Caleb closed his eyes.
For a moment, he looked overwhelmed.
Then Eleanor gently touched his arm.
“We'll find her.”
He opened his eyes.
She smiled faintly.
“Together.”
The minister watched them.
Then nodded.
“I believe that's what Nathaniel wanted.”
Their journey to Denver began two days later, after Eleanor's attorney confirmed by letter that he could arrange assistance with the property records and make introductions to counsel qualified to handle the wider dispute.
The weather had improved, but winter still held the mountains.
Caleb inspected the wagon carefully.
He reinforced the seat supports, checked the wheels, and arranged thick blankets to protect Eleanor from the cold. He also prepared additional food, water, and supplies for an extended journey.
They planned to travel in stages.
There would be regular stops.
Secure places to rest.
And no attempt to force the mountain route in dangerous weather.
Eleanor appreciated his preparation.
But she also noticed how often he looked worried.
On the morning they left, she found him standing beside the wagon with his arms folded.
“Caleb.”
He turned.
“Yes?”
“You look as though you're preparing to fight a bear.”
He gave a nervous smile.
“I'd rather fight a bear.”
She laughed.
“Than travel with your wife?”
His face reddened.
“No.”
She raised an eyebrow.
He sighed.
“Than travel to a city where Solomon Whitmore knows people who might want me dead.”
Eleanor's smile faded.
She approached as comfortably as she could, using the prepared handrail beside the wagon.
“Caleb.”
He looked toward her.
She took his hand.
“I'm frightened too.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“But we can't let fear make every decision.”
He looked down.
For a moment, he seemed ashamed.
Then Eleanor squeezed his fingers.
“Your father kept you alive by hiding. He did what he believed was necessary.”
Caleb closed his eyes.
She continued.
“But perhaps the best way to honor him now is to bring the truth into the open.”
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he nodded.
“Yes.”
Eleanor smiled.
“Besides, I have a very large husband who can look frightening when he wants to.”
Caleb laughed.
She continued.
“And he has a wife who knows how to read documents and ask inconvenient questions.”
His smile widened.
For a moment, they simply looked at each other.
Then Caleb lowered his forehead toward hers.
“I love you.”