“She is!” Faith agreed, her eyes crinkling with mirth. “Susan says that she’s enjoying the courting games, making each suitor prove his worth. She’s living quite the merry life with Susan and David Dailey.”
“Good for her,” Erna said, her voice laced with genuine happiness for their sister. “Love should be a choice, not a chore.”
The days passed in a comfortable routine until the sound of horses’ hooves signaled the return of the men. Faith glanced out the window, excitement lighting up her face. “They’re back!”
Erna wiped her hands on her apron and followed Faith outside. The dust settled around the weary travelers as they dismounted, their faces etched with the fatigue of the journey but brightened by success.
“Joel!” Erna called out, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him.
“Erna,” Joel greeted, his voice gravelly but warm. He took her hands in his, the roughness of his work-worn skin a stark contrast to her softness. “It was a good drive. We got a fair price for the herd.”
“Thank the Lord,” Erna breathed out, relief washing over her. “I knew you’d do well.”
“Couldn’t have done it without thinking of coming home to you,” Joel confessed, his sharp eyes softening with affection.
With a knowing smile, Faith slipped away, leaving the couple to their quiet reunion.
The aroma of stewed beef and fresh-baked cornbread filled the kitchen as Erna set the last steaming dish on the worn wooden table. Joel, freshly scrubbed from the trail dust, sat down with a contented sigh.
“Smells like heaven, Erna,” he said, his stomach rumbling in anticipation.
“Wait till you taste it,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye. They joined hands, and Erna offered a brief prayer of thanks before they began to eat.
Between mouthfuls, Erna chattered about the past few days. “Faith and I finished the curtains for the dollhouse living room,” she explained, gesturing toward the miniature abode on the sideboard. “And she’s made the tiniest quilts you ever saw.”
Joel listened, nodding as he chewed. His gaze wandered over to the dollhouse, admiring the tiny stitches and vibrant fabric of the curtains adorning the little windows. The care and detail spoke of Faith’s talent and Erna’s guiding hand.
“Sounds like y’all had a fine time,” Joel said, scooping up another forkful of potatoes.
“We did,” Erna agreed, laughter bubbling up. “We even made enough apple pie filling to last us through winter!”
As supper wound down, Joel rose and ambled over to inspect the dollhouse more closely. He tilted his head, taking in the miniature world that his wife and sister-in-law had brought to life. “You’ve got a knack for making things beautiful, Erna,” he remarked with genuine admiration.
Erna blushed at the praise. “Thank you, Joel. It keeps my hands busy and my heart light.”
Silence fell comfortably between them, the kind only shared by two people who understood each other without words. The day’s fatigue began to pull at their limbs, and they decided to retire early.
In the privacy of their small bedroom, tender kisses and gentle caresses rekindled the warmth of their connection. As they moved together in the quiet rhythm of love, Erna felt the certainty of her place in the world.
Lying beside him in the afterglow, she whispered into the darkness, “I was meant to be yours, Joel.”
“And I yours, Erna,” Joel murmured back, pulling her close. In the sanctuary of their embrace, they drifted off to sleep under the vast Texas stars, secure in their love and the simple joys of their life together.
