Smoke drifted from the Alvena’s window, catching Will’s attention as he returned to the circus grounds from town.
Constance. What was she doing?
He sprinted toward the sleeper car. Why had he left? Why had it taken so long to find a sawmill employee?
Beads of sweat formed under his shirt collar. He loosened it so he could breathe better.
God, help me! Though he pumped his arms and legs as fast as possible, the cars passed with maddening slowness. He reached the Alvena after what seemed like miles and miles of racing.
He took the steps in one flying leap.
When he opened the door, heat from the fire slapped his face.
Constance stood in the middle of the room, flames surrounding her, her foot on something.
Not something.
Someone.
Ellen.
Will rushed forward. With one giant shove, he pushed Constance to the side. He bent down and dragged Ellen across the floor, toward the exit. Her eyelids fluttered.
“Hang on, sweetheart. You’ll be fine. I’ll have you in clean air in a minute.”
Constance barreled at him, knocking him off balance. “You’re not going anywhere.”
He staggered and bumped against a berth. A moment later, he regained his balance and picked up Ellen.
“Will?”
He wanted to brush the brown curl from her damp forehead. “Yes, I’m here. Don’t worry. I have you.”
“God sent you to me.”
“Yes, He did.”
Constance rushed him again. This time, he steeled himself. When she plowed into him, he grabbed her and tossed her to the side. A moment later, he and Ellen emerged into the daylight.
By this time, a crowd had formed, drawn by the smoke. He handed her off to Lucy and went inside to confront Constance.
“There’s no more use in fighting. This is the end for you.”
She narrowed her watery eyes. “Not until I get what I want.”
“It’s not yours to have.” He stepped forward. She backed up. They repeated this dance until she stumbled into the flames. She screamed. In one motion, he scooped her up. She wriggled. Kicked. Scratched. He held firm. Sweat rolled down his face, his back, his chest. He coughed. So did she.
The door. So far away. He lurched forward. He couldn’t breathe.
Ellen sat on the hard-packed dirt, coughing, crying, waiting for Will to emerge from the burning train car. What was happening to him? God, please save him. I’ve lost so much. I can’t lose him.
She remembered praying for help as the darkness consumed her. And God answered her. Will came. He pulled her out. He saved her.
He shall give you the desires of your heart.
There is one thing I desire, Lord. A life with Will. Please, make that possible.
“He’ll be fine.” Lucy sat next to her and rubbed her back.
“I pray you’re right.”
A crowd of roustabouts and kitchen staff gathered. Most of the crew continued with the show. Nothing must stop it.
How long had he been in there? She jiggled her foot. Come on, let me see you. Just one glimpse. “What’s taking him so long?”
“He’ll be out. You’ll see.” Lucy’s words brought small comfort.
And then, the most beautiful sight. Will tumbled through the door, Constance in his arms. Several of the tent men not yet busy with teardown rushed forward. One took Constance. The other steadied Will.
Ellen jumped up. Still shaky herself, she ignored the dizziness and staggered forward. A wide grin spread across his face. He enveloped her in a hug.
“Oh, Will, I thought you were going to die. What would I do without you?”
He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. Though he tasted of smoke, she didn’t care. Nothing had ever been sweeter to her.
He broke away. “You’ll never have to find out. Ellen Meyer, I love you. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
Her body tingled. “Yes, yes, yes, of course I will. I love you, too.”
A cheer went up from the circus family surrounding them.
“And I have one more surprise for you.” He reached into his back pocket and drew out a piece of paper. A telegram.
No, not more bad news. Couldn’t she be happy for a few moments?
“It’s from a fine sanatorium in Boston. They have accepted your mother as a patient. Her care is paid for in full.”
“You did this for me?”
“For you. For us. I can’t be happy unless you are.” With that, he kissed her again.
She returned the kiss, deepening it until she couldn’t catch her breath.
The World’s Greatest Show brought them together. And together they’d live out the world’s greatest love.