Page 77 of Wagon Train Redemption
“As to our plans. There is need for someone to run a shipping business here, goods to transport in every direction. I’ve set up a shop, purchased wagons, and hired drivers. I won’t be doing the freighting. I’ll only be in charge. So, Marnie and I are staying right here.”
The murmur at his answer showed approval.
“Me now?” Bertie asked.
Gabe nodded.
“Gabe say I can help with horses and oxen he buy.”
A chorus of congratulations greeted his announcement. Angela wasn’t the only one who understood what big news this was that Bertie felt safe to move beyond the walls of the house and their little barn.
Irene and Walt had found a homestead to file on.
Angela tried to picture the girl as a housewife.
Irene leaned forward. “I’ll be doing my share clearing land and raising cattle.”
“That’s more like what I expected,” Angela murmured.
Both of them expressed gratitude for each other.
Irene added, “Walt’s getting to like how I ride.” Which earned her a burst of laughter from the others.
Next was Joe. “I am most grateful for this family.”
Hazel nodded. “Me too.” She patted Joe’s arm. “You tell them.”
The man’s dark eyes brimmed with love as he looked at hiswife before his gaze circled the table. “I’ve been to visit that trading post I was told about. I’m taking it over. We’re packed and ready to leave within the week.”
Ma must have known for she nodded. “We’ll miss you. Petey will be grown up next time I see him.”
“Ma, we’ll be sure and visit often.”
Angela sat up and folded her hands in her lap. “I am grateful for this family who gave me a chance to start over and for a husband who loves me just as I am.”
Carson bent over and kissed her on the nose. “What’s not to love?” He turned to the others. “I’m thankful for the help we had getting our little house up. We are all set for the winter. Angie, tell them your news.”
“Yes, of course. With the money Father left for such a purpose, under the care of a kind matronly woman, I have set up a home back in Ontario for unwed mothers. My goal is they will find hope, healing, and love. Ma has agreed if any of them wish to come out here as mail-order brides, they can live here while they and the prospective groom learn about each other.” The others now knew Angela’s ma had been an unwed mother and not a one of them had judged Angela for it. “I must add how grateful I am that you all continue to accept me even knowing my past.”
Murmurs of encouragement and acceptance.
Louise and Cecil were thankful for each other and Dobie.
“There’s a little settlement to the north in need of a nurse and a blacksmith. We’ll be headed that way soon.”
“I’m thankful for Pepper,” Dobie said and added solemnly, “and a new ma and pa.”
Ruby and Robert didn’t have to say what they were thankful for. Even without their words, their warm glances said it all.
Robert grinned widely. “We’ll be enjoying winter in Banff. Like Joe and Hazel, we’ll be leaving in a fewdays.”
All eyes turned to Ma. Her gaze slowly took in each one of them.
“Your pa would be so proud of you all.”
Her comment brought a sting of tears to Angela’s eyes.
“Thank you, Carson, for this lovely house where I know Gabe and Bertie and I will be very happy and where I hope we can help any young women who come to us to also be happy.” She paused. “I cannot begin to name all the things I’m grateful for. Safe travels, of course. Gabe, but that goes without saying.” She clasped his hand by his plate. “I can think of no better way to express my thanks than to sing the Doxology.”
