Walk on Earth a Stranger

Men can be relentless," she agrees, "when they think a woman belongs to them.

Seems like I’ve been waiting for you to come around my whole life, Lee. But a man can’t wait forever and stay a man.

it’s not our place to question God’s will, and it is clearly God’s will that the two of us become man and wife.” It’s a testament to my fine character that I don’t smash that Bible right into his nose. “You wouldn’t know God’s will if it tipped its hat and said howdy.

I’d rather be treated with respect than treated like a lady.” Hampton

There's not a place in the whole world where everyone isn't willing--no, eager--to give a girl up to a man.

Men. And their no-good, fool-headed proposals.

If a sweet dumpling took human form, it would look just like Aunt Tildy, right down to the flour-dusting of her gray hair.

It turns out that a girl with all the friends in the world is still lonely when she’s keeping secrets. My

Widow Joyner is repacking a trunk with clean clothes when I return. She looks up as I approach, and her expectant smile instantly disappears. “What happened?” “The reverend and I had a theological disagreement that ended in a permanent schism.” “So . . . no congratulations are in order?

Do you want to get married someday?" he persists. And never have anything of my own? "Lord, no. [...]

The Missouri men are snakes,” I whisper to Jeff. “The lot of them.” “Men are men,” he says with a shrug. “It’s men thinking other men are snakes that’s the problem.

I should have let you bust Frank Dilley’s nose,” I say. “That would have made things worse,” he says. “But it would have been a pleasure to watch.

Jeff’s da attends church every single Sunday, no matter what, on the misguided notion that regular bench sitting makes him decent. The

Can’t trust a man with only half his teeth,” the gentleman agrees. They

Turns out, the great wide world doesn't look anything like a flat little map.

He peers closer, his hand dropping away. “What happened to your hair?” “I cut it.” “Why on earth would . . . Oh.” “I’d appreciate it if you kept my secret.” He frowns. “I don’t see how anyone with half a mind would mistake you for a boy.” “It’s worked so far. I’m strong and I work hard and I ride well.” “Also, you can spit farther than any boy I know.” “And shoot straighter!” He nods solemnly. “And opine louder.

The hymn echoes in my head while I ready our wagon to leave. I’ve never felt so far from God’s grace. I suppose I am a stranger walking on earth, but I’m no son of God. I’m no son at all.

Everyone turns to me. You could hear an earthworm in the mud, for how silently they stare.

She throws her arms around me and gives me such a hug. Not like Mama. I was my mama's little girl, and she always held me gently, like I was precious and fragile. Lucie's hug is fierce, as if I can't be broken, and I hug her back just as tight.

I slip my canteen strap over my head, open the lid, and take a drink. Then I hand it to Hampton. A peace offering. “It’s not communionif there’s no wine.” Hampton tips it to his lips and swallows long and hard. He wipes his mouth when he’s done. “Well, darn. The Savior got confused and turned this wine into water.” “The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Henry says, taking the canteen fromHampton

I turn to Jasper. “What do you think? Do we hurry up so we can leave with them?” “The oxen go faster, more consistently, when they see other wagons in front of them. And I know we’ve had our disagreements with those men, but all in all, I want to believe they’re decent specimens of humanity. If something were to happen to one of our wagons, they’d no sooner leave us behind to die than we would them.” I hope he’s right. I turn to Jasper. “What do you think? Do we hurry up so we can leave with them?” “The oxen go faster, more consistently, when they see other wagons in front of them. And I know we’ve had our disagreements with those men, but all in all, I want to believe they’re decent specimens of humanity. If something were to happen to one of our wagons, they’d no sooner leave us behind to die than we would them.” I hope he’s right.

Merci. Danke. Thank you. It’s a good thing there are lots of ways to say such an important thing.

I must be redeemed or married off because it’s convenient for someone. And it doesn’t matter whether their intentions are wicked,

See that mountain up ahead?” Jefferson points to a low, rounded mound on the horizon. “I think that’s it.” “It’s called Independence Rock, not Independence Mountain,” I say. “Everything is bigger out here. Just look at me.” He straightens in his saddle and puffs out his chest and fails to keep a straight face. “Your head is bigger, that’s for sure

Can’t we go another way?” “Nope. Only way to reach the green grass of Oregon or the sweet gold of California is through hell itself.” I roll my eyes. The Major has been especially colorful since his amputation, cussing and exaggerating and telling tall tales. He reminds me of Daddy, except not fit for female company.

From the base of the South Pass, a twisty road leads up the Rocky Mountains. It’s a well-earned name, because the steep slopes are covered in giant rocks split open and turned on edge every which way, like God started a quarry and got distracted

She’s as big as a house that’s about to give birth to a woodshed

My face warms under the scrutiny of silence, and I’m almost relieved when he launches into his eulogy. To my dismay, it turns out to be a sermon.