Part 3

Laura and Almanzo stood on the platform of Nellie's Restaurant and Hotel. It seemed ridiculous that the establishment still bore Nellie's name on the sign and Caroline's name on the window when neither woman lived in town any longer, but even if they changed it's name, Laura would always call it Nellie's. Maybe in some strange way she needed that tie to her childhood that thinking of her archenemy brought about.

Laura's reddish brown hair poked out from her green hat, contrasting against the white lace at its edges. Bouncing Rose in her arms, Laura glanced anxiously toward the bridge coming into town hoping to catch a glimpse of the stagecoach that was already fifteen minutes late.

Almanzo paced the platform behind his wife. It had been a couple of years since he had seen Royal and the thought of this visit filled him with excitement and dread. Would seeing Laura and Rose remind his brother of all he had lost?

The clip-clop of hooves against the road reached their ears sooner than their eyes caught sight of the horse-driven coach. Almanzo and Laura glanced and each other, wary smiles curling the corners of their lips.

A young girl around ten years old stepped out of the coach. Her raven black hair was pulled back in tight braids the way Laura used to wear her hair. The skirt of the girl's navy blue dress fell to just below her knees and the white flowers speckling the dress looked stunning alongside her dark hair.

An older man walked down the steps behind the girl. Crows feet were permanently etched into the corners of his eyes and lines creased the sides of his mouth. His suit was rumpled from the journey, but the girl's dress had nary a crease.

Almanzo stepped forward with an extended hand. Could this really be his brother? "Royal?"

The older man embraced Almanzo, his head only reaching Almanzo's chin. "It's good to see you again little brother. It's been a long time."

Almanzo cleared away the lump in his throat. "Yes, it has."

When Almanzo turned he saw that Laura had descended the stairs and now stood by his side. He grabbed her elbow and nudged her closer. "You remember Laura, don't ya Roy?"

"How could I forget a face like that?"

Laura flushed immediately. Royal leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Nice to see you again Laura."

Royal dug in his jacket pocket and pulled out a handkerchief to dab his brow. Tucking it back into his pocket, Royal turned to the young girl who had been staring sheepishly at the strangers before her. He brought the girl in front of him and cupped his hands on her shoulders.

"Laura, Manzo, this is my Jenny." His smile was filled with pride. "Jenny, this is your Aunt Laura and Uncle Manzo."

"Pleased to meet you," said Jenny. Her smile revealed a perfect row of straight, white teeth.

"It's wonderful to meet you," said Laura. "Your Uncle Almanzo and I have heard so much about you."

Almanzo placed a hand on Jenny's shoulder. "Your Pa says you've been a real big help around the house."

Jenny's cheeks tinged red.

"I don't know how I would have made it through the past year without her." Royal pulled Jenny closer.

The heat of embarrassment dotted her hairline with perspiration. "Oh Papa."

"You look good little brother." Royal shook his head. "Can't even tell you've been sick."

Almanzo took in the deep lines traveling across Royal's face and the dark purple circles under his eyes. He looks so old. The past two years had changed Royal and Almanzo could hardly believe this was the older brother who had once beaten him in an arm wrestling match.

"I still have days when I don't feel as strong as I used to, but thankfully those days get fewer and fewer as long as I keep up my exercises." Almanzo curled his arm around Laura's waist. "And luckily I have Beth to help me."

Royal nodded. "Are you still teaching Laura?"

"No, Almanzo and Rose need me at home. I tutor some of the children when they're struggling, but I like being home."

Royal ran his fingers down Rose's soft cheek. "She's beautiful."

"Thank you." Almanzo shuffled his feet as he thought of the baby Royal had lost. "Well, you must be tired from your trip. Let me get your bags in the wagon and we'll head off toward home."

Royal reached for his bag the same time Almanzo did. "I was figuring we would stay at the hotel."

Almanzo held tight to the bag. "No brother of mine is staying in the hotel while he's here."

Royal's fingers were wrapped around a tiny corner of the handle, his much smaller hand lost next to Almanzo's. "Really, it's no trouble at all."

"Roy, you'll be much more comfortable at our place."

"A young married couple doesn't need company all the time."

Laura blushed instantly. Her eyes met Jenny's, sensing her discomfort. "Royal, Almanzo just added onto the house to make a place for you and Jenny. We would love for you to stay with us."

A chuckle escaped Royal's lips. "Father always said you were as strong as an ox, even when you were sick."

"Please come home with us Roy."

Rose reached over and tapped Royal on the arm. The group laughed.

"See, even Rose wants you to come," said Almanzo.

Royal's hand dropped from the bag's handle. He knew there was no way of getting out of this. "Well, I sure can't refuse an invitation like that." He patted Rose's head. "Just promise you'll let me know if we get in the way."

Almanzo grabbed Jenny's bag and the group strolled toward Almanzo wagon. "How long do ya think you'll be staying Roy?"

"I'm not sure. Jenny and I needed some time away from the city. If we're here a while, Myron and Rupert might join us."

Almanzo and Laura stared at each other. Dread filled them as they remembered the havoc the boys created during their first visit to the Wilder farm.

Royal laughed as he watched them. Don't worry, the boys have grown up these past two years. I don't even think you would recognize them."

Laura's eyebrows lifted. "That's probably a good thing."

The three looked at each other and burst into laughter.