Westward the Dream (36 page)
Read Westward the Dream Online
Authors: Judith Pella,Tracie Peterson
Tears rose in Carolina's eyes as she embraced and kissed her daughter. But Jordana sensed something other than sadness in her mother's eyes. “You must tell me about all your adventures,” she murmured in Jordana's ear, the eagerness in her voice obvious.
“I will, Mama. You will feel as if you were there yourself!”
The steamer arrived in due course and the passengers boarded. More tears were shed and hands grew tired with waving. The three young people stood on the dock and watched until the vessel was nearly out of sight; then they headed back to their little house.
While Brenton and Caitlan busied themselves with developing some of the photographs from the railroad celebration, Jordana tried to distract herself with a book. But her mind was racing far too much even for Sir Walter Scott. There were so many things to think about. So many plans to be made with this new gift of independence her parents had bestowed upon her. Somewhere out there lay her future, and Jordana wasn't about to let it slip away without making the most of it.
“Westward the railroad!” had been the battle cry of the crowds at the recent celebration. Westward the dream was the vision Jordana held for herself.
