– it was always Saul she thought of when it came to the distant past. He was the one who’d recorded the family history from the time he’d known Reno, continuing through the years the family spent away from Texas, then resuming when he returned to the old homeplace where her aunt lived today.
And someday, this same piece of land would belong to her.
Part of Journey wanted to move there now – to leave her apartment in Austin and make her home in the shadow of Enchanted Rock. After all, she could work from anywhere. Her aunt certainly wouldn’t mind if she chose to come home. Myra would relish the company.
As the wheels turned, the landscape around her changed yet again – becoming even more rugged. The color of the earth and rocks changed also. Instead of white limestone, now there was more red clay, iron ore, and outcroppings of pink granite. Joined with the verdant green of junipers and oaks, the contrast was spectacular. All of this was so familiar, yet the sight never failed to fill Journey with awe. She loved this country so much. To her, this was sacred ground. Returning to live at the ranch was something she always knew her future held. As much as she loved Austin, she longed to be somewhere she could stretch her legs. Go horseback riding in the moonlight.
Walk on the same ground where Reno walked.
See the stars from the same perspective he once saw them.
Close her eyes and pretend she could hear his voice on the wind.
So – what was she waiting for?
Journey’s eyes clouded with tears. Her hand trembled on the wheel as she caught sight of the great, granite mountain in the distance. A ragged, sad sigh escaped her lips as she recognized the truth.
The only thing holding her back was the little voice in her head warning Journey that she could lose herself. Become so entrenched in dreams of the past that she no longer tried to live in the world around her.
Journey knew Lou feared this, she could almost read her friend’s mind sometimes. “I’m okay. I’ll be fine,” she promised herself as she put on her blinker to turn at the entrance to the ranch. “There’s a reason I am the way I am. Maybe, this trip I’ll figure out what that reason could be.”
Reno
The afternoon sun was shining brightly when Reno came into view of the Stanton cabin. He sat up straighter in the saddle, straining to see if anyone was looking for him – awaiting his arrival. Only a few more yards and he was rewarded. He’d been spotted. Two children came running to him as fast as their little legs could carry them.
“Reno! Reno!”
He quickly dismounted, going to his knees to catch Huck and Emory up in his arms. “How are you two scoundrels?”
“We’re good.” Six-year old Emory kissed Reno on his cheek.
Reno returned the little fellow’s affection, giving him a gentle peck on the forehead. “What are you doing watching for me? Don’t you have chores to do?”
“Saul said you were coming, and we begged him to let us keep an out eye for you.” Huck patted Reno on the shoulder. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“Me too!” Emory shouted.
“Me three!”
The third little voice was the most welcome sound he could ever imagine. He gently set the boys down to greet Miss Tessa Marie. At four years old, she was the apple of his eye. “Hey, darling.”
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again and again.
Reno felt like his heart might burst with sheer joy.
“Come on in, Reno. Soup’s on!”
Saul’s welcoming voice drew their attention. “Great. Let me take care of Traveler and I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll do it for you!” At nine, Huck was slight for his age. He made up for any inadequacy in size by the strength of his determination.
“Thank you, son. I’ll take the supplies in.” He threw the two saddlebags over his other shoulder. “There you go. Be careful, Bud.” Reno relinquished Traveler’s reins to the boy as Emory pulled him toward the open door. “Slow down, rascal. You’re going to trip and make us all fall down.”
“Keep up, Reno!” Emory admonished him as they crossed the threshold. “I’ve got a new pet. A turtle. Want to see?”
“Absolutely.” Reno smiled with indulgence as he watched the little guy run off to fetch his new friend. “I’ll just place these over in the corner.” Still carrying Tess on his hip, he rested the