Part 2
Charles tugged at the rope securing their belongings to the wagon. It would be a long trip and they couldn't afford to lose anything along the way.
"That's the last of it," he said. His frown etched sorrowful lines into his careworn face. The sparkle in his eye dimmed knowing they would be leaving the little house on Plum Creek behind forever.
Isaiah watched in silence as his dearest friend looked around the farm his family had called home for over ten years. He knew it broke Charles's heart to leave. That was part of why he bought the old place. Charles would feel better than if strangers had bought it. Isaiah remembered how Charles spoke of the Carters who had come to look at the farm just a week ago. A nice family, but they would be living in his house. Charles's mood had darkened and he confided to Isaiah that he could never imagine strangers living in the same home where he and his family had created so many memories.
Charles cupped Isaiah's shoulders. "Look after my family for me?"
"Of course," he said, the wad of tobacco held tightly in his cheek causing a bulge on the side of his face. "Proud ya asked me." Eyes glistening with unshed tears they embraced.
"I'm going to miss you friend," said Charles. Isaiah broke the embrace and planted his hands on his hips. His single nod the only response he could manage.
Their heads turned toward the sound of wagon wheels traveling down the road. Laura sat next to Almanzo on the seat, Rose clutched against her chest. "Morning Half-pint." A smile curled the corner of Charles's lips.
"Morning Pa, Mr. Edwards." Laura's eyes were swollen and a hint of red still glowed on her nose. She handed Rose to Charles before letting Almanzo help her from the wagon.
Charles oohed and aahed, speaking baby talk to Rose as he bounced her in his arms as he walked toward the house. "Your Ma's inside. She made some corn bread and eggs for breakfast. I'm sure there's plenty."
Laura walked alongside Charles looking at the barn and the creek through moist eyes. She dare not speak, lest her voice betray the emotions she struggled to hide.
"Oh Laura," said Caroline. "I'm so glad you came. Breakfast is ready."
Laura swallowed away the lump that formed in her throat as she glanced at her mother. Ma's sweet tender smile shone back at her, but she gazed at Laura with troubled, sad eyes. "You could have eaten at our place this morning." She pulled an apron out of the basket she brought with her and tied it around her waist.
Caroline scooped up eggs out of the frying pan and piled them high onto Charles's plate. Only risking a quick glance at her daughter, "I wanted the chance to do it this one last time."
Laura whispered into her ear. "I understand." The two women stared at each other, their breaths ragged as they labored to quell the mix of emotions stirring inside. "At least let me help serve." Laura walked across the kitchen and placed the plate of eggs and cornbread in front of her father.
"Thank you darlin'."
The time quickly passed as the Ingalls and Wilder families and Mr. Edwards shared good food and laughter meant to mask the tears hiding in their hearts. It would be a long time before they were together like this again.
After a healthy round of hugs and tears the Ingalls family piled into the wagon. Laura's mind wandered back to the day they left the Big Woods and traveled in the same wagon to Kansas. Only Laura and Mary knelt in the back amongst the belonging then and it was Baby Carrie, not Grace, nestled in Ma's arms next to Pa on the seat. Albert, James and Cassandra had never even been dreamed of. Her parents certainly managed to pack a lot of love into that little house.
Charles embraced Laura one last time. "You take care of my granddaughter," he said, his voice raw with emotion.
"I will Pa." Laura squeezed her beloved father closer, as if that could prevent him from leaving.
The sound of racing wagon wheels made them all turn toward the hill. Nels Oleson pulled the horses to a quick stop, jostling Doc Baker, who slid off the back of the wagon and forcing Reverend Alden to grip the seat to prevent from falling off.
"We thought we might have missed you Ingalls," said Doc Baker.
Charles extended his right hand. "We were just pulling out."
Nels held a box wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string. "Then I guess it's a good thing we caught you."
"What's this?" Charles brow crinkled.
"A little going away gift." Reverend Alden grasped Charles's arm. "You've been a part of this town for a long time." The reverend blinked quickly to keep the tears at bay. "And we wanted to help start your new life in De Smet off right."
"Oh, and Mrs. Ingalls," interjected Nels. "I've got a couple of sacks of flour and cornmeal for you and some white sugar." Nels handed the packages to Albert to secure in the wagon.
Caroline's lips curled into a smile. "Thank you Mr. Oleson. Please give Harriet and the children my regards."
Nels handed a small bag to James. "There's some licorice and gum drops inside."
James's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh boy! Thanks Mr. Oleson."
Nels laughed. "Now don't forget to share those with your brother and sisters."
James ogled the bag of sweets as if it were the finest gold. "I will."
"Do you like it Ingalls?" Doc Baker tapped Charles's shoulder. An emotion filled gaze met his. "Nels picked it out. Says all the preacher and I know how to wear is black." A wide smile slid across Charles's face and his infectious laughter floated through the air making everyone else laugh.
Charles placed the top back on the box and handed the box to Albert. "It's a fine suit. I'll be proud to wear it." Charles turned toward the small opening in the wagon's cover. "Be careful where you put that son. I don't want it getting crushed."
"Yes Pa," Albert's voice floated out from inside the wagon.
"Good luck." Nels embraced his friend. Doc Baker slapped his back before Reverend Alden suggested a short prayer for traveling mercies.
Moments later Charles prompted his horses forward and they trotted up the road. Laura, her skirts hiked up to her knees, ran behind the wagon as the distance between them widened. Her tears reflected the bright sunshine on their journey down her face. Her hand waving wildly at the covered wagon, she saw her brothers and sisters waving back and the nod of Charles's head as he glanced back at her one last time before the wagon disappeared over the hill.