Lydia slipped from the man’s embrace to reach for Caleb’s hand. “Caleb, I’d like you to meet my papa, Reverend Augustus Bertrand.” She turned to the older man. “Papa, this is Caleb Wilson, and I don’t care who you rode in with—he’s the sheriff of Dime Box. He’s also going to be my husband.”
If he weren’t in such a sudden fix with her papa at that moment, Caleb would have kissed her for sure. Instead, he tried to think of a way to get out of this mess. He had no doubt the older man had ridden in with Cal Wilson. It would be about right to have the real sheriff finally show up when he’d made his peace with keeping the job.
Caleb felt her squeeze his hand, and he squeezed back before offering his palm to Reverend Bertrand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. I assure you I am Caleb Wilson.”
“He is who he says he is, and I’m here to vouch for him.” Ed Thompson walked into the parlor and shook hands with the pastor. “He’s a fine, God-fearin’ man who’s been helpin’ with the church when he isn’t busy keepin’ the peace.” He turned his attention to Caleb. “I’d like you to meet someone, Caleb. This here’s Cal Wilson.”
A portly fellow tipped his hat at Caleb. “I hear tell you took my job.”
“I suppose I did.”
The fellow reached over to shake Caleb’s hand. “I’d just like to thank you.”
He shook his head. “You want to what?”
“You see, I was headed this way to take the job when I come across the loveliest gal a man ever set eyes on. Suffice it to say, I made the gal my wife in short order, which left me with two problems: the job and the woman I’d sent for from New Orleans.”
The pastor gestured toward Lydia. “That would be my daughter, Lydia.”
Lydia smiled in his direction. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, I’m sure.” He turned to Caleb. “I’m not here to take your job, but I do need to set some things to rights.” He looked at Ed. “First off, I need to repay you for the money you wired, Mr. Thompson. The whole hundred dollars is in there. You count it and be sure.” He handed the mayor a thick envelope. “And then there’s the matter of my betrothed.”
He took a step toward Lydia. “My dear, you are lovely. I deeply regret any trouble I’ve caused by sending for you and then failing to be a gentleman and fulfill my end of the contract.”
“Actually, I’m grateful for how things turned out.” Lydia looked past him to where Caleb stood. When she smiled, his heart nearly turned over. “At least I think I am. Caleb was in the middle of an important question earlier, and he never did finish asking it.”
“Reverend Bertrand, I’d like to do this right and proper. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to marry up with your daughter? I’ll see she never wants for a thing as long as I draw a breath.”
“Is this what you want, daughter?”
When Lydia nodded, Caleb dropped to his knee again. “Will you marry me, Lydia Bertrand, and not in June but as soon as your papa’s willing to perform the ceremony?”
Lydia looked down at the man who’d stolen her heart and smiled. Tears began to fall, and she didn’t care who saw them.
“I’d be honored to become your wife.”
Caleb rose to embrace her, then kissed her quickly before shaking hands with her father. Only one thing kept the moment from being perfect.
“Papa, where’s Mama?”
Her father smiled. “She’s out in the coach. She was afraid to come in until I checked things out. For some reason she thought you might be a bit miffed at her. It was her idea we make this trip.”
“It was?” A thought occurred to her. “Papa, were you offered the position in New York?”
He nodded. “I was, but I turned it down.”
“You did?”
Papa smiled. “I had a better offer, but I’ll let your mother tell you about it.”
He stepped out and returned with Mama, who cried and professed love and apologies all in the same breath. “There’s nothing to forgive, Mama,” Lydia said. “Meet Caleb Wilson, the man I intend to marry.”
Her handsome husband-to-be charmed Mama in no time flat. She knew Mama approved when she looked over toward Lydia and nodded.
Mrs. Sykes called from the kitchen that coffee and a hot meal awaited the travelers. The portly former sheriff headed off, but Mama and Papa lingered behind.
“So what’s this about a new assignment?” Lydia asked.
Mama smiled. “Yes, your father has taken a prestigious assignment with an up-and-coming church. I’m so very proud. He will be the first pastor to preach in their new building.”
Lydia turned to her father. “Where is it?”
“Right here in Dime Box, dear. Mr. Thompson was very kind to allow me to break the news. You see, Lydia, I’ve been plotting this ever since I returned from New York. Rather, your mother has been. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Mama kissed Papa, then nodded.
Caleb shook Papa’s hand. “Welcome to Dime Box, sir.” He gathered Lydia into an embrace, then kissed the top of her head. “I know from experience that when you’re where the Lord wants you to be, there’s not a better feeling.”