Dawn’s Destiny: Romance on the Oregon Trail Book 3

by Ball, Kathleen

  She looked around and grinned. “They got a bear. I haven’t had bear in a long while. Supper will be something to look forward to.”

  “I confess I haven’t had bear before.”

  “I’d had it on occasion when Lincoln would go hunting. There was much meat to be had, and of course the bear skin made a good rug. If I had known how to cure the skin we could have used them as blankets. It’s hard work scraping and scarping the skin. But I now know how. Of course a bear is nothing to fool with. They are hard to kill.”

  “Was the house you and your husband had nice?”

  She nodded. “It ended up much bigger than I thought it would. Lincoln liked to surprise me that way. It was made of logs, and there were four bedrooms. I guess he expected a big family.” She blushed. “He could be stubborn, and his word was final, but I figured I could cure him of that eventually. He did listen to my opinion and I liked that. He was a good father. How he loved Patricia, it was heartwarming to watch the two of them together. I used to wonder what our life would have been like if the Lakota never came. But I learned that dreaming about things that couldn’t be only hurt and made my heart harder to heal.”

  “I’m so sorry about what happened to your family. I am proud of the way you survived. I can’t imagine coming out of there with my life. Maybe at the fort you can contact whoever you need to. I bet they’d like to know you’re alive.”

  “I meant it when I said there was no one. My parents and his both died of small pox. We lost many in our settlement, but it didn’t spread any further. It was a hard time, but Lincoln and I saw each other through it. What do you suppose other woman who escaped have done? Did their community embrace her when she returned? I would have thought yes, but from the attitudes of many I’ve seen, I don’t think it the case. If a woman was taken by outlaws and she escaped but she’d endured many of the same things, do you think people would turn their backs on her?”

  “Probably not. I wish I could have made things easier for you.” He sighed.

  “I learned a lot from you. I’m wiser for it.”

  She turned from him and watched the land they passed.

  When they did stop, she made supper and smiled at everyone. She had them fooled, but he could see her pain. After the chores were all done, he heated water and found strips of cloth to use. Then he sat on the crate next to her and put her foot on his thigh. Her eyes widened but she didn’t pull away.

  He cleaned her foot. Her feet were still full of scabs and open wounds. When he was done, she nodded at him.

  “Thank you. They feel better than they did. The moccasins help. I bet you have plenty of other things you’d rather be doing, though, and I‘m fine here alone.”

  “Maybe I enjoy your company,” he said.

  She shook her head and glanced away. “Please don’t. It hurts too much. I’m not your responsibility. I lost control of my feelings for a while but I’ve hardened my heart. I’m not sure if I can take being hurt like that again. I’m going to bed.”

  “It’s early.”

  “I know. I think I’ll light the candle lantern and read for a bit. Good night.”

  She was getting mighty quick at getting into the wagon. He should have said he was sorry and begged her forgiveness. Maybe she’s right. He didn’t know anything about relationships. How was he going to convince Dawn he didn’t mean the things he said. He didn’t want Zander to start making comments about her. He wasn’t the nicest at times.

  He stood and waited until the light flickered inside the wagon. “Dawn, I need my bedroll.”

  He heard rustling, and the canvas opened. She held his bedding out to him. “I didn’t think that the rest of you might need something.”

  He took the bedroll. She was so utterly beautiful with her hair unbound. He wanted to touch it, but he knew better. He smiled his thanks, and when he turned around, he found Patty Mince sitting at the fire. She was always trying to get him alone but he thought he’d let her down gently enough, Yet, here she was again.

  “Good evening, Heath.” She battered her eyelashes at him.

  “Does your father know where you are?”

  “I’m old enough. Besides, I thought you had feelings for the Indian woman. Since now I know you can’t stand her, here I am.”

  “You must have heard wrong.” He sat on a crate across the fire from her. “Patty, you’re a bit young for me. I know we talked about it before.”

  “I’m fifteen now. I just had a birthday. I’m old enough. Besides I think we would get on just fine plus I told my father we were getting married.”

  Before Patty had the word marriage out, Dawn was dressed and out of the wagon.

  “I didn’t realize you had company, Heath.” She sat on a crate next to him.

  “Dawn, this is Patty.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Dawn said and then smiled. “Where is that young man you usually spend your evenings with? Bobby I think is his name.”

  Patty narrowed her eyes as she stared at Dawn. “He’s just a boy. He wouldn’t be able to take care of a wife and a family. Plus his parents need him to help work the new land. Women are more mature than boys, don’t you agree?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it depends. I was married at sixteen, but Lincoln had been building our house for a year before he asked me to marry him. He was eighteen, and I never felt we were too young.”

  “How old are you know? You look like you’re about thirty years old. Your skin isn’t soft or dewy like a young woman.”

  “I’m almost twenty but I feel much older. I’m sure I lost that dewy look the day my husband and baby were killed.” She angled her head and stared openly at Patty. “I didn’t know you and Heath were so close.”

  Patty nodded. “We have been from the first night on the trail. At least until you came and took up his time.”

  Dawn turned and met Heath’s eyes. “Heath, you could have had someone else take care of me. You never once mentioned you had a young lady friend.”

  He didn’t know what to say. Somehow, Patty was trying to rope him into marriage.

  “Does your father know you’re to have a child?”

  Patty gasped and Heath stared at Dawn. So that was the reason Patty was here. He had never even held hands with the child. How did Dawn know Patty was expecting?

  “Patty, you need to tell your father the truth,” Heath said, trying to sound firm.

  “I want to be able to tell him we’re getting married first. Of course I don’t know where you’d live, Dawn.” She all but smirked.

  “Dawn is here at the invitation of the Walshes. I don’t own a thing. I share the space under the wagon with Zander. I work for wages of which I’m saving every penny. You do know how to work a ranch, don’t you? Milk cows, clean out the horse stalls, wash the clothes, cook the meals, help with the butchering of the pigs each fall?” Heath tried to be as serious as possible. If she named him the father, he’d have to marry her. He glanced at Dawn. There was only one woman he loved, and he’d made such a muddle of things but he wasn’t ready to give up.

  “I’m sure we can hire someone. I’ll have the baby to take care of.”

  “What about the father? Doesn’t he have a right to know? It is his child too.”

  “Heath I know this is a shock. I’ll give you a day to mull it over before my father comes after you with a shotgun. We will be married.” She stood and with a toss of her head, she turned and walked toward her wagon.

  “I never—”

  Dawn reached over and took his hand. “I know you didn’t. She’s determined, and I’m sorry but I think you’ll have to marry her.”

  “It’s not her I love.” He stared into her blue eyes for a few long minutes. Then he nodded, confident Dawn loved him. “You’d best get some sleep.” He smiled at her. He stood and lifted her into the wagon. “Good night, lass. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”

  She gave him the sweetest smile he’d gotten from her in weeks. His heart contracted. What if it was the last s
mile she ever gave him? He’d fight Patti with everything he had but in the end it was usually the girl with child who was believed.

  It wasn’t fair. He really thought there would be a chance for him and Dawn. He figured he’s have months yet to convince her that he loved her. He’d caused her such pain and he never meant to. Would he wake up to a shotgun in his face with Mr. Mince at the other end of it? He shook his head. He really wouldn’t be able to hire any help at first but Patti didn’t take it as truth. It was a doomed marriage he wished he could run from.

  * * *

  “Dawn, wake up!” Luella’s urgent voice roused her.

  Dawn’s heart pounded with fear. “What?”

  “Patty Mince’s Pa is out for blood. We need you to marry Heath and now.”

  Dawn sat up and watched as Luella went through her trunk and started pulling things out. She took out one dress and her eyes lit up.

  “Did you make this? It’s beautiful, and the blue matches your eyes. Well, come on I know you want to rescue him, don’t you?”

  Dawn quickly got up and started washing with the warm water in the basin Luella must have brought in. She got dressed while Luella tried to keep up with her and brush her hair.

  “You look lovely. Cora and I decided we’d both stand up for you. If you’ll have us.”

  Dawn laughed. “Good. Has Mr. Mince gotten the shot gun yet?”

  “No, but we expect him back with one any time.”

  Dawn went to the back of the wagon and there waiting for her was Heath. He looked freshly shaved and he had a clean new shirt on. He looked so handsome.

  “You’re beautiful.” He held his arms up and grasped her around the waist and set her down.

  They didn’t get to speak to one another. Reverend Paul and his wife Della were there, and the next thing she knew they were married. She glanced around and discovered even Captain London was there. Heath barely kissed her, and she was just as glad. She started to shake when he got closer. Hopefully, with time she’d be able to allow him to kiss her. She did hold his hand and didn’t object when he laced his fingers through hers.

  It all happened so fast, she almost forgot about Patty until Mr. Mince stood in front of them with his rifle. He pointed it at them and Heath immediately put her behind him.

  “I suggest you have a conversation with Bobby. I never even looked at Patty. She’s a nice kid, but that’s all it is. I bet Bobby’s parents have no idea where he’s been most nights.”

  “Reverend, come with me,” Mr. Mince said, his mouth forming a grim line as he seemed to acknowledge the likely truth of Heath’s words. “You will be performing another marriage this day.”

  Captain London muttered that it best be a quick wedding as they needed to get going.

  After a few hugs, she was left alone with Heath. The words he said to Zander came back to her. “I’ll go change.” She turned from him and climbed into the wagon before he was close enough to help her.

  Dismay washed over her. What had she done? She’d tied herself to a man who thought she brought shame with her. Marriage wasn’t easy, and she couldn’t help but worry. She put on her calico dress and stepped down out of the wagon.

  Breakfast was made and ready for her to eat. Most of the dishes were washed. Heath sat by the fire drinking coffee. He didn’t look particularly upset.

  “Come on Mrs. Leary, let’s have breakfast together on this grand day.”

  She took her plate and coffee and sat next to him. “I know you didn’t want to get married, Heath, and I’m sorry it was me you ended up with.” She held up her hand to stop him from talking. “You know I don’t know if I could ever be a proper wife to you and you deserve better than me. I’m battered and scarred. I’m not pretty with unblemished skin. I married you to help a friend. I have no illusions it’s anything else. We do well as friends, so maybe we can be friends again or you could leave me at the Fort. I’d never think less of you if you did.”

  “Wagons ho!” came Captain London’s call.

  She jumped up and began to pack the last few things into the wagon. Then she scrambled on the bench while Heath yoked the oxen.

  She couldn’t help but compare this wedding to the one she’d had with Lincoln. There had been so much happiness she thought she’d burst from it. They’d all danced until the wee hours of the morning. Everything had been lovely. But now…

  Swallowing hard, she put a smile on to face the day.

  Heath climbed up and they were off, getting into line. It would probably be a long day of travel. They were days away from the fort, and she needed to make a huge decision. She could be brave and give Heath his freedom while she stayed at the fort. She’d find her way. She knew she would.

  “That was quite the morning,” he said.

  “Yes, I’ve never had Luella wake me before. She rummaged through my trunk and found my dress.”

  It’s a fine dress. Did you make it?”

  “Yes, it’s one I worked on after I made the shirts for you and useful dresses for me. I don’t know why I made it actually. I can’t hide who I am. I wish you had another option. Marrying me must have been hard.” She didn’t want to hear pretty words from him. She just wanted to speak the plain truth.

  He didn’t say anything for a while and then in a great baritone voice he sang

  Of all the money e'er I spent,

  I spent it in good company.

  And all the harm I've ever done,

  Alas! it was to none but me.

  And all I've done for want of wit

  To mem'ry now I can't recall

  So fill to me the parting glass

  Good night and joy be with you all.

  Oh, all the comrades e'er I had,

  They're sorry for my going away,

  And all the sweethearts e'er I had,

  They'd wish me one more day to stay,

  But since it falls unto my lot,

  That I should rise and you should not,

  I gently rise and softly call,

  Good night and joy be with you all.

  If I had money enough to spend,

  And leisure time to sit awhile,

  There is a fair maid in this town,

  That sorely has my heart beguiled.

  Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips,

  I own she has my heart in thrall,

  Then fill to me the parting glass,

  Good night and joy be with you all.

  “That was beautiful, you have a nice voice.”

  “It’s called The Parting Glass, and though there is no fair maid I do have a fair lass who has my heart in thrall. So you see it was no hardship marrying you. I’ve loved you for a while now. I’m a stubborn man, but my eyes have been opened. I cannot be without you. I’ve made many mistakes, and I ask your forgiveness. If we never have children, we’ll have each other. I was glad we married. I was afraid you were going to leave, and that I could not live with. And you are beautiful, very beautiful. The Lord blessed me today, and I’m so very grateful. I would like to sleep next to you, though. We can get our own wagon at the fort. We’ll be there in a few days.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to be someone you married because you felt sorry for me. I have found that I am strong and capable. I’d like you to come to services with me. They only last ten minutes at the most. God has kept me safe in the palm of his hand, and just because I’m happy I shouldn’t forget all the love he has bestowed on us both.”

  “Yes, I will attend services. I have much to thank God for. You haven’t said anything about how you feel about me.” He almost looked worried.

  She smiled. “You mean the world to me. My soul is no longer bruised, and my heart is no longer broken. I look at you, and I see a future that is long and loving. I love you, Heath Leary. It’s nice to finally know where I stand with you. I want children so I will work hard to get over my fear. You’ll have to be patient.”

  “I can do that. Just knowing you love me makes me feel stronger and a better man. I swear I d
idn’t mean what I said. I’m proud to have you as my wife, and I’ll welcome any children we have. I don’t want you just as a wife. I want you as a partner in our new adventures together. I’m ashamed of what I said and the words weren’t true. I never loved a woman before. I liked everything about you and I couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of you or talk to you. Taking care of your feet brought me closer to you. Holding you in my arms was heaven. You scared me though. Despite needing me you were remarkably able to do for yourself. I was afraid you’d decide you didn’t need me or want me. My heart broke when I left the land where I was born. Actually it broke well before that with each starved face I saw. You made my heart whole again and it scared me.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “God gave me back my ability to believe in wishes again. I wished for you, for us and then decided I wasn’t in a position to wish. God gave me the one thing I wished for and that was you. I will be a good wife to you, Heath. I hope we have children sooner than later but…”

  “We have a lot of time my love. We’ll have a fine life in Oregon.” He took his eyes off the trail and kissed her. Looking up he corrected the oxen and got back on the trail. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Next up will be Zander’s turn. He can be not so nice at times. Is there a woman out there that can help him change? Word of mouth really made this series take off and I so appreciate you!

  Right now I’m toying with the idea of writing a Christmas book with these characters. One that is in the future, so we can see how our favorite characters’ lives turn out. Right now I want to know if Dawn and Heath ever have children. If you have a question about a character let me know and I’ll see if I can work it into the story.

  The End

  I'm so pleased you chose to read Dawn’s Destiny, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen

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