The Trail Ahead

Vera stepped onto the platform, she breathed in fresh air. Montana, she thought with a dreamy sigh. The air had the scent of lilacs and a cool summer breeze. She looked around. A young man who looked to be about a few years older strolled up to her. 

“Are you Miss Holdings?” the mysterious man asked in a deep, gruff voice. 

“I am she,” Vera said, holding her head a little higher. 

He took off his hat and brushed it off before speaking again. “I am Oscer White, I’ll be driving you out to the settlement tomorrow.”

The settlement is where Vera’s Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rowin lived. They had bought the land and started a small, thriving, community. She had loved to come there as a young girl, but after her parents’ death they stopped coming. 

His voice cut through her thoughts. “For now Miss, you will be staying at the boarding house here.”

Vera collapsed on her bed; she was tired, dirty and starving. Even though she was on a train for three days, she was ready to sleep for a week. As she cleaned up, her mind raced through the happy memories at the settlement. She knew most of her happy memories were made there, rather than in New York. Everything she had hoped was soon going to be a reality, just not in the way she planned.

As they drove up to the house Vera could see her aunt rush out the door. When they pulled in, her Uncle Rowen and a tall man were strolling towards the house to greet them. Vera felt a knot in her stomach as she watched them approach. Oscer looked over at her and squeezed her hand, giving her a small smile.

When they arrived, Oscer walked around the wagon to help her down, but the tall man beat him to it. He put his arms around her waist and placed her delicately on the ground like she was fine china. They stood there for what felt like forever. She searched his eyes, they were gray, with a hint of blue. There seemed to be a grim look in his eyes but his face had a broad smile on it.

As he let go, she hoped this was the man she was looking for. Just then a tall woman with honey blonde hair ran out of the house into the mystery man’s arms, the man looked at her, almost pleading for her. Vera was stunned she didn’t know the man but felt a strong connection to him. Her aunt walked up next to her, hugged her and led her into the house.

At dinner she found out who the man and woman were. They were Tobias Hayes and Margaret Timber. Tobias was courting Margaret. Vera was quiet for most of dinner, and after she quickly rushed out the door for fresh air. Vera leaned against the side of the wall. She barely knew the man but felt drawn to him. Her hopes were crushed so quickly. Soon after, Tobias came out of the room. The moment he closed the door he sighed a sigh of relief. Finally he noticed her, and he felt just as drawn to her as she did  to him. When their eyes met she knew this was the man for her.