They hurried down it, reached the end, and rounded the final corner. And there, a beautiful sight lay before them.
The wagon, Jasper and Jenny hitched and ready.
A man stood with his back to them, his hand stroking Jenny's nose as he murmured something. She would know those broad shoulders anywhere, the way his dark hair curled against his neck.
"Jonah!" Anna's cry pierced the morning air as she dropped Patience's hand and bolted forward.
He spun just in time to catch Anna as she leapt into his arms, a wide grin splitting his face as he swung her up and held her close. "Well now, what are you doing here, little miss?"
Patience followed more slowly, suddenly shy, unsure what tosay. She'd already told him no, already walked away from the safety and belonging he offered.
Would he take her back after she’d rejected him? Could he be so simple?
But when his eyes met hers over Anna's head, hope flickered there, along with hesitation. How could he possibly still want her after she’d refused him, over and over? This man loved her far more than she deserved.
He set Anna down gently, though he kept an arm around her shoulders. "Patsy? What are you doing here?" He sounded uncertain, but not angry.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat, daring a step closer. "I was hoping…if the offer still stands, Anna and I want to come back to the ranch with you." The words came out in a rush. She held her breath as she waited for his answer.
His smile softened. "I would love nothing more than to have you and Anna come home with me."
Home. The word settled into Patience's heart like a long-awaited promise finally coming to fruition.
She moved forward, aching to go to him, to step into his embrace. But she hesitated, glancing at Anna still tucked against his side.
Later. They would have time later to talk, to sort through all that had happened between them. For now, it was enough to know they were going back, and she and Jonah would be able to explore this thing growing between them. She had a feeling this man would move heaven and earth for her. All she had to do was let him.
Anna tugged at Jonah's sleeve, breaking the weighted moment between them. "Can I sit up front with you and Aunt Patsy?"
Jonah chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I think that can be arranged. Though maybe we’ll stay an extra fewdays until your aunt’s business is finished. For now though, why don't you climb up while your aunt and I get your bags situated?"
"Okay." Anna scrambled up onto the wagon seat.
Patience watched her, her chest swelling with contentment. This was right. This was where they were meant to be.
She turned back to find Jonah studying her, a soft smile playing about his lips. "What changed your mind?"
She drew in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Anna had another nightmare. But this one was about Naomi and Eric and Mary Ellen. When she called Naomi 'Mama,' I realized I was being selfish, chasing after my own dreams when Anna had already found everything she needed.” Did Patience dare say more? She had to say at least a part. “I think I might have found what I need too. A new dream.”
A tenderness shone in his eyes that made her breath catch. He took a step closer, his hand coming up to brush a stray curl from her cheek. "That makes me happier than I can say.” He regarded her another moment, as though working out something in his mind.
She didn’t dare speak yet. He needed to decide on his own whatever he was questioning.
Then he took her hand, lifting it to press a kiss to the backs of her fingers. “Miss Patsy Whitman. I know we’ll be travelin’ together without a proper chaperone.” His eyes twinkled a little. “But when we finally reach home, I’d be honored if you’d allow me to court you proper. Show you I’m the man you’ve been looking for.”
She couldn’t fight the grin that overwhelmed her face. “I’d like that. It would be an honor.”
A bang sounded from within the mercantile, followed by muffled voices. Jonah glanced over his shoulder, then gave her an apologetic look. "I need to help the fellas load that stove, but I’ll be back." He squeezed her hand once more before letting go.
Patience didn’t trust herself to speak past the emotions clogging her throat. Now she couldn’t wait for the end of the journey. She couldn’t wait to leave Fort Benton. Two weeks on the trail, and they’d be back at the ranch where it was safe.
CHAPTER 14
As the wagon creaked to a stop in the ranch yard, Jasper nickered hello to the animals in the barn. The ride back from Fort Benton felt like it took a month, but they’d finally arrived. Just in time for the evening meal, probably. Hopefully Sampson was back now too. Surely.
Jonah set the brake and unfolded his tired limbs as he stepped down, then reached up to help Patsy and Anna. The others would descend on them as soon as the first person realized their presence.
Before Patsy’s feet even touched the ground, Lillian called across the yard. “They’re here!”
