A small troop of birds, black with white faces and bright orange bills appeared out of the fog. They floated happily in the ship's wake. “What are those?” Laurel asked.
“Puffins,” Adam said from directly behind her.
She swung around. “How do you know that?”
“I studied up on Alaska before leaving Chicago.” With a smirk he added, “I figured a person ought to know something about a place before he visits it.”
Laurel's ire rose. Why does everything he says make me feel foolish? “Oh,” she said and returned to peering at the fog.
The rain slowed. Occasionally the haze thinned, and a patch of green or a rocky protrusion would appear for a moment before being swallowed once again in the damp soup. Wet and shivering, Laurel waited, unwilling to go below for fear of missing Seward's appearance. She felt the weight of a blanket being laid over her shoulders and looked up to see Robert.
“You're cold. I thought this might help.”
Laurel pulled it close. “Thank you.”
“Seems everyone's willing to get soaked just to be the first to catch a glimpse of Alaska.”
Laurel nodded. “I can hardly believe we're here.”
Pilings appeared, then the gray mantle fell away, revealing a sizable town. Someone shouted, “Hello Alaska.” Another voice repeated the greeting and then another. Soon, “Hello Alaska” echoed all over the ship.
Clouds draped themselves over steep mountains that rose up from forested foothills. The range cut inland and stood like rugged scaffolding behind the Alaskan community. Rocks lay like dark rivulets between melting snows. This place was imposing and harsh, yet beautiful. Laurel leaned on the railing, barely breathing. The mist settled over the ship again, concealing the view. The gray wall occasionally swirled away, revealing a harbor crowded with small fishing boats, giant evergreens crowding the shoreline, and dark valleys between craggy peaks. One mountain stood above the others; larger and more imposing, it looked standoffish, almost hostile. Laurel had the distinct sense of being unwelcome.
The fog lifted, and sunshine bathed the town of Seward. Laurel's ominous first impression diminished. Homes and businesses huddled on the flat ground between sea and mountains. Crowds waited on the wharf. Laurel could hear a band playing.
Will and Jean embraced, cradling Susie between them. “We're here—finally,” Will said.
Jean's eyes welled with tears.
Laurel wished she had someone to hug, so she folded her arms around Justin and pulled him close.
Robert laid a hand on Laurel's arm. “We're finally here,” he shouted over the racket. Laurel nodded and would have hugged him, except that Mrs. Lundeen folded her son in plump arms and held him while she patted his back.
Laurel glanced at Adam, whose camera was recording their arrival. She turned back to staring at the fast-approaching dock. They were sliding through the dark waters fast—too fast. It looked as if they were going to ram the dock! Laurel braced her legs, grabbed hold of the rail.
“We're going to hit!” Justin cried.
“Get back!” Will shouted as he pushed his family away from the railing.
The ship plowed into the pier. The sound of grating and splintering wood pierced the air. The ship jolted to a stop, knocking some off their feet.
For a moment everything was quiet. Once the ship was sound and no one was hurt, Will laughed. “The perfect end to a perfect trip.”
Everyone cheered.
“Do we get to go to our farm now?” Justin asked.
“Not right away, son. The men are going on ahead to draw for land plots. You, Brian, and Susie will stay with Laurel and Mama. I'll see you in a few days.” Will looked at Luke. “I'd say being sixteen makes you more man than boy. You ready, Son?”
Still pale from days of illness, Luke managed a smile. “I'm ready. I'll be glad if I never see this ship again.” He picked up his bedding and bag.
Adam stepped up to the railing, positioning himself between Robert and Laurel. “So, Mr. Hasper, the way I understand it the men are taking the train to Palmer immediately, and the women will join you in a couple days?” He had his pen poised to write in his tablet.
“That's what we were told. The drawing is tomorrow morning. We've got to be there.”
“I'm going with you,” Laurel said firmly.
“Sugar, I understand you want to go, but your mother's gonna need you.”
Jean lay Susie against her shoulder. “Let her go, Will. I'll be fine. Justin's big enough to help.”
Will looked out over the ship. Some men were already disembarking. Women were crying and embracing their husbands. He hefted his bag onto his shoulder. “You're sure?”
Jean smiled. “I can wait with the rest of the women.” She glanced at a young woman sobbing into a handkerchief. “Some will need a calming voice.”
Will nudged back his hat. “I'm not sure she'll be allowed. They said just the men.”
“I can push my hair up under a hat and wear an oversized coat. No one will know the difference,” Laurel said in a hurry. “Please, Daddy, let me go.”
“All right, but if we get caught it's—”
“We won't.” Laurel kissed her father. “Thank you. I'll get my things.” She ran to the stairs.
“Just necessities,” Will called after her.
