Colin's Quest by Shirleen Davies Read Free Book Online

should be going, but Brodie, too? I’ve already spoken with Blaine. He understands Da needs him here.”
    “It’s not our decision. All we can do is ask. You’re right. He should have been told when you told me, but it’s done now. Let’s see if we can fix it.” Quinn grabbed Colin’s arm, pulling him out of the barn and toward the house where the rest of the family still sat at the table, eating dessert.
    Ewan saw them approach, their gazes locked on him. Standing, he looked at his wife, who nodded. “We’ll talk in the study,” he said to Colin and Quinn. Closing the door behind them, Ewan turned toward his nephews. “We’re a fortunate family, having lots of hands to help out, many capable of carrying a man’s load.”
    Colin shot a glance at Quinn, both holding their breath.
    “If you agree, it would be best if Brodie rode with you, assuming that’s what he wants. It will be a long trip and I think all of us will feel better if it’s the three of you. Besides, I can’t imagine spending three months with Brodie if you two are nowhere around. What say you?”
    “Aye. It would be better if he were with us.” Colin smiled before letting out the breath he’d been holding.
    “It’s settled then.”

    The rest of the family had gone to bed, leaving Angus and Colin to discuss final preparations for the trip. They estimated it would take about twenty-five days to reach the south end of the Willamette Valley. The best route would be to retrace the trail that had brought them to California, then take the Applegate Trail cutoff, following it all the way to their destination.
    “What will you do once you reach the valley?”
    Colin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Start talking to the ranchers and hope someone recognizes the MacGregor name. With three of us, we can split up to cover more ground.”
    “You’ll need money.” Opening the wall safe, he extracted a bag, tossing it on the desk. “Take that. Send me a message if you need more, bringing back what you don’t use.”
    Picking it up, Colin looked inside, stunned by the amount. “It’s too much.”
    “You don’t know that. MacGregor may ask you to pay a dowry for Sarah. At least you’ll have some negotiating power. It’s the clan’s money. Use it to bring Sarah home.”
    Colin took the bag, deciding he’d split it between the three of them so no one man would be carrying it all.
    “Take this with you.” Angus held out a piece of paper.
    “What is it?” Colin opened the paper, seeing one name.
    “There is a colony of Stewarts somewhere in the valley. We’ve been closely aligned with them for generations. I’m certain they’ll do what they can to help you. If you find them, ask for William. Now, repeat again the route you’ll take.”
    Angus didn’t let Colin rest until they’d gone over the route so many times, it became ingrained in his memory. According to his da, Gillis and Ewan were doing the same with Quinn and Brodie. Several hours later, Angus felt satisfied he’d done all he could to prepare his son for the journey. All he could offer now were his prayers, hoping it would be enough.

    As they finished packing the food and clothing into saddlebags, the three couldn’t look at their mothers. If they did, they knew what they’d see. A combination of pride and fear. The pride they could handle, but the fear would be harder. They were the strongest women Colin, Quinn, and Brodie knew. Watching as their oldest sons left to follow a primitive emigrant trail, not knowing when they’d return, cut like a knife, although none would let even one tear fall.
    Finishing, Colin gazed at his mother before taking the few steps toward her, wrapping her in a fierce hug. “I love you, Ma.”
    “Love you, too, Colin. You be safe, and if possible, let us know where you are.” She gave him one more squeeze, then stepped aside, allowing the others to say their goodbyes. All was fine until his nine-year-old sisters, Chrissy and Alana, moved