Home's Promise (Oregon Trail)

by Mildred Colvin

  Rachel stood in silence, her heart cut to the quick. She’d like to help Katie pack, too, but she couldn’t because she wouldn’t be able to make the trip again. But Katie had confirmed her suspicions. Amorita could easily take Tommy from her if she so desired. And why wouldn’t she desire? Tommy was handsome, gentle, and kind. He was a dedicated Christian, putting God’s work first in his life. He, too, was a very beautiful person.

  Mrs. Thomas stuck her head out the door. “There you two are. The boys are back with the chairs so we can start dinner.”

  The afternoon flew by in the noise and confusion of conversations and fun. Rachel still didn’t know what Katie’s surprise was, but by church time that evening, she looked forward to finding out. She looked at Katie, standing by Jason, as he helped her wrap Davy securely in a blanket for the walk to church. Tommy said it had something to do with the program tonight.

  Tommy touched Rachel’s arm. His voice sounded near her ear. “It’s been a hectic day, hasn’t it? We’ve not had a minute to ourselves. I see you have a very nice locket on, though. I’m glad you’re wearing it.”

  Rachel clasped her new locket in her hand. “I love it, Tommy. I’m sorry, but there hasn’t been time to give you my gift.”

  “Why not now? Before we go.”

  Rachel opened her Bible and pulled out the small cross bookmark she had made from braided ribbons. At the top of the cross, the ends of the ribbons were tied off and left long.

  Tommy took it as she held it out. He looked at the cross and let the long ribbons fall between his fingers. Then he lifted his eyes to hers. The love reflected in the wonderful blue depths caused her to catch her breath. “This is perfect, but no more so than you are. Did you make it yourself?”

  She nodded. “The long ribbons are to hold more than one place at a time. Their colors signify the blackness of sin, the blood of Christ which covers sin, growth in our Christian walk, and the gold is for our hope of Heaven.”

  “That’s amazing, Rachel.” The admiration in his eyes and voice warmed her heart. “How did you ever think of all that?”

  She shrugged. “I wanted to make something you could use in your ministry. This is what I came up with.”

  “I’m glad. I’ll treasure it.” He gave her a kiss that spoke of his love then he stuck her bookmark in his Bible as a blast of cold air hit them.

  “Come on, everyone. It’s time to go to church.” Katie called to them from outside the door.

  They had less than a quarter of a mile to walk to church, but every step of the way, Rachel felt the pounding of her heart. As much as she wanted to meet Amorita, she dreaded it so by the time they stepped inside the church, she was trembling.

  “Tommy, I’m sorry.” Pastor Blackstone greeted them. “Amorita has taken a cold and won’t be able to be here tonight. She requested that you take over for her. You’ve worked with her more than anyone else and have been to most of the practices. She said you’d know exactly what to do. Can we count on you?”

  “Of course. I’ll do my best.” Tommy nodded. “I hope she isn’t too ill.”

  “No, I don’t think so.” The pastor smiled. “You know Amorita. Always thinking of others. She was afraid she’d spread her cold to the little ones if she came.”

  As Rachel settled into the seat between her mother and Hannah she watched Tommy make his way to the front. Disappointment that she wouldn’t see Amorita mingled with relief that she wouldn’t have to.

  As the program began, Rachel grudgingly admitted it was just as good as Tommy had said it would be. Why did Amorita have to be so perfect?

  A soft chord from the organ swelled into a beautiful song of praise for the Christ child. Rachel sat up straighter as she recognized Katie at the organ. Tears filled her eyes when Katie glanced up at her. Katie had been through so much, yet she was overcoming her problems one by one.

  Admiration for her friend filled Rachel’s heart. She looked at Tommy directing the choir as they sang Silent Night. Her heart ached with love for him. How could she live if she lost him?

  After church Rachel congratulated Katie on her beautiful music.

  Katie smiled. “Thank you, Rachel. I’ll never play as well as Mama did, but at least I’m playing again thanks to Amorita. Tonight was my first time in front of anyone but her.” Her expression sobered. “Amorita lost both her parents in an accident about a year ago. Maybe it was because of her loss that she was able to help me work through some of my feelings about my losses.”

  “Was the organ the surprise Tommy told me about?”

  “Yes, but now it’s no longer a surprise, would you like to hear another one?”

  Rachel hugged Katie. “It’s a baby, isn’t it? When will it be?”

  “June.” Katie laughed. “I should have known I couldn’t keep my secret from you for long. What gave me away? Am I actually glowing that much?”

  As Rachel pulled back, she studied Katie’s face. “I believe you are glowing. Marriage has been good for you, hasn’t it?”

  “Jason has been good for me.”

  “I’m happy for you, Katie.” Rachel hugged her friend while a tiny seed of envy grew in her heart. She and Tommy should be married and expecting their first child, too. Would it ever happen for them? Maybe she should do what Katie had suggested. But would the threat of losing her to Neil Douglas only drive Tommy into Amorita Preston’s arms?

  Chapter 20

  School resumed the beginning of the New Year during the deepest snow so far that winter. Rachel and Susanna rode Star while Daniel walked in front leading the way. By the time they reached the schoolhouse, Rachel wondered if they had been foolish to come. Surely no children would come out with snow covering the ground and large, wet flakes settling on them every step of the way. But they did come. Each with stories of their Christmas holiday.

  The snow and cold winds of January gave way to rains and mud and by the second week of February, Rachel felt like a caged animal. She had not seen Tommy since Christmas, and her imagination tormented her night and day in spite of her resolve to control such feelings. But missing his birthday hurt most of all. He’d been in town that day. Had he celebrated with Katie—or with Amorita?

  One cloudy afternoon the children recited the multiplication tables in singsong when hoof beats sounded outside. Rachel motioned for Ellen to take over then hurried to the door.

  The children’s voices continued without a break. She opened the door as Tommy swung off Midnight. She slipped through the door and ran to him.

  “Tommy.” The one word was a release of her longing to see him.

  He stepped into her arms for a quick hug before pulling away much too soon. “I want you to meet someone, Rachel.”

  Tommy led her toward a buggy sitting a short distance away. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and their children. Remember, I told you they are interested in putting in a store out here. They’ve come out to look the place over for a possible town site.”

  “Yes, of course.” She smiled at the middle-aged couple. “I’m Rachel Morgan. I’ve been teaching school this winter for the people who live around here.”

  Mrs. Wilson nodded. “I’m Prudence Wilson. Mr. Donovan has been telling us about you. I’m glad to meet you.”

  Rachel liked the friendly sparkle in Mrs. Wilson’s eyes. Mr. Wilson stepped down and helped his wife from the buggy. As soon as her feet touched the ground, a scramble from the back seat brought four children to stand in a line beside their parents.

  “This is Horace, Olivia, Gladys, and,” Mrs. Wilson put her hand on a small blond-headed boy of about five. “This is John, our youngest.”

  Rachel smiled at the children. “I’m very glad to meet you.” She looked at their mother. “Mrs. Wilson, we have only about an hour left in our school day. If you are going to be looking around here, would you like for your children to sit in on the class? It would give them a chance to meet the children who live nearby.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea.” Mrs. Wilson called to her husba
nd who had started off with Tommy toward the back of the claim. “Joseph, wait just a minute.”

  “I’m sorry, dear. Did you want to come along?”

  “Of course, I do. This young lady has to get back to her school.”

  Tommy hurried back to Rachel. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize he intended to go see the river when we started walking away. I’ll be back when school’s out to walk you home. Don’t forget to have the children tell their parents we’ll have services tomorrow night and Sunday morning.”

  “Please, save some time for me this weekend.” She whispered to him before he turned away. He would be staying two nights, and she would have him to herself all day Saturday if someone else didn’t claim his attention. She turned to the Wilson children. “Let’s go inside so you can meet everyone.”

  After school, Daniel took Susanna home even though she protested that she wanted to wait until Tommy returned.

  Rachel watched them ride off then straightened the room while the Wilson children played outside.

  Finally, Tommy stepped inside and took her in his arms. “It’s been so long. I wondered if I’d ever get out here to you again.”

  Rachel soaked up his warmth and the security she felt in his arms. She closed her eyes and leaned her cheek against him. She could have stayed where she was forever, but the jangle and creak of the Wilson’s buggy harness reached them, and Tommy pulled away. He kissed her forehead. “We’d better get on home.”

  He touched his lips to her temple. “You are so beautiful.”

  She shivered in his arms.

  Next came her cheek. “Your folks will wonder what’s happened to us.”

  Oh, Tommy, why can’t we be together always?

  He claimed her lips for long moments. His breath came quick as he stepped back and took her hand. “Come on, let’s go.”

  She let him lead her to the door when she’d rather have stayed.

  “Do you want to ride?” Tommy held Midnight’s reins in his hand.

  “Do you mind walking so we can talk?”

  “I’d prefer to.” Tommy led Midnight toward the trail leading to the Morgan’s place.

  “How did it go with the Wilson’s? The children seemed to enjoy themselves. They spent most of the time playing with the Gibson children.” She looked sideways at him with a mock frown. “Even during lessons.”

  Tommy laughed. “I think the grownups liked it here, too.” He kept Rachel’s hand in his. “Mr. Wilson was impressed with the river and the fact it borders this claim. He still needs to talk to Mr. Preston, but I think he’s ready to take the claim. I hope so since I’ve already claimed the land next door.”

  “Oh, Tommy, I’m so glad. I’ve been wondering with no way to know since Christmas.” Rachel’s heart hummed with joy. Finally, Tommy seemed to be moving toward settling down, hopefully with her. “Maybe that’s why the Wilsons didn’t say goodbye when you all got back. I noticed they left as soon as they had the children rounded up.”

  Tommy nodded. “I’m a little anxious to get back to town, too.”

  Rachel’s heart sank. Her steps slowed. “Why?”

  “I didn’t mean I was going before Sunday afternoon.” Tommy squeezed her hand. “I’m not at all eager to leave you.”

  His reassurance couldn’t begin to lift the weight from her heart. “Then why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

  “If the Wilsons build out here, the church in town has agreed to mother a church for us if I’ll be the pastor. I’m anxious to find out what the Wilsons and the Prestons decide because it may influence our future.”

  “That’s wonderful, Tommy.” Why hadn’t he said so in the first place? Rachel relaxed. “That means we can have a church built right away.”

  “No.” Tommy shook his head. “It means they’ll help us. We still have to come up with enough money to build and for furnishings. I’m glad they aren’t giving it all to us, because as a church we’ll be stronger for having done our part.”

  “I suppose so.” Rachel frowned. “Can we? Come up with the money, I mean?”

  “I don’t know, but we can try. Amorita had an idea that took hold in the town church. She suggested we have a box social out here to raise the money. Several in town said they’d come out for it.” Tommy laughed. “With her enthusiasm, she’ll have everyone in the church out here with their purses bulging to buy their own boxes of food.”

  Stubborn rebellion at the mention of Amorita closed Rachel’s mind to the idea. “A box social? I don’t know. Do you really think that’s such a good idea?”

  Of course it was a good idea. It was a wonderful idea. If only she’d been the one to think of it. If only anyone except Amorita had thought of it.

  “Sure.” Tommy gave her a quizzical look. “Why not? The people in town seem to think it will go over really well.”

  “Oh, they’d probably do anything Miss Amorita Preston wanted.” Rachel didn’t like the sound of her own voice, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

  Tommy looked thoughtful. “Well, maybe not anything.” Then he laughed. “But just about. Wait until you meet her. You’ll be as crazy about her as everyone else is.”

  Rachel doubted it. She’d never fall under Amorita’s spell. She wouldn’t like her at all. How could she like the girl Tommy thought was so wonderful?

  She sighed. Lord, forgive me. I’m acting like a jealous woman when really the idea is a good one. She slanted a look toward Tommy. “When will you have the social?”

  “As early in the spring as we can. I’d like to see some dry weather before too long. Maybe May would be a good time.”

  “May will be after my birthday.” Rachel looked up at Tommy. “Did you know my birthday last year was the day my father decided to leave Mississippi?”

  Tommy looked at Rachel for a moment before answering. “I don’t even know when your birthday is.”

  “Well, that’s a fine thing.” She stopped and planted both fists on her hips.

  His slow grin spread. “Did you ever bother telling me?”

  “Not if you didn't ask.”

  Tommy laughed. “I deserved that, but I’m asking now. Please?”

  He put both hands on her shoulders. “March, right?”

  “Good guess.” Rachel pretended to pout. “If you were here more, you’d probably know more about me.”

  A mischievous light came into Tommy eyes. “If you don’t tell me right now I’m going to kiss you.”

  “Tommy!” Rachel’s heart picked up speed. Maybe she wouldn’t tell him if that was her punishment.

  He looked around. “No one in sight. Reckon you’re the only one who might object.”

  Rachel folded her arms and let a smile curve her lips while she waited.

  “One, two, three, four, five.” Tommy counted slowly as he moved ever closer to her. His arms slipped around her shoulders, drawing her against him. “This is your last chance.”

  She tilted her head and closed her eyes.

  “Aw, Rachel.” His kiss was long and sweet. Then something changed as she responded and he took another, this time as if he didn’t want to ever let her go. A strange, new desire arose within as she clung to him.

  She loved him so much. How could she live apart from him? How could she let him leave again on Sunday afternoon? How could she let him go to someone else?

  She shoved him away and stepped back with her hand covering her mouth, her gaze locked with his.

  His eyes opened wide with hurt inside. “I’m sorry, Rachel. I got carried away. I love you so much. I miss you when we’re apart. I—it’s hard. You can’t imagine.”

  “If it’s so hard for you, we’d be married by now.” The words came without conscious thought. “It’s what I’ve wanted all along. For some reason, you obviously enjoy staying in town.”

  He stared at her, a crease forming between his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m seldom in town. Yes, I’m in and out, but I’ve been going from one Indian village to another all
winter except when I couldn’t get there. The roads have been impassable most of the time, which is why I haven’t been out here. I thought you knew that.”

  The air whooshed from Rachel’s lungs. What was the use? She couldn’t fight what she couldn’t see. They’d be married soon. Surely Tommy wouldn’t file a claim if he didn’t intend to live on it. “So when are you building?”

  He blinked. “Building? A cabin?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve been unable to start, but we’ll need one soon so I can hold the claim. While I’m here this weekend, let’s pick a spot. Would you like that?”

  Love she couldn’t deny swept through her. Tommy would always be her first and only love. Even if he threw her away for Amorita and she ended up with Neil, she’d secretly hold this love for Tommy close to her heart. No other woman could ever love him as much as she did.

  She nodded. “Yes, Tommy, I’d love to live with you anywhere but just outside our new town would be wonderful.” She smiled. “And Tommy, my birthday is March 17th.”

  He grinned. “I won’t forget. My birthday is January 20th. I’m twenty-one years old now, and I very much want to marry you, Miss Morgan. I’ll start working on that cabin as soon as I know where you want it.”

  Rachel’s heart soared as she intertwined her fingers through Tommy’s and they continued their walk home. Surely nothing and no one would stop them now.

  Chapter 21

  As Tommy and Pastor Blackstone prepared to leave the Indian village, some of the tribal men walked with them to their horses. Some young men working with a wild horse caught Tommy’s attention, and he stopped to watch. The boys seemed to be goading one of their friends to ride. With a swagger, the fellow approached the horse while it whinnied and shied from him.

  A closer look raised goose bumps along Tommy’s arms. The boy wasn’t Indian at all, yet he wore a buckskin vest and breeches and his Indian friends seemed to accept him as one of them. They called out what sounded like encouragement. Did they want him to succeed, or were they playing a trick on him? Would they be concerned if he got hurt?