Epilogue

L ate October

They were eager to get together for a family, agreeing they all had much to be grateful for and what better way to celebrate than with a meal together?

Angela peered into the mirror to adjust her hair. “I can’t wait to see everyone and catch up on their news.”

“Are you sure you’re not eager to tell them your news?” Carson’s likeness appeared beside her reflection.

Joy bubbled up inside her like an endless gurgling stream. Daily, she reveled in their love for each other.

Satisfied with her hair, she turned into his arms. His lips caught hers in a long, fulfilling kiss. He edged back, trailing his finger along her cheek to rest on her chin.

“Mrs. Woods, we must be on our way if we don’t want to be late.”

She sniffed. “Well, we wouldn’t want that.” She broke into laughter as, hand in hand, they rushed out the door. The wagon stood ready for their departure. Sid and Sal, the oxen, had been retired for the winter. Come spring, they would pull the breaking plow. But a pair of fine black horses were set to take them to town.

Carson lifted her to the seat and climbed up beside her. Boss jumped into the wagon box. He never let them leave without him.

She studied their house. It was small. Two rooms. Wide windows faced in three directions, so at any time of the day, they had their choice of views—the mountains, now wearing white caps or the tree-lined creek or the rolling hills. Carson had insisted on a small window on the fourth side so he could keep an eye on every part of the homesite.

Their temporary kitchen had been dismantled. The wagon no longer carried a canvas hoop.

They turned a corner, and she lost sight of her new home. Carson squeezed her hands and pulled her closer. “Happy?”

His rough jacket rubbed her face as she pressed closer. “More than I dreamed was possible. All thanks to you.” Her words caught in her throat. She still couldn’t believe he loved her fully and freely.

“As I’ve said so many times, you are not, nor have you ever been guilty of any sin in regards to your birth. I wish you could put that memory clean out of your mind.”

“Thanks to you, it no longer feels the same. But I don’t want to forget how it is for women like my mother. Or their children.”

Dipping his head, he kissed her forehead. “You’re helping them.”

“That is my plan.” She sat back, noting the changes the season had brought. Brown and yellow leaves drifted over the trail. A few stubborn golden leaves clung to almost bare branches. A V of geese flew overhead, honking their news that they were headed south to warmer climes for the winter. They hadn’t seen any bears nearby but knew to be cautious as the big animals sought to put on as much weight as they could before they went into hibernation.

They reached a more traveled portion of the trail. She cupped a hand over her eyes. In the distance, she made out another wagon.

“Ruby and Robert,” Carson said. “This will be our last chance to see them before they go to Banff.”

Content to be beside her husband and looking forward to seeing the rest of the family, Angela settled back to enjoy the trip.

In town, they parked in front of the house where Ma and Gabe lived with Bertie. Ruby and Robert’s wagon was already there. There was also a buggy.

“Louise and Cecil?”

“Could be,” her husband agreed.

“Carson here.” Bertie rushed out, Limpy barking at his side and Alice bouncing along happy just to be with Bertie.

Boss growled a warning, but Carson shushed him. “You know Bertie and his dog.”

Angela glanced at the dog and laughed. “Can dogs roll their eyes? Sure looks like he just did that.”

Rocking on his toes, Bertie barely waited for Angela’s feet to hit the ground before he wrapped her in a bear hug. “You come.”

“Of course I did.”

The door opened, and Ma ran toward them. “Carson, Angela, so good to see you. Come in. The others are here.”

Warm air and the sound of many voices greeted them. Roast venison, cooked turnips, and pumpkin pie scented the air.

Dobie carried a small puppy. “This is Pepper.”

Angela hugged the boy and petted his dog. “He’s going to be a good friend.”

Little Petey squirmed from Hazel’s lap and ran to them. He lifted his arms to Carson who tossed him in the air. “Look how big you’re getting.”

“I two.” Petey held up two chubby fingers.

After a flurry of greetings, Ma hurried them to the long table crowding the living room.

“Ma, it looks wonderful.” A snowy white tablecloth formed the backdrop for Ma’s best china that had accompanied them across the country. Low centerpieces of colored leaves rested in two places along the length of the table. “I’ll help bring in the food.”

“It’s all ready.” Ma took platters from the warming oven, loaded serving dishes from the stove, and handed them to the girls. And then everyone sat around the table.

Gabe stood. “We are blessed in so many ways. Our journey across the country is over, and we have arrived safely. We have all found new homes and started new families.” His voice thickened as he smiled at Ma. “I’ll ask the blessing.” He bowed his head. For a moment, the room was silent except for the breathing of the puppy who lay on a blanket by Dobie’s chair. “Father in Heaven, our hearts are full of gratitude this day. For journeying mercies, for health and happiness, for dear family members, for the promise of new beginnings, and for the abundance of good food that fills our table. Most of all, we are thankful for the gift of salvation. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

The others echoed his amen. Carson squeezed Angela’s hand under the table signaling his own gratitude. Her smile offered the same.

“Eat up,” Gabe said.

He didn’t need to say it twice. The bowls and platter and fresh buns were passed around the table. “It’s delicious, Ma,” Carson said, a sentiment the others reiterated.

Conversation was as lively as the meal was delicious. The main course over, the serving dishes and dinner plates removed, Gabe rose again. “This may be the last time we are together until…for a spell. Your ma and I thought before we enjoyed her wonderful pie, we’d like to go around the table and give everyone a chance to say something they’re thankful for and also tell us all the latest about their plans. I’ll start.” He sat down.

“I am grateful for my wife, Marnie.” His look to Ma was warm and claiming. He turned to his other side. “And a helpful, cheerful son like Bertie.”

Bertie squirmed with pleasure.

“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 his wife 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 few days.”

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.”

Together, they joined in the familiar words. “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

A reverent hush filled the room as the last note died.

Conversation arose again as pie was served.

Later, the meal cleaned up, the family walked down the street to the little church and joined their neighbors in a heartfelt celebration.

The light was fading from the sky when Carson and Angela bid everyone good night and headed home.

“That was a lovely, lovely day,” she murmured against his shoulder.

“One we will remember forever.”

“We will make many more precious memories together.”

He caught her lips in a lingering kiss. “I hope this is one of them.”

“It is.” She hugged his arm.

Today was only the beginning.