“That's no one's fault,” Norma Prosser said. “You've got to remember we've been kept safe and there's land waitin' for us in Alaska.”
Drew Prosser joined the discussion. Readjusting a felt-brimmed hat and stroking a graying beard, he rested an arm around his solidly built, no-nonsense wife. “You folks need to stop your yammering and thank God you've been given a second chance.”
“But what about this boat? It's got a crack in it,” Alex pressed. “We can't even trust the government to keep us safe.”
“You heard what the captain said. It's not going to sink, and it's going to be repaired.”
Will smiled and nodded at the man, then looked at the people. “We're nearly to Seward; then we head for Palmer. There's plenty of land with good soil for farming, a new home for us.”
A murmur of agreement moved through the people.
“Yeah, well, none of it will be ours if we're not there to draw for the parcels,” Felix challenged. “We were told May 23.”
“They know we're coming. They'll wait.”
“You don't know that. If they go ahead, they'll leave us the scrub ground.”
Will looked over the crowd. Everyone was standing now, even the sick. Luke pushed forward. His smaller brothers beside him, he stood next to his father. Will laid an arm across his son's shoulders. “We need to trust God. He's the one who oversees our lives. He's the one in control.”
Will caught Adam Dunnavant's eyes. He seemed focused on the exchange, but he wasn't taking photographs or scribbling notes. Will even thought he'd caught a nod of agreement. They exchanged a smile, and he continued, “When most of us decided to settle in Alaska, we expected hardships; we knew it would be a struggle. And we've barely begun. We're going to have troubles. But does that mean we give up?” His eyes rested on Luke, then others who'd been sick. “I know some of you have suffered, and I'm sorry for that, but a new life waits for us. Our government has given us the gift of a new beginning, and we just have to accept that troubles and hard work come with it.” He found Ed in the crowd. “And sacrifice.” Wind snatched at his hat and he trapped it under one hand. “Have you forgotten what we left in the States?” He shook his head. “My farm was dried up, dead.”
People nodded. Drew Prosser stepped forward. “Will's right. We have everything to hope for.”
Robert added, “And we've got a lot to be thankful for.” Again there were nods of agreement and more than a few “Amens.”
Scowling, Felix conceded, “You may be right, but I won't believe it until I see it.” He stomped away.
Drew joined Will. “Thanks for speaking up. We sure needed someone to keep a lid on these folks.” He patted Will on the back. “You did a fine job of settling them. I was beginning to think they were going to mutiny.” He smiled, and the creases in the corners of his eyes deepened. “You're good with people.”
“They just needed to be reminded of their blessings. For the most part, these are good, solid folks.”
Drew shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I agree. Seems people are the same everywhere. Up in Minnesota we had good neighbors. Hated to leave ‘em.” Norma joined her husband, and Drew laid an arm over her shoulders. “Like most of the others, our farm was in bad shape. With the children nearly grown, Alaska fit the bill for a new start.”
“Just the word Matanuska sounds sturdy,” Norma added. “It gives me hope.”
Will nodded. “I haven't had a chance to thank you, Norma, for all the help you've been to my wife.”
She smiled, her brown eyes warm. “Glad to do it. You have such a sweet baby, and I'm thankful for the chance to get to know Jean—she's a good woman.”
“She is that all right,” Will said with a grin. Leaning against the railing, he looked out over the ocean. “I have to admit I hate the holdup. I'll be thankful when I set my feet on solid ground again.”
“Me too,” Laurel said. She gave her father a hug. “I'm going to check on Mama.” She hesitated. “I was really proud of the way you stood up to those men.”
“Thanks, but I didn't do much. People want to hear reasonable talk.”
“I was afraid you were going to have a fight,” Justin said.
Brian grabbed hold of his father's hand and leaned back. “You should have hit him.”
“Fights don't fix things,” Adam said, placing a hand on Brian's head. The boy grinned up at him.
“Brian, Justin, why don't you come with me? I know Mama would love to see you.” Laurel looked at her father. “Is there any water in our room?”
“No. It's farther up in the bow, and they're pumping it out. Your cabin's high and dry.”
Laurel steered the boys toward the stairway.
Will gazed at deep swells. Instead of water, he envisioned dark earth plowed under, ready for planting. He could almost smell the heavy odor of rich loam and yearned for the day he'd turn his land with the plow.
Adam walked up to him. “I admire your faith, but you better be prepared for a letdown. I hate to agree with anything those guys say, but there's some truth to their words. The government may mean well, but this is an experiment. You're bound to have problems, and some you might not be able to overcome.”
Chapter Ten
THE ST. MIHIEL MOVED INTO THE PROTECTED WATERS OF RESURRECTION BAY, and Laurel strained to get her first glimpse of Alaska. Justin stood in front of her, and Laurel rested her hands on his shoulders. She could feel his excitement. Will stood beside her, his arm protectively wrapped around Jean. Unaware of the significance of the moment, Susie slept with her cheek resting against her mother's shoulder. Brian had climbed onto the second rung of the railing and leaned outward. Luke kept a tight hold on his brother's belt. Rain splattered the calm waters of the bay, the ship's deck, and the eager colonists, but no one seemed to care.
Laurel peered at the bow of the ship, hoping to catch sight of Seward. All she could see was mist. How much farther?
Robert stood a few feet away with his mother and sisters. He glanced at Laurel and offered a smile. Laurel returned the gesture. For a moment her mind wandered to the possibilities—Robert, tall and powerful, working the farm and Laurel keeping a nice home. You're being silly. You barely know him. Besides, he wants to farm in Alaska, and you're not staying.
“Is this Alaska?” Brian asked, pushing himself up on tiptoe. “I can't see.”
“I can fix that.” Will lifted Brian onto his shoulders. “Is that better?”
“There's too much fog.”
“Be patient. We'll see Seward soon.”
A gull swooped over the deck, hovered as if looking for a morsel, then with a flip of his wings soared away and disappeared.
