Suddenly, the truth of the situation began to dawn on the children. They might be young, but they were sharp as tacks.
“Will we ever see you again?” Huck asked with what sounded like a frog in his throat.
At this juncture, the truth just wouldn’t come to Reno’s lips. “I’m not sure. Who knows? Maybe, someday, I’ll bring that princess here to meet you.”
“What’s her name?” Tess asked, her sweet face tear streaked.
“Journey. Her name is Journey.”
“If she comes, I would love her a lot,” Tess promised.
“I know you would. But – until then, Gentry’s sister has a wonderful place for you to live.”
“No! No!” Emory let out a howl and climbed up in his lap. “I don’t want you to go, Reno. Not again. I don’t want you to go!”
Except for Saul, the others followed suit. Not knowing what else to do, Reno gathered all four of them close – and they stayed that way until they were asleep, exhausted from crying.
* * *
The day Journey had waited for finally came. The day of the Leaf Moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon. She’d seen the term in the newspaper and looked it up online. To her surprise, this was the summer solstice as well as the full moon. Seldom did the two events occur at the same time. According to many believers, this combination gave the day great power. “That’s good, I’ll take all the help I can get.” This was also the day of the massacre; Journey prayed Reno had been successful. “Oh, well. I guess I’ll know when I get there.”
From the moment she arose, Journey began to prepare. What she would wear. What she could take with her. Knowing Reno came through with a saddlebag and things in his pockets, she intended to cram just as much stuff into hers as she could. Poor Cinnamon had no idea what was in store for this afternoon.
Aunt Myra and Lou were like her shadows, staying close. Journey didn’t complain, she wanted them near.
“Just tell us what to do and we’ll do it,” Lou told her, following her every step.
“Uh…look through my oils and find all the frankincense, myrrh and Palo Santo that you can and put it in the saddlebag Brandon brought from the barn. I know I won’t be able to get those oils easily. Also, Lou, pack all my notes I made. They’re on top of my laptop.” She rubbed her hair out of her eyes. “What else? Oh, my prenatal vitamins. I might as well take those.”
“Do you want to take some pain relievers and Midol with you?”
This question came from Myra and Journey giggled. “No, I don’t think 1869 is ready for Midol. Or Tampax. Gee, I’ll have a lot to get used to.”
“And so much to enjoy,” Lou gushed, grabbing her close for a hug. “I’m so excited for you.”
“Me too.” Journey made another round through her room. “I’ve packed my underwear, a couple of pairs of shoes, some pants, and shirts. I’ll need those until I can buy some other clothes. Plus, I couldn’t leave my wedding dress. Oh, I need water for the ride to King’s Ransom!”
“I’ll get the water,” Myra volunteered. “Do you want me to put some lemon in it?”
Journey grabbed her aunt’s hand. “I don’t need any lemon, but I do need for you to hold me a moment.” She took the time to hug the older woman tightly. “Do you know how much you’ve meant to me? You’ve been my mother, my aunt, my everything for so long, I barely remember anything else. Know that no matter where I am, you’ll always be loved to the extreme.”
“Oh, my Journey. You’re my little girl. I treasure you.” Myra clutched her tightly, then pulled away. “I’ll get the water before I collapse into a puddle.”
“You’ll take care of her, won’t you, Lou?” she asked her friend who was waiting patiently nearby.
“You can count on it.” She glanced at her phone. “It’s one o’clock. Kota will be here soon. We’ll want to start over to the canyon; just in case we have trouble on the way.”
“Yes, I’m almost ready.” Journey felt like she was missing something. “Just give me a second.” And then it hit her. “Reno’s picture!” She dashed to take it from beneath her pillow.
“Journey, what do you need with that picture. You’re gonna have the real thing. Remember?”
“I remember.” She cradled the tintype to her chest. “This picture is special. I can’t leave