Lou stepped gingerly over the kittens to settle on the floor next to her friend. “On the contrary, a quantum physicist has observed that an atom in one energy state cannot change its energy as long as it is being observed. This phenomenon is known as the Zeno effect.”
“So, the watched journal will never produce a time-traveler’s letter.” Journey abruptly pushed the leather-bound book away from her. “Seriously, Lou, you are so weird.”
“Also, an observable fact.” She picked up one of the kittens to snuggle against her cheek. “I do have good news on that front. There may be hope for me yet. I’m proud to announce that I have a date with Samuel Blackhawk this coming Saturday night.”
“Wonderful!” Journey’s spirits lifted at the thought. “He seems very nice.”
“I think so. He called me while you were in Wichita Falls. We talked for over an hour.”
“About what? The Zeno effect?” She couldn’t help but tease her friend.
“No. For your information, we discussed rock climbing. He’s very interested in outdoor activities. As I am.”
“Since when?” Journey giggled. “We’ve been friends forever and I have never known you to go camping or hiking or anything like that. You’re an inside girl.”
“A person can change. Especially with the right incentive.”
“Oh, is Sam Blackhawk incentive enough?
“Oh, yea. I’d say so. Have you seen those muscles?”
“Sorry. I’ve been a little preoccupied.” Journey’s smile faded. I’m going nuts, Lou. This is the fifth day. What could have happened?” she asked, then bent double, her face resting on her knees. “Anything could’ve happened to him.”
“Do you remember what Kota told us? We need to have faith.”
“It’s hard, Lou. I keep imagining the worst has happened.” Unable to sit still, Journey pushed to her feet. “Is there scientific proof for faith?”
Lou considered her question. “Researchers believe in theories, but seldom do they believe in miracles…unless they’ve seen one. Trust isn’t blind, Jo. Our present confidence must be grounded on solid evidence. Today, we can believe in a miracle because of what we’ve seen with our own eyes.”
“It’s difficult to have faith in something you don’t understand.”
“Maybe so, but there’s one thing I know you can have faith in, because you’ve seen its power for yourself.” Seeing the look of hope on Journey’s face, Lou continued to make her case. “Love, Journey. You’ve witnessed firsthand the power of love. The connection you and Reno share bridged two centuries. Somehow, your souls connected despite the constraints of time. I have never seen a truer bond between two people. Not in movies. Not in books. What you share is rare beyond words. Truly miraculous.”
Journey wiped her eyes and hugged her friend. “What would I do without you, Lou?”
“I don’t know, I’m pretty amazing.”
“Yes, you are.” Journey hugged her again. “You’re right. I shall see Reno again; I just know I will. I have faith.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“My friends already think I’m crazy, Journey. If they come out here and find me talking to the moon, their suspicions will only be confirmed.” He sat on the top railing of the corral fence, his eye on the waning moon. “I know you can’t hear me, but I love you so much. I miss you more than you’ll ever know.” Pouring his heart out, he told her about his trip to Austin. “We told Governor Pease about Kinsella and John Taylor. I hope he listened; I’m not sure he did. My disappointment is so great over this situation, losing Ela broke my heart.” He also related his plan to leave for Washington with Gentry. “As soon as I say goodbye to the children in the morning, we’ll ride to Waco to catch the stage for Washington. Once we show Wallace our evidence, we’ll be on our way to North Carolina. Hopefully, we’ll be bringing Cole home with us.” Lastly, he gave her the bad news. “I’m sorry I haven’t put the letter in the journal yet. Turns out, Gentry’s sister packed it up in a trunk with things she bought the children and the book’s halfway to Boston by now. He’s sending her a telegram to have the journal shipped to Wallace’s office. The moment Saul’s journal is in my hands, I’ll send word to you. I swear.” With that heartfelt promise, Reno took one last look at the moon. “Goodnight, my love. Until I can hold you in my arms, I’ll hold you in my heart.”
…Before dawn, Reno crept into the children’s rooms to say goodbye. He pulled up their covers, kissed rosy cheeks, and retrieved Tess’s doll from the floor to return to her arms. Words of love were whispered in every ear, but only the oldest two roused enough to respond.
“When will you be back, Reno?” Huck asked, rubbing his eyes.
“As soon as I’m able, not a moment longer.” A pang of remorse tugged at his heart. As much as he longed to return to Journey, he dreaded telling these little ones goodbye forever.
When it came Saul’s turn, he sat up in the bed. “I know you have to go. Your brother needs your help, but please be careful. We need you.”
“I need you too.” Reno tried to push the ache down deep in his chest. If there was any way he could have it all – Journey, his baby, his friends, and these children – he’d grab onto the miracle with both hands. “Take care of your brothers and sisters for me.”
“I will. You take care of yourself for us.”
“I have my extra six-shooter and my knife. Already packed.” Reno promised he’d be safe, then he fled before the tears came.
* * *
“Breathe deeply, Reno.” Gentry showed him how as they rode north toward Waco.
