Colin's Quest Read online

  “Well, they have mostly girls….” Quinn let his voice trail off as his father, Gillis, approached.

  “What are you boys up to now? No good, I’m certain. Get on with you. We’ll be pulling out soon.” Gillis crossed his arms, hiding a smirk. He knew perfectly well what his oldest son had seen and shared with the cousins. He also knew something the boys didn’t. The family traveling at the back consisted of members of the clan MacGregor. In the old country, the MacLarens and MacGregors held no love for each other, their feud legendary over more than two centuries. The MacLarens no longer cared about old insults and misunderstandings, but the MacGregors had never been so forgiving. He’d speak to Angus, Ewan, and Ian. The four would decide how to approach the MacGregors to make certain they had no trouble during the trip. They’d left much behind in Scotland, including blood wars better left to past generations.

  The boys had done as Gillis asked, except they’d made a slight detour, passing the line of waiting wagons on their way to the end.

  “I’ve got work to finish, Quinn. I’ve no time for your antics today.” Colin stopped, shooting his cousin an exasperated look. Blaine and Brodie stood aside, wise enough to keep their thoughts to themselves. “There will be lots of time to meet the others after we leave.”

  “A few more minutes, Colin. Two at most. Believe me, you won’t be unhappy.” Quinn turned his back on Colin and kept walking.

  Colin let out a sigh, but followed. “Ach, he’s going to lead us all astray someday,” he muttered, shaking his head at his cousin’s propensity for causing havoc.

  “There.” Quinn hid next to a wagon, pointing to the one behind it.

  Colin followed Quinn’s gaze. What he saw caused his breath to hitch, and as he’d tell others later, his heart to stop. Not twenty feet away stood the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen, laughing and gesturing with her hands as the other girls around her giggled.

  His jaw dropped open as he watched tendrils of golden brown hair escape the tight bun to fly around her face. She brushed them away, her movements quick, yet graceful. Even from here, he could see a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. And her smile…he’d never seen anything more radiant.

  He couldn’t stop staring, couldn’t move if he wanted to, feeling as if he’d been nailed to the ground. Then she turned, saw him watching her, and froze. The brightest blue eyes he’d ever seen stared back. If it were possible for one’s heart to stop and keep on living, he was an example.

  Turning toward him, she took a few steps closer, never dropping her gaze.

  “Sarah, I need your help in the wagon.” An older woman, Colin guessed to be her mother, came up beside her. Noting the direction of Sarah’s attention, she spotted Colin, sending him a scowl. “Off with you, lass. You’ve wasted enough time already.” She grabbed Sarah by the arm and pulled her along.

  Just before Sarah disappeared from view, she turned her head, sending him the brightest, most glorious smile he’d ever seen. At that moment, Colin saw his future as clearly as if it had already happened. Sarah would be his.

  The first week on the trail after leaving Independence proved uneventful. Good weather kept the wagons moving at a steady pace. The MacLarens used their oxen to pull the heavier wagons and horses for the others. The men walked alongside, prodding the animals and clearing the trail when necessary. The women alternated between walking with the men and riding in the wagons. All except the youngest. Seven of the children were five and under, unable to keep up for longer than a few minutes. Instead, the older girls kept them inside the wagons, playing games and reading most of each day.

  The older boys helped the men keep the wagons moving, while the younger ones tended the small herd of cows they used for milk. Everyone had a job, and within days, a routine settled over each member of the MacLaren clan.

  Their first stop would be Fort Kearny. Built in the late 1840s, the wagon master said it wasn’t much to see. What they most looked forward to was Dobytown. Established close to the fort, it had become a hub for westbound settlers, those in search of gold, gamblers, and assorted outlaws.

  The wagon master had called a meeting the night before they arrived to prepare them for what to expect.

  “I’m advising just the men travel into town, while the women and children stay behind.”

  “Why?” Ewan asked, knowing how much his wife had looked forward to a touch of civilization.

  “It’s a rough town without much law. The last time I came through, there were more saloons and brothels than stores catering to the ladies. ‘Course, it’s up to you.”

  After much discussion, the MacLarens decided to send the four men in for supplies, leaving the older boys in charge of keeping the others safe. The MacGregors and most of the others did the same, except for Dougal’s wife, Robena, who refused to stay behind.

  “Be back before dark,” the wagon master cautioned as the group either rode horses or walked the half-mile into Dobytown.

  “What do you say we walk around camp?” Quinn suggested to Colin, Brodie, and Blaine after the men left. “It’s time we got to know our neighbors.”

  They all knew what Quinn meant by neighbors. The wagons contained a good number of boys and girls around their age. With all the work each day, they’d had little time to visit.

  “You three go. I’ll stay with the women and children.” Colin’s acute sense of responsibility kept him from much of the activities considered normal for most boys.

  “Nae, you’ll do no such thing, Colin MacLaren.”

  He whipped around, surprised to see his mother and twin sisters a few feet away.

  “But Da said we should stay close to you.”

  “Look around. There’s nowhere to go that you can’t see the wagons. It’s barren land as far as you can see. Who’s going to bother us?” Kyla strolled up to him. “Go. Meet some of our neighbors while you have some time.”

  Quinn cuffed him on the back of the head. “Let’s go, Colin, before your ma changes her mind.” He flashed Kyla a brilliant smile, grabbed Colin’s arm, and pulled him along. “What say we start at the back and go forward?”

  The others nodded, following behind Quinn to the last wagon where several of the younger MacGregor children sat, their faces somber.

  “What do we have here?” Quinn jumped inside, the heat oppressive. Seeing their sweat-soaked clothes and faces, he knew none could be older than nine. “Ach, you lads should be outside where there’s a breeze. Come on now.”

  The older ones jumped down while he handed the younger boys to Colin.

  “Where are the lassies?” Colin knew there were at least three.

  The oldest stepped forward, his chin tilted up. “They’re over there.” He pointed toward a group of low bushes fifty yards away. “We didn’t want to go.” His voice held a hint of disgust.

  “And why not?” Colin’s eyes widened when he saw Sarah with the group of girls.

  “She’s a girl.”

  “Ah, I see now. Is she your sister?”

  “Nae. There are only girls in Uncle Dougal’s family. She’s my cousin.”

  Colin turned his gaze back to Sarah. She threw her head back, laughing, then looked at the wagon to see him staring at her. Standing, she brushed leaves and twigs from her skirt as she walked toward him.

  “Hello, Colin MacLaren.” Her smile faltered when he continued to stare without responding. “Are you well?”

  “Colin, the girl asked you a question.” Blaine stood next to him, nudging his arm.

  “Uh…aye, I am quite well. How did you know my name?” He didn’t recall telling her.

  “I asked, of course.” She rolled her eyes as if it were the silliest question she’d ever heard.

  “Come on, Colin. Let’s go,” Brodie coaxed as the other three started toward the front wagon.

  “You go on. I’ll catch up with you,” he called over his shoulder, not taking his gaze from Sarah. “So you asked about me, did you?” He felt inordinately pleased her curiosity
about him matched his.

  Shrugging, she lowered her head, catching her lower lip between her teeth.

  He took a step closer, wanting to coax a smile from her. “I’ve wondered about you, too.”

  Sarah’s head shot up, her eyes wide as a smile played across her face. “You have?”

  Nodding, he took the few steps to the wagon, leaning against it as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Aye.”

  Taking a few steps forward, she clasped her hands together. “What did you wonder about me?”

  “Well…how old are you?”

  “I’ll be seventeen in a month. How old are you?”

  “Eighteen,” he answered, straightening.

  “Are you going to Oregon?” She held her breath, praying they would be going to the same place.

  “Is that where you’re going?”

  She nodded, waiting.

  He pursed his lips, already thinking of the distance between them. “My family is traveling to California. Da bought land from a family at our church. One of their relatives died, leaving them his ranch in California. They’d visited him once, but had no desire to move west.”

  Sarah moved next to him and leaned a shoulder against the wagon. “Tell me about it.”

  Colin had memorized every detail the family had given them until he could picture the land in his head.

  “The land sits against the Boundary Mountain Range, which separates the Utah Territory from California. Several hundred acres make up Circle M Ranch. That’s what Da and my uncles are calling it.”

  His voice fell into the Scottish brogue of his homeland as he spoke. Sarah relaxed, comforted by the familiar sound.

  “There’s at least one river and many streams. Miles of trees, and pastureland so rich, any animal will thrive and all vegetables will grow. And wildlife so plentiful we’ll have as much meat as we need each winter.”

  “It sounds wonderful, Colin.”

  “Aye, it does.”

  “Colin, you’d best come now. Da and all the other men are returning.” Blaine glanced at Sarah, then back at Colin, making certain his brother caught his meaning.

  “It was good to see you, Colin MacLaren.” Sarah’s beautiful eyes bore into his and he knew she felt the same connection he did.

  “I will see you again, Sarah MacGregor.”

  “We need to leave now, Colin. We can’t wait any longer.” Blaine grabbed his arm, pulling him along. Sarah climbed back into the wagon, glancing over her shoulder before disappearing inside.

  “We’re going through the supplies too quickly, Angus. We’ll never have enough to make it the next four months if we don’t conserve.” Kyla worried her bottom lip. They’d been on the trail almost three months. She’d been as careful as possible, using the least amount of flour, sugar, and lard possible for two adults, three growing boys, and two small girls. The drop in what they started out with scared her.

  The wagons had pulled to a stop, taking a break from the sweltering summer heat. They were almost to Fort Bridger, where Angus and the others planned to replenish their supplies.

  “We shouldn’t be this low.” Kyla swept a strand of hair from her face, then blotted her forehead with a handkerchief. Arguing from several yards away caught her attention. Their twin girls, Chrissy and Alana, had been born a year after they landed in America. At four, they got along better than most sisters, but they did have their moments.

  Angus wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “We’ll be fine with what we have, lass.” He glanced at the twins, who now sat on the ground, playing with their dolls and giggling. “If needed, we’ll cut back further until we reach Fort Bridger. You worry too much.”

  Nestling into the comfort of his chest, she let out a deep sigh. “I’m becoming my ma.”

  Angus laughed, pulling back to place a kiss on her forehead. “Nae. It would never be so.” Her mother had turned into a tyrant as she aged, alienating her husband and children. Kyla had sworn she’d never become her.

  They’d settled their differences about the journey, Kyla acknowledging the brothers’ reasons for pulling up roots to go west. All four men had big dreams. She wouldn’t be the one to deny Angus his part of it.

  “Come. We’ll take the lassies for a walk before going back on the trail.” Angus tugged at her hand, getting no protest.

  They hadn’t gone far when the sight of Colin speaking with a young woman had them stopping.

  “Who is she, Angus?”

  “MacGregor’s daughter, Sarah. They talk whenever the wagons stop and she can get away from her da and ma.” Angus felt bad for his oldest son. He already knew there’d be no future between a MacLaren and a MacGregor—Dougal MacGregor would make certain of it.

  “How do you know this?”

  “With so many MacLarens, nothing goes unnoticed for long. They spend as much free time together as they can.” He let out a deep breath. “I’m afraid they have no future, but I can’t bring myself to warn him away.”

  “Like my da tried to warn you off?” she teased, forever glad Angus had stood his ground.

  “And look what good it did.” He squeezed her hand, placing a kiss on her cheek.

  “Sarah!” Chrissy MacLaren squealed before she and Alana ran toward their brother. Colin leaned down, scooping Alana up while Sarah crouched down next to Chrissy.

  “What are you wee bairns doing about?” Colin asked, tickling Alana, provoking a stream of giggles.

  The girls pointed in the direction of Colin’s parents.

  Setting Alana down, his cheeks warmed at the knowing look on his parents’ faces.

  “I should go.” Sarah took a step away before Colin’s hand took hers, pulling her close.

  “No. It’s time you met them.”

  Kyla smiled at Colin, then shifted her gaze to Sarah. “Angus tells me you’re Sarah, Dougal MacGregor’s daughter.”

  Moving closer to Colin, Sarah nodded. Her father hated the friendship she had started with Colin, even threatening to keep her in the wagon day and night until they reached their destination. Her mother had intervened, telling him she and Colin were too young for them to worry over. Sarah disagreed, but kept her thoughts to herself. At least for now, she and Colin were allowed to talk as long as she stayed within sight of the family wagons.

  Kyla’s sharp gaze missed nothing. They were young, but their feelings for each other were plain to see. A knot formed in her stomach, knowing the pain awaiting her son. Dougal would never agree to a union with a MacLaren.

  “Sarah, this is my ma and da.” Colin tried to ease her anxiety. Although he’d assured her his family hadn’t brought old clan hatreds to America, she hadn’t been able to accept it. Her da lived and breathed the past, even when he’d made the decision to start over in a new land.

  “Hello. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. MacLaren.” Blushing, she leaned toward Colin.

  Angus spotted movement near Sarah’s wagon, knowing someone watched. “We need to get ready to leave, Colin. Say your goodbyes.” With that, he and Kyla turned back toward their own wagon.

  Colin’s mouth tilted upward as he looked at her. “We’ll meet after supper.”

  “Aye.” She glanced over her shoulder, sensing her ma’s eyes on her. “I have to go.” Picking up her skirt, she ran back to the wagon.

  Colin strode away, confused by the onslaught of emotions he felt each time they were together. No one had to tell him they weren’t ready to marry. He’d almost gotten into fisticuffs with Quinn when he’d joked about Colin offering a handfast with Sarah, a dying custom in their homeland. He’d told Quinn they would wed, nothing less. Afterwards, Quinn had stayed quiet, keeping his distance when Colin and Sarah were together.

  Before the trip ended, he’d offer for her hand, knowing they’d have to wait before they married. He prayed Dougal MacGregor would agree to Sarah accompanying the MacLarens to their land in California, with his da and ma as chaperones, until they’d grown the ranch enough to support more family. Quinn tho
ught he was daft to expect MacGregor to put Sarah’s wishes above his own. Colin knew Quinn might be right, but the knowledge wouldn’t deter him. He might be young, but he knew his mind. And he knew who he wanted.

  Chapter Two

  “You will keep away from the MacLaren boy or I will tie you in the wagon until we reach Fort Hall.” Hands fisted on hips, face red with anger, Dougal MacGregor glared down at Sarah sitting outside the wagon, hands clasped in her lap. He’d seen them together again at their last stop, holding hands and laughing as they walked away from the wagons. He knew what came next. “I’ve stated many times that I will not approve any marriage until you are older. You’ll not be marrying at seventeen, maybe not until you’re twenty-one. That is my decision, and you will abide by it. As God is my witness, I’d marry you to a Frenchman before letting a MacLaren have you.”

  Sarah’s young heart twisted, believing her father would do as he said. He ruled the family with a firm hand, giving little thought to the pain he created by his hostile actions.

  She knew part of his bitterness came from having three daughters and no sons. Sarah hadn’t realized what a disappointment the first two girls had been to him until her third sister was born. She’d been old enough to witness his anguish, the way he blamed his wife, forbidding her from ever bearing another child. Sarah knew how babies were created and suspected the only way it could be avoided was for her parents to never share a bed.

  “Do you understand me, Sarah?” His voice contained the fury still seething through him. “You will not see or speak to the MacLaren boy again.”

  “Dougal—”

  “Quiet, Robena. I’ll not have you interfering. This time, your daughter has gone too far.” He waved her away. “Go be with the other women.” Expecting his order to be obeyed, he turned toward Sarah, his eyes hard and unrelenting. “I asked you a question. Do you understand you’re never to see the MacLaren boy again?”

  Her throat clogged with tears she refused to shed, Sarah could only nod, although her heart said otherwise. They had less than a month before reaching Fort Hall. Her family would continue north on the Oregon Trail, while Colin’s would head south toward California. The split in the wagon train meant they might never see each other again, a thought she could barely comprehend.