Brian always felt protective of Ceana, “I’ll keep a close eye on you Ceana” Brian always said. Ceana knew that it would be forever.

When Brian turned 14 his father gave them all some shocking news, they would be heading out to Pennsylvania to catch the steamship for Oregon. From there they would get on a wagon train and head out to California Gold Country. Ceana was devastated, when would she see her love again?

Ceana had managed to convince her family to move south to North Carolina. By moving south she knew she would be getting closer to Brian. She was teaching school in one of the local churches there when she received the letter. Brian and his father had struck gold. They had built a massive ranch in Northern California and wanted the entire family there to help run it. Ceana was ready because it would be a better life for all. Though Ceana and her family had loved the ministry work they did there, she knew her destiny was out west. Ceana and her family had a long discussion over supper.

It was decided, they would leave out for the Cherokee Trail in three weeks on four wagons. April is the best time to travel that road and provisions would be abundant. Finally the day had come. Ceana was to unite with her soul mate again. Only one question ran through Ceana’s mind, why was there no mention of a wedding in his letter?

The trip would take many weeks and Ceana decided to use the time learning to be more ladylike. She was a little rough around the edges but very smart. She rode bareback on horses when she desired and had no problems putting on a pair of Levi jeans if that’s what she wanted. What would Brian think of her? Ceana never stopped reading and learning. In those days women knew only three things, how to cook, how to clean and how to keep house but not to read. What would Brian expect?

The day arrived when they pulled onto the ranch at Paradise California. Ceana realized that she had no idea what to expect from Brian. The ranch was massive and her heart was racing. Right away she spotted two horsemen and a very finely dressed lady riding side saddle with a parasol. When they came closer her heart skipped a beat. “Soul mate” was all she could hear in her head. She knew him and he knew her, they locked eyes immediately. They jumped off of their horses and ran to each other, embracing passionately and kissing ferociously! “Ceana I would like you to meet Donald, the man you are kissing. We had hoped you two would fall in love we just didn’t know it would happen so quickly. Darling wife, this is my sister Ceana.” Ceana turned to look at the man who was speaking, she was in shock. “Brian, is that you?”

Ceana and Donald were married two months later.