Kate's Homecoming

 by Sara M. 

“That’s it! Levi, Betsy, Hannah, we are leaving.” Katherine said firmly

“Leaving, Mama?” Betsy asked

“Why?” Katherine’s oldest son Levi asked

“Your pa is not back and I have an idea where he is.” Kate answered, “We are going to my parents' home, Circle C Ranch.” Kate got a faraway look in her eyes, “I just hope she will accept me.” she said to herself

“Oh.” Betsy returned to her toys

Levi watched Kate, “You sure?”

No, I am not sure but aloud Kate said “I'm sure, Levi.” she gave a feeble smile.

Levi stared at her and Kate knew he did not believe her but said nothing, Kate was grateful. “I’m going to pack.” she heading upstairs.

She found a carpet bag and a suitcase, she packed their clothes, some of the kids toys, and a few other things. Kate looked down at it, she fingered the golden locket around her neck remembering back, 

“Happy birthday, Katherine,” her father slipped the locket around her neck, “Happy birthday,” he said again and hugged her tight,

“Thank you, Father! Kate hugged him back

Father stepped back, “You are now ten years old!” he exclaimed as Kate did a little dance, she smiled.

“Mama?” Levi’s voice broke into her thoughts

Kate shook herself, “Yes, honey?”

“Mama,” Levi sat next to her on the bed, “what is going on?”

Kate sighed, as usual Levi knew something was up, “Levi, I, well, I ran away from my family, they don’t know I married or had children but I think they knew I married Troy, your father,” Kate smiled sadly and went on, “I don’t know if they accept me back. I-I-I-” Kate’s broke into tears,

“Aw, Mama, don’t cry, it’s okay.” Levi patted her back and hugged her.

Kate looked up with a watery smile, “Thanks Levi, you always know what I need.” she said as they stood. 

Levi blushed, and smiled a small smile. “When are we leaving?” he asked

“Since it’s only noon, let's leave now, I have everything we really need packed. We can catch the 1:00 o'clock train.”

Levi nodded his understanding and grabbed the suitcase and took it downstairs, Kate followed with the bag. 

“Time to go, Betsy, Hannah!” Kate made herself sound cheerful, her daughters gave no complaint and followed them outside and in the cool fresh air. The train station was only a 10 minute walk from the house so they walked. 

“Leaving, Mrs Swanson?” the town clerk asked as they walked past his store,

“Nay, only going on a short trip.” Kate said and hurried away. 

They arrived at the train station and bought the tickets and sat down to wait. After a bit the train rolled in, Kate hosted the bag to her shoulder and grabbed hold of the suitcase and they mounted the train. They quickly found seats and settled down. Betsy and Hannah had a few toys to play with that Kate got out of the carpet bag. They were going to be traveling all night and arrive early the next morning. 

 

*****

Kate woke the next morning feeling stiff, the train was not the comfortablest place to sleep but they had made do. She saw a sign saying, FRESNO in bold letters, fear grabbed hold of Kate, will my family accept me??? She sighed, if they don’t I will head, well somewhere, she thought.“All off for Fresno!” a shout came through the train. 

“Grab hold of your sisters and don’t let go, Levi.” Kate whispered 

“Yes, Mama.” Levi did as she asked and they walked off the train and into the station. 

Katherine spotted a livery and rented a horse and buggy, she left her suitcase on the platform, in case she was not welcomed. 

Kate pulled her shoulders straight and looked around, she gave a flick of the rains and they were off to Circle C Ranch.

A while later Kate pulled into the driveway of Circle C. She glanced at her kids, Levi was awake watching her, the girls were sound asleep. Kate smiled, she had to admit, sleeping in a buggy was a lot more comoable than a train! Kate’s smile quickly disappeared when she saw her brother, Mitch. She quickly started the horse again and went up the house… and halted. She gasped, the place was so so different! Almost everything has changed! She tied the horse to the hitching rail near the front of the house and gathered her wits, and courage. Kate motioned for Levi to stay in the buggy and keep an eye on Betsy and Hannah. Kate marched to the door and knocked. She held her breathe, would she be welcomed? 

“Hello?” Kate knew it was her mother

“M-M-Mother.” she said softly

Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she gasped, “Katherine?”

Kate nodded once.

Her mother opened her arms wide and crushed Kate in a hug, “You are home! Katherine! I missed you so much, where have you been? Where’s Troy? How are you?”  Elizabeth’s face was shining

“I can answer all those questions later, where is Father? I need to tell him I am sorry.”

Elizabeth’s face blanched, “He is gone, Katherine.”

Kate gasped, “Oh no, oh no, I never knew! Surely you believe I would have come back if I’d known.” Kate whispered

“I do, Katherine, come in.” Elizabeth peered around Kate, “Mitch! Chad! Come!” she called and led Kate inside to the parlor. 

“Come, sit, daughter, tell me what has happened.” she said

“You called me Mother?” Mitch asked, coming into the room, Chad on his heels.

His face paled as he saw Kate, “Katherine? Kate?” he said

She nodded

Chad grinned a huge grin, “Welcome home Kate!” he nearly shouted

“Welcome home Kate!” Mitch repeated and he gave her a huge hug with Chad joining in. 

Kate smiled, relieved, she was welcomed! “I’ll be right back.” Kate hurried to the buggy where her children were. She knew her family was watching her to make sure she came back.

Betsy and Hannah were awake, Levi watched her, “Mama?” her beaning smile gave it away, “Come Levi, come Hannah, come Betsy, my family is waiting!” Kate fairly danced back to the house with her children behind her. 

Kate went inside and said, “Mother, Chad, Mitch, these are my children, Levi, he is the oldest, Hannah, who is next and the youngest is Elizabeth, we call her Betsy.” Kate said

Elizabeth held open her arms, “Welcome home,” she said softly, “I am your grandma.” Levi looked at Kate who nodded and her three children fell into Elizabeth’s arms. 

Elizabeth looked over their heads at Kate, “Welcome home, Katherine!” 

And Kate smiled.