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To the left of the area rolling hills rose, and behind that peeked the tops of trees. The plot of land seemed to have it all; water, grass, hills, trees, just about anything they could want for a horse farm.
She pictured a snug log cabin, smoke pouring from the chimney, sitting right on top of the closest hill. White rocking chairs sat on the front porch, and bowls of flowers on the steps. She also saw in her mind a child’s swing strung from one of the multitude of trees surrounding the area.
“I think this is wonderful,” she exclaimed.
“Let’s go a little closer to the creek, and we’ll rest the horses and have our picnic.”
They slowly wound their way to the creek, enjoying the beauty of the day, and the thought of having their own place that didn’t have wheels. They pulled up alongside the creek and smiling their excitement at each other, Davis hopped off his horse and lifted Emma. After leading the horses to the water for a drink, Emma took the food basket off her horse while Davis spread the blanket he had carried on the ground next to a huge chestnut tree.
It was a perfect afternoon. The mild October weather made it cool enough to enjoy a picnic, but the sun kept them comfortably warm.
“See that hill over there?” Davis pointed to a small rise, the very one she’d designated as the perfect spot for a little log cabin.
“That’s where I want to build the house. And further to the left is where the fencing would go to keep the horses, and behind the house is where I would eventually build a large stable.”
“And I get no say about all this? Don’t forget, half of this land is mine.” She smirked at him.
“All right, honey, where would you like the house?”
“That hill over there you pointed to.” She grinned.
“Come here, woman.” He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her to him. She buried her face against his throat. Davis rubbed his cheek over the top of her head, and she relaxed, sinking into his comforting embrace.
Emma mentally designed her vegetable garden, and thought about where she could have Davis hang a clothesline for the many diapers she was sure to be washing in a few months.
Thinking of the baby again, she placed her hand on her stomach. Davis shifted them so her back rested against his chest, her body snug between his legs. He ran lazy circles over her stomach. “How’s junior today?” He nibbled on her ear.
Emma glanced over her shoulder at her husband. The lines in his face spoke of the grief he’d suffered when his family died in the fire, as well as the hard living he’d done afterwards. His crystal blue eyes changed shades depending on his mood. She saw them sparkle with humor; grow almost black with anger, and dark blue with passion. His broad shoulders, muscular arms and legs made her feel safe and protected.
“Junior’s fine, I think he’s happy to be finished with traveling. There’s a lot more kicking going on lately. Here, feel.” She moved his hand from where it had wandered to her breast and pressed it against her stomach.
“Oh!” He yanked his hand away with a jerk. “Yes, I feel that.” He stared down at her stomach as if it was about to explode. “You feel that all the time?”
“No, not all the time.” She laughed at the expression on his face. “Sometimes the baby sleeps, but other times, usually when I’m trying to sleep, it feels like he’s running a race.” Leaning back on his chest, Emma closed her eyes and staring blissfully at the area that would soon be her new home, fell into a peaceful sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Davis pulled her closer and covered her with his jacket. She made a small mewing sound and snuggled deeper into the warmth of his body and the jacket.
As he watched her soft breathing, he thought about how far they had come since their rough beginning.
She’d made no secret that she hated being forced to marry him. But he had to give her credit for trying to make things work. They got along well, and certainly enjoyed each other in bed. The only sticking point was her desire to return to Indiana, which she hadn’t mentioned in weeks. But he had the feeling the baby being due soon may be a factor in that. If only Nathan Hale would disappear from their lives, he was sure Emma would eventually settle well in Oregon.
He glanced around with satisfaction. They could enjoy a bright future here. Land was bountiful and the weather mild. There was plenty of rain to grow gardens, and possibly some wheat and corn for extra income should the need arise. With the check from the bank, combined with the money Peter Thorpe had left to Emma, he could build his house, and in the spring buy the horses to start his business. He just had to convince Emma that her place was here with him, not Indiana. No matter how he had acquired his wife, he fully intended to keep her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that afternoon Davis and Emma visited the Federal Land Office and claimed the land they had chosen. Legal documents outlining the steps necessary to keep their land tucked snugly into his pocket, Davis took Emma’s hand as they crossed the street from the Land Office to the local mercantile.
“I’ll join you in the store as soon as I see about getting that wheel on the wagon fixed.” Davis left her at the front of the store and headed to the livery.
The inside of the mercantile brought memories of her parents’ store. But in so many ways this business was different. Aside from the usual flour, sugar, coffee beans, bacon, household goods and fabrics, their stock contained various items made by Indians, and a jumble of furniture newly arrived emigrants had most likely traded for food and other necessary supplies. The abandoned furniture might be a huge benefit when it came time to furnish their new house.
A plump, rosy-cheeked woman moved from behind the counter and greeted Emma. “And what can I help you with?” Her whole body radiated friendliness and cheer. “Are you one of the new emigrants to our city?” She continued on without giving Emma a chance to answer.
Grasping Emma’s hand, the woman led her forward. “I’m Mrs. Berger, but you must call me Mae.” Without pausing, she added, “And who are you?”
“How do you do?” Emma finally got to speak. “I’m Emma Cooper, and yes, we did just arrive with the latest wagon train. I’m pleased to meet you.”
