Page 75 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Happy, Mrs. Woods?”
“Very happy, Mr. Woods. And you?”
“Very happy.”
“We need to talk about the money.”
“Umm. Your inheritance. It’s yours to do with as you wish.”
“It’s also yours. I vote we use it to build a fine house and barn.”
“I vote the same.” He nuzzled into her neck only half aware of the conversation. He was delighting in having a wife more than a partner.
“About the other part of what Father wrote.”
Carson sat up. “To help unwed mothers?”
“Yes. I’m not sure what to do. Did he want me to go back east and open a home for them?”
Tension prickled Carson’s neck. “Is that what you want to do?”
“No. I’ve been thinking. There’s lots of good, noble menhere in the west who would welcome a woman and child. What if I have the preacher man who helped Mama or someone he knows and trusts let it be known that they are welcome here? We could have a home somewhere for them to live in while they get to know the prospective groom. I most certainly don’t want them marrying without being sure of what they want. For those who don’t wish to come out West, I want to write the same preacher man and ask him to purchase a house for women and children to live in as long as they choose. They will learn that God’s grace is available to them and that they are worthy of acceptance. What do you think of that?”
He honestly hadn’t given her father’s request a lot of thought. But not only would this satisfy the requirements of the inheritance and help women needing a way out of their situation, but more importantly, it would give his wife a way of healing the pains of her past.
“That is an excellent idea.”
“Good. Now that’s dealt with…” She turned her face to receive his kisses.
Epilogue
Late October
They were eager to get together for a family, agreeing they all had much to be grateful for and what better way to celebrate than with a meal together?
Angela peered into the mirror to adjust her hair. “I can’t wait to see everyone and catch up on their news.”
“Are you sure you’re not eager to tell them your news?” Carson’s likeness appeared beside her reflection.
Joy bubbled up inside her like an endless gurgling stream. Daily, she reveled in their love for each other.
Satisfied with her hair, she turned into his arms. His lips caught hers in a long, fulfilling kiss. He edged back, trailing his finger along her cheek to rest on her chin.
“Mrs. Woods, we must be on our way if we don’t want to be late.”
She sniffed. “Well, we wouldn’t want that.” She broke into laughter as, hand in hand, they rushed out the door. The wagon stood ready for their departure. Sid and Sal, the oxen, had been retired for the winter. Come spring, they would pullthe breaking plow. But a pair of fine black horses were set to take them to town.
Carson lifted her to the seat and climbed up beside her. Boss jumped into the wagon box. He never let them leave without him.
She studied their house. It was small. Two rooms. Wide windows faced in three directions, so at any time of the day, they had their choice of views—the mountains, now wearing white caps or the tree-lined creek or the rolling hills. Carson had insisted on a small window on the fourth side so he could keep an eye on every part of the homesite.
Their temporary kitchen had been dismantled. The wagon no longer carried a canvas hoop.
They turned a corner, and she lost sight of her new home. Carson squeezed her hands and pulled her closer. “Happy?”
His rough jacket rubbed her face as she pressed closer. “More than I dreamed was possible. All thanks to you.” Her words caught in her throat. She still couldn’t believe he loved her fully and freely.
“As I’ve said so many times, you are not, nor have you ever been guilty of any sin in regards to your birth. I wish you could put that memory clean out of your mind.”
