“Then it’s settled,” Joel said, spinning her once more before catching her hand and pulling her close. “You’re to wear it next time we round them up.”
“Only if you promise not to step on my toes,” Erna teased back.
“I think I’d be too busy watching the dress to mind your toes,” Joel replied, the laughter in his voice making her heart skip a beat.
As the song came to an end, Erna clapped her hands, still caught up in the thrill of their playful banter. She sought out her sisters, who were gathered at the side of the dance floor, faces flushed with delight.
“Erna, you looked like you were having the time of your life!” Faith exclaimed, squeezing her twin’s hands.
“Joel has quite the sense of humor,” Erna shared, her gaze drifting to where Joel had stepped aside to allow another eager bachelor to ask for a dance. “He’s a man full of surprises.”
“Seems like he’s got a good hold on you, too,” Amy observed, nudging Erna playfully.
“Let’s just say, he’s an excellent dance partner,” Erna replied, the warmth in her cheeks betraying her growing affection.
“Come, let’s all join in the next one!” Cassandra urged, and soon they were moving together, a cascade of skirts and laughter blending into the music and festivities.
Erna danced with her sisters. They moved as one, a circle of love and support. The night was alive with possibility, and as Erna glanced over at Joel, her smile deepened.
“Looks like this dance might just be the start of something special,” Gail shouted over the music, and Erna nodded, her heart soaring with agreement.
The lively tune of the fiddle tapered into a soft hum, and the dancers slowed to a halt. Erna’s eyes met Joel’s from across the room, his lopsided grin sending an expectant flutter through her chest. He tipped his hat in her direction, a silent invitation that quickened her pulse.
“Erna, look, he’s coming over!” Faith whispered, giving her sister a gentle push forward.
“Go on,” Hannah said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
With hesitant steps, Erna made her way toward Joel. Joel’s confident stride closed the distance between them with ease.
“Miss Erna,” he said, his voice warm, “would you honor me with a stroll outside? The evening is too fine to waste solely on dancing.”
“Would I ever,” Erna replied, her words laced with a thrill she couldn’t contain.
They stepped through the dance hall doors, the night air caressing their faces. The stars seemed to twinkle with approval, and the moon cast a gentle glow on the path ahead.
“Quite the night, isn’t it?” Joel remarked, his arm brushing against hers.
“Sure is,” Erna agreed, her gaze lingering on the way the moonlight played upon his features. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen stars shine so bright.”
“Nor have I,” Joel said, stopping in his tracks. He turned, facing her with an earnestness that stilled the night. “Erna, there’s something I’d like to—”
A distant call interrupted him, a voice summoning them back to the dance hall. Joel’s brow furrowed slightly, a silent apology in his eyes.
“That’s Mrs. Jackson. She was the matron at the foundling home where I was raised. Guess we need to head back,” Erna suggested, though her heart yearned to hear what he had been about to say.
“Of course,” Joel replied, offering his arm. “But this isn’t the end of our conversation, Erna. Not by a long shot.”
As they walked back, the music swelled—a promise that filled the space between them. Erna felt the edges of a beginning, a story waiting to be told. And as the chapter closed, with her hand resting lightly on Joel’s arm, the possibility of what lay ahead was enough to leave anyone’s heart dancing in anticipation.
