Page 22 of The Drifter's Bride
Chapter Nine
Dear Papa,
Please forgive me for not writing before now, but I have been so busy with everything that I don’t even know where to begin! I can’t believe that I have been here for three weeks. It almost seems like a lifetime. Aunt Ingrid was correct when she said that once it gets in your blood, you may never want to leave.
I know that is the case for Alex and Morgan, and it has become the case for me as well. I found out they live in a small town called Silver Creek. It isn’t far from where we are, but it isn’t close either. You would think that they would have moved somewhere where they could be nearer family. Cousin Caleb says it is about two days on horseback. If his wife Lydia wasn’t expecting, he said he would take me.
I’ve asked my other cousins, but everyone is rather busy right now. I’m helping Aunt Ingrid prepare for the Fourth of July celebration here at the ranch. They will roast a whole hog! Can you imagine such a thing? It will be nothing like the picnics we had on the square. How I wish you and Mama were here to see this.
Has mama come out of her bedroom yet? I hope one day she will forgive me for taking this journey. I know my path differs from hers. Perhaps I have more of the Aland blood in me, as that side of the family is full of adventurers.
I wanted to let you know that I have met the man I intend to marry. Please don’t be upset, but I just cannot marry Carlton Kendrick. I’ve decided not to return to Boston this fall. I hope you understand.
The man I love is honorable, kind, and a gentleman. Much like my papa. I wouldn’t want anyone who didn’t display those traits. I love you more than you will ever know, but it is time for me to forge my path.
I love you and Mama. Please don’t forget about me.
Your loving daughter.
Addison signed her name with a flourish and dusted powder on the still wet ink. She’d mail it when she went to town with Aunt Ingrid. She expected the entire town to descend on the Chapman ranch the following day for a pig roast and games, and Addy could hardly wait.
Aunt Ingrid even dropped a hint that Lukas might be in attendance. Addy had only seen him sparingly since the day he returned her to the Chapman ranch. Twice at church, and then once when he came to see Uncle Weston regarding a downed cow and her calf.
He was still as handsome as she remembered. Even more so since it had been a while since she had seen him. Of course, he stopped and said a few words to her, but it didn’t go beyond the normal pleasantries. When Marmee asked him to stay for lunch, Addy was elated. But he couldn’t, saying he needed to get back to relieve a cowboy watching the downed mother.
Perhaps she might see him in town today. Didn’t Uncle Weston say that several of the men had the day off?
Blowing the excess powder off the letter, she folded it up and stuffed it in an envelope before scribbling Papa’s address on the envelope. Sighing, she gathered up her things and went to find Aunt Ingrid.
Her aunt wasn’t in the great room, so Addy placed her items on the table and headed outside. Her foot was feeling much better, and her limp wasn’t as pronounced. Doc said it would be a few weeks until she felt like her old self again, and if she wasn’t chasing after barnyard animals, she would be fine to walk on it for short distances.
She liked Doc Mueller. An immigrant from Germany, he still had his accent, even though he had been living in Nebraska for nearly forty years. He reminded Addison of her Grandfather Aland, with his warm smile and infectious laughter. Doc was just one of the wonderful people she had met during her brief stay.
There were all her cousins who lived locally. They had started their own families and had one or two children apiece. Marmee doted on her grandchildren and Addy loved spending time with the little ones. It made her long for the day she could present her husband with a son or daughter. She wondered what her children would look like.
Would they have brownish hair? Or perhaps a red head? Red hair was common in the Aland family and every family had at least one red-haired child. Maybe they would grow up to be independent women. Maybe even lead the way for women’s rights like their cousin Alice. Or perhaps they would all grow up to be cowboys.
She hoped they looked like Lukas.
Stopping herself, as the last thought entered her mind. She gave a little smile. How could she even entertain having children with someone when she’d only seen him a handful of times?
What was it that Aunt Ingrid said?
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Well, it certainly did in her case.
She spied Aunt Ingrid coming out of the barn, leading a tall chestnut horse. “Are you ready to leave?” Addy asked, walking out to meet her aunt.
“I thought we could take the gig carriage today. I only need a few items from the mercantile and to mail my letters,” Aunt Ingrid said, walking the horse over to the carriage house. “Rich, please hitch Molasses up to my buggy and bring it to the front of the house?”
“Yes ma’am,” the young man said. “Good morning, Miss Aland.” He tipped his hat to her.
“Good morning, Rich.”
Aunt Ingrid grabbed her elbow and led her away from the barn. “Did you write your letter?”
“I did. I would like to pick up several yards of fabric to make a new dress while I’m there.”
