Hope

moments. “Do you feel better now?”
“Yes, it’s all a bit scary.”
“I feel somewhat unsure of myself, too. For months we’ve known exactly what to do and where to go next, and now suddenly…we’re on our own.”
Hope put the cleaned fish in a pan and put the pan on the fire. “We still have flour left… not much but enough for two biscuits. I'll make them if you’d like to bring some out.”
“I’d love biscuits, but you know what I can’t wait to eat? Fresh vegetables and fruit.”
“Oh, and a nice piece of fresh beef or chicken.”
“Stop, Hope—you’re making me drool.”
They both laughed. It was something they did frequently, lately.
Hope sighed as they lay side by side in their tent. “Our last night together. I think I’m going to miss this.”
“I know I will. It’s been hectic, tiring, and treacherous, but… there have been some good times as well as sad times.  I still feel like I've abandoned Nancy. Just knowing she’s out there all alone...”
“She isn’t,” Hope said. “It’s just her body.”
“I suppose.”
“Tomorrow night I’ll be sleeping in a bed for the first time in months.”
“I will, too, but I wish…”
“What? What do you wish, Daniel?”
“It’s nothing.”
“No, tell me.”
How could he tell her? He wished she were going with him because he would miss her. He certainly wasn’t in love with her, but he'd miss her all the same. Daniel felt good in her company, but he couldn’t possibly tell her that. He’d have to make up some other wish.
“I wish… we can settle things quickly—you know, the cottage I plan to build.”
“And the annulment. You’ll start the process in Portland, then?”
“Yes, I will. After my father dies if he hasn’t already. I pray he’s still alive.”
“How will I know when the annulment is final?”
“I’ll follow Anna and Walter to Oregon City and find out where you’ll be staying. Then, I’ll get to Portland as quickly as I can.”
“Anna said there’s a train that runs between Portland and Oregon City”
“A train?”
“Sort of. It’s pulled by horses on a track.”
“Then maybe I’ll take that.”
They awoke to a commotion. Area farmers were buying oxen from the travelers, Daniel got out there quickly to sell his. He had eight oxen—his four, and Callum’s four. He’d use the money from the sale to pay Hope’s way with Anna and Walter.
He sold all eight of them and gave the money to Walter.
People around them were hugging and kissing goodbye while the wagons pulled out amidst local men selling old horses to people who needed them to pull their wagons. Walter bought two nags and Daniel bought two. They were old and slow but cheap.
The time finally came for Hope to ride away with Anna and Walter. He’d follow them, but it would mark the end of their partnership as it had been, and he felt sad.
Anna and Walter hugged him, but Hope held back and smiled at him. “I guess this is it, Daniel.”
Daniel didn’t care. He held out his arms, and she flew into them. He hugged her. “I’ll be back for you. I promise.”
Hope pulled away. Daniel noticed her tearing eyes. It was a moment of mixed emotions. They’d spent months together and now, no more. He even found having to part with Anna and Walter sad.
He helped Hope into the back of Walter’s wagon which was fairly empty now. He let go of her hand. “I promise to come back.”
The wagon moved forward. Daniel hopped onto his wagon and followed. Once he learned where Anna’s sister lived, he’d head for Portland.
Hope leaned back against a barrel and kept peeking out the rear flap to be sure Daniel was still following them. They were riding through the town of Oregon City. Hope couldn’t see much of it from the rear of the wagon, but she could hear the city noises: horses galloping, people talking, church bells, and dogs barking.
Soon the city sounds faded, and she knew they were heading away from Oregon City, but they hadn’t gone far before Walter turned down a lane and they stopped. Hope looked out the back flap to see Daniel turn around, wave, and head back the way they’d come. She felt an emptiness being parted from him after so many months, but she knew it wouldn’t last. It felt like when the orphanage had moved to a new location. She'd missed the old one, but she soon got used to the new, bigger building. She’d get used to being away from Daniel, and she still had Anna and Walter.
Anna’s sister, Mary, had a very different personality from her sister. Mary was bold and aggressive. Her husband did what he was told, but he didn’t seem to mind one bit, whereas Walter was definitely the head of his home. Mary welcomed Hope and gave her a pleasant room in the attic of the small house. Fortunately, Mary’s children were grown and living on their own.
Mary, along with Anna, tried to make Hope feel at home, but for some reason, she just couldn’t feel comfortable. Hope felt displaced as if she were missing something. She thought she knew what it was she was missing, but she didn’t want to think along those lines. It wouldn’t work, and he'd probably already started the annulment process. She had to look forward to her little cottage. Thinking about it made her feel somewhat better. It was something to look forward to—a cute little home of her own.
Hope wished she were more like Mary. She went after what she wanted and was one tough woman. She milked the cows, worked in the garden, kept her house immaculate, and still cooked a meal fit for royalty.
Anna was the woman she gravitated to though. She was maternal and