The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 27

Even though the repairs had cost more time than they had saved, they arrived at Colbert's Ferry a full day and one half ahead of the timetable. The fresh teams weren't available yet so Mr. Colbert presented them with a fine dinner with pastry, butter, and sugar for the coffee. Three luxuries Vic hadn't seen much of since leaving St. Louis.

She hurried through dinner and went out to the stage. The seats weren't upholstered, but it was the quiet place she was looking for. She climbed up and retrieved her saddle bags. Sitting on the floor, she used the seat as a desk to spread out her writing things.

Dear Abigail:

This is the first real chance I've had to write since I left Fort Smith.

I am well. The trip has been fairly easy, and we're one and one half days ahead of the time table—but it isn't without its events.

Back in Pusley I was offered a bride. One old Indian there owned 700 head of cattle and...a daughter. She had eyes like black glass and long braids of raven hair decorated with beaded leather strips and feathers. Her father offered half of his cattle to the white man who married his daughter. Thankfully, she seemed taken with our other passenger instead.

Then there's Mr. Colbert, the richest Indian in the Chickasaw nation. He owns Colbert's Ferry. He's on his third wife and has 10 children. He says he's young and strong and will out-last many more wives and have many more children.

And then, there is the most humorous tale of Tom and the broken stage, but I'll relate that in another letter. I'll write more when I can.

Regards,

VB

She blotted the page and carefully folded the letter before getting a fresh sheet of paper.

My Darling:

I'm in good health and am nearly to Texas. The stage is moving along well. We're a full day and one half ahead of the timetable. I'll be in San Francisco in a little less than a month. From there, I'll wire Mr. Hargrove and head back to Santa Fe. I'm grateful to be so far out west. Life's grand and bold here.

I hope that when you come you find it to your liking for it would grieve me much to return east again. Please know, my darling, that my heart is yours. I'll follow you to the ends of the earth should you ask it of me. But also know that I've found where I belong. My heart tells me that the west is where I was meant to be and I'll find my greatest happiness here, if you'll be with me.

I look forward to being with you again.

All my love,

VB

Again, she carefully blotted the page and neatly folded the letter. She held it in her hand, staring at it for a moment before she tore it up. She couldn't force Jeremy to choose. She put her things away and headed for the station when the door opened. Tom lifted his hand to wave then pointed. She turned and saw the cloud of dust off in the distance. The fresh team would arrive in a few minutes.

***

Tom nudged Vic awake and tossed his chin toward the road ahead. Vic tightened her grip on the rifle across her lap and sat up straighter as she looked about.

"Diamond Station coming up." Tom said by way of explanation. Vic relaxed a little and he continued, "What do you know about mules?"

"Nothing. I'm real good with horses though, and I know some about oxen." She looked hard at Tom, wondering why he was grinning so, "Why?"