Since Reverend Spalding and his family arrived only three weeks ago, he has been cleaning house. Deacon Wiesel was relieved of his position, and Climie barely lived through it and lost another baby that never saw the light of day. Wiesel has now left town, but Reverend Spalding refused to let Climie go with her husband, no matter how Wiesel ranted and raved. She is healing well but will be disfigured for life. She has moved in with Josephine’s parents to assist them in their later years. Now Grandma Larkin is able to enjoy her family more, and Grandpa is getting good care.
Needless to say, we are so grateful for Rev. Spalding and his lovely wife. They have two children still living at home. Their eldest son is in college and planning to follow in his father’s footsteps.
I hate to leave you with this news, but Wiesel left town still blaming our family for all his troubles—Lark, especially, which is not a surprise. As far as we know, he has no idea where you might have gone, other than west.
I must close. Lark, I wish you were here to take care of the store books. You are far better at that than I am. Josephine loves our house, and I must say I do not miss living above the store. Jonah seems to be shaping up, and we keep praying for God to work His miracles there. Jonah helps out at Holt’s ranch at times too.
Farewell and thank you for the wonderful letters. With love and prayers from all of us here.
Your brother and sister-in-law,
Anders and Josephine Nielsen
“So much good news.” Forsythia clasped her hands around her knees and scooted closer to the campfire. “You said there is another, more recent?”
“Yes.” Lark opened the envelope. Reading the words made her miss Anders something fierce, and even Jonah, troublemaker that he was. Though it sounded like that might be changing. She prayed so.
My dear family,
I hope this letter catches you before you leave with the wagon train. I have been marking your progress on a calendar, so we have some idea of where you might be. Thank you for the letters you have sent, which we read over and over.
Much has happened here, and some of it is not good. Jonah sneaked his way back to the saloon, so though it nearly killed us, he no longer works at the store or lives above it, and until he can learn to live up to his promises, he is not welcome here either. I now know the horrible sadness of the father in the story of the prodigal son. I pray our prodigal brother will come to his senses and return to those who love him no matter what.
I am not that father, though, because I cannot allow him here if he doesn’t mend his ways. He has to decide and adhere to his decision to live without booze and gambling.
Arthur Holt has hired him to work on his ranch full-time, but the same rule applies: If you return to the saloon, you will be on your own. He says Jonah is working hard and hopefully too tired at night to have any desire to go to town.
The mercantile is doing well, even better now that Josephine has taken over the bookkeeping and Climie is our newest employee. You can see her blossoming, as my Josephine says.
I have heard of some land available in southern Nebraska. A man wants to sell his homestead property near a town called Salton. I do not know the rules for purchasing a homesteaded property, but I am in contact with an attorney in Salton, under whom I served in the war. This is rather convoluted, I know, but we shall see.
Love from your brother,
Anders Nielsen
Lark’s heart sank, despite the news about possible land. Jonah, Jonah, truly you are like your stubborn biblical namesake. Lord, what is it going to take to knock some sense into his head?
Her sisters sat subdued around the fire.
“He’ll come back someday, Lark.” Lilac reached out to squeeze her arm.
“I sure hope so.” Lark opened the letter from Mrs. Herron next. Its warmth and homey bits of family news lifted all their hearts. What a precious connection that had been.
“Who is the last letter from?” Del asked.
“No clue.” Lark slit it open and read.
To Clark “Jimson,”
I decided I needed to inform you that your little brother got a bit in his cups and bragged about your new last name and where you’re bound for. I felt honored that he shared that bit of information with me, as I feel it is time to move on, perhaps to points west, once the railroad comes through.
I wanted to remind you that I have not forgotten the way you made a fool of me and left me nearly penniless. I do mean to repay you, however long it may take for our paths to cross again.
Slate Ringwald
Lark’s fingers stiffened on the paper, the words settling cold in her belly. What in land sakes had Jonah done now?
13
Forward, ho!”
The call echoed down the wagons pulling into line in their assigned positions.
Forsythia and Del looked at each other on the wagon seat and nodded. Forsythia murmured their farewell prayer. “We’re on our way. Dear Lord, guide and protect us. Give Mr. Hayes wisdom beyond his usual in his responsibility for all these people and all the things that can happen on this journey. And, Lord, if you will, bring full healing to Alice and her baby.”
Del added the “amen” and reached over to hug her sister. “It’s going to be long, but I do believe this is God’s plan for us, that He has the perfect place all picked out.”
Forsythia nodded and pressed back the
