“He would probably get run over or hurt. The trains are very dangerous,” Luke warned. “Many a man has challenged them only to die.”

Gloriana hoped her brother would heed the warning and not let his curiosity lead him into danger. “Luke knows what he’s talking about, JT. Please heed his words.”

“There it is!” someone in the crowd yelled.

As the train came into town, a railroad worker stood on either side of the engine, waving a lantern. The crowd began cheering so loudly that it startled Sally, and she tightened her grip on Gloriana.

Locomotive engine number eight pulled into the LS&M Railroad depot and came to a halt, lining up its baggage and two passenger cars with the platform. The engineer gave three short blasts in welcome. Sally didn’t care for the noise and tucked her face against Gloriana’s neck.

“It’s all right, Sally,” JT said, reaching up to pat her back. “It’s just a train. You’ll have to get used to it, ’cause there’s going to be a whole lot more. Luke is going to build more and more railroads.”

Gloriana laughed. “Well, not all by himself. He’s going to be too busy taking care of our family. After all, we’re going to have another member come February.”

Luke looked at her and smiled. “I’m so delighted about the baby, I can hardly wait all those months.”

Martin Carson nodded. “Time does seem to drag when you’re waiting for something good to happen.”

“Well, you’ll be busy finishing your move here.” Gloriana patted Sally’s back to calm her. “I’m glad you decided to relocate, Father Carson. It’s such a blessing for the children to have their grandfather nearby.”

“And I’m glad to have my father here.”

Gloriana knew Luke couldn’t have said those words four months ago, but his father had changed after enduring the measles and blindness. Her father-in-law had told her how their kindness to him had been humbling. The fact that they took tender care of him throughout his sickness had shown him the ugliness in his heart, and one day when he was still blind and uncertain about the future, Luke had led him in prayer to confess Jesus as his Lord. Gloriana couldn’t have been happier. Well, not unless her own family could be with them again.

Someday she would see them again in heaven, of this she was certain.

Passengers began to disembark the train. Gloriana knew there were several important railroad dignitaries on board and it would be her husband’s job to greet them. Luke and his father made their way to the first group of men while she and the children held back.

Gloriana heard his introduction. “I’m Lucas Carson, Mr. Cooke’s associate. I’m here to welcome you to Duluth.”