“Then why not build one together?” There was a hopeful audacity in Amy’s proposition.
“Build it together, huh?” His eyes searched hers.
“Elizabeth,” Amy started, “we’ve decided. We’re going to marry.”
“Marvelous!” Elizabeth clasped her hands together. “You’ve both got caring hearts and strong spirits. You’ll be happy together.”
“Thank you, ma’am. For believing in us,” Timothy said.
“Belief is easy when you see what I see,” Elizabeth replied. “Now go on, make a life that’s as sweet as one of Amy’s pies.”
With that, Tim extended his arm to Amy. “Well, partner, shall we start planning for our dozen or so little ones?”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Amy laughed, linking her arm with his. “One step at a time.”
“Fair enough,” Timothy chuckled. “One step at a time.”
Amy clasped her hands together, a gesture that mirrored the flutter of excitement in her chest. As she stood under the wide-open Texas sky beside Timothy, she could almost touch the dreams that danced before her eyes—a cozy home filled with the warmth of a family she’d call her own.
“Imagine it, Tim,” she said. “A little house, maybe one with a porch where we can watch the sunset.”
“Sounds perfect,” Timothy replied, his smile reaching his eyes. “My children will be awful happy to have a homecooked meal that I didn’t cook. “
Her heart skipped at the thought. “I look forward to getting to know them.” Amy’s laughter mingled with the soft evening breeze, light and carefree.
“Children with your kindness,” Timothy added softly, his gaze holding hers. “I hope you know how to teach that kindness.”
“Tim...” She reached out, her hand finding his, their fingers intertwining naturally. “I can hardly believe this is happening. That we’re doing this—together.”
“Me neither, Amy.” He squeezed her hand gently. “But I’m grateful. Grateful for you, for this chance at a new start.”
“Me too.” She leaned closer, her head resting against his shoulder. “We’ve got a whole life ahead of us, Tim. It’s like we’re standing on the edge of a brand-new day.”
“Then let’s step into it,” he whispered.
“Absolutely,” she agreed, her heart brimming with hope for every tomorrow they would share.
“MRS. JACKSON?” AMYcalled out when she spotted the older woman.
The matron turned from where she had been talking to some of the other girls. “Yes, my dear?” Mrs. Jackson asked.
“I’ve made my decision,” Amy said.
Mrs. Jackson’s face softened into a knowing smile. “You’re going to marry him, aren’t you?”
Amy nodded, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Yes, I am. Tim is...he’s good, and kind. And I think we could make each other happy.”
“Then that’s all that matters.” Mrs. Jackson enveloped Amy in a warm embrace. “Tim will be a lucky man to have you by his side.”
“Thank you,” Amy whispered, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over. “For everything.”
“Promise me one thing,” Mrs. Jackson said as they parted. “Make sure he takes care of my baby girl.”
“I will, Mrs. Jackson. I promise.”
Timothy stood beside Amy, his hat held nervously in his hands. He looked from Amy to Mrs. Jackson, a question in his eyes.
“Tim,” Mrs. Jackson addressed him. “Take care of her. She’s precious to us all.”
