by Marian Wells
She got to her feet and blew Alex a kiss. “Now, I’ve baked a dried peach pie for you all while you were gone today. We’re celebrating. And dearie—” She ran around the table and embraced Crystal. “If you decide to come out Denver way, look me up. Might be I can find an interesting job for you to do. If nothing else, I’ll hire you to cook in my kitchen.”
“I thought you were going to dig gold,” Alex said.
“More likely I’ll run a house.”
“A boardinghouse?” Sadie brightened. “Why, that’s a good idea.” Amelia’s jaw dropped.
****
When Alex came into the bedroom and closed the door, Olivia turned to look at him. “Why are you leaning against the door, and why are you grinning like that?”
“Because my dear, this is all crazy. We’re going to escape. I’ve been trying to shuffle people like pawns, and I think God must be laughing at my foolish efforts. Maybe He was the one who said first that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
“Oh, Alex, you are discouraged. Well, at least I turned out well.”
“That didn’t have anything to do with me. God got to you before I did.”
“Alex, be serious.”
“I am. We’re leaving, too. It’s all arranged. We’re taking Joseph to Canada to find Caleb and his friends. Also, I hope to bring Caleb and Bertie back with us. In addition, Clancy is heading out, down the Mississippi. It was his idea.”
“You trust him with the precious Golden Awl!”
“It’s God’s boat, not mine.” He paused, “Now wife, come kiss me, since you haven’t all day.”
She turned to him and snuggled her head against his chest.
“Olivia, everything has gone wrong in the past several weeks. Lincoln lost the Senate seat, and we live in a state of unrest that’s tugging at the seams of the whole country. And you—”
“Alex, you were the one who reminded me last time. I’ll remind you now. Remember the dream? Me, you, and God. Does it still seem like a good combination?”
He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her onto his lap. “Olivia, you are like walking through green pastures.”
“And you are my well-watered vine. Alex, Crystal told me about Joseph’s philosophy. Life here is only for a short time, and then there’s all eternity. The fairy tales say the prince and princess lived happily ever after. Maybe that’s the only way to look at it. The ever after, even if some of the present isn’t happy.”
“I’ve been wanting to say that. But I’ve been fearful for you if—”
She placed her fingers over his lips. “Alex, I know. I faced that with fear and trembling before I asked you to marry me. It’s settled. We’ll enjoy today and live happily ever after.”
“The prince and his princess.”
“More or less. Our life may not be easy, but it will count for something. You, me, and God. We’ll obey, and He’ll take care of the rest.”
Alex laughed and kissed her. “To Canada, then?”
“To Canada,” Olivia replied. “And wherever else He leads.”
MARIAN WELLS and her husband live in Boulder, Colorado, which gives her immediate access to the research and documentation of the historical surroundings of this book and the books to follow in this series. A well-known author, her research and background on Mormonism provided the thrust for her bestselling STARLIGHT TRILOGY, the Wedding Dress and With This Ring.
Books by Marian Wells
The Wedding Dress
With This Ring
Karen
THE STARLIGHT TRILOGY SERIES
The Wishing Star
Star Light, Star Bright
Morning Star
THE TREASURE QUEST SERIES
The Silver Highway
Colorado Gold
Out of the Crucible
Jewel of Promise
