AT JUST BEFORE five, Sophie heard the caravan of carriages and peeked outside the drawing room window. Despite the fact the sun was setting, she could still see just a bit of the Madden’s front porch. “They’re here, Jamie. I’m going next door.”

“Give me a few and I’ll come with you,” he called.

She sighed and headed next door to his office.

“How long is a few?” she asked as she sat in one of the chairs facing his desk.

He lowered his pen. “Twenty minutes.”

“Meet me there, then.”

“I’d rather go with you.” He frowned. “It’s starting to get dark.”

“Starting to. Meaning, if I leave now, I’ll be inside Emma’s house before the sun sets.”

“Fifteen minutes.”

Sophie shook her head and stood. “Nope. Too long.”

“Fine.” He frowned. “Wear more than one layer, Ten-Cow. And your warm gloves, not the ones you try to pass off as winter ones.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she retorted as she headed out of the office.

“Bessie!”

Sophie groaned and headed back to Jamie. “You don’t need to bug Bessie. I’ll wear my warm coat.”

Jamie grinned. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“Did you need me, Cap’n?” Bessie asked.

The large black woman stood in Jamie’s doorway, awaiting instruction.

Sophie grinned. “He was being bossy, Bessie. He shouldn’t have interrupted you.”

“Mrs. Ford’s going next door and I want her to wear her warmest coat,” Jamie said.

“Yessir, I’s take care of her. Come with me, missus.”

Sophie stuck her tongue out at Jamie and followed the maid. Jamie’s booming laugh could be heard all the way to the foyer.

Once four hundred additional pounds of fabric was added to Sophie’s frame, she pulled on her thick leather gloves and tramped through the snow to her sister’s house. She smiled, remembering a time when she thought walking a little over a mile was a pain in the butt, particularly when you could drive. Now, it was more work to hitch up a buggy, and she would often find it easier to walk instead of ride.

Carriages lined the driveway directly in front of the Madden’s home and Sophie’s heart raced with excitement as she rushed to join the group.

“Sophie Ford! Get your bum over here, right now.”

Sophie followed the sound of the thick Kiwi accent and grinned as Hannah waved from between two of the carriages. Sophie put on a burst of speed and held her arms out as her surrogate sister hugged her. “How are you?”

“I’m okay,” Hannah said.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Hannah said. “I think I’m just tired because your niece isn’t eating or sleeping. She’s so stroppy, Sophie. I don’t know where she gets it from.”

Sophie giggled. “Me neither.”

Hannah shook her head. “I am so, so glad to be here.”

“I’m glad you’re here too,” Sophie said. “I want you to relax. It’s an order. I’ve enlisted Sarah’s help and she’s going to make sure you and Chris get some quiet time.”

“What about Junior and Henry?”

“Emma’s taken on Sarah’s sister for the duration of the visit, plus, Bessie can help with Junior. It’s more important for you and Emma to have some extra help while everyone’s here.”

Hannah gave her a gentle squeeze. “This is why you’re my favorite.”

They walked to the rest of the group and Sophie greeted the rest of the visitors.

As trunks were carried into the house, Jacob Butler pulled Sophie aside. “Is Amelia Powell able to attend, Mrs. Ford?”

Sophie smiled. “I believe so.”

“Thank you.” He grinned and rejoined the small group.

By the time coats, hats, and gloves had been discarded in the foyer, Jamie arrived with Junior, and the women settled the babies together in the parlor. Henry was still asleep, but Penny appeared uninterested in rest, especially with all the attention she was getting. Jamie grabbed her for a snuggle, while Sophie took Junior, and Hannah fell into the large over-stuffed chair, appearing relieved to be able to sit down.

“She definitely has an affection for men,” Hannah mused. “Either that, or she just happens to hate me.”

“You can’t really mean that,” Sophie said.

Hannah yawned. “No. Not really. It’s just that she’s hungry all the time and I can’t seem to satisfy her. Honestly, I’m just being a bit of a sook about it.”

Sophie smiled gently. “Why don’t you go and take a nap? We can take care of Penny for a little while.”

Hannah stifled another yawn. “But I don’t want to miss out on anything.”

Emma giggled. “Like mother like daughter it would seem.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Glad to have Clayton home, Em?” Sophie asked as she set Junior on the floor.

“You have no idea.” Emma smiled over at Clayton who was deep in conversation with Jamie, Christopher, and Quincy. “I never want to be separated from him again. Not being able to at least talk to him once a day was the worst. Are we sure we can’t invent the phone first?”

“That depends.” Sophie cocked her head. “Do you know how?”

Emma wrinkled her nose. “No.”

“Well, then...” Sophie giggled. “I do wish we could see each other more often. Now if we”—she circled the group with a finger—“could just live closer all year round, I’d be happy. Where are Richard and Charity?”

“I believe they went for a walk,” Emma said. “You know how much she likes her “constitution.””

Sophie giggled. “She and Nona are cut from the same cloth. Is she feeling better?”

Emma shrugged. “I think so. You know, Charity, she always has a stiff upper lip.”

“You’re picking up on my vocabulary,” Hannah said. “Well done.”

Emma grinned. “Thank you.”

“Are we going to see Travis and Jess?” Hannah asked.

“Yes,” Sophie said. “But probably not until tomorrow. They took the buggy out to their land a couple of hours ago. Jessica’s dying to get the house started.”

“Clayton has informed me he wants to build out here, too,” Emma shared.

“Well, once the war and our plan is complete,” Sophie said, “you can.”

“Me? Not live in the city?” Emma said in less than true melodramatic horror. “I don’t think I could do it.”

“Even to be closer to me?”

“Ah...” Emma stuttered. “Maybe? No, probably not. Sorry.”

Sophie laughed. “I’m just giving you a hard time. You’ll live close to me eventually. I’ll be patient.”

“We’ll see.” Emma grinned.

They continued to catch up as the sun slowly set, and once dinner was finished, and Junior’s bedtime had passed, making for a very grumpy baby, Jamie and Sophie decided it was time to go home.

* * *

Travis lifted Jessica into their buggy to head home and jumped up next to her. He guided the horse away from the land his uncle had given him in December and toward the Fords’. She slipped her arm through his and grinned. “I can’t believe we have all of this to build on.”

“You’re happy then?” he asked.

“So happy, baby.” She raised an eyebrow. “Are you worried I’m not?”

“I just know my... ah... protective nature is difficult at times.”

Jessica chuckled. “I think you’re doing great. I’ll let you know if I’m feeling smothered, okay?”

“Okay,” he said, still not quite used to the new word.

“About the house, though.”

“What’s wrong with the house?”

“We might need to build a few extra bedrooms.” She squeezed his arm. “I don’t want to ever have to move.”

He chuckled. “I’ll give you whatever your heart desires, Jake.”

“That sounds promising.”

He took his eyes off the horses for a brief moment to kiss her, which she readily accepted.

“I love you,” she said. “You know that, right?”

“I’ve never wondered, sweetheart.”

She smiled and hugged his arm. “Good.”

As they entered the tented land used by several of the cavalry officers near the Fords’ home, Travis noticed a man walking toward them, the setting sun illuminating his clean-shaven face and dark hair. Jessica dropped her hold on his arm and leaned forward.

“Oh, my...” Jessica gasped. “No!”

Travis frowned. “Jake?”

Jessica grabbed his leg. “Stop.”

“What?” Travis said.

“Stop the buggy,” she demanded. “Stop the buggy!”

Travis pulled the horse to a stop and set the brake. Jessica gathered her skirts and moved to climb down, but Travis grabbed her arm. “Wait, Jake. I’ll help.”

“Oh, please hurry.”

Travis made his way to her side and reached up for her. She laid her hands on his shoulders and let him lift her from the conveyance, although, she continued to stare at the man in the distance. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she took off at a dead run.

“Damn it! Jake!” he bellowed and took off after her.

He stalled when he saw the man drop his bags and lift his wife into his arms, kissing her cheek. Travis saw red and stalked toward the couple, his gun raised. “What the hell is going on?”

“Travis. Put your gun away, honey.” Jessica stood in the arms of the stranger, tears streaming down her face. “This is Mark.”

“Who?”

“Hi, Travis.” The man smiled and held out his hand. “I’m Mark. Jess’s brother.”

He watched Jessica stifle a laugh at his obvious discomfort, but it took him a few seconds to slide his gun back into his holster and shake Mark’s hand. He trusted no one until they proved their mettle, and he didn’t care if the man was related to Jessica, Travis would protect her with his life, even against her brother. Jessica kept a firm grip on Mark’s hand, but moved closer to Travis and smiled when he looped his arm around her waist.

* * *

Mark released his sister’s hand and bent to pick up his bags. One of them was a nineteenth-century style leather bag Crow had given him to carry the gold in. It was deeper and stronger than a backpack and served Mark’s purposes a little better, since it looked more accurate to the time.

“How did you get here?” Jessica asked.

“It’s a long story, and these bags are heavy. Feel like taking me home?”

“We’re living with Jamie and Sophie right now, but yes, let’s go home,” Jessica said, glancing up at Travis.

“Follow me,” Travis said, keeping his arm firmly around Jessica.

Mark climbed into the buggy, still not quite believing he’d actually managed to travel back in time. Other than the clothing his sister and brother-in-law were wearing, it could have been anywhere in rural America, particularly in Pennsylvania, where buggies were a common sight. He started to feel differently, however, when they pulled up to the mansion of Jamie and Sophie Ford. The façade was dominated by a two-story, three-bay portico with round whitewashed brick columns, which gave a clean finish. The central front doors were in classic Greek revival style and dark red. It sat on quite a bit of land, which was unusual to find in the Harrisburg of his future.

He remembered Emma mentioning that her brother-in-law had an uncanny ability to make money in the future, and it seemed his skill transferred to this time in history as well.

Travis lifted Jessica from the buggy while Mark jumped down and grabbed his bags. Jessica grasped her brother’s hand as they made their way through the large front doors and into the opulent foyer. The black-and-white marble floor was flanked by two staircases that met in a landing above. To the left of him was a set of double doors, open to what looked like a formal living room, and to the right, another set of doors showcased a room full of musical instruments. A wide hallway stretched in front of him, but, he couldn’t see the end. The only light was from candles lit in strategic places to illuminate the stairways and foyer.

“Sophie!” Jessica called as Travis helped her with her coat. “Jamie! Are you back?”

“We’re in here, Jess,” a deep voice called.

Mark left his jacket, gloves, and scarf in the foyer, but didn’t want to leave his bags, so he hoisted them back over his shoulders and followed Jessica and Travis to a room behind the stairway on the right.

“Look who I found,” Jessica said.

Sophie let out a delighted squeal and jumped to her feet, rushing to hug him. “Mark Battaglia, as I live and breathe!”

He chuckled and dropped his bags to hug his best friend’s sister. “Well, you certainly don’t look like a woman waiting for a heart transplant.”

“Amazing, right?”

“You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you. You’re still charming, I see.” She moved away so Jamie could shake his hand.

“How the heck did you get here?” Jamie asked, and waved to the sofa. “Sit down. Stay a while.”

“Are you hungry?” Sophie asked.

Mark nodded. “Starved.”

Sophie pulled a rope in the corner and then moved to the sofa. As soon as Sophie and Jessica took their seats, the rest of the men also sat down. Mark sat next to Jessica. Travis appeared irritated, although, he didn’t say anything as he took his place in the chair closest to her.

Mark raised an eyebrow and nodded to the rope. “What’s that for?”

“It’s how I ring for service. It’s attached to a bell in the servants’ quarters.”

Mark chuckled. “How very Downton Abbey.”

“What’s Downton Abbey?”

“The most popular English Drama on television. I’ve heard it’s much like Upstairs, Downstairs, however, I haven’t watched any of it.”

“I quite liked Upstairs, Downstairs,” Sophie said.

“Really? It bored me senseless, but the girls at the dance school were agog with joy over Downton. It was all about Branson and his Irish accent.”

Jamie nearly spit his drink out. “Agog?”

“I’m trying new words. How am I doing?”

Before anyone could answer, a large black woman in a gray dress and white apron appeared in the doorway. “Mrs. Ford?”

Sophie smiled. “Bessie, would you please have Jane prepare a few sandwiches and perhaps some coffee? Tell Mrs. Peterson we have a guest and to light the fire in the room next to Travis and Jessica’s.”

“Yes’m.”

“Thank you,” Sophie said as Bessie left the room. She turned back to Mark. “Emma is going to freak!”

“I can’t wait to see her.” Mark laughed. “I understand she married some southern guy.”

Sophie grinned. “She did and she just had a baby... a little boy, Henry. And Hannah had a girl a few months ago.”

“I heard,” Mark said, and smiled at his sister. “Jess filled me in on baby Penny, ah... before.”

Sophie glanced at the clock on the mantle. “Hannah and Emma are here, actually. Next door. They arrived a few hours ago and we’re planning on having breakfast together tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Perfect timing, as always,” Sophie said.

Mark grinned and grasped Jessica’s hand. “I can’t wait to catch up with everyone.”

“Oh!” Jessica said. “Happy birthday.”

“Is it my birthday?” Mark asked.

“February 6, 1865. That makes you negative one-hundred and something,” Jessica retorted.

Mark laughed. “I suppose it does. Too bad we don’t have our local Chili’s to celebrate in.”

Jessica sighed. “Don’t remind me.”

“When did you leave?” Jamie asked.

“November 2021. A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving.”

“Wow,” Jessica said. “I can’t wait to hear how things have changed.”

Mark squeezed her hand again just as Bessie arrived, followed by an older woman wearing a similar uniform. The women set the trays they were carrying on a buffet.

“Mrs. Peterson,” Sophie said. “This is Mr. Battaglia. He will be staying with us for an extended period of time.”

“I’ll put him in the room next to the... ah... bathroom? Is that correct? The room south of Mr. Wade’s,” Mrs. Peterson said.

“Yes. Thank you,” Sophie said.

Mrs. Peterson nodded. “Shall we serve?”

“No, thank you. We’ll serve ourselves.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the women said in unison and left the room.

Jamie stood and closed the door to the hallway, then helped Sophie with the food. Mark stood, but Sophie waved him back down and handed him a plate. “Drink?”

“Yes, please. Have any bourbon?” Mark asked.

“Do we have any bourbon?” Jamie chuckled. “Of course we have bourbon.”

“I figured.”

“I just wish we had Tequila,” Jamie grumbled. “But Patrón isn’t made for another hundred and twenty years.”

Sophie clapped. “My husband, ladies and gentleman. He’s picking up on my history obsession.”

Mark laughed. “Well done.”

Travis stood and made a plate for Jessica before serving himself. She smiled up at him, her expression one of complete love. “Thanks, baby.”

Travis smiled back and took his seat again.

“So, how did you get here?” Jessica asked Mark.

“Yes,” Sophie said. “Crow had a devil of a time convincing Madame to send him forward. I can’t imagine it was easy for you to make her send you back.”

Madame Bernadette Desmarais, the seamstress to go to in Harrisburg if you were of means, was also the time portal facilitator and traveled between the future and the past often.

“So true,” Mark agreed. “I worked with Shaye and Crow to prepare, and then we hounded Bernadette until she couldn’t take it anymore.”

Jamie laughed. “Crow has a lot of experience with that.”

“Yeah. It took a couple of years, but that was okay, because I had a lot of plans to make.”

“How’s Gram?” Jessica asked.

“Well, this is part of the reason I felt like I could come now.” Mark frowned. “She died, Jitterbug.”

Jessica’s eyes filled with tears. “How?”

Mark glanced at Sophie and then back at his sister. “Heart attack.”

Jessica gasped and set her plate on the side table. Travis handed her a handkerchief and linked her fingers with his.

“She didn’t suffer, Jess,” Mark assured her. “Her husband got her to the hospital, but the damage was too great and she never woke up from a coma.”

Jessica jumped from the couch and rushed out of the room. Mark stood, but Travis stopped him. “I’ll take care of her.”

“This guy’s a good guy, right?” Mark asked. “I know she’s married him and is in love and all, but she’s never been the best judge of character when it came to men.”

“No wonder you and Emma were besties... she’s just like Jess in your eyes,” Sophie accused.

“Let me rephrase,” Mark added. “Jessica’s nowhere near as bad as Emma was, but...”

“Hey, that’s my sister you’re talking about,” Sophie admonished with a grin. “Even if what you’re saying is true.”

Jamie chuckled. “He’s a very good guy, Mark. Things were a little rough at the beginning, but he’s proving to be a great friend.”

“Rough, how?”

Jamie shrugged. “He and I didn’t gel, but it’s all good now.”

“Who wouldn’t gel with you?”

Before Jamie could answer, Travis and Jessica returned. Mark stood and held his hand out to her. “You okay?”

She nodded and took his hand. “Yes, fine. This is to be expected.”

“What is?” Mark asked.

She grinned. “The first trimester’s hell.”

Sophie rose to her feet with an excited giggle and hugged her. “You’re sure?”

“You’re pregnant?” Mark asked.

Jessica nodded. “I’m going to have Stephen examine me, but yes, I’m pretty sure.”

“A baby. Wow.” Mark hugged her as well. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle.”

“Happy birthday?”

“Best gift ever.” Mark laughed and stepped back so Jamie could hug her.

Once congratulations were concluded, Jamie suggested Mark get settled before the chaos of the arriving guests began.