“Prepare. We know it’s coming, so we can get ready. Disaster averted.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He passed a grateful hand over her smooth back. “Maybe we’ll be as blessed as we were with the massacre. Domino said he heard in town that the Governor sent the 10th Cavalry back up north.”
“Good. See, everything is working out for the best.”
He rolled to his side to join his lips with hers. “As far as I can tell, love – the best is yet to come.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
A Peek into the Family Album
Renewing their vows. Late June 1869.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce this man and this woman to be husband and wife – again. Reno, you may kiss your lovely bride.” Clay was the first to start clapping his hands as everyone watched Reno seal their love with a kiss.
“Yay!!” Tess jumped up and down with absolute delight. “We’re a fambly now!”
Reno held out his arms to gather the Stanton children near. “We’ve always been a family; this just makes it official.”
“As soon as the adoption papers come in, we’ll have to have another celebration,” Journey whispered in her husband’s ear.
“I don’t think that will be a problem.” He surveyed his friends and family as they gathered near. “This bunch loves to celebrate.”
“Don’t forget, there’s cake and punch, everyone!” Fancy called from the gaily decorated table piled high with food.
As the bride and groom started to leave the altar, Cole called a halt to their progress. “Not so fast. I want to take one more photograph.” He moved his camera to the optimum location.
“Okay, line up everyone,” Reno called. “Let’s all get in the picture.”
Journey beamed with happiness as their loved ones gathered round. The only sad spot in the day was knowing her Aunt Myra and Lou wouldn’t be witness to their happiness. But all was not lost – she knew that somehow, what Cole captured with his camera lens would find its way forward in time.
The Flood of July 9th ,1869
After the rains began to subside, the residents of King’s Ransom crept out of the caves atop Packsaddle Mountain. They’d managed to drive all the livestock to the high plateau. Not one soul – man or beast – was lost. Now, they were stunned to see the flooded valley below, completely inundated by the rising waters of the Colorado River.
“I don’t know if the house can be saved, King.” Fancy wrung her hands with worry.
“We can rebuild, my love. Nothing is more important than the fact we all survived.” King drew his wife close.
“Thanks to Journey,” Fancy murmured. “If she hadn’t told us what would happen, we would’ve perished.”
“I’m afraid you’re right.” He kissed her cheek. “Her warning from the future saved us all.”
“Since I have my gear up here, I’d like to take a photograph for the paper,” Cole announced loudly. “Gather together, everyone. This will be a shot no one will forget.”
“Come on, Mrs. Black.” Reno tugged Journey’s hand to stand next to Amelia and Ace. “We don’t want to be left out of the picture.”
“No. We don’t.” She huddled close to her husband. “We’re soaking wet.”
“Yea, but we’re alive.” Reno celebrated the fact. “We’re all alive to see another day.”
The Birth of Reno Cole Black.
“Reno! I don’t think I can do this!” Journey held out her hand for her husband to grasp.
“Oh, yes you can. You can do this.” He kissed her face. “I’m here with you. Right here with you, love.”
Domino shook his head at the sight of his friend at his wife’s side. “Husbands are supposed to stay out of the room to keep the hot water boiling.
“I want him here, Domino!” She shouted. “I need him here.”
“Okay, okay. Nobody’s throwing Daddy out.” Domino sat down in his spot beneath the privacy sheet. “Okay, it’s time. The head is crowning. You need to push for me, Journey.”
Journey pushed with all her might, nearly squeezing Reno’s hand off in the process.
“That’s it, love. You’re doing so good.” Reno wiped her brow, then wiped his own. “What do you see, Domino?”
Domino chuckled with delight. “I see a boy. A fine, handsome, strapping young fellow. Almost, Journey. One more push, he’s coming!”
As Journey gave one last scream of effort, she pushed their baby boy into the world.
Reno leaned down to kiss her tear streaked face. “You did it. He’s here.”
As Domino cleaned the crying baby, a crowd gathered outside the bedroom door.