“Sadly, I did. It’s a hard and unforgiving land.” He nodded toward the side of the stage. “Now let’s go get our photograph taken so we can move on to the next lecture.”
Isaac knew this was where he would announce himself to Addie. He hated that it would have to be such a public matter, but he had hardly been able to keep from rushing up onto the stage as it was.
A young woman dressed identically to Addie came to Isaac. “Is this your class?” she asked.
“It is. We’re here for our photograph.”
“I’m Mary,” the girl said. “If you and your class will gather over here and arrange yourselves in three rows. Taller students in back and the teacher at the side of the group.”
“Could I have Miss Bryant take our picture?” Isaac could see the smile fade from the young woman’s face. “It’s just that I know her personally.”
Mary’s brow raised slightly. “I’ll ask her if she has time.”
“Don’t tell her about me. It will give away the surprise.” Mary nodded and took off in the direction of where Addie was speaking to a couple of men.
There was a tug on Isaac’s suitcoat. “Do you really know her?”
Isaac looked down at the girl. “I did. I do. I haven’t seen her in a very long time, however.”
Isaac saw Mary interrupt whatever Addie was saying. Isaac turned to address the students. “Come along, we’re supposed to form up. Three rows. You tall boys in the back.” This allowed him to keep his back to the ladies.
Soon enough, Mary returned. “I’ve brought Miss Bryant,” she announced.
“I understand you think you know me?” Addie’s comment was more question than statement.
Isaac turned and couldn’t help grinning. “Remember me?”
He watched her blue eyes widen as she barely whispered his name. “Isaac.”
It was completely against propriety, but Isaac couldn’t stop himself. He went to her and pulled her into his arms. He pressed his lips against her ear. “My love. I thought I’d never find you again.”
At first, Addie did nothing, but as he continued to hold her, she relaxed and put her arms around him. When he finally let her go, he found tears in her eyes.
“I can hardly believe it’s you,” he said. “I’ve searched all over. I went to the Yukon to find you, but you were gone, and Millie told me she thought you were here in Seattle, so I took out ads and hired a Pinkerton. No one could find you.”
“I’m sorry. I suppose ... well, that is to say ... I didn’t want to be found.”
“But why? You knew I’d come back for you.” She looked away, and Isaac couldn’t be sure, but she seemed embarrassed. “Addie, didn’t you want me to find you?”
Addie pulled a handkerchief from the cuff of her blouse. Her hands were shaking. She dabbed her eyes. “I have to get back to work. It’s good to see you, Isaac.” She started to leave.
“Wait. Addie, please.”
She turned back. “Yes?”
“I’d like you to take our school picture.” Isaac wanted to say so much more, but for now, this was the only thing that came to mind that might keep her from leaving.
Addie seemed momentarily perplexed but then nodded. “Are they lined up?”
Isaac looked at his group of children. “They are. Just let me slip in beside them.”
Addie thought she might faint dead away when she realized who the mysterious man was.
“We’re ready,” Isaac told her.
Doing her best to be strong, Addie focused the camera on the class and took the picture. She held up her hand. “Let me get one more, just in case.”
But this time she centered the picture on Isaac. She might never have another chance to do this. This would be her photograph to put along with the tintype. She would have it to keep her memories alive long after this moment passed.
