tea leaves to steep in the butter for 10 minutes.