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

Sally stopped growling as the Indians headed into the fog on the other side of the river. Gregory inhaled with relief. The fog lingered, so Gregory followed the river until he came to the clump of trees west of the Nordhuff house.


The Nordhuff cabin appeared in the mist. Sarah Nordhuff was outside working on some washing as he approached. She looked up, startled, not expecting visitors.


“Oh, I think I startled myself. I looked up, right at you,” Sarah said with a laugh.


“I told Nordhuff I would check on you.”


“How nice of you. I’m afraid I wasn’t expecting you, so all I have for dinner is vegetable soup. I suppose I could add some salt pork, if you wish.”


“Sometimes soup is nice without meat, especially in the summer.”


“Well, it’s up to you. Join me for coffee while I make biscuits?”


“I didn’t come to wreck your routine and your chores. Is there anything you need me to do while I’m here?”


Chapter 32