A New Life In California: Book 3--Search For Meaning Series

by Angela Dempsey

  While they were at the train station Tuesday morning she found out that there had been a problem with the train that Jake would have come in on. It had been delayed for several weeks. She felt optimistic suddenly about Jake.

  She asked Cooper if he would take her, Thursday morning, to meet the train. She just knew Jake would be on it. She knew he was coming for her and they would be married.

  When the train arrived, she anxiously watched as the passengers filed off of the train one by one. Each one left her more anxious to see Jake. After several people got off the train, there was no one else. She had not seen Jake.

  She was overwhelmed with grief. She got on the train to see if anyone was left aboard. There was no one but the conductor. He asked her if she was looking for someone. She broke down and cried.

  She lost all faith at that moment that Jake would be coming to marry her. If he were, he would have been on that train. She sat down on the train and cried.

  Cooper found her sitting on the train. He talked to her and assured her that just because he wasn’t on the train didn’t mean he wasn’t coming. She decided it was time to let go of that dream.

  She took a deep breath and then squared her shoulders. “I am ready to go…thanks for bringing me here. I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you.”

  “It was not any trouble. Don’t lose faith. Love always wins.” She tried to smile, but she suddenly felt like God had abandoned her. She felt like she was all alone in the world. Just her and her baby…and Harold.

  Chapter 13

  Lilly was sad that her parents were gone. She couldn’t wait to get a letter from them telling her they were settled. Zain and Lilly promised to help the new preacher get settled in town. Zain met him at the train. Paul was shown to his house by Zain.

  The church found him a small house to rent. The ladies went over cleaned and painted. They hung new curtains. They did everything they could to make it feel like home.

  When the preacher arrived, many were surprised by his age. He was a young man, probably in his early twenties. His name was Paul Gray. He was a strong young man with dark hair and brown eyes.

  Lilly and the mayor’s daughter Sue Brown was at the house when he arrived. The minute Sue saw him she became instantly smitten. The two ladies welcomed him with a dinner on the stove and fresh apple pie in the oven.

  As soon as Paul met Sue he too was smitten. Sue was a beauty with blonde hair and green eyes. Zain, Lilly, and Sue stayed and ate with the new preacher.

  They spent a long time talking. The ladies cleaned up the kitchen and put the leftover food in the new icebox the town got for the preacher.

  Paul was impressed with the apple pie. Lilly told him that was Sue’s grandmother’s recipe. He said, “Thank you all for making me feel so welcome. Thank you, Sue, for the wonderful pie.”

  She blushed, “It was nothing,”

  “No, it was very thoughtful. Thank you.”

  Zain looked at Lilly. “Are you ready to go?”

  She smiled shaking her head, “It was so nice to meet you.”

  The preacher shook their hands, “I will see you at Sunday service.”

  They said their goodbyes. Sue left with Lilly and Zain. They walked by her house on their way to the general store.

  Sunday morning, Paul arrived at the church bright and early. He wanted some time to pray for the service to go well. He was pleased with his placement in Lawrence, Kansas.

  He spent a lot of time that week thinking about meeting Sue. He also prayed for God to give him a sign if she was the one that he had for him. As the town preacher, he would need a wife that was strong, understanding, giving, loving and forgiving. One that could take being judged by others. Even though it wasn’t fair, Paul knew it happened.

  He thought about his ma. How she dealt with a lot of things being the preacher's wife. People gossiped and judged her unfairly. She was always caught up in all the decisions of the woman’s missions. He wanted to start several outreach projects. He would need a good helpmate to do them properly. He asked God for a wife.

  Sometime later the congregation started to pour into the church. Cooper had the honors of introducing the new preacher to the congregation. They welcomed him with open arms. Before service started the mayor invited the preacher to supper at their house after service.

  Paul delivered his best sermon. Some of the older people remained expressionless as he talked. The younger crowd thought he was very good at getting his point across.

  Paul was impressed with the dinner that Sue and her mother cooked. He found her father to be a nice man. They made him feel like he belonged there with them in that family. He was optimistic about his future.

  Paul went out on rounds to meet those who were too sick or did not attend service. He spent the whole day meeting people.

  He stopped by the mayor’s office to see if he missed anyone he should go see. He had a long talk with the mayor about the future of the town. He really liked the older gentleman. He appeared to like Paul too. That made Paul feel better about possibly courting Sue.

  The mayor invited him over for dinner that night. Paul was happy to show up for another good meal. Sue and her mother were both excellent cooks.

  After dinner, he asked the mayor if he could take Sue for a walk. The mayor smiled, “If Sue wants to go it is fine with me.”

  Paul looked at Sue, “Do you want to go for a walk.”

  She smiled, “Yes, that would be nice.”

  They went for a walk around the town. The conversation between them was easy like they had known each other their whole lives. When they got back to her house, both of them were optimistic about their future together.

  Chapter 14

  Jesse had Elmer checking on the herd in the south pasture. After a few days of showing him what he needs to look for Jesse left him to do the job on his own. Trying to build Elmer’s confidence.

  Later that evening one of the hands came and told Jesse the gate was open and the cattle were out. It took all of them several hours to round them up.

  Jesse told Elmer he needed to be more careful and make sure the gate was latched. Elmer got angry with Jesse. He said he didn’t leave it open. He yelled at Jesse then stomped off to his bunkhouse.

  Jesse was aggravated with Elmer. He was just trying to help him. Why was he so defensive? Jesse figured he felt like he had something to prove to him. Since he grew up without a father.

  Fifteen minutes later Elmer was on his horse and on his way to town. Jesse knew without asking he was going to the saloon. Jesse didn’t know what to do with him. How could he help him?

  When Elmer arrived at the saloon. He got a drink and sat feeling sorry for himself. This was what he did best. He couldn’t see that Jesse was trying to help him. He thought that Jesse always had the upper hand. Elmer thought he always would. Why even bother trying to impress Jesse.

  Elmer thought about going back to where he came from, but he had lost his home in a poker game. All he had left was an emerald ring that was his mother’s. It was a gift from Fenton. He had a little bit of cash. He couldn’t give up he would have to try to make a go of being a ranch hand.

  Elmer drank three shots and a beer. Then decided he was going to play poker. He was feeling like his luck had to change. He only had a portion of his cash with him. Before the night was over he lost all that, he was carrying.

  He found his way to the bunkhouse right before daylight. Jesse went out and woke him. He made sure he worked him hard that day. Jesse was thinking if he pushed him, maybe he could help him understand that drinking was not the answer.

  Emma spent extra time at prayer bench since Elmer came to stay with them. She could see the hurt it brought Jesse. She knew he desperately wanted to help Elmer. Emma also knew, in order to help someone, they have to want your help. She hoped Elmer would find himself wanting help.

  She knew Jesse had watched his pa struggle for years. She didn’t want him to watch Elmer and not be able to help him.

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nbsp; That evening Elmer went straight to bed without even eating supper. Jesse hoped he felt so badly he would not want to go to the saloon for a long time.

  The other ranch hands had a discussion with Jesse about Elmer over dinner. They told him they understood him trying to help his brother. Jesse asked them all to help him look out for Elmer. Jesse told them that he had a lot of issues. He grew up without a father. He had a rough life growing up. The others promised to help Jesse look out for Elmer.

  Rose was sitting on the floor after dinner playing. She pulled herself up by holding onto a chair. She was standing beside of Emma. She took three steps before falling down.

  Emma was so excited. She was finally walking. They were starting to get worried because she wasn’t walking yet. Elise kept telling her she would walk when it was time. Jesse didn’t notice until Emma said something. He was excited too.

  Chapter 15

  Paul got a telegraph from a nearby town. His mentor was down sick and asked for his help for a couple of weeks. Paul couldn’t tell him no. He asked Harold and Lucy if they could postpone the wedding for an extra week.

  They understood and Harold went to Zain’s store to send a telegraph. He needed to let his sister know he was going to be delayed another week.

  After he sent his telegraph, he turned around to see Lydia over at the counter. He walked over and greeted her and Lilly. Lydia was still gathering things she needed to purchase. Harold walked around the store with her talking to her for a long time.

  He knew without Lucy he would have never met Lydia. But he found himself wishing he had never met Lucy. He wished he was not obligated to her. She tried to release him from their agreement. He said he couldn’t do that to her. She needed someone to take care of her and he had given her his word.

  Still, as he stood there talking to Lydia he wondered if he was doing the right thing. He felt like he could have something special with Lydia. He easily got lost in her almost lavender eyes.

  When Lilly got everything totaled and boxed up, Harold offered to carry it to Lydia’s house for her. She told him she could handle it. He insisted. She finally gave in and let him carry her stuff.

  She invited him in for coffee. He knew he shouldn’t go in, but he couldn’t resist being in the company of Lydia; even if just for a day. They talked for about two hours before he left for his hotel.

  Later that evening he went to Cooper’s for dinner. After they ate dinner he took a walk with Lucy. He started to compare Lucy and Lydia. Lucy seemed a lot younger and more idealistic than Lydia. He then felt bad for comparing the two. He made a commitment to Lucy he was going to see it through. He needed to stay away from Lydia. Maybe then he could forget about her.

  Lucy was lost in her own thoughts as they walked. She wondered why Jake didn’t come to get her. She wondered if her letter was too much for him. Did he blame her for what Henry Daniels did to her?

  She thought about all his sweet words and promises of the future. He wanted a ranch and her by his side. They would have a bunch of children and live happy lives until death took them in their sleep when they were old and gray.

  Harold’s words interrupted her thoughts. She asked, “I am sorry, what did you say?”

  He smiled, “You were thinking about Jake just now weren’t you?”

  She looked a little embarrassed, “Yes, I am sorry. I can’t understand why he hasn’t shown up or at least written a letter.”

  Harold found himself being optimistic, “Maybe he will show up. There are still two weeks.”

  They walked in silence the rest of the way back to the ranch house. Each of them lost in their thoughts about the future.

  The next day Lucy talked to Elise about her thoughts concerning Harold. Lucy thinks she is standing in the way of Harold and Lydia being happy. Elise asked her what she was going to do. Lucy said she didn’t know.

  There is part of her that doesn’t want to stand in the way of true love. Another part of her doesn’t want to raise a child all alone. If only Jake would show up.

  Elise asked her if she thought about answering another ad for a mail-order bride. Lucy’s eyes lit up. I guess I could always do that; I will have to think about it for a few days.

  Lucy spent the rest of the day helping Elise with her chores. Elise told Lucy about the time the boys got into mischief and set the horse’s tail on fire. Fortunately, it didn’t hurt the horse. Cooper was able to get the fire put out quickly.

  Lucy was nervous about being a parent. Knowing the little baby would need so much from her. She was afraid of failing. She needed a strong man beside of her to help her. She thought more about Harold and then she wondered about Jake.

  The next day Elise and Lucy took the wagon to the general store. They walked in and heard Zain and Lilly arguing about something. They were yelling at one another. Elise and Lucy just looked at each other in surprise, not sure if they should leave. Suddenly Lilly noticed they had people in the store. Zain stomped out the back door.

  Lilly looked embarrassed. “Sorry, you had to hear that, we were having a…discussion. He wants to start stocking wagon wheels. Pa had an agreement with old man Woods that he would not sell them, so he could sell them at the livery. Zain thinks that was alright for them but the livery is not owned by Mr. Woods any longer. Anyway…what can I do for you ladies today?”

  Elise gave her the list of what she needed. She and Lucy went to look at the material. Elise wanted to help Lucy make a baby quilt. They got some pretty remnants to make quilt blocks.

  Lucy also purchased enough material for a dress. She is excited about the baby even though it is Henry’s. She prayed the child would take after her pa and not the evil man that gave it life.

  She got lost in thought about Jake and a possible future with him. She prayed for God to give her strength and wisdom. She prayed that Jake would come and find her.

  Elise interrupted her thoughts. “Lucy, are you ready to go?” She shook her head yes.

  Lucy took her purchases to Lilly to pay. She wondered what her future held. She was anxious to find out. All the way home she thought about Harold and Lydia. She didn’t know if she could marry him, knowing he was sweet on Lydia.

  Chapter 16

  Jake arrived in Lawrence, Kansas bright and early one Saturday morning. He found his way to the ranch of Cooper and Elise Harrison. He knocked on the door.

  Elise answered, “Hello, May I help you?”

  He removed his hat and looked down at his boots. “Ma’am, I am looking for Lucy Dawson. I am Jake Jackson.”

  Elise’s eyes looked wide. “It is nice to meet you. Lucy left early this morning to decorate the church for her wedding.”

  “Her wedding? What wedding?”

  “She was going to be a mail-order bride. Because she thought you were not coming.”

  “I was delayed. I have been trying to get here for weeks. I have to get to the church to find her. Thank you, ma’am.”

  Jake turned and quickly mounted upon his horse. He got back to town in a flash. When he arrived at the church, the place was decorated for a wedding but there was no one in sight. He didn’t know what else to do but wait.

  He checked into the hotel and got cleaned up. He found himself wandering around town. He noticed people starting to gather at the church. He went to the church and waited on the outside for Lucy.

  When he saw her approaching, she was with another woman. Both were dressed beautifully with flowers in their hair. The sight of her took his breath away.

  As she got closer she stopped walking. Her mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe her eyes. He was actually there standing in front of her. They stared for a long moment. Then he rushed to her side, picking her up, he swung her around. He kissed her before setting her feet back on the ground. “Sorry, I’m late. I have been through an ordeal to get to you.”

  She laughed, “I am glad you made it…but I have a wedding to attend.”

  “Lucy, please marry me. Don’t marry a man you don’t know.”
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br />   “I don’t know…could you accept my child and raise it as your own?”

  “Your…Oh, Lucy…I am so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I had no idea Henry could be so cruel. As far as I am concerned, we are going to have a baby. I love you, Lucy.”

  She started laughing as tears ran down her face. “I love you too. That is why I told Harold this morning that I couldn’t marry him. He was sweet on Lydia the town teacher. She agreed to marry him and move to where he lived. I am the maid of honor.”

  “Can we get married today too? I don’t want to wait one more minute.” He pulled her into his arms placing a kiss on her lips. She could feel herself melting into him. Tears started flowing again. She was so happy to see him. She wished and prayed for this moment and now he was here.

  She grabbed him by the hand and pulled him into the church. Harold was at the front talking to the preacher. Lydia was standing by his side. A few of the guests had arrived. She pulled him over and introduced him to Harold and Lydia.

  “Jake was wondering if you would care if we got married today too.”

  Lydia hugged her, “That is a great idea.”

  Harold was excited to be marrying Lydia. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He couldn’t believe how blessed he was at this moment. He was relieved that Jake finally made it to Kansas. He was feeling a little guilty to be marrying Lydia. Now he doesn’t have to be concerned about Lucy. He could tell by the look on Jake’s face that Lucy will be taken care of and have a happy life.

  All of the guests arrived. Paul began the ceremony for Harold and Lydia. He went through the basics of the meaning of love. He talked about commitment and patience. Then they said their vows. Lucy and Jake kept looking at each other. They couldn’t wait to be married too.

  Harold looked deep into Lydia’s eyes. He saw so much love and promise there. Paul said, “Harold, you may kiss your bride.” He pulled Lydia in close looking deeply into her eyes. He leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her lips. That was the first time they had kissed and it was magic for both of them.