“Erna,” he began, his voice steady despite the thunderous beating of his heart, He wished Mrs. Jackson had given him more time to talk to her privately. “I’ve been doing some thinking.”
She tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “Oh? And what might that be about?”
“About us,” he said. His hand tightened gently around hers. “We haven’t known each other long, but I think I’ve seen enough to know what I want.”
“Is that so?” she asked, a playful note in her voice, though her heartbeat quickened at his serious tone.
“Yup.” He took a deep breath. “Erna, I want you to marry me.”
The music played on, but for a moment, it seemed to fade into the background. Her step faltered just a hair, surprise flickering across her features before she regained her composure, the ever-present smile never leaving her lips.
“Joel Trinity,” she said, “that’s quite the bold statement.”
“Maybe so,” he admitted. “But when something feels this right, you don’t let it pass you by. I know life’s dealt us both tough hands, but together, I think we could make a good one.”
She looked up at him, searching his eyes, finding nothing but earnest honesty. There was a certain comfort in the solidity of his presence, a promise of steadfastness that she’d never dared to hope for.
“Life does love to surprise us,” Erna mused. The song ended, but they hardly noticed, still locked in their shared space.
Erna’s gaze held steady on Joel, the twinkling lanterns above casting a soft glow over his earnest face. The music had ceased, leaving a quiet hum of night sounds to fill the space between them. She could feel the warmth of his calloused hand still resting in hers.
“Joel,” Erna began, her voice tinged with a cautious wonder, “you’re asking for forever and we only met a few hours ago.”
“Forever’s what I’m aiming for,” Joel replied, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.
“Can’t say it doesn’t scare me,” she said. “But maybe... maybe it’s the good kind of scared.”
“Scared means it matters,” he said simply, squeezing her hand. “And you, Erna, you matter to me more than anything.”
As she looked up at him, her thoughts raced through the possibilities, the shared dreams, the dance of a life that could be theirs.
“All right, Joel Trinity,” Erna finally said. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Let’s take that leap and see where we land.”
His eyes brightened, mirroring the stars above, and a laugh escaped him, rich and full of joy. “This feels so right,” he said.
They stood there, two souls brought together by chance and now bound by choice, their future as wide and promising as the open plains that stretched beyond the horizon.
Joel’s hand found Erna’s as they weaved through the crowd. The church was full, but he was certain they could find Pastor Kauffman. Erna’s heart pounded like the hooves of wild mustangs racing across the plains.
“Do you think he’ll mind doing it now?” Erna whispered.
“Amos? That man’s always got one eye open for folks in need,” Joel replied.
“Joel, Erna, are you coming to me so you can get married?” Amos asked, a grin spreading across his face. “If so, you’re the fifth couple I’ve married tonight.” He shook his head. “I may just marry tonight as well!”
“Pastor,” Joel began, “we’ve got a favor to ask of you.”
“Seems we can’t wait another minute,” Erna chimed in, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “We want to get married. Tonight, if you’d be willing.”
Amos’s eyes softened, and the hint of a smile played on his lips. “Well then,” he said, stepping aside, “let’s not waste another minute.”
Joel and Erna stood at the altar, hands joined, facing each other with wide, expectant smiles. Amos took his place before them, opening the good book with practiced ease.
“Dear friends,” he began, his voice steady and warm, “we are gathered here to join these two in holy matrimony. Joel, Erna, are you prepared to enter into this covenant?”
“We are,” they answered together.
“Then repeat after me,” Amos instructed.
“I, Joel, take thee, Erna, to be my wedded wife...”
“I, Erna, take thee, Joel, to be my wedded husband...”
“By the power vested in me,” Amos declared, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
As Joel dipped Erna slightly, pressing his lips to hers, cheers erupted from the crowd still there for the dance, drawn by the unmistakable air of romance. Their kiss was the kind that spoke of new beginnings, of shared dreams, and the unspoken understanding that no matter where life led them, they would travel it side by side.
“Mrs. Trinity,” Joel murmured, his voice brimming with pride and wonder.
“Mr. Trinity,” Erna replied, her laughter mingling with the lingering echoes of their friends’ applause.
