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  Elam nodded. “We’ll talk on it later, seeing as how Caroline and the others are helping Isaac walk this way. We need to be getting back up top and start for Salina.”

  After Caroline settled Isaac in the coach once more and took Emmy, Roslyn finished connecting the new leader pair in front of Beelzebub and Josie. She climbed in the driver’s box and helped Danny get Elam situated. Soon, they were on their way. Before she knew it, Elam half turned toward her and put his arm across her shoulders. He leaned his head forward so the brim of her hat bent up on the side. The brim of his kepi brushed against the hair at her temples.

  Roslyn turned her head to the left, only to realize how close his face was to hers. She lowered her gaze to his lips. The temptation to kiss him hit her with an unexpected force, but she pushed down the longing that had been growing ever since she discovered him riding on the same stagecoach with her bound for Ellsworth. Now’s not the time.

  She turned her face forward and blinked several times. Like a ninny, she had told him—almost insisted—she accepted his proposal of marriage he had not intended to make. How ridiculous—how selfish. He said he wanted to be with her, but would that change as he began to know her better? Elam said now he would claim the baby as his. Would he still feel the same once they reached a place away from the danger that always hovered at the Ellsworth Station? When she no longer needed protection, would he still want to always be there for her?

  No wonder he had said they would talk on it later. What he would tell her was, he never intended to offer for her, and there would be no marriage.

  “Roslyn, how come you turned away? You think more on it and changed your mind?”

  As it bounced to the sway of the stagecoach, Roslyn shook her head. “No. I realized I wasn’t being fair to you. I was pushing you into something beyond what you intended.”

  “With my leg gone, what I figured I can have and what I’ve a mind to have if I had my druthers ain’t the same.” Elam paused. “You mean it what you said about you having feelings for me?”

  “Of course, I do. I don’t know how to explain it. I’ve never been in love, not that I know of, and I’m not even sure what it feels like. I only know I want to be where you are, Elam. My soul yearns for you. I trust you.” Listening to the turning of the wheels and the sound of horse and mule hooves strike the ground, Roslyn kept her eyes focused forward. She had bared her heart. Now she waited for Elam to say something, anything.

  “A man can’t ask for much more than that. Reckon I feel the same, only you done said it better. I accept you accepting, if you’re still willing.”

  Roslyn felt the fear and uncertainty drain away from her. A buoyance filled her soul that she had not experienced since Ross and her father were still alive. A smile crept onto her face and she turned to meet his gaze. “Yes, Elam, I’m willing.”

  “Reckon I’ll claim that kiss I was aiming to give you before the sergeant showed up.”

  Roslyn laughed. “Were you about to kiss me, or was that soldier just hoping he’d see something he could talk about later?”

  “He’d already done seen plenty to talk about later. Don’t matter none if I was aiming to kiss you then. I’m aiming to kiss you now, if you’ll allow it.”

  Roslyn leaned her face toward Elam. “I’ll allow it.” She parted her lips and closed her eyes. As she sank against him, the warm sensation of his kiss drove all else from her mind.

  Danny cleared his throat. “Don’t want to interrupt anything important, Madam Driver, but your new right leader just led the team off the road and into the prairie grass.”

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  Chapter 19

  ~o0o~

  Junction City, Kansas

  June 19-23, 1866

  R oslyn approached Junction City with a sense of bemusement. She realized that she had left this town less than two months ago. So much had taken place in that time. Now, she returned to the community from which she fled. Almost penniless at the time, her current financial situation was no better. It would not improve unless the owner of the Butterfield Overland Despatch company paid her—well, Ross—and soon.

  Of the original passengers, only Isaac, Caroline, and Emmy remained. The Fort Riley ambulance, along with an assistant surgeon, met the stage the other side of Abilene. The two injured soldiers, plus the private who was sent to watch over them, transferred to the military vehicle and pulled ahead of the stagecoach.

  More than once, the realization of the burden she put on Caroline during the trip bothered Roslyn. At a time when she needed to give all her attention to her husband, Caroline also cared for Emmy. Her guilt lessened when, from the time they boarded in Abilene, Elam chose to ride in the coach. At the stop at Chapman Creek, Caroline admitted she still changed Emmy’s diapers, but Elam, the Spencer rifle propped at his side, held the baby much of the time—when he was not helping Caroline with Isaac as she struggled to keep his fever down and ease his pain. Emmy’s blanket on the floor of the swaying coach served as her bed part of the time.

  As they entered the business district of town, Roslyn turned to Danny. “Do you know where we can find a doctor for Isaac?”

  Danny shook his head. “You’ll have to ask Elam. I can get you to the station, though.”

  Fortunately, the station manager, just as concerned about Isaac and his injuries as the managers and stock tenders they met before Junction City, climbed into the driver’s box and directed Roslyn to the office of a local physician.

  Because she dared not leave the team unattended, Roslyn waited outside with the stagecoach. She reclaimed Emmy while the others helped Isaac in to see the doctor. Up in the driver’s box, she kept the baby covered with the blanket, as much dirt from the coach floor as possible shaken off of it, to protect her fair skin from the sun. When Emmy started mewling, Roslyn bounced her and played with her in an attempt to distract her. She did her best to ignore the curious glances as passersby realized a woman dressed in mannish clothing sat in a stagecoach driver’s seat and played with a baby. Wonder what they’d think if I fed her out in the open? Because that’s what Emmy wants.

  Once Elam returned, he stayed by the coach while Roslyn climbed inside and satisfied the baby. She knew when the stationmaster came out and began talking with Elam but was unable to hear what they said.

  Danny returned and climbed up on his side of the bench.

  Roslyn joined him and turned the team to take the stagecoach to the station.

  She climbed down from the driver’s box for the last time. Roslyn felt a sense of loss at leaving behind the Butterfield Overland Despatch. She would no longer center her life around the stagecoach schedule and the needs of its employees, passengers, and livestock. Roslyn turned toward the coach and smiled. Elam, one hand on the open door and his other arm holding Emmy, sat on the floor with his wooden leg stuck straight out in front of him.

  Roslyn rushed over, took Emmy in one arm, and held out her other. She felt a sense of satisfaction that, instead of insisting he do everything himself, he took her hand and allowed her to help pull him to his feet.

  Elam turned and reached for his rifle.

  Danny, Elam’s crutches in his hands, walked up to them. “You might want these, Elam, just in case. I’m going to eat and then go back to check on Isaac. The doctor has a woman who was a nurse during the war working for him. When I left, she was setting things up so the doc could dig that bullet out of Isaac’s shoulder.”

  Roslyn held her hand out to Danny. “Before you go, what about Isaac’s leg? Will it be all right? Elam came back outside before much was said about it.”

  “Yeah, that nurse started working on cleaning the leg wound right away. The doctor said he didn’t like the infection. He’s hopeful, over time, it will fully heal. It’s looking, though, like Eustace will have that station for a while.” Danny paused and looked between Roslyn and Elam. “I don’t mind letting you know what I find out. Where will I find you?”

 
Roslyn glanced at Elam, who was in the process of putting his arms through the straps of his knapsack, before she turned back to Danny. She shook her head. “I don’t know. I needed to get Emmy out of danger. Now I’m here, I have no idea where to go. Isaac said he’s giving me a month’s pay, but I don’t know if he turned in the paperwork or if the company will send the money, especially if word gets to them Ross is really Roslyn. I was told two months ago when I was here no decent work is available for a woman with a baby. I doubt things have changed.”

  Elam touched Roslyn’s arm. “Things done changed.” He turned to Danny. “Look for us at the Williams Livery a block up.”

  After Danny left, Roslyn stared into Elam’s eyes, struck once more with how his gaze had a tendency to calm her anger—or her worst fears.

  Elam nodded. “I got me a notion where you and that baby can go, and you won’t need no money, at first. Knowing Henry Williams, reckon you can work off your rent and vittles.”

  Roslyn eyed him with suspicion. “Are you sure?”

  “No, but ain’t no harm in asking. I figure he’s needing both our help with the livery and you cooking his meals. His health ain’t so good, though he don’t like to admit it. Let on once he got himself a bad heart. He won’t mind none you staying in a stall. You and Emmy will make out right fine there.” Elam hiked his rifle on one shoulder and his crutches on the other. He reached for her elbow and started them walking.

  Roslyn followed him out of the station before she responded. “You know the idea of staying in a livery stall doesn’t bother me. If I’ll be staying in your old stall, what about you?”

  Elam shrugged. “Figured on being there, too. Knowing Henry, though, he’ll be expecting us to tie the knot first.”

  Roslyn repeatedly glanced at Elam as they continued walking. “Married? You mean today?”

  “Good a time as any.” Elam stopped and turned to Roslyn. “Reckon it’s up to you, you having Emmy, and all.”

  Roslyn focused her eyes straight ahead. “You work things out with Henry and go find that reverend the marshal talked about when I was here last.” She looked down at the work trousers Caroline helped her fashion. Although she removed the bands holding the bottom edges tight to her legs after they dropped Isaac off at the doctor’s, the material still held the wrinkles. “This is all right for working in the livery, but I’ll want a bath first so I can change into my calico dress. A woman wants to look her best when she gets married.” Scrunching her forehead, Roslyn grimaced as she turned to Elam. “My face doesn’t still look like a summer beet, does it?”

  Elam glanced at her and grinned.

  Roslyn blinked. She stopped walking and spun a quarter turn to face him and stared. He’s grinning. Not his usual stoic expression or a hint of a smile. He’s grinning!

  Elam also stopped and, reaching for her upper arm, pulled her to him. “Don’t matter none. I already done told you, Roslyn. You always look right fine to me.”

  ~o0o~

  June 23, 1866

  Dear Eustace, Tom, and Jim,

  Even though I know you have already heard from Danny most of what I’m about to write, I thought I’d share a little of how things turned out after we left Ellsworth. I won’t go into when the Cheyenne attacked the stagecoach. Ask Danny about that. What I will say is, we reached Junction City just fine, and I drove all the way. We were a little behind schedule, but that’s because it took us longer to take care of Isaac. Then, after I left Bubby at the Salina Station, I had to show the manager’s wife and daughter what to do and not do to take care of him. I hope he doesn’t give you too bad of a time when he comes back to Ellsworth. Please be kind to him.

  I didn’t drive any farther than Junction City. I told the station manager there I was driving for Isaac, and he was lucky to have the coach in his station instead of still in Ellsworth. I left it up to him to find someone to take it to Fort Riley and beyond.

  Elam and I are married now. After we got Isaac to the doctor, he took me to see the livery owner he used to work for on and off. Turns out Henry Williams has a bad heart, and his health started to fail within the past month. Elam found him still in bed mid-afternoon the day we arrived. He had not had the strength to leave his bed and take care of his stock since the night before. Elam went out to feed and water while I fired up the woodstove Henry had in a cook shack and started some food. Henry said he was glad Elam was back, and he and I could work for him as long as we want to. Danny stopped by, and Elam sent him to ask Reverend Hicks to visit with Mr. Williams and to marry us. I wanted a bath before we married, but that didn’t happen. After I got Henry fed and his place cleaned up a little, I went out to help Elam in the livery. It had been neglected and needed a lot of work. That’s where Rev. Hicks and Danny found us. We returned to the house where Elam and I married with Henry Williams and Danny as witnesses. That work outfit you saw me wearing when we left on the stagecoach that morning is what I wore for my wedding. I told Caroline later about it, and she thought it was rather fitting.

  Speaking of the Petersons, Isaac is doing better now that bullet is out of his shoulder, but the doctor says his recovery will take some time. He doesn’t like the infection that set in on Isaac’s leg. He believes in that new medical theory about the importance of keeping everything sanitary. He told me he wishes those Indians would wash their arrows with soap and water before they start shooting them. I don’t expect that to happen. Isaac is still with the doctor, and Caroline is staying at the station. They’ve sent word to their son, who lives in Atchison. As soon as the doctor releases Isaac, they plan to go stay with him during Isaac’s recovery.

  It looks like you will have the station for quite some time, Eustace, maybe permanently. Isaac said he’s putting your name in to become stationmaster. If you want it, I suggest you send your own letter asking for the job so the division agent doesn’t give it to someone else. Isaac doesn’t want Caroline out there anymore. When he feels better, he’ll come out to pick up the rest of their belongings. He told me, if he continues to work for the B.O.D., he’ll only drive, but he’ll no longer do both that and the station.

  The livery stall Elam, the baby, and I are staying in is working out fine, although I hope to move into something a little more solid before cold weather hits. We take our meals with Henry. He lives in a one-room cabin behind the business. Since he’s a single man, he says it always suited him fine. It does get a little cramped when we’re all in there together, though. Even though it is not an ideal living situation, I’m happy. I’m married to a man I love, and I’m back to working with my family in a livery. What more could I ask for?

  Take care, and give everyone Elam’s and my best.

  Roslyn Stewart

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  Epilogue

  ~o0o~

  Junction City, Kansas

  October 1871

  R oslyn sucked in a breath and clapped her hands to her mouth at the sight of the couple standing in the doorway of the E & R Stewart Livery. She next spread her arms wide. “Come in, come in! Ever since the telegram arrived, I’ve been waiting for you. It’s so good to see you.”

  Roslyn raced toward the bottom of the stairs leading to the hayloft and called out. “Elam! If you’re able, please come downstairs. Isaac and Caroline are here.” She then hurried toward the pair as gracefully as her seven-month’s pregnant belly would allow and enveloped the woman in a hug. “You’re looking well, Caroline.” She turned to Isaac. “How have you two been?”

  Isaac smiled wide and nodded. “Just fine, just fine. I wish we could have given you a better idea when we would arrive. The downside of running an inn is, it’s hard to get the help organized so the place will run smoothly for several days without you.” Isaac’s neck craned from side to side as he inspected the inside of the livery. “My, looks like you two have made some improvements since you inherited it from Henry Williams. It’s really fortunate for you two he had no family to leave it to. You’ve g
ot a fine set-up here.”

  “We think so. I’m amazed with everything Elam does to make this place better.” Roslyn gestured toward the small office that also served as a tack repair room. “Come in and sit down. Elam has been keeping an eye on Nattie—I mean, Nathaniel—while he’s been napping. He just went up in the loft to knock down more straw. Emmy and I have been laying down new beds in some of the stalls.”

  “Speaking of Emmy, where is that little sweetheart?” Caroline clasped her hands to her breastbone. “I’ll bet she’s halfway grown up by now.”

  “Not quite.” Roslyn turned and called toward the back of the livery barn. “Emmy, you may come up front now, please. Our company has arrived, and Mrs. Peterson is anxious to meet you.”

  Emmy stuck her head with its red curls a few shades darker than her mother’s out of the door of one of the stalls. She slowly sidled out and then skipped forward.

  Caroline’s voice came out in a whisper. “What a darling.”

  “She’s getting to be a good little helper, especially with her brother.” She patted her tummy. “She’ll be a life-saver after this baby comes.”

  Caroline laughed. “I’ll bet. You’ve gotten yourself busy here, and I’m not talking about taking care of the horses.”

  “I know. Elam does most of it now, all except taking care of the hooves and farrier work.” Roslyn pointed to the back of the building. “The stall in back on the left that Elam stayed in just before he came to work for you, that we turned into a family area. We have a second baby bed in there, and Emmy has her dolls and toy crib in there, too. When Elam and I take a break from working, we go either there or in the office to spend time with the children.”

  Emmy reached Roslyn’s side and shyly clutched her mother’s leg as she half buried her face in her mother’s skirt.

  Roslyn reached down and stroked Emmy’s braids. “Emmy, this is Mr. and Mrs. Peterson. You’ve heard us talk about them, remember?”