Chapter Six
The Texas sun was relentless, a fiery chaperone to Jane's new beginning. Stepping onto the dusty platform, her heart hammered with a cocktail of nerves and elation. The steam from the train hissed a farewell as she gripped her suitcase—the one containing her few worldly possessions—her knuckles white with anticipation.
"Jane! Over here!" A familiar voice sliced through the throng of people.
Deborah’s dress fluttered lightly in the breeze, the pattern lost in the shuffle but her smile impossible to miss. Jane's steps quickened, the ground beneath her seeming to usher her toward the open arms of family.
"I’m so glad you’re here!" Deborah exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as she pulled Jane into an embrace.
"Thank you for coming to get me," Jane said, the tension leaving her shoulders as she returned the tight hug. "I can't believe I'm finally here."
"Believe it," Deborah said, holding her at arm's length now, her gaze sweeping over Jane with sisterly appraisal. "Texas suits you already."
"Does it?" Jane couldn't help but grin, feeling the truth of it in her bones. "Well, I think I'm ready for whatever it has to offer."
"Let's get you to Susan’s house," Deborah said as they weaved through the crowd. They approached a buggy drawn by a pair of chestnut horses.
"Here, allow me," Deborah offered, taking Jane's suitcase and hoisting it onto the carriage with ease.
"Thank you," Jane murmured, her gaze lingering on the sturdy horses. "They're beautiful."
"Ah, those two are Bess and Duke," Deborah replied with a chuckle, patting the flank of the nearest horse affectionately. “Susan’s husband David trained them for Aaron.”
"They sound like nice people," Jane said, feeling a bit intimidated. “Are you sure they don’t mind me staying with them?”
"You’ll love them!” Deborah said, helping Jane up into the buggy. "They are truly kind people, and they have plenty of room."
As Deborah drove away from the station, they slowly left Fort Worth and moved into the rural area outside it. Open plains stretched out toward the horizon, dotted with the occasional farmhouse and wandering cattle.
A short while later, the Dailey homestead came into view. It was a modest but well-kept two-story house, with a wraparound porch that seemed to invite the world inside. On that porch, a group of women stood waiting, their forms silhouetted by the afternoon light. As the carriage drew closer, Jane could make out their expressions—eyes bright with anticipation, smiles spreading contagiously.
"Are those...?" Jane began, leaning forward for a better look.
"All of our sisters, yes," Deborah confirmed, her voice warm with pride. "They've been looking forward to this day almost as much as I have."
The buggy came to a stop, and before Jane could even step down, the women descended upon her like a flurry of summer dresses, each one eager to greet her. There were hugs and kisses on cheeks, laughter mingling with the buzz of excited chatter. Jane found herself swept up in the whirlwind of affection, every embrace banishing a bit more of her uncertainty.
"Welcome home, Jane!" they chorused, and the words seemed to bloom in her chest like wildflowers after a rain.
"Home," Jane whispered, a smile finding its way onto her lips.
“Jane, I’ve missed you!” Imogene said, spreading her arms for a hug from Jane.
"Imogene," Jane said, running into the embrace of the sister she was closest to. "I can't believe I'm finally here."
"Believe it, sister. Texas is ready for you," Imogene replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Is it always this warm?" Jane asked with a laugh that tumbled into their reunion like a playful breeze.
"It’s August. Thankfully, this is the hottest it gets," Susan Dailey said, fanning her face with her hand, and laughter bubbled up among them.
"Tell us everything, Jane. The train, the journey—leave nothing out!" Brenda urged, pulling Jane toward the settee.
"Was it terribly crowded? Did you meet any interesting characters?" Amy said.
"Nothing too wild," Jane said with a chuckle. "Though a gentleman did try to explain the entire history of cattle ranching to me."
"Sounds about right," Deborah muttered, smiling softly.
