“The thing is,” Jeb said to Gil, rubbing the back of his neck, “we need shipping containers to get all this stuff from here to Mexico in good shape.”
“We were hoping you could build them,” Cissy put in, making Gil smile.
He hadn’t seen her in a full week, and every moment he’d ached with the knowledge that he might not see her again. Ever. Tearing his gaze away from her, he cleared his throat.
“I could surely do that.”
“Excellent!” the young minister said. “Some of the men are bringing up donated lumber now. We’ll pay you, of course.”
Gil shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”
Jeb beamed. “All right, so we’ll have the containers soon. Now, then. How are we going to get these goods to Mexico?”
Gil looked over the small mountain of dry goods, and an idea occurred to him. “My old truck can still handle a heavy load, and I haven’t taken a day of vacation in a while. I could help with the transportation. Maybe the Colbys would lend us whatever trailers and vehicles they could spare.”
Snapping his fingers, Jeb grinned. “A convoy. Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll go call Belle Colby.” He rushed from the crowded storage room, leaving Gil alone with Cissy.
“Thank you,” she said, pitching her voice low. “I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again.”
“I was afraid of that, too,” he admitted, ridiculously happy in that moment. Maybe, somehow… She might not stay in Mexico forever. He could always visit. One thing was certain, though, and he said it aloud. “I’ve missed you.”
“Oh, Gil.” She stepped forward to slip her arms about his waist. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Their kiss seemed as natural as breathing but much more sustaining. He felt rejuvenated, as strong as Atlas, deeply touched. They stood there, locked together in their own world. The idea of being separated seemed impossible. Then Jeb’s exuberant voice called to them from the hallway.
“It’s all settled!”
Gil lifted his head, dropped his arms and stepped back, turning as the pastor came through the door.
“The Colbys have promised to provide all the transportation we need, right up to and including an eighteen-wheeler.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to go quite that far,” Cissy said with a chuckle.
Jeb clapped his hands together. “All right, what’s next. We still have plenty to do before Friday.”
Friday. The day Cissy left.
Gil’s spirits abruptly plummeted.