Prologue
She could count on one hand how many times she'd been in a stagecoach. It was not her preferred way to travel. However, times like these, she didn't really have any other options. It did give her the opportunity however to daydream as the scenery went by. She daydreamed of days gone by, good times and bad, as well as possibilities that lay ahead. Her dreaming was interrupted by her travel companion next to her. She was hoping he would sleep a while longer, as he got restless when he was awake. Unfortunately the road was rough and the next pothole rocked the coach and he spoke out. "Momma, I'm hungry." She figured they'd be at their destination before sundown and they'd just have to wait until they got there before getting anything to eat, as they had run out of their rations they had gotten from the last town they stopped in. "We'll be there soon and we'll get that tummy to stop rumbling little man." She said as she tickled him.
Luckily the three-year-old passed the time drawing on a piece of paper while his momma told him stories. They finally arrived in Rock Creek and not a minute too soon. She was tired from their travels and eager to see her loved ones or what was left of them here. She thought, not for the first time, that she should've sent a letter announcing her arrival.
She stepped off the coach and reached back for her son, placing his feet on the ground and then reaching back for her bags. Her nerves set in but she took one look at her son and knew she was right where she needed to be. She took his hand and moved out of the street. She could've turned one of two ways, but decided to go towards where she once called home. She didn't figure anyone would be in the old bunkhouse so instead walked over to the house that Rachel lived and knocked on the door. Her heart was beating rapidly. A moment later, Rachel opened the door and was completely stunned silent for a few moments. "Louise?...Oh Louise!" The older woman hugged the younger who was like a daughter to her and who she hadn't seen in over four years.
"It's so good to see you Rachel."
Rachel finally looked down at the little boy hiding behind Lou's leg. He had a head of light brown curls that was just a shade lighter than his mother's auburn hair and deep blue eyes. "This can't be…Is it?"
"It is." Lou said proudly. "Rachel, meet James Ike McCloud." "Oh Louise, he's beautiful. He looks just like his father." Rachel stopped her train of thought and looked back to Lou. "Louise, honey, where's Kid?"
"Rachel, that's a long story."
