Jarrod looked around nervously within the train depot; he was supposed to be meeting Mary here at ten thirty and she was nowhere to be seen. Technically he knew she wasn't late but he was getting worried since it was ten twenty five and she only had five minutes. He sighed in frustration when he realized he didn't even have the tickets so they could board the train.
Abby tugging on his arm brought him from his thoughts as she pointed towards Mary. Jarrod had told Abby about Mary coming along and she was excited which surprised the attorney considering how shy the little girl was. Mary immediately noticed the frown on Jarrod's face and thought wryly he doesn't look too happy. She was bound and determined to make this trip as much fun as she could given the circumstances.
Mary smiled widely at Abby and extended her hand to the little girl which she took much to Mary's delight. Mary then wrapped her free arm through Jarrod's and said, "Sorry I'm late dear but I was making sure Jingo was aboard."
Jarrod wasn't sure what to say or do since her actions and words caught him off guard. He knew she suggested the premise of them travelling as a family would help but he didn't know how far she would be willing to go with that. The Porter took their tickets and looked at the family and smiled.
"I see you have reserved cabin 3 in the travelling car sir. I'll be happy to show you the car."
Jarrod smiled and simpy said, "Thank you." Jarrod followed the Porter with Mary and Abby tagging behind. He turned to look at them and was once again pleasantly surprised by how Abby had taken to Mary so quickly.
After Mary left that morning Jarrod woke up Abby to get her ready for the trip. She was excited that they would no longer be travelling by horseback and that Ms. Mary was coming with them. Abby told Jarrod she liked Mary because she was nice and smelled pretty. Jarrod agreed with Abby that she was indeed nice and smelled pretty along with a few other things the attorney thought. He knew Abby and Mary would resemble each other enough that no one would question them.
Once they arrived to their travelling cabin Abby ran to look out the window. The Porter told Jarrod their luggage would be arriving shortly. Jarrod questioned him about Jingo and the Porter informed him his wife had made sure the horse had already been boarded and once the train left the station they could go see Jingo whenever they wanted too.
Jarrod thanked the young man and gave him a tip. Once the young man left Abby started moving from the right side of the window to the left to look out at the other people. Jarrod thought about stopping her from doing that but he decided to let her have some fun. The cabin was not that large; there was a long cushion bench to sit on either wall. Just above each bench they would find a fold down cot. There was a small table in the middle. Off to the side next to the door was a tall table with a pitcher and basin, some small hand towels hanging on the side.
On their way to the train depot he had stopped at the general store and purchased several items for Abby to bring on the train with them in hopes it would entertain her for awhile. He placed the small package on the table and blew out a long breath.
Mary looked at Jarrod as she sat down next to him, "Are you okay?"
Jarrod never looked at her as he answered, "Yes and no."
Mary placed her hand on his forearm and said, "Jarrod I have to believe it will work out and so do you. You are doing the right thing for that little girl. Now why don't you relax while I spend time with our little girl," Mary couldn't help but giggle at her statement.
Jarrod rolled his eyes as he pointed to the package on the table, "I picked up a few things to keep her entertained."
Mary smiled and picked up the package as she moved toward Abby and motioned for the little girl to sit across from her. She opened the package and saw the checkerboard. As she sat the game up she asked, "Have you ever played checkers before?" Abby shook her head no. "Can I teach you to play?" Abby looked at Jarrod who was watching them and shook his head yes. Abby timidly watched Mary as she continued to set the game up.
"Now the object of the game is to get all your opponents checkers. Do you want the red or black checkers?" Mary hoped by asking Abby this question she would respond but all Abby did was point at the red checkers. Mary smiled as she placed the red checkers in front of Abby and did the same with the black checkers. "Now we are ready to play." She placed one of her fingers on the checker and moved it diagonally while Abby watched. "You can only move this way or this way. Understand?" Abby once again nodded her head. "Now it's your turn." Abby looked at Jarrod who was watching them.
He sighed as he got up and said, "Do you want me to help you?"
Abby grinned widely as she shook her head yes. Jarrod picked up Abby and sat down in her spot while placing her in his lap. "Which one do you want to move?" Jarrod asked Abby. She pointed to the checker which he moved.
They played checkers for the next hour while Mary made sure Abby had gotten all of her checkers in both games. The Porter had informed them lunch would be ready shortly and Jarrod requested it to be delivered to their quarters. Mary frowned at him and asked, "Why don't we go eat with the other passengers?"
"I need to take a look around first," was all Jarrod said.
"Oh." Mary sat down next to Abby and picked up one of her books and asked, "After lunch would you like me to read to you?"
Abby frowned at Mary and ran to Jarrod. Mary's smile immediately disappeared when Abby ran away from her and to Jarrod. As Abby buried her head into Jarrod's shoulder he winked at Mary to let her know it was nothing she had done. Once Abby calmed down Jarrod turned her around and asked, "What's wrong princess?"
Abby looked from Mary to Jarrod and wanted to whisper in his ear but he stopped her. "Honey do you remember when I told you this morning that Ms. Mary would be coming with us?" Abby nodded her head yes. "We will be on this train for the next three days and I think Ms. Mary would really like to hear your beautiful voice." He looked at Mary who nodded her head as she smiled.
When Abby looked at Jarrod it broke his heart because he could see the fear in her eyes. He hugged her tightly and whispered, "You don't have to talk to her right now okay?" Abby pushed away from Jarrod and smiled at the attorney. If Mister Jarrod trusted Ms. Mary than she knew she could trust her too.
Abby jumped down from Jarrod's lap and slowly walked towards Mary. Mary could not help but smile as Abby walked towards her. Mary extended her hand to her and said, "I would like to be your friend if that's okay?"
Abby looked back to Jarrod who was smiling. She kicked her feet around a little and finally looked at Mary. She had been made fun of for her speech and was worried Mary would make fun of her too. She finally took Mary's hand and said quietly, "Okay.'
Mary's whole face brightened up when Abby took her hand and climbed in her lap. Mary said, "Maybe we can get Jarrod to read to both of us after lunch?" Mary and Abby looked at Jarrod who rolled his eyes and laughed.
"How could I turn down two beautiful ladies?" Abby giggled while Mary blushed.
After they ate Jarrod read one of the books he had gotten for Abby in Lincoln and was pleasantly surprised when both Abby and Mary dosed off. He covered them with a blanket and slipped out of the car. He wanted to look around the train and get a feel for the passengers. He knew with as many stops the train would be making the passengers would change continuously which he was uncomfortable with. He finally made his way to the car that was transporting Jingo and was happy to see his companion in a stall with plenty of hay.
"Hey Jingo ol' buddy. Are they taking care of you?" Jarrod asked as Jingo nickered at him. He had gotten a few cubes of sugar to give his steed as he storked his nuzzle.
Jarrod stayed in the car with Jingo for awhile as he remembered another time he was on a train with a beautiful woman. He slumped down as he thought of Beth. His whole life changed because of that train ride. Jarrod put his arms on his knees as he rested his head on his arms and tried to gain control of his emotions.
Jarrod awoke suddenly when he realized he must have dozed off. He looked at his pocket watch and hoped he had not been asleep that long. He got up and dusted himself off as he patted Jingo's nuzzle once again before making his way back to their cabin. He was glad to see both Abby and Mary were still asleep as he got comfortable on the opposite bench.