There were two short speeches, with the promise of more on the morrow. It wasn’t long before the crowd dispersed, much to Gloriana’s relief. The railroad officials were taken to the Clark House. By the time Luke had the family loaded and headed home, JT was asleep with his head on Martin Carson’s lap, and baby Sally slept in Gloriana’s arms.

At home, Luke bid his father good night and then carried JT upstairs to bed while Gloriana followed with Sally. Once the baby was tucked into bed, Gloriana made her way through the adjoining door to their grand bedroom. Never in her life had she had such finery, but Luke had insisted she was worthy of such a house and room.

“Finally, the day is done,” Luke said, coming into their room.

“Seems like everyone was pleased.” Gloriana began to pull the pins from her hair. “I’m sure tomorrow will be more of the same. I know your father is certainly proud of you, and I am too.”

Luke just leaned against the closed bedroom door and watched her. She could feel his gaze follow her as she readied herself for bed. She had scarcely known Luke even a year, and yet she couldn’t imagine her life without him.

She finished with the pins and carefully began to braid her curls into order. “I never figured so many people would turn out that late at night.”

“Well, it’s not every day you get your first train.”

“I suppose now they’ll focus on the canal, while you busy yourself with the Northern Pacific.”

“About that . . .” Luke came over to her. “Would you mind terribly if I didn’t work with the Northern Pacific?”

She tied a ribbon on her braid, then turned to face her husband. “Jay Cooke would mind terribly, but I’m content with whatever you choose to do.”

He smiled and ran his hand along her cheek. “Good. Mr. Cooke will not be put out at all. I’m still going to work for him, but I’m going to remain here in Duluth. I’m going to focus on getting the immigrant housing done, seeing rail operations run smoothly here, and maybe even help with the canal. This way, however, I won’t be traveling back and forth and having to be away from Duluth so much.”

“I do like the sound of that.” Gloriana wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his shoulder. “I love you dearly, and the hours you are gone seem to last forever.”

He held her close. “I love you, Glory. My existence would mean nothing without you and JT and Sally. Even having my father here with us and seeing his transformation has made changes in me that I never expected. I’m so very blessed.” He kissed her and pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. “It would seem I was destined for you.”