He’d wanted to leave at daybreak just to avoid this unpleasantness.

“The land’s not going anywhere.” Ian set down the platter of buckwheat pancakes without taking any. Your da and I claimed sufficient land for both of our sons to farm. “There’s no need to go seek your fortune, Ian. “The Oregon Trail was your adventure,” Ian said as he passed the bowl of scrambled eggs. There’s not a place in the world half as lovely as the farm we’ve established.” “Your da and I risked life and limb coming across the trail so our children would have a better life. “It makes no sense.” Ma dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her napkin. “You”-Braden waved his fork at their sister-“would gladly go anywhere so long as it was away from here.” “I have faith God will be with you on your adventure.”

Though we’ll be parted in body, keep us close in mind and heart we pray, amen.”ĭa squeezed Ian’s hand. Now, Father, we ask You to extend those blessings to our Ian as he ventures on in life. “Almighty Father, we give You praise for all You’ve done on our behalf, for the safety and love and bounty we’ve enjoyed by Your hand. Braden promptly took Maggie’s, and their sister, Fiona, and Mama completed the circle. Instead of folding his calloused hands as he normally did, he reached over and took Ian’s and Braden’s hands. Da took his place at the head of the table. Eggs from their henhouse, ham from their hog, and the cream from their cow all testified to God’s providence. “Braden, if I’m not mistaken, I smell your wife’s sugar-cured ham.” Sit yourself down.”ĭa entered the kitchen and sniffed the air. “You’ll not be getting those in a good, long while. As soon as the mule wore a yoke or a pack, she wanted to work. For the past three weeks, she’d split her time between helping him supply himself for this trip and begging him not to go.īess brayed outside, a sure sign she resented being hitched to the post. “Not until you eat a sound breakfast.” Though Ma’s words sounded cheerful, her forced smile and the way she clung to his sleeve warned Ian she’d still not accepted his decision to go to Alaska. “Bess and I are ready to go.” Ian Rafferty set down the pail from the morning milking and kissed his mother’s cheek.

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Golden Dawn by Cathy Marie Hake