Chapter 10

Two weeks later, Jarrod, Adeline and Meredith were on their way West. Mabel came to the train station to say good-bye. She did not cry, knowing there would be plenty of time for that later. She was all smiles and kept talking about how exciting the trip was going to be for Meredith. Jarrod and Adeline had asked Mabel to come out for Meredith's birthday in three months. Jarrod made a mental note to send her the money for the fare, knowing she wouldn't accept it now.

In the past two weeks, Meredith spent quite a bit of time with her parents. They came to the open assembly at her school and watched as she took second place in the art contest. Although she was disappointed at not getting first place, Meredith took the loss gracefully, much to Jarrod's and Adeline's delight. Again, both were thankful for the upbringing by Mabel and her husband.

The trip West was just as difficult for Adeline as it had been on the way out. She spent most of her time lying down. Jarrod and Meredith were able to spend many hours together and got to know one another well. Jarrod was impressed with his daughter and the two began to form a good relationship. Adeline hated not being able to join them, feeling as though she was missing out on some very important bonding time with her daughter, but was glad father and daughter could take the time to get to know one another. Jarrod assured her that once they got home and Adeline felt better, she and Meredith would have plenty of time to spend together.

Since it was in the middle of the school year that they were going back to Stockton, Meredith's teacher sent along lessons for Meredith to do while on the train. Jarrod was patient in instructing her and smiled at her ability to pick up knew concepts. Her mind was sharp. She had some trouble with Math, but with Jarrod's help, was able to complete her tasks.

In Denver, Jarrod sent a wire to the family letting them know when they would be home. He couldn't wait to introduce Meredith to her Aunt, Uncles and Grandmother. He knew they would fall in love with her just as quickly as he had.

One afternoon, Jarrod and Meredith were sitting in the dining car, Jarrod enjoying a cigar and a glass of scotch and Meredith eating a slice of cake. They talked about a good many things, but Jarrod's memory dwelt on his daughter calling him "Papa" for the first time. Meredith had asked what she should call them, and they assured her that although they wanted to be called "mama" and "papa", they would wait until she was ready. So far, she had just referred to them as "ma'am" and "sir". Meredith had been looking out the window and had seen a majestic view of the mountains as they passed by.

"Oh Papa! Look! Oh, I wish we had time to stop so that I could try and draw them!"

Jarrod swallowed around the lump in his throat and said, "When we get home, your mother and I will take you out and show you our favorite spot. It's at the base of the mountains and next to a stream. I know you'll love it."

Meredith's eyes twinkled. She couldn't wait. She realized she had called him "Papa". She had been practicing it in her mind and it just slipped out. She was glad he hadn't made a big deal about it, but she had seen the pleasure in his eyes. As for her mother, Meredith just wasn't sure about her yet. She spent most of her time in their berth. Meredith had so many questions regarding why she had been given up for adoption. But they didn't seem to be in any hurry to talk about it. Meredith shrugged. She figured she would get the answers she sought when they were ready to share them with her.

Finally, after almost a week of riding on three different trains, they made it home. Jarrod asked that a buggy be waiting for them in town instead of everyone meeting them at the station. Jarrod and Adeline knew that Meredith would be overwhelmed enough as it was, so they wanted things to be as low key as possible.

Jarrod was watching Meredith's face as they rode up to the house. Her eyes grew wide as saucers and he looked over her head at Adeline. She smiled and Jarrod winked at her.

"This is where we are going to live?!" Meredith asked.

"Yes. This is where I grew up. And my brothers, sister and mother still live here."

"What about your father?"

Jarrod smiled sadly. "He died about ten years ago."

"Then I wouldn't have known him anyway even if..." Meredith's voice drifted off. Jarrod again looked over her head at Adeline and she shrugged her shoulders. They had not talked much with Meredith yet about the circumstances of her birth or why she had been given up for adoption. There had been plenty of opportunity on the trip out, but since Adeline had been so ill again and hadn't been able to join them, Jarrod wanted to wait until all three could sit down together.

They stopped in front of the house and Jarrod said, "Come, My Ladies" as he was now calling them, and helped them out of the buggy. He opened the front door and let his wife and daughter precede him into the foyer. Victoria had was coming from the kitchen when they entered. Meredith watched as the older woman hugged her father and then her mother.

"And this must be Meredith," Victoria said.

"Yes ma'am," Meredith said.

Victoria drew the young girl into her arms and held her. Victoria couldn't believe how much her granddaughter looked like Jarrod. Meredith smiled slightly and Victoria then saw some of Adeline's features. Since getting Jarrod's telegram a few days ago, Victoria had been busy baking and cleaning. She picked out a room just down the hall from Jarrod's and Adeline's and since there wouldn't be enough time to have it decorated before their return, decided that maybe Meredith would like to help decide the colors.

Victoria stepped back from Meredith and then said to them all, "Why don't you go freshen up and then we'll have some refreshments."

"That's a good idea, Mother. Come, My Ladies!" Jarrod said, holding out his arm to his wife and daughter. Victoria smiled as she watched her son and his family. Jarrod's family. Had it just been three months since Jarrod had gotten Adeline's letter? And now they had their daughter. It was a miracle. Yes, indeed. A miracle.


Later that evening, Meredith was introduced to the rest of her family. She was shy around her Uncles, but really liked her Aunt Audra. The dress she wore was beautiful and Meredith loved the color of her hair. The color reminded her of the sunshine on a warm Spring day. Meredith wondered if Aunt Audra would allow her to try and sketch her. She doubted she could do her justice, but she wanted to try.

"So, when will you start school, Meredith?" she heard her Uncle Nick ask.

"I'm not sure, Sir," she answered. Even though she had been given permission to call him Uncle, Meredith still wasn't comfortable and all agreed to give her time.

"We thought we'd give her a few days to adjust. We are going to take her in to town to meet Miss Peters toward the end of the week," Adeline said. Jarrod noticed his wife had gotten some of her color back, but still did not eat much at dinner. He was going to insist she go see Dr. Merar the next time they went into town.

Jarrod declared that since they had been traveling so much and all were bound to be tired, that he and his family would turn in. Adeline looked grateful since she was exhausted. Meredith bid everyone a quiet goodnight and followed her parents up the stairs.

Once Meredith had been tucked in, Jarrod and Adeline went to their room. Jarrod unbuttoned the back of his wife's dress, kissing her back as he did. She smiled and moved her hair to the side so that he could get to her bare skin. He turned her around and helped her into her nightgown. The one he picked out had a luscious v-neck that he loved.

"Addy," he said softly, bringing her closer to himself. "I want you to go see Dr. Merar tomorrow."

Adeline pulled back a little. "Why?"

"Because you're still sick and I don't think it's because of being nervous anymore."

Adeline sighed. Jarrod led her over to the bed and sat her down.

Adeline turned her face away from Jarrod as she spoke. "I don't need to see Dr. Merar, Jarrod."

Jarrod knelt in front of her and turned her to look at him. "What's wrong Adeline?"

Jarrod's heart beat faster from nervousness, wondering what she would say.

"It seems we've not been cautious this time either. This is exactly how I was with Meredith. In seven months, you will have another to call you 'Papa'."

Jarrod's eyes widened. He brought Adeline into his arms and held her tight.

"Oh Addy, I'm so happy!"

He kissed her deeply and Adeline wrapped her arms around him. Jarrod gently lowered her onto their bed and they celebrated the creation of a new life.