Chapter 15

Elim shifted against the sling.

“Stop fidgeting,” Adeline said from beside him. She wore a bright smile as the wagon lumbered along. Her mother and brother sat across from him, chuckling at the admonishment.

“It itches,” he grumbled. But the discomfort of his healing wound didn’t compare to the joy he felt.

He was on his way to Philadelphia with Adeline and her family. August had been given a month’s pass for his bravery and to escort Elim north. Once Elim healed he would return to the war, if it was still going.

“We’re almost home.” Adeline patted his arm.

Home. He hadn’t been able to call anywhere home in his life, and now he was about to start a life with the woman he loved.

They had talked every day while he was recovering. Talked about him staying in the army after he healed. Talked about where they would live. Even though August assured him that their father would accept him back as a free man, Elim preferred to leave his memories in the past. Maybe one day he’d go to see his father, but not until the war was over. Adeline suggested they go to Baltimore or Philadelphia. Her mother, however, told them she wanted to go to Philadelphia to see where Adeline’s father was buried, and that settled that.

They would search for somewhere to live and get his family settled.

He grinned at the thought. His family.

Adeline frowned at him. “What are you smiling about?”

He leaned against her. “Just thinking.”

They had made all these plans but hadn’t talked about marriage. It was almost as if it was a given. But he still needed to ask.

They arrived at the boardinghouse where Adeline and her father had lived. None of them had much to unpack, so the process didn’t take long. They met back downstairs for dinner. Elim watched Florence and Michael grow more and more comfortable with August as the trip progressed. It had taken a good deal of convincing for Florence to let down her guard around August, but she had made progress since the trip started.

After dinner, Elim cleared his throat. “Adeline, how about a walk? I need to stretch a bit from that long ride.”

She gave him a concerned look. “A short one, right?”

“Of course.”

She took him outside and they walked down the sidewalk. Philadelphia was busier than Alexandria, and Elim had to adjust to seeing coloreds and whites walking together like there wasn’t a war going on.

“You know, we’ve talked about everything but getting married.”

She tipped her head. “Do we have to?”

Elim laughed. “Get married? Yes. There is no way I’m going back to the war without making you my wife first.”

She blushed, a sight he hoped he would be able to see for the rest of his life. “No, talk about getting married. You told me you would marry me months ago.”

“But I never asked, and you never gave me an answer.”

She stopped walking and turned to face him. “Okay. Ask.”

“Adeline, will you—”

“Yes.” She waved a hand. “There, it’s done.”

Elim threw back his head and laughed. “Not much for romance, are you?”

She gave him a sassy look. “I already decided I was going to marry you. You’re the one caught up on formalities. I am ready to be your wife.”

He reached out and pulled her close. “Are you truly okay with me going back to the war?”

She sighed. “No. But if God helped me find my family, reconciled you to August, and brought us together, He can protect you. Besides, the war may be over before you heal.”

“If not, I will have you and my family to keep me going.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I love you. I’m looking forward to living a long life with you.”

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Your heart is showing.”