Before she could say more, he went on. “No one knew they had relatives so close. Since they lost their parents; they’ve been alone except for me and my friends. I’ve been trying to convince them to move to King’s Ransom. So far, Saul’s been hardheaded. After what happened tonight, those raiders attacking and setting fire to the cabin, there’s no way they can remain alone.”
Realization began to dawn for Journey. “Tonight, you were with them. In order to save the children from the Indian attack, you led the war party away. The children escaped, but you… Oh, God.” She bowed her head and covered her eyes. “I’m going crazy. I’m as nutty as a fruitcake.”
“It wasn’t Indians,” Reno blurted, then stood up to pace the floor. “I’m sure the children are safe with Clay, but I’ll feel better once I see for himself.” Stopping, he wheeled to face her. “Wait. How did you know any of that? And if you’re related to the children, why haven’t you been to see them?”
Journey could barely talk. She held up her hands, asking for a moment. “This is the night. In your time, this is the night you disappeared.”
“What are you talking about?” Reno asked. “Tell me. Now.” He demanded an answer.
“I know this seems strange to you.” She stood and walked toward him slowly. “When I think of the many times that I dreamed of this very thing happening.” She laughed. “How often I wished…”
“Wished for what?”
“Wished for you!” Her eyes roved over his face. “You look exactly the same. I’ve memorized each of your features.” She hiccupped a sob. “Oh, God.” She bent over. “I think I’m going to faint.”
Reno was stunned. He reached out to help her. “Sit down.” Fetching the glass that he’d used before; he went to refill it. When he returned, he squatted at her feet. “Drink this, then explain to me what you’re saying.”
Journey sipped the water. “Thank you.” She rubbed the condensation off the glass, searching for the right words to say. “This is all so unbelievable.”
“I admit, I’m pretty confused myself.” He looked around him, taking note of the fine furnishings. “The Stanton children should be here with you.”
Trembling, Journey hugged herself. “That’s not possible.” She laughed at her lack of assuredness about anything. “At least, I don’t think it is. Of course, I can’t explain why you’re here. Was there a time warp or something? I should talk to Lou. She knows all about the theory of relativity and all that stuff.” She put her fingers to her temple. “I’m so confused my head hurts.”
“Your words baffle me.” Reno returned to his seat. “It’s like we’re speaking two different languages.” He lifted his dark eyes to hers. “I don’t know what’s going on.”
“Neither do I.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “But it’s wondrous.”
He didn’t comment on the wonder of it all. Instead, he struggled with the prospect. “Can you tell me more?”
Licking her bottom lip, she tried to decide what to say. What would make sense. “You are very important to our family. My nickname is Journey, but my real first name is Sojourner. I was named for your mother.”
His eyes widened as he stared at her. “How did you know my mother?”
“My own mother read about your Sojourner in Saul’s journal. She loved the name and everything you told Saul about her.”
“Saul’s journal?”
“Yes. He recorded everything he knew about you, everything you ever told him. Reno, my family has told and retold stories about you for generations.”
“How is that possible?”
“Do you want to see the journal?” she offered.
As if the thought of confirming this madness was too much to contemplate, he dry-scrubbed his face. “No. I don’t have time. I need to…” Suddenly, he jumped up and threw his hands up in disbelief. “How can you have his journal? I just left him a few hours ago and he had the damn thing packed to take to King’s Ransom.”
Seeing his obvious distress, Journey wanted to offer him comfort. Taking him by the hand, she tugged him down to sit next to her on the sofa. Her mouth was dry, and she felt weak in the knees. Just looking at him was a miracle. “I don’t understand any of this either. It’s like a dream.” She raised a hand as if to touch him, then drew back. “The portrait didn’t do you justice, you know.”