“It's so beautiful,” Laurel whispered.
“It is. I've got to get pictures.” Adam said, moving toward the end of the car.
Laurel didn't know what to make of the man. One moment he was thoughtless and insensitive, and the next he was passionate about a view.
The train crested the pass and began its descent. Snow lessened, trees reappeared, and the underbrush thickened. A dense forest of giant cedars and firs shaded thickets of berry bushes, thistles, and vine maple. Tiny white and purple flowers pushed through a thick carpet of dead leaves and ferns.
Adam dropped into his seat and hefted his camera. “I got some great pictures.”
“I didn't know you took photographs of scenery.”
“It's not part of my job, but sometimes I can't help myself.”
Jean and Will sat across from Adam and Laurel. Will nodded at Adam. “So, I expect after you get to Seattle you'll wrap up your work and head home?”
“I'm tagging along all the way to Alaska, and I'll stay awhile to get more of the story.”
“Oh. Well, it'll be good to have you,” Will said. He patted Laurel's leg. “We're about halfway there. After Seattle, we'll be in Seward.”
Jean gazed up and down the aisle. “I hope Luke's watching after Susie.”
“He's fine. Stop worrying and enjoy the free time,” Will said.
“There's not much of that to be had.” Jean sighed. “I need to get our things folded and packed if we're nearly to Seattle.” She stood.
“I'll help,” Laurel said.
“No. There's not much.” Jean unclipped the clothing she'd strung above the seats behind them. “Adam, could you reach under that seat and pull out the suitcase?”
Adam did as he was asked, resting the bag between himself and a pile of clothes. Jean opened the suitcase and placed the clothes inside. “I was beginning to think these would never dry.” She glanced at the quilt draped over the back of Laurel's seat. “Would you like me to pack that?”
“No. I'm a little cold. I think I'll keep it.” She pulled the coverlet down and draped it over her legs.
Breathless, Justin joined the family. “Are we almost to Seattle?”
“Almost. Do you have your things packed?”
“Yep. But I don't know about Brian. He's been goofing off all morning.” He gazed out the window. “Do you think we're going to like it in Alaska?”
“Of course we are.” Jean rested a hand on his shoulder. “I guess I'd better round up Brian—and Luke and Susie too.”
Adam stood and squeezed past Jean and Justin. “I've got work to do. I'll be seeing more of you, I'm sure.” He tipped his hat to the family and walked away.
Will leaned toward Laurel. “Has he been bothering you?”
“No, not really. He's just trying to be friendly.”
“I wish you wouldn't spend so much time with him. He's city people, not like us.”
“You don't have to worry. He's not interested in me, and I'm certainly not interested in him.”
“Good.” Will stood and draped an arm over Jean's shoulders. “I'm sure he's a fine person, but it's going to take a real special man to impress my little girl.” He winked at Laurel. “I've met a few on this trip.”
The train slowed as it entered Seattle. Concrete buildings pressed in from both sides, their countless windows staring down on the newcomers. Laurel caught sight of a man peering at them from one of the buildings and wondered if he had any idea that the train was loaded with Alaskan pioneers. Alaskan pioneers, Laurel said to herself. She liked the sound. I'm an Alaskan pioneer.
“Look,” called Brian, clambering over his sister to get to the window. “There's a bridge.” The Haspers gazed at the overpass, and Brian bounced up and down. “Seattle! Seattle! We're in Seattle!”
“Shush,” Jean said. He stopped bouncing, smiled at his mother, then turned his attention outside again.
Laurel looked toward the south and caught sight of an immense mountain enveloped in white. “What's that?”
“Mount Rainier,” said Luke. “Some people were talking about it yesterday. It's big but nothing compared to Mount McKinley in Alaska. McKinley's the tallest mountain in North America.”
“You mean it's bigger than that one?” Justin asked.
“Yep. Plus, from what I understand, Mount McKinley isn't far from where we'll be living.” Luke leaned against the seat. “I plan on climbing it one day. Jason told me we could do it together.”
“Who's Jason?” Laurel asked.
“You know, Jason Prosser, my new friend. His family's going to the Matanuska too.”
Laurel nodded, then lifted Susie onto her lap and held the little girl up to the window. “So, Susie, what do you think of Seattle?”
The little girl grinned and nodded her head, blond curls tumbling onto her forehead. She planted her hands on the window and pressed her nose to the glass.
“King Street Station,” called a porter.
