Colby steps back. “I don’t think he likes me much.”
I clasp Zeus to the line first, making sure that he’s not going to get tangled up in the rope, before hooking Bells and Coco on the other side. But instead of Zeus grazing, he just stands there blocking me from moving or from Colby getting any closer.
“He’s normally quite calm. I have no idea why he is so leery of you. You might as well go on because he is just going to wait you out.”
Colby doesn’t say anything, but I can tell by the way he is stomping around that he is not happy. Zeus leans his big head down, his soft lips nibbling on the top of my head, and I shoo him away. “You onery thing, just trying to keep all the girls to yourself. Go relax, we have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. I’ll check on you before I head to bed.”
By the time I walk back up the bank, the fire is going, and I see Jacob struggling with the baskets full of food from the diner.
“Want some help?”
“Please, you women, make this look easy. I’ve almost dumped this twice, just carrying it over here.”
“I’ll take those if you’ll grab the Dutch oven from the wagon. While you are doing that, I’ll start sorting out what needs to be heated and what we can eat cold.”
Between Jacob and me, the food is ready by the time all the men start gathering our way. I hand Reggie his plate first, then one to the others.
“This looks great, Jess. You sure make a pretty plate. By the way, this is Marcus and his son Henry.”
It’s nice to meet you both. I am glad we were all able to help each other out. How old are you, Henry?
“I’m thirteen, ma’am.”
“This must be quite the adventure for you, then.”
“It really has been and I’m learning a lot as well, but I ain’t ever seen anyone ride a horse as large as yours.”
“Zeus is quite intimidating, and he is picky about who he likes and who he doesn’t, but to me, he’s just a big softy. Tomorrow, before we take off, if you’d like, we will go talk to him together.”
“I look forward to it.”
I catch Colby watching us out of the corner of my eye, especially when Reggie grabs a log and sits it up so that I don’t have to sit on the ground with everyone else. The conversations stall as everyone digs in. The fried chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans are a treat after such a long day. But I find myself eating the biscuit I’d covered in honey before I finished the rest.
Jacob helps me clean the dishes while Reggie and the men check on the oxen and horses as night falls. I’ve got the last plate inmy hand, washing it off when I look up at the sunset. The colors mixing across the clouds are so beautiful that I almost wish I were a painter so I could capture them forever. As I climb into the back of the wagon, I stifle a groan because my legs are aching and each step is proving to be a struggle.
Moving the crates around, I find several other pots and extra cleaning supplies, including a washboard and a small tub. Sorting the boxes, I make a mental note of what needs to be done for the next meal as I start gathering what I’ll need in the morning. Jacob did a great job organizing most of it, so I have a minute to myself.
Sitting back, I rub my butt cheeks and the side of my legs, only for my hand to land on the trinket box that Victoria gave me. Pulling it out of my pocket, I open the lid carefully so that nothing falls out before gathering the string of pearls. Holding them out in front of me, I marvel at how the clasp is barely noticeable on the fragile string holding them all together. I slip the bracelet onto my wrist, instantly overwhelmed by the love and dedication it took to make each of these pieces, and how they gave them tomewithout a second thought.
Laying the pearls over my leg, I pick up the small pieces of paper inside the bottom, smiling at Victoria’s beautiful penmanship, only to find another note slightly stuck and tucked under the bottom. Tugging on it gently, the entire velvet bottom lifts with it, and I press my hand against my mouth in shock when I see what is hiding beneath. Folded neatly are two gold certificates and several gold and silver coins. Completely overwhelmed, I just sit there stunned for a minute, and then I remember the note that was on top.
Dearest Jessica,
These gold certificates never expire, nor do the coins. In today’s market, these are worth a little over seven hundred dollars and over time, they will be worth more. This is the insurance policy I told you about before you left the train. This money will give you options you didn’t have before. I pray you never need it, and that it is used at some point to better your bright future. This was the only way I knew you would have the means to come to me if you ever needed to. You will always have a place in my heart, my sweet girl.
Love, Victoria
Sitting in a daze, I had no idea I’ve been carrying that kind of wealth in my side pocket all day. The jewels alone are worth a small fortune, as are the custom-made dresses she gave me, but this … how do you ever thank someone for something like this? For a second, I start to yell for Reggie, but something at the last moment tells me to keep this to myself. This money gives me choices I would never have had before, and Victoria knew that. She made sure before I left that train that I could take care of myself, and that security is going to take a minute to sink in.
Noise under the wagon has me tucking the note and the bottom of the box in place before I slip off the bracelet and gather up the pearls, placing them all back in the box before securing it. I look around for some place to hide the box, but at the last minute, I decide to just slip it back in my pocket for tonight. But tomorrow I need to make something a little more secure that I can tie around my waist under my skirts.
“Jess, you almost done in there?”
“I’m just getting familiar with all the supplies and where they’re at, so that I am not chasing things down in the morning.”
Stepping out of the back of the wagon, I take a minute to tie the flap back shut so nothing can get in, then head toward where I heard Reggie, only to see him sitting on the ground in front of the wagon, looking out over the valley in front of us. He pats the ground next to him.
“Sit with me for a minute before we turn in.”
