Joseph shook his head and waved his hand in the air. “No, we had no real proof besides her confession that you were here. She might have been making up another story. I had to be sure. David will arrest her when we get back to town, I’m sure.”
“No, Joseph. Lydia is heartsick over you. What she did was wrong, yes, but she shouldn’t go to prison. I think it would kill her. She didn’t hurt me. She planned this well and left me food, water, and blankets. I believe she would have come back in a day or two and helped me leave town. She just wanted you as a husband, not my death on her hands.”
“But,” Joseph began. “She can’t continue to run around town doing these things. What if next time she hurts you? I can’t believe our marriage will quell her anger and jealousy.”
“She mentioned a brother. The sheriff could scare her into thinking she’ll go to prison and accept her leaving town to live with her brother as an alternative as long as her brother agrees to make sure she doesn’t return,” Holly suggested and looked at Joseph with the eyes that touched his heart and soul.
Joseph nodded, “Her brother is in Oklahoma. He wanted her to live with his family after her father died, but she chose to stay here. Maybe she will agree now.”
“I hope so,” Holly agreed. “I can’t send her to prison. I just can’t. I forgive her. I had time to sit here and think about the situation. She’s not well, Joseph. God wants us to forgive. I can’t do less.”
Joseph slowly nodded and pulled Holly closer. “You’re right. I have forgiven her before. This time will be harder because I could have lost you, but I will forgive her in time. I promise. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, please put out the fire while I wrap up the biscuits. I don’t want the food to sit here and rot. It might attract unwanted critters.”
“You’re a good soul, Holly. Most people wouldn’t care what happens to this house.” Joseph looked around and shrugged. “It’s a bit of a wreck.”
“If Lydia is going to start a new life then she needs money even if she’s living with her brother. Selling the ranch will give her that start, or she can give it to her brother, and he can help her,” Holly insisted. “Wait,” Holly said. “She does have the right to own this land as well as vote, right?”
Joseph smiled, but Holly saw a bit of unease on his face.
“I thought so. I knew there was a good reason to come to Wyoming. How exciting. I wonder what we’ll do next as women?”
She began to hum as she wrapped the biscuits in a napkin. Joseph wasn’t sure what Holly might want to do next, but he had a feeling his soon to be bride would do whatever it was with her entire being.
With the fire out and the biscuits wrapped Holly announced, “I’m ready to leave this house.”
Joseph took her hand and led her out to the wagon. When he had her settled, he climbed on board and clicked the reins heading them back to Belle.
“First stop the café,” Joseph said. “Charity will be pleased you’re safe. Then we’ll see David and tell him our plan for Lydia, and then we’ll stop at Pastor Elkins’ house.”
Holly snuggled against Joseph’s arm and nodded her agreement. “Will we live above the café?”
“Yes, until we find a house. It’s large enough for me, and I can make space for you for a short time, but when we have a family, we’ll need more room.”
Holly blushed and fought back happy tears. A family was something she wished for all her life.
As the town came into sight, Holly sighed. She wasn’t sure when or if she’d ever see it again.
Joseph asked, “Are you tired?”
“No, I’m just happy to see the town. I tried to walk after I escaped but the snow covered the wagon tracks. I prayed I’d get back home safe and God heard my prayer.”
“Home? You consider Belle home now,” Joseph asked.
“Of course. It’s where you are, and you have my heart. I can’t live without either of you.”
Joseph slid his arm around Holly and pulled her close and drove the wagon to the café and stopped in front.
“We’re home,” Joseph announced, and Holly smiled.
Chapter Eleven
Joseph lifted Holly from the wagon, and they walked toward the darkened café. A single light shone in the back as Joseph opened the door.
“Joseph?” Charity’s voice called. “Did you find Holly?”
“Yes, I did, and we’re getting married,” Joseph answered the happiness in his voice hard to hide.
A squeal came from the kitchen a moment before Charity burst into the dining area. “I knew you were meant to be together. I’m happy you’re safe and will be my sister,” Charity gushed as she ran up and hugged Holly.
Tears filled Holly’s eyes. “I’m happy, too. I never had a sister or any family. We plan to marry on Christmas. Please say you’ll stand up with me.”
“Of course, I will. Now, tell me what happened to you,” Charity asked as she released Holly from the hug.
Joseph interrupted his sister and fiancé. “We need to speak to the sheriff. He has Lydia at the jail. Lydia locked Holly in her root cellar. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”
“Oh, my,” Charity stammered as her hand flew to her chest. “I’m happy you’re safe. You must be hungry. I’ll make fried chicken while you’re gone. Try not to be too long.” Charity turned and hurried into the kitchen before Joseph or Holly could answer.
Holly smiled at Joseph. “I did eat the biscuits, but Charity’s fried chicken sounds wonderful. Let’s listen to her
