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on the dusty street, although the doors of the saloon were open, laughter and music spilling out onto the thoroughfare. My sister’s husband, Nathan, had been known to frequent this establishment before he married her. He was a tall, handsome man who adored Hannah, and it was difficult to envision him being in such an environment. My parents adored him, which was surprising, as they had only met him two days ago.
    There were several wagons before the church. People had gathered to chat before going in. The ladies wore their best Sunday frocks and bonnets. It was marvelous being in clean clothing. My dress was the black creation I had donned for my husband’s funeral. I’d worn a crinoline for the first time in months, feeling suitably attired at last. It was a shame that I was in mourning, at least I had to appear to be when I was in town. A straw bonnet protected my face from the sun; the hat was adorned with black ribbons. Father had worn a sack coat and hat, similar to the one Nathan had on.
    We secured the horses, leaving the wagon in the shade of trees. Paulina hurried over, her expression jubilant. She carried a baby in her arms. “Oh, mother!” She hadn’t seen us for nearly a year. “You’ve arrived safe and sound!”
    “Yes, my dear.” The women embraced.
    I spied Louisa rushing towards us. Her belly was quite large with pregnancy. “Fanny! Mother! Father!”
    The reunion was heartwarming; the Hoffmans had at last come together in one place. Our family was whole again. I embraced Louisa, marveling at how big she was.
    “Let me see the little one,” said mother, holding Paulina’s son in her arms. “Oh, how sweet. You’ve done well, my darling.”
    “He’s a handful,” she said.
    “You must meet my husband,” said Louisa. A rough-looking man of medium stature appeared, followed by three children. “This is Matthias and my children Annie, Oscar, and Hugh.”
    My parents seemed overwhelmed. “Oh, goodness,” murmured mother. “How do you do?”
    “I’m well, thank you, Mrs. Hoffman. It’s good to finally meet you.” He glanced at father. “And you, sir.”
    “Congratulations,” father said, smiling. “On the marriage and the coming baby.” A glimmer of amusement flared in his eyes. “It looks like you have a full brood already.”
    “Yes, sir. They keep us…er…on our toes.”
    Annie, who tugged on Louisa’s skirt, asked, “Do we really have to listen to a boring sermon, Ma? I’d rather play at the schoolyard.”
    “Oh, hush now,” she admonished. “You can play afterwards. If you’re quiet enough, you’ll learn something from Pastor Bailey.”
    The blonde, blue-eyed girl frowned. “Oh, drat.” Her brothers stood nearby watching, but their postures indicated their impatience to run around and cause mischief.
    “She’s precious,” said mother.
    Louisa rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. Those children…ouf…they create disaster wherever they go. It’s like herding cats.”
    “That’d be my fault.” Matthias glanced at his wife. “They take after me, remember?”
    “They most certainly do.”
    The look that passed between them revealed affection. Theirs was a love match, and I felt a pang of envy. I’d seen that look pass between Nathan and Hannah, and I suspected my sister Paulina felt the same towards her husband, Samuel.
    “I can’t believe you’ve actually done it,” gushed Paulina. “You must be so tired. What an ordeal to cross the plains. You’ll have to tell me all about your adventures later at brunch. I’ve invited everyone to the house.”
    “I’m so looking forward to seeing it, my darling,” said mother. “I need ideas for a functional floor plan. We’ll be building on your sister’s property soon.”
    “What a splendid idea,” said Louisa. “It’s all coming together now. We’re all really here.” She glanced at me. “I’m so sorry you’ve lost your husband. My condolences.”
    This was awkward. It was easy to forget that I