It seemed as though Luke’s future had already been decided. He didn’t want to be presumptuous, but Gloriana suited him in a way he couldn’t explain. She was simple in her desires, content with her sewing and reading or playing with the baby. She had infinite patience for her little brother, who seemed to test her at every turn. JT was a strong-willed young man who needed a man in his life to help shape his course. Luke found the idea of being that caring older brother to JT a welcome one. It filled a void left by Scott. He loved JT—loved his big sister. How had that happened in such a short time?

He supposed tragedy had bonded them more quickly than a mere acquaintance might have, but frankly it seemed as though they had always known each other.

Luke took his seat at the desk again and wondered what Gloriana would think about the house he was building—the future he dreamed of in which they’d be a family. He thought of the long hours he’d spent in prayer regarding his future. No matter what he considered—returning to Philadelphia or staying in Duluth, continuing to work for Cooke or setting up business for himself—Gloriana was always in the middle of his thoughts.

“There is a packet for you from Mr. Cooke,” Theodore declared, coming into Luke’s office. He paused at the door. “The post office says it’s been en route since before Christmas, and here it is nearly February. Such is the way of life in Duluth. News doesn’t get here easily or without great difficulty at times.”

Luke chuckled. “I am well aware. I tried to send a telegram only to be told the temporary lines were down and unusable. We need that railroad to St. Paul, to be sure. Life will be so much easier here when that is secured.”

“Indeed.” Theodore handed him the packet. “If you won’t need me for a while, I have those boxes of Northern Pacific correspondence to work through. I believe I can have it in order for you by early afternoon.”

“Go right ahead. I have enough to keep me occupied here, it would seem.” He had no idea what Jay Cooke had sent him, but it would require Luke’s immediate attention, no doubt. Especially since it had been floating around for some time.

Theodore left the room as Luke opened the packet. Inside he found a letter from Mr. Cooke describing the new manager for the Northern Pacific there in Minnesota. A man named Ira Spaulding had been chosen. He had been involved as an engineer in the war, making fortifications, building bridges and railroads, and basically doing whatever was necessary to give the army a clear way to victory. He was exactly what they needed to move the line ahead.