by Danni Roan
“All settled,” Mrs. Hampton asked, Spencer as he climbed out of the wagon, her dark eyes full of a knowing light.
“I guess so,” Spencer said still smiling.
“Good then I’ll help Daliah get into some dry things, and we’ll find a preacher as soon as we get settled,” she finished with a smile.
Chapter 17
The next morning Daliah was still a little light headed as she rose, dressed, and headed out to help get breakfast started. She still couldn’t believe that Spencer had actually come to love her. How it had happened seemed a mystery to her, but she knew that her heart was drawn to him, and for the first time, her life seemed to have the hope of a future of more than working to keep body and soul together.
“How are you this morning?” Olive asked as she motioned Daliah to a seat where she could stir the oatmeal.
“I’m hopeful,” Daliah admitted. “I can’t believe that Mr. Gaines cares for me, but he does.”
“It was only a matter of time dear,” Mrs. Hampton said stopping and placing a hand on Daliah’s face. “You’re a lovely young woman with a big heart, and you deserve some happiness in this world.”
A tear sprang to Daliah’s eyes as she tried to release all of her fear and doubt as she stood and hugged Olive. “I don’t know what I would have ever done without you,” she said.
“You would have found a way,” Olive said with a sniff. “That’s what life does, but Orville and I would have been poorer people without you. Besides we never would have made this journey without you.”
“How are my best girls this morning?” Orville said snapping his suspenders into place. “You feelin’ better Daliah?”
“Yes, thank you,” Daliah said. “I’m sorry for putting you out of your bed last night.”
Orville Hampton chuckled. “Didn’t hurt me to sleep under the stars for a night.”
Daliah smiled her heart full of love and hope. She had suffered much loss but had been given many blessings.
“Hey Daliah,” Chad called racing toward her. “Pa said I could come have breakfast with you if you say it’s okay,” the boy said.
“I’d like that very much,” Daliah said, reaching into a tin and sprinkling a handful of raisins into the oatmeal. “Where is your pa?” she asked, hoping to get a glimpse of Spencer before the day was too far along.
“He’s checkin’ in on Ben, then lookin’ to see if everyone’s in good shape to leave. I sure will be glad when this trip is over, and I can sleep in a real house again,” the boy added.
Daliah began dishing up bowls of the rich creamy oats adding brown sugar and cream from one of the nursing oxen to the mix making it rich and sweet.
The sound of a horse approaching made Daliah look up and she smiled brightly as she saw Spencer riding toward them. She didn’t think she would ever hear a horse on the prairie without thinking of Spencer riding her way.
“Good morning,” he said pulling his mount to a stop and leaning on his saddle horn to gaze at her.
“Good morning,” Daliah replied with a blush.
“Coffee?” Mrs. Hampton said raising a cup with a grin.
Spencer swung down taking the cup from his hostess. “Thank you,” he said sipping from the tin mug, his eyes still on Daliah.
“Daliah get the man a bowl of oats,” the older woman spoke again. “He’ll need something in him for the day ahead,” Olive continued. Now that the two had come to realize that they had a future they seemed as fractious as two tom cats in a granary.
Spencer took the bowl of oatmeal situating himself next to Daliah as Mr. Hampton joined them.
“Looks like a fine day,” the old man said looking at the lightening sky. “Bet we’ll make good time,” he said grinning when he realized that Spencer wasn’t paying any attention at all.
***
The wagons rolled out across the prairie in a familiar train as the sun climbed half way over the low horizon in shades of pink and purple and gray.
Deep shadows filled the valleys but the long grass and sparse wildflowers reached for the sun’s rays waving in reflected golds and greens, like a sea at sunset.
Spencer trotted to the head of the train waving the others forward as he faced a new day. Barring any other catastrophes, they would reach his brother’s town in a few more days. For the first time in years he faced the new day with more in sight than the work of the day.
“God, I’m sorry I’ve been such a stubborn fool,” Spencer said gazing out across the sunbathed land. “I was angry and hurt, but you didn’t let me get away and with your gentle hand you’ve brought me hope. Thank you,” he finished kicking his horse into an easy walk.
By nightfall, the travelers were busy discussing their future plans for when they finally reached the no-name town. Several were continuing on to other locations, but more than half of the travelers had determined to stop in the town and see what they could make of it.
Mrs. Script’s husband had been working for a trader in sales, and she had hopes of establishing a real store where people could get what they needed for their own homesteads.
If rumors of a railroad to Texas were true, in only a few years, the town could be something completely new, and anyone established before then had the potential of making a good living as the town grew.
Several of the single men planned on signing on with cattle outfits, hunting parties, or building groups. Still others had their hearts set on a piece of rich northern Texas soil where they could at the very least eke out a living off of the land.
Farmers, cattlemen, traders, and shopkeepers had all come together to start fresh in a new place. For many it was what they needed most; a new start.
Daliah stepped up to Spencer as they sat around the fire. “What else did your brother tell you about the town?” she asked, as she tried to picture the place.
She knew it was a new place that hadn’t even been named yet but couldn’t picture what the place was like. Would it be like the town they had left in Missouri with buildings lining a dusty street or would it be simple huts and shacks cobbled together from whatever was available.
“He never said much,” Spencer admitted sipping his coffee as others gathered around. “Dan wrote that the land was good and that he had staked out a good piece of land with some friends.” Spencer paused looking at the eager eyes all staring at him.
“Dan said after that a trader moved in on a cross roads and set up a trading post. Things are still rough but a few other businesses are trying to make a go of it?”
“Have they built anything yet?” Mrs. Script asked. “My William is working for the trader but wants to start a proper store.”
“I don’t really know what kind of structures there are,” Spencer admitted. “I told you everything I knew when you signed on.”
People nodded thinking back to his invitation months ago.
“Well whatever it is it’ll be better than living out of our wagons,” one of the single men spoke up.
“And maybe we can get a few head of good riding stock,” another man said.
“I’m hoping Dan Gaines can use another hand,” another man said.
“I don’t really know what I’m hoping for,” old Ben spoke up, “but I think the fact that we can be part of something new is enough for me. In a few more days, we’ll be there, and we’ll see what’s needed. It’s a new start for many of us, and we’ll make of it what we can,” he finished rising and tossing the dregs of his coffee away before heading back to his wagon.
As others finished their dinner and began preparing for bed. Spencer took Daliah’s hand and led her out under the stars for a walk.
“What do you hope for?” Spencer asked, as they looked up at a half moon. “Do you have your heart set on anything special?”
Daliah looked up into the heavens and thought about the question. “I really don’t know,” she finally admitted. “All I know is that I needed a new start and this is it. I’ll be happy to work toward whatever you want,” she finished, l
iking the way his hand felt wrapped around hers.
Spencer squeezed her hand. “Why did you leave Smithfield?” he asked, gently. “I’ve heard rumors but they don’t fit the woman I’ve come to know.”
Daliah lowered her eyes, her heart heavy that he had asked but realizing it was time she explained.
“I was accused of stealing money at the bank where I worked,” Daliah said. “I didn’t,” she added quickly. “My drawer was counted out every night and balanced before I handed it off to the bank manager.”
Spencer looked down at the small hand in his and nodded. “That’s what I heard,” he admitted. “I don’t think anyone who knows you would ever believe it though.”
Daliah looked up into Spencer’s face. “You believe me?”
“Of course I do,” Spencer said. “Anyone in their right mind can see you aren’t the type to take what isn’t yours.” He leaned down kissing her gently and feeling the jolt of the kiss to his toes. Daliah would make his new life so much better.
“I’d better head back to the fire,” Spencer finally said breaking the kiss. “I need to get Chad to bed and check the camp.”
Daliah nodded relieved that he believed her story. The weight of the accusation was still painful even after this long, and she wanted to start their life together with no secrets.
Together they walked back to the camp, and Daliah somehow felt lighter as if she no longer had to bare life’s burdens alone.
“Daliah will you put me to bed?” Chad called walking up to them knowing that there was no way to delay the inevitable.
“I’d love to,” Daliah replied taking the boy’s hand, still holding to Spencer’s as together they walked to the wagon they shared with Ben.
Daliah tucked Chad into his little spot at the tailgate of the wagon kissing his forehead as she settled him for sleep. “Now say your prayers,” she said, sitting back on the tail gate.
“My prayers?” the boy asked. “Why?”
Spencer shuffled his feet in the dust of the prairie as guilt wriggled through his chest. “I’m afraid I’ve neglected such things,” he said, looking at his son, “but this is a new start for all of us and if Daliah will help I think we can all start saying our prayers again.” Was it any wonder the boy had been in trouble so much?
Chad nodded closing his eyes and folding his hands as Daliah bowed her head.
“Now I lay me down to sleep,” she began not noticing when Chad’s eyes flew open again. “I pray the Lord my soul to keep,”
“I know this,” Chad said interrupting, and then closing his eyes once more as Daliah and Spencer looked on. “Auntie Beth taught me.”
“Would you like to continue?” Daliah asked, smiling at the boy.
“If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take,” the boy finished. “Oh, and God bless us everyone,” he added rolling over and snuggling into his blankets.
Chapter 18
Daliah looked up from where she sat next to Molly as Mr. Hampton pulled his horses to a stop at the edge of the town they had all been looking forward to for so long.
A tiny gasp escaped her lips as she gazed out across the mismatched tents and rubble built shacks that dotted the flat top of the hill.
“Not exactly what you were picturing is it?” Mrs. Hampton said shaking her head.
In the distance they could see one building that appeared to be made of wood and stone but everything else was a mash up of dwellings.
“I don’t know what I was expecting,” Daliah admitted. “I just hope I can be useful here in some way,”
Leaning to the side to get a better view of the town Daliah spotted Spencer climbing down from his horse as another dark haired man hurried to meet him at the edge of the town. When the men embraced, she smiled realizing that the other man must be his brother.
“Whoa,” Mr. Hampton said pulling his horses to a stop. “We’ll just wait here a spell until Spence tells us where we should lite.”
A loud scream from further up the wagon train made everyone turn to see Mrs. Script leap from the wagon into the outstretched arms of a stocky man with a shock of red hair and a beard.
Daliah smiled reaching up to help Mrs. Hampton from the wagon. “I think this is going to be a good place,” she said her eyes twinkling with cheer.
“It just needs a little time, and a few more women,” Mrs. Hampton said.
“Dan, I’d like you to meet Ms. Owens, and the Hamptons,” Spencer said hurrying down the street toward them. Reaching out he took Daliah’s arm turning her toward his brother. “Daliah, this is my brother Dan.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Daliah said with a smile. She could see the resemblance between the brothers at a glance.
“Welcome,” Dan said shaking hands all around. “I’m mighty pleased to meet all of you. I hope you’ll feel welcome here,” he gestured around him. “For now I’d like you to settle at the ranch until you figure out where you want to be.”
“That sounds fine,” Mr. Hampton said. “I can see there’s work to be done at this here town.”
“I’m afraid it isn’t much of a town just yet,” Dan admitted. “Tonight we’re all meeting at the saloon to discuss plans for all you folks,” he added pointing to the wooden building at the end of the street.
Daliah looked at Spencer somewhat concerned as Chad came racing up followed by Ben. “Pa, Pa is this our new home?” the boy asked.
“It sure is son,” Spencer said, grabbing his boy and lifting him up. “I’d like you to meet your uncle Dan as well,” he added, turning to boy toward his brother.
“Hiya,” Chad said, extending his hand and making Dan smile. “Is this where you live? It don’t have any houses.”
Dan chuckled. “I’m afraid this town is very new and in need of many things,” Dan agreed, “but now that you are all here we’ll make it into something good.”
***
The members of the wagon train dispersed to different areas setting up camps or sorting through possessions in preparation for starting their new home.
As the sun reached the edge of the western horizon, the whole town began to make their way to the saloon.
Dan Gaines had stayed in town for the day and made the rounds making sure that everyone who could attend the big meeting would be there.
“You’re rather an important man in this town,” Spencer teased his younger brother as they walked through the open doors of the Saloon, Daliah on his arm.
“I was one of the first people to homestead so people kind of look to me when anything new is happening.”
Dan left Spencer and the small group of people with him and stepped up to the bar hooking his heel on the rail to give himself more height. The saloon was closed to serving anything but coffee for the night in deference to the woman and children and as Dan called out the gaggle of voices hushed.
“Well folks, it looks like things in this here place are about to change,” he called garnering a trickle of laughter from the rough-looking men that took up one side of the saloon.
“About time,” one scruffy looking individual with a bushy beard called out, “I’m tired of sleepin’ under canvas.”
Dan chuckled waving the man to silence as others laughed slapping each other on the back. “That’s why I asked my brother to see if he could organize a wagon train to come to our humble town to help us flesh out some of the things we need.”
“Need,” another man called, “seems like there ain’t nothin’ we don’t need.”
“All right, you rogues settle down,” Dan called. “Tonight we’re here to meet the new neighbors. I’d like to introduce my brother Spencer,” Dan continued slapping his brother on the back. “Spence if you’d introduce yourself and then have the folks that traveled with you introduce themselves as well. It’d be good to know what folks are looking for and what they’re bringing to our town.”
Spencer stood his hat in his hands as he gazed out over the crowd. “Hello,” he started. “I’m Spencer Gaines, Dan’s
big brother, and I’ve come down here to make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble.” The laughter that met that remark rattled the windows, but soon the men settled down again. “I had a little ranch a few years back, but when my wife died, I got restless. I’m hoping to make this a real home for me and my son,” he said, waving at Chad who waved back from his seat next to Daliah. “This young lady is Daliah Owens, who has consented to marry me as soon as we can find a preacher,” he finished noting how some of the other men seemed to grumble at the statement.
Daliah looked up prettily, blushing slightly at the attention, but Spencer’s bright smile and twinkling eyes made her feel loved.
“The folks with her are the Hamptons. Mr. Hampton if you’d introduce yourself,” He finished stepping aside as the older man stood.
“I’m Orville Hampton,” the old man said, “and I’m an old sawyer. Some of these hills here about are full of good trees and I’d like to start a mill so’s folks can start building good sturdy housing that will last. My wife Olive and me are looking forward to seeing what we can do for this town.”
Several men clapped, as one shouted out. “We been needin’ a mill. I won’t complain about four walls around me.”
“We need a mill.” Someone else called.
“We need a store too,” another voice called.
“And a livery!” another shouted.
“Seems to me this is a mighty needful town,” Mrs. Hampton said loudly to her husband just as the noise quieted.
A heavy hush fell over the meeting place and only the creak of a chair or the scuff of a boot could be heard.
“Needful, hey?” Dan said, looking at Mrs. Hampton whose face tinted with embarrassment. “Needful. I reckon that pretty much sums it up,” he continued. “What do y’all think about that?” he asked. “Needful, Texas sounds about right to me.”
Spencer stepped up to Daliah taking her hand as a hushed conversation ensued, gazing into her eyes as his thumb drew little circles on the back of her hand and sheltering her protectively.
