Finally, he stepped back and gave a slight bow.
“I was just thinking of leaving town. Have some friends out in California. I was just saying goodbye to Miss Sheila.”
Dale’s hands curled into fists. Billy took another step backwards.
“Okay, okay. I’m leaving.” He turned and strolled away.
Sheila’s shoulders relaxed. “Dale, you shouldn’t be here, but I’m glad you were.” She stepped next to him and buried her face against his coat.
“I was in the wagon, waiting by Jon’s when I saw Barton grab you. It sent a surge of anger so strong, I just hopped off the wagon and ran over here.”
“But that’s enough excitement for today. Let’s get to the party so we can find you a place to rest.”
They moved slowly, hand in hand. Sheila was glad that Barton had backed down. She didn’t want Dale to get hurt.
When they arrived at Jon’s house, Sheila whispered to Annie and with a quick nod, Annie led them to a room where Dale could lay down on a small cot for a while.
After an hour, Dale was able to sit up again and join the party.
As promised, Annie provided a turkey, potatoes, yams, pumpkin pie and many other wonderful treats. Sheila thought she had never eaten so much in her life.
When the dinner was over, Dale and Sheila slipped out of the house and sat on the front porch swing. The sky was dark, but the stars were shining.
“It’s so beautiful here. At first, I hated living in Slaton, but now that I don’t live in a tent, I’ve learned to love it here.”
“I’m glad you moved here. I only wish it hadn’t taken so long for us to meet,” Dale whispered.
Sheila smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Does it hurt for me to lean on you?”
“No, I’m pretty well recovered. Just get a bit tired. I’ll start work again next week. Shouldn’t have too much trouble sitting in the library.”
“What would I have done if you’d been killed in that fire?”
Dale took her other hand and squeezed it gently. “We don’t need to think about that. I wasn’t killed, and I’m almost completely recovered. Let’s just be glad that God protected me.”
Sheila nodded, but she couldn’t help the tear that slipped from her eye and rolled down her cheek.
Just then, Dale reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box. He placed it in Sheila’s hand.
She lifted the lid and found a small gold band with three small diamonds. Her eyes locked with Dale’s.
“Sheila, I told you at the doctor’s office that I wanted to marry you, but I did it all wrong. So now I want to do it right. I love you, and I’m asking you, will you marry me?”
Sheila nodded, “Yes, oh, yes, Dale. I thought when I got a job at the Harvey House, I didn’t care about ever getting married, but that was before I met you.”
“You won’t be allowed to continue to be a Harvey Girl once we are married. Will that upset you?”
Sheila shook her head. “I’ve loved my job, but I’d rather take care of just one person, the one I love.”
Dale leaned closer and kissed her.
More tears streamed down her cheeks, but they were tears of happiness.
Annie opened the door and looked out.
Sheila held up her hand, which now bore the engagement ring.
“Look, Annie. I’m getting married.”
Annie stepped onto the porch. “Glory be. I knew you wouldn’t last long as a Harvey Girl.”
They all laughed.
“When will your wedding be?” Annie asked. “We could have a double wedding.”
“No, Annie. Your wedding day will be all for you.” She turned to Dale.
“I don’t want to start a new year without you as my wife. Since Annie gets Christmas, why don’t we take New Year’s Eve?”
Sheila’s eyes lit up. “That would be perfect. Then I will be a Harvey Girl for one full year and fulfill my contract.”
Dale hugged her closer. “Yes, you will be a Harvey Girl for a year, but you’ll be my wife for a lifetime.”
Sheila snuggled up against him and closed her eyes.
Thank You, Lord, for giving me the wonderful job at the Harvey House. But more than that, thank You for giving me such a wonderful man to love.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading this novella. I would appreciate positive reviews on amazon. Please like my Facebook author page to find out about new and upcoming novellas.
Teresa Ives Lilly Author.
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