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

James ran close behind. He stopped at the water bucket outside the door and dutifully doused his face with water and rinsed off his hands. He dried them with the towel hanging by the water bucket and went inside.


“Can the dog come in?” he asked his mother.


Gregory spoke up. “No, she can stay outside. She only comes in at night at our place.”


“You gotta stay out here while we eat, but I’ll be back,” James explained, as if Sally could understand every word.


She cocked her head to one side while listening and lay down, her back facing the door.


The three ate the meal Sarah put together. Halfway through, James asked, “Mom, can I go stay with Gregory for a night?”


Gregory started choking and nearly spit out his mouthful of food. Sarah Nordhuff turned a few shades of embarrassed before admonishing her son.


“Now, Mister Nordhuff, no matter how well we know someone, we don’t go around inviting ourselves as guests, and certainly not as overnight house guests.”


Chapter 33