Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866: Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.<br><br>When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends' dying wishes.

A Place to Call Their Own

“Well, I didn’t think you’d come back to take the farm over. It’s been a bit easier to move on without the constant reminder.” After more silence, she said, “I’m glad you decided to stay through the winter. I know you planned to get out there and get started, but by the time you do, it might already be snowing. We can take our time and gather some of the supplies you’ll need at a more reasonable cost than buying everything new.”


“It’s probably for the best,” Gregory replied. “I just…”


“I know this place probably doesn’t hold many good memories for you. I guess that’s as much my fault as it is your father’s. I can’t change what happened in the past, but I can apologize for not being able to deal with my emotions enough to make a better life for you. I want to ask you to give us a chance to get to know each other a bit better as adults.”


Chapter 11