“I wouldn’t either, and I appreciate your concern.”
Chapter twenty-one
Return to the Fort
Two months later…
Indian raids had been to the north of Fort Laramie for over a month and Josiah decided it was safe to make a trip for some much needed supplies. Supplies he couldn’t get in the tent city. After a long discussion, they determined Thomas would make the trip along with some of the older ranch hands as guards. The newly hired hands would remain with Josiah to handle ranch activities.
Abby had packed her limited belongings and they rolled out of the yard at sunup. The next afternoon, they were in Fort Laramie.
Cora and the doctor had mixed emotions about her return, “We’re glad to have you back,” Cora told her, “and we can certainly use the help, I’m sorry to see things didn’t work out with Thomas.”
“They will,” Abby assured her, “as soon as we decide what we want. I still have hopes of getting back home, and I do have feelings for him, but home is my priority and we both decided my best chance is here, where it all began.”
“Hon, it didn’t start here. It started fifty miles out on the trail,” Cora reminded her.
“I know. It’s just that… I need something and don’t know what it is.”
“It’s that boy coming out of the sutler’s.”
“I’m going to see what I can do to help the doctor.”
Cora answered the door to the quarters and found Thomas standing there with two large sacks. “Mrs. Turner, these are for Abby. She doesn’t have much in the way of clothes, so Mama gave me a list of things to get for her. There are some others he had to order, so I don’t know when they’ll be in. Tell her… Just tell her she needs them, and that I love her, and I’ll write. We’ve already said our goodbyes so I won’t trouble her further. We’re heading right back as soon as we get loaded up.”
“You’re a good man, Thomas, and she loves you. It’s going to work out for you.”
“I hope so. She knows I love her, but she still hopes to get home.”
“That’s normal, but her feelings for you will win out. Goodbye and Godspeed, Thomas.”
“Thomas left already?” Abby asked.
“Yes, he said they were leaving as soon as their wagon was loaded.”
“I thought he would probably not leave until tomorrow like always.”
“You have to take what you can while you can.”
“What does that mean?” Abby asked.
“If what you want is there, grab it before it gets away. You could apply it to any number of things. He left something for you. I put it on your bed.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she examined the contents of the sacks on her bed. There were five dresses, chemises, underthings, bonnets.
Cora came to the door. “Are you all right, dear?”
“Did you see what this was?”
“I didn’t, but I surmised it was clothes. He said you didn’t have much and his mother made a list for him. He said there were some more things on order.
“He said to tell you that you need these, he loves you and he’ll write.”
“I hope I didn’t burn that bridge by coming back here.”
“I don’t think you did… yet. Does he know you’re in love with him?”
“I think so; he should.”
“Why should he? Have you told him?”
“Not in so many words.”
“How many times has he told you he loves you?”
“Two or three.”
“Honey, men are dumb creatures. Especially around women. If you don’t tell them, it isn’t fact.”
“I guess I’m trying to protect myself after what happened last time. I’m reluctant to put myself out there.”
“What was it like while you were at the ranch?”
“It was really nice. They have a big house, furnished nicely for this day and age. I just love his mother to death. His father is kind and considerate too.
There was an Indian raid, but they fought them off. Miss Sophie and I were told to stay in the root cellar, but two of them broke in. Miss Sophie shot one through the door. The other dragged me out by my hair, and had a knife to my head when Thomas charged into him and knocked me loose. He got stabbed for his trouble. I managed to get his wound sewed up and bandaged. There were eleven Indians killed and two ranch hands.”
“That must have been a traumatic experience.”
“It was pretty bad. The Army doctor had been drinking and wouldn’t wash his hands so we didn’t let him touch Thomas. We finally were able to get some disinfectant for the cut. He’s healed and seems okay now.”
“He saved your life, then.”
“That’s another thing. I knew we were going to be all right because I had read entries in the diaries that Miss Sophie had written after this time. Since Thomas is their only son, I knew we would be all right, because the children that ultimately lead to me would have to have been ours.”
“If you had been killed, it would have changed what you know as history and there would be no Abigail.”
“This is all so confusing and depressing; I just wish I could go home.”
“Maybe you were home and didn’t know it,” Cora said.
“Maybe so. I can’t do anything about it now. He’s on his way home. This has all made me feel so… I don’t know… incapable of making up my mind.”
* * *
“It doesn’t seem as busy as it has been around here,” Abby said to the doctor.
“The Army set up three new forts along the Bozeman Trail to protect the miners and settlers. Some of the troops from here were relocated.”
“Have there been more raids?”
“Yes, but mostly to the north of here. Captain Montgomery told us about the raid on the Barnes Ranch, and what you did. Just so you know, the doctor was drummed out of the Army.”
“I hate to see anyone lose their job, but he was a disgrace to the uniform.”
“Was that Thomas you sewed up?”
“Yes. He’s back to normal now.”
“That’s good to hear. I was surprised to see you come back to the fort.”
“Doctor Jim, I’ve been so mixed up I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. Everyone was so kind and welcoming to me, but I couldn’t get straight with what I wanted to do. I know I disappointed them, but I couldn’t help it.”
“Not many people have been through what you have; at least none that I know of. You’ll get it figured out.”
“I think I’ve done that. When I found Thomas and his crew had already gone home, I had a big sinking feeling. I knew what I wanted right then, but it was too late. I’m going to write him and let him know how I feel, and the next time I have the opportunity, I’m going back. To stay.”
Chapter twenty-two
Another Chance
Dear Thomas,
I hope this finds you and your family well. Words fail me when I try to describe how warmly I was welcomed into your home. Please give my warmest regards and thanks to your mother and father.
I know I disappointed you when I returned to Fort Laramie. I would be less than honest if I didn’t say I was disappointed in myself.
You really shouldn’t have bought all of those things for me. While I did need them, I would not have accepted them had I been home when you brought them by. I could have gotten by without them. I did try to return them, but the sutler said he had been told not to accept them back. I do thank you, and will repay you with the money I earn here at the hospital.
The Army has built three new forts along what they call the Bozeman Trail, and transferred troops from Fort Laramie to man them. Needless to say, it is very quiet around here at the present.
I am told all of the Indian activity is north of here around Fort Kearny, Fort Smith and Fort Reno. There is a surgeon at Fort Kearny. Doctor Turner thought he might be assigned there, but such was not the case.”
I suppose with the coming of winter, you won’t
be making the trip anytime soon. I do so look forward to seeing you again; I miss you so much, I won’t make the same mistake again.
Please write,
Yours truly,
Abby
Satisfied with what she had written, she put it in the envelope and walked across the grounds to the sutler’s to be put in the mail.
“Miss Sanders, I have the rest of the things you ordered,” the sutler told her.
“There must be some mistake, I haven’t ordered anything.”
“The order was placed and paid for by Thomas Barnes. I was instructed by Mr. Barnes to take them back.”
“Thank you, Mr. Fenton.”
Back in the quarters, she opened the package. The first thing she took out was a heavy coat. “Look at this,” she told Cora. “When I mailed the letter, I picked this up. It’s one of the things Thomas ordered.”
“You can certainly use that in another month or so. It gets brutal at times.” She felt the material. “That’s a very good coat.”
“There are some other things in the box I haven’t opened yet. I tried to get Mr. Fenton to take them back and give Thomas a credit the next time he comes in, but he said he was told not to do that. I’ve never known people like this, Sophie. I’m going to repay them. It may take a long time, but I will.”
“Take some advice from an old woman and don’t try to do that. It would insult them. They weren’t looking to be paid back. Just thank them for their generosity.”
“I’m afraid I already did in my letter.”
“Then don’t bring it up again. Let them know you got the other things and thank them again.”
* * *
Dear Abigail,
I received your most welcome letter today. We are all well and thank you for asking.
About the clothing, it wasn’t purchased with the idea of being repaid. It was something needed by a friend and I’m pleased we were in a position to assist.
It is welcome news to us about the raids moving farther north, but bad news for the wagon trains in that direction. I would imagine, however, this late in the year, there is minimal activity due to the nearness of winter.
I do not know when or if we will be traveling in that direction. I have taken more of the responsibility from Papa, so it will be hard for me to get away. We are able to get more and more of our needs satisfied in the tent city now. Buildings have been started and the railroad is expected to arrive in April or May.
I do wish you well.
Your friend,
Thomas
“You look as if you’ve lost your last friend,” Cora said. “What’s wrong?”
“I received this today.” She handed the letter to Cora. “There’s a decided chill in the words.”
“This is not the writing of a happy person,” Cora said.
“I know we are meant together. I’ve seen it in writing. It has to happen.”
“I don’t know what to tell you,” Cora said.
“I’m going to throw myself on the mercy of the court, and let the chips fall where they may.”
“Is that one of your expressions from the future?”
Abby laughed. “It’s a term used by lawyers. I think I told you my father is… was an attorney. It means you have no defense, and the extent of your punishment is dependent on the judge and jury and their mercy.”
* * *
Dear Thomas,
I was saddened by your mentioning you might not be coming back to Fort Laramie. I want to see you. No, I need to see you.
Apparently I have offended you. It was certainly not my intent to do so. If that is the case, can you please accept my apology?
You asked Miss Cora to tell me you loved me. I cried at that point, because I realized I love you too. I believe I can make you happy, given the chance.
There’s not much else to say at this point, except the coat really feels good, and Miss Cora said I will appreciate it even more when winter sets in.
Wanting to be more than your friend,
With love,
Abby
“I just mailed an answer to his letter. It’s up to him now,” Abby told Cora.
October and November came and went with no response from Thomas. I have no one to blame but myself. Me and my big mouth.
The weather was unseasonably warm for early December. It was bright and sunny, with no snow on the ground. There were no patients in the hospital and the post was quiet.
Cora had been teaching Abby to sew and she was putting her training to work on a red dress for Christmas. She heard the knock on the door. “I’ll get it,” she called out.
When she opened the door, Thomas was standing there, hat in hand. “I’ve come to take you home,” he said.
She leaped into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. “I’m so glad to see you. I was beginning to think I never would again.” Brimming with tears, her eyes sparkled. She buried her face in the crevice between his neck and shoulder, kissing him.
She pulled back. “Do you mean it?”
“I mean it. Will you come home with us? If you don’t, I won’t have a place to live. Mama told me I had better not come home without you.”
“Yes. Well, I don’t want you to be homeless on my account. When do you want to leave? Before or after lunch?”
“Why don’t we wait until tomorrow morning?” he asked with a smile. “I’ve got to load up the wagon with supplies.”
“Thomas is here and says he’s come to take me home. We’re leaving tomorrow morning.”
“I’m happy for you, and I know Jim will be too. We’ll miss you, of course.”
“You can come down for our first baby. Doctor Jim can deliver it.”
“Did he ask you?”
“Not yet, but he will,” Abby said confidently.
Later…
“Let’s have dinner at the café,” Thomas suggested.
“Can we take Cora and Doctor Jim? They’ve done so much for me; I’d like to do something for them.”
Should I ask them or do you want to ask?”
“You ask. I think it would make them feel more wanted,” she said.
“It would be our pleasure,” Doctor Turner said accepting the invitation.
When Thomas came to pick them up, he said, “Before we go, there’s something I want to do.” He reached into his coat pocket and took out a small box. He extracted the ring inside, took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. “Abigail, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes. There’s nothing I want more than to be than Mrs. Thomas Barnes.” She threw her arms around him and embraced him fiercely. He lowered his head and kissed her soundly.
Abby and Cora both had tears in their eyes when they hugged. She next hugged Doctor Jim.
“I’ll wear my new coat,” Abby told him.
He put his arm around her waist as they walked to the café. “What’s your mother going to say?” she asked.
“I told her I was going to ask, and I was pretty sure you would say yes. She’s going to see when it’s our church’s turn to have the preacher.”
“I wish I had my wedding gown,” she said. “It doesn’t matter. I have a bright red dress I am making. I can wear that. “I’m the happiest girl in the world, Thomas, and you made it happen.
Chapter twenty-three
Going Home
The few wispy clouds glowed pink on the eastern horizon as the sun pondered whether or not to continue its climb over the mountains. The wagon rolled out of the fort with Thomas and Abby on the seat and the two cowboys flanking it. The road home wound along the backwards flowing Laramie River.
Three hours out of Fort Laramie, the sky darkened. The sun ceased its crawl across the sky. Thomas looked at the sky. “That sure came up all of a sudden,” he said. A deafening crack of thunder and a bolt of lightning flashed so close they could hear the sizzle of the vapor as it changed into steam from the heat. “I don’t like this,” he said. “I’m going to head for some
kind of shelter.”
A wall of black loomed ahead of them. They would be in it in seconds. Abby shrieked. “Stop! Don’t go in there. Stop now.” She was sobbing.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, pulling the spooked horses to a stop.
“That’s exactly what it looked like when I came here. Don’t go in there, Thomas. Please.”
“It might be your way back home,” he said.
“I am on my way home… with you. The only place I want to be.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. This is where I belong. Let’s just wait here.” She slid on the seat, moving as close to him as she could get.
The black wall thinned and was gone. The two cowboys rode up to the wagon. “Is everything okay, boss?” one asked.
“We’re fine,” Thomas said. “I thought the load had shifted, but it’s all right. We’re burning daylight. Let’s get on our way.”
* * *
Mid-afternoon the next day…
“Isn’t that beautiful?” Abby said as the ranch house came into view. “We’re almost home.”
He wrapped the reins around the brake bar. The horses knew the way home. He pulled his fiancé close and brought his lips to hers in a tender, longing kiss. She sighed, and laid her head on his shoulder. “I love you Thomas Barnes.”
“I love you too,” he said. “I know it was a big temptation. I’m glad you chose the way you did.”
The sunlight danced in her green eyes, brightened by the smile on her lips. “There was no temptation at all. I knew what I wanted and no way was I going to leave it.”
“We’re going to be good together,” he said.
“Yes, we are. Is that your mother on the porch?”
“Probably. She was pretty anxious about me being able to convince you to come back.”
Sophie wrapped Abby in a bear hug. “My prayers are answered. You came.”
“I was waiting,” Abby said. “I had just about decided to take the stage, when he came to the door.”
Romance in Time: An Oregon Trail Time Travel Romance Page 9