She patted his arm where it lay across her. “I’m sorry I had to wake you.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I need to talk to you anyway.”
“You should go back to sleep. You need the rest to heal.”
“We can sleep later but I can’t relax until I talk to you. This is important. Turn so I can see your pretty face.”
Carefully so she wouldn’t fall or injure him, she faced him. “In that case, I’m listening.”
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Did she? She definitely believed in love at second sight. “In some cases. Other times I think the response is physical attraction and not love.”
“When I saw you step off the stage, I felt this tremendous wham to my insides. I remember everything about you—what you wore, that your hat was slightly askew, what you had in your hands, everything. It was as if that image burned on my brain so I can never forget it.”
“I’m amazed. I confess I didn’t see you because I spotted Cindy right away. I was so glad to see her and also to be off that uncomfortable stagecoach.”
“I remember the two of you almost running to one another. Bert strolled over to where you and Cindy were hugging and laughing. I swear I couldn’t move. All I could do was stare at you. Bert had asked me to come with him so I could meet you before any other bachelor.”
“I thought you didn’t like me and I was disappointed. You’re a nice looking man, Austin, and I came to meet a husband.”
“You have one forever. I worried when I was shot in the few minutes before I passed out. What if I’d died and you never knew how I felt? I have to make sure you know, Mina. I’m not good with words but I want to make certain you know I love you.”
She pressed her head against his uninjured shoulder. “Oh, Austin, your words were just wonderful. I’d already admitted to Cindy I’d fallen in love with you. Even though we haven’t been married long, I feel as if I’ve known you for years and years.”
He exhaled. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that. We belong together. You’re my other half, my soul mate. I feel harebrained saying it, but it’s true.”
“Don’t feel ridiculous, dear husband. We do belong together. Remember, you pledged to stick around for a very long while. I’m holding you to that promise.”
“Count on it, my love.”
Epilogue
Two years later
Mina called to her cousin, “Hurry, Cindy. They’ll be here before we get to the stage depot.”
“I’m coming, I wanted to burp baby Hugh.” Cindy hurried down the stairs.
Bert met her at the foot of the staircase and held his wife’s shoulders. “You’re certain you can drive the buggy by yourself?”
“I can do it, Bert. We’ve practiced a dozen times. For heaven sakes, it’s only a few blocks anyway.”
He kissed her cheek. “I know, but you’re precious cargo.”
Cindy gazed up at him. “You know the perfect thing to say.”
Austin rolled his eyes heavenward. “Mina and I had this same conversation at home about the drive from the depot to here. I’ve been suitably chastised for doubting her ability.”
Mina tugged Austin’s sleeve. “Let’s go before Chip wakes up.” Their son only cried at being left if he saw her and Austin leave. Otherwise he was content to play with Jessica and Jamie and let Mrs. Coats entertain them.
They drove their buggy, followed by Cindy in the Kennedys’ buggy, followed by Bert with a wagon.
They found places to park the three vehicles and gathered in front of the depot.
Austin peered down the road. “I see a dust plume that must be the stage.”
Mina could hardly stand the wait but soon the stage pulled up and her niece and oldest nephew were the first out the door.
Darla ran to Mina. “Auntie Mina, Auntie Mina! We missed you. We have another baby only Faye’s not so little now.”
Billy ran beside his sister. “We rode on a train for a long ways. I didn’t like the stagecoach ’cause I couldn’t move.”
Mina hugged both of them. “I’ve missed you two and Danny so much. Come and meet your Uncle Austin.”
Both children went quiet as they gazed up at him.
Darla eyes grew wide. “You’re our uncle? I didn’t know I had an uncle.”
Austin lifted her up. “That’s right, I’m your Uncle Austin. That makes you my niece.”
He set her down and picked up Billy. “And you’re my nephew now since I married your Aunt Mina.”
Darla asked, “Are you the man who has horses?”
“I am. Do you like horses?”
Billy jumped up and down. “I do, I do, Uncle Austin.”
Darla grabbed Austin’s hand. “Will you let me ride one?”
“If your parents say you can.”
The children dashed to their mother.
Mina rushed to hug Lily and look at the youngest. “I can’t wait to hold her.” She took the toddler from her sister while Lily listened to Darla and Billy talk about horses.
Lily put a hand on each child’s head. “That’s a discussion for another day. For now, let me talk to your Aunt Mina and our cousin Cindy.”
Mina and Lily and Cindy talked a mile a minute.
Lily grabbed her cheeks. “Oh my, I should introduce Will’s parents to Cindy and Bert.” She grabbed Cindy’s hand and pulled her to where her in-laws stood. “Olivia and George Patterson, this is my cousin Cindy and her husband Bert Kennedy.”
George shook hands with Bert. “We’re pleased to meet you. Sure appreciate you letting us stay with you.”
Olivia asked, “You’re sure you have room?”
Cindy hugged Olivia. “We have plenty of room and love to entertain guests.”
Will
