In His Time Read online

  In His Time

  Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  Edited by Grace Augustine

  Cover design by Tell ~ Tale Book Covers

  Author Photo by Heidi Marshall Photography

  Copyright © 2018 Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  All Rights Reserved

  This book or any portion thereof

  may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

  without the express written permission of the publisher

  except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Published in the United States by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  This book is a work of fiction. While the events regarding the typhoid epidemic are true, most of the characters are a work of the author’s imagination. A few mentions of notable true people are used when appropriately necessary to keep the historical information as accurate as possible. All effort was made to convey the true events factual as much as possible. The author accepts all faults for any errors that may be found.

  DEDICATION

  To my children:

  No matter what life may throw your way, keep your eyes focused above.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  To my family and friends, I owe a big thank you for all the support showered on me after the release of my first book. Grace and Linda, I again thank you for all the encouragement and support. You both have made me feel like family. Heidi Marshall, thank you for working last minute to clean up last minute errors. I thank my fellow Indie authors who have all assisted me to get this far. Thank you kids for giving up computer time so I could work. And for staying quiet, most of the time. Dan, my loving husband, for being patient while I was busy typing away instead of running the house (my regular job), keeping me focused and driven throughout, providing ideas to guide me, and loving me in all the ups and downs during this process. It’s the same I said last time, dear, but it still applies.

  Coming Soon – For His Will, Book 3 Carried Through Chaos series

  by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  CHAPTER 1

  This time Alice Hubbard was excited to ride the train as she headed to her future, not from it. Allie was barely old enough to have a past let alone the one she’d had. She pressed her forehead to the cold window and watched the open land pass by. Her breath fogged up the glass masking the beautiful snowy view of rolling hills and tiny houses with trails of smoke billowing from their chimneys. It appeared a blank slate, a new start. It had been almost a year since she was last on a train. Heading in the other direction, she had fled from her fairytale, turned dangerous life. West was a welcome change of course now.

  She knew Frank would be waiting for her at her last stop. He had come ahead of her to make sure that his instincts were right about moving there. His hope was to find a place for them and set it up. Frank had Allie wait until he sent word for her to make the journey.

  Allie smiled silently to herself as she thought of the man who was anxiously awaiting her arrival. She had found in Frank a true husband, and gentleman, exactly what her first husband was not. Her smile turned into a scowl at the thought of her first husband and her rosy cheeks paled.

  A grey headed lady sat across the aisle from Allie with a hopeful expression on her face. She much reminded Allie of the kind women back home, perhaps those specifically at her church.

  “I’m sorry to intrude, but I couldn’t help but notice the variety of facial expressions you are making and, well I suppose I’m being nosy, but can I ask what you are thinking about?”

  Allie chuckled a little. “Just my past and future is all.”

  The lady pursed her lips. “You can’t be more than just fresh out of school judging by your looks. I can’t imagine you really have much of a past.”

  Honestly, Allie couldn’t have imagined it herself had she not lived through it. “Yes, ma’am, indeed I do.”

  “Well, if you want to talk, seems we both have hours on our hands and no place to be. I’m Doris by the way.”

  Allie chewed the inside of her cheek a bit while tossing the idea of telling this stranger her history.

  Really what could it hurt? Who’s she going to tell anyway?

  “All right, Doris, seeing as we both have the time. It will help pass part of the trip. My name is Allie. It’s nice to meet you, Doris.” Doris gave a brief nod and waited expectantly. Allie thought about where to start. There was so much. “Well, to start off, I’m headed to Yakima to meet my husband.”

  “Oh, you’re married? Congratulations! I was married once, long time ago.” She looked up at the train’s ceiling and sighed.

  Allie took that to mean he was most likely no longer part of the living. She didn’t want to pry what wasn’t offered, though. “Thank you. His name is Frank, and he is wonderful.”

  Doris started to laugh. “So, you’re newly married then?”

  Allie was confused. “Yes, how did you know?”

  “Well, for starters you are young, although that isn’t always as telling as one would hope. But calling your husband wonderful was the other tell-tell sign. You’re still in your honeymoon phase.”

  “Oh,” Allie said. If that’s where they were, she liked it and didn’t want to move on from it. “Well, he is wonderful. He’s a doctor. We used to go to school together before he moved to Oregon and became a physician. He worked there for a little while. Then one day we both were riding the same train back to our home town and love planted a seed in our hearts that day. We, of course, didn’t know it at the time. I was in a bad way and wasn’t thinking all that clearly but looking back it was then that started us on the path we find ourselves on here today.”

  Doris tucked the “Bad way” information as she called it back and wanted to hear more of the good. “Tell me about your wedding, dear.”

  Allie closed her eyes deep in thought.

  “It was just after Thanksgiving. I initially thought I wanted to wait a bit before jumping back in, but in my heart, I knew where I belonged. I’d been sweet on Frank for years before he ever took notice in me. Once he finally did set his eyes on mine, I was already bound to someone else. But that’s getting off subject. Our wedding was in our home church with both our families and all our friends watching on. It was a simple affair, although Frank’s mother would not let me wear something I already had. She paid for a dress to be made for me instead. The dress, my dress, was cream in color. A lacy fabric crossed over the bodice here,” she used her hands to show how it laid. “And pulled in at the waist tied with a satin bow. The bottom had a lacy ruffle that just swept the floor in the front and trailed slightly behind me in the back. Oh, I felt like a princess wearing it. I, of course, didn’t want Frank’s parents to spend that money, but they insisted. They own the bank back home. They are fine folks.”

  Doris listened with rapt attention. “The wedding sounds lovely. I am curious though, you said you were bound to another? Were you promised to someone else?”

  Allie looked down at her hands. “No. I was already married.”

  Doris gasped. “No. What happened?”

  Allie smoothed her up-swept hair and squirmed a bit, “Well, I… see, uh… my first husband was a con. Eddie was charming and friendly at first, but after a short time turned he became abusive and controlling.” She wished it wasn’t hard to talk about anymore. She still felt shame and the blows landed on her daily.

  Doris’ stomach sank, and her wrinkled brow furrowed. She reached a hand to Allie’s shoulder in comfort. “I’m very sorry to hear that. What happened to Eddie though? Did you divorce?”

  “I was planning on it. I didn’t have to.”

  “I don’t understand then. How are you married to another now?” Doris was very confused.

  “I ran. Eddie tried to follow and
found new work for a time. He ended up fighting the wildfire and the fire won.”

  Doris was aghast and didn’t know what to say to Allie. She knew from personal experience what a traumatic time it must have been. A subject change was needed to pull them both out of the depression they were working towards.

  “Tell me about where you are going.”

  “Wiley City,” she instantly picked up her mood. “It’s just south of North Yakima. Frank is there now waiting for me. He went ahead first to find a home and prepare it for us. He’s been writing to me and teaching me about life there and the area’s history as he learns it. I find it so fascinating!”

  Doris was pleased the conversation turned for the better. “What parts fascinated you?”

  “Well, Wiley City is just being formed and there are other little towns that circle the main city. That’s North Yakima.” Doris nodded to say she was following. “The medical need is there for white man, but also for the natives that are converting or just desperate for help. North Yakima itself is being served, but those small towns need someone who can travel around and see to people in their own homes. Not everyone can or wants to venture to the city. There wasn’t a direct call for more doctors, but the area is growing rapidly and that was just what he was looking to jump on.”

  “It sounds like a wonderful place. Full of life and adventure.”

  “I’m not so sure I want much adventure after what I’ve already been though.” Allie bit her nail in worry.

  “Oh, you’re young yet, there is so much more life ahead of you. Just you wait and see.”

  Allie placed her hands back in her lap and sighed. “Well, I hope the adventure is good then.”

  “We all hope it’s good dear. The reality is everyone has ups and downs, though. Let’s hope you are on the uphill side of this down you recently found yourself in, but life isn’t always kind to everyone. For some it seems life kicks them when they are down.”

  Allie nodded and watched Doris as her eyes seemed to drift to some faraway land. Allie knew her turn for a subject change was here. “Oh, something really fascinating about the town. Did you know when the railroad was being built they approached the town of Yakima City with offers to buy land?”

  Doris shook her head no. Her eyes focused back to Allie.

  “Yes, and the land owners wanted more than the offer. Do you know what the railroad did?”

  Doris again shook her head no.

  “They decided to bypass.”

  “That really doesn’t surprise me none. It always comes down to money,” Doris tsked.

  “They laid their tracks just four miles to the north and then offered free lots to any businesses from Yakima City to relocate. Many took up the offer and moved their existing businesses on roller logs. The first to do so was a hotel. They rolled the four miles in about a months’ time, all while having boarders still taking up the rooms and eating in the dining room!”

  Allie was still struggling to believe that tale herself. She assumed the hotel must not have been very large.

  “Pretty soon the town to the north was called North Yakima and the old Yakima City later, in 1905, changed its name to Union Gap.”

  “Ladies, would you like your lunch?” A porter came around doling out paper sacks.

  They both took theirs and thanked him while giving him coins in return. He nodded and grinned before leaving them back to their conversation.

  “Rolled a whole building four miles? That is hard to believe, and I’ve seen a lot.” Doris’ eyes were round.

  “With people inside, don’t forgot that part.”

  Allie opened her lunch and pulled out an apple. She took a bite and found it to be juicy, but soft.

  Doris could tell she didn’t really like the apple, “I hear North Yakima is the area where the best apples come from.”

  “I hope so. This one is mushy.” They both chuckled.

  They continued their conversation for much of the trip, only stopping long enough to sleep at night. The more they talked the more Allie became comfortable with Doris and the more details she gave. Before too long it seemed, Doris knew much of Allie’s history. Doris had shared a bit of hers as well. Allie had made a quick friend and was sad she would have to say goodbye to her soon. Doris would continue on her journey after the train stopped for Allie. She was going over to the Tacoma area to meet up with her family.

  Saying goodbye came sooner than Allie had hoped, as North Yakima drew near. She was excited to see Frank and knowing he would be waiting on the walk just as soon as the train stopped lessened the little sting the goodbye would bring.

  CHAPTER 2

  Frank was standing tall on the boardwalk aside the track as the train rolled to a stop. Allie giggled as Frank lent her his hand off the train and wisped her up in his arms.

  “Welcome to Washington my dear,” Frank said as he set her down gently.

  “Thank you fine sir.” Allie stretched a bit. “It feels good to be off the train.” She scanned the area while Frank fetched her bags.

  Allie was shocked to see North Yakima upon her arrival. It was still relatively small, but a very busy place. The streets were lined with trees, and ditches had been dug along the streets to carry water for irrigation.

  The stench was horrendous, as there were dairy farms close by and in town. Streets were pocked with horse manure, rotting food, and other filth. She was glad to know that she wouldn’t be living there. They were headed a short distance to the southwest of the city.

  Wiley City was small compared to Deer Lodge, but it was also younger and thus had less time to grow. Allie took in the sites as she sat in the open wagon next to Frank. A Morgan horse named Penny was pulling them along at a steady clip.

  It was a bitter day and there was a dusting of snow on the ground, but Frank brought a blanket along for her to wrap up in to keep warm. He was always very thoughtful. Frank was driving her home. The word home brought a sense of warmth that filled her chest and left her tingling with excitement.

  Allie was accustomed to hills and mountains covered with trees. The first stretch of her trip west showed the scarring of the fire that decimated areas so few months before. Here the hills looked scalped, but it was not from fire. The land wasn’t completely barren. Trees dotted the landscape here and there on the flats where the town lay, but the hills that surrounded them looked like someone took a straight edge and shaved them clean. The lack of vegetation meant she could see much farther than where she lived with her first husband.

  Falcon, Idaho was crammed with trees. It made one feel closed in. This area looked similar to her home town, although her hills had many trees. The flats were similar enough that they made her feel at ease with her future.

  It was easy to spot the streams and creeks as they had the most vegetation lining their banks. Allie hoped her home had a creek nearby. Flowing water washing over her was balm to her soul on a warm afternoon.

  As they drove down the main street Allie noticed all of the structures were built out of wood. She wondered just how far away that wood must have been shipped to get here. Frank had told her that farther west was a mountain pass separating the East from the West. She assumed the trees must have come from that direction.

  The town was primitive compared to her home town. Roads were dirt and there were no formal foot paths or boardwalks. Many of the buildings had a western theme.

  Frank pulled the wagon up to a small two-story wood house that fronted Hughes Road. It wasn’t the main street through town, but a side road that shot off of it. In all her life she had never lived in town and was glad that at least they wouldn’t be right in the middle of the main business area.

  The house was plain, but hopeful with possibilities. The building was in good condition since it was newly built. The yard was nothing to speak of and she knew right away she wanted a little picket fence in front. She could envision a wooden swing hanging from the tree on the side, awaiting the play of children. Someday, rocking chairs on the front porc
h overlooking the road would be nice.

  Frank jumped down and walked around to help her out of the rig.

  “Welcome home darling,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek.

  Frank took her hand and walked to the door of the house. His eyes twinkled with enthusiasm as he opened the door and let her in first.

  “Now, I know it’s nothing much yet, but it’s in a good location and there’s a side door that with a little tweaking could be used as my practice entrance.”

  “It’s wonderful, Frank,” Allie said with a wide grin. She turned in a circle and took in the small foyer that opened to the front room. Silently she was taking it all in and then stopped.

  “Where do the horse and wagon go? I didn’t see a barn outside.”

  “There isn’t one. I board them at the livery stable owned also by the Wiley’s just a short distance from here. Someday maybe we will buy our own land and build our house with a barn. For now, though, this will do.” Frank grabbed her hand, “Come on, I’ll give you the tour.”

  He walked her through the living room that had a fireplace on the outer wall and held two padded chairs with a side table between. They walked into the dining room and Frank pointed out the side door that exited from this room. From there they turned to the kitchen, complete with a stove, sink with a hand pump, and counter.

  Stairs flanked the wall that supported the middle of the house. Just behind the stairs and off the kitchen was a small bath. Upstairs there were three bedrooms, one of which had a bed. The others lay empty, awaiting a future tenant.

  Maybe one day those rooms will be full, Allie thought, but refused to give voice to the notion.

  Frank hurried her back down stairs and into the front room. He motioned for her to sit.

  “Now I know this is sparsely decorated. I hope you can make quick work on that end…”