Page 71 of Wagon Train Dreams
He traced his finger along her cheek. “When I worked with Pa, I always dreamed of taking over for him.”
“Your mother told me that.”
“When it didn’t happen, I pushed the dream aside, but today—” He told her of meeting Mose and what he had said.
“I can’t believe it.”
“What?”
“I always enjoyed helping Peter run the store. I could see myself doing it more.”
“We’ll be partners.” He hugged her close and kissed her again.
They lingered, talking about their future until the air cooled and grew dim.
“We need to get back,” he said.
“What about that letter?”
“What letter?” Of course, he knew.
“To that store.”
“Oh, you want me to write it now?”
“Yes, silly. We need to mail it before we move out.”
“I agree.” He gathered up the picnic things and pulled her to her feet. “One more thing. Hazel, I love you. Will you marry me?”
“I love you right back and will marry you any day of the week.”
Her reply startled him. “Any day?”
Her cool fingers stroked his cheek. “Today if you want.”
“Won’t your ma have something to say about that?”
“Why don’t we ask her?” Catching his hand, she led him from the tree into the sunset. They skirted the garden. He’d talk to Ma after they’d talked to Marnie.
“Here they come.” Ruby’s voice reached them.
The campers all turned toward Joe and Hazel. Petey called out to them.
Joe took Little Warrior and stood before Marnie. “Ma’am, I love your daughter and would like your permission to marry her.”
“Permission granted.” Marnie smiled and nodded. “I’m happy for you both.”
“Ma,” Hazel said. “We want to get married tonight.”
Marnie’s smile dropped. “Now?”
“Well, we could wait until after supper, but yes, tonight.”
Marnie opened her mouth and closed it again.
Irene whooped. “What a good idea.”
While the others prepared the meal, Joe and Hazel went to the orphanage to tell his ma the news.
