A New Life In California: Book 3--Search For Meaning Series

  A NEW

  LIFE IN

  CALIFORNIA

  ANGELA DEMPSEY

  © Copyright Angela Dempsey Books 2017

  All Rights Reserved

  PROLOGUE

  Lucy Dawson has been through a lot in her young life. Her parents died of a sickness that swept through Austin. Many of the people in town lost family. Lucy was thirteen when she was left all alone in the world.

  Henry Daniels, a wealthy rancher took her into his home. She worked as his housekeeper for a little over three years. During that time Lucy went from being a little girl to a beautiful young woman.

  She caught the attention of a handsome ranch hand; named Jake Jackson. He was muscular, tall with dark hair and eyes. He was nineteen and seemed like he was an answer to her prayers. He finally got up the nerve to talk to her. They started spending a little bit of time together. Before long they realized they shared tender feelings.

  They took long walks in the evenings. They would talk for hours. She always did little things for him like making sure the best parts of the meal was near his seat.

  Jake knew she was young, but she was mature for her age. He knew she was about to turn seventeen. He couldn’t wait any longer. He asked her to marry him. She said yes. Later that night, her life was changed forever. She went from total elation to feeling lower than she had ever been in her life.

  When she told Henry Daniels, he got angry. He accused her of being improper with Jake. She insisted that they did not act inappropriately. Henry attacked her, saying he needed proof.

  She was found the next day in the woods crying. Madeline and Virginia, the women from the adjoining ranches were gathering herbs when they heard her crying.

  Virginia took her home with her to protect her from the evil Henry Daniels. She asked her husband Derek to send the girl to Lawrence, Kansas. Virginia knew her Uncle Cooper Harrison and his wife Elise would take care of her and see that she got a fresh start.

  There was only the question of Jake. Would he follow her to Kansas to marry her? Would he turn his back on Lucy and search for another girl in Austin?

  Two weeks after Lucy boarded the train bound for Kansas, Jake went to visit Derek. Virginia and Derek gave Jake the letter Lucy left him. It explained in detail all that happened. In it, she pledged her love and devotion. Asking for him to come and find her if he was willing to not blame her for what happened with Henry.

  Jake finished out his work week. When he went to purchase a ticket to Kansas, he was told the train would be delayed. It had boiler problems. It may not make it back to Austin for at least a month or longer. Jake couldn’t wait; he needed to get to Lucy. He did the only thing he could do; he bought a mule to carry supplies. He packed up and left on horseback for Lawrence, Kansas.

  Chapter 1

  Lucy Dawson boarded a train in Austin, Texas. She was all but overcome with fear. She didn’t know what was facing her in Kansas. She hoped she could find Virginia’s Uncle Cooper and his family. She wondered if they would be as nice and understanding as Derek and Virginia.

  Virginia assured her that she would be fine. She made sure Lucy had all the information she needed to find her Uncle Cooper and Aunt Elise. She also gave her a letter to give them upon her arrival. After one final hug, Lucy boarded the train.

  She felt like everyone on the train was staring at her. She felt like everyone knew what had happened to her. There still was a fear that Jake would feel like it was her fault. She often felt like it was her fault. She felt dirty.

  Her mind constantly wandered to that night. She often wondered what she could have done to protect herself.

  She tried to pray and make the feelings go away. She could move past the feelings of inadequacy most of the time; except when she thought about Henry attacking her. She still could feel him slap her and throw her to the ground. Tears filled her eyes when she thought about the ordeal.

  She wondered if Jake had read her letter yet and if he would be on a train the following week. She watched the countryside go by her window. The view was amazing. She watched wild horses running free. She took in scenes of mountains, clouds, rivers, and desert. She allowed her mind to wander to Jake.

  She remembered all the little glances at dinner. She thought about how he acted nervous when he asked her to take a walk with him. It took them walking, every evening for three weeks before he attempted to hold her hand.

  She still felt excitement every time he took her hand; just like the first time. It was a tingling sensation like she never experienced before that moment. She wondered if that is how her momma felt the first time her pa took a hold of her hand.

  Her parents were very much in love. Lucy had only one dream in life. That dream; to find a good man that loved her like her pa loved her momma. She believed she found that in Jake. She hoped he would come looking for her. Then the despair washed over her again. She feared he would not be able to get past what happened to her.

  She let a couple of tears run down her cheeks. She couldn’t allow herself to think about the what if’s? She would have to have faith that everything would work out for her in Lawrence, Kansas.

  After being on a train for three days, she had to stay a week in a small town in Oklahoma. She walked around the town taking in the view. She was excited to see the train enter the town. She knew she would be on her way the next day.

  She was up before the sun came up. She didn’t want to risk missing the train. As she went toward the train with her two carpet bags, she realized that it was her seventeenth birthday. She wished she could celebrate the day with Jake.

  After taking her seat, she closed her eyes, thinking about that night by the pond. He asked her if she would marry him. When she said yes, he pulled her into a hug; swinging her around.

  When he finally set her feet on the ground, she looked up at him. They were really close, she was leaning against him. They stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like an eternity. He slowly leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips.

  The feeling she felt, was unlike anything she ever experienced. She wanted to stay right there in his arms. She wanted to live in the moment her lips touched his lips. She reached up touching her lips with her fingertips. She couldn’t keep from smiling when she thought about Jake.

  Again, she wondered if he was on his way to find her. She tried not to get her hopes up. Deep in her heart, she knew that Jake loved her and would come to find her. Everything in her heart told her they were meant to be together.

  She changed trains three times before finally reaching Lawrence, Kansas. It had been four weeks and three days since she left Austin, in search of a better life. As the train approached the town she felt excitement and fear in equal amounts.

  Little did she know; Jake was on his way by horseback. He left Austin only two days earlier. He expected the trip to take him a little over a month. Anticipation is his only companion as he makes his way over the rough terrain towards the woman he loves.

  Jake was on the eighth day of his journey. He woke as the sun was coming up. He quickly fixed something to eat before getting on his horse for another long day of riding.

  As he drank his coffee and ate breakfast, he thought about Lucy and the way her eyes would light up when she smiled. The last night he saw her they took a walk they held hands and talked about their future. He remembered that kiss.

  He wanted to be by her side; to hold her and tell her everything would be alright. He wanted more of those sweet kisses. With those thoughts fresh in his mind, he mounted up for another hot day of riding.

  He was riding when a storm came up. He ro
de for an hour before he found a cave big enough for him and his animals. He knew he needed to get a fire started to get dried out. The last thing he needed was to get sick.

  Two days later it was still raining hard. He was stuck in the cave until the weather cooperated with him. His frustration was growing by the day. He didn’t want Lucy to think he didn’t want to be with her. He needed her more than anything in this life.

  Chapter 2

  Lucy stepped off the train with some reservation about being in Kansas. She didn’t know anyone; she felt all alone. She was nervous and felt like crying. She took a moment to gain control of her fear. She squared her shoulders; picking up her carpetbags she walks over to the ticket window.

  “Excuse me, sir; I am looking for Mr. Cooper Harrison and his wife Elise. Would you know where they live?”

  The elderly gentleman smiled at her, she noticed he had kind eyes. His smile put her at ease. “Yes miss, I could get someone to take you there if you wish.”

  She smiled, “I would appreciate that very much.”

  He pointed to a row of benches along the wall. “If you would like to have a seat, I will come and get you when I have found someone.”

  “Thank You.” She went and sat down by the wall. She was pleased that someone knew Cooper and Elise. She waited for about ten minutes when a tall young man walked up to her. “I was told you need a ride to the Harrison ranch.”

  “Yes, I do, thank you.”

  “He reached for her carpetbags. She let him carry them.”

  He helped her up onto the wagon and then climbed up beside of her. There was an awkward silence between them. She didn’t know what to say to break it. He looked over at her and she smiled, still tongue-tied.

  Finally, he spoke, “How do you know Cooper and Elise?”

  She slightly blushed, “Well, I really don’t know them. I am friends with his niece.”

  The young man smiled, “Virginia?”

  “Yes, Virginia; I came all this way from Austin, Texas.”

  “I am sorry, I should have introduced myself, I am Jesse.”

  “Emma’s husband?”

  “Yes, we were married the same day that Virginia and Derek were married. Then they took off on a grand adventure to own a ranch in Austin.”

  “I feel like I know you already. Virginia has told me all about you and Emma. You have a baby girl that is about sixteen months old.”

  “Yes, Rose is actually nineteen months old.”

  “Then there is Cooper and Elise. They have four children, Emma who is twenty, Tommy who is thirteen, David age ten and Casey who is eight.”

  “That sounds about right, except Emma will not be twenty until this winter.”

  They talked about the family the rest of the way to Cooper’s ranch. When he stopped in front of a big white house; Lucy took in the sights. It was a beautiful, well maintained home.

  She hoped they would let her stay until Jake came for her. Jesse helped her down from the wagon and then carried her carpetbags to the front door. She hesitated, “I am not sure they know I am coming. Virginia mailed a letter…” Her voice trailed off.

  He smiled a reassuring smile, “Come on, I will introduce you.”

  Elise greeted Jesse, “I didn’t know you were stopping by today. Is Emma and Rose with you?”

  “No, I brought your guest that Virginia sent you the letter about.”

  “I didn’t get a letter, but if Virginia sent her she is welcome.”

  Elise looked at Lucy, “Hello dear, I am Elise, please come in and have a seat. Tell me about yourself.”

  Lucy sat down next to Elise. “I have a letter from Virginia; it will explain why I am here.” Elise tried to put the girl at ease. She could tell she was nervous. Elise took the letter from her.

  Dear Uncle Cooper and Aunt Elise:

  Madeline and I were out gathering herbs the other day when we came across Lucy. She was alone and crying. She has a young man that wants to marry her, his name is Jake. However, Henry Daniels her boss, would not allow it. He took her in three years ago when her parents died.

  He grew angry that Lucy wanted to get married. He accused her of improper behavior with Jake (the young man). Then he beat her up attacking her. He said he needed proof of her purity.

  We found her the next morning sobbing. She said her life was over; she may as well be dead. We told her it wasn’t her fault. I am still not sure she believes us.

  I thought she could use a fresh start. Jake will probably find his way to Kansas before too long. Until then I knew she would be safe with you. I knew you could give her guidance and encouragement.

  Thanks; please let me know how things are going.

  Lots of Love

  Virginia

  Elise finished reading the letter. She folded it and quietly placed it back in the envelope. She looked up at Lucy, “My dear girl, I can’t imagine the pain you have suffered. Cooper and I will do everything we can to help you get a fresh start.

  I am going to tell you something that I learned from my Aunt Mary Ellen. It is impossible to change the past. So, don’t look back. We can only live for today and look with hope to the future. Give me a few minutes to rearrange the boys. I will show you, your room.”

  “I can sleep anywhere; you don’t have to inconvenience the boys.”

  “Nonsense.” Elise was going up the stairs and out of sight.

  Lucy was starting to relax just a little bit. She was trying not to be too optimistic. She just hoped Jake would show up soon.

  Later that evening Cooper came in from being out with the cattle. He smiled at Lucy then asked to see Elise in the kitchen. Elise explained Lucy’s situation.

  Cooper agreed they could not turn her away. He felt very sympathetic towards her. He said to Elise, “I don’t know how anyone could be so evil… that poor girl.”

  Two days later Lucy met Emma and her family. She told her she felt like she knew her already by Virginia’s descriptions. Emma started spending a little time with Lucy. She wanted to help if she could.

  Lucy felt safe to share her story with Emma. As Lucy told her about that night of her life she went from being ecstatic to a feeling of being lower than dirt, Emma looked at her in shock. “How could he be so cruel?”

  Lucy just shook her head. “I don’t know, but I am hoping Jake will show up soon.”

  Emma smiled an encouraging smile, “I am sure he is on his way right now.”

  Chapter 3

  Three weeks later Lucy was beginning to wonder if Jake would ever show up. She was starting to feel like what had happened to her was too much for Jake. It has been five weeks since she left Austin. He should be here by now.

  For the last three days, she has felt nauseous when she got out of bed. She was starting to be concerned about possibly being pregnant. After debating for three days she decided to tell Elise.

  “Elise, can I speak with you for a moment.”

  Elise looked concerned. She poured them both a cup of coffee. Handing one to Lucy, she sat down across from her. “What is it dear?”

  “I am concerned. I have been sick for three mornings now. I am afraid there is a baby.”

  Elise leaned back, “Oh sweetie. A child is a gift. Every life is precious. If so that is happy news. If you want to go to the doctor’s office Cooper will drive us or I can send for him to come here.”

  Lucy looked at her with tears filling her eyes, “What am I going to do? Jake will not want me now. I thought he would be here by now. I guess it was too much for him to forgive.”

  Elise looked at her, “Lucy, you need to get one thing straight. This was not your fault. If Jake can’t see that then you are better off without him.”

  Lucy started crying. Elise felt bad that she was so blunt. She knew Lucy needed to face the reality of her situation. After more debate, Elise sent for the doctor.

  When he arrived, they explained the situation to him. He said her secret was safe with him. He did an examination then confirmed her fears. The d
octor suggested that she sign up to be a mail-order bride. Lucy told him that Jake was coming for her. The doctor smiled and patted her hand sympathetically. “If you need anything, send someone to my office to get me.”

  Lucy pondered the whole mail-order bride thing. She could tell the potential husband that she was widowed. Her child would need a pa. Maybe she should do it to give her baby a home. Then thoughts of Jake went through her mind; how his eyes sparkled when they kissed by the pond. His smile could light up even the darkest night. Nothing felt better than being in his arms. She would give up anything for that feeling again.

  She was discouraged that she had not heard from Jake or even Virginia. She thought one of them would have contacted her. For the next two weeks, she wrestled with the idea of being a mail-order bride. How could she give up on Jake and marry a stranger? She would give him two more weeks then she would consider her other options.

  In the meantime, Cooper and Elise treated her well. She was starting to get to know the three boys. She met Emma and little Rose. Virginia said Emma and Elise would be sweet to her; Lucy agreed.

  Lucy attended church with Elise. She liked the preacher that was soon leaving. He recently married and was going to New York. His wife’s family lived there. The church in her hometown needed a preacher.

  The town council started looking for a replacement preacher. They haven’t been able to find one yet. Elise’s Uncle Charles was filling in until they found a replacement.

  Lucy liked Charles and Mary Ellen. They have a daughter named Lilly. She is close in age to Lucy. Charles owns the general store in town. Lucy believed them to all be very good people. They were real Christians. Not like those people that attend service and then do what they want any other time.

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  Jake was happy to see that the rain finally stopped after three days and nights. He left the shelter of the cave to move closer to his goal. After traveling for two days he came upon the river. It was too high to cross. He knew he would have to make camp and wait for the water to recede.