The snow was falling heavily now. Darkness was settling over the mountainside and Jimmy knew that he’d have to find shelter soon. He’d hoped to be home by now, sitting next to the warm fireside, watching Abby as she went about taking care of the baby. Joshua Hickok had been born only a month ago and Jimmy had hated leaving him and Abby to go into town but they needed supplies and if he didn’t go before they got snowed in for the winter, they’d be without to many things they’d need during the cold months ahead. Sometimes he cursed their living so far out in the wilderness but then remembered how he and Abby had come across the spot where they’d built their cabin. It was an early day in spring and they’d both fell in love with the view. They could see the valley below and for miles in three directions. It was perfect. A stream ran down the mountain not far from the house and the water was as fresh as could be. There was enough shelter from the trees surrounding the house that the worst of the winter weather didn’t hit them head on like if they’d built down on the open plains. It was the perfect place to raise a family and that’s exactly what they were doing now that their son was born. He’d come a few weeks early and had scared the heck of Jimmy. He had never delivered a baby before and there was no time to ride into town for the midwife who’d been planning on coming out to the cabin just before the baby was due. Both Abby and he survived the delivery but there was a moment there when he thought he might not make it. He knew his wife was a strong woman but never realized just how strong until watching her go through labor. He thanked god he was a man and wouldn’t ever have to experience what she’d went through. One thing he did learn was Abby knew a lot more unlady like words then he ever imagined and he was called most of them more then once while waiting for their son to be born. A smile crossed his face as he thought of how beautiful she’d looked holding their son once he made his appearance into the world. It was a picture he’d never forget. With a sigh, he pulled on the horses’ reins trying to get them to move through the ever-deepening snow. “You’ll get to rest soon,” he told them as they reached the cover of several pines in which they’d take shelter for the night. Jimmy piled the dry goods against one of the tree trunks forming a shelter for himself from the north wind. The snow was coming down heavier as darkness fell. He found enough dry wood and debris to make a fire to cook something to eat and for warmth. Glad that Abby had insisted he take several extra blankets since one never knew when a storm would strike, he wrapped himself in them next to the blaze. Back in town he’d been warned that a storm was brewing but he was anxious to get back to his wife and child and insisted on leaving despite the words of warning. He’d do whatever necessary to return to his family, even if it meant trudging through snow waist deep. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was still dark when Jimmy packed the goods back on the horses and set out on the last leg of his journey home. He was determined to get there by noon. The snow had let up overnight leaving close to three feet on the ground making it slow and difficult going. He could smell the smoke from the fire in the house long before he could see it. That smell alone made him hurry. He knew that soon, he’d be home in the loving arms of his wife and holding his son. As he crested the bend leading to the house, he seen the front door open and Abby dressed in her winter coat and woolen scarf come out of the house and headed towards the woodpile. With a huge grin he called out to her. At the sound of his voice, she turned; dropping the wood she’d picked up Abby started running towards him. He laughed as she went down and got up all the more determined to reach him. Dropping the horses’ reins, he met her part way, gathering her in his arms. “I didn’t think you’d be coming so soon with the storm…” she said breathlessly from his kiss. “Oh, Abby….never doubt that I’ll do whatever it takes to get me to you. I love you sweetheart.” Drop me a note and let me know what you thought!