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Leah knew her Uncle Jared’s horses were some of the best around. No doubt he was right about the need.

Uncle Jim straightened after making a final shot to end the game. “Well, I’m nearly forty. They aren’t going to be wanting me. I’ll just stick to farming in Minnesota and praise God every day that my boys are too young to go to war.” He shook his head. “It’s not going to be at all easy on our wives or Mother.”

Evan gave a sober nod. “It won’t be easy for fathers either. The idea of Roman being suited up and sent to battle is a terrifying thought. I think prayer is the only thing that will see us through this.”

Erik put his cue on the table and went to Leah. He put his arm around her. “I haven’t yet decided what I’ll do. I just turned thirty in February, and the paper says the first draft at least will be ages nineteen to twenty-five. However, if they need me as a doctor, I’ll go. Leah and I have already agreed to that.”

She looked up and met his gaze. “But we’ll marry first. I want to be Mrs. Sjolander before they take him away from me.”

“You two ought to just get married today,” Jared said, picking up the cue Erik had abandoned. “You said the preacher was here and all the family is assembled.”

“We do already have the license. We picked it up just the other day, and it’s good for six months,” Leah said, looking at Erik, who raised his brow. “What do you think? Should we?”

“I’d hate to take any focus away from your grandfather.”

“He would be delighted if you married on his birthday,” Evan said, moving to join Jared at the table.

“I suppose I don’t have any other reason to object,” Erik said, chuckling. “I could go get Dad and grab your ring at the same time. It’s just sitting in my dresser drawer. We can be back in fifteen minutes.”

“And pack a bag for your wedding trip,” Jim declared. “You should at least get away for a few days before the chaos all breaks loose on us.”

Leah felt Erik tighten his hold. “Do you want to go make sure it’s all right with the pastor and your family?” he asked.

“They’ll be more than fine with it,” Jared assured.

“He’s probably right, but let’s go talk to the pastor and see.” Leah waited for Erik’s nod, then headed for the door. This day was certainly not going as planned.

After getting the pastor’s approval, Leah went in search of her grandfather. She found him sitting by the fire, telling a story to his grandchildren. As he concluded he glanced up and smiled. “You missed the story.”

Leah laughed. “So I did, but I’m wondering if I could steal you away for a moment.”

“Of course.” He got to his feet. “Where shall we go?”

“My office would suffice.” She hooked her arm through his. “I have something very interesting to ask you.”

She said nothing more until they were behind closed doors and the noisiness of the celebration was muffled.

“They’re certainly having a good time,” Leah said, going to her desk. She saw that the housekeeper had left the morning newspaper but wasn’t prepared for the headlines. “Oh my.” She put her hand to her mouth.

“What is it?” Her grandfather moved closer to see for himself.

“Lawrence Briarwood is dead,” she murmured. She glanced at her grandfather, knowing he was more than familiar with Briarwood’s role in Natasha’s pregnancy. “It says he had a heart attack and died in the governor’s office yesterday.”

“That is quite a surprise. The man was only in his fifties.”

“Is it wrong to be glad?” Leah put the paper aside. “I feel genuine relief at his demise. I was so fearful he would go on hurting young girls. Am I a terrible person to feel the way I do?”

“Not at all. The man was pure evil. He won’t ever hurt anyone else, and so we can be glad for that.” He put his arm around her. “But, let’s not dwell on it. God has His ways of dealing with evil. You brought me here with a smile, so I’m presuming you wanted to discuss something pleasant. What is it?”

Leah tried to forget Briarwood and his horrible deeds. She didn’t want news of his death to ruin what she hoped would be the happiest day of her life.

“I wanted to ask if you would consider sharing your birthday with me in a special way.” She smiled and hugged him close. “Erik and I would like to marry while everyone is here.”

Her grandfather laughed heartily at this. “I think that would be the best present ever. Of course you should wed on my birthday.”

Erik knew the idea of marrying that day had taken Leah by surprise, but once it had been mentioned, he felt it was the perfect idea. Her entire family was gathered here. He had his father to represent his side, and it wasn’t as if Ellie would have come down for the wedding if she’d known earlier. Their great-aunt had been ill and was far from recovered. Ellie couldn’t leave her side.

He agreed to meet Leah and Pastor Breckenridge in the office but wasn’t surprised when Dr. Turner came bounding in first. He was closely followed by Leah’s father, and both were grinning from ear to ear.