Walk on the same ground where Reno walked.
See the stars from the same perspective he once saw them.
Close her eyes and pretend she could hear his voice on the wind.
So – what was she waiting for?
Journey’s eyes clouded with tears. Her hand trembled on the wheel as she caught sight of the great, granite mountain in the distance. A ragged, sad sigh escaped her lips as she recognized the truth.
The only thing holding her back was the little voice in her head warning Journey that she could lose herself. Become so entrenched in dreams of the past that she no longer tried to live in the world around her.
Journey knew Lou feared this, she could almost read her friend’s mind sometimes. “I’m okay. I’ll be fine,” she promised herself as she put on her blinker to turn at the entrance to the ranch. “There’s a reason I am the way I am. Maybe, this trip I’ll figure out what that reason could be.”
Reno
The afternoon sun was shining brightly when Reno came into view of the Stanton cabin. He sat up straighter in the saddle, straining to see if anyone was looking for him – awaiting his arrival. Only a few more yards and he was rewarded. He’d been spotted. Two children came running to him as fast as their little legs could carry them.
“Reno! Reno!”
He quickly dismounted, going to his knees to catch Huck and Emory up in his arms. “How are you two scoundrels?”
“We’re good.” Six-year old Emory kissed Reno on his cheek.
Reno returned the little fellow’s affection, giving him a gentle peck on the forehead. “What are you doing watching for me? Don’t you have chores to do?”
“Saul said you were coming, and we begged him to let us keep an out eye for you.” Huck patted Reno on the shoulder. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“Me too!” Emory shouted.
“Me three!”
The third little voice was the most welcome sound he could ever imagine. He gently set the boys down to greet Miss Tessa Marie. At four years old, she was the apple of his eye. “Hey, darling.”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again and again.
Reno felt like his heart might burst with sheer joy.
“Come on in, Reno. Soup’s on!”
Saul’s welcoming voice drew their attention. “Great. Let me take care of Traveler and I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll do it for you!” At nine, Huck was slight for his age. He made up for any inadequacy in size by the strength of his determination.
“Thank you, son. I’ll take the supplies in.” He threw the two saddlebags over his other shoulder. “There you go. Be careful, Bud.” Reno relinquished Traveler’s reins to the boy as Emory pulled him toward the open door. “Slow down, rascal. You’re going to trip and make us all fall down.”
“Keep up, Reno!” Emory admonished him as they crossed the threshold. “I’ve got a new pet. A turtle. Want to see?”
“Absolutely.” Reno smiled with indulgence as he watched the little guy run off to fetch his new friend. “I’ll just place these over in the corner.” Still carrying Tess on his hip, he rested the bags on the floor. “I think I brought everything you’ll need until I get back.”
“Thanks. I…uh…appreciate it.”
“So…” He turned to Saul who was tending a pot hanging over the fire. “Busy as always I see.”
The young man met Reno’s gaze. “There doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.”
Reno nodded, understanding. He bent to place a wriggling Tess on the floor. “I have something for you, little girl.”
With wide eyes she waited while he fished the doll from his saddlebag. “Here you go. Miss Amelia made that for you.”
“Oh, it’s so pitty,” she whispered, gathering the gift to her cheek. “I wuv it.” Happily, she settled near the fire to enjoy some playtime with her new toy.
“Oh, and I have something else. Look, Saul.” He brought out the portraits Fancy had given him earlier in the day. “Isn’t that a fine likeness?”
Saul came close and grinned. “We all look mad about something, don’t we?” He laughed at Huck’s scowl. “He looks like he has an itch he can’t scratch.”
“This face isn’t much better, is it?” Reno held up the tintype of himself. “I look plum spooked.”
“Oh, no. That’s a good one.” He held out his hands. “May I have it?”
“Sure. What would I do with it?”
Saul hugged the portraits close. “Let me go put these in my journal. Where they’ll be safe.”
Reno waited until Saul returned to stir the pot of soup. “Seems like you have everything well in hand.” His eyes roved the one-room cabin, taking in the neat beds, folded clothes on a chair, and the McGuffey reader open on the table. “I see Buck’s schoolbooks came in.” He knew Saul’s mother, a former schoolmarm, taught Saul to read. Now, it fell on Saul to teach his brothers and sister.
“Yea, Clay brought it by on his way to Fredericksburg.”
“Good man.” Oh, they’d had their differences along the way, but Reno knew he could count on the man who’d essentially taken Cole’s place after his father ripped their family apart, leaving Reno and his mother alone. Hard times had followed. Single mothers never have it easy, especially when they aren’t white. The truth was if it hadn’t been for Clay Bennett, there’s no telling what would’ve happened to them. Their young neighbor took it upon himself to make sure Reno and his mother didn’t go wanting for any of the necessities. Since Reverend Thomas Bennett hadn’t considered Mrs. Black and her son to be worthy recipients of his church’s Christian charity, Clay incurred the wrath of
