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

“Talking about winter,” Sarah Nordhuff said to the men. “Mrs. McAvoy and I have been talking about the winter holidays. I’d love to host the Thanksgiving dinner.”


“I can do New Year’s,” Mrs. McAvoy said. “Always did love the New Year’s dinner.” The women looked eagerly at Frank and Gregory.


“I suppose we could have everyone over on Christmas Day,” Gregory volunteered.


“That settles it, then,” Sarah said. “We’ll start our own traditions out here on the prairie.”


True to their prediction about winter, and although the calendar indicated that summer turned into autumn, the weather didn’t indicate the change of season. As soon as the crops were in, Frank and Gregory settled into new winter routines around the homestead.


“Without the outdoor work,” Gregory said as he wrung water from a sheet, “it’s been like a holiday or something.”


“Except wash day.” Frank shaved more soap flakes into the wash water.


Chapter 39