“Seems like these will be ready for the next market,” Erna said with a hopeful lilt in her voice, eyeing the small pile of goods they hadn’t sold that day.
“Sure does,” Joel replied. “And maybe some new ones too, if your hands can keep up with your spirit. I think the Brave Beatrice and the Sweet Sally were our two best sellers. We’ll have to focus on those for next time. And I can eat everything that didn’t sell. I do have a hankering for your baking!”
“Flatterer,” Erna chided with a mock sternness that quickly melted into warmth. “But thank you. It means the world to me, seeing people enjoy my treats.”
“Deserved praise, not flattery,” Joel corrected, his tone earnest. “You’ve got a gift, Erna.”
Together, they secured the goods, ensuring nothing would shift during the ride home. The market square around them buzzed with the sounds of other vendors finishing up for the day, but Erna only had eyes for the man beside her—the man who had become her partner in every sense.
“Look at all we’ve accomplished today,” she said, gesturing to the nearly empty wagon. “We’re really doing it, Joel. We’re saving our ranch.”
“I really believe we will,” Joel said, reaching out to squeeze her hand.
“Your belief made it real,” she countered, squeezing back.
With the wagon packed, Joel offered his hand to help Erna up onto the seat. They settled in, side by side, the leads lying comfortably in Joel’s grasp.
“Ready to head home, Mrs. Trinity?” he asked, the title still fresh and cherished between them.
“Ready, Mr. Trinity,” Erna replied, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Erna leaned into Joel’s side, her head coming to rest against his shoulder.
“Tomorrow’s another day,” she murmured, her voice filled with optimism. “More baking, more crafting... more dreaming.”
“More living,” Joel added, his voice steady as the horizon line.
