Joseph wrapped her into an embrace. “I don’t know, but let’s pray she survived.” For a long moment, he just held her. After losing his family, he, more than anyone, could empathize with her. His arms tightened about her as if assuring her that he understood.

You’d be proud of me, Patience, she thought. Her throat burned and her eyes stung. I’m here. I’m with the man I love. And I’ll be okay.

“Would it help if I sent Dr. Bates a telegram?” Joseph whispered against her ear. “I have already sent him one, letting him know I’m returning. But I shall send him another and have him inquire at the workhouse to discover what has become of Patience.”

Mercy blinked back tears and met Joseph’s gaze, filled with love and compassion. She couldn’t find the words to respond to this man, who had captured her body and soul. So instead she offered him herself, giving her answer in the crashing of her lips against his—a sea-tossed kiss that tilted her world and threatened to sway her off her feet.

She sensed they were both losing themselves in the kiss when he wrenched away. Gasping for breath, she buried her face in his chest. His heartbeat thumped wildly against her cheek. Their passion was untamed and would be difficult to resist. The less waiting they had to endure, the better.

Even now, as his lips found the soft pulse at her neck, she dug her fingers into his coat and bit back a cry.

“My stars, Joseph.” She forced herself to break free of his hold and tried to take a deep breath.

“Am I so irresistible?” He grinned but didn’t make a move toward her, though his eyes said he wanted to sweep her up and kiss her until she was breathless again. “So irresistible that you rejected two of my proposals of marriage?”

She let her fingers glide along his cheek into his hair. “I’m right sorry for causing you more sorrow.”

“I suppose God knew I needed to find the ring and make sure my priorities were in their proper place first.”

She looked down at Sarah’s ring on her finger. God had done the same with her.

“I’m finally ready to go back and face my past,” he said. “And I would be honored to have you by my side for as long as we both shall live.”

She guessed they both still had much to learn about dealing with the pain that life often brought. But together they’d find the joy amidst the heartache. “I don’t want to be anywhere else but with you.”

He bent in and let his lips touch hers again, the sweetness and softness stirring her hunger for him. His lips against hers had the ability to sweep her away, making her forget everything and everyone, so that only he existed.