An expression passed through her eyes before he could pinpoint what it was. It didn’t matter. He knew she wanted the same thing he did. But too often people got ahead of God’s will for their lives. How could he rush into marriage when he was certain of God’s call and his need for time to grow in his spiritual life? Waiting a few months to allow their love to grow would only make them stronger throughout their marriage life.
He placed a quick kiss on her upturned lips before picking up the basket. “We’d better get a move on before Katie comes looking for us.”
Rachel laughed and took his arm again. “She would, too.”
~*~
When they arrived at the house, Rachel waited while Tommy leaned through the front doorway. “Hey, anyone home?”
He turned to her. “Looks like we beat them here. I might as well put this basket in the kitchen.”
“All right.” She turned away to lean on the porch railing. “I’ll wait out here and watch for them.”
Tommy disappeared inside and Rachel let out a sigh. Pa had given his blessing. Not that she’d doubted he would, but it was nice to know. Ma said they’d talked about it already. She was thrilled. “Tommy’s a good man, Rachel. I’m happy for you.”
Tommy loves me. She hugged herself. Maybe if she said those words enough times, she’d believe them. To think that Tommy really loved her and wanted to marry her. It all still seemed like a dream. She could scarcely wait to tell Katie.
The door to the house opened and closed. Warmth from Tommy’s arm slipping around her waist circled her heart. “I see they aren’t here yet.”
She shook her head. “No.”
His arm tightened. “Hey, you’re awfully quiet.”
She turned and searched his face. “I was thinking about Katie. What do you think she’ll say when we tell her?”
Tommy chuckled. “We’ll probably have to hold her down. You know she’ll be glad. Getting us together was all she could talk about on the trip out.”
“Is that why it took you so long?” Rachel looked into his eyes. Fear she would wake up and find the last few days a dream pulsed through her veins.
“Yeah, probably.” Tommy shrugged. “Pride blinded me. I refused to admit how much I loved you.”
“Rachel. Tommy. We’re here.” Susanna barreled up the steps of the porch as Tommy stepped back. She flung her arms around Rachel’s waist and held tight. “I missed you.”
Rachel laughed and hugged the little girl close. “It’s only been overnight, but I love you, too, Suzy.”
“Hey, you’re late.” Tommy called to his sister and brother-in-law.
Jason grinned. “You’d be surprised how long it takes to get two little people ready to go anywhere. Maybe someday you’ll be an old married man with two kids and you’ll understand.”
Tommy pulled Rachel away from Suzy and looked down at her with love in his eyes. “Yeah, maybe I will.”
“Tommy? Rachel?” Katie froze with one foot on the first step to the porch. She looked from one to the other, her eyes wide. “What’s going on?”
Rachel tore her gaze from Tommy’s face and smiled at her best friend. “Maybe Tommy should tell you.”
A triumphant scream tore from Katie’s lips as she jumped up and down clapping her hands. “Yes, you finally did it.”
She bounced to her husband and grabbed his arm. “Jason, they’re getting married.”
“They are?” Jason’s eyes shifted between them. “How do you know that?”
Katie swung toward her brother. “Tell him, Tommy. I want to hear it, too.”
Tommy pulled Rachel close and whispered near her ear. “Didn’t I tell you Katie would be happy?” He grinned at the others. “Rachel has agreed to be my wife, and her father just gave his blessing.”
Katie ran up the porch steps and grabbed Rachel in a tight hug. “I’m so happy. I think I’m going to cry.”
Rachel squeezed her friend close and laughed while tears slid down her cheeks. “I am crying. I think I must still be dreaming.”
“What happened, Katie? Why are you and Rachel crying?” Susanna tugged on her sister’s skirt. Her chin trembled while her eyes swam.
Katie knelt and pulled her little sister into her arms. “Nothing is wrong, Suzy. We’re crying happy tears because Rachel will be our sister now. She and Tommy are getting married.”
“Good, ’cause I want Rachel to play with me all the time. I want Rachel to be my sister.” Susanna slipped her hand into Rachel’s and grinned, her threatened cloudburst a thing of the past.
While everyone laughed, Jason stepped on the porch. “Did you two get a chance to look inside?”
Tommy turned and pulled the front door open. “I just walked through to see if you were here.”
Jason nodded. “Then you know it needs a lot of cleaning. We hope to stay here tonight so we need to get on it. We left Davy with Mom Taylor so we can get some work done.”
“The cleaning supplies are in the kitchen.” Katie walked through to get them, and Rachel followed. Katie handed a straw broom to her. “I knew Tommy loved you. When is the wedding? You won’t have to wait like I did because there’s a minister right here.”
“We want to get some land first and get settled.” Rachel couldn’t stop smiling. At the moment, the wait seemed minor. “I want to make a special dress to wear and maybe a quilt or two. This is all so new, I’m still having a hard time believing it’s real.”
Katie picked up a bucket and opened the back door. “Oh, it’s real. But don’t wait too long on getting your land. You’ll get twice as much if you’re married. We’re only staying here long enough for Jason to find his claim then I don’t know where we’ll go. I want to be at your wedding.”
Rachel stepped to the open door and watched Katie pump water into her bucket from a well not more than twenty feet away. She shook her head. What luxury. She’d carried so much water from rivers and streams along the trail she’d forgotten how convenient a well near the back door could be.
She called out to her friend. “You’ll be at my wedding. You have to stand up with me. Now I’m going to go sweep your living room.”
“In that case I’ll mop it when you finish.”
~*~
By noon the cabin looked and smelled fresh and clean, and Tommy’s stomach had been growling for an hour. He retrieved the cloth-covered basket he’d left in the kitchen and set it on the living room floor. “Rachel and her mom packed us a lunch. Anyone interested?”
Susanna hurried to sit on the floor beside him.
Katie headed toward the back door with a bucket of dirty water. “Just a minute and I will be.”
“I’m ready now.” Jason took one more swing at the nail he’d just driven into the log wall before stepping down from a wooden box. “We can hang the curtain after we eat.”
Katie came back into the room and looked at the others sitting on the floor. Her hands landed on her hips. “Jason, we don’t have a table. In fact, the only piece of furniture we have is Mama’s rocking chair.”
Jason’s gaze swept the empty cabin. “I’m sorry, Katie. I can’t afford to buy a houseful of furniture—not even for a house this small. As soon as I find work, we’ll get a little at a time.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Tommy pulled the tablecloth from the basket. “You’ve got more money than you think.”
“What are you talking about?” Katie frowned, her hands still on her hips.
Tommy looked up into his sister’s eyes. “Remember Mama’s organ?”
Her frown deepened. “Of course. I’ll never forget it. She sold it in Independence. What about it?”
“She gave me the money just before she died.”
Katie frowned. “I thought she gave Dad that money.”
Tommy shrugged. Mama had told him to keep her money secret. He figured she was afraid Dad would find some whiskey to buy if he knew about it. “She did give him some of it, but not all. Let’s eat. As soon as we finish here we can go to the
wagon and I’ll show you.”
Katie circled the group and sat beside Jason. “Fine. I hope there’s enough for a table and four or five chairs. I don’t even care if they match.”
“There should be enough.” Tommy bowed his head and took Rachel’s hand. “Father, we thank you for this food and fellowship. Bless our lives in our new home as we serve You here. Amen.”
Several minutes later, Tommy held Rachel’s hand as he led the way to the outskirts of town where the Donovan wagon rested.
When they neared the wagon, Rachel released his hand and stepped back. “Suzy, I see some pretty wild flowers in that field. Would you like to help me pick some for Katie’s new table?”
“Uh huh.” Susanna ran toward the field with Rachel following.
Tommy watched them go before he climbed inside. He hadn’t thought, but Rachel knew Susanna didn’t need to see the money. No telling who she might tell. Rachel always seemed to know what was needed. She’d make an excellent pastor’s wife.
Katie and Jason waited outside while he found Mama’s hiding place in a box holding her sewing supplies and dug the cloth bag out. He took her scissors and snipped a hole in it then pulled the money pouch out.
Tommy stepped over the tailgate and jumped to the ground with the small black leather bag holding the coins in his hand. “Mama had me hide this while we were still in Independence. She said it was for us to start our lives here. I don’t think Dad ever knew how much she got for her organ.”
He pulled the drawstrings open on the bag and poured some gold coins out in his hand. “We should each get four.”
Katie took the coins he handed her and gasped. “Tommy, these are twenty-dollar gold pieces.”
“I know. Mama’s organ was special. She held out for top dollar.” He grinned. “You should have seen her haggle with the man.”
“Who bought it?” Katie stood looking at the coins as if she couldn’t believe they were real.
“I don’t know. Some rich guy who wanted it bad enough to pay her price. But to be honest, I’m sure she had been putting some of this back for years, hidden from Dad.”
Katie shook her head. “Dad and his gambling.”
“Yes, but he changed on the trail, Katie. We all did.” Tommy motioned toward his chest. “I certainly did.”
“Wait.” Jason put his hand over Katie’s. “I’m not sure about this, Tommy. Katie’s my wife. I’ll provide for her.”
Tommy slid his coins back into the bag and slipped it in his pocket. “It’s her money, Jason. Mama wanted Katie and me to divide it. By using the money to help you care for the little ones, Mama’s love can continue in their lives. Mama wanted you and them to have this start.”
“I don’t know. It doesn’t seem right.” Jason hesitated.
Tommy fixed his gaze on the other man. “It was Mama’s dying wish. It’s only right Katie gets her share.”
Jason removed his hand and looked away. When he turned back, he sighed. “All right. I guess I can go along with it. I don’t know what else to do.”
“I understand, Jason. I’m sure I’d feel the same way, but don’t let pride get ahead of common sense. Save as much as you can for your own place. You’ll be making a claim soon. You’ll find good use for the money.” He’d be saving as much of his share as he could. He and Rachel might need it later. Right now it wouldn’t take much for him to live on. He glanced toward the field where Rachel bent to help Susanna pick a flower. God had blessed him beyond measure when he brought her into his life. He wanted to give her the best he could.
Excitement simmered in his chest as he watched Rachel laugh with Susanna then chase her through the tall grass. How would he be able to wait long enough to do all he needed to before making her his bride?
Chapter 3
Rachel clung to the rough sideboard as the road wagon Noel Jackson loaned Pa hit a bump. This wagon was smaller and lighter than the covered wagons they had brought across the continent, but the bumps were just as bone jarring.
Helping Katie prepare for Suzy’s birthday supper would have been less tiring, but Pa and Daniel wanted to show off their new claim.
“Our land’s just a few more miles ahead.” Pa called over his shoulder. “I think you’ll like it.”
They’d traveled south of Oregon City through tall, thick grass and rolled past an abundance of trees. Rachel had never seen such beautiful countryside. To her left, the snow covered peak of Mt. Hood stood over a lush green valley. Rolling hills were covered in a green carpet adorned by abundant patches of yellow wild flowers.
Finally Pa pointed to a log cabin set off from the trail against a backdrop of towering pine trees. “We’re almost there. It’s just beyond this cabin.”
Rachel straightened to watch for Pa’s land. Soon Tommy would pick out his own land and claim her for his bride. A sigh escaped. Yesterday, after he and Katie divided the money, Tommy walked her back to Noel Jackson’s place where her family still camped in their wagon. They held hands, and she’d never been happier as she slanted a look toward Tommy. “Does the money mean we can get married sooner than we thought?”
Tommy hadn’t answered right away. He frowned a little as if he was thinking. Finally he turned to her with love evident in his eyes. “I went to see Pastor Blackstone last night after we talked with your folks. I asked about taking you with me to the Indian camps and he agreed it wouldn’t be safe.”
“Why the Indians, Tommy?” Rachel’s lips curved down. “I know they need God, but why you? Can’t you just pastor a church?”
“I feel an urgency to do this, Rachel. I don’t know why, but there’s a feeling deep inside that says this is what I’m to do right now.” His eyes shone. “Pastor Blackstone has offered me the position as his assistant. I’ll be staying here. In a room in back of the church. There’s so much he can teach me. So much I need to learn before I take a church of my own. You understand, don’t you, Rachel? We’ll be married as soon as we can in the spring when we can build a cabin. If we keep busy, winter will pass quickly, don’t you agree?”
He sounded so insecure, begging her to agree with him. Her heart softened toward his plans and she nodded, afraid to speak. Afraid she would tell him she didn’t want to wait. She wanted them to be married now. She could claim land if they married just like Ma was going to do. Her father would help them build a cabin. But Tommy didn’t want that. He wanted to wait until spring. She sighed again. Only six months. Half a year. She was entirely too impatient. As Tommy said the time would go quickly, and they didn’t need that extra land because he wouldn’t be farming full time.
Pa yelled, “Whoa!” and reined the Jackson’s horses to a stop.
Daniel jumped to the ground. “Look, Ma. Isn’t it great? There’re plenty of trees here to build a cabin. How soon can we start, Pa?”
Pa helped Ma from the seat in front. Rachel climbed out of the back unassisted. She stood beside her mother absorbing the beauty of the land. Her father had chosen well.
“If everyone agrees, I can file early Monday morning and we’ll come out with the wagon right away.” He turned to Ma. “I’d like to look around some more. There’s a stream running through the property. I need to know if the water’s good before I file.”
She nodded. “Go ahead. Rachel and I will look around here by the wagon. I think I see a good spot for the house.”
Rachel followed her mother to a large grove of trees. A gentle ascent led them to the top of a small hill where they could see in all directions. “Wouldn’t this be a nice place for our house?” Ma’s eyes shone. “I’m looking forward to being in a real house again.”
Rachel looked around. There were several large trees for shade. The timber was far enough away to discourage an abundance of insects, yet close enough for hauling wood for fuel. “What about water? You’ll want it close to the house, won’t you?”
Ma nodded, a frown creasing her forehead. “That’s true. Maybe Pa—”
“Hello.” A male voice called from the direc
tion of the timber.
Rachel turned to see a man emerge from the trees. He removed his hat and waved it above his head, allowing the breeze to tousle his sandy hair. As he drew closer, Rachel saw a tiny face peek over his shoulder. A child of about two years rode in a carrier strapped to his back. A little girl of Susanna’s size and a smaller boy followed close behind.
“Howdy folks, I’m Neil Douglas. This is Natasha on my back. Norman is here and Nancy, here.” He placed a hand on each child’s head as he introduced them.
“Hello children. I’m glad to meet you.” Ma turned toward their father then. “I’m pleased to meet you, too, Mr. Douglas. I’m Mrs. Morgan and this is my daughter, Rachel. My husband and son are at the foot of the hill looking for water.”
Mr. Douglas, his hat clutched in his hand, nodded as his gaze moved to Rachel and lingered.
“I’m glad to meet you.” A light sprinkling of freckles across his nose and a wide smile crinkling the corners of his light blue eyes gave him a boyish look. “I live in the cabin you passed about a half mile back. Are you building out here?”
Ma nodded. “Yes, if there’s a good source of water.”
He turned to her. “You’ll find a spring at the foot of this hill.”
“Wonderful. Here comes my husband now.” Ma motioned for the men to hurry. “Bill, we have company.”
Pa stuck out his hand, a welcoming smile on his face. “I’m Bill Morgan.”
“Neil Douglas.” They shook hands. “My place borders this one right through the stand of trees there. I saw you go past and thought you might be taking this claim. Figured you just came out from back east.”
Pa nodded. “We’ve been in Oregon City a couple of days. I hope to file Monday.”
“Good. We need neighbors. We need a church and school, too. Maybe in time we can have both.”
Ma’s eyes brightened. “Are you a Christian, Mr. Douglas?”
He nodded. “Yes, I am. You folks?”
Pa grinned. “That’s right. I’m glad to know our closest neighbor is a God-fearing man. Have you been here in Oregon long?”
Home's Promise (Oregon Trail) Page 2