Tom slapped the reins. “Up, boys. Let’s go.” The mules picked up the pace.
Cassie looked back to see if the rider had made it down the slope. She smiled. He was riding along the trail behind them. Soon, she’d get to see who he was. Maybe he was riding to find his love, too.
She settled in the seat and held onto the rib of the wagon and sighed. Lila was nodding off, and Tom was watching the mules.
Cassie looked back. The rider was closer, but she couldn’t make out his features. She yawned and wished she could crawl inside the wagon and sleep. Then she thought, why not. She crawled over the seat and picked up a blanket to sleep on.
Since it was getting warm, she pulled on the cord and opened the canvas in the back of the wagon. There would be no rain today. She propped herself on a sack of flour and watched out the back, letting the swaying wagon lull her to sleep.
Her eyes were half-closed when she saw the rider close in on the wagon. Cassie sat up. She couldn’t see his face as it was shaded by his hat, but something bright around his neck caught her eye.
She edged to the back of the wagon to get a better look. It was a locket. She squinted against the sun and looked hard. The man had a familiar look about him. Her breath caught. “Travis?”
The man’s head went up, and the sun shone on his face. Travis’s face.
Cassie waved from the back of the wagon. “Travis, it’s me, Cassie.” She looked back and shouted. “Stop the wagon.”
The wagon slowed.
Travis galloped to her and slid the horse to a stop. “Cassie, is it you?”
She jumped out of the wagon and into his arms. “It is you. Oh, Travis, I’ve been trying to get to you. I thought you’d be with Watkins’s train.”
He held her close and caressed her hair. “I was. Ethel finally told me Sean dropped you off in Calder. I’d have been here sooner, but I got sick.” He laughed and looked at her. “I couldn’t wait to find you.”
Tom and Lila came to the back of the wagon, and Cassie introduced them.
Travis held her close. “As soon as we find a preacher, we’re getting married.”
Tom laughed. “That won’t be long. I’m sure Fort Laramie has one.”
Travis nodded. “I’ll buy you a horse. If you don’t mind, Tom, we’ll ride along with you. My partner and I have a wagon with the Watkins train. I’m not sure we can catch up to them. The way I figure, there’s probably another wagon train between them and us.”
Tom nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. We’d be happy to share supplies with you.”
“I can hunt for game. Plus, I’ve been this way before. My partner and I went to California six or so years ago.”
Cassie squeezed Travis’s hand. “Let’s go. Laramie isn’t getting any closer.”
***
Travis watched Cassie walk alongside him. At first, he couldn’t believe it was her. “Cassie,” He stopped her and then took the locket from his neck. “This belongs to you.” He handed it to her.
Tears formed in her eyes. “My locket. Where did you find it?”
He questioned telling her, but she should know. “Around Annette’s neck. I don’t suppose they gave you my note.”
She opened the locket and smiled. “No, they didn’t give me a note.” She pulled out the piece of lace. “What is this?”
Travis put his hand around hers. “That was from my grandmother. She had a wedding veil and cut it into pieces to give to her children and their children. My granny always talked about how wonderful her marriage had been and wanted to pass that on to her grandchildren.”
“What a lovely story.” She held the lace to her face.
Travis smiled. “I want you to have it. As my wife.”
“I will cherish it always and cut it up to give to our children.”
He wanted to kiss her. Instead, he loved her with his eyes. “I know we haven’t known each other for long—”
She put her finger on his lips. “I feel as if I have been waiting for you all my life. We were meant to be together.”
Travis put the locket around her neck. “I guess I should be happy Annette took the locket from you, or I might not have been able to find out what happened to you. Anyway, we’re together now.”
She put her hand in his, and they followed the wagon along the trail.
Travis mounted his horse and pulled Cassie up behind him. He pointed out the tall spire of Chimney Rock. “The trail gets harder as we travel up the north fork of the Platte River. But look around at the scenery. It’s just a taste of what you’ll see.”
Cassie gasped. “It’s amazing.”
Travis enjoyed her arms around him, and thought how getting to Fort Laramie couldn’t come quick enough. It was almost the end of the day, and he pointed out Scott’s Bluff. “We’ll camp at the base of the cliffs.”
Cassie hugged him. “Magnificent scenery. It’s almost like ancient ruins of days gone by and left here to remind us of how fleeting life can be.”
He nodded. “So we should make the most of the time we have together. Is that it?” He looked behind him.
She smiled. “Most definitely. Things can change so quickly. I learned that while losing my parents. But I learned something more when I was in Calder. I read my mother’s Bible and found a deep trust in the Lord. Regardless of how wild and chaotic life can become, I know that my God doesn’t change. He is for me and will comfort me.”
Travis took in her words. They were soothing and seeped down deep into his soul with truth. “I believe that. He changed me on my journey to find you. At first, I was so angry and wanted nothing but revenge against your aunt. But when I came to in Calder and was recovering from the fever, I began to forgive her. I think that’s why I found you.”
She laid her head on his back. “Yes. I believe that, too.”
He heard her breathing slow and knew she was sleeping. He held onto her arm to keep her from falling off and made sure the horse walked around rocks to keep him from stumbling.
The sun played with the hills to the west when they reached Scott’s Bluff. Travis gently tapped her arms. “We’re here.”
She lifted her head. “I’m sorry, I guess I fell asleep. Oh, look at those towering bluffs, and they’re white.”
“They’ve been a meeting place for centuries. The Indians, trappers and mountain men, and now the pioneers. The bluffs are the gateway to the west.”
Cassie had him stop the horse. “I better help Lila set up the campfire. I’d like us to have a wonderful dinner tonight. Maybe we can dance under the stars again.”
Travis helped her down. “I’d like that. I’ll go help Tom.” He rode to the front of the wagon and dismounted.
Tom was already taking off the harnesses. “I’m ready to sleep tonight.”
“Let me help you.” Travis went to the closest mule and began unbuckling the traces. “We’ll be in Laramie in two days. I’d like it if you’d stand up for me at our wedding.”
Tom grinned. “I’d be honored.”
“We’ve made good time. I’m not sure we can catch up to Watkins’s train, but we’ll get into Oregon shortly after they do.” Travis missed his partner.
“You can write a letter and mail it in Fort Laramie to Fort Bridger to let him know you’re on your way. There’s no guarantee it will get there in time, but there’s a chance it might.”
“Thanks, good idea.” Travis took two of the mules to the side of the wagon and hobbled them. Then he let his horse go for a well-deserved rest.
He enjoyed the hot dinner and looking at Cassie. She’d grown up in the few weeks since he’d first seen her peek from behind the wagon. Now she was a confident woman who walked in beauty and humility.
The meal over, he helped her clean up. Tom and Lila were sitting by the fire, talking quietly. Cassie was standing to the side and looking at the bluffs. Travis went to her and put his arms on her shoulders to turn her around.
Travis took her hand. “The night we danced under the moon and stars,
I fell in love with you. Can I have this dance?”
She smiled and put her other hand on his shoulder. “Let’s.”
Slowly they danced under the stars, staring into one another’s eyes. “I love you, Cassie. I don’t ever want to be apart again.”
She shook her head. “Me neither. Every night, let’s dance under the stars. They are witnesses of our love for one another.”
Travis smiled and held her close. “Yes, our stars.” He pointed upward. “The North Star. The Constellation Orion. They’re all cheering us on.” He kissed the top of her head.
After a time under the stars, she looked up at him. “I better sleep. I can’t wait until we are married.”
“Just a couple more days. Fort Laramie is only fifty miles away. If we get a good start, we could make it tomorrow.”
She grinned. “All the more reason to go to sleep now.”
Travis took her to the wagon, and then he found a spot and stared at the stars until he fell asleep.
Chapter 15
Cassie walked beside the wagon and smiled at the sight of Fort Laramie. It wasn’t much to look at with a small stockade sitting all alone on the vast landscape. More alarming were the Indian teepees dotting the grounds around the fort.
Travis assured her they were friendly Indians that wanted to trade with the pioneers. Still, she was a little uneasy around them. Then she thought how they looked at her and probably felt the same way. Except that their lands were being invaded by lines and lines of wagon trains bringing countless numbers of pioneers to settle lands, the Indians once roamed freely.
Cassie grinned at Travis. “This is our day.”
He hugged her. “Yes.” He led her to the fort, and they entered. Stores dotted the inside along with a saloon. The commander agreed to perform the marriage and said he’d done plenty of them.
Lila and Thomas found them, and they stood in the office while the commander took up his Bible and placed their hands upon it.
Cassie looked at Travis and couldn’t be happier.
Captain Shepherd smiled at them. “We are gathered here in the sight of God Almighty to witness the act of Holy Matrimony between this man and this woman. Travis Andrews, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife. To love and protect, provide for, and adore?”
“Yes, I do.” Travis looked at Cassie with love in his eyes.
“Cassie Taylor, do you take this man to be your husband. To love and honor. Care for and respect?”
“Yes, I do.” Cassie’s heart flooded with love for her husband. Joy that she belonged to him, and he to her.
The captain smiled. “You may kiss your bride.”
Travis kissed her tenderly with a love that made her knees weaken.
After the wedding, they left the captain’s office.
Travis took her to a hotel. “It’s not much, but at least we won’t be sleeping on the floor. The clerk gave me the honeymoon suite. A gift from Tom and Lila.”
Cassie hugged Lila. “When are you leaving?”
“Tom and I thought we’d wait for you two. We like traveling with you. I know you don’t have a wagon, but we can get more supplies.”
Cassie hugged her. “Thank you.”
Travis took her arm and led her to a café. “Let’s have our first dinner as Mr. and Mrs. Travis Andrews.”
“All right.” She laughed. Everything was so gay and fun. Nothing could spoil the joy in her heart.
Cassie finished her meal. “How are we going to dance under the stars tonight?”
“We’ll make a way.” He took her hand, and they went to their room on the second floor. Travis grinned and pointed out a small balcony. He looked out at the setting sun. “Soon, we’ll have our dance.” He kissed her.
“Oh, Travis. I never believed I could be so happy.”
***
After three days, Travis met with Tom, and they decided it was time to go. The big wagon train that was behind them had come into Fort Laramie yesterday, and they wanted to stay ahead of it.
Travis walked Cassie to the wagon and was about to mount his horse when a rough-looking man walked up to her. She slapped him. “Leave me. I want nothing to do with you, Dawson.”
Travis pushed him back. “She doesn’t want you.”
Cassie ran to Travis to push him away. “Please, Travis, get away from him.”
The man sneered. “You remember me, Cassie.” He stared at Travis. “I told her I’d come for her.” He faced Travis. “You ready to fight for her?”
Travis glared at him. “Yeah, I am.” He knew the man wanted a gunfight. Instead, Travis set Cassie to the side and walked toward him.
Dawson stepped back.
Travis kept coming at him until he was right in front of the man, and then he slugged him in the jaw and then the stomach.
Dawson went to his knees. He jumped to his feet and barreled into Travis.
With a powerful punch, Travis hit him repeatedly until Dawson went down.
Dawson reached for his gun.
Travis stomped on his hand. “No guns.”
Wincing in pain, Dawson held his broken hand and glared at him.
A few soldiers came around and grabbed Dawson. “You’ve been causing trouble since you arrived. Captain wants you in jail.”
Dawson glared at Travis. “He broke my hand.”
“I’d a broke your neck.” The burly sergeant growled. “Let’s go.” He winked at Travis. “You did us a favor. I don’t think he’ll cause you any more trouble.” The soldiers hauled away the groaning Dawson.
Cassie put her arms around Travis. “I was so afraid.” She looked at him. “You saved me from that horrid man.”
Travis kissed her. “I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again.”
Tom clapped a hand on Travis’s shoulder. “We better go.”
Soon they were leaving Fort Laramie and on their way west.
Chapter 16
Cassie loved being married to Travis even though the days on the trail were long and monotonous. So far, the only break they’d had was when they stopped at Independence Rock. It was a huge, mound of a rock that rose out of the flat land.
She thought it looked as if some giant had left it out of place. But they stopped and climbed to the top and wrote their initials. Travis said the next big site would be the South Pass. Although to her, it looked like a wide section of flat land between the rocky mountains.
The next stop was Fort Bridger, and they were all ready for a break and to replenish supplies. Cassie rode behind Travis. She was thankful he had a strong horse because going up the incline took effort.
***
They pulled into the fort just as Jim Bridger was returning after some troubles. Travis made arrangements for supplies and was about to go back to the wagon when he looked at a wagon on the other side of the camp area. “Matt?”
His partner looked up and waved as he ran to him. “We got your letter and decided to wait.” Matt grabbed him by the shoulders. “How are you? Boy, have I missed you.” He took Travis aside. “I married Abbie. Two days ago. That was another reason we stuck around waiting for you.”
Travis grinned. “Happy for you.” He looked to his wagon and waved over Cassie and their friends. “I found Cassie, and we got married at Fort Laramie. This is Tom and Lila Russell. They were nice enough to take Cassie on.”
Abbie came and grabbed Cassie in a hug. Soon the women were at Abbie’s wagon talking excitedly.
Travis shook his head. “Cassie and I don’t have a wagon. But we can pay for a little in supplies.”
Matt laughed. “Don’t you worry. I’ve got money. Abbie had a dowry, and I’ll give you enough to buy a wagon. I know they have several for sale.”
Within minutes, Travis and Cassie had their own wagon, and soon, the small wagon train left the fort and went on to Oregon. Full of love and dreams, the young couples dared the journey and settled in the lush grass of the Williamette Valley.
The young couples all got their homestead of six
hundred and forty acres per couple and managed to find a section where they could all be together.
Epilogue
Travis and Cassie looked from their cabin at their own land. Tom and Lila were to the left of them while Matt and Abbie were behind them. They’d all built their cabins close enough to walk to one another’s house.
Travis sat on the bench he’d built. “It’s beautiful here. I never thought it could be this nice. But you’re the most pleasant surprise of my life.”
Cassie sat beside him. “That was a nice dinner at Abbie’s tonight.”
“Yes, it was. Matt and I found several good horses. We should have a nice crop of foals in the spring.”
Cassie grinned. “Yes, I suppose you will. Matt and Abbie, too. And of course, you know about Tom and Lila.”
“Tom and Lila, they’re not raising horses. He’s got some nice cattle, though.”
Cassie laughed. “Look, the first star.”
Travis jumped up and pulled her to him. “You know what that means.” He led her to the front yard and started dancing her across the grassy land.
She laughed. “I love you, Travis Andrews. Did I tell you I have a surprise for you?”
“Really? Did you bake a pie? Just for me?”
“Oh, sort of.” She kissed him. “Remember Silver Girl.”
“You got a horse?” Travis twirled her around.
She laughed. “No, goodness Travis Andrews, you still don’t get it? Think about Tom and Lila. Did they tell you something?”
Travis halted and set her down. “Tom and Lila. They’re going to have a …”
She kissed him. “Surprise. All three of couples will have a crop this spring.”
Travis kissed her long and hard under the stars. He stared into her eyes. “I love you, Cassie Andrews.”
~~~
Author’s Note: I hope you enjoyed Cassie and Travis’s story. I enjoyed writing it although it was written during the start of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. Thinking about the hardships of the pioneers gave me strength.
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