– after Reno was gone. Right now, there were some things she could do to help him prepare.
In the sunroom, she began putting together the information he needed to help Cole. She even put the papers in a plastic bag, just in case there was rain. “Whoever finds this is going to be amazed.” She also found his notes on John Taylor and Kinsella, the dates and details he wanted to pass on to the authorities. Lastly, she sat down to write him a note. Something for him to find when he needed it the most. Journey was in such a hurry, all she could find to write it on was the back of the flyer from the company who owned the helicopter they’d chartered to take them for a flight over the city of Austin. “This will have to do.”
Dear Reno,
Love of my life. You have made me happier than I ever hoped to be. Only you could make all my dreams come true. Take care of Cole and Ela, spend time with your friends, let them know how much you care. Then come home to me, please. I will pray for your safety ever moment you’re gone and count the minutes until you come home to me. Your baby and I will be waiting for you.
Your loving wife,
Journey
Tucking the note inside one of the other papers, so it wouldn’t be obvious, she’d just managed to put it all together in one envelope when she heard his voice.
“Journey?”
“In here.”
He came to her and she walked straight into his arms. “I’ve gathered everything you need to take with you.”
“Thank you.” He studied the envelope’s size. “I might sew it into the inside of my shirt or my duster. How does that sound?”
“Next to your skin would be safest I’d think. Aunt Myra would do that for you, I’m sure.”
“Good. I’ll ask.” Placing the envelope on the table nearest the door, he put his arm around her shoulder. “I want to spend as much time with you today as I can. The only other thing I need to do is get Kota and Lou together for a few minutes. I want to make double sure I’m not missing anything.”
“Yes. I think that’s a good idea. You don’t want to forget anything important.” Journey held onto the back of the chair for support. For the first time in days, she felt nauseous. By sheer will, she kept the feeling at bay. There was no way in hell she’d let on to Reno. This was one thing he didn’t need to know. Not today.
“No, I can’t afford to forget anything. Since Lou isn’t up yet, why don’t you come into the kitchen and let me cook breakfast for you?”
Her stomach roiled at the idea. “Sure. I’m starving.”
Journey went along with everything Reno wanted to do. She wanted him to have the best possible day. After eating as much breakfast as she could, they put the rest in a warmer for Lou and Myra.
“How about a walk?” he offered. “Or a horseback ride?”
“A walk would be fun.” She put on her brightest smile. “We can talk about what we’ll do when you come home.”
“We need to do that anyway.” He took her hand and they set off. This time, they headed to the creek.
“Since you’ll be working at Highlands, I guess we’ll have to think about getting a place nearer there.”
“Yes, I think so.” His black eyes were bright with excitement for their future plans. “I have quite a bit more gold and coins. I’ll bring them with me upon my return and maybe we’ll have enough to get a good start on our life together.”
“Yes. Plus, we don’t need anything elaborate. There’s a small community called Tow on the left bank of Lake Buchanan. Land and houses are pretty reasonable up there.”
“Excellent. Why don’t you see what you can find? Narrow down a few choices. We’ll look at them together when I return.”
“I’ll have an ultrasound before you come back. You’ll be able to see a picture of the baby.”
“Really?” His face showed his amazement. “Do they stick a camera…?”
“No. They rub gel on my belly, then they pass this wand over it and a picture shows up on a computer screen.” She laughed “I’m not explaining it very well.”
“A wand? I suspected magic was involved in all this modern craziness.”
“It’s a kind of magic, I guess.” She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it. “What are you going to tell