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

by Angela Dempsey

  Emma was excited about the baby news. She found herself being sad that Lilly was leaving. The two of them were close and would miss spending time with each other. They had always been close since they were children.

  CHAPTER 26

  The first week of January arrived and Lucy could not be happier. They have their hearing in front of the judge. Soon it would all be over one way or another and they could start their new life in California.

  The morning of the hearing, Madeline and Roy prayed for the hearing to go in their favor. The tension in the courtroom was thick. Lucy was really nervous about the outcome. What if he ruled against them? She tried to not worry but felt like she deserved an easier life after what she endured over the past year.

  The judge called the hearing to order. He restated the claim of Lucy for the baby. He said there was another heir. He looked at the man by the door, “Will you please let in Mr. Daniels?”

  The judge continued, “This is Craig Daniels. He is the son of Henry Daniels and his deceased wife. Apparently, Mr. Daniels couldn’t handle raising a child on his own so he paid a woman to raise his son.

  There are several letters between Henry Daniels and the woman that raised Craig Daniels. There is plenty of evidence that he is the son of Henry.”

  Craig looked at Lucy and Jake, he gave them a polite nod before sitting down. Lucy felt her stomach knot up. She felt like she was about to lose everything she had wanted for her son.

  Jake felt Lucy tighten up on his hand. He was nervous for her. He had no doubt they would be fine. He knew she was hoping for the ranch. It was kind of a compensation for all she has been through, but Jake didn’t care either way. He just didn’t want Lucy to be disappointed.

  He knew he was capable of taking care of her and Gene without any of the money. It would be nice to have for emergencies. Plus, they had discussed all the good that they could do for people with the ill-gotten gains of Henry Daniels.

  It seemed to almost be poetic justice. But Jake didn’t want to deny Craig his rightful inheritance either. There was no doubt in Jake’s mind that this man was Henry’s son. He had some of the same features.

  Lucy looked at Craig Daniels. He favored his father, he had his square jaw and strong nose. There was no doubt that he was indeed Henry’s son.

  Madeline and Roy anxiously awaited the judge’s next words. They both were afraid their friends were going to be denied their claim.

  The judge was fair and ruled that there be a split between baby Gene and Craig. Lucy was excited and could not wait to talk to Craig. Lucy and Jake signed all the necessary paperwork as well as Craig.

  The judge told Lucy he was sorry for what had happened to her, but she was blessed to have such a fine baby. He was such a nice man. He told them he had twelve grandchildren. He was holding Gene, while Lucy was signing the paperwork.

  The judge told the all them they could pick up their new deed at the sheriff’s office in a few days. They thanked him before leaving the office.

  They went to the restaurant in town and had lunch to celebrate. Craig agreed to join them for lunch. As they talked, Jake realized that Craig was anxious to sell the ranch.

  Craig told Lucy he was sorry for his father’s actions. They decided to do all they could to sell quickly. The money would be easy to split and there were only a few items in the house that Craig wanted.

  After they ordered lunch they were approached by Bo. He asked them if he could join them for a couple of minutes. He made them an offer on the ranch.

  Jake sat in shock, he couldn’t believe the amount of money that he offered. Lucy smiled at Jake in encouragement. She wanted to take the offer immediately. Jake said he would think about it for a couple of days and let him know.

  Craig acted unaffected by the offer. “I think that Jake and I should go and evaluate the property for ourselves and discuss a fair price. We will get back to you in a couple of days.”

  Bo left them to eat their lunch. Craig admitted he was excited by the offer. But it never pays to be too anxious. Jake told him he was doing the same thing. They laughed. At that moment they decided to sell it to Bo.

  Jake didn’t know what they would do with that kind of money. Even half of it was a lot to have, he suddenly felt wealthy.

  Lucy encouraged him to sell it why they had an offer. Jake met Craig the next day. They went to find Bo at the mayor’s house.

  Jake encouraged Bo to hire most of the ranch hands. Jake told him that John was a good man and would make a good foreman. Jake and Craig had already fired Rick Black the first day they had control of the ranch.

  Jake knew that Rick was selling off the cattle and keeping the money for himself. He sold a lot of the things out of the house. He got what he wanted, a share of Henry’s assets. Rick was always sneaky and dirty. That is why Henry made him his foreman. Jake knew it wasn’t worth fighting over so he fired him and sent him on his way.

  Jake sent a letter to his ma; Clorinda, letting her know that he was bringing his wife and child to see her. He then went on to tell her that they were moving to California. Jake knew it would make Clorinda very happy.

  Jake hired a few men to build a new building for Roy. While the men built him a nice building, Jake and Lucy distracted Madeline and Roy. When they returned the men were putting on the paint. Roy was so surprised.

  Jake told him he appreciated all that he had done for him and he wanted to leave them with a gift. Lucy had purchased Madeline a set of pretty glass canisters for her herbs and some material for a new dress.

  They sent money for Cooper and Elise. Lucy told Elise she would be forever grateful for their kindness. She truly does not know what she would have done without them.

  They sent gifts for Emma and Jesse too. Jake sent a letter to Patsy. It was a thank you for all of her help. He enclosed a large sum of money. He knew she could use it to hire someone to help her. She deserved a chance of a better life.

  Lucy and Jake boarded a train with few belongings. They got a private car to make it quieter on the other passengers when Baby Gene needed to be fed. They were on their way to California by the middle of March.

  Their friends showed up to see them off at the train station. Lucy sat listening to the clacking of the train on the tracks. Jake had taken a walk and Gene was asleep. She thought about her good fortune. Then she started wondering what happens to the children like Gene when there wasn’t a Jake around. She decided She wanted to start an orphanage or donate a large sum of their money to an existing one. When Jake returned from his walk, she discussed it with him. He thought it was a good idea.

  As they travelled, they stopped a few places along the way. Lucy was anxious to get off the train for good. She was tired of travelling. She wanted to be settled in a nice home with her husband and son.

  Jake, Lucy, and Gene arrived in Oakland. The first thing they did was go to Clorinda’s restaurant and have a meal. His sister-in-law, Sadie, was glad to see him. She was very welcoming to Lucy and little Gene. She gave Jake directions to Clorinda’s restaurant in Turtle Creek. Jake was glad he could go and surprise her.

  Sadie loaned them her wagon and they were off to visit Jake’s ma. When they arrived, it was in a slow time between lunch and supper. Jake went to the doorway of the kitchen and yelled in a mean voice, “How about some service out here!!”

  That door flew open and out came a little plump woman ready to let someone have it and then she saw Jake. Her face lit up and she went running toward him.

  “My baby is home!!!” She pulled him into a big hug. “Let me look at you!” She then noticed Lucy and smiled. Walking over to her she said, “You must be Lucy, the girl that finally made my Jake settle down. You can call me mama.” She reached out hugging Lucy.

  Jake had sent her a letter about baby Gene. She was warned ahead of time. He didn’t want her to be shocked that he had a child. She looked at the baby. “My newest grandson!! I am so pleased to meet you. I am Nana Cloe.” She took him from Lucy and held him close.

>   Gene cooed at her. “See we are already good friends.” Then she whispered to him, “Wait until you are a little older I will slip you cookies while your ma is not looking.”

  They all laughed. Lucy felt at ease with Clorinda. She was afraid she would not accept her or her child. She turned out to be just as loving as Jake promised. Lucy felt like she was already a part of the family.

  Jake found a place for them to live, they stayed at Clorinda’s for a week. Then they started to furnish their home. Jake wanted to do something productive. They could sit around and do nothing the rest of their lives if they chose, but that wasn’t Jake.

  He found a place in the town near the restaurant to open a woodworking shop and store like Buck’s business. The people of the town were very supportive.

  Lucy was excited that Lilly and Zain will soon be arriving. It is nice that they will be settling in the same town. She was thankful to know she would have one friend.

  Sadie and Clorinda were so kind to her and helped her get her home setup. She and Jake were starting to get settled. She was praying early one morning, thanking God for her blessings. She remembered how she felt not knowing if Jake would show up. Now she is sitting in her home with her son, being thankful for her new family.

  There was an orphanage in the city of Oakland. Lucy and Jake make a large donation to it. They decided to be active supporters of the orphanage. The woman running it was deeply grateful for the money and the fact that Lucy was going help with the children.

  CHAPTER 27

  Lilly was excited that Lucy would be in Turtle Creek when she arrived. The two of them had bonded over the fact that they were both moving. It would be nice to have another young mother to spend time with visiting.

  Lilly was getting excited to be on their way to California too. When it came time to pack the house Emma was there to help her. Jesse helped Zain with securing the crates of their things, getting them ready for the train trip.

  Her mother had told her all about Oakland, California. She also told her about the ocean and she was looking forward to taking a trip there when they arrived. Mary Ellen told her it was a magical experience to stand on the shore and look out over the vastness of the ocean.

  Three days before boarding the train, Lilly received a letter from her ma.

  Dearest Lilly:

  Your pa and I are so excited that we are going to be grandparents. We are thrilled you are moving here; even more so now. We are happy to be able to watch our grandchildren grow up.

  The store has been cleaned and prepared for you to take over as soon as you arrive. Sweet Mr. Richards had people help him do inventory and clean for you. He said he was happy to know his store will be in good hands.

  He is anxious to return to Pennsylvania. His daughter just had her second child. He Is looking forward to spoiling all of his grandchildren.

  I want to take you to the ocean, as soon as we can after your arrival. It is truly a sight to behold.

  Mr. Richards has decided to leave most of the furniture. He said it wasn’t part of the original agreement, but he would give it to you. The dining room table is beautiful oak. It has two farm style benches. The residence needs a little bit of care, but I am sure we will have it whipped into shape quickly. It needs a woman’s touch and some new curtains.

  The church in Turtle Creek has grown. You will love the people here; they are nice like back home. I am anxious to introduce you to everyone.

  Clorinda tells me her son Jake and his wife arrived safely. I am sure they will be glad for you to arrive. Look at me rambling on; I can’t wait to see you. Prayers for a safe journey. Your father and I love you.

  Mama

  Lilly was sad to say goodbye to their friends and family. Emma, Jesse, and the children came to see them off. Elise and Cooper had said their goodbyes the night before when they all had dinner together at Cooper’s ranch.

  Lilly gave Emma one final, tearful hug before boarding the train. They promised to write to each other as often as possible. Lilly was sad and happy at the same time. At the end of the train tracks were her ma and pa.

  Zain got them a private car, Lilly was glad to be away from everyone on the train, at least some of the day. She worked on crocheting a baby blanket and sewing baby clothes. She was excited for the arrival of their little one. She prayed the baby would be born healthy.

  They enjoyed the trip. During the day, they would talk to the other passengers. They had dinner with the other passengers. The closer the train got to California the more excited Lilly became to see her parents.

  The train finally arrived in Oakland, CA. Lilly’s parents were there to meet the train. Mary Ellen lit up when she laid eyes on Lilly. They hugged and cried. She patted Lilly’s belly. Bending over she said, “Hello little one I am your grandma.”

  Charles hugged Lilly and shook hands with Zain. “It’s good to see you son. Glad you decided to buy the general store here in Oakland.”

  Zain replied, “Me too.”

  Charles helped Zain load all of their crates into his wagon. He took them to the store. Lilly and her mother had not stopped talking since she got off the train.

  They stopped at Clorinda’s restaurant and had a good meal. Sadie was glad to meet Lilly. She went on and on about how precious Gene is and how much she adores him. Lilly was excited to meet Jake’s ma.

  After they had their meal they had Clorinda’s apple pie. Lilly was really impressed with the mouthwatering pie. She swore she had never had a pie as good. When she told Sadie that was the best pie ever, a huge smile crossed her face. Clorinda makes them and brings them to this restaurant. She guards the recipe like its gold.

  Charles took Zain to meet Mr. Richards; the store owner. They finalized their business. Zain paid him for the store. He had already moved his things from the living quarters in the store. He left some of the furniture. He sold some items to the neighbors.

  Lilly fell in love with the sofa that he left in the living area. She could not believe how blessed she was to be near her family. The store was a very nice building; nicer than the one they left behind in Kansas.

  Jake showed up to help Zain and Charles unload the wagon. Mary Ellen started to help Lilly unpack crates. It took a couple of days for her to get everything where she wanted it. They needed to purchase a few items that they didn’t find in their store.

  Lilly was starting to show a baby bump. She grew more excited by the day. After they were in Turtle Creek for a month, Charles took them to the ocean.

  Lilly thought her mother’s letter exaggerated about the beauty of the ocean. She felt the sense of peace that her mother talked about in her letters.

  They had taken a picnic lunch and stayed for several hours. It was a perfect sunny day. The temperature was in the seventies. They walked the beach and gathered seashells. She knew that this was her new favorite place.

  They stayed until the sunset, Lilly had never seen anything so lovely. The way sun light turned different shades of gold, orange, red and pink.

  CHAPTER 28

  Emma received a very thick letter from Lilly letting her know they had arrived in Turtle Creek. She told her all about the new town and the people. Three pages were about the day at the beach. It left Emma wondering about the beauty of the beach. Lilly sent Emma a seashell from that day.

  Jesse came in as she was reading her letter. She showed him the seashell and told him about the letter. He told her maybe someday they could go visit and see the ocean for themselves.

  Elmer came in and asked if he could talk to them. He received a letter from a girl back home, named Molly. She told him she missed him and wanted him to come back home.

  The guy she was seeing turned out to be a thief and liar. She apologized to Elmer for hurting him. She felt horrible for making the wrong choice. She begged him for another chance.

  He was excited about a second chance. He knew he needed to make changes. He asked for their help to break free from the alcohol. He wanted to be a better person. Elmer needed
to be the kind of man that Molly would be proud to marry.

  He told Emma that he had been in love with her since they were five years old. He didn’t think he had a chance with her. They remained friends but he always felt like she was too good for him. She is the daughter of the town minister.

  Elmer had been thinking a lot about Molly; especially since his time in jail. He begged Jesse and Emma to help him get sober. He begged them for help to be the kind of man that Molly deserved.

  After talking for a long time that evening, they had prayer with him. Elmer said he wanted to go get a drink so bad. They spent the whole night talking and praying. God met them there and help ease Elmer’s pain.

  It was early morning, Elmer looked at Jesse. “Do you think I can change? Can I be a good man?”

  Jesse looked at him. “No, you can’t change on your own; it is not in our nature to be good. But God can change you. He can heal all of your brokenness.”

  An hour later Emma came down from checking on Kevin; Elmer smiled at her. “I need you to continue to pray for me, Emma. But I can be a good man with God’s help. I have asked him to heal me and make me new. I am now your brother too.”

  Emma rushed over and hugged Elmer. “I am glad you have turned your life over Christ. He will give you strength. It will not always be easy. But now you have a Father that will always be there for you.”

  He felt his heart fill with peace. His whole life he felt like he was not good enough for her. Growing up without his pa, he felt like it was his fault, Fenton was not around. Now for the first time in his life he had a father…a heavenly Father. He smiled at the thought.

  Elmer cried again on Emma’s shoulder. He realized for the first time what it was like to be loved. He knew that Jesse and Emma wanted only the best for him. He promised them that he would do his best to not let them down.

  Over the next couple of weeks, he was a changed person. He didn’t disappear into his room right after dinner or take off to the saloon. He instead spent time with Jesse and Emma. They had bible study and enjoyed getting to know each other.