14
Changes
Victoria stood in front of the house she'd lived in for so many years, a home she only visited now; her luggage sat next to her. One memory after another came and entertained themselves on the stage of her mind. Where had the time gone to? When had things begun to change? The moment she repeated the last question, Victoria had her answer. The day Jarrod came home unable to use his voice and communicating with sign language.
Oh, that wasn't a bad thing. She'd accepted it in time; especially when she saw how he'd refused to let his situation pull him down. She'd also been elated when her oldest had married Ester. Only, she sighed. Within months of his marriage, Nick had announced his engagement, and the following year Heath had married Bridget. After all that excitement, Audra had shocked them all by converting to Catholicism and becoming a nun. Of course, life had given them a reality check the day Eugene and his wife were killed and their son was turned over to Nick and Ella, and then there was the sad day they'd had to bury Bridget.
Victoria was brought out of her thoughts, as Nick stepped out the front door and walked over to her. The fact that he was a bit uncomfortable could be seen as he shifted his weight and put his hands on his hips. "It's going to seem strange without you here, been nice to have you around again."
Victoria smiled. She knew how much of a struggle Nick and the others had had when she'd visited her sister Clara in Colorado only to be swept off her feet by Theodore Mitchell, a wealthy rancher in that state. She too had had to fight herself to admit she loved Theodore enough to marry him and leave California. Of course, she had made it abundantly clear, mandatory visits would be made. After all, moving to another state with a new husband didn't change the fact that she cared about her children and grandchildren. "It's been wonderful seeing you again, son, but as you know life changes, and I have to go. I'll see you all again in six months."
Nick smiled. Thanksgiving; his mother always visited for the holidays. He might have said more, but he saw his stepfather and Heath driving up in Heath's wagon. Heath was going to take the couple back to the train station.
Theodore was almost as tall as Nick, but his shoulders were much broader and his hair was as white as the driven snow. Nick had to chuckle as he remembered the day he, Nick, had given the man just cause to show him just hard his, Theodore's, left hook was. At least he knew his mother would be well protected as long as the man was healthy. "See you mother." Nick said as Theodore stopped the wagon and climbed down.
Nick put his mother's luggage in the back of the wagon while his stepfather helped Victoria up onto the wagon. Soon she was seated between her husband and Heath. "Take care of yourself, son." Victoria waved to Nick, and his family who had now joined him on the porch.
Yep, life was always handing them changes. Oh well, at least, most of the time, they were for the better.