Finding Her Way (Wildflowers) by Banicki Leah

Author:Banicki, Leah [Banicki, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-10-26T23:00:00+00:00

Part Two:

Chapter Twenty

May 26 1848

They all used what reserve strength they had and prepared the wagons and doused the fire. The wagon train as a group had decided to continue until they reach the crossing. They all would be traveling through the night.

"If you need to rest Corinne just climb in your wagon, no one will think badly of ya for it." Clive joined her after the train started rolling. His eyes held concern but he saw her inner strength when she looked straight at him.

His own mind relived the recent events. He had never liked Andrew but no one should die like that. He had been there for part of the night getting them what they needed. Watching the life drain out of a man left a mark on anyone who saw it.

Corinne didn’t have the energy or mood to smile at Clive but she nodded that she heard him. Her body felt tired but energized, a strange unreal strength. She was certain it would wear off eventually but in the meantime she would have to suffer through it. Her mind was swirling with everything it had seen and the new reality she faced. She was a widow!

She faced a long road with no one but her to take charge. She felt lucky to have her friendship with the Grants but she knew she didn’t want to lean too heavily upon them. They had their own journey to make. She knew she had much to learn but somewhere inside her a determination was growing. She would face what lay ahead with something her Grandmother used to preach about, "Grit."

"As a woman you have to face what the world throws at you. A little grit is just your willingness to do what's hard and get through." Grandma Trudie's words had stuck with Corinne. She looked at her crew. It was a hardy group of men. Jimmy who walked along with the oxen directing them, led her wagon, Joe was in the seat holding the reins lightly but was there to brake and see obstacles ahead. The other wagon was shorter with the chuck wagon attached behind. Reggie and Cookie were the ox handlers and then there was Corinne.

What was her role now? Corinne realized she had to stop her mind, she was over thinking everything. She needed to relax and just breathe for a while. Clive reached over and gave her arm a squeeze. She had an urge to get off her horse, hold up her arms like a child, and see if Clive would hug her like a father would. She knew in a heartbeat he would and that thought gave her comfort but now was not the time for sympathy. There was a river crossing and fresh water ahead. They would rest when they reached water. She would sleep and weep then if need be, but not now.

* * * * *

The southern split of the Platte River was shallow and easy to cross. It was nearly a mile wide but the water was no burden to the animals and wagons.

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