{"id":6850,"date":"2022-07-04T12:01:11","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T16:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whitefire-publishing.com\/read\/?p=6850"},"modified":"2022-07-04T12:03:40","modified_gmt":"2022-07-04T16:03:40","slug":"valley-melodies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whitefire-publishing.com\/read\/valley-melodies\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley Melodies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

by\u00a0Bonnie Leon<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Is love enough to overcome the tragedies and hardships thrown at them?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the spring of 1856, Emmalin Hammond decides the Oregon Territory is not the place for her and chooses to return to her Philadelphia home. But mountain man, Jacob Landon, has other ideas. With an unexpected profession of love, he asks her to marry him and share his life in the Oregon wilderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before they can marry, a string of misfortunes tests her desire to step into the role of a pioneer woman. Though determined, Emmalin soon recognizes she may be deceiving herself. Is the life she\u2019s chosen out of reach?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t

Chapter 1<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Oregon Territory<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 1856<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sun slid behind the mountains, and evening bird song quieted as Emmalin and Jacob approached Deer Creek, the town she had grown to love and thought she\u2019d never see again. Henry barked at something in the brush and darted off the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trepidation nibbled at her joy as Emmalin grasped Smoke\u2019s coarse mane more tightly as if the dappled gray could provide the steadiness she needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier today she\u2019d been in a wagon set on returning to Philadelphia and the life of ease she\u2019d had there. The idea made her stomach ache. Then Jacob caught up with her, convincing her to go with him to his burned-out place on the river\u2014leaving Mr. Henderson to continue to Oregon City without her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she and Jacob stood where the blackened forest ended and the heavy greenery of woodlands closed around them, he had asked her to be his wife, to rebuild the cabin destroyed by fire, and to start a life together. It had been a beautiful moment, a dream, but now reality drew near. Did she have the strength required to be a pioneer wife?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlmost there,\u201d Jacob whispered as they moved past the grist mill. The paddles slapped the water, the wheel groaning as if in tune to Emmalin\u2019s emotional<\/a> disquiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cat, perched on the top step of the schoolhouse, stood, stretched out its lean golden body, and yawned. It eyed them as they rode toward her father\u2019s mercantile. Her father<\/em>. Heaviness seized her as she replayed the last months. Her mother had died of fever, and Emmalin set off with her uncle to Oregon Territory in search of a father she didn\u2019t know existed until her mother\u2019s death. Emmalin had only been in Oregon City one day when her uncle was killed in a freak accident. With the help of Jacob, a mountain man, she traveled to Deer Creek and found her father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anger simmered inside her as she thought about Collier breaking off their engagement only to follow her to Deer Creek when he discovered she was now a wealthy woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin took a deep, steadying breath. While her life had been riddled with suffering, good things had also come about. Good things like discovering she was an heiress to her uncle\u2019s fortune. And good things like Jacob Landon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mercantile was dark, but lights glowed from within Margaret\u2019s caf\u00e9. Jacob maneuvered Smoke to a stop in front of the caf\u00e9, dismounted, and tied the horse to a hitching post. Henry padded up to the door and waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet Margaret\u2019s got something good to eat,\u201d Jacob said as he reached up to help Emmalin down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hope so. I\u2019m starved.\u201d She swung her right leg over the horse\u2019s back and dropped to the ground, standing in Jacob\u2019s arms for a brief moment, wishing she could remain there feeling the safety of his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His lips had settled into a soft smile as he gazed down at her. Though drawn in by his love, she stepped away. A public demonstration of affection would be improper. Her mother would have been shocked by such a display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you ready?\u201d Emmalin took his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob gave it a squeeze. \u201cI am if you are.\u201d He grinned. \u201cHave to admit, I\u2019m a little nervous to face Samuel. I might work for him and have known him a while, but I didn\u2019t tell him about my feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be happy for us. He thinks very highly of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good to know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to quiet the sudden flurry of butterflies. How would <\/em>her father accept the news? The last he knew, Emmalin was headed north to Oregon City to join the wagon train going east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what of Mr. Henderson? What would he think when she didn\u2019t arrive at the campsite? When Jacob had come for her, she\u2019d been so surprised and had behaved recklessly, taking off on a whim with a mountain man the way she did. Mr. Henderson must think her mad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob held the door of the caf\u00e9 open, and Emmalin moved inside, the aroma of roasting meat and vegetables greeting her. Her father sat at the table nearest the kitchen with their good friend, Margaret. They looked up, surprise on their faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samuel stood, looking taller than his six-two height. Her father\u2019s blue eyes were dark with interest. \u201cEmmalin? Jacob?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret bounced to her feet. \u201cI can hardly believe what I\u2019m seeing.\u201d She tucked chestnut brown hair off her face. \u201cI thought you\u2019d be miles from here by now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was.\u201d Emmalin glanced at Jacob. \u201cBut Jacob caught up to Mr. Henderson and me. And, well, he took me to his place on the river.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about Philadelphia?\u201d Samuel asked. \u201cI thought you were set on returning to your fancy life?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin felt the jab and accepted it, remembering how that life had betrayed him many years before. \u201cJacob convinced me I was making a mistake.\u201d Emmalin tossed a quick smile at Jacob before turning back to her father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob stepped forward. \u201cI meant to ask you properly, but all of a sudden, I knew what I needed to do and there was no time.\u201d He removed his hat. \u201cI\u2019d like to ask you for Emmalin\u2019s hand in marriage, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question hung in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samuel furrowed his eyebrows, then finally broke the silence. \u201cMarriage? What in tarnation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s sudden, and I do apologize. I should have come to you before asking her, but I was up at my place when I realized what a fool I\u2019d been. I had let her go without telling her how I felt, so I went after her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob stepped closer to Emmalin. \u201cSamuel, I love your daughter and I want to marry her. I\u2019ll do my best to make her happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samuel looked from Jacob to Emmalin, then to Margaret, who stood with her hands pressed together, an expectant expression on her face. He finally settled his gaze on Emmalin. \u201cThis is what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith all my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right, then.\u201d Samuel reached for Jacob\u2019s hand. \u201cYou have my blessing.\u201d The two men shook, and Samuel let out a laugh. \u201cI was beginning to think you\u2019d never come to your senses.\u201d He slapped Jacob on the back in a friendly way, then moved to Emmalin. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure glad you\u2019ll be sticking around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is where I belong.\u201d She looked at Jacob. \u201cWhen he came for me, I knew.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob took Emmalin\u2019s hand and gave it a squeeze. \u201cI\u2019m already working on our home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Margaret said in a gush. \u201cThank the Lord! I was thinking you two had missed out on the beautiful gift God had given you\u2014each other.\u201d She pulled Emmalin into her arms. \u201cI\u2019m so happy for you. And thankful you\u2019ll be living here. I couldn\u2019t imagine how I was going to manage without you.\u201d She held Emmalin away from her, the fine lines in her face deepening with her tender smile. \u201cDeer Creek is better with you in it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin\u2019s heart swelled. \u201cThank you. It feels like home.\u201d Her eyes suddenly filled with tears as she realized what had almost happened. \u201cI nearly made the biggest mistake of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret gave Emmalin\u2019s cheek a pat, then moved toward the kitchen. \u201cYou must be hungry. I made chicken and vegetable pie. There\u2019s plenty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d Jacob draped his coat on a hook on the wall, then placed his hat over it. \u201cI\u2019m starved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChicken pie sounds perfect,\u201d Emmalin said as she removed her cloak and handed it to Jacob who hung it next to his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave a seat, you two, and I\u2019ll get you some.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin and Jacob took their places at the table while Margaret spooned dinner onto dishes, setting the steaming plates in front of them. \u201cThere\u2019s chocolate cake when you\u2019re done. I was feeling low, so I did some extra baking. Now it feels like a celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joy bubbled up inside of Emmalin and she sent a \u201cthank you\u201d heavenward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCoffee?\u201d Margaret asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Please.\u201d Emmalin took a bite of chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Jacob scooped up a forkful of the vegetable pie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margaret filled their cups, then refilled hers and Samuel\u2019s. She set the coffeepot back on the stove. \u201cOh, Mr. Henderson. What became of him and your luggage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on the road north. I figure I\u2019ll ride up in the morning and let him know what\u2019s happened,\u201d Jacob said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut what about your things, Emmalin? How will you manage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Margaret. I didn\u2019t pack all my clothes and necessities. After all, so much of what I wear here wouldn\u2019t be acceptable in Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A look of surprise touched Margaret\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo many of the people there don\u2019t know a thing about being practical,\u201d Emmalin said in a hurry, hoping not to offend her dear friend. \u201cAnd whatever I need I can purchase from the mercantile. Expense is no concern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, of course,\u201d Margaret said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob shifted in his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did he look so uncomfortable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samuel rested his elbows on the table. \u201cSo, when do you two plan to have this wedding?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI figured around the end of summer.\u201d Jacob glanced at Emmalin. \u201cIf that\u2019s all right with you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have the cabin to build. It\u2019s a big job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin held back her disappointment. September seemed so far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can get it done sooner with some help. I know several men who\u2019d be more than happy to give you a hand,\u201d Samuel added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacob\u2019s mouth became set. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt least we have plenty of time to plan the wedding and make your dress.\u201d Margaret reached across the table and patted Emmalin\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin pressed a hand to her chest. It all seemed so real now. She was actually going to become Jacob\u2019s wife. Here in the wilderness of Oregon. Feeling disquieted, she glanced toward the windows, dark now that the sun had set. How was she going to manage? She\u2019d been here less than a year. Could she truly step into the shoes of a pioneer woman?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get busy downing more trees and building us a good sturdy house.\u201d Jacob leaned back in his chair and circled his arms behind his neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan we have chickens and a garden? And perhaps some roses too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can have anything you want. It\u2019s going to be your home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is going to be a glorious summer.\u201d Margaret clapped her hands together. \u201cI have so much to teach you, Emmalin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmalin caught a glimmer of what it could be. It seemed almost perfect. She couldn\u2019t imagine a better beginning. Margaret would continue to teach her all she needed to know about keeping a house, and her father would steady her and help her with things like farming. And Jacob\u2026well, Jacob would love and watch over her. With him at her side, she could do anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as they stepped into their future together, they would have the strength they needed. She reached for Jacob\u2019s hand and grasped it. He smiled at her and dropped a kiss to the back of her fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. All would be well. This was right.<\/p>\n\n\n