Amelia stood patiently while Joshua removed his hat and greatcoat. When he handed both to the waiting butler, she rushed into his arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve got something to tell you.” She stood with her lips pursed for his kiss, snuggling against him when he complied with her unspoken request.
“I have something to tell you as well.” He put his arm around her shoulders and led her to the side parlor. When they were comfortably seated on the settee, he turned to her. “Ladies first. Tell me your news.”
She ducked her head for a moment. “I’ve decided on an answer to the question you asked me.” Amelia looked directly into his eyes. “My answer is yes, I will marry you. If you still want Dougie and me, that is.”
He pulled her into his arms. “You know I do. That’s the best news I’ve ever had.” His expression turned serious. “But I won’t hold you to it until you’ve heard my news.”
She frowned back at him. “Don’t keep me in suspense, tell me.”
“I received my orders today. I’m assigned to a new post.”
“That’s wonderful news. Why would I not be happy about that?” A sudden thought marched into her mind. She pulled back from him. “Unless you can’t take us with you . . . Is that it?”
He looked uncomfortable, and hesitated before he answered.
“Joshua, what is it? Where is the problem?”
“I asked if my family could accompany me. I was assured you could.”
“Then what is the matter? Why do you look like that?” Doubts assailed her as her frown grew.
“We’ll be stationed at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. There has been unrest in the area.”
Amelia snorted. “I lived in the Confederacy, didn’t I? Don’t worry I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“I may be fighting Indians. The Cheyenne. No telling how much I could be away from home. We don’t know about the conditions at the fort. Nor do we know how dangerous it will be out there”
“And you think I’d be hesitant about that?”
“We won’t know what it’s like until we get there. I worry about you and Dougie being in danger.”
Amelia put her head on his shoulder and breathed deeply of his unique scent, bay rum and pure Joshua. “I could be run down by a horse drawn carriage here in St. Louis. There are no expectations of safety anywhere we might go. But that’s no reason to hide from life.”
He leaned closer to her. “So you’re still willing to marry me?”
She touched his cheek. “Of course I am. Dougie will be thrilled when I tell him.”
She smiled up at him. “We’ll be very happy, I’m sure.”
“I know we will.” He kissed her tenderly. “I will do everything in my power to make our lives secure.” He stroked her hair. “We will have to arrange the wedding quickly, though.”
“Why is that?”
“We will have to leave in five days in order to get to Fort Leavenworth on time.”
She extricated herself from his arms and jumped up. “Good grief, we’ve got a lot to do.” She started for the door and then turned back to him. “Will I be allowed to bring Mariah with us?”
“Of course, it will be good for Dougie to have her with him.”
Smiling at Joshua, she left the room. When she was past the door, her smile fell. It was all very good for Ellen to tell her to trust her heart. Experience had taught a different lesson. Engulfed in a sudden chill, Amelia shrugged it off. We’ll all be together and happy. Nothing could go wrong . . . could it?