Under a Falling Star (29 page)

Dalton glanced across the gathering to the cake table. “I don’t believe I will. The last time I left town, I didn’t say goodbye either. I think she’ll understand.”

At the sound of a single fiddle, everyone turned. In the clearing, where the fun was about to begin, Mrs. Brinkley’s oldest grandson held a polished instrument under his chin and warmed up as Frank Lloyd unwrapped the maypole ribbons. Albert could see the excitement on Nate’s face all the way from where he stood. “I’ll catch up with you men later,” Albert said. “I’m going to go join my family.”

The sun had set, and tired picnic goers began their trek home. Susanna packed away her dirty plates, as well as the cold oven pound cake drizzled with honey that Nate had won on the cakewalk. He’d wanted to eat it right then and there, but Albert said since they had eaten so many picnic types of foods already, that they should save it until tomorrow. Too tired to argue his point, the child had collapsed on the ground at his father’s feet until Albert hefted him up to carry him home.

They arrived at the split where Susanna would go her way and Albert, with a sleepy Nate in his arms, would go theirs. Albert turned toward her house and kept going.

Susanna grasped his arm, and pulled him to a stop. “What’re you doing?”

“What’s it look like?” Albert said with a crooked smile. “I’m walkin’ my girl home.” Even his hair was mussed under his tipped-back hat.

“No, that little tyke is tuckered out. He needs to be put to bed right away.”

Albert looked down into her face. “Nothing doing. Remember what happened the last time I missed my chance to walk you home?”

Nate lifted his head, still wreathed with a little crown made from leaves. “What’re you all whispering about?” He looked around, then rubbed one eye with his fist. He jerked, as if he’d remembered something. “Put me down, Pa.”

“You have enough energy to walk?”

“Sure. I want to do something.”

Albert set him on his feet and watched him scamper away toward the bridge. Albert groaned. “He’s been wanting to go froggin’ in the worst way.” He gave Susanna a tired look. “But it’s late now—and I don’t have one ounce of energy left. On my next day off I’ll spend the whole day under that bridge with him.” He placed his hand over his heart. “I promise.”

Susanna couldn’t hold back a quiet laugh at her handsome champion who appeared worn through. “Do you want me to go get him?” The sky was putting on a pretty show with its pink and golden clouds, and the night birds swooping here and there.

“No, you’re just as tired as I am. Besides, Nate may put up a fight. His powers of persuasion are very effective. I know.”

Before Albert had taken two steps toward the bridge, Nate came up the bank and walked toward them with a happy little spring in his step. Looked like he wouldn’t be going to bed anytime soon. Clutched in his hand was a clump of clover and several puffs of dandelions. He cupped a hand that needed a good scrubbing over top, trying to keep the seeds from flying off.

Albert hunkered down. “What’s all that, Nate?”

Nate stood there for a few seconds just looking at the funny little bouquet he’d picked. “Since it’s May Day, and we all got nice leaf wreaths, I’d like ta take something special up to mama’s grave.” He dropped his eyes to the ground as if he were asking something he wasn’t supposed to. He swallowed. “I know she’s not coming back, and the next time I see her will be in heaven with Oldie Judy. I know, Pa. I understand. You don’t have’ta worry over me no more.”

Albert wrapped Nate into his arms, all the while looking up into Susanna’s eyes, promising her a lifetime of love. Reaching out, he took her hand and drew her down into their embrace. “Sure we can, son. We’ll go right now. I love you. And Susanna loves you, too.” He kissed Nate on the top of his head, then found Susanna’s lips.

Warmth, love, anticipation, and thankfulness all blossomed in Susanna’s heart at the same time. She’d been given such a precious gift, one that she would care for to her best ability for the rest of her life. And what fun it would be doing it.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

W
hen I sat down to put ink to paper, so to speak, for the fourth book of the Prairie Hearts series, my mind was an open slate. All I knew was that it would begin with Greg and Brenna’s wedding, characters from book three who still needed their happy-ever-after. Little did I expect what was in store. Albert and Susanna’s long-awaited journey basically wrote itself, much to my delight, and kept me—the author—guessing all the way to the end. I hope it does you as well.

As always, I have many people to thank for their expertise, love, and support along the way. First, to Maria Gomez, my awesome editor at Montlake, for her enthusiasm and friendship. She makes every day a pleasure. To my amazing developmental editor and friend, Caitlin Alexander, for her remarkable suggestions, for keeping me on track, and for steering the ending to just the right place. To my loving husband, sons, and daughter-in-law, for the fantastic brainstorming session that came up with the premise for this story. To my dear sisters, who have indulged my crazy imagination since I was a small girl. To all my wonderful author friends, whose support and companionship in this business is essential.

To the Camp 18 Restaurant situated along Oregon’s historic Highway 26, for their delightful collection of antique railroad cars, resembling the train that plays a large role in this story.

To the Lord, for the charming life He’s given me. And, of course, to my readers, to whom I’m always eternally grateful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo © 2007 The Family Gallery

U
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A Today Bestselling Author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father’s career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a bachelor of arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love
of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel,
Where the Wind Blows
, won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA’s Write Touch Readers’ Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest. To learn about upcoming novels, visit her website at
www.carolinefyffe.com
.