are some rocks by the fireplace that I’m warming, and I’ll fill your boots with them. I hope it’ll help dry them by morning. If not, we’ll cut coverings out of the blanket to keep your feet warm on the way back to town,” Jason was mumbling as he pulled out the shirt and pants.

Maybe, Charity thought, I shouldn’t have teased him about Joseph shooting him. He’s a bit nervous. Or maybe being alone here with me is making him nervous. I’ll never understand men.

She smiled when Jason turned around, holding a white shirt and black pants.

“These might be a little big for you, but they’ll help keep you warm,” Jason said as he handed the clothes to Charity. “I’ll just step outside while you change.”

Thank you,” Charity answered and watched as Jason slipped his jacket on and stepped out into the snowy evening shadows. She quickly buttoned the shirt and pulled the pants on, hoping she could find some rope to help hold the pants in place. If she couldn’t, she’d rip a piece of fabric from her petticoat to keep the pants in place.

Charity called out to Jason. “I’m dressed. You should come back in before you freeze.”

Jason hurried back inside, closing the door behind him quickly before the cold took away what heat the small fireplace offered. Shaking the snow from his jacket, he asked, “Are you hungry? There isn’t much here, but there are a few cans of beans and peaches, and the coffee will be ready soon.

“I’m not hungry, but a cup of hot coffee would be good right now. I’m still a bit cold,” Charity explained as she drew the blanket around her shoulders.

“I’ll get you a cup and put another piece of wood on the fire, and I think this place will heat up soon. It’s windy outside, but I don’t feel much of a draft in here.”

Charity shivered and gratefully took the cup of coffee that Jason handed her.

“Sorry I couldn’t find any sugar,” Jason said before pouring himself a cup.

“I can drink it without sugar. I’m happy for the warmth. Do you think we can get out of here in the morning?”

“I think so. The snow isn’t heavy right now, and if it keeps up this way, we can manage. When we don’t return the sleigh, someone from the livery is going to look for us, and that means going to the café.”

Charity bit her lip. “Joseph will worry. He and Holly are watching Annie and Ben. He’ll know I’m not coming home now that it’s dark. I expect he’ll be out looking in the morning.”

“I’m sure you’re right. The livery will also be looking for the missing sleigh. Don’t worry, we’ll get home safely,” Jason said.

“I’m not worried about that. I just don’t want my children or brother to be concerned about what might have happened to us.”

“I understand, but I think Joseph knows I wouldn’t let anything happen to you now or ever,” Jason told her.

“I’m sure he does, and I like hearing you say it,” Charity answered, smiling at the man she loved.

“I’ll say it every day of our lives. I’m so sorry this happened. After missing the sweetheart dance because Ben wasn’t feeling well, I thought this sleigh ride would be romantic. I messed up,” Jason confessed and dropped his head into his hands.

“No, you didn’t. You didn’t plan on the horses spooking and the sleigh sliding off the road. We’re warm and safe. You did well.”

Jason met her eyes, “I tried.”

Chapter 12

Charity was sleeping soundly when a loud pounding on the door woke her, and she could hear her brother’s voice.

“Charity? Jason? Are you two in there? Open the door this minute, or I’ll break it down.”

Jason quickly lit the only lamp and strode to the door and pulled it open.

Joseph pushed past him and entered the shack calling Charity’s name.

“I’m here, Joseph, and I’m all right.”

Joseph looked at his sister sitting on the small cot wearing a man’s shirt and her clothes hanging by the fireplace. His eyes cut to Jason, and he asked, “Exactly what is going on here, and what have you done to my sister?”

Jason raised his hands as if he were being held up instead of questioned and did his best to explain the situation.

Joseph glared at him and said, “You had to make her take off her clothing?”

Not wishing to upset Joseph more than he already was, Jason simply said, “Her clothing was soaked from falling into the creek and needed to dry. By the time we arrived at this line-shack, her dress was beginning to freeze.”

“Joseph, calm down,” Charity said as she rose from the cot. “I’m wearing some of Jason’s clothes. I’m dressed and unhurt. Besides, I’m a grown woman, and you shouldn’t come in here assuming anything. It’s my life.”

Joseph snapped, “Not just your life. Annie and Ben are worried when you weren’t home this morning. Holly is doing her best to convince them you’re all right and just having a bit of trouble with all the snow.”

Charity took a step toward Joseph with her fists firmly planted on her sides. “That’s the truth. We did have some trouble with the snow. If you think this was intentional, you should rethink whatever ideas you have. If you believe I would plan some romantic outing by coming to this old shack, you don’t think much of me.”

Joseph nodded and studied the floor for a moment before meeting his sister’s eyes. “I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t sleep last night, and I was worried. That worry increased when I went to the livery and asked Pap if Jason brought the sleigh back, and he said no. We have been looking for the sleigh and you since dawn. He’s down

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