“Tell me,” he said when she released him.

“Stop distracting me.”

He laughed and kissed her nose. “Tell me about your dream.”

She turned and leaned her back into his chest and pulled his arms about her. He rested his chin on the top of her head.

“I dream of a home where I make simple meals, where our children share our mealtimes and help with chores. I dream of a real family where each individual is valued and important.”

He chuckled, his breath warm against her cheek. “And I thought you meant to tell me about the house you wanted.”

“That’s easy. Four walls and a roof that doesn’t leak. A big kitchen, a cozy sitting room with books and dolls and wagons for the children. Two bedrooms...maybe more.”

He turned her into his arms. “I can see we’re going to be busy.” His voice grew husky. He kissed her again, so tenderly her heart squeezed out pure, sweet joy.

He leaned back and sighed. “I won’t be able to build a house here until spring.”

“Spring? Why, that’s months away. Must we wait until then to marry?”

He laughed at her eagerness, and heat rushed up her cheek. “Am I being presumptuous?”

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“I’m pleased to know you’re as eager as I to get married. But we need a house.”

“Blue, I’ve lived in a little half-canvas shack and would do it again if it meant we could be together. I don’t need much. Only you and the girls.”

“I don’t want to wait, either. You know, there is a small house in town that is empty. Perhaps we could rent it for the winter.”

She hugged him. “That sounds fine to me. Now let’s go tell the girls.”

He hesitated. “Do you think they’ll approve?”

She laughed. “I’m quite sure they will. They’ve been cross at me because I said I wasn’t going to stay and keep Mr. Blue in their lives.”

He grinned. “I love those girls of yours.”

“From now on, they’re ours.”

“I like that.”

She cuddled close to him as they made the return trip. Oh, how she loved this man. “When we arrived in Edendale, I assured the girls that God would lead us to where we were meant to be. I thought it was Fort Calgary. But He has guided us to a far better outcome than I could have ever asked or dreamed.”

Snow began to fall. Great fluffy flakes that plopped to her face and clung on her lashes. She caught some on her tongue and laughed. “I need not fear the winter for the good shepherd has led me to a safe place.”

He pulled her close and kissed the snow from her lashes. “God blessed us with our love.”

When they reached the ranch, he pointed to the big house. “Look.”

The two little girls had their faces pressed to the glass of the window overlooking the ranch. Eleanor was pointing toward them, and Libby jumped up and down.

Clara turned to him. “A kiss for their benefit?”

He chuckled. “Not only for theirs, I trust.” He lowered his head and caught her lips in a kiss full of promise and possibility.

They broke apart, and she turned toward the house.

Eleanor and Libby could not have looked more pleased.

“God has answered all our prayers,” she whispered and pressed her head to Blue’s shoulder.

The future beckoned...a future filled with love and trust and things she couldn’t even imagine at this moment.

Her heart was full to overflowing.

* * *

Blue and Clara took the girls into the library so they could talk to them privately.

Blue pulled them each to sit on his knees. “Is it okay with you if I marry your mama?”

Eleanor nodded, her eyes brimming with joy.

Libby patted Blue’s cheek. “I always knowed it.”

Clara laughed. “I think they saw you as a permanent part of our lives from the beginning.”

Eleanor nodded. “We did.”

Libby squirmed about on Blue’s knee and leaned over to whisper in Eleanor’s ear. “Can I tell now?”

Eleanor shushed her sister. “Not yet.” She turned to her mama. “When will you and Mr. Blue get married?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t made plans.” Clara looked at him for answer.

He shrugged. He’d get married this moment if she agreed, but perhaps she needed time to make plans.




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