Charles turned to Livvy and found her waiting with a shy smile. “May I have this dance, Miss Olivia Shepherd?”
“Yes, you certainly may, Mr. Charles Waverly.”
They walked to the dance floor and their hands met in midair. Charles’s other hand found its home at Livvy’s waist and they swung into the waltz. His heart thumped wildly and his head felt like a million wings pounded inside. Dear God, how can I ever thank You for Livvy’s love? I know she loves me, even though we haven’t yet spoken of it. Thank You. Thank You.
He gazed down at her upturned face. Her eyes were closed and a tiny smile tilted her lips.
All too soon, Silas Monroe’s fiddle sang the final notes of the lovely “Missouri Waltz.” Charles didn’t know if the song would grow in popularity or not, but he’d never forget it as long as he lived.
* * *
Livvy opened her eyes at the closing notes of the song and looked full into Charles’s beautiful brown eyes. He did love her. She could see the love shining from his eyes. How could she ever have doubted? No more hiding her feelings from him. She smiled and put all her love for him in that smile.
She didn’t even turn at the giggles behind them. Molly and Lily Ann. She felt a tug at her elbow and sighed as she turned to gaze down at the girls. At the excitement in their eyes, she smiled.
“Miss Livvy,” Molly stage-whispered. “Are you and Mr. Charles in love?”
At that, Livvy’s face flamed. “Molly, that was rude. You mustn’t ask personal questions.”
The girl grinned. “Sorry.” And in a torrent of giggles, the two girls ran across the dance floor to Felicity.
“Shall we get out of here?” Charles took her elbow and began to guide her toward the door.
“But don’t you have to help get the children home?”
Charles grinned down at her. “Not this time. Patrick and Helen are filling in for me and I’m keeping the buggy to take you home. That is, if the idea is agreeable to you.”
“It certainly is.” A ripple of excitement tickled her stomach.
They slipped away unnoticed and soon were tucked cozily beneath a warm lap blanket in the buggy. Livvy drew her coat up tightly around her throat and tucked her scarf in.
Charles took one of her mittened hands in his. “Warm enough, sweetheart?”
“I am now.” That “sweetheart” would warm her all the way home.
“I’d planned to ask if we could stop somewhere to talk, but it’s too cold for you out here. Do you think your parents would mind if we spent a little while in the parlor?”
“They won’t mind at all. Pa has often said he’d rather I be at home where he knows I’m safe.”
“I’m sure I’d feel the same if I had a daughter,” Charles said. “So let’s head for the parsonage.”
They laughed at every word they said on the way home, and pulled into the parsonage yard still laughing. Livvy’s eyes sparkled as she waited for Charles to tie the buggy to the hitching post.
He took her hand and they stepped into the kitchen, still warm and fragrant with scents of cookies and pies.
Pa was waiting in the parlor, as Livvy knew he’d be. He rose, yawning. “Hello, daughter, Charles. Did you enjoy the festival?”
“Oh, yes, Pa.”
“More than I can say, sir.”
Livvy’s father turned knowing eyes on them both and gave a nod and a smile. “Well, you two don’t need me. I think I’ll turn in.”
They said their good-nights, then Livvy and Charles turned to each other. For a moment neither said anything. They simply gazed into each other’s eyes.
“My sweet Olivia, before I utter another word, I have to say this. I love you, with all my heart. I guess because of our deep, long-standing friendship, it took me a while to realize my true feelings. But there’s no doubt in my mind. I love you, my darling, totally and forever.”
Livvy’s heart sang. Yes, it was time. This was the magical, wonderful night. “And I love you, too, my precious Charles. I’ve loved you since the first time I set eyes on your darling face. And, never fear, I was twenty.”
A laugh escaped his lips for a moment, then he took her into his arms. “And you’ll marry me, won’t you?”
“Of course. That is, if you ask me.”
Instantly, he fell to his knees and pulled out a small box. “Livvy, will you make me the happiest man in the world and spend your life with me?”
“With all my heart, I will.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger and stood, taking her into his arms again. She raised her lips and met his kiss. As his lips pressed against hers, she knew the most amazing thing in the world was happening.