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  Lula sniffed back tears and looked into his eyes. “They want us to come. They sent money.”

  Baxter glanced at the envelope in his hand. “Do you want to?”

  She looked at the money peeking out. “When I’m ready. When I can look Fanny in the eye and …”

  “Not want to throttle her?” Irene asked from behind the counter.

  Lula turned. “Yes, exactly.”

  Wilfred had quietly joined his wife sometime during the conversation and studied the young couple. “Forgiveness is a powerful thing, Lula. Don’t underestimate it.”

  Baxter looked at the letter in his hand. “May I?” She nodded and he read it, folded it up and, taking the envelope from her hand, inserted it. “When you’re ready.”

  Lula smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Lula. And I know your father’s words have at least some weight with you …”

  She looked up at him. “Baxter Adams, don’t for a minute think that I plan to leave you!”

  He returned her look. “You haven’t much with me in the way of possessions, I realize that. But you have my heart.”

  “That’s more than enough for me.”

  He smiled. “Remember that while we finish building our place.”

  She giggled. “I hope your brother doesn’t mind sleeping on the sofa for another month or two.”

  “He won’t mind, so long as he gets our room when we’re done. That means a room of his own for once.”

  Lula wrapped her arms around him. “Baxter Adams, I love you.”

  He grinned. “I love you.”

  “And I’ve heard enough!” Irene snapped. “Now are you going to buy something today or not?”

  Wilfred rolled his eyes, then wiped the tears from them. “Irene, you sure do know how to spoil a romantic moment.”

  “I got a store to run!”

  Baxter and Lula laughed and, arms around each other, went to the counter. “How about some peppermint sticks, Mrs. Dunnigan?” Baxter said.

  “Fine!” she barked. She turned to the jars of candy behind her to hide the smile on her face and pulled one off the shelf.

  *

  New York, September 1888 …

  Dear Father and Fanny,

  I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to let you know that Baxter and I will be arriving on the 17th of October. I’ve been in contact with Effie and Minnie and understand that they too plan to visit.

  I cannot say any of this has been easy. None of it has. But I think it also depends on how I look at things. I cannot speak for my sisters, only for myself, but after looking at all that has happened to our family, I have something to say. Thank you.

  I say this to both of you, but to Fanny most of all. Had you not acted out of fear and anger, I never would have met and married the most wonderful man in the world. I am not condoning your behavior, but I acknowledge that what was intended for evil, God has turned for good.

  You are not evil, Fanny, you only let fear get the best of you. I forgive you for that, and wish to help you heal from such fear as I can. I had my own fears to overcome, and thankfully, with the love and help of my husband, have done so.

  I look forward to seeing you both again and stepping into your loving arms.

  Your daughter,

  Lula

  Fanny Stout let the letter drop from her hands before falling into her husband’s embrace. “Oh, Ulysses, I was such a fool! Such a selfish fool!”

  He patted her on the back. “As was I. Let this be a lesson to both of us where our riches truly lie.”

  “Yes,” she sniffled. “Yes, of course.”

  “When are Effie and Forrest arriving again?”

  “A few days before Lula. Minnie and Baker will be here already. Hopefully the three will see each other if their schedules allow.”

  “I wouldn’t worry, my dear. Our girls will see each other again, be it here or someplace else. The important thing is that they know we love them and that we’ve changed.”

  Fanny nodded against his chest. “And that we’ll never do something so foolish again.”

  He looked at her. “Or let fear take over our lives.”

  “At least they all married well,” Fanny said with a tiny smile. “Thank Heaven for small miracles.”

  “You know, somehow I think it was His plan all along. How else would they have met such men? Maybe I lost my business for that very purpose.”

  Fanny looked up at him. “If so, then the Lord really does work in mysterious ways.”

  He pulled her closer. “That He does, my dear. That He does.”

  About the Author

  Kit Morgan, aka Geralyn Beauchamp, lives in a log cabin in the woods in the wonderful state of Oregon. She grew up riding horses, playing cowboys and Indians and has always had a love of Westerns! She and her father watched many Western movies and television shows together, and enjoyed the quirky characters of Green Acres. Kit’s books have been described as “Green Acres meets Gunsmoke,” and have brought joy and entertainment to thousands of readers. Many of her books are now in audio format, performed by a talented voice actor who brings Kit’s characters to life, and can be found on Amazon, Audible.com and iTunes.

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