Free McKenzie by Penny Zeller

that this is an update on the status of her and her family’s condition.” McKenzie fanned herself with Zach’s letter. “I would let you read it, Mother, but I promised her—oh, how I promised—that I would keep her matters secret. I have already told you more than I should. It’s quite humbling, you know, when one cannot afford to buy a bag of flour.”
    “No, no, that’s fine. I don’t need to read the letter. I’m just relieved. At first, I thought it might be from Kaydie. We haven’t heard from her in so long.”
    “No, Mother, it’s not from Kaydie,” McKenzie said, gazing wistfully at the missive in her hands. “I surely wish it was.”
    “I suppose you’re right.”
    “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mother, I must go upstairs and read this letter in the privacy of my room. It’s the only way I will be able to see what else I can do for the Jones family.”
    “Yes, by all means, please do so,” her mother agreed.
    “Thank you, Mother.” McKenzie stood to her feet, dragging them slowly, as if still overcome with anguish over Isadora’s plight. “I’ll be down for dinner,” she said.
    “Very well.”
    McKenzie found it difficult not to take the stairs quickly, or even two at a time, in her excitement to open Zach’s letter. That was a close one, McKenzie, she told herself. She felt her heart racing and knew that it had only been a miracle that her mother believed her far-fetched story. Rushing into her room and closing the door, McKenzie sat down on her bed. Carefully opening the envelope, she retrieved Zach’s letter….
    December 28, 1881
    Dear McKenzie,
    Thank you for your sympathy. Although it has been difficult at times, God has carried me through and will continue to do so. I always thank Him for that and feel very blessed.
    When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my ranch family, riding horses in the nearby mountains, fishing, and reading the Bible. Do you read the Bible often?
    I received seven responses to my advertisement from several places in the East. I chose yours because it was the most genuine, and, after much prayer, I decided you were the one with whom I would choose to correspond. I, too, am matrimony-minded and look forward to meeting you in person someday.
    Because Pine Haven is small, there aren’t many social events, but it is a very close-knit community. Church potlucks, barn dances, and picnics are among some of the activities. There is also a quilting circle, in which many of the women in town participate.
    No, I don’t travel to Canfield Falls very often. It is smaller than Pine Haven and has a reputation for being rough and wild, due to the success of mining in the area. However, if you would like to visit, I would be happy to take you there.
    I hope that you and your family had a blessed Christmas.
    Sincerely,
    Zach
    More letters traveled over hundreds of miles and continued with frequency throughout the winter months. Both McKenzie and Zach shared details about their lives and showed interest in each other’s lives. It was at the beginning of April that Zach worked up the courage to ask McKenzie to come to Pine Haven and be his bride. He received this response:
    April 14, 1882
    Dear Zach,
    Spring has finally decided to come to Boston. I am always thankful when the new leaves and the flowers begin to poke their heads from their winter hiding places and look to the forthcoming summer sunshine. I admit that spring is my favorite time of year. Are the winters long in Pine Haven?
    Yes, I accept your proposal for marriage. June seems like an acceptable time to travel to Montana. I will make arrangements to arrive there on June 16.
    I’ve never been on a train for such a long journey, so I will be sure to bring plenty of reading and sewing. I admit I also like to daydream a bit and am sure my mind’s fanciful wanderings will keep me company throughout the journey. I have also never been on a stagecoach, so that will be a new experience for me. Of course,